Photo diary: Project 365, week 5

 I'm so glad January is over, and good riddance. It wasn't a very good month for our family, and I wonder what February has in store for us all.

Last Sunday I didn't take any photos except of the two rotten blood oranges, which I emailed to Abel and Cole, politely saying that I expect the oranges to last more than four-five days. As much as I love the idea of Abel and Cole, they don't always have the freshest plant produce.

Rather than show the rotten oranges from Sunday, here are two pics I did on Monday. 

I popped in the garden to check if anything is already showing any colour. So far I couldn't find much except these pink blossoms (please don't ask me what they are called, I'm terrible when it comes to botany).

Last week I mentioned the Korean brand Bibigo. Eddie and I went to Oxford the previous Saturday, hoping to find Bibigo Squid Games products, we couldn't find any, but we did venture into a Chinese supermarket and got some fancy KitKats, snacks and enoki mushrooms.

I bought Bibigo dumplings on Ocado. We tried the green chilli ones, and oh my, the filling is pretty hot. Eddie enjoyed them, as he loves spicy food. 

I drew a Squid Game doll mask for him, to make an Insta post, he kindly obliged me for the photo. I bet he was rolling his eyes behind the mask. 

More food pics. On Tuesday I baked an Italian cake Margherita, it is a tasty fluffy cake, served with just a dusting of icing sugar. My guys love it. It disappeared pretty fast.

I made a semi-resolution to give a second chance to some books, which I started in the past but didn't finish for a variety of reasons.

Eight Pieces of Silva by Patrice Lawrence was the book, which I was reading together with Eddie over a year and a half ago. We went through one third perhaps, and then he asked if we could choose a different book. 

Sadly, we don't read together any longer, though I wonder if I could tempt him with the new Hunger Games prequel coming in March. If not, I'm definitely going to read it myself.

Anyway, back to Silva. This YA thriller had good reviews, and was praised for the representation, in fact, it was recommended by someone whose opinion I trust. 

If you plan to read it and don't want any spoilers, skip the text now.

This book gave me the rage. 

One of the main characters, a teenager, is wasting her life with some lowlife, who has zero redeeming qualities. As the story unfolds, we find out he has a wife and a child, and a tendency of sleeping around. Despite knowing all that, our protagonist is ready to fight for this "treasure", even offering money to his wife to leave him and go back to her home country. 

I wanted to shake this girl. Honestly, where is your self respect? I understand that some women measure their worth by having a man, any man, in their life. But sheesh, I'd rather be alone for the rest of my life than waste it on such an off-putting boyfriend.

I finished the book, and it goes straight to the charity shop. 

Another book that I finished reading last week (I always have two-three books on the go at the same time) has been in my Kindle library for a few years. 

The Dark by Emma Haughton is an atmospheric thriller, set at the UN research station in Antractica. The main protagonist decides to apply for a job as a station medic, after the previous doctor died in a tragic accident. 

Running from the devastating events in the near past, Kate believes she can find peace of mind and tranquility in Antarctica. She is traumatised, not coping with the grief, and physical pain, and is a flawed character. Her own mental health makes her take some pretty unwise (bordering on criminal) decisions. It's hard to relate to her, but the mystery itself is gripping.

There is a dark, claustrophobic feeling of despondency and paranoia. The descriptions of the ice wilderness create a tense, hostile setting. Really enjoyed it.

This is a screenshot rather than a photo, as I read it as an e-book.

Usually I just have a cup of Earl Grey tea and a slice of toast in the morning. I don't eat yogurts or a breakfast cereal. For some reason I decided to make a batch of honey and peanut butter booster bars, using the recipe by H.Fearnley-Whittingstall from the old copy of The Guardian.

I have a bag of milled flaxseed from the latest Degustabox, which needs to be used, and I thought adding some to the energy bars might do the trick.

The bars were very crumbly. I cut a few pieces, then rolled the rest into energy balls, dipped into cocoa mix, and put in the fridge in the container. I prefer these bars as energy balls. They were tasty, and I might experiment with more different fruit and nuts.

