Random Shout-Outs, Mini-Goals, Product Reviews

Hello everyone!  I will have multiple posts again, today!  First off I want to do a few random shout outs!  I was looking at my stats and I was so happy to see people from all over the world swing by!  Of course people here in the US - but also people from: Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, and Malaysia the last few days!  If you are stopping by from one of these countries let me know!  Also...if your country is NOT listed here - let me know about it, too!  Ever since I was in middle school I have loved hearing from people all over the world!  I had over 120 pen pals from over 40 countries!  I think the art of letter writing and snail mail is becoming extinct.  I'm thinking about starting it up again.  Another thing I noticed while looking at my stats I have been getting visitors from various sites but I want to do a little shout-out to these top 3 today!  Special Thanks to those visiting from: Peas & Crayons, I'm Celebrating Life, and The Charm Of Home.  Let me know if you are from one of these sites or have been referred by another site!  I would like to stop by their place and thank them!  And finally...here are my top 3 'search phrases'.  Thanks to those who have come across my blog via a search engine!  I was very excited to see these three phrases pop-up: "Vegan Mason Jar Meals", "Norway Vegan Recipes", and "Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Recipes".  Which brings me to my next topic!  My near-future mini-goals!  I'm going to set some mini-goals for myself based on these three searches!  I want to provide more Vegan Mason Jar Meals!  I have been chatting with a friend about this.  She isn't vegan but also wanted to see more ideas on my blog.  I also want to prepared these for lunches as well as consume more of them!  When I was doing Vegan Foods from around the world I tried to do a Norwegian Foods week as I have Norwegian roots in my family tree.  I will say it was a little hard to find vegan Norwegian foods but I am going to try and shoot for more!  I might even start trying to bake!  I know there are some Norwegian Cookies I have been wanting to try.  But I am NOT a good baker at all!  I have been avoiding it after many failed attempts!  And since I am originally from Buffalo I like to incorporate Buffalo Flavors or Spicier things into my foods.  I'm going to continue to try and do Buffalo Inspired Vegan Flavors and foods!  If you have any suggestions - please let me know!

I have now tried all 3 of these Defender Meal Bars from Core and I really enjoyed all of them!  I actually ate the 3rd one long ago and took notes for a later post.  The last one I tried was the Walnut Banana flavor.  Many of you know I HATE Bananas and I was sort of afraid to try this one!  BUT...keep reading...this was DARNED TASTY!  I didn't think this one was in-tact as much as the other two were - it fell apart a little easier than the others did.  I'm not saying that is good, bad, or indifferent, it's just something I noticed.  The dates and walnuts offset the banana so it wasn't 'all about the banana'...and that I appreciated.  The spices were similar to Banana Nut Bread...subtle and not overpowering.  It had a slight raisin after-taste that was nice and sweet!  The texture was a bit flakier and grainer than the others but it all worked out really well and the product was top-notch!  I still can't believe how filling these are!  They really ARE a full meal!  WOW!

Another thing I wanted to share with you in this post is my NEW LOVE for Antho.  This will be the first of a few product reviews for them!  I LOVE this company!  I know you aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover by they had me at first glance!  Their website is beautiful!  Do check it out!  Their products are truly natural and pure, effective, eco-friendly, Made in the USA, and vegan!  Their creams are only made from unrefined, raw, organic oil!  They sell Body Butters, Oils, Bath Salts, Soaps, Shower Gels, Body Scrubs, Deodorants, Face Moisturizers, Cleansers and Toners, Masks and Scrubs!  They also have Scent Inspirations, Gift Boxes, Organic Gourmet, plus items for your home like Soy Candles, Laundry, and Home Fragrance products!  I LOVE their packaging, their bottles and jars, their labels!  Everything is really lovely!

 I'm so very excited about this product, specifically!  A few months ago I had a callus on my left hand on the inside by my first two knuckles and it was the only place on my hands that was dry.  I started using their Raspberry and Mint Hand and Body Butter and within 3 days it was 'back to normal'.  It was AMAZING!  I was overjoyed with the outcome!  I have been using it on and off for about 2 or 3 months now and I have only used a VERY little bit!  You can see in this photo it's barely 'touched'.  The jar is 4 ounces and I have almost all of it left!  This is going to last me for a good, long while!  I'm VERY happy about that because it WORKS and because it smells awesome!  I'm a fan of anything MINT but I loved that they did a Raspberry/Mint Combo!  It creates a scent of its own!  It's priced at $18.50 on their website but this product will certainly go a long way!  Totally worth it!  I think I will leave you guys with this info below and do another blog post later today because I kind of rambled a bit here - but - when I find things I am excited about - I just feel compelled to share it with the world! 

