DIY TEA COSY - Easy sewing project for your home.

This week I am showing you how I made a brand new tea cosy using an old tea cosy for reference. With minimal sewing involved this is a great project if you're new to using a sewing machine.

This video is not sponsored, I purchased all the supplies myself.

Heart fabric - https://www.sophieallport.com/product...

Eco Wadding - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eco-Blend-...

I hope you enjoyed the video, let me know what you thought of the method in the comments below.

DIY MATERNITY JEANS. Sustainable maternity wardrobe part 1.

In this week's video, I am upcycling some jeans into maternity jeans to see me through pregnancy. I've attempted two different styles, 'under the bump' jeans using some mum jeans I've had for a few years and 'over the bump' jeans using some skinny jeans I purchased second hand on eBay.

I used stretchy jersey fabric which I already had some deadstock of.

Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss out on upcoming maternity wardrobe videos. This video is not sponsored.

I hope you enjoyed the video, let me know what you thought of the method in the comments below.

Making mini corduroy dungarees out of offcuts from my dungarees.

Putting together sustainable baby outfits.

This week I am making some baby dungarees to use up fabric leftovers. In this video, I am using a secondhand pair of dungarees to create the pattern and make another pair to hopefully fit a 3-6-month-old. This was a great project to use up fabric scraps and pattern paper offcuts.

In case you missed it, MAKING CORDUROY DUNGAREES || Merchant and Mills Harlene Pattern - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzWyH...

Supplies I used - (not gifted or sponsored)

Pattern paper

Buttons and poppers

Fabric scissors

Pencil

Pattern master

Paper scissors

Fabric - https://merchantandmills.com/store/cl...

How I made this simple Spring Shirred dress from deadstock fabric.

DIY Shirred dress tutorial.

This week I am using shirring to create a super simple dress shape that looks a lot more technical. This is the perfect project if you're a sewing beginner who wants to start making their own clothes. It's a really simple technique that does not require any complicated pattern cutting or technical sewing knowledge, just lots of patience with the shirring.

Although this dress is an ideal maternity dress I plan on wearing it for many summers to come as well.

WATCH NEXT -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A54mu...

This video is not sponsored and I purchased the elastic supplies I needed.

All you need is -

Fabric

Shirring elastic - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/78625...

MEASUREMENTS Dress width - (Bust width) x 1.5 Length - I used 100 cm but you can adapt it to suit you.

I hope you enjoyed the video, let me know what you thought of the dress in the comments below.

MATERNITY ANTI-HAUL.

As soon as I found out I was expecting a baby I was on YouTube looking for DIY maternity clothing ideas and tips for dressing during pregnancy that did not involve spending a tonne of money on a whole new wardrobe, I was so disappointed that I could only find haul videos.

I was not about to head to the nearest high street shop and stock up on clothing that I would only wear for a few months of my life.

In this video, I am sharing with you what I have been wearing during my pregnancy and my tips for maintaining a sustainable wardrobe throughout pregnancy.

I would love to know what you think of this video and if you'd like me to make another one once I've navigated the world of nursing clothing!

Maternity Photoshoot by Imogen Florence Photography - https://imogenflorence.com/maternity-...

Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss out on upcoming videos.

This video is not sponsored. Everything shown in this video I purchased myself.

DIY KITCHEN AID COVER - Easy sewing project for your home.

In this video I am showing you how I made a brand new cover for the Kitchenaid Artisan.

This is a fairly straight forward sewing and pattern cutting project that can brighten up any kitchen.

MATCHING TEA COSY VIDEO - https://youtu.be/daVpadMeh-4

This video is not sponsored, I purchased all the supplies myself.

Heart fabric - https://www.sophieallport.com/product...

I hope you enjoyed the video, let me know what you thought of the method in the comments below.

I am going to be showing you how to make your very own scarf bag. A week or so ago I was browsing And other stories website looking for some jumpsuit inspiration and this scarf bag caught my eye. It looked pretty simple so I thought I’d try and recreate it.