And more pictures of food, sorry. Saw a video of young chap on Insta, baking a crumble pie with jam, which brought back memories of my Uni days, when I often baked a similar pie with whatever jam we had at home.

This one is made with a mix of bilberry jam and remains of cranberry sauce. 

Grate 200g of cold butter into 300g of self-raising flour, add 80g of sugar, vanilla sugar, mix into crumbs. Press 2/3 into a baking tray, lined with parchment paper. Scoop the jam on top, and add the remaining crumb mix. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 180C until golden brown. Serve with cream, ice cream or custard.

It's quite nice cold too, cut into slices.

All in all, not an eventful week, and thanks goodness. 

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January'25 Box Degustabox

 Disclosure: I receive a monthly Degustabox subscription box for free for the purposes of reviewing. I do not receive any payments to write a review. 

January has come to an end, it usually feels much longer than it is. Is it a tedious month, an anticlimax after the festive season for you, or on the contrary, a start of new resolutions and goals? 

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in January Box Degustabox? It looks like the contents are geared to motivate you using more plant-based products during Veganuary.

Product of the Month: Tilda Rice Pots (£2) are a great time-saver for a quick and easy meal. 

Ready in 60 seconds, these rice pots come in recyclable BPA free containers. One pot = one serving. 

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, these rice pots could be served as a side dish with a variety of meat or plant-based meals.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

You should receive 1 item in the box (we got the long grain variety).

I served this rice as a side dish to go with tofu and vegatables. The rice was perfectly cooked (we don't have a microwave, so it was reheated in a small pan with a dash of water).

Mission Protein Wraps (£1.75) will help you boost your protein intake. 

These are perfect wraps for Veganuary. These wraps are soft, squishy and tasty, and super convenient for quick and easy meals.. Best served warm. Heat them up in the hot dry pan for a few seconds on each side, and be creative with fillings and toppings.

Since we don't observe Veganuary, I fill them with thinly sliced cheese and prosciutto, fold in half, and quickly fry in the frying pan on both sides until golden brown. For a meat-free version, add cheese and chilli jam, and fry as well.

These wraps are suitable for home freezing to be enjoyed at a later date.

Suitable for vegans. Nutritional values: 170kcal and 1.6g of sugar per wrap; high protein (10g protein per wrap).

Available in Tesco.

Bonne Maman Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread or  Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (£2.90/£3) are indulgent spreads, carefully crafted from simple ingredients and containing no palm oil.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got Hazelnut Chocolate spread. Excellent with croissants, toast, plain brioche and pancakes/crepes. 

Nutritional values: 551kcal and 51g of sugar per 100g.

The sweet & crunchy peanut spread is available from Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado. The hazelnut chocolate spread is available from most major supermarkets.

Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne (£3.50) is pasta made with plant protein (organic green lentils and brown rice).

Loaded with 21g of protein and 6g of fibre per 100g serving, and made with clean, organic and gluten free ingredients. 

Easy to prepare in just 7-9 minutes, this colour-infused pasta will make a great midweek meal. Serve with pesto or fresh basil leaves and pine nuts.

Nutritional values: 347kcal and 1.3g of sugar per 100g.

Available online on Amazon and Health Food Store.

KIND Snacks Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate (£1.49) are big on flavour. 

You will receive two items in the box. 

Coated in peanut butter and drizzled in dark chocolate, these snack bars are an ultimate healthier treat.

Gluten free and high in fibre. 

Ingredients are peanuts, almonds, dark chocolate and peanut butter among the others.

No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Nutritional values: 213kcal and 8g of sugar per 40g bar.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Dorset Cereals Oat Granola (£3.69) is made with crunchy golden oats, blended with sunflower seeds and golden syrup. Add some berries and fruit, and a creamy yogurt for a tasty and healthy breakfast.

