Natural Konjac Sponge Review

Sorry, what? I hear you cry! Yes for the past few weeks I have been using a sponge to cleanse my face, a Konjac sponge to be exact. 

The Konjac sponge is an import from the ever wonderful Asian beauty market. The sponges can vary in size and originate from the Konjac plant, also known as the devil's tongue, voodoo lily, and snake palm. 

The Konjac Plant
Source

Last month, the skin on my face became very temperamental and sensitive, my rosacea flared up and my skin became heavily congested. I am putting it down to the viral bug I had over Christmas/ New Year’s seeking its final revenge but nevertheless, it wasn't fun. Reverting to a simple cleansing routine coinciding with wearing minimal helped significantly but my face still needed something a little stronger but still gentle to really clean it out.

The Konjac Sponge

Enter stage left, Spa to You Natural Konjac Sponge. I received this sponge in a Glossybox last year and it has been sitting on my beauty shelf waiting for its starring role. As the sponge is more gentle than regular scrubs it's ideal for daily exfoliating and is PH Balanced so it won’t throw off your skin's PH levels. As it's made from natural fibers it doesn't contain any preservatives, chemicals, and no added colours. Being 100% Biodegradable means no worries when you dispose of the sponge nor will it linger in the water system like Microbeads.

Hard to show the difference but this is what the sponge looks like wet, without any cleanser on it

How to use a Konjac Sponge

Step 1: Soak the sponge in warm water for a few minutes, the sponge will only slightly expand, unlike the beauty blender. Gently squeeze out excess water before use. The sponge will then take on a spongy gel like feeling. Don't let this put you off!

Step 2: Splash your face with warm water then using a cleanser of your choice (I’ve been using the Olay Refreshing Facial Cleanser) or on its own, use the sponge to massage your face in gentle circular motions. Use the pointed end to really get into those nooks and crannies around the nose.  

Step 3: When finished, rinse the sponge out thoroughly and squeeze till dry. Let it hang out in a well-ventilated area when not in use. 

                                                                  

Only one sponge comes per pack.

Results

I found after the first use my skin looked more radiant than before and it really was effective in getting rid of those horrible little bumps I get on my chin and jawline. My pores were more refined and the dry skin I suffer from on my forehead was greatly reduced. As the sponge helps create a rich lather I found myself using less cleanser which is a plus. Bonus points also for it being really gentle and rather relaxing to use.

Many brands have brought out their own Konjac sponges and there is a big market with sponges containing French Pink Clay or charcoal. I can't attest to the benefits those would bring to your skincare, however, the original Konjac sponge has worked wonders on my skin at a time it really needed it. On a side note due to the gel-like texture the sponge takes on when it becomes wet you can use it without a cleanser. However, I would suggest using either a cream or gel-based cleanser rather than an oil based one. I just feel it would be harder to clean the sponge after using an oil cleanser but I could be wrong.

I've found it difficult to get onto the Spa To You website so I am attaching a link to The Konjac Sponge Company on Feel Unique here. This is where I will purchase my new sponges from in the future. Furthermore, you will be able to see the various types of Konjac Sponges available.

Will the Konjac sponge take over from my regular exfoliating regime? No, however it will have equal billing and when my skin does flare up I know I have something to rely on to gentle exfoliate my skin when it needs it.



All photos copyright of Mish @Jute, Jam, and Joy.
I am not affiliated with any companies mentioned in this post.

Boots Oil-Absorbing Sheets Review

Excuse the lighting in this photo. Bad weather and the main light in the living room going out didn't help the situation.

This review would probably sound a lot more appealing if Boots had simply used the term "Blotting Papers" but kudos for saying it like it is. Many people will have used blotting papers with varying levels of success. Most of the time I found them to be tiny sheets of paper that smeared my makeup leaving a white powdery cast on my face. Which is why most people still use powder and brush to touch up, however, this past summer Boots Oil-Absorbing Sheets have become my handbag staple.

