A giveaway and something that I just wanted to point out...

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I just have to point out that it's already the last day of July - wow, how did THAT happen???

Since I'm in college, summer starts early/mid-May for me (May 9, this year) and so getting to the end of the July means the bulk of summer has passed. Tomorrow is August!

I've had a fun summer and am excited for all that fall will bring. I can't believe I go home for my actual summer break in two weeks - only two more weeks of NYC left. Anyway, this is just a reminder to make sure you're doing what you want with your summer - it will be fall before you know it! Do what you like! 

But don't go full-fledged Shopaholic, even if shopping is what you like. I know it's good for the economy and I know those shoes are ca-uuuute, but fall WILL arrive and you WILL need to buy textbooks. 

Anyway, it's been a while since I've done a giveaway. So I'd say it's time for another one, wouldn't you? YAY, giveaway time!

I don't know about y'all, but virgin coconut oil has been The Cool Kid in the blogosphere and there's so much you can do with it - think granola, buttery vegan baked goods (sans the butter, because coconut oil does pretty much the same thing for the texture and taste!), roasted kabocha, homemade chocolate...the list goes on and on and on, and you know I'll be exploring the possibilities here soon :)

This time, I'm doing things a bit differently - my giveaway is starting before my review comes out so that my review comes out when my giveaway is announced. That way, there isn't that eons-long time between when you read my review and start craving the coconut oil when it's on its way to your house!

This is my first giveaway using Rafflecopter, so that's pretty exciting! For me at least :P

Anyway, here's what the giveaway is for (the company put together a little intro to their product for us):

Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

And here's how to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: TropicalTraditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I am under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Though I choose to review it, I am not under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. I just like doing giveaways! And, as always, I'll tell you the truth about the product in my review.


The winner will be announced here on August 20!

HAPPLY LAST DAY OF JULY, Y'ALL!

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Vegan Greek Yogurt

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I've never had So Delicious anything before, as I've always just written them off as That Coconut Milk Company and I'm in a committed relationship with almond milk.

Not only does So Delicious make almond milk however (and with 5g of protein, way more than the usual measly 1g - but that's a different post for a different day), but they also make vegan creamers, ice creams, and - wait for it - YOGURTS!!!

Including a Greek style yogurt, y'all. 

Yup, Pumbaa, I couldn't believe it either.

But it's real, the pictures prove it.

And it really is vegan (and fiber rich, hey-hey-hey!) with nothing too weird in there - it's based off of coconut milk, in case you were curious. 

Sure, it doesn't look exactly like dairy greek yogurt at first, but it sure looks better than some other vegan yogurts do, pre-stir.

There's no weird watery layer that you have to mix in and it does already look thick and creamy. 

Post-stir, the texture really does come pretty darn close. Do you see how well that's holding up?

Yup, it's thick as can be. Creamy, thick, and fabulous - all the things I'd been missing in greek yogurt.

Now does it taste exactly like greek yogurt? No, it doesn't.

It doesn't have the sour tanginess of greek yogurt and, though I did appreciate that they had a plain flavored yogurt since many vegan companies don't, it was a lot sweeter than dairy greek yogurt. Then again, it doesn't claim to be greek yogurt - it's a greek-style yogurt and that it is.

It also is tasty and it is creamy and it is a great base of a parfait or a yogurt mess or a yogurt and cereal bowl. I bet it will work wherever you need greek yogurt in a recipe and it does the trick when a greek yogurt craving hits, but is vegan-friendly. No, it's not exactly like dairy greek yogurt but it is delicious and I'll definitely enjoy it again.

It was delightful with some cinnamon, frozen blueberries, and dried cranberries. And a side of good book, of course.

It got even better when the blueberries thawed out a bit, releasing their syrup, and with a spoonful of soy nut butter.

I'd always thought So Delicious's claim, 'You're SO gonna love this' was as cocky as it gets, but they've already changed my mind. Even if everything else they make is icky (which I seriously doubt, considering how AMAZING this is - the best vegan yogurt I've had across the board in taste, texture, appearance, and nutritional stats) this yogurt validates their statement. 


It's not cocky if it's true. And guys? It's true. You really are SO gonna love this.


Have you tried So Delicious Greek-style coconut yogurt? If you're vegan or lactose-intolerant, you need to! Even if you're not, you ought to!

