Our last morning in Calgary started off on a great note.
That note was Eric’s cell phone alarm screeching at us to get to the airport.
Actually, I was already up. I’ve always been the annoying early riser, while he has always been the annoying “I hate mornings” person. We’ve reached a bitter conclusion. Neither one of us is going to change.
I was in the bathroom getting ready and I could hear the cringe-worthy alarm jingle (shudder) going off for what seemed like hours. How is he not awake yet? The sound got louder and louder until finally I heard a grumble and the alarm went off.
Finally, peace and quiet.
“Oh SHIT!!” Eric screamed from the bedroom.
“What’s wrong?” I screamed back like an 85 year old with a hearing aid.
Seconds later, Eric came into the bathroom clutching a glass of water in one hand and his cell phone in the other.
“Do you think your mom has a bag of rice I could use…?”
I knew where this was going. The disgruntled sleeper had turned off the phone alarm and then slid the phone – with his eyes closed – onto the edge of the nightstand. Only the nightstand turned out to be the EDGE OF A HUGE GLASS OF WATER.
Plop!
Being the great wife that I am, I could not stop laughing. It really made my day.
It turns out, the bag of dry rice trick worked (in the sense that his phone operates, but the screen jumbles up every now and then) and we got it through airport security without even raising an eyebrow.
This story has absolutely nothing to do with today’s post, except for the fact that it makes me happy. So do all of these things below.
1. Almond Dream “Ice Cream”
Finally, we have an almond based vegan ice cream to add to the coconut and soy based ice creams out there! While I do enjoy coconut-based ice creams, I find them incredibly rich and sometimes I just don’t want coconut! Almond Dream is lighter. It’s no where close to being as creamy as coconut ice creams – it has almost an icy and firm feel to it – but that didn’t stop me from eating half the container over the weekend. I hear they have other flavours such as chocolate and Praline Crunch. So far, I’ve only come across vanilla and chocolate in my neck of the woods.
Now all we need is an almond + coconut hybrid and we’re set.
2. Breakfast Parfaits
When I’m not making Green Monsters, I’m enjoying vegan overnight oats and buckwheat parfaits for summer breakfasts (making them with Gena’s Banana Soft Serve is especially delicious). Parfaits are a great way to use up fresh summer fruit with minimal effort. Need one for the road? Just fill up a mason jar and bring a spoon.
3. Wildwood Sprouted Organic Super Firm Tofu
My friend Heather told me about this Wildwood tofu a few months ago and I’ve been loving it ever since. The organic soybeans are sprouted making it easier to digest. They aren’t kidding when they say it’s super firm. Sometimes, I just rinse it and squeeze the block with a tea towel and proceed with cooking. It’s great when I don’t have time to press. Close runner up: Sol Organic’s Firm tofu.
4. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Bar Soap in Lavender
I’m a huge lavender nut so this soap is right up my alley. It’s great in the shower with a big puff or simply used as a hand soap in the kitchen or bathroom. It’s like a mini spa treatment infusing the air with calming lavender. Mmm.
5. Tonica Kombucha
I was never a big kombucha fan, but Ange got me hooked on this milder-tasting brand and I’ve enjoyed all of the flavours so far. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot day.
6. Medjool Dates (2lb) from Costco
Costco carries medjool dates by the 2 pound box for about $8.99 here in Ontario. It’s about $3-4 dollars cheaper than what I’ve seen in local grocery stores.
7. Kettle Brand Baked Salt and Vinegar Chips
I mentioned these a while back and I’ll say it again, I LOVE these chips! I will never buy the deep fried Kettle chips again now that I know how amazing the baked ones are. They are a bit thicker and much crispier than their regular chips, but I don’t mind. I’ve always been a huge salt & vinegar fan and this flavour doesn’t disappoint. Next on the list to try- BBQ. Did I mention a serving size is around 30-32 chips?
8. Green Beaver “Apres-ski” Boreal Face Cream
Boy, do I love a great Canadian business, especially when they create quality beauty products using natural ingredients! Many of Green Beaver’s products are vegan and none of them are tested on animals. They have the largest “natural, eco-friendly and organic certified (EcoCert) product line in Canada”, according to their website. I love this Boreal Face Cream. I rub it into my face, neck, décolletage, and hands before bed and my skin is super soft in the morning.
I have naturally dry skin (even in the humid summer heat) and this moisturizer really does the trick. Now be warned – it’s THICK and heavy! At first, I was put off by this, but when I saw how good it worked – and reminded myself of the ingredient list – I figured I could live with it. Plus, I only use it before bed so the heavy feel doesn’t bother me when I’m asleep. I probably wouldn’t use this as a day cream unless my skin happened to be super dry during the winter. For now, nighttime use seems to be hydrating my skin more than enough.
I also use the SPF 15 daytime face cream. It’s decent for an all-natural cream, although it leaves a bit of a greasy feel after absorbing. All in all though, I love that I’m not rubbing harsh chemicals on my face. My advice is to test out the creams on your own skin prior to purchasing. For a list of Canadian retailers, see this list.