The purpose of the sheets is to remove excess oil, eliminating shine, and providing a matte complexion all without smudging any makeup you may be wearing at the time and boy do these sheets deliver! Any excess oil is absorbed quickly with no residue or white mask left behind, crucially any make up I was wearing at the time remained intact so no need for touch-ups afterward. Probably the best thing about them is that the sheets are impregnated with salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts and I've not noticed any excess dryness on my skin after using the sheets.

The sheets themselves have a light peachy colour to them but as individuals are a soft white and to use one you simply rip them out of the packaging. What I like specifically about these sheets is that they are larger than other brands I have used in the past. Past papers tended to be on the small side meaning you had to use multiple sheets to have any effect. At a whopping 3"x 2" (80mm x 55mm) in size, I find I can use one sheet and go.

In terms of packaging, the sheets are contained in a simple reinforced cardboard case no larger than a credit card. The sides are left open and to access the sheets you simply slide the tab out of its slot. Packaging style is basic blue and white providing all the product information on the outside. Word of advice keep these sheets stored away in a pocket in your bag or makeup pouch and not rolling around loose. My first pack met a sorry state when a pint was spilled over my open handbag on a night out.

Boots Oil-Absorbing Sheets would be a perfect addition to any gym bag, office desk and with the festive seasons around the corner your bag for all the Christmas shindigs. You can find Boots Oil-Absorbing Sheets beside Boots own cleansing brands in stores or you can purchase the items here.

New Beginnings

Source

It has been well over a year since the last blog post on Jute, Jam, and Joy. Why? Well, there are many reasons why with the main one being life. I will not bore you with the details, but a lot has changed, and I am still recovering from trying to remember then resetting all the passwords to the blog and connected social media sites. A new streamlined approach has been taken, so it was goodbye to our Facebook page, and the fate of our Instagram page is still to be decided.

The blog has also had a revamp, nothing major just a more uniform font and colour with a fresh new background. Things will most likely change as blogging becomes a part of life again and I reteach myself how to use Blogger.

Source

Looking forward now to new content Jute, Jam, and Joy was not solely about beauty. However, it was the largest component of previous blog posts. Beauty reviews will still be part of the blog combined with more culture and lifestyle posts. Experiencing more what's on our doorstep was a big motivation for starting the blog up again, providing a reason to say yes more and explore our surroundings.

Blog posts about new beginnings can ramble on a bit (and are never complete without motivational quotes) so I will round it up here. Thank you to those who checked the blog to see if it was still active it is very much appreciated. A goal has been set for one post a month so new content will be on its way soon. As always you can find us here on Twitter and please leave any comments you have down below. So now onward and upwards here's to a new chapter in the Jute, Jam, and Joy life. Cheers!

M

Under the Sea...

As the summer holidays draw to a close, thoughts often turn to new stationary. I may not be going back to school but with a new year of university drawing ever closer it was high time I purchased some new notebooks; and aren't these lovely.

The past year I have been very strict about not buying any new notebooks, I had piles laying around the house half used and it needed to stop. So far the ban has been a success and the pile has dwindled into nothing (Ok, I lie say 3, a girl needs options right? Right?) However when I spotted these beauties at The Range store I knew they had to come home with me.

At the moment I've been going through what I like to call the "Ocean Phase". Everything I'm buying whether it be plates or clothing has some sort of ocean inspiration behind it. Why I'm not sure; I find the sea calming and just now I'm loving all things aquatics big time.

For the price, these notebooks are top notch. The quality of the paper is as what you would find in a more expensive notebook, not the paper thin. You receive 60 sheets per notebook which is more than ample for some quick uni note taking. The books are thread bound which I prefer over gummed adding a nice little touch to the overall style. They are so lovely I probably would have paid double for them if they were in the stationary section of TKMaxx.