This granola is high in fibre, contains wholegrains and is suitable for vegetarians (possibly vegans too, as I haven't seen anything that is not vegan-friendly in the list of ingredients, but do check the list yourselves to be sure).

Dorset Cereals is one of the brands we enjoy on a regular basis, though I tend to buy different flavours. It was great to have a chance to try something I haven't bought before. 

Nutritional information: 199kcal and 7.4g of sugar per 45g portion.

Available in Waitrose, ASDA, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Deliciously Ella Apple & Almond Breakfast Bake (£1.50) is packed with oats, apple pieces and a creamy almond butter centre. Just right for a quick breakfast meal, or a snack on the go.

Naturally high in fibre and packed with 100% natural plant-based ingredients, this mini bake gives you a boost of energy to start your day.

Typical values: 466kcal and 20g of sugar per bar.

Available at Ocado, Sainsbury's and on deliciouslyella.com.

Linwoods Health Foods Milled Flaxseed (£4) is full of goodness.

Its benefitial effects include: muscle growth (thanks to protein and magnesium), energy and reduction of tiredness, maintenance of normal blood cholestreol levels and immune support.

Simply add 20g to porridge, yogurt, smoothie or cereal, or bake delicious breakfast bars with milled flaxseed as an ingredient.

Nutritional values: 105kcal and 0.3g of sugar per 20g; source of fibre, protein, high in Omage 3 (ALA).

Available in the major supermarket chains and health store chains, and on https://linwoodshealthfoods.com.

I used the milled flaxseed to make a batch of energy boost bars, with peanut butter, oats, seeds, nuts etc.

Vidrate (£2.25) is here to help you be motivated to take in more water. 

It's the first zero sugar hydration drink of its kind, made wtih natural ingredients and added vitamins and electrolytes. It comes in a range of mouth-watering flavours (Mixed berry, Strawberry & lime, Guava). Just add a sachet to a bottle of water. 

These drinks work, targeting different goals, like helping with immunity, giving an energy boost or improving your sleep. 

Available in Boots and Whole Foods Market.

You will receive a package with 3 flavours in your box.

Koko Dairy Free Unsweetened No Sugar Milk (£1.80) is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk.

Serve it with tea or coffee, make hot chocolate or milkshake, cook porridge or add to your cereal. 

While it doesn't taste like dairy, it has a pleasant aftertaste. I find it works better with coffee and chai rather than tea (and to be honest, I do prefer tea without milk anyway). Made from coconuts and free from the 14 major allergens, it has no dairy, or soya, just plants.

Nutritional values: 19kcal ad 1.2g of protein per 100ml; low in fat, high in protein, gluten free, no GMOs or artificial nasties; added extras - Calcium, Vitamins D2 and B12.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Jimmy's Iced Coffee Oat BottleCan (£2) is a dairy-free drink. It's a combination of smooth and creamy oat milk with the strong flavours of single-origin Rainforest Arabica coffee.

Packed in a BottleCan, it makes a sustainable on-the-go energy boost. Enjoy as a mid-morning pick-me-up or an early afternoon energy boost. Drink chilled, with ice or without.

Typical values: 59kcal and 4.7g of sugar per 100ml (one bottle is 275ml).

Available in Tesco and online.

Tick Tock Original Rooibos Tea (£1.90 for the 20s box or £2.35 for the 40s box) is a lovely naturally caffeine-free drink. 

Awarded a Great Taste award in 2019, this tea is rich in antioxidants and low in tannins. It supports heart health, allows restful sleep and is gently hydrating.

Rooibos is know as a wonder plant. Smooth, flavourful and healthy.

Available in the major supermarket chains. 

What is your favourite product in the latest Degustabox?

Photo diary: week 4, Project 365

 Another week's gone in a whoosh. I'm still having troubles with my back pain, it was getting better only to flare up again, so for a couple of days I was quite incapacitated. I'm scared to say it's OK at the moment, so as not to jinx it. 

My great nephew is back at home from the hospital, but his Mum needed an operation. It's been a difficult time for them all, and I feel helpless, as there is nothing I can do from afar. 