What are your favorite yogurt toppers of the moment?

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Sunday Steals #4 (Hollister Heavy!)

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I love a good deal.

You love a good deal (I assume).

Here are this week's good deals!

Only here's the thing - I usually try to mix things up, scouring the web for the best bargains I can find. Only this week? Hollister had such amazing sales, with such cute stuff, that I just had to dedicate this post to their clearance finds.

Emma Wood for $9.45 ($39.50) at Hollister

Costa Mesa for $12.45 ($49.50) at Hollister

San Clemente Cami for $9.95 ($29.50) at Hollister

Hollister Yoga Classic for $12.45 ($34.50) at Hollister

La Mesa Dress for $14.45 ($49.50) at Hollister

McGrath Beach for $7.45 ($19.50) at Hollister

Which piece is your favorite?

What is one of your favorite stores?

What is one of your least favorite stores?

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Fashion Inspiration: The Little Mermaid

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You know I love Disney.

I mean, who doesn't? So today's fashion inspiration is Ariel, the Little Mermaid!

                           

She was my big sister's favorite Disney princess when we were younger!

Though she's a princess, Ariel seems pretty down-to-earth. I think she's the kind of girl that would appreciate a good sale, not the kind who needs labels and outfits worth the equivalent of small cars to look and feel good.

And considering her affinity for the beach, she's probably more into the casual look anyway.

MAC Red Lipstick, $14.50, M*A*C

The powerful red lip is crucial to pulling off the purple and green color combo with the right pop!

Carmel Tail Blouse, $33.60 ($48.00), Nasty Gal

Dreams Leather Bracelet - Silver, $14.99, Target

'Dreams become reality, one choice at a time' - not only a theme appropriate engraving, but a very true, and useful, reminder :)

Cuffed Sateen Short Green, $19.50 ($34.50), Delia's

Elnicki, $17.49 ($35.00), Aldo

This Little Mermaid look comes to a total cost of $100.80. Definitely not bad, considering that the price includes accessories, shoes, and make up!

Which Disney character do you want as my next fashion inspiration?


Did you ever want to be a mermaid when you were younger?


What are you wearing right now?

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Friday Foodie Finds #4

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It's already the last Friday in July, wowza!

This week, I found the following tasty-looking recipes (all of them vegan, this week) online:

The Raw Chef's Raw, Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Cake with Ginger Chocolate Mousse

Eva's Autumn Brittle (can be made Vegan by subbing maple syrup for the honey)

Nicole's Vegan, Raw Ice Cream Sandwiches

Virtually Vegan Mama's Vegan Portobello Wellington

Are you more likely to try a sweet or savoury recipe that you find online?

What's the longest amount of time that you would put into preparing a meal for yourself (not a party or a holiday)?

Have you tried any of my Friday Foodie Finds recipes yet (which one)?

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Gluten-Free Skinny Crisps Review

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While I don't have Celiac's disease, I have several friends who do (including the daughter of one of my mom's college friends, who I've known since I was pretty much a baby). I have thus been aware of gluten intolerance from a very young age - even though then I just remember feeling bad for my friend, who always had to have her own special food and miss out on all the goodies that we got to have.

These days, things are very different - some people even choose to go gluten-free and (while I don't get going gluten-free if you don't have Celiac's disease) there are tons of great gluten-free products out there.

I love getting packages and I love writing reviews (I'm one of those neurotic people who loves being able to read others' reviews before I buy anything, so I like to be able to provide honest reviews to help others). Anyway, I was happy to give Myrna and Cheryl's Skinny Crisps a try.

They're gluten-free, low-carb crackers made out of primarily almond meal, flax seeds, and chickpea flour and they come in seven flavors. All seven flavors are free of trans fats and six of the seven (all but the Say Cheese crackers) are also vegan.

Normally, I save the best for last, but I'm going to mix it up this time. My favorite, though I enjoyed all four, were by far the Brownie Crisps.



They were just the right touch of sweet (but only 4g of sugar, and an awesome 3g of fiber, in each 5 cracker serving) and had a nice deep chocolate flavor. They were more like crunchy cookies or chocolate granola (oat-free, though) than crackers. I prefer sweets, so this was a happy surprise!