I brought these bamboo bags handles online from MacCulloch and Wallis, they’re based in Soho in London and I go in there quite a bit for supplies under normal circumstances, so super grateful that their webshop is still up and running.

For the scarf I didn’t have a square one but I did take a look on eBay and there were plenty on there however I decided to use up some fabric I already had. I was given a bunch of fabric hangers by a friend who works in the industry that would’ve otherwise gone to waste so that felt a little bit lower waste and cheaper than buying a scarf.

The original scarf bag I saw retailed for £45 and I wanted to try and make this as cheaply as possible. In the end it cost me £6.75 for the bamboo handles. I noticed that the one on online also has a zip in it which seems like a good idea for extra security aha, so I’m going to try and add a zip to mine.

I have a few zips lying around and I’m just going to use one of them. I’m not too bothered that it’s a different colour as it won't be seen when the bag is being held.

I’m going to use two layers of this fabric put together to make it a bit thicker and hopefully make the bag sturdier. Let's face it though this is not exactly going to be a practical bag, more of a statement item.

I’ve got two squares (insert measurement here) as this fabric is quite slippery I’m going to put a few pins in it before I start sewing.

Right sides of the fabric together.

I’m literally going to sew all around the edge with a 1cm seam allowance. I will leave part of the square not sewn up so that I can turn it the right way round after.

And I’m going to sew the open-ended zip in at this point as well. Im pinning the zip into the centre of these two opposite sides.

Once I’ve done this, I’m going to turn it through the whole and give it a quick press with the iron, on a low heat so I don’t melt the fabric.

When using a fabric like this I’d always recommend testing the temp of the iron on a corner of the fabric so if it is too hot you don’t burn a hole in the centre of your fabric - been there.

I’m going to topstitch around the square now and that will close up the hole I left open as well

Another way I could’ve done this would’ve just been to use one square of fabric and hem it but I just thought this would be longer lasting.

Now my ‘scarf’ is ready I’m literally going to tie all four corners to the bamboo hoops.

It’s really satisfying, how easy this bag is to make and it would be such a cute bag to go with summer dresses, make sure you subscribe to my channel as I more ideas for easy DIY bags. The zip is optional to be honest, you could just have a mix of different scarves and mix it up on different days. If you already have a square scarf you can literally just tie it on.

To finish off, I am just going to hand stitch the knots as when I tested this the other day one of them came undone and my phone fell out aha.

To do this I’m doing a really rough hand stitch, nothing particularly technical.

So there you have it! A £45 bag for under £7! I hope you enjoyed this video let me know what you thought in the comments below and if you give this at home don’t forget to tag me @agnesldn

Before you go be sure to subscribe to my channel as I will be uploading more videos on Sewing, DIY, and sustainable fashion every week.

Thanks for watching it.

Welcome to my first video!

I've been working on this channel behind the scenes for a while and I'm very excited to finally launch it.

If you're interested in sustainability, sewing and upcycling or the behind the scenes of running a brand then make sure you subscribe to my channel. I will be uploading a new video every week. The first 100 subscribers to my channel will be entered into a prize draw to win one of my Macrame Bottle Holders. (Flowers not included. UK and EU shipping only)

Agnes LDN is a sustainable lifestyle brand with a handmade product range, upcycling workshops, and a podcast all focused around inspiring people to put the planet first in their everyday actions. Thank you for watching this video. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out.

#sustainability,#agnesldn,#zerowaste,#vlogs,#behindthescenes,#sewing,#thrift flips,#upcycling,#sustainablefashion,#sustainablelifestyle,#femalefounder,#smallbuisness,#ecofriendly

Enjoy!

Listen to the full podcast interview here.

How was Bottega Zero Waste born?

It all started in 2018 with a blog on slow living which then turned into zero waste and natural living because of the necessity of reducing waste that I had controlling what I was putting on my skin.