I can't find these on The Range website so it would probably be best to pop in if you fancy getting them yourself. Prices start from £1.50. The Range has a wide ranging stationary section and you are bound to find something exciting whenever you go in, I know I always do.

So have you purchased any new stationary recently?

Let us know in the comments below we love hearing from you!

Mish x

Disclaimer: Photographs copyright of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy

I have no affiliation with The Range store, all views my own.

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

Man its been a while hasn't it... We haven't done a Music to our Ears post in forever so why not start with a beat that will get you moving and shaking on the dance floor.


Walk the Moon ~ Shut Up and Dance

Disclaimer: Video link

Jute, Jam and Joy claim no rights.

General Election 2015

We don't normally discuss politics on the blog and we do not care who you vote for.

What we will say is how important it is to use your vote! 

Go to your polling stations which are open from 7am to 10pm and let your voice be heard!

Whats the point in having one if your not going to use it?

Once that's done sit back, relax and remember the good old days of the Swingometer.

Yes they had to paint on extra numbers during the 1970's result show. There was just so much swinging going on...

Tori & Mish 

Disclaimer: 1st photo source: Link

2nd photo source: Link

Superdrugs Vitamin E Moisture Mask

For the past few months my skin has been drier than normal. Over winter I noticed my usual face creams where not cutting the mustard when it came to combating my dry patches; I needed something more potent. Whilst trying to use up my pre-paid parking I wandered into Superdrug to pick up their Vitamin E Moisture Mask which I had heard lots about. For £2.59 you receive 75ml of mask in a sqeezey bottle, making application cleaner and more effective than applying from a tub.

I use the mask at night after cleansing; I apply a medium - thick layer over my face and just let it sink in. The packaging says to dab a way excess after 10-15 mins with a tissue but I prefer to just massage it into my skin (waist not want not and all that).

When morning comes I notice my skin is brighter and plumper, dry patches although not completely gone are severely diminished, and I feel with more regular use, as the packaging suggests, the mask would get rid of them completely.  I know people use this as a face cream in the morning before applying foundation however I feel my skin is still to slippy once its initially sunk in for it to work, but for those with extremely dry skin this could be the answer to your dry patchy foundation problems.

Vitamin E is the key ingredient here. Growing up my family was never big on skin care but it was drilled into me as a child that you don't need fancy face products just something containing vitamin E, both my parents since their teenage years moisturized their faces with some form of vitamin E cream and you can tell. Their skin is supple and bright with very few deep set wrinkles. Something I wish to emulate.

Add caption

I have been suffering from flu this past week and the skin around my nose and lips has become cracked and raw. It was with trepidation that I applied a thin layer to these parts to try and soothe them preparing myself for the inevitable sting. Guess what...Nothing happened bar a slight tickle, I nearly cried with happiness while bowing down to its greatness. This would be a good option for those whose medication dries their skin out.

Superdrugs Vitamin E Hydrating Face Mask does exactly what I want it to do. It leaves my skin looking brighter and more moisturized after one use. One thing that struck me is how good it would be for teenagers starting up a basic skincare routine. It's inexpensive, suitable for sensitive skin and would be an excellent option for boys who maybe don't feel comfortable admitting to using skin care as it can be used at night time. One things for sure I will be purchasing another when I go back to Superdrug.

 Have you tried any new face masks recently? 

Leave a comment below we love hearing from you.

Mish xx

Disclaimer: All photos Copyrght of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy.
I have no affiliation with Superdrug.

Nails on Monday: NCLA I Only Fly Private Review

Every so often a nail polish comes into your life that is so perfect for that moment in time it adorns your nails as soon as possible. NCLA's I only Fly Private is that polish. The day it arrived the first sun of spring had broken through the clouds and all was good in life. NCLA was a new brand to me before this bottle came with March's Glossybox, and here is what the brand has to say for themselves.

"We're a proudly "5 Free" luxury nail lacquer, meaning we are not only 100% free of DBP, toulene, and formaldehyde, but also of camphor and animal testing. Because we love our furry friends and toxins aren't fashionable."

