Putting together this series is quite fun. As soon as I publish a new things I’m loving lately post, I start a new list on the side of the refrigerator. Once I’ve collected a handful of new items that I love, it’s time to post another list!
You can find my previous lists here:
- 7 Foods I’m Loving Right Now (March 2012)
- 14 Foods I’m Loving Lately (April 2012)
- 12 Things I’m Loving Lately (July 2012)
- 10 Foods I’m Loving Lately (October 2012)
- 6 Foods I’m Loving Lately (November 2012)
- 8 Things I’m Loving Lately (April 2013)
- 8 Things I’m Loving Lately (May 2013)
- 11 Things I’m Loving Lately (May 2013)
Here we go…
1. Desert Essence Organics Fragrance-Free Body Lotion
My go-to body lotion. If you are like me and loathe strong fragrances in many beauty products, you’ll appreciate this fragrance-free Desert Essence Hand & Body Lotion. I’ve written about my love for Desert Essence products many times before, such as their body wash which I still use exclusively. This is my go-to body lotion that I’ve been using it for the past several months. The consistency and thickness is great (neither too thin nor too thick) and it leaves behind no greasy feel like some natural lotions can. Desert Essence also makes body lotions with natural fragrances if that is more your thing!
2. Favourite Snack of the moment: Soaked Almonds
![soaked almonds vs dry almonds-4009[3]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/soaked-almonds-vs-dry-almonds-40093_thumb.jpg "soaked almonds vs dry almonds-4009[3]")
Once a week, I soak a cup of almonds in water overnight, rinse them off well in the morning, and then place the soaked almonds in a container for quick snacks all week long. There’s just something about hydrated, plump almonds that I adore! I really love the taste (they seem a bit more sweet when soaked) and texture. Best of all, soaking almonds makes them more digestible and your body will absorb the nutrients much easier. They are bursting with calcium and protein – 1/4 cup has 7.6 grams of protein and 91 mg of calcium. Not too shabby!
3. The Healthy Deodorant
I’ve tried many natural deodorants over the years and none of them came close to being worthy of buying twice. I’m happy to report that I’ve found a natural deodorant that I love called The Healthy Deodorant by Lavanila. The rave reviews convinced me to try it out. It’s free of petrochemicals, aluminum, phthalates, synthetic dyes, sulfates, parabens, and more. It works comparable to regular drugstore deodorants that I’ve tried over the years. The only thing I’m not crazy about is this particular scent – grapefruit vanilla. I find it smells a lot like baby powder (I’m not a fan of baby powder smell at all). Fortunately, they have 7 other scents (like vanilla lavender and vanilla coconut!), so next time I will try one of those scents instead. In the US, you can find this deodorant for $14 USD on Amazon or Sephora.com. In Canada, it’ll set you back $23 CAD from Sephora.ca. It’s pricey, but I bought this back in April and my stick is still going strong 4 months later.
4. Eat Your Greens Medley – made with Lentils
I made a version of my Eat Your Greens Chickpea Medley for a party this past weekend. This time I used tiny French green lentils (sadly, I was out of spinach though). A great twist on this recipe!
5. Beanitos Chips
These black bean chips are not only genius, but so tasty. They have a fair amount of protein per serving (4 grams per 12 chips) and their ingredient list is short and sweet: Whole Black Beans, Whole Grain Long Brown Rice and/or Long Grain White Rice, Pure Sunflower and/or Safflower Oil, Guar Bean Gum, Sea Salt. My only complaint is that the chips are quite thin and they can break in hefty dips. Otherwise, two thumbs up.
Well, that’s a wrap for August 2013. What things are you loving lately?
I have been loving almonds lately as well … a great snack! Also, I find the natural deodorant interesting. I tried a few a long time ago and never really like them much at all, but maybe it is time to give it a shot again. Thanks for sharing!
Those bean chips look great. I’ve tried some red bean ones from TJ’s years ago and loved them so much (and ate them all in like a day) so haven’t bought them again :)
The deodorant. Wow, great find! I normally have not had good luck with ‘natural’ deodorants working well, at all. As you said – not worth rebuying! Glad to know this one’s a keeper!
Ohhhh Beanitos are so good! Have you tried the Nacho ones?
I really need to try out the Daily Essence stuff!
Love the Beanitos too!
Got to say, for deo, I finally tried making my own with coconut oil, arrowroot starch and baking soda – works better than the traditional unhealthy deo! No sticky wetness, no smell, even lasts through my hot yoga sessions :) Just if you want to try something a little less expensive :)
Kirsten
PS – LOVE your site!
Thanks Kirsten! I’ve tried the homemade deodorant before, but I didn’t find that it worked as well as I hoped it would. It’s probably worth revisiting though! What’s your ratio of ingredients?
I recently just started using coconut oil and baking soda as well for deo, by recommendation of my cousin, and love it.just slap on some oil in the underarms and a little dusting of baking soda and good to go. how d you make yours?