It's been a journey of 2 full years of a lot of sacrifices because I have been working a full time job until 2 days ago! I was working on bottega in the morning before going to work, during lunch time I'd take my laptop out and reply to emails, then back home from work at 6-7 pm I'd you know write posts, publish something on Instagram and work on the next workshop organisation, all of this also after dinner. Every weekend was dedicated to having finally a full working day where I could catch up. So, I guess after 2 years of this it was time for my mental health and social life to really go full time and you know, be able to have breaks and real holidays too.

How and why did you start making your own?

I was super frustrated by the fact that not only everything came packaged in single use packaging, but I also couldn't understand the ingredients on a label. It felt like I kind of woke up from a bad dream, I couldn't understand how I could blindly use those products for years. It's clear that just plain marketing had done its work well. But I really wanted to feel empowered and take control to reduce waste and understand the products. The first swap that I came across was soap. So logically the first thing that I did is to go on Youtube and look for a soap tutorial. There were not that many, so the first time I made soap I made almost 3 KGs.

When did you get into essential oils?

I was looking at 3 things:

1. Transparency. When you use a fragrance you have no idea on what's inside, and that really frustrated me. I am a curious person but also I wanted to understand what I was putting on my skin!
2. I wanted to switch to a natural remedy and really cut on the synthetics. Believe it or not I think I smelled my first essential oil not more than 2 years ago. When you start using essential oils I think you really start to understand how different a real natural scent is, as opposed to a lab made fragrance
3. The therapeutical effect of essential oils. Not only the scent but also the effect that essential oils can have on your body and and the mind is incredible. I started using it in my homemade deodorants or in my shampoo bars and you can really see the results. An essential oil will not only give you a good scent but it can soften the skin, clear your pores or even fight off dandruff!

How did you get to learn about your skin and hair type?

Learning about my skin came with a lot of research on ingredients to use, but also trial and error. I have developed all the soap and shampoo recipes myself by testing them out and then of course having friends and family test them out, especially my very patient boyfriend!

Do you have any tips on how to choose a shampoo bar that works for your hair type? It's really all about the ingredients. And a truly organic formulation will really hand-pick natural ingredients that are meant to serve a specific purpose. For example, hemp seed oil is packed with essential fatty acids as omega3 and omega6 which can help improve the thickness of the hair. Hemp seed oil is also a very dry oil which does not clog pores and penetrates the skin fast softening it. So this makes it very good for particularly sensitive skin and scalp issues.

I have actually created a guide on my website where you can learn more about ingredients that go into shampoo bars and also learn how to identify which shampoo bar is good for your hair depending on your hair type. It's up on the blog at https://bottegazerowaste.com/pages/shampoobars

Why ingredients are important in cosmetic products?

Each ingredients serves a very specific function and it's normally in conjunction with other ingredients we obtain a balanced product.

Whether it is a 100% natural ingredient or maybe a partially natural ingredient. It's I think important to understand what natural means, and that natural is not always good. For examples, essential oils can be really damaging if not used properly or if used too much. There are strict guidelines on essential oils just like there are on other non-natural ingredients.

Some ingredients manufactured might give a performance that a natural ingredient will not be able to give. For example the powder I use to make shampoo is derived from coconut oil and made into a detergent with the purpose to clean hair gently.

If you used a natural ingredient like soap nuts which naturally contain saponins and clean naturally, you might not be able to clean your hair well enough, which might result in your scalp being clogged with sebum, dandruff and all sorts of problems.

Instead we can use natural ingredients in conjunction with other naturally derived ingredients to obtain a performance product. So you could use the lab made powder derived from coconuts with the addition of soap nuts.

I'd say ingredients to avoid are ingredients that are just too strong, for instance SLS, or ingredients that are derived from plastic, for example polythelene, which you will be surprised in how many creams is included.

You might also want to look at ethical and cruelty free ingredients. For example, proteins. Many proteins such as keratin are animal derived and are often taken from pig's hair coming from slaughterhouses. 

What are the benefits of using natural skincare & haircare products?

You can keep it simple and we really have the chance of giving our skin "a break". If you use a complex product with a list of 20 synthetic ingredients versus a lip balm made with wax, cocoa butter and coconut oil, it will make a difference. Since I have started using a simple aloe vera cream my skin has cleared so much, I rarely get breakouts of redness. Especially if you have sensitive skin I even recommend to skip on essential oils and really keep it as simple as possible.