Back to my daily photos. On Sunday I cooked cappellacci di zucca, a local speciality from Ferrara. My husband was visiting his parents (both unwell), and brought back some fresh pasta. This pasta was invented in the Renaissance period, and is a combination of sweet and savoury flavours (stuffed with pumpkin). 

The only purchase I made last Black Friday was the Ancestry DNA kit. It took ages for the kit to arrive, and then quite a bit for the results to get back.

If you think of doing it, don't bother with the Traits section, totally bollocks, and not worth paying for it. For example, supposedly I'm unlikely to get motion sick (while motion sickness is a huge issue for me, I cannot even travel on the bus without feeling terrible and need to take the meds); it claims I'm likely to prefer doing things with people (and in fact I do prefer doing things alone); my hair type is apparently wavy (my hair has never been wavy); likely to tolerate heat well (that's completely wrong); they think I'm an extrovert (ha ha); I'm less attractive to mosquitoes (I'm the blinking magnet for mosquitoes). 

They haven't done exactly everything wrong in the Traits, but more than a half of features are nonsense.

Now, the DNA analysis itself is very curious. I did know that there would be pretty much of a mixed heritage, but still expected a different result.

Have you done the Ancestry DNA, and what did you think of it? 

Another unnecessary purchase that I did recently was ordering a Tokyo Treat box. It's been such a horrid month, and I wanted to treat my boys and myself. I've been looking at their ads for over a year, and finally took the plunge. 

This is the January box. It is full of fascinating products, and we're enjoying exploring the new flavours and textures. There is a booklet, explaining what is what, though not all the products are listed.

Eddie and I liked the peanut butter candies with a jelly centre. The strawberry KitKats are also lovely. We haven't opened all the packets yet.

Have you tried a Tokyo Treat box?

One of the ink drawings I did last week - Eddie in a party hat, looking thoughtful.

I've been trying to de-clutter, and finding space for a new batch of books. I love the British Library Crime Classics series. The cover designs with the vintage posters are so stylish. 

Books in (all at half price, and I couldn't resist):

And books out - taken to the charity shop. A few of the books which I've read for reviewing, and some that I acquired in the past for us, which we won't be reading again.

Here is my Eddie, enjoying the Japanese noodles from the Tokyo Treat box. Given a chance, he would happily live on noodles. I'm obviously healthier cooking meals for us with protein and veg, but when my boy comes from school, he often makes a quick meal for himself.

Yesterday Eddie and I went to Oxford, while my husband and Sasha went to the local cafe. We didn't have any special plans, just mooched around the West Gate shopping centre. 

We had a quick bite at Itsu, and had a very strange encounter. There was a family of five who asked me to take a photo of them, then started to chat. They proudly told us that their young son (around 10 years old) had a prophecy that the war in Ukraine will end on the 17th of February. Well, we'll just have to wait and see. 

We didn't do much, bought a couple of t-shirts in TK Maxx for Eddie, some sweets, and also popped into Primark to check out the Squid Game pyjamas, but they didn't have any (thank goodness).

And that's about all the excitement we had for the last week.

I snapped George St in Oxford, as we were waiting for the bus home.

How was your week?

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Photo diary: week 3, 12 - 18 January, Project 365

 January continues to be riddled with sickness and bad health. While my back pain has improved (though I still try to take it easy), my husband has had a flu, and my little great nephew has been so poorly, he stayed in hospital with his Mum. 

Last weekend we did a double-night movie session of The Godfather and The Godfather-II. I haven't seen either for more than twenty years, and enjoyed watching them again, especially the first film. Still brilliant on many levels. A true classic. Perhaps I should also re-read the book?

It was the full Moon, and I tried to take a few snaps. The iphone camera is not good to take long-distance images. The Moon is rather blurry, and is lacking the precision.

