Category Archives: Product Photography

The Vax Spotwash, is it worth the hype?

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Earlier this year I made the decision to buy myself a Vax Spotwash Home and Pet tool device. I had seen adverts for probably a year and finally concluded I needed one in my busy home. With Cats and Children at home it can mean a lot of mess sometimes and I wanted something that would make cleaning easier and better than me being on my hands and knees scrubbing stains.

In my bundle from Vax that I purchased I got the Vax Spotwash Home and Pet Design. They included the Spotwasher liquid and the Pet Stain and Odour Remover liquid. I was also treated to a set of sprays included in this bundle, the Vax Stain Removal Kit, which were called Stainshot Sprays. I have an Antibacterial, an Original and an Oxy Lift. They come in Spring Fresh scent which I found pleasing and not an overpowering smell. I also got a Car Cleaning Kit but I haven’t needed to use that yet.

What I received

Vax Spotwash Machine for Home Pet and Car
Vax Spotwash Solution
Vax Antibacterial Solution 1.5L
Car Kit (Free)
Stainshot Sprays Kit 3 x 750ml
6 Tools for different jobs

Testing the Vax

I had a 3 month old stain on my grey rug that I couldn’t shift with supermarket products. It was orange and yellow, from Cat Vomit unfortunately, and although the rug was clean and I cleaned it regularly hoping it would fade, the stain remained and looked awful to me. So I decided to test if the Vax Spotwash could remove this stain for me, at least fade it somewhat.

I chose to spray the stain with the Oxy Lift Stainshot Spray, because I felt the bubble action would benefit lifting the stain. Inside the Vax Spotwash I used the Vax Cleaning Solution which is Antibacterial and warm water as described in the instructions. Using the scrub tool as the attachment because of its bristles, I hoped to lift and scrub out the stain along with the solution and spray working in tandem.

The device was easy to use and I could see the results as I scrubbed away with the tool. It did take some elbow grease but the device did do a lot of the work for me. I love how I could see the moisture being dragged and sucked back into the machine as I used the tool and hose across the rug when I was done scrubbing. The rug was left smelling great, the stain was 90% faded away and the fibres were definitely clean. I decided to hang the rug outside to dry fully in fresh air, because despite the tools suction being very efficient it wasn’t dry enough to be left on my wooden floors (beneath the rug). Once it had fully dried I could see the extent to which the Vax Spotwash had worked on the stain. It was 95% faded once the sunlight and air had gotten to the fibres.

Overall I would say I’m ecstatic with the results, because the stain was not fresh it was embedded in the rug fibres. I have other rugs that I’m planning to clean up in the exact same way, from cat vomit and food stains such as coffee drips. And I can say with some positivity that the stains are likely to be removed or at least faded to a point where they are no longer noticeable. The fact that the Vax Spotwash also cleans in general to such a high standard makes it such a wonderful tool to have in my home, for both convenience and hygiene reasons.

Cleaning the machine after I was done was a little tricky on the first ever go. Mainly because of working out how to empty and clean all the components effectively. I was surprised as well just how heavy the machine was, and obviously that increased once the fluids were in both the clean and the dirty tanks. At the end of the day you have to think of a small hoover weight, plus the tank of liquid, then you’ll get a rough estimate in your mind. The Vax Spotwash weighs approximately 4.5kg when empty, more when solutions and water and tools are added.

Would I recommend it? Is it worth the hype?

For the price that I paid, which was £129.99 (delivered free) due to an offer. And it came with the free stain removal spray kit, I believe the machine and it’s accessories are good value for money. As for being worth the hype it has certainly worked for me and for what I wanted it for. General cleaning of rugs and upholstery that cannot go into a washing machine, and to remove or fade stains that are integrated into said fabrics. It definitely worked for me and left everything I have used it on looking, feeling and smelling clean.

Yes there are cheaper brands out there, but having done a little research before purchasing my Vax, you don’t get as many accessories, tools, and cleaning solutions with other brands which you would then need to purchase or buy supermarket alternatives to use with the device you have bought. I have used my vax and still have enough solutions to last maybe a year or two at least, because you measure out what you need at the time of filling the device, so nothing is wasted.

Sabrina’s Product Review Scores

Product Quality 5✩
Product Design 4✩
Packaging 4✩
Value for Money 5✩
Product as Advertised 5✩

I have scored the Product Design as a 4 and the Packaging as a 4 too. Although they claim the machine is compact, I found the pipe really hard to wrap around the machine once it had been used a few times and stretched out. I don’t have a cupboard large enough for it to go into either. There were also no instructions in my box regarding the disassembly and the changing of tools, I had to figure it all out on my own, including the cleaning of the machine, despite it having a few labels on my device itself it wasn’t always clear what to do. I would have loved to have seen some clear instructions.