Could it be any more perfect?

I Only Fly Private is described by NCLA as a bold, no apologies Bright Orange. Although the colour is bright, I wouldn't say it was in your face unlike my Pop Orange polish reviewed here: Link.

The colour is bright with a pastel tone to it, a creamy peachy/orange if you would. It stands out but isn't in your face; perfect for people who wish for a splash of colour.

The bottle itself is a lovely square design which is comfortable to hold during application, and the handle is smooth allowing a secure grip. Inside is a medium length brush where the bristles fan out towards the end. After two coats you are left with a glossy, nearly opaque base, however, three thin coats would be best, as I could see some nail base peeping through near my cuticle after two coats.  The polish did take longer to dry than other formulas which I'm putting down to the fact it doesn't contain any quick drying chemicals. As always I apply a top coat just for that extra protection.

Now I managed to smudge my nails once I painted them so after one one day, minimal chipping did appear which disheartened me a little, however, after four days my nails still looked acceptable; a quick application of top coat would tidy your nails up nicely if you were in a rush.

The nails after 1 coat. My camera battery died before I could take a shot once I painted the second coat but I like to see the initial colour when I'm looking at nail swatches.

To conclude I Only Fly Private is becoming a staple in my collection, something to fall back on when I can't decide what to do with my nails. The formula is lovely, the application is easy, the colour is fantastic, and the polish lasts on the nails. Now if only I could find a way to fly Private all the time...

 Have you heard of NCLA before?

Discovered any new nail polish brands you think we should hear about?

Leave us a comment below we love hearing from you!

 Mish x

Disclaimer: All photographs copyright of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy.
I have no affiliation with any brands mentioned in this post.

Comic Relief 2015

This Friday 13th sees the return of Comic Reliefs Red Nose Day. Comic Relief is a British Charity which aims to help the most vulnerable here in the U.K and in Africa.

Every 2 years the streets of Britain become filled with red noses and people doing silly things for charity, but if jumping in a bath filled with baked beans is too much for you here is a few simpler ways to show your support.

Buy a Red Nose. 
They cost £1 with at least 60p going to Comic Relief.
I got mine in Sainsbury's and there are 9 different characters to collect, I have Nosebot.
Isn't he a cutie!
They also have some lovely umbrellas and Lulu Guinness designed Jute Bags, and as a certain blog around these parts knows, Jute bags are always the best ;)

Decorate your nails.
At my school on Red Nose day we were allowed to paint our nails red. This year Comic Relief have brought out nail stickers for you to enjoy. They cost £2 with at least £1 going to Comic Relief. In the packet is a set of 2 designs, a sheet of full length nail stickers and on the back miniature Red Noses. Check out our Twitter page on Friday in order to see them in action. 

Now if you really want to go all out here is some other items you can purchase to show your support. 

Rimmel Limited Edition Red Nose Lipstick by Kate Moss - A traditional Red Lipstick to see you from Day to Night: Link

T.K.Maxx are selling T-Shirts designed by some of fashion biggest designers, alongside tea towels, aprons and bags: Link

Most Supermarkets are selling special Comic Relief edition packs of items such as teabags, chocolate and cereal. Just keep an eye out for the Red Nose.

Are you doing anything for Comic Relief, if so let us know. 

And remember wear you Red Nose with pride on Friday as down to your generosity you are helping someone who desperately needs it. 

Thank You.

Mish xx

Disclaimer: All photos property of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy.

I have no connection to Comic Relief, all view are my own.

Glossybox February 2015 Review

As Valentine's Day is this month Glossybox have given February's box a "LOVE" theme. In this month's box we have 3 full sized products and 2 test size and a mini packet of love hearts where a nice touch. I will review some products in more detail later on in the month, as this post is just a review of the overall box I received.