Could you tell me more about living in London and dealing with its pollution in relation to skincare?

It's terrible especially because I mostly cycle around. I think it's so important to always conclude your day with a nice cleaning routine. I love the benefits for example of oil cleansing. The idea is that oil removes oil, so instead of adding harsh cleaning agents to our already irritated skin, we use an oil suitable for our skin which will pull out any dirt and then with the use of a damp hot cloth we use the power of steam and heat to open the clog further and really deep clean our skin. You can even follow with a clay mask to pull out all that pollution even more.

How did you get into natural cleaning?

Natural cleaning I feel is one of those areas that is going to explode soon. At the moment I make my own all purpose degreaser spray, which is quite easy you can make one with castile soap, vinegar, a little alcohol and I use baking soda for its abrasive properties so really takes off any stains and acts like a natural bleach. Another natural compounds that is super effective in natural cleaning is washing soda and sodium percarbonate and I use this for example I like to make toilet bombs they are fun and quick to make and when I am lazy I just mix the powders together and add a tablespoon to my toilet.

Another amazing ingredient is coconut oil which can be used to make a coconut oil soap which is one of the most cleansing oils you can find! It's so easy and you can make it with just 3 ingredients where 1 of these is just tap water. SO easy. I feel that sometimes consumerism has really brought us to complicate our lives so unnecessarily!

There are other things that I prefer to buy in bulk like for instance floor cleaner as I have a wooden floor I prefer not to diy it.

Does making your own help you reduce your packing?

Not always! There are instances when you might be better off purchasing a zero waste product. If I need to source way too many ingredients which is not really sustainable especially if they are being shipped to me from different locations.

However, if I am able to create a product with just a handful of ingredients which I know I can get plastic free or in bulk or in a larger quantity, then it makes absolutely sense. For example aloe vera gel is one of those things that comes in plastic but I can get 1 KG bucket and make maybe 20-30 creams with it. That's a lot of packaging saved.

Here's the A4 Printable paper pattern you will need.

This week, I’m going to be showing you some essential hand sewing techniques.

First of all I’m going to show you how I tie a knot at the end of my thread before starting to sew. There are a few different ways to do this but I wrap the end of the thread around my finger a few times and roll it off to create a knot.

Running stitch is the first technique I’m going to be showing you. It’s one of the most basic stitches created by simply running the needle and thread through the layers of fabric. Running stitch is often used for quick fixes, joining fabric temporarily rather than pinning or gathering bulky fabrics. It's easy and fast and fast to remove as well.

Backstitch is a very strong stitch and the closest hand stitch to using a sewing machine. It is often used to repair or sew garments, you can also use it for embroidery or appliqué. I’m starting with the knot at the back of the fabric then going back into the fabric about 2-3mm behind then coming through in front and going back to the beginning of my last stitch. I’m going to repeat this all the way along, trying to keep my stitches small and tight together.

Blanket Stitch can be used as a decorative stitch or to hem materials. I’m starting off with pushing the needle through from in between both layers of fabric. I then bring the needle over the fabric and through again from the back, before I pull the thread tight I’m looping the needle through the loop that forms at the back then pulling tight. As it’s decorative stitch and designed to be seen you want to keep your stitches neat and consistent.

Hemming Stitch also known as a blind stitch or slip stitch. I use this all the time for heming garments like smart trousers or skirts when you don’t want the stitches to be seen. For this example I have folded the fabric over twice the same way I would do a hem then I’m starting with the needle in the fold to hide my knot. I'm going to catch the smallest bit of the outer fabric in my needle and then catch a small amount from under the fold. You want to match your thread as close in colour to the fabric, here I’m using red thread so it’s clearer for you. Ideally, your stitches are barely visible from the right side.

Hope you found this useful!