On the way to do some grocery shopping, I spotted some mimosa bunches outside the florist's. I would love to buy some mimosa, as it reminds me of my childhood, and my late Dad bringing in home bunches of mimosa for my Mum in spring. I'll wait until they have a new delivery of fresher flowers.

Eddie has hooked me on Squid Game. I saw Bibigo limited edition Squid Game products online, but when they were delivered, they were in plain packaging. Talk about being disappointed, as I so wanted to surprise my son. 

We don't have a Korean store nearby, the nearest one is on the other side of Oxford, which would be a two-bus trip. You can also get Bibigo in some Sainsbury's stores, but when I try to place an order online, these products don't appear in search.

We've tried the Japchae flavour, they were not bad at all.

If you like stationery, I'm currently running a giveaway on my Insta (until the 26th). It includes some of the bits which I bought in Paris, as well as the British Museum, and some book shops (a notebook, bookmarks, postcards and a badge).

I haven't been drawing much in January, as it was rather uncomfortable to sit at the table with my bad back, but I'm slowly getting there. Yesterday's drawing is that of Eddie when he was 3-years-old. We were in Penzance on his 3rd birthday, he was utterly thrilled with a balloon, and proudly announced to everyone on the way that it was his birthday. 

I remember it as a moment of pure joy, which probably happens only in childhood, when you are little and unburdened with worries and anxieties, and a simple balloon can make you deliriously happy.

I'm currently reading two books about the Sun King. Versailles is based on the BBC series, and is completely historically inaccurate (which I knew, since I watched the Tv series and laughed at it). Saying that, it is quite entertaining, as long as you don't expect to learn much about history.

The Sun King by Nancy Mitford was published in the 1960s, and it shows. It reads as a gossip column. Mitford is also concentrating mostly on the King's love affairs and building of Versailles. She is very non-PC, and nowadays this book would have been heavily edited to remove some of her xenophobic remarks. 

What are you currently reading? 

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First week and a half of January'25: Project 365

 Last year has been a struggle from start to finish, with our older son's anxiety reaching such high levels, that the college discharged him, saying they couldn't cope with his challenging behaviour. It's nearly one year exactly since he went to college for the last time.

We've been with the disability team all this time, adjusting and changing doses and trialling different meds, trying to find the possible triggers and rule out any possible cause of the spike in anxiety. It was truly one hell of a year. 

If I didn't dye my hair, it would be completely white by now from all the worries. I'm Sasha's main carer, and feeling totally wiped out. 

I stopped taking part in Project 365 over two (or is it three?) years ago for several personal reasons, but I kept  thinking of going back, as I missed it. 

2025 didn't start too well for me. I managed to hurt my back on the new year's eve, and have been in pain for the last ten days. Most of the photos taken during this week and a half are mostly food and everyday objects around the house, as I spent a lot of time at home.

New Year's eve was stressful and fun in equal measure. We had friends over for dinner and watched the TV until early hours. 

On the 1st of January we kept eating the leftovers. I cooked a big risotto layer cake (with chestnut puree, mascarpone and butternut squash) as the vegetarian main. Our friends brought the lamb.

As nobody in particular fancied risotto the next day, I made a variation of arancini (risotto balls) and baked them in the oven.

The first book of the year which I started reading at the end of December was A Book for Christmas by Selma Lagerlöf. It's a collecton of winter-themed stories, based on Swedish folklore and Christian fables. It is properly old-fashioned in style, and rather moralistic, in a dated way. 

It's a lovely edition, and I did pick it up because of the author's name and an elegant book cover, but I won't be re-reading it ever again.

One of my Christmas gifts was this cute little radio so that I could listen to Classic FM in the kitchen. They moved from DAB to DAB+ radio a year ago, and I could only listen to them on my iphone (which I rather hated). Very happy to be re-united with my favourite radio station.

I've been careful, staying at home with my bad back, but had to go out, albeit briefly. My husband was abroad (nothing new), and I needed to get to the pharmacy. Passing by the Teddy bears of Witney shop, I spotted a Snoopy toy in the window, and thought it's a bit symbolic. 

