Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy.
Carnation Footcare Shoe Deodouriser Pouches
Carnation Footcare has a new natural shoe deodouriser made with super absorbent Moso Bamboo Charcoal granules filled in a (jute? burlap?) pouch. To use, simply place one in a shoe to eliminate odour and reduce moisture. To “recharge” the pouch, set it in sunlight for a couple of hours every month. I was impressed with how effective this product was taming a pair of my regularly worn trainers. A set of two pouches costs £6.99 at firstaidfast.co.uk.
While we’re on the topic of making my shoes less smelly and keeping them in good condition …
The “modern undisputed champion” of footwear protection sprays, GoDRY provides liquid repellent and stain protection that’s invisible, fully breathable, odourless, nontoxic and eco-friendly to keep shoes looking (and smelling) fresher for longer. Prices start at £9.99. The 50ml bottle I have means it’s good to go as a carryon item when I fly (and the whole world can breath a little easier now).
Fuel10K has launched a range of Quark with Fruit squeezy pouches. Each 150g pouch with re-sealable top is filled with quark (like a high protein/low fat yoghurt), yoghurt, pureed fruit, and little else – and definitely no added refined sugar. Flavours include Raspberry & Blueberry, Mango & Passionfruit, Strawberry & Banana and Vanilla Bean & Honey. I especially liked the Raspberry & Blueberry and the Vanilla Bean & Honey flavours. For folks on the go (whether that means a busy, tight schedule or often being away from home) these are an inexpensive, filling and tasty way to subdue hunger pangs and stay focused. Pouches costs £1.49 each and are available from Sainsbury’s and ASDA.
The Nipper – the emergency AA phone charger – is the world’s smallest portable phone charger. Priced at £14.99 on the Nipper website, the Nipper weighs 10g and is about the size of a sugar cube. It requires two AA batteries attached to its magnetic contacts to work. The models on the market now are only available with a micro-USB plug (so the charger works with essentially all phones except iPhones). I found it to be a handy resource to throw in a pocket, keep on a keychain or have stowed in a bag. It won’t charge a smartphone to full capacity but more than helps in a pinch when the juice is low. It can boost a smartphone’s battery by 20% or two hours talk-time. If the battery’s totally dead, you can plug in and turn it on in seconds.
Steripod’s toothbrush protector securely clips onto the head of your toothbrush to keep it clean and from collecting dirt, hair and grime on its bristles. Patented “Active Vapours” help it dry faster too. Yep, your toiletry bag and your toothbrush just got a lot less yucky. A pack of two has a recommend price price of £4.99. Look for Steripod at larger Boots outlets, Superdrug, ASDA, Boyes Stores, and independent pharmacies as well as online at Boots.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Willy Chase’s Fitcorn popcorn is air-popped at the Chase farm in Herefordshire (same home as famed Chase Distillery). Available now at Fenwick and independent retailers across the UK, it comes in a variety of flavours of the guilt-free snack. I’ve enjoyed sampling the apple cider vinegar popcorn made with Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar crafted from apples grown in 300 year old orchards.
A real winter warmer and an easy way to add some umph to otherwise mediocre meals, Yutaka Curry Cubes are on sale now at Sainsbury’s for £2.25 for a 100g block of six cubes. Try your hand at katsu or any number of dishes authentic or otherwise.