Overall I do rate this purchase, I feel it is worth the money. And with my latest family addition on the way I’m sure I will get more use out of it very soon too.

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Thank you for reading about this product review today. Please check out my social media for more content on this including video of me using it, as well as other product unboxing and reviews.

#SevernSabrina

Thank you for visiting Severn Wishes Blog today, I hope you have enjoyed what you’ve read and that I see you again soon. Have a great day.

✩ Sabrina ✩

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b.box flip top insulated water bottle product review

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For my most recent collaboration I have been sent a b.box bottle to test and review. I have really been looking forward to bringing this review to you because this item was a joy to test out, and it has now become my every day go-to reusable bottle.

The b.box flip top insulated bottle is an amazing design, which features a free flowing spout to drink from when the flip top is open. It is leak proof when it is shut. The bottle is seamless and smooth all over, and with a handy silicone carry strap it makes for easy on-the-go hydration.

The bottle I have holds 1 litre of liquid, but they also do it in 690ml size too. Boasting a fabulous 46 hours of chilled beverage certainty that I can attest to having rigorously tested it for the past four days too! This water bottle is a game changer for those of us who pride ourselves on getting our hydration out of the way every single day. And a bottle like this makes it effortless let me tell you more…

No more sharp edged plastic bottles, no more drinks getting warm in the sunshine while you’re out and about. And definitely no more leaking in your bag. We all keep getting told how bad plastics are for as well, so let’s all take a look at how this stainless steel bottle works.

Let me explain how the b.box insulated bottle is created, and show you a few graphics from my collaborative partner detailing their incredible design. So a triple layer helps the water in your bottle to stay cool for up to 46 hours, it does this using a stainless steel inner layer coated then with copper and then a vacuum layer before another layer of stainless steel. The powder coat outer layer is purely for the addition of a colour choice, of which there are 12 to choose from. The layers work in harmony to keep the cool temperature of the bottle stable while you go about your day and keep the warmth of the air out. The silicone elements of the bottle which include the very handy carry strap add another level of sophistication and functionality to this product.

I took the bottle out on several walks and errands over the course of four days, in 20 degree’s Celsius (average) heat because it’s been lovely warm and sunny in the UK this week. And my water stayed cold all day long. Pouring in water and dropping in ice cubes was easy, the large opening at the top is big enough to place them inside, and the opening and closing of the lid itself is simple to do but you can also feel how secure and in place it is when you carry it. No leaks and cool drink for hours on end, perfect.

Image supplied by b.box
Image supplied by b.box

As part of a healthy lifestyle it’s important to choose products that help us to either maintain or better those choices, I believe the b.box brand is helping people to do that with their innovative designs.

b.box Flip Top Insulated Bottle Details:

Stainless Steel Interior Design
Stainless Steel Straw
Flip Top Design
Silicone Carry Strap / Handle
1 litre capacity / 34 fl.oz
Cold water contained within remains cool for 46 hours
12 colours available
Australian Design
BPA Free
Suitable for ages 6 + to adults
Height of bottle 26cm (flip top closed)
Weight (empty) 478 grams
Weight (full of water) 1493 grams
Not suitable for hot beverages nor carbonated

Available to buy on Amazon (LINK)
Price (as of 19/05/2025 for 1 litre) £32.99

Who is this bottle ideal for?

I believe anyone who needs on-the-go hydration would find this bottle an asset. You can use it for Work, Home, Days Out, School, College, University, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Bedside, Gym / Fitness, Camping, Festivals… pretty much anywhere. And because of it’s large 1 litre capacity you will find you won’t need to fill it so often either. The recommended daily allowance for an adult is at least 2 litres of water a day, which means you would only need to fill this bottle twice in a day to get your RDA. It is ideal especially for warmer days in order to stay hydrated and allowing your water to remain both cold and refreshing. Because let’s face it, none of us like to drink lukewarm water.

Designed for ages 6 plus up to adults, these bottles are perfect for those of us who enjoy staying hydrated, but this bottle makes it even more easier than other designs too. With a smooth flip top cap opening that is complimented by the free flowing stainless steel straw within, drinking water couldn’t be simpler. My six year old opened the flip top on this bottle and said it was easier than his school bottle made by another brand. Having been so impressed by b.box as a whole I am now considering getting my son his very own flip top bottle, but likely the smaller version which comes in at 690ml.