9. Learn Food Photography Website
I’ve been doing a ton of reading about food photography lately. I just can’t get enough! This website called Learn Food Photography is a great resource for all things food photography and blogging. The first time I found it, I read articles for about 3 hours straight. Now only if it would rub off on me…
10. V. K. Rees Photography
Vanessa Rees is an incredibly talented and inspiring photographer. She shares her food, event, wedding, and portrait photography on her blog, V.K. Rees Photography. Be ready to drool in awe and find some yummy recipes at the same time. Plus, her adorable kitty Marshall is featured throughout the blog. Sketchie’s crushing big time.
11. Shark 2-in-1 Steam Vac
We bought this 2-in-1 steam vac due to all the wood floors in our new place. I wasn’t sure whether to buy it because I read some negative reviews, but I’m so glad I did. It works as a vacuum and floor steamer. The vacuum isn’t anything spectacular and it’s incredibly noisy, but it’s nice for quickly vacuuming the floor prior to steaming. The steamer uses filtered water (I like to add a few drops of essential oils too) and it makes the floor super shiny. The only thing I find it doesn’t do well is removing dried on dirt. A little bit of elbow grease before steaming will help it lift off easier though. I bought it on sale at Canadian Tire several months ago – these things are always on sale so keep your eyes peeled!
12. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Ok, I’m only halfway through this book, but I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s a memoir about Cheryl’s quest to hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail, as a single 26 year old, after experiencing a series of devastating events in her life. I’m dripping tears on one page, laughing like a crazy person on another, and in complete awe throughout her journey. I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds.
Whew, I guess that about does it for now.
PS- How the heck is it July 18th already? This is the point each summer when a little panic sets in…
By the way, these products were purchased by me and are not sponsored in any way. Just giving my honest opinion about products I enjoy.
For my other round-up posts, see:
and
My eric and I are the exact same way. I get up early and he would hibernate all day if he could. His alarm drives me nuts! I can’t count he number of times I have gone to the bedroom to turn the damn thing off.
Now I really want to read wild. The summary kind o reminds me of my lil sis who backpacks quite a bit in the mountains. She is very outdoorsy :)
My hubby and I are the SAME way! He usually sleeps in about 1 – 2 hours longer than I do, and NEVER wakes up in the middle of the night b/c of a barking dog or crying baby. I, on the other hand, hear EVERYTHING! I love this round-up of products, and I look forward to trying the Kombucha drink you highlighted, as well as the almond dream :)
I can’t wait to read that book – glad to hear you are enjoying it.
Finished Wild and loved, loved, loved it!! I too was crying one minute and then laughing another. Dr. Bonner also makes some great body lotions, lavender being my favorite. Heading to Costco today and I’ll be looking for the dates. Thanks for the great post!!
Oh I didn’t know they make body lotion too. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for it.
That book is already on my (crazy long) to-read list, I’ve heard so many good things about it!
So funny about Eric’s phone-I would have been laughing too!! I am so glad I know about Medjool dates at Costco..those can get pricey at Whole Foods.
Thank you for sharing the food photography blog! I’ve been looking for ways to improve in this area on my blog and have a long way to go. I love the “start here” page and am working my way through the step-by-step directions. This is awesome!
Glad you enjoy it Sara! Nothing beats free instruction :)
I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s soaps. I use the peppermint one (liquid) and it’s INCREDIBLE after a hot, sweaty workout – so cooling & tingly! I first found out about them after my local Moksha studio as that is what they used in the showers.
Am definitely going to pick-up WILD for our upcoming cottage vacation. Thanks for the recos!
My dad got the Shark a few months back and man is it noisy! I grit my teeth every time he turns it on but since we have a Samoyed (white fluffy, year-long shedding dog) the Shark is great for picking up all of his hair.
haha I know, I feel like I should be wearing earplugs!
That sounds like a really awesome book, I added it to my list of books to read! :)
I always buy sprouted tofu when I’m in the States, but have a harder time finding it here. Where do you get yours? Also, the BBQ Kettle chips = danger! They are soooo good. Proceed with caution is all I’m sayin… ;)
Hey Sarah, I buy it at Organic Garage in Oakville, but I’ve also seen it at Whole Foods. It’s not very common in groceries stores though! When I can’t buy it, I also like Solorganic firm tofu.
We had kombucha chai concord grape drink in the states. It was yummy!
I meant chia…
I just finished reading the book Wild last night and now I read about it on your site first thing in the morning. I got it at the library and read it in two days, it is hard to put down! You are so right, this book takes you from one emotion to the other in short order. I live in California and have been to the Hat Creek and Burney Falls areas and hope to go back. Once we stayed in a yurt and the other time in a cabin that had been built in the 1930’s. The nights are so dark there,it feels as if you can see a million stars and the Milky Way is easy to see. We live in a city and think that it is dark at night, but nothing like this. Every summer we talk about going back but half my children are grown now and as the others get older it is harder to find a time that works for everyone. I love to walk and have long dreamed of some wonderful adventure like this but know it will remain a dream.
I’ve heard about this “Wild” book–adding it to my reading list. And thanks for the tip on dates. I recently discovered that I love dates (and figs, and pine nuts. my 3 recent fad foods), so I’ll see if my local Costco has a similar deal. Thanks!