Going out happened to be not such a good idea. That's my "treats" for this week (not all at once).

I ordered a shopping bag on wheels from Amazon, and was aghast at the huge box it was delivered in.

I appreciate it's not exactly an elegant bag, but needs must. 

A friend took Eddie and me to Burford garden centre just before Christmas. I have a mini-tradition of buying one or two Gisela Graham Christmas tree decorations every year. This time I liked the look of those sparkling acorns (and yes, we still have our Christmas tree, and it will stay put until the Russian old new year, the 14th of January).

Cooking pasta e fagioli for dinner - two versions, one with meatballs, and one vegetarian, to suit all diets in the family.

Ventured out again, to the pharmacy and quick food shopping. There was a thin layer of ice in the canal.

Today Eddie and I went into town together, walking through the frozen flood fields. It was cold and foggy, and quite beautiful.

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Degustabox December Box

 

Disclosure: I receive a monthly Degustabox subscription box for free for the purposes of reviewing. I do not receive any payments to write a review. 

You count days until Christmas, then blink, and it's all over. How were your Christmas and New Year's Eve?  

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in December Box Degustabox?

Tilda Sticky Rice (£1.54) is the Product of the Month.

Made with specially selected grains, Tilda Sticky Rice is a great pantry product for quick and easy meals. I'm a big fan of Tilda, and always have a couple of pouches in the kitchen, to use as a side dish for chicken and/or vegetable main course.

Sticky rice will be perfect for any Poke bowl (with salmon marinated in soy sauce, mango cubes, edamame, shredded seaweed, etc) or sushi. For a vegetarian alternative, replace salmon with asparagus or butternut squash.

Ready in 90 seconds in microwave, and you can also heat it up in a small pan on the hob (we don't use a microwave at home).

Nutritional values: 221kcal and 0.03g of salt per 125g serving.

Made with finest rice, Tilda sticky rice is vegetarian and vegan, and has no artificial colours, flavours or preseratives.

Available in Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon.

Ryvita Snack It Thins Sour Cream & Chime Flavour (£2.19) are a true gem of the varied Ryvita range. 

Perfect for snacking, these wheat and rye flatbreads with sour cream and chive flavouring are great to eat on their own, or as part of the cheese or mezze board. Try them with cream cheese and sliced cucumber as a tasty snack.

Nutritional values: 38kcal and 0.08g of salr per thin.

Vegetarian friendly, British-baked, no artificial preservatives.

Available at Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon.

Human Nature Caramelised Onion flavour pea snacks/or Hot Halapeno/ or Smoky BBQ/ or Cheese Flavour snacks (£2) is a vegetarian brand on a mission to make wholesome foods that positively contribute to social and environmental causes. 

You will receive 1 flavour of four.

Human Nature Caramelised Onion is a Great Taste 2024 award winner. These scrumptious crunchy snacks are made with plant-based ingredients.

Nutritional values: 91kcal and 0.4g of salt per 20g serving; 13g protein per pack; source of fibre; up to 40% less fat; palm oil free; vegan approved.

The tasty snacks disappeared pretty fast, they were so good. Crunchy and melting in the mouth, they have a delicious onion flavour.

Available at https://humannaturefood.com

Dorset Cereals Simply Nutty Muesli is a perfect start to a day. Made with delicious dates, roasted hazelnuts and brazils, this breakfast cereal makes a lovely morning meal.

High in fibre and vegan, with no added sugar (only naturally occurring sugars), no added colours or preservatives, no artificial colours, contains wholegrains.

Nutritional values: 170kcal and 6.4g of sugar per 45g serving.

Lovely with a dairy or plant-based milk of your choice, Dorset Cereals also make a tasty ingredient in cookies ot granola.

Available in Waitrose, ASDA, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Forest Feast Salted Dark Chocolate Cashews (£1.50) are delightful moreish snacks.