Sabrina’s Product Review Scores

Product Overall Quality 5✩
Ease of Use 5✩
Value for Money 5✩
Product as Advertised 5✩

I am giving this product a 10/10 and an overall Sabrina rating of 5✩.

Image supplied by b.box

Summary

Overall I am really happy with this product and I am planning to use it as my go-to bottle from now on. It’s been a joy to test it and I am so glad that I’ve been introduced to b.box as a brand now too.

You can purchase one of their bottles and look at the range over on Amazon. The b.box website is only currently available to order items in certain countries right now, so I would recommend Amazon as your first port of call if you’re looking to purchase an insulated bottle like mine, or just to see what other items are available – they even do a baby and toddler range.
View b.box on Amazon here

I really hope you have enjoyed this product review, and I am going to pop my links to my social media below because I have made a few videos regarding this product which some of you might find useful too.

Sabrina on Instagram Severn_Sabrina
Sabrina on Facebook Severn Wishes Blog

Thank you for visiting my blog today, I wish you a wonderful rest of your day.
Sabrina

Collaboration
I have been supplied this product for the purpose of a review. I get to keep the item once I have fulfilled the test and review parameters as discussed with the company. I have not been paid for this review, and all the words are my own, and all photography is my own unless otherwise stated. I was supplied several images to use for this review ensuring viewers got to see the brand in all it’s detail. As a writer I pride myself on giving my honest opinion, and readers can leave me comments asking about the item if they wish, I am happy to answer them based upon my experience using this product. Please do not copy any information or images without my written permission but feel free to share the link to my blog with people you know if you believe this product would benefit them knowing about it. Thank you.

Before Chocolate is a Hot Chocolate like no other

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When I was approached by Before Chocolate to product review for them I was very excited. It is rare to find a chocolate product that is dairy free and made to a standard that is so exceptional. Today on my blog I am going to talk about my experience and taste testing of this delicious brand.

Before Chocolate Original Hot Chocolate

About Before Chocolate

Established in 2019 by Harry and Mandi. A UK based company with high standards for producing a chocolate that is not only good for you, containing natural ingredients, as well as no allergens. But their mission was a simple one, to create a product that was chemical and additive free, that tasted like real chocolate should.
They work closely with the Cacao growers they use to find the finest beans for their products. Harry is an EU Organic Superfood importer, and Mandi is a mother of two who has always had a passion for real chocolate.
Before Chocolate is made from South American Fino de Aroma Cacao beans. And are Winner’s of 17 Great Taste Awards. They have also been featured on ITV.

Some Words from Before Chocolate and how they create their Artisan Hot Chocolate

Our chocolate products are a result of our collaboration with some of the world’s best cacao growers and chocolatier’s. Our range is inspired by the finest traditional superfood ingredients, multi-generational chocolate-making expertise and a desire to go back to the roots of chocolate making.

Chocolate as we know today is industrially processed, contains refined sugar, E numbers and many other nasty ingredients making it nutritionally poor. We’ve simply taken chocolate back to its origins; simpler, healthier and more natural than modern day chocolate as we all know it today.  Our cacao-rich super smooth chocolate is made up of high quality organic wholefoods, ethically sourced directly from the very best farmers around the world.

We’ve kept our ingredients list as short as possible with just single origin Peruvian and Ecuadorian Organic Cacao, Organic Coconut Sugar (15%) and with added superfoods such as Camu Camu, Turmeric, Maca, Lucuma and Chia seeds.

Before Chocolate products are allergen-free, vegan, organic, free from refined sugar and most importantly taste delicious. Great for all of the family, convenient healthy treats on the go or to simply have as a healthy snack at work.  Now you can enjoy your chocolate, guilt free knowing its actually a better alternative. Before Chocolate represents simple, clean and natural ingredients. Exactly how Chocolate should be enjoyed. 

Original Hot Chocolate

What’s In Before Chocolate Hot Chocolate?

Organic Cacao Paste
Unrefined Muscovado Sugar
Organic Light Agave Nectar

Cacao solids are 51% of the packet. I was given 135g bags which turn into 5 portions (regular mug size).

Chocolate Orange

The Products I Have Reviewed

When I was sent the hot chocolate pouches I could tell from the packaging that it was made to a high standard. Everything was clearly labelled with all the information that you could wish for. From the ingredients list to everything you needed to know about the product that was inside, including how to prepare it. The pouches are also resealable with a wonderful enclosed lip, this allows you to use just what you wanted and save the rest for another day.