Yes I ate the Love Hearts before I took the photos. woops

Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk

I'm not the biggest fan of razors with built in shaving cream bars, they become so messy after a couple of uses and I need to change the cartridge. Saying that in a previous Glossybox I received a Wilkinson Sword Intuition Plus Hydra Razor and loved it, due to the fact I could get more decent applications from it. Razor's not the most exciting thing in the world but always handy to have a few spare. This was a full sized product.

MARSK Mineral Eyeshadow

Sticking with the "ahem" Love theme we have MARSK eyeshadow "Fifty Shades" and what you recieve is a small amount of grey shimmery eyeshadow surprising me as this was classed as being fulled sized. Nevertheless what I enjoy about Glossybox is receiving products from companies I have never heard of and Marsk joins the club. MARSK is based in Sydney and England and aims to create natural and organic products. The product is talc, paraben, fragrance and GM free and they don't test on animals. Win, win. Will be intrigued to see how it wears.

Royal Apothic Tinties

Firstly the box is a little cutey and the liptint container is a throwback to the old Apothecary days to which the brand have based their products on. I received the colour Coral which is bright in the jar but mellows once applied. I have heard of Royal Apothic before and was keen to try their products, first impressions is that the Tinties seem lovely and light creating a nice, even tint across the lips. This was a full sized product.

So Susan - Rose Quartet Lip & Cheek Palette in Warm Rose

I am aiming to use more palettes this year and this lip and cheek cream one ticks the boxes. Another brand I haven't heard of but another gorgeous box.  The actually packaging of the palette is horrible cheap plastic and rather oddly contains no mirror even though there appears to be a space for one. The four colours are a good mixture and appear to apply well to the skin. I think this would really do well on a night out instead of lugging about your lipsticks.

got2be - All Star 10 in 1 styling

This product promises to create (deep breath) shine, fullness, strength, thickness smoothness, suppleness, protection, anti-frizz, anti-humidity and shape to your hair. A big promise, but I am keen to try it as I am a sucker for multiple treatments in one easy to use product. Time will tell if this actually works. I will say this does smell like peaches which frankly makes the item shine in my eyes.


So February's Love themed Glossybox is a hit with me, as all products will definitely get used within the coming weeks, however I did feel the Tinties and So Suan Lip & Cheek cream where too similar. Maybe Love themed nail stickers would have been better instead? February's box was a nice mixture between practicality and a little sweetness in time for Valentine's Day. What more could you ask for?

From L to R:
got2be, Wilkinson Sword,
Royal Apothic Tinties, So Susan Lip & Cheek Palatte, Marsk eyeshadow

Do you subscribe to a beauty box?

 Have you tried Glossybox?

Leave us a comment below we love hearing from you!
Mish xx

Disclaimer; Photographs copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy.

I have no connection to Glossybox, the box was my own purchase.

Music to Our Valentine's Day Ears

Happy Valentine's Day, or as we like to call it hear at Jute, Jam and Joy "Tomorrow 1/2 price Chocolate Day". 

Ha, no whatever you are doing we hope you have a lovely day and remember you don't need to be loved up to celebrate! 

For today's special edition on of Music to Our Ears we bring you a classic from Fiction Factory who incidentally originate from just up the road in Perth.

Fiction Factory ~ (Feels Like) Heaven

All together now "FEELS LIKE HEAVEN!"

Disclaimer: Video Source: Link

Photo Source: Link  

Jute, Jam and Joy claim no right to either. 

Tori | JOY TO THE WORLD #26

 

Cos sometimes, you just want a treat y'know...

cheeky

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm Review

I like to give products a thorough testing before I review them on the blog. This lip balm actually came with a gift set I bought myself (ahem) on Christmas Eve and I haven't put it down since. So let's get down to the nitty gritty shall we?

This is what the Burt's Bees website has to say about their Replenishing lip balm with Pomegranate Oil.