Forest Feast is one of my favourite brands. And these slowly roasted cashews, dipped in dark Belgian chocolate with a sprinkling of sea salt and a dusting of cocoa are truly delicious. I can easily eat more than one pack without sharing (I did share, though).

Nutritional information: 555kcal and 27g of sugar per 100g (one pouch is 40G); vegan, gluten free.

Available in Tesco, forestfeast.com and Fine food independents.

Maggi Masala Noodles (£0.65) is an authentic Indian recipe. 

Ready in just 2 minutes, these noodles are made with a blend of natural spices and are suitable for vegetarians. 

My younger son, who is the king of noodles, is always happy to try a new flavour.

Nutritional values: 301kcal and 2.02g of salt per serving.

Available in major supermarket chains.

Knorr Spicy Stock Pot (£1.90) will help you cook tasty dishes, packed full of flavour.

Medium on Spicy meter (two peppers), vegan, gluten free, made with sustainably sourced vegetables.

Ingredients include: tomato paste, cayenne pepper, jalapeno chilli pepper powder, red bell pepper, paprika powder, vegetable juice concentrate etc.

I haven't used the pots so far, and might pass them on to a friend who enjoys their food pretty spicy.

Nutritional values: 4kcal and 0.99g of salt per 125ml.

Available at Waitrose, ASDA and Ocado.

Garofalo Semi de Melone Soup Pasta or Ditali Soup Pasta (£2.60) offer an authentic Italian experience. If you enjoy hearty Italian soups or light broths, these soup pasta shapes will bring great taste and texture to your meals.

You will receive one product of two. We got Garofalo Ditali, short tube-shaped pasta, which holds sauce and seasoning well.

Both types of pasta are made from high qualiy durum wheat, ensuring an authentic al dente bite. Use ditali to cook a rich hearty soup Pasta e fagioli with ground beef, onions, carrots, tinned tomatoes, celery, kidney beans and herbs.

Nutritional values: 351kcal and 3g of sugar per 100g. 

Available on Ocado and Amazon.

Mentos Fanta Pouch Bag (£2.50) is a playful match of two classic brands - Mentos and Fanta. Mentos chewy dragees are our snack of choice for the longer car trips, but of course, you can munch on them any time of the day. The pouch is a limited edition.

While we prefer the original Mentos, Fanta-flavoured dragees are also bursting with flavour.

Nutritional values: 10kcal per one 2.7g candy.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Get More Vits Recovery Cranberry Sports Drink (£1.25) and Sparkling Lemon & Lime Multivits Drink (£1.10) are fruity, sugar-free soft drinks with a daily dose of vitamins.

These drinks make it easier to boost your vitamin intake.

Sugar-free, low calorie and made with UK spring water and natural fruit flavours, Get More Vits are refreshing and flavourful.

Get More Vits Recovery is specially formulated to deliver electrolytes to aid hydration, and B vitamins for energy release.

Get More Vits Sparkling Lemon & Lime supports healthy body, with Biotin helping with metabolism and making you feel less tired.

Nutritional values: 5kcal and 0g sugar per 500ml (Cranberry sport drink); 2kcal and 0 sugar per 330ml (Sparkling lemon & lime)

Available in Tesco, Co-Op, Ocado, Amazon and getmorevits.com.

You should receive 2 items in your box (1of each).

Jayfish V Gallery Vodka (£4 for a 5cl bottle, or £20.90 for a 50cl bottle) is a premium flavoured vodka. V Gallery offers a delectable collection of flavoured vodka: Marshmallow, Toffee Fudge, Mango Crush, Cucumber and Very Berry.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got a Very Berry vodka.

Distilled five times to create a pure crystal clear vodka each time, which flavour would you like to try?

Available a www.vgalleryvodka.com

Get a 20% discount on your first order with the code DEGUSTA20.

And if you're a PLUS member (I'm not), you will also receive a Riso Gallo My Risotto Perfetto Saffron risotto rice. I buy it regularly, and can only sing praises to it.

And that's all, folks. What product do you like the best from this selection?