Ditto goes for the Cinnamon ones:



...which are delightfully cinnamon-y and great crumbled on ice cream or yogurt (I had them on soyogurt with craisins for a vegan afternoon snack).

Next up was Plain.



They're very simple (they get likened to wheat thins in flavor and I have to agree - though I liked these better since they were crunchier instead of flaky). I like the simplicity, because that makes them great to have with any dip, whether sweet or savory.

I knew I'd like the seeded ones.



They're like the plain, but with a little extra heartiness from the seeds.

The white sesame ones were fantastic spread with apricot jam.



My mom would love those, I just know it!

Speaking of parents - here's what my dad would love:



Toasty Onion. Great in a bowl with marinara, nooch, and tofu for a pizza inspired mess in less than two minutes. Healthy, yummy, yay!

Last up were the Say Cheese crackers, the only ones that aren't vegan (they have aged cheddar cheese, gluten free blue cheese, whey, and buttermilk solids in them).



Since I'm trying to make more eats more vegan (but I'm not strict) I had just one of these and gave the rest to a friend (who was quite happy about it). I had to have one, though, because how can I give an honest review about something I haven't tried myself? Silliness. :P

They taste like grown up cheez-its, thanks to the kick from the paprika, but they're crunchier. Is it just me, or do cheez-its tend to get that stale texture really fast? Anyway, my friend (she likes cheese) really liked these. She just ate them plain.

Skinny Crisps get my approval, since they're delicious and super good for me! Here's what's in the plain (and the rest are all very similar): almonds, chickpea flour, organic golden flax seeds, psyllium husks, olive oil, sea salt, organic dehydrated cane juice. They're delightfully crisp, crunchy, and have that indulgent chip mouthfeel - only with healthy fats!

They also come with a cute story! I love stories!

How Skinny Crisps Were Born


Once upon a time there was a sweet and beautiful princess with a very sour tummy. When the King's physician told her that she could no longer eat anything made with gluten, she broke down and cried.


One day the Princess visited her fairy godmother, who was a fanciful baker. The Princess confided that she yearned for a yummy snack that would agree with her tummy.


The fairy godmother comforted the Princess saying, "Despair not my fair Princess, for I will create for you a magically delicious cracker, low in carbohydrates, high in fiber, free of gluten, baked to perfection and sturdy for long journeys."


Very soon the Fairy Godmother returned with an assortment of crackers for the Princess to try. 


Upon tasting just one, the Princess rejoiced and proclaimed, "These morsels are tasty indeed! We shall call them Skinny Crisps. We must hurry and provide these crunchy, tummy-friendly snacks to all the people of the kingdom!'


So they did and they all lived happily ever after.


She must have tried the Brownie Crisps. Just sayin'. :)


Do you like happy endings? I feel so ripped off when I don't get one, I seriously can't deal. But actually.


Do you know anyone who can't have gluten?


Do you google things before you buy them?

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Sakagura and the Potties that Splash You Back

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Did anyone else love The Rugrats in Paris Movie?

When I was younger, I used to always watch it right before a trip to Europe - the whole movie, but particularly the airplane scene at the beginning, always got me realllllllllllly excited for my transcontinental trip.

Anyway, when they arrive at their fancy hotel in Paris, there's this funny moment when the kids are all in the bathroom and Tommy is all excited, because the 'potty splashes back!'

My boss took me and the other primary intern out to a nice restaurant for lunch (the perks of being a NYC PR intern) and they had a super--intense toilet.

And yes, it splashed you back.

The single-person bathrooms are modeled after over-sized Sake barrels.

Apparently the five-star toilets at Sakagura (yeah, none of us could pronounce it either) are a thing. There are articles about these toilets.

But this isn't a toilet blog guys, it's a food blog.

The restaurant is semi-hidden, one of the 'secret' gustatory charms of NYC. It's an the basement of an office building in Midtown Manhattan, but I swear - as soon as you step through the entrance, it's like you've been transported to a different country.

This doesn't do it justice, but it's the best that I could find - I didn't bring a camera with, because it was a nice lunch with the boss and I wasn't going to be the awkward one who whips out her Cannon. 

The theming is fantastic and we were seated immediately. The waiters were attentive and delivered a tray of hot moist towels (what's wrong with the word moist?) at the beginning and end of the meal for us to wipe our hands on.