Here is a little bit more about this specific product that is listed on their website:

Raspberry Mint - Organic Body Butter

Why it is better:  99% USDA certified organic ingredients – extra high organic content  Scented with premium, therapeutic grade USDA certified organic essential oils  Synthetics & Preservative Free  Anti aging, nourishing & moisturizing for all skin types, especially dehydrated, damaged skin  100% vegan and cruelty free  Creamy, smooth, alluring texture  A little goes a very long way and saves you money!  Stylish dark amber apothecary glass with elegant silver metal cap – to protect the precious cream from light and keep it fresh for a long time  Deliciously sweet raspberry aroma 4oz/120 ml

Raw Wednesday, Core Goals, Ninjas, World Foods

Last week I reviewed a product from Core Foods and today I'm going to do the same!  I have another one of their flavors to share with you!  Today it's their Raw Cashew Cacao.  As you can see to the left the contents...and following this...the 'jist' of their product description!

Nourishment for the Enlightened.

A High-Fiber Vegan Meal for toning and weight management.
We carefully mix 5 fresh organic plants to pack all 13 amino acids, high plant fiber, and essential fatty acids into one balanced meal on the go. That's all. We never use candy ingredients. Take your nutrition as seriously as your practice--get to the next level be eating like a Defender.
Make CORE part of your daily routine! Sign up for recurring delivery and get free shipping!
This food is FRESH. Store in your freezer for maximum life and flavor. Take anywhere for up to 1 week.

Now...specifically writing about their Raw Cashew Cacao Bar...I found it to be even more filling than the Almond Raisin one I reviewed last week!  I will say that the cacao tastes like the "darkest of dark" chocolates I have ever tried and that could have something to do with it for me, personally.  You know how Dark Chocolate tends to be bitter...and "bitters" usually help you feel "full" and "quicker", well, I totally agree with that in this case!  Even though I could feel my hunger level being fulfilled as I ate the meal replacement bar - I found myself enjoying the "dark" flavor more and more as I continued to eat it!  The Cacao is the more prominent flavor in this specific bar, tho.  The Whole Oats and Cashews did help break up that dark chocolate or cacao taste and the spices and raisins were subtle but appreciated as it contributed to the overall nutritional benefits and experience!

The thing that really shocked me about this one is how VERY full I felt after eating it!  I almost couldn't even finish it!  I felt like I ate a HUGE meal!  I did notice how important it was to follow this one up with the water afterwards, tho!

Eventho I was very full and satisfied with the flavor, the full stomach, and the nutritional benefits - I wasn't 'as' hyper as I was with the other one I previously reviewed...which was probably ok considering just how MUCH energy I did have that day!  But I am NOT saying it didn't provide me with a good deal of energy, still, because it did!  My mind was very focused on my tasks at hand and I was able to flow thru them at an altered rate.  I was determined to get my tasks done and well!  This helped get me thru the day as I was unable to break for lunch!

I enjoyed the "dark chocolate" comparison in this one - when needed - I think I like the overall flavor for 'everyday' consumption of the Almond Raisin just a tad more.  Next up in the near future is the Banana one!

In other news...

It's Raw Wednesday...and I don't have a picture of the Fruit Smoothie I made this morning but here is what I did...Strawberry, Mango, a little Pineapple, and Chia Seeds.  They were all frozen.  At least it's better than nothing, eh? 

As I have mentioned before - several times I have a few different Ninja Systems.  I have the Large stand-alone as well as the system and accessories. 

Since I can't spend $300 or more on the Vitamix - I really think this is the next best thing for the money!  It IS a high-speed blender and the blades go almost all the way up the middle. 

I noticed, too, that you don't need to add as much liquid as you do with other blenders,,,to keep it moving, that is.