"This replenishing and hydrating natural lip balm is infused with the antioxidant goodness of pomegranate oil. It replenishes moisture to reveal smooth, healthy lips, while it coats them with a hint of color for an even-toned appearance."

100% natural, this lip balm does exactly what it says on the tin. As soon as I applied the product my lips felt extremely nourished, hydrated and soft. Burt has nailed the right mix between a waxy and balmy consistency, with the product leaving a luxurious, light feeling on my lips whenever I apply it. There is no danger of this dragging across your lips or chunks of balm coming off which you have to then rub in with your finger. Just swipe and go; perfect.

There are various "flavours" within the Burt's Bees range and I now understand why people collect lip balms; they all look delicious. After application you can taste the pomegranate alongside the standard Burt's Bees scent; slightly medical but not overpowering and both flavours work well together.  As it says in the blurb you do get a slight colour pay off on your lips, and you're left with a nice shine, creating a perfect lip option if I was wearing a smoky eye. I have the mother of all colds just now so sorry for no action shots of the product on my lips.

With weather like this my lips have been needing all the protection they can get.

The lasting time of this balm is what I really admire, two hours after application I can still feel the balm nourishing my lips. With this freezing weather we have been getting this has been my go to lip balm, even knocking of my all-time favourite Cherry Chapstick from the top spot.

Dare I say this, but Burt's Bee has created probably one of the best lip balms on the market just now. I can find no fault with this product and would highly recommend it to anybody looking for a good quality lip balm. It's a 10/10 from me.

Also check out the Burt's Bees Website as they have a 3 for 2 deal on lip balms, Hurrah!

Have you tried any products from Burt Bee's recently?

 Do you have a favourite lip balm you go to come winter time? 

Let me know in the comments below, we love hearing from you!

Mish xx

Disclaimer: Photographs copyright of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy.
All views are my own and I have no association with Burt's Bees.

2015 Resolutions

Well the festive period has finally passed for another year. January is quickly rumbling along and I have just seen Mother's Day cards in Marks and Spencer. It's another New Year and I am certain they go quicker as I grow ever older :( 

New Year resolutions are not normally my thing but I have decided to try this year by keeping it simple and realistic; there is nothing worse than having to console someone in the bleak days of February when their resolutions have gone up in flames. I hope to document my resolutions over the year, hopefully putting them out here on the blog will give me that extra boost of will power.

1: Become stronger

I've always wanted this. Not Schwarzenegger strong but strong enough that a heavy box isn't going to defeat me. Most of my strength is in my legs and I really want to work on my upper body. I bought a Power Spin last year and aiming to do it more often. I can honestly say its one of the best £20 I have ever spent. 
Sport England have created "This Girl Can" campaign which and I quote "seeks to get more women and girls active in response to research which shows millions are afraid to exercise because of fear of judgement." I personally couldn't give two figs about what people think of me when I undertake a sporting activity but I know many people struggle with this idea. Anything that is being done to help people get active and unafraid of other people's opinions will always have my undying support. The advert is total kick-ass too.

For some reason the ad won't load on the blog so here is the link

2. Tidy house, Tidy mind

In short I need to tidy and keep tidying more. I'm going in stages around the house and slowly but surely things are getting sorted.

3. Blog More

I love the process of blogging. Write your bit, take a photo and post it. So simple but yet brings so much joy to people. It's nice becoming part of the blogging community and there is always something that catches my imagination online. Blogging has fallen wayside the past months due to so many technically difficulties. My laptop died on the 27th December. The worst possible time when money is already tight and options are limited. I finally bought a new laptop and can start doing what I love again and Tori now no longer has to hear me say "but it lights up like the dashboard of a car..." Yes this was actually used as a marketing tool by a laptop company.

4. Take/Create more adventures

Life is one big adventure so they say and I intend to make full advantage of this. As I reach a milestone in birthdays this year I have come to the realization I ain't a kid anymore and life is what you make of it. Don't worry I'm going to stop with the motto's now. I aim to create my own adventures this year and people are more than welcome to come along for the ride. Here's to 2015!

