Two of these posts in less than 1 month? I’m on a roll. Spring, I love everything about you.
Let’s get right down to business!
1. Desert Essence Body Wash. This is my new favourite body wash – well, I can’t decide between the Vanilla Chai and Almond scents because they are both delightful. The lather is quite foamy too which is a big plus for me. It’s 100% vegan, cruelty-free and free of parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial fragrances or colors, silicones, EDTA, glycol, or petroleum-based ingredients. Bravo, Desert Essence.
2. Frozen Chickpeas. Lately, I’ve been looking for alternatives to canned goods and I came across this line of frozen legumes and vegetables from Stahl Bush Island Farms. Cooking from scratch is always the cheaper option, but let’s face it; sometimes we need something ready in a flash. I just thaw the bag in the fridge overnight and they are ready to be added into dishes or made into hummus. This company has a variety of frozen products from butternut squash to lentils as well.
3. Theobroma Chocolat – Mint Leaves. This is a new-to-me chocolate and I’m hooked. Some days I have to hide it from myself which works for about 3 minutes. If you are a chocolate + mint fan, you will love this bar.
PS- Don’t you love when one square of chocolate is double the size of normal squares? I’m betting a woman designed this bar.
4. Strawberries. Topped with Coconut Whipped Cream for dessert. I’m also playing around with a strawberry vanilla and strawberry orange chia seed jam recipe. Yum, yum, yum.
5. Gabriel Mascara. When I had a nasty skin reaction earlier this year, I really had to overhaul the chemical-laden products I was putting on my skin each day. Luckily, there are so many choices out there these days, but it can be overwhelming trying to navigate it all. Gabriel Cosmetics is a line of vegan and gluten-free cosmetics using 100% natural ingredients that are fragrance-free. This mascara is what I would call a basic, no frills mascara. It gives a very natural, light feel without being heavy or overdone – perfect for what I’m looking for in my normal life. It almost looks like an eyelash stain and while it lengthens, it does not build much volume. I can get a tiny bit of smudging here and there, but it’s minimal and I haven’t noticed any flaking yet. I might explore other natural mascara brands in the future (have any to recommend?), but I can see myself coming back to this one for sure.
6. Sephora Eyelash Curler. I love this pretty curler! It gives a great curl that lasts all day and it comes in a wide range of fun colours. I love seeing the pop of colour in my make-up bag…never gets old.
7. PLAYOFF HOCKEY! Ahhhhh. I’m a hockey girl through and through thanks to growing up with a fanatical hockey fan for a father. It’s in my blood. Can I just say how happy I am to see the Leafs in the playoffs after nine painfully long years? The last time we watched the Leafs in the playoffs was during undergraduate university times. Crazy. I just can’t get enough of the playoffs this year and I’m following as many different series as I can find on TV. Oh, the drama that’s going on! It’s intense. I don’t know how these guys do it. The only thing better would be to score some tickets to see a playoff game in person, but sadly I don’t see that happening any time soon unless I can bribe someone with a home cooked vegan meal. Other things on TV I can’t get enough of are: The Mindy Project and Chicago Fire, but I think the season is winding down quickly.
8. Lightened Up Summer Granola. I’ve been on a big Vegan Overnight Oat kick lately and I love topping it with my favourite light summer granola. Nothing like a 2-minute breakfast.
Other things I’m loving lately? Neon clothing of any kind (I’m an 80’s child, what can I say?), wearing a t-shirt and shorts outdoors for the first time in months, and baby geese (goslings) by the water.
That’s a wrap. Hope your week is off to a great start!
I always read your blog, but I never post! I really look forward to your posts about what you’re currently loving!
I’ve seen Desert Essence in stores before, and I may have to try it! Have you ever tried the deodorant? I’m on an eternal search for a decent almost natural deodorant ;-)
Hi Leia, I too have tried a TON of natural deodorants with great disappointment! The only one that I could say I would buy again is called The Healthy Deodorant by Lavanilla (the ingredients are so clean!). The only downside is that it’s very pricey! I ordered it from Sephora. I haven’t tried any Desert Essence ones yet I don’t think. Let me know if you do!