We did not get any water, but got never-ending mugs of absolutely delicious green tea, instead. We were all obsessed with it and had to force ourselves not to just fill up on tea - believe me, it took a great deal of restraint.

It's a good thing that we did, though! Our food took a while to arrive, but not longer than is usual for a nice restaurant and, as we were engaging in pleasant conversation, the wait didn't feel long at all.

The starters blew my mind - especially the Gomaae, which came in this decadent creamy sauce and was beyond flavorful.

I have no idea how to pronounce Gomaae, I did the whole point and smile thing.

I really liked taking a bite of the Gomaae, then having some Kuro Edamame, then the Gomaae again - that combo of flavors rocked my socks.

A nice big pile of salted edamame - yum :)

Their seaweed salad was different than any I had ever had before, with different kinds of seaweed (kinds I'd never even heard of before). I can't even compare it to standard seaweed salad.

This doesn't look like any seaweed salad I've ever had - it's waaaaaay better!

I ate every last bit, of course, and I recommend the Ponzu dressing.

With appetizers like these, it's easy to get hung up on the first course. But the rest doesn't disappoint, so try not to.

Doughnuts for lunch!

Jaga Dango, mashed potatoes covered in sweet doughnut butter and fried crisp.

It makes you not want sushi any other way!

The Buta Kakuni, with perfectly sticky rice.

These were a big hit at the table

I'd always thought Soba would be so boring - it's just spaghetti right?

If you think so, you should try it. You'll be surprised!

I can't vouch for this one personally, as I'm vegetarian, but my fellow intern ordered the Duck Curry Soba and loved it.

We were too full for dessert, and we need to get back to work, but their desserts looked pretty good too. I never really think of dessert when I think of Japanese cuisine, but they certainly made one birthday boy happy!

The only thing that I didn't love about the meal was that, as with most ethnic food and raw food, I could still taste it a while later. Gum took care of the issue, but I just don't like having that aftertaste hanging around in my mouth for ages.


Have you had Japanese food?


What's the strangest toilet you've ever used?

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Sunday Steals #3

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I hope you're having a lovely weekend! Sundays are weird for me, because I get that the weekend is technically only slightly over half finished on Sunday morning, but somehow it feels like it's almost over. Don't you think?

Anyway, here are this week's steals!

Beach Sexy Stripe Romper Cover Up for $19.99 ($48.00) at Victoria's Secret

Cavez Rainboots for $14.99 ($60.00) at Aldo Shoes

LC Lauren Conrad Cherry Surplice Chiffon Dress for $19.20 (64.00) at Kohl's

Which steal is your favorite?


What do you think of celebrity designers?


Do you shop at department stores?

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Going Wild and Zen Inspiring Eats

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The veganification continues!

And yes, that's a word - just don't look it up. Webster hasn't quite accepted it yet, but he's behind the times.

Anyway, with the continued veganification, I need more vegan-friendly brands to rely on! Luckily, the number of vegan-friendly products, cafes, etc. is constantly increasing.

And this week I get to review a healthy snack from Wilderness Poets!

I love the wild. Drop me in the woods, preferably for camping or hiking, and I'm happy as Pooh Bear with a pot of honey. Add literature (okay, maybe not poetry - but some novels) and it's sheer perfection!

From the name of the company to the name of the snack - Song of Abundance, how much more zen can you get? - it's catchy. Luckily, the company isn't just catchy. Their mission statement lives up to expectations: We believe that sharing delicious, wholesome foods, grown on small organic family farms, can help heal people, our communities, and planet.


Sounds good to me. Even better, the trail mix is truly just a mix of wholesome, natural foods.

With only 6 (7, if you count the coconut nectar) ingredients, all of which are not only pronounceable but actually recognizable in the product (except the coconut nectar, which you can't see) it's something I can definitely feel good about snacking on, whether I'm in the woods or not.

And this combination is delightful! I often pick trail mixes apart and eat them constituent by constituent, but this was such a winning combo of flavors that I wanted to have them all in my mouth at the same time.

I was surprised that the cacao nibs would work with the goji berries and raisins, but they did. They add a burst of flavor, an extra layer of depth, that really enriched the overall taste.

Two thumbs up!

What's your favorite trail mix?


Do you like the wild?


Are you a fan of poetry?

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