Sophie x

#sewing #handsewingtutorial #diy #stayhomeandsew #bowtie #accessories #agnes

Hello everyone,

I thought I'd share with you a list of the small things I've been enjoying during this weird and uncertain time that we're going through. As I'm sure you all know most of the UK other than key workers are social distancing and only meant to be going out once a day for exercise. Yesterday I was talking to my boyfriend about how much you appreciate something when it's very limited, walking outside in the sunshine for example.

I've been working from home since August last year so my day to day routine hasn't really changed all too much. However, I previously prioritized an hour's gym session every day and weekly trips into London for meetings to get me out and socialising as well. During the last week, I've been trying to refocus on small habits I can create at home.

1. Cat Meffan's Yoga Videos

If I don't become a yogi during this time period, I never will. I'm really trying to build up a routine yoga practise and have been enjoying Cat's easy to follow yoga videos. It's really easy to find a video that fits into your schedule as she has loads of videos that range from 15 mins to 45 mins so whether I'm looking for a quick morning stretch or a bit more of a workout I can find something.

2. Wunder Workshop Tea - I'm a big green tea drinker and normally I drink loose leaf tea however at the beginning of last week I ran out. Luckily I still have some of the Wunder Workshop Golden Spirit Tea in my cupboard. It's perfect for my 4 pm tea break and it's not caffeinated either. I brought mine from Zero Living after trying it at a few of their events last year.

3. Banana Bread - So it's only been a week and I've already baked and eaten 2 loaves of banana bread! Oops. Mainly because I had so many overripe bananas that needed using up and now more than ever I'm conscious I don't want to waste any food. I've been using this really easy Vegan recipe and its delicious.

4. Soap - Wierd favorite but hey these are the times we're living in at the moment. Last week we were running dangerously low on handsoap so I purchased the Bean & Boy natural vegan soap bundle from The Kind Store. I've got one in my kitchen, one in my bathroom and a third in the shower as a body wash. They smell amazing and foam up really easily. Plus I'm using up every pot of hand cream I've ever been given.

5. Podcast - I always listen to podcasts while I'm working, going on a run or out on a walk. I have a few favourite podcasts including The Guilty Feminist, Connecting People by Sabinna and CTRL ALT DELETE by Emma Gannon. I'm also about to listen to, Women at Work by Harvard Business Review which has been recommended to me several times. Of course, you can listen to the first season of my podcast, The Agnes LDN podcast as well. I'm working on season 2 currently.

I hope you're all staying safe and well.

Sophie x

The environmental impacts of our disposable sanitary products are quite shocking, an individual goes through approximately 11,000 disposable pads and/or tampons in a lifetime. Most sanitary pads contain polyethylene plastic as the adhesive and the time it takes for a tampon or pad to degrade in a landfill is centuries longer than the lifespan of the person who used it especially when it’s wrapped in plastic.

Tampons also contain harmful chemicals such as dioxin, chlorine and rayon and whilst I'm sure none of us want these anywhere near our bodies, when disposed of these chemicals also get soaked up by the earth.

Whilst it can seem daunting to move away from conventional ways of managing our periods that we've used all our lives, there are plenty of healthier, more environmentally friendly options out there. Whether you prefer pads, tampons or a mix of both then there is an alternative for you.

1. Reuseable Sanitary Pads

If you're someone who prefers's pads to tampons then reusable pads are a great option. You simply use them as normal and then wash them in between uses. They're available in different absorbancies so you can find ones that suit you. Our organic cotton pads are made from 100% natural organic cotton so theirs no nasty chemicals and they're soft and comfortable.

STAIN REMOVER TIPS - I find this Stain Remover stick from Blanc really effective for removing stains from my reusables.

Also drying in direct sunlight is supposed to bleach stains out. I haven't tried this yet though.

2. Menstrual Cup

They were invented in 1937, so definitely not a new invention. Menstrual cups are made out of medical-grade silicone, they hold up to 3 tampons worth and can be worn for up to12 hours. The cups come in different sizes depending on your age and whether you've had a baby, so make sure you find the right size for you. I would recommend using a reusable panty liner or period undies for the first few times using your cup so you get used to it.