Green Beaver is the only sunscreen I put on my girls and I totally trying almond milk ice cream now!
Good stuff girlie! I too have been really into breakfast parfaits lately. Gotta eat those berries while they’re still in season! :)
I read Wild recently and loved it! I read Becoming Odyssa after that (young lady hiking the app trail solo) and liked it just as much! Now I’ve got the backpacking bug!
Almond Dream ice cream is my absolute favorite! I forget that it isn’t made with dairy. It has been a lifesaver for me lately being that I am pregnant, craving ice cream, and lactose intolerant. :)
ooo that ice cream sounds so good! I’ve been trying to find a good ice cream substitute :)
Awww thanks so so much for the mention Andrea! The feeling is totally mutual. And I don’t know what my mornings would be without your overnight oats. xx
Ughh, stupid iPhone. *ANGELA, not Andrea.
Hi Angela, I have been reading your blog for several months now, and I just wanted to say that I LOVE your recipes, writing, and photos:) I recently started my own blog (feel free to check it out), and I will probably be linking back to your fantastic culinary creations quite often:D Oh, and that Almond Dream ice cream looks fantastic!! And I have gotten those dates from Costco as well; they are certainly cheaper than at other stores. Again, thank you for giving me SO much inspiration with your recipes; I look forward to your cookbook:)
Hey Kendra, It’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m off to check out your blog. :)
My friend just bought me the Dr. Bronner’s Magic Bar Soap in Lavender as well.
I love it!
Will have to try some of your other suggestions, Thanks for the post!
I’ve tried the Almond Dream, its good but too sweet for me and yeah a little icy. I actually ended up making my own almond milk ice cream, and to get it creamy I remembered your hot potato trick from your cookie dough dip, it totally worked!! I so far have made vanilla, chocolate, and coffee (all three i have on my recipage) But I bet if you stuck your dip straight (i.e. not thinned) into the ice cream maker it would be super thick like gelato:)
Wow I will have to check your recipes out! Sounds awesome. :)
I agree, I can not believe how fast this year has gone by! Where can you purchase that brand of Kombucha? I am the crazy nut who loves the strong kombucha that everyone tells me tastes and smells like vinegar, but the one you like looks delicious.
I’ve seen it at Organic Garage in Oakville and Whole Foods. Goodluck!
Where oh where did you get that Almond Ice cream? I live in toronto, so confident I can find it at a grocer near me, but have no idea where to start looking.
I’ve seen it at Whole Foods and Fortinos so far. Goodluck!
This post is so informative (bag of rice,V.K.Rees, tofu and more!) you’ve made me busy for a whole couple hours going through all that great links! Thank you 100 times!
Aw, thank you that makes me happy!
Dying to try that almond dream ice cream!!
I”m loving my dehydrator right now. We have such great peaches and nectarines in Albuquerque, NM right now so I’m taking advantage of saving them for later.
I adore this list. Excellent Roundup!!!
Overnight oats are the perfect summer breakfast. I buy dates from Costco too and I’m going to have to give that ice cream a try.
I really wish they would sell more almond product here… I’d love to try that almond ice cream! I’ve tried almond yogurts when I still lived in the US. Now I am living in Germany and they sell nothing but ONE single brand of soy yogurt. You see what I am going through! ; )
I’m halfway through reading Wild too. I absolutely love it! I read this interview on The Great Discontent — http://thegreatdiscontent.com/cheryl-strayed — and downloaded her book 5 seconds later. She’s pretty amazing.
Ok, I just tried Almond Dream Vanilla Ice Cream for the first time last week. Totally Addictive! Generally I avoid foods with sugar but I may have to make an exception here. I think its much better than the coconut based ice creams I have tried.
Green Beaver lotion is GREAT STUFF. In the depths of an Ontario winter, it almost manages to keep my legs from flaking off entirely. :D
Also, thanks for the review of the Shark steam cleaner! I’ve been stalking Canadian Tire, waiting for it to go on sale, so I’m glad it’s worth the wait.
Normally, I would have no part of baked potato chips but I just bought the Baked S&V Kettle Chips based off of your recommendation. Good stuff! It’s a win!
I’ve had the Praline Crunch Almond Dream and it was decent (but not quite good enough to win me over from dairy ice cream or make me bother to seek it out again). I’m interested in trying the cappucino swirl one of these days, though – maybe it’s better!
Thanks for the great recommendations and the continued output of quality content!
I can’t wait to read the book! Everyone has recommended it and it looks like I need to get it.
I keep a pint of the almond dream Praline Crunch in my freezer. I actually can never find just the vanilla kind. The praline crunch reminds me of butter pecan, it doesnt taste that way but I think its the nuts that reminds me of it. I am looking fwd to the day when they start selling raw vegan icecream in the wholefood stores!
I bought the Oh She Glows book and would like to know the nutritional values. I have tried a few different areas but can’t seem to find them. There are a lot of recipes that look delicious but I am trying to track my food as points. Any help would be great!
Sharon
[email protected]
Hey Sharon, I have nutritional information for the second book (there is a link to it in the opening chapter), but not for the first book unfortunately. Thank you so much for your support!