I found that the bags contained 5 portions per bag, but liking my hot chocolate quite strong and also using a large mug I decided to add a little more into my saucepan than the recommended 3 spoonful’s, I used four. We had 4 portions of drink from the Original pouch, and 5 portions for the Orange and Spiced flavours.

I invited some family members over for the afternoon where I made everyone a hot chocolate of their choice using Almond Milk (we are a dairy free household) and I found it was simple to prepare. Using my favourite milk saucepan I poured in enough almond milk for the mug chosen and waited for it to simmer. Then I began stirring in the wonderful rich Cacao from the Before Chocolate packet. I used a silicone whisk to ensure a smooth finish. I made each drink one at a time for the different flavours, and then we sat around drinking them.

The overall view was that each one was certainly smooth and rich in flavour, I had personally never had a hot chocolate with such defined flavour. I actually think my choice of almond milk really complimented it. The before chocolate drinks were like velvet across your tongue, strong chocolate flavour and a nice after taste.

Original

This has to be the smoothest hot chocolate I have ever tasted, rich and delicious. A few minutes after I had finished it I did find myself in need of a glass of water, I think due to the richness. It was an indulgent and decadent treat for my taste buds. Knowing it was good for me, even though it tasted divinely naughty with its strong chocolate taste made it even better. Halfway down my mug I decided to squirt a little dairy free cream on the rest, and that complimented it very well too. The overall view was that it was a hot chocolate ideal for any time of the day or night, and it was ready in only a few minutes.

Orange

Well if you like orange flavours this would be the choice for you. As my mother said as she tasted hers “it’s like drinking a liquid chocolate orange”. Again a deliciously smooth feeling as you drink it, and full of flavour throughout every mouthful. It was even mentioned between us that you could make this and pour a little over ice cream or other desserts. Something we might have to try with the little bit left in our packet!

Spiced

A delicious chocolate flavour with a lightly spiced taste. It’s smooth and that hint of spices is so warming alongside the hot chocolate and its created warmth from the saucepan. This one is particularly good for this time of the year, ideal for the festive season, definitely one for adults to enjoy more so.
Although you could add portions of half original and half spiced and your children would likely love the smooth lightly spiced flavour of this hot chocolate with the rich smoothness the finished product provides.

I used my milk saucepan and almond milk to make our delicious hot chocolate drinks
Sabrina’s Serving Suggestion – Dairy Free Whipped Cream and Vegan Dark Chocolate Curls

Where Can I Buy Before Chocolate

Buy direct from Before Chocolate online. The website link below this sentence will help you to find out more and you can view the current range of products that are available to purchase as well.

The Website for Before Chocolate

Would I recommend it?

Yes I would recommend it. Not only is the hot chocolate incredible taste wise, but it is better for you than a high street or supermarket variety of hot chocolate. I would rather be putting this Cacao made version into my body than anything that has added sugars, E numbers and chemical additives in it.

Before Chocolate ingredients are actually good for you, they are delicious, it’s vegan friendly and it’s made with it’s growers in mind too – good karma! Overall it is an inviting and indulgent chocolate delight, a warming and comforting drink in the colder weather. The fact that it’s made in a way that is not harmful to your body just makes me want to drink it more, it tastes naughty and rich and yet it’s so good! It’s a win win for everyone.

Product Packaging Quality 5✩
Product Quality (Taste and Flavour) 5✩
As Advertised Online 5✩
Product Variety 5✩
Ease of Preparation 5✩

5✩ Overall I rate it 5 Stars 5✩

Thank you for reading my blog post today, I hope you have enjoyed learning about this brand and perhaps I have inspired you to try it. I also have a little video on my social media below if you’d like to watch that.

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Thank you for visiting my blog, I hope you have a wonderful day.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Indulgent, Inviting and Deliciously Rich

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Collaboration: I have been provided with these hot chocolate pouches from Before Chocolate in order to complete this honest product review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to showcase their fabulous brand across my platforms. I have loved taste testing them over the last few weeks and it was also nice to get my family involved as well. Thank you Before Chocolate, I have thoroughly enjoyed trying your delightful drinks and will be telling everyone I know how good they are.

All words, photography and opinions in my blog are my own, unless otherwise stated.

Please do not copy any information without my written permission but feel free to share the link to my blog with people you know if you believe this product would benefit them knowing about it.

If you have any questions or would like me to review a product for your business, please get in touch via my contact tab across the header of my blog homepage. Thank you, Sabrina.