For more information on how to use the cup checkout this guide.

Moon Cup and OrganiCup are both popular brands.

3. Period Pants

Period undies have built-in moisture absorbent, leak proof technology that offers a comfortable alternative to disposable pads and tampons. Some of them can even absorb up to 4 tampons worth, meaning you can wear them night and day. They can be a bit of an investment but they save you money in the long run. They also contain antimicrobial properties prevent bacteria from building up and keep smells far away!  To clean them simply rinse after use and then wash in the machine.

Brands such as Flux undies and Thinx are great options.

4. Reuseable Tampon Applicators

Dame for Good realised billions of tampon applicators were being thrown away each month so they came up with a solution. They came up with a safe and hygienic reusable tampon applicator. They also supply organic cotton tampons to go with it. Find out more about their applicators on their website.

5. Organic Biodegradable Tampons

If reusable isn't for you then these are a great alternative, Ohne sells 100% biodegradable tampons, totally natural, unscented tampons made from organic cotton. Also, they're a female-run business and there's no tampon tax, yay!

I hope you find these suggestions useful and find one that works for you.

Sophie x

By Chloe

By far one of my top choices, By Chloe is a 100% vegan fast-food chain with delicious and healthy(ish) dishes. They have two London locations, one in Covent Garden and the other near Oxford Circus, so it’s very accessible, especially if you like to roam around central London. My favourite dishes are the Kale Caesar salad and the Mac n’ Cheese, both divine! The prices are quite standard for London and the decor is very millennial, so make sure to bring a camera to snap some “Insta-worthy” shots.

Neat Burger

In case you haven’t been following the plant-based-London-news scene, then you’ll have heard of Neat Burger, a project of vegan Formula 1 racer, Lewis Hamilton. The fast-food restaurant is located in the heart of Regent Street, and they make the best vegan burgers out there, featuring “This” Chicken, and a divine mayo-based sauce. The place is unsurprisingly millennial themed (pink, white colors and lots of plants!) and perfect for cute photos of the food, and you and your friends.

Wulf and Lamb

I recently had the chance of visiting Wulf and Lamb, located between Chelsea and Victoria, and I was amazed by the plant-based goodness! This is another millennial-style restaurant, however, it’s pretty casual and perfect for any sort of meetings, hangouts and events. I tried their delicious burgers along with the Mac n’ Cheese which was the best I’ve ever tried (and as you can tell, I’ve tried a lot….). While you’re there, make sure you walk around Pavilion road which is filled with cute stores and cafes.

Yorica

Located in the heart of Soho, Yorrica is the perfect place to visit when you’re in need of a sweet pick-me-up. You can choose between soft-serves, waffles, crepes, and ice-creams from their 100% vegan (and allergen-friendly) menu.

Temple of Seitan

If you need a cruelty-free alternative to KFC, you definitely need to pay a visit to one of the Temple of Seitan locations as they make insane chick’n nuggets, wraps, and burgers! My favorite is their “popcorn chick’n” *secretly drooling*

If you’re with picky carnivores, check out these restaurants below which are not 100% vegan, but they offer an amazing selection of plant-based dishes.

The Athenian

As a Greek, I was very intrigued when I first heard of The Athenian, especially knowing that they had vegan gyros (traditionally, shredded pieces of meat wrapped in pita bread with various fillings) and I jumped on the first opportunity to give it a try. I must say their Seitan gyros is absolutely delicious, and it made me reminiscent of when I was younger (and not vegan) and used to indulge in this quick meal often. They have multiple locations across the UK, and a couple in central London so it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to try a different type of cuisine!

Rosa’s Thai Cafe

If you’re fancying a good Thai dish, Rosa’s Thai Cafe is a great choice for both plant and meat-eaters. There are multiple locations across London with all the same, delicious menu. Make sure you get the Pad Thai (with tofu and without egg) and the vegetable spring rolls; both are super delicious!

Crosstown Doughnuts

Finally, if you’re craving a good donut head over to one of the Crosstown Doughnuts locations and get yourself a vegan “Dark Chocolate Truffle” donut. You can also go to their Marylebone location where the menu is 100% plant-based.