Overall I would certainly say I am a Ninja Fan!  Maybe someday when I win the "lotto" I will get a Vitamix! LOL  Seriously, tho, I got a great deal on these - I ended up getting BOTH the large one AND the system and accessories for a total of about $60.  I bought the large one first and then bought the system afterwards.  I like having multiple blenders to choose from - and I have a space just for them in my kitchen.

 And now for some World Food!  I made some Algerian Carrots!  Here is what I did:
1 Pound of Carrots
3 T Grapeseed Oil
1/2 tea Cinnamon
1/2 tea Cumin
3 Cloves Garlic
1/2 tea Thyme Leaves
1 tea Lemon Juice
I loved the way this smelled but might tweak it a bit for next time.  I think I would use less Lemon Juice and Cinnamon and more Garlic!

This next dish isn't Algerian but it's Tunisian!
Tunisian Style Greens and Beans!

2 T Grapeseed Oil (I used Basil Pesto Flavored)
1 Onion
3+ Cloves Garlic
1 tea Coriander
1/4 Crushed Chili Flakes
2 C Chopped Spinach
2 C White Navy Beans (I was out of Chickpeas)
1 C Diced Tomatoes & Liquid
1/2 C Cooking Liquid from Beans and/or Water

This made a HUGE batch!  I will be eating it for DAYS, I am sure!  This is somewhat gently spiced.  I tend to enjoy foods that are REALLY flavorful...this was a bit more bland than I expected but it was still tasty!  Can't go wrong with more Garlic! You know how I LOVE it!

I do have a few other things to blog about but I will hold off until tomorrow!  Have you ever had foods from Algeria or Tunisia?  If so...what?

Good Intentions & Busy Week

 Yeah...THAT was about a week and a half!  Whew!  My Healthy eating intentions and attempts where good this week!  I'm pleased!  One thing I haven't done as of yet is this week's smoothie...but...I might do it for 'dessert' this evening!  This is the one that is on my list!  Blackberry Chia Maca Smoothie!
2 C Blackberries
2 C Coconut Milk
1 T Agave
1 T Chia Seeds - hydrated
1 tea Maca Powder
(Borrowed & Altered Photo from Sun Warrior)

What's this?  You might be asking...Well, let me tell you!  It's from Core Foods and it's a Defender Meal - a FULL Meal To Go!  It's High in Fiber and the flavor I had yesterday for my lunch was Raw Almond Raisin!  It's Raw Vegan, USDA Organic, and Tested Gluten Free!  This specific flavor had ALL Organic Whole Oats, Almonds, Raisins, Flax, and Ground Spices.

CORE is as fresh as Produce!  It lasts 6 months frozen, 1 month chilled, and 1 week on the go!  They suggest storing in the freezer for maximum freshness!  If you do freeze these babies than they suggest you let thaw for 10 minutes prior to eating!  All you have to do is eat ONE bar and follow it up with TWO glasses of water!  By doing this THIS product is equal to a full bowl of oatmeal and gives you FOUR HOURS of stable energy!

I would totally agree with this giving you energy!  After eating it I, personally, was in a VERY good mood, my energy level was extremely high AND my mind was on-track and quite clear!  And it wasn't one of those 'mind games' because I wasn't concentrating on the fact that I had one of these for lunch nor was I really 'expecting' it to give me 'that much' energy.  It wasn't until late in the evening that I wondered if my energy and mood had to do with what I ate...I'm chalking it up as so!

Here are some of my other findings for this product!  I thought the Whole Oat and Almond Combo provided an interesting taste and texture upfront.  Unlike anything I have ever had before!  The Raisin and Spice combo helped punch the flavor thru!  The Raisin did jump in with a sweetness all of it's own as well!  The Oat and Raisin flavors seemed to linger...that was pretty pleasant!  I was incredibly impressed with the mass and weight to this!  I was surprised at how well the ingredients stayed together while eating it yet it was still soft and chewy on the teeth!

I REALLY liked this!  It was fulling, flavorful, and walked-the-walk according to their product description and claims!  I have two others on hand.  I'm a little nervous about the one because it contains Banana and I have always HATED Banana...but...along this Blissful Journey of mine...I will give it a whirl!

Even tho the weather is going to be crappy - yet again - this weekend - I'm going to try and keep a smile on my face and some projects on tap!  What will you be doing this weekend!?

Participating: Healthy Vegan Friday's