Love With Food April 2014

My Love with food box came yesterday! Woo! I currently subscribe to 4 healthy subscription boxes this being the only one that isn't vegan. 

Love With Food is a monthly food subscription box that aims to help you discover healthy organic all-natural snacks. LWF also has an online shop where you can buy your favorite snacks. As well as a rating & point system. Rate each snack for that month & get 10 points for each rating. There are 2 different subscription plans and for each box sold they donate a meal to a hungry child in America.

Tasting Box

$10.00/month

8+ new snacks each month

Each box donates 1 meal to a hungry child in America

At least 10 points each month

Snacks are either organic, all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, or free of artificial junk.

Free shipping (some plans)

Cancel anytime.

Deluxe Box

$20.00/month

16-20 new snacks each month

Each box donates 2 meals to a hungry child in America 

Recive 20 points each month

Snacks are either organic, all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, or free of artificial junk.

Free Shipping

Cancel anytime

Onto the Review.

Each month has a theme, April's theme is Flower Power. After a long winter, spring is finally in sight. Let's all take a moment to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the spring thaw with these flowerinspired treats. As always thanks for spreading the love by helping a hungry child this month. 

Orchard Blend by Sensible Foods

Enjoy these crunch-dried apples, peaches, apricots while picturing the orchards in bloom.

I was forced to open these first by my 3yr old niece & I'm glad I did. Love the 3 fruit blend. 

1 .75oz pouch retails for $1.25

Heart-Tee by Wild Hibiscus Flower Co.

A tangy deep-red floral tea, rumored to lower anxiety & stress among other health benefits.

It doesn't need repeating that I'm not a tea drinker. However I do have anxiety so maybe I'll cave in & drink it.

1 60g tea bag retails for $0.54

Creamed Honey with Chocolate Mint by Vintage Bee

Honey is packed with natural energy - enjoy this chocolate mint enhanced version any time of day you need a pick-me-up.

Not a vegan honey (yes they exist). However I WILL enjoy this, because chocolate.

1 .35oz packet retails for $0.49

Almonds with Cranberries, Honey + Sea Salt by Sahale Snacks

This salty-sweet protein packed treat is just the thing to keep you going on a day out planting your garden.

I've had Sahale Snacks before in a LWF box but I can't remember if it was this flavor of almonds. However I do remember I liked them.

1 .75oz packet retails for $0.69

Popcorn by Crave Canyon

The average American eats 54 quarts or popcorn a year - this uniquely flavored, non-GMO popcorn will give you a reason to be above average.

I received the flavor 'Cane Juice & Sea Salt Kettle Corn kisses with Anise'. Eating it now & it's delicious. Thank god I got 3 bags!

1 1oz bag retails for $1.95

Honey Waffle by Meli

This traditional Belgian street fare features creamy honey filling Sandwhiched between crispy waffles.

I've had these things before except they were a different brand. I didn't like them because they tasted like burnt toast. These however are perfect. Very sweet. The taste reminds me of sugary cearal from my childhood. 

1 30g waffle retails for $1.50

Fiordifrutta Organic Fruit Spread by Rigoni di Asiago

Theses delicious fruit spreads are slow cooked with absolutely no added sugar to preserve the nutrients of the natural fruit.

I received 2 packets both in apricots. I'm a grape jelly kinda gal but never the less I will try these.

1 .63oz packet retails for $0.75

Organic Energy Bar by Bumble Bar

Nuts, sesame, flax, vanilla, cinnamon join forces in this deliciously chewy gluten free snack.

I've had these bars before in other subscription boxes & I'm not a fan.

1 .65oz bar retails for $0.66

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by Kelapo

Add it to a smoothie, spread it on toast, or use it in recipes as a butter replacement - coconut oil harvested from coconut palms will be a healthy staple in your kitchen.

I've never used coconut oil before so I can't say if this brand is good or not. We will see.

1 .5 fl oz packet retails for $1.64

Sea Salt Pomegranate Chips by Simple 7 Snacks

Po-tay-to, po-tay-to, pomegranate; there's a new chip in town, with the perfect balance of sea salt and sweetness.