The mix I’ve been using is:
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
5-6 Tablespoons coconut oil
I found it here: http://cadryskitchen.com/2012/08/29/diy-coconut-oil-deodorant/
She used to use the same one you are Angela!
I hope another try works for you! (I’ve heard you have to give your body several weeks to adjust – I was lucky, no adjustment phase for me!)
Good luck Angela and Sonia!
Thanks – I might give it another try when this one is nearing completion! :)
Let me know if it works for you :)
I make my own deodorant as well (the ratio of oil to starch varies depending on the season for mine though). I find it works ok as is, but I’m very active and need a bit more deodorizing than the regular recipe gives. I’ve found that adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the mix does the trick (without the smell being over-powering).
I’ve never tried the LaVanila deodorant, but I LOVE their roll-on perfume (specifically the Coconut Vanilla one)! The price difference on the Sephora sites for Canada and the US is due to different size options I think though… that deodorant comes in a travel size too, which is $13 in Canada, as well as the $23 size.
I just read somewhere that lemon juice works – I’ve been testing it out for a couple of weeks and it’s been amazing. I wish I had heard of this sooner; simple, inexpensive and very effective.
Vivian,
Does the lemon juice stain your clothing at all? Do you apply it once per day or require it more often? Do you exercise at all?
Do you worry about the soaked almonds mildew-ing at all? I just have a fear of leaving moist food for too long, but maybe I’m crazy. The Beanitos look great – I’m going to try to hunt some down to try!
I try not to leave the almonds soaking for longer than 10 hours – sometimes as few as 3-4 hours if I’m in a time crunch. Be sure to rinse them very well before storing. If you are worried, you could also give them a quick soak in boiling water. I’ve never had an issue with it though.
Makes sense – I bet rinsing does the trick. Thanks, Angela!
So do you store the almonds in the fridge? Or do you pat them dry them first and put them back in the cupboard? I’m curious how long they last. Thanks!
I was wondering the same thing, I did have some almonds mold on me once and I’ve been wary of leaving them in the fridge for long ever since then. Maybe a shorter soaking time is the key–you’ve inspired me to give them another try!
I am in LOVE with your almond butter parsnip fries (even my meat and grease loving hubby adores them!), sunflower sprouts and Field Roast Smoked Apple Sage vegan sausages…I also still make a batch of On The Glow Basic Oatmeal Squares at least twice a month. My 2 year old is convinced they’re cake =)
I need to try those beanitos though! look yummy! =)
Awesome – so glad to hear that Andrea!
I’m loving soaked almonds lately too! Mine are not as intentional as yours though…I find myself snacking from the almonds that I have soaking for almond milk. At least it keeps me from devouring the whole bowl, because if I do, then I have to wait that much longer to soak another cup of almonds for actually making the almond milk.
I used Desert Essences face wash a while ago and really liked it; I’ll have to try the lotion!
I’m loving any kind of cold quinoa salad right now. So refreshing!
you got me hooked on the Desert Essence products. i really like the shampoos and conditioners and body wash.
i’ll have to try the soaked almonds :)
I just tried their cleansing Lemon shampoo and I love it :)
I LOVE those Bean Chips! I have been kinda addicted so I had to stop buying them! I have been loving fresh apricots lately. This is the first year I actually bought them fresh and they are so good!
Never heard of soaking almonds … I’m going to try that!
I love these types of posts! It’s always fun to see what products other people are enjoying. I’ll have to look for that body lotion next time I’m in Whole Foods. It’s surprisingly difficult to find one that’s moisturizing, but not greasy! Also, my skin tends to get irritated by the various fragrances, as much as my nose might enjoy them. :)
Lately I’m loving Pureology Perfect For Platinum Shampoo & Conditioner, homemade iced tea, and fresh organic cherries!! xox
Never tried bean chips before! These look so tasty!
yum! those beanitos sound greattttttt, I can’t wait to try them!
I’m so happy you highlighted that deodorant because I’ve been looking for a natural one for a while now that I liked. I’ve tried a few different kinds with no avail, so I look forward to giving this one a try.
I definitely will have to try that deodorant – I have been on a never-ending quest myself and looks like shelling out a little more may be worth it!
For those of you who are worried about the soaked almonds going bad, you can also dry them out again at the lowest temperature in the oven or in a dehydrater. I definitely wouldn’t feel comfortable carrying them with me in this hot weather.
Thank you for sharing the ingredient list for the Beanitos. I have seen them in our local grocery store flyer and thought that they looked intriguing, but always forget about them when I go. We avoid grains and vegetable oils for health reasons, so now I know to skip them.
I will be trying the deodorant once my Jason’s is gone. This brand really does not work well at all.
Do you strictly buy only vegan friendly beauty products? (Just out of interest!)
I looooove Beanitos but I haven’t gotten them lately because they’re a little pricey. I keep checking Bulk Barn for them to go on sale. Thanks for the deodarant recommendation!! I’m using a “Kiss My Face” one right now and it’s pretty good. You have reapply once during the day if it does get pretty warm out, but other than that it’s been good!!