So this is just a few ideas I have for 2015. I will probably add a few more when the time comes but these four are enough for now. 

So have you made any New Year resolutions? Do you stick at them? 

Leave us a comment below we love hearing from you!

Mish xx

Disclaimer: January photography copyright of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy

This Girl Can photography source: Link

Happy New Year!

We both would like to say a very Happy New Year to all our followers and readers and wish you all the best for the future. Stay tuned for lots more exciting blog posts this coming year, including new beauty reviews, recipes, and of course more about our city Dundee!
Love Tori & Mish

Mish | Music to our Ears

Christmas has gone and passed but we are still in the festive period as we head towards Hogmanay and New Years Day. Sadly I will be working January 1st so it won't be a late night for me but for many others the party still rages on.

I have loved this song for as long as I can remember and Tori and I christened her new home by singing this at the top of our voices in the living room, scaring the neighbours in the process. I can't think of a more perfect song for the start of the new year!

 

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons ~ December 1963 (Oh what a night)

Mish | Christmas Advent Day 17

My word is it the 17th of December already? Time is flying so fast and I haven't even finished my shopping, eekk! To get me in the festive mood the CD player has been taking a bashing and one song has stuck in my head all day. Sadly this doesn't get as much air play on the radio as other songs but shall always remain a classic with me.

Solomon Burke ~ Presents for Christmas

Disclaimer: Jute, Jam and Joy claim no right to the photo & video.

Photo Source: Link

Video Source: Link

Jute, Jam and Joy Christmas Advent Day 10

As Christmas rolls into town so do the Christmas television adverts. Advertising is a difficult thing to do any time of the year even more so at Christmas, but this year has been a serious mixed bag. Some adverts have stuck with the traditional Christmas theme of family, snow and joy. Some companies look like they have filmed a bog standard advert and whacked some festive tunes over the top i.e. disappointing.

However there is one advert which has done the rounds now for a number of years and always produces a smile/sing-along whenever it appears on our screen. Not many people would take on the might of the Snowman "Walking in the Air" song, but Irn-Bru have always laughed in the face of danger and produced possible one of the most Scottish Christmas Adverts ever. Enjoy.

IRN-BRU ~ Snowman Advert

And the original for reference.

The Snowman ~ Walking in the Air

Disclaimer: Jute, Jam and Joy claim no right to these videos.
Photo Source: Link

Advent Day 8: Mish's Sainsbury's Ready to Cook Soup Review

As the winter nights draw in all you want is to have something warm to eat. A big bowl of soup is normally the answer. I love making soup, but not always eating it. Strange I know, but most soups for some reasons never fill me up, however the bread and butter provided always hits the spot, ahem...

Moving on, my favourite soup to make is butternut squash. Relatively easy to create but it can be time consuming peeling the squash. When my mother came home last month with a bag of Sainsbury's Ready to Cook Butternut Soup Mix with red onion and chilli; curiosity got the better of me.

Instructions are as follows: add the contents from the bag into a pot and fry for 5-10 mins in 2 teaspoons of oil. I fried the mixture for 15 mins as the vegetables were still a little hard after 10. Once fried add 700ml of boiled water to which I added a vegetable stock cube for flavour. (This is one of the tips on the back for "extra flavour" but I thought it was common knowledge to add a stock cube, clearly not according to Sainsbury's)

Before frying commences

After 20 mins of simmering

Now I am going to tell you a little secret, when I make my normal butternut soup I always add Dates. It gives a slight sweetness and also gives the soup a creamy texture once it has been blended. Chop up about 6 dates into smaller pieces and pop those in before you start boiling up.

After 20 mins or so your veges should have softened and cooked through. I let the soup cool a little before I plunged my hand held blender in and blended until the mixture was smooth.