For more details about new vegan-friendly restaurants, reviews and prices, make sure you follow Sustainable London on Instagram, as well as my personal at Learn to Love our Earth for some vegan fashion inspo

With Valentine's Day and Mother's Day just around the corner, I'm going to share my super easy homemade chocolate recipe. It can also be plastic-free and vegan depending on the ingredients you choose. For not much effort you can create a lovely handmade gift, and who doesn't love an edible present?

You will need a silicone mold tray to make them in, I've had mine years and I think I purchased it in a home store.

SALTED CARAMEL CUPS

Dark chocolate

Dates

Salt

Silicone Mold

METHOD

1. Soak the dates in hot water for 1 hour.

2. Melt the chocolate and fill the mold 1/3 with melted chocolate and place it in the fridge until solid.

3. Drain the dates and blend with a pinch of salt and a dash of water or oat milk until smooth in consistency.

4. Fill the mold to 2/3 with the date mixture and freeze for 30 mins.

5. Fill the mold to the top with melted chocolate and place it back in the fridge.

6. When the chocolate has solidified you should be able to pop the chocolates straight out of the mold.

Store them in the fridge between snacks!

PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

You will need

Dark chocolate

Peanut Butter

Silicone Mold

1. Melt the chocolate and fill the mold 1/3 with melted chocolate and place it in the fridge until solid.

2. Fill the mold to 2/3 with the peanut butter and freeze for 30 mins.

3. Fill the mold to the top with melted chocolate and place it back in the fridge.

4. When the chocolate has solidified you should be able to pop the chocolates straight out of the mold.

Store them in the fridge between snacks!

* I didn't quite use enough chocolate when I made these, hence the rustic appearance. Make sure you cover the sides of the mold in chocolate to seal in all the filling.

With Valentine's Day fast approaching I've put together some ideas for Valentine's day gifts that have a sustainable twist, featuring some of my favorite brands and my own recipes. So whether you're spending Valentine's day with your significant other, trying to impress your crush or hanging out with your best friends, there are some ideas for everyone.

1. CARDS

Make your own

Dig out your colouring pencils and get sketching, everyone loves a handmade card.

Recycle last years

Why not start a new tradition and regift last year's Valentine day card? To the same person obviously... or that could get awkward. Check out this cute story about this couple that recycled the same Valentine's day card for 70 years!!

Think Loop Loop - Give a valentines day card that keeps giving, Sophie makes hand-drawn cards on plantable paper. Plant them in spring and wildflowers will grow.

LINGERIE

If you want to treat yourself or someone special to some new Lingerie this Valentines day then why not check out these small lingerie brands doing things differently.

Brighton Lace

Made in Brighton by an all-female team. I brought myself a set from Brighton Lace before Christmas and I absolutely love them, plus they've been kind enough to donate their offcuts to me to get creative with (watch this space)

Lara Intimates

Made in London, Lara intimates make an inclusive range of bras from responsibly sourced deadstock fabric and operate a zero-waste policy for offcut materials.

CHOCOLATES

Make your own?

Why not try making these salted caramel chocolates or peanut butter cups? They're so easy to make and only require 2-3 ingredients per recipe. They'll go down a treat. Click here for the recipe.

If you're looking for shop brought chocolates why not choose a slavery-free brand such as Tony's Chocolonely and look for palm oil-free brands also.

ACTIVITIES OVER GIFTS

Instead of buying gifts for each other why not buy memories instead? Book yourselves onto a cooking class, chocolate making workshop or a craft workshop such as ceramics. You'll get to spend quality time together as well as learning a new skill.

FLOWERS

Flowers are a massive part of Valentine's day but before you dash out and buy a dozen red roses I urge you to read this really interesting post by Ethical Unicorn on sustainable floristry.

If you want to buy your loved ones some flowers this year here's some things you can do to make them a bit more sustainable -

Buy them from a local supplier

Forage or grow your own

Support sustainable florists.