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!
Everything by 100% Pure is amazing – cosmetics, skin care, hair care, all of it.
Seriously…those goslings? I just died a little bit from the cuteness.
I am LOVING the playoffs this year as well. It just feels like after the lockout, everyone is excited for hockey now! As a Pittsburgher, I’m a Pens fan no matter what, but all these games lately have been so exciting!!!
Agree – I will be so sad when it’s over! Hopefully no lock out next year :)
Ooh I’m going to have to grab some of those frozen legumes. I like having cans on hand for when I’m low on groceries, but stocking my freezer with those would be a better option!
I have the Sephora eyelash curler in pink. I love it! I’ve never even seen frozen garbanzo beans before. I always buy them canned (BPA free). I usually use garbanzos in a salad, or I roast them with vegetables. Do they defrost quickly? And is there a texture difference? I’m intrigued now!
I’d say the texture is fairly similar to canned actually! Not sure how long they take to thaw exactly, but you could also warm them in a pot of water too. :)
Fellow die-hard hockey fan here (Let’s go Pens!). Wow, I didn’t realize the Leafs haven’t clinched a playoff spot for that long. I can just feel your excitement! Seems like most of the teams really amped up their play this season since it was so short. I’ve seen a lot of incredible games.
Neon clothing…well I just got a pair of running shoes that are shocking neon green. They were out of my size in any other color and so neon it was. Let’s just say you’ll always be able to find me in the dark in those.
Love all the links and the goodies and what you’re loving. Always fun to see what things people love!
I love this post….esp the coconut one :-))
hey can you suggest me some nice lip colors/lip gloss? most of them are loaded with lots of chemicals these days and i don’t want to put something filled with chemical on my lips…as i always end up getting it inside :-))
I’ve looked and looked for natural lip glosses lately and haven’t found anything quite yet. Most of them have artificial dyes. That’s why I’ve been using the beet juice + vitamin e oil trick. Works well for now, but I’d like to find something else! If anyone else knows of any, feel free to give it a shout out.
Hi Angela,
rms beauty, ILIA Beauty, and Revolution Organics make incredible lip glosses and lipsticks. All of them are chemical free, but I’m not sure which ones would be vegan. The added bonus with rms beauty is that their lip colours double as blushes :)
p.s. I’ve been following your blog for quite a long time now and you continue to inspire my vegan diet. I’m so excited for the release of your cookbook!
Hi Sonja, Thank you so much! I will check them out :)
I don’t know if you’ve tried it already, but Aveda Mosscara is vegan and I find that it works pretty well. It’s not waterproof, but even if you’re caught in the rain or you workout (and sweat), it won’t smudge unless you touch it.
As for the Theobroma chocolates, they are SO good, it’s dangerous actually… They have them at the counter of pretty much all the health food store in Montreal, so it’s pretty hard to resist… Especially when it’s the chocolate filled with maple butter… Mmmmmm
Hi Julie, I wasn’t aware of that mascara! I’ll have to scope it out next time I’m at the mall.
Did you say chocolate filled with maple butter? omg. Now I want to make maple butter cups :)
Looking forward to the strawberry vanilla chia seed jam recipe!
Hi Angela! Where do you buy the desert essence products? I’m hoping I can find them somewhere in Vancouver!
Hi Lindsay, I’ve been buying them from Organic Garage which is a discounted organic grocery store here in Oakville. I think I’ve also seen them in Fortinos (natural food/health section). Maybe their website has a list of vendors?
Hi Lindsay,
If you don’t have luck with your local stores and you’re okay with online purchasing, well.ca has Desert Essence products as well. I’ve purchased from them before and it was very easy, plus shipping is free if your order is more than $25.
I just love every single thing about this post, including HOCKEY! I’m a Blackhawks fan so I’m hoping our season will continue. I never thought I would be a hockey fan but my boyfriend converted me : ) I don’t know how those guys do it either, so much drama!
Great list! Yesss for strawberries. I’d also add the extra hours of daylight we’re getting!
One question: I’ve read, and re-read, your tutorial for making whipped coconut cream. I have tried it twice and failed. I mean, it’s thick…but it comes out of the can that way. No amount of whipping (5+ minutes with an electric mixer) seems to make it get all light and fluffy the way regular cream whips. Is this normal? It’s still delicious, but it doesn’t have the same body. I’d appreciate any tips anyone could give me!
Hi Kelly,
A bunch of people have had this problem and I think the consistency can vary A LOT by brand from what it seems like. I use Native Forest full-fat – it also has added guar gum which might help with the consistency. What brand did you try?
I agree with you on the chocolate squares – those are my kind of size squares!
As for the Stahl Bush Farms – LOVE their frozen organic berries for smoothies and their butternut squash, as that is one thing I am always way too lazy to buy and chop up myself!
Thanks for reminding me about your lightened up granola recipe. I’ve been relying on smoothies for breakfast now the weather has warmed up but wouldn’t mind something a bit heartier!
I really like the afterglow cosmetics mascara. Totally natural, gluten free, etc. and it works every bit as good as “regular” mascara.
I love everything in this post! The Stahlbush Farms products are fantastic, and I’m a big fan of theirs as well. The frozen chicpeas (as well as the black beans and rice) are super convenient, and I’m always amazed by how easy they are to use.
And omigod, strawberries. I’m so excited for their arrival! I can’t wait to bust out all things strawberry — it’s gonna happen soon. Between that and the lightened-up granola, it’s a serious food win. :)
I am in love with 100% Pure EVERYTHING and think you should try their mascaras! They have no icky, weird ingredients and they smell faintly of berries. They make my eyelashes full and long! I have been using their mascaras for years and have no plans of changing.
Just discovered your site whilst looking for a recipe for raw broccoli salad. Detox salad it is. Thank you!
Dr. Haushka mascara is the best I have ever used. Natural ingredients (smells like roses), never clumps, non- irritating and makes my lashes look fabulous. I try others and always go back.
Yesyesyes GO LEAFS GO!! Lived my whole life in Toronto/GTA sooo it’s preetty exciting :) Also loved The Mindy Project this year, it’s hilarious!
I’m obsessing over chickpeas, strawberries and hockey as well. I never knew frozen chickpeas were available so thank you for that!!! But unfortunately I’m coming out for my team, the Habs. We can still be friends, though, right?? :) Have a great day!
Well, my dad and sis (+ brother in law) are devout Habs fans, so I’m willing to let it slide. hah ;) Even though I cheer for the Leafs, I still like to root for my fav Canadian players!