The soup once blended, if you can see it through all the steam ;)

Truthfully the first taste was disappointing, the flavour didn't make a huge impact and the chilli was non-existent. I always add S&P after I make a soup as you don't know how strong the stock cube will be, so in went seasoning. I added ground ginger which vastly improved things and a dash of Piri Piri sauce for extra kick. Adding dates to this mixture didn't give the creaminess I was expecting so in went a dash of cream. Once I added my own little bits the soup did come alive but still tasted watery/bland for me, I'm thinking the vegetables were probably bland to begin with. All in all it was a nice soup but the bread and butter was calling me soon after.

Sainsbury's Ready to Cook Butternut Squash Soup Mix Review

1. 6.5 Stars out of a possible 10
2. Great if you are rushed for time, but be prepared to add a lot of extra seasoning. Makes me wonder if I'm saving that much time in the end.
3. Great concept from Sainsbury's but idea and ingredients needs tweaking in order to compete with the readymade soup market.

I was planning on creating glorious photos of a pristine kitchen, gleaming plates filled with wonderful soup but sadly I don't live like that. My kitchen is a jumble of different utensils, not enough space and no matter how much you clean the induction hob the ruddy thing loves finger marks. Also bonus points to you if you spotted the rouge Ketchup bottle in one of the pics haha.

So there we have it, I can't think if this is our first food review on the blog; but if it is?
How did you like it? Leave us a comment below we love hearing from you all.

Disclaimer: All photos copyright of Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

Jute, Jam and Joy's Christmas Advent Days 1 ~ 3

Hello Everyone!

As promised here is the first three days of Jute, Jam and Joys Christmas Advent

December 1st

The 1st of December means only one thing; Christmas music can be officially played for everyone to hear. Let's ease ourselves in with the one and only...

Mariah Carey ~ All I want for Christmas Is You

December 2nd

Black Friday hit the U.K last week, our local Tesco actually closed due to people fighting over plasma TV's. Frankly we both think the idea is absurd, are people really that obsessed over getting a cheaper kettle? (Although Mish did have a chuckle trying to find an appropriate picture to go with this post.)

Moving on, Dundee doesn't have the shopping options as bigger cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh does, so we both do a lot of internet shopping come Christmas time. So we thought it would be fun to create a little list of some of our first port of calls.

1. Not on the High Street  ~ Need something personalised? Then this should be your first stop. A wonderful selection of unique gifts. Top Tip: Always check the actual product designers own website, sometimes the gift you want is actually cheaper there.
2. FeelUnique ~ FeelUnique has some of the best cosmetic/toiletry selections on-line. Free postage is always a bonus too!
3. Firebox ~ Need a totally random gift? We are saving up in order to purchase two of these for our office.
4. The Outnet ~ Net-a-Porter's little sister but with some massive savings. Designers are even creating clothing especially for this high end discount site which speaks volumes in our books.
5. Food websites: Nothing says Christmas like a good Hamper and here is a selection of some of our favourites  Scottish Hampers Selfridge  Fortnum & Mason

December 3rd

Decorating the family Christmas tree is always a joyous occasion. Sadly Tori is allergic to real Christmas trees and Mish hates the smell of them (we're a right pair) so it's fake all the way for us. However you can still have a piece of nature in your home with the right decorations.

This wicker wreath from Matalan is a perfect festive edition to any front door. Who doesn't love bit of glitter.

And these pine cone candles from John Lewis are just adorable.

Another one from John Lewis  Can you imagine 8 of these just dotted around your house! HOHOHO!

So are you excited for Christmas? Have you bought all your presents? 

Is anyone else allergic to real Christmas Trees? 

Leave us a comment down below, we love hearing from you all!

Disclaimer: Jute, Jam and Joy claim no right to any photos/ videos used in this post.

All views are own. We have no connection to companies mentioned in this post.

Video Source: Link

Black Friday Photo: Link

Matalan  Photo: Link

John Lewis Photo: Link

John Lewis Photo: Link