I’ve been really happy with Earth Lab’s Raw Mascara. After disappointing smudging with other brands, because I can’t seem to remember not to rub my eyes, this one is doable for me. It will still smudge, but seems to require moisture and rubbing to achieve that look.
Arbonne just came out with an AMAZING Vegan mascara. If you email me your address I’ll be happy to send one to you. I really like our lip glosses as well. All our products are Vegan Certified. [email protected]
Beauty Without Cruelty has a wonderful waterproof mascara in brown that’s perfect for an everyday look and actually holds up!
I love chickpeas and they’re so versatile. I often include them in a nice spicy curry over fragrant thai rice. That granola for breakfast looks so healthy and delicious!
Hi Angela. Still making Happy Trails cookies. They now know me by name at Bulk Barn, and worse, I think they have my order on repeat at the cash. Do you know the nutritional
Facts, by any chance for these cookies. I made the Banana Protein Bars, and noticed the NF there. Also, I subbed buckwheat groats for buckwheat flour. They are alright, but wanted to ask you if that was an option you would have considered. Thanks so much for your terrific blog, and congratulations on all of your rewards. Well deserved!!!
I just wanted to say thanks for posting this, especially about the cosmetics. I’m pretty concerned about the products I put INTO my body but haven’t given as much thought to the ones I put ON my body! Are there any sources you use to educate yourself on harmful chemicals/products often used in cosmetics? Or is it just a lot of googling ;)
I’ve been using Elf brand mineral mascara – its inexpensive, vegan, and I really like the brush. I dont really know how natural their products are though.
Whole Foods also carries frozen brown rice and quinoa that is fantastic! Great when I don’t have a lot of time for meal preparation.
I love your recipes! I also love the things your loving series. Will definitely be getting me some of Desert Essence.
Would you mind sharing what bathroom cleaning product(s) and laundry detergent you prefer or have had any success with?
Looking forward to your cookbook Angela!
Hi Milena, So sorry about the delay in reply! I kept forgetting to go check out the brand of my cleaner :) For laundry, I use soap nuts. I’m fairly pleased with the results so far, although I don’t find they work as well on stained clothing.
For all-purpose cleaner, I’m currently using Nature Clean multi surface cleaner. I love it because it barely has ANY scent (normal cleaners drive me nuts), however I wouldn’t say it cuts grease as well as others. It’s an ever-evolving hunt! :) Let me know if you have any to recommend. Take care!
Hello, I have also been trying to combat a bad skin problem since last June, which began after I stopped taking birth control pills. I have since started eating vegan about 2 months ago and I have seen improvements, but the problem isn’t 100% defeated yet. How did you heal your skin? Thank you so much in advance!
I bought the Desert Essence shampoo and conditioner this weekend, LOVE IT!!! a girl at my work commented that my hair looked really healthy and shiny. How great is that! Thank you for the recommendation!
I used to buy the frozen wheatberries by that brand to use in cold salads!!! I should try their chickpeas too!!! And I need to get a god vegan mascara. I still just buy whatever’s on sale and I don’t want to do that any longer!!! I’m totally going to check out yours above!
If you like the Dessert Essence body wash, you should try their lotion. I recently discovered it at my local co-op and it is by far the best lotion I have ever used. Almond and Lavender scents are both great! It is non-greasy but rich enough to keep you moisturized for quite some time.
Now I am off to buy some of their body wash… ;)
The Vanilla Chai lotion is stashed everywhere! In the car, at the office, in my bag! Love it!
Sherry Tejada
A Canadian company that I have been using for cosmetics including a very nice mascara, is Pure Anada. But Dr. Hauschka and 1
00%Pure sound like they are a must try too!
Oh and neon clothing…try Warehouse One the Jean Store (not just jeans). I walked in and what a fabulous pop of gorgeous neons for spring/summer. You’ll love it.