I've never had pomegranates before so these chips should be interesting.

1 .8oz bag retails for $1.00

So that's every thing in April's Love With Food Box. With the total of the items coming to $25.33 as well as the variety of items themselves, I'd say April was a good month. If you would like to sign up for a monthy subscription of healthy often unique snacks go to www.lovewithfood.com

Special Edition Cruelty - Free Week Box

Vegan Cuts is a monthly subscription box dedicated to helping you find new vegan products you'll love. There are 2 different boxes to choose from; the Snack Box & the Beauty Box.

The Snack box has 7-10 100% vegan goodies from cookies & chips to sodas & teas. Basically if it's vegan & can be shipped in a small box, you may just find it in a Vegan Cuts Snack Box.

The Beauty Box has 4-5 cruelty free beauty items. They can be eye shadows & lipsticks to face masks & shampoo.

Each box costs 19.95 per month, ships mid month (don't quote me on that) & you can cancel any time.

VC also has an easy to navigate online market place where you can find other vegan or cruelty free products.

DISCLAIMER: I purchased this box myself. I was not paid to write this review nor do I work for Vegan Cuts.

Now on to the review

Schmidt's

Aluminum-free deodorant cream in a warm, woodsy scent.

I received the scent Cedarwood + Juniper. I've never smelt either of these scents but I do love the woodsy scent. Schmit's deodorants come with a little silver spatula to help you get the deodorant out of the jar.

1 2oz jar retails for $9.00

Blissoma

A firming facial moisturizer that reduces puffiness and keeps skin supple.

I've heard about blissmoa. Everyone who uses organic/natural products, raves about this brand. This moisturizer is great for normal, combination, oily, & sensitive skin types. I'm exited to try this & see what it does for my skin.

1 1oz jar retails for $25.00

Biao Beauty

A creamy facial mask that nourishes to minimize the appearance of fine lines.

I don't use face masks no particular reason. However I will try this & see if this help my skin any.

A 4 fl oz bottle retails for $36.00

Beauty Without Cruelty

Gentle shampoo that strengthens hair and restores natural lustre.

I love that this is a 16oz bottle of shampoo! YAY!! Ths specific shampoo says it's for dry/treated hair. What I wouldn't have done for a bottle of this while I was still dying my hair ever color of the rainbow. My hair was not a pretty sight.

A 16 fl oz bottle retails for $10.95

Crazy Rumors

A moisturizing and soothing fruit-flavored lip balm.

I received the flavor plum apricot & oh my god it smells sweet. It's nice & smooth on the lips. It dry your lips like conventional lip balm or chapsticks.

This 'leaping bunny' lip balm retails for $3.99

Aubrey Organics

Broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen that protects, softens, & hydrates skin.

I'm quite excited about this, actually. I've been looking for a safer sunscreen for the summer. Now I got one and it's a nice 4 fl oz size.

A 4 fl oz bottle retails for $15.95

Dr. Bronner's

Organic liquid castile soap that cleanses with a rich velvety lather.

I received peppermint scent & I am most excited about this soap. I have read & heard so many good things about this soap. I can't wait to use it.

A 4fl oz bottle retails for $4.99

THE HSUS

the HSUS's Be Cruelty-Free branded travel bag with a Leaping Bunny approved list of companies and a card for pledging to be cruelty-free.

Cute little make up bag. 

Thats everything that came in my Cruelty Free beauty box. Although the website says 10-15 items I only got 7. I paid $27.00 for it & the total value of all 7 items comes to $105.88. That exceeds the $50 value of the box! Definitely worth the 27 bucks!

Healthy Surprise April 2014

Healthy Surprise is a monthly subscription service that sends you, you guessed it, healthy food. Their goal is to introduce you to food that is TRULY good for you. "We believe what you put in your body is the most important thing about your diet." The food they include in each box must be natural, vegan, healthy, gluten free, soy free, & corn free. Each product is also full size, no teeny tiny samples here. Healthy Surprise has 3 boxes & prices to choose from. There is also a new chocolate box. It's 100 dollars.

Starter Box                  Big Box                       Combo Box

$40/month                          $60/month                           $95/month           

1-2 people.                        1-4 people                           2-6 people

11+ full sized snacks          18+ full sized snacks           27+ full sized snacks

16+ servings                       32+ servings.                      48+ servings

Ships same day                   Ships same day                  Ships same day

FREE USA shipping             FREE USA shipping            Free USA shipping

This is not my first go around with Healthy Surprise, though I can't remember how I learned about them. In January of last year I was diagnosed with gall stones & I decided then was a good idea to start eating healthy. I want to say this is what got the ball rolling on my foray into healthy living. Anyway I ordered the biggest box, at the time it wasn't called the combo box & it was $100 exactly. Then I had surgery to remove my gallbladder on the 9th, 1 day before my 21st birthday. (Fitting since I don't care to drink.) it wasn't a 'passed with flying colors' surgery either. They ended up going in the old fashioned way (painful as hell, nicked my bile duct (bile leaked into my abdominal cavity, also painful as hell & need a drainage tube put in my side). As a result of all this I spend 3 months in & out of the hospital & hopped up on strong pain killers. I say this because my box of goodies sat untouched all that time & by the time I was ok to resume a normal life, everything they sent me expired. (They sent me a lot of raw food bars & other raw goodies that had experation dates). So I threw the box away. Fast forward nearly a year, I took the plunge & reordered but this time I got the big bix. I have to admit when I first ordered this box in Jan 2013 I was VERY intimated by all the health food, especially the raw snacks. However, I've since become a bit more familiar with these types of goodies.

I want to apologize in advance for the crappy photos. They were taken with my phone & I was pretty shaky. So without further ado, here is what I received in this months box. 

The green. yellow & white motif is through out the entire box.

The pamphlet & green sticker come in every box. The sticker has a code to save $10 on first month. Not sure if the $25 gift card does or not. It must be for new subscribers. Also there were 2 layers to this box each layer was wrapped with green tissue paper (only the top with yellow).

All the goodies unwrapped. I tried to make it look as good as I could.

Gopal's Rawma Bar - High enzyme energy bar in Apple Delicious 

Gopal's Rawma Bar is raw, USDA Organic, sprouted, & gluten free. The ingredients apples, dates, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, figs, & lemon. This is a 1.8oz bar so it's quite hearty. A single bar retails for $1.95.

Gopal's Sprouties - Sunflower seeds in Original 

Made by the same company these are simple raw, USDA organic, sprouted gluten free sunflower seeds. Besides the obvious the only other ingredient is stone ground Himalayan salt. This 2oz packet retails for $1.19.

Plum Kids Organic Mashups - Fruit & Veggie Smoothie in Carrot Chop

This is something I'm a bit scared of because I'm not the biggest fan of carrots. Though I will eat them I prefer them raw to cooked. This smoothie is USDA organic The ingredients are organic apple puree, organic carrot puree, organic mango puree, pure organic orange juice concentrate, & organic lemon juice concentrate. This single 3.17oz pouch retails for roughly $1.00.

Plum Kids Organic Mashups - Squeezable Fruit in Berry

No clue why these 2 product have different names considering they are both puree/smoothies. This like the carrot smoothie is USDA organic. The ingredients are organic apple, strawberry, blackberry,& blueberry fruit puree. This single 3.17oz pouch retails for roughly $1.00

Go Raw - Banana Bread Flax Bar

I just realized as I typed the flavor of the bar that it was banana bread. I love banana bread! This USDA organic bar is raw, vegan, gluten free, wheat free, nut free, all live (dried under 105 F), all seeds sprouted, no GMOs, no trans fat, no cholesterol. The ingredients are sprouted organic flax seeds, organic bananas, organic coconut (unsulphured), organic dates. I'm eating this bar now & it's delicious. It's basically a piece of dehydrated banana bread except WAY healthier. I tried to calculated the price of this single bar but I failed. On amazon.com a box of 10 12gram bars costs $11.90 or $2.98/oz. I'm going to assume this single 12gram bar probably retails for $.50 or less.

Home Free - Mini Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Theses all natural, whole grain, double chocolate chip cookies are certified vegan, gluten free, & non-GMO. They are peanut free, tree nut free, egg free, dairy free, gluten free, no soy, no cholesterol, no trans fat, & low sodium. I've had this brand before, in fact they were in my first ever Healthy Surprise box. I had received the chocolate chip cookies. I tried them first because they were the least intimidating thing in the box & I didn't care for them. I didn't think they had much flavor. From what I've read about gluten free baking it can be hard to replicate non-gluten free flavors. However these double chocolate ones taste like the real deal. A single .95oz pack retails $1.49

Snapz - Crunchy Raisins

For some reason the packaging of the raisins are in English & French while the others are only in Engish. The only ingredients are grapes.

Snapz - Crunchy Premium Apple Crisps

The only ingredients are apple slices and drops of lemon juice.

Snapz - Premium Pineapple Crunch

The only ingredient is pineapple. 

All 3 are nut free, gluten free, not fried, no added sugar or salt, no artificial additives or preservatives. The grapes & pineapples are GMO free but the apples don't say GMO free. A single .46oz bag retails for $1.99

rise - Energy+  bar in Apricot Goji

This is a blended fruit & nut energy bar for in between meals. It's USDA organic, gluten free & vegan. Free of GMOs, preservatives, dairy, soy & peanuts. The ingredients are cashews, dates, almonds, apricots, brown rice syrup, tapioca syrup, amaranth, sea salt, & goji berries. A single 1.6oz bar retails for $1.90.

Alter Eco - Dark Cacao Organic Chocolate

This dark chocolate bar is 63% cacao and is USDA organic & Fair Trade Certified. This 2.82oz full sized bar retails for $3.99

Enjoy Life - not nuts! Seed and Fruit mix in Mountain Mambo

This trail mix is free of the 8 common allergens, certified gluten free & vegan. The ingredients are sunflower kernels, pumpkin seeds, raisins, apples, chocolate chips, & cranberries. I love a good trail mix with both crunchy & chewy textures. I will definitely enjoy this. :p This grab & go pack retails for $1.33.

Trophy Farms - All Natural Oven Roasted Almonds

Who doesn't love a good almond? Probably someone who's allergic, Tianna. Almonds are naturally gluten free so no worries there. They are also low sodium. The only other ingredient besides the obvious is sea salt. I would like to also point out, the old fashioned packaging. A win in my book. A grab & go pack retails for $1.69.

Veggie-Go's - Chewy fruit & veggie snacks in Carrot Ginger

Ingredients are organic apples, organic carrots, & organic ginger.

Veggie-Go's - Chewy fruit & veggie snacks in Mountain Berry Spinach

The ingredients are organic apples, organic spinach, organic strawberries, organic raspberries, organic blueberries, & organic sweet potatoes.

These fruit leathers are USDA Organic, Certified Vegan & gluten free. A single fruit strip retails for $1.00

Hail Merry - Macaroons in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

I'm no stranger to these delicious little morsels. I've only had them in strawberry & I didn't notice until I began writing this post that they were cookie dough! Theses macaroons are Certified Vegan, Gluten Free, & Non GMO. This 3.5oz bag retails for $5.00.

just pure foods - KALEnola in Maple Cranberry

This is by far the most interesting item in the box. I feel like I've seen kale granola on the Internet. Not sure if it was this brand or not. This kalenola is Vegan, Gluten Free, USDA Organic, Nut Free, Raw, Yeast Free. The ingredients are Kale*, Sprouted*, Buckwheat*, Sprouted Sunflower Seeds*, Dried Cranberries (Apple Juice Sweetened)*, Agave*, Coconut Palm Sugar*, Cinnamon*, Lucuma*, Vanilla*, Himalayan Rock Salt. A 3oz bag retails $7.00.

* denotes certified organic ingredients

Myrna's Skinny Crisps - Gourmet Crackers in Cinnamon Crisps

I've had these before, they were also in my very first HS box. I received them in Brownie Crisps, did try them and didn't like them. Didn't think they tasted even remotely  brownie like. These Cinnamon Crisps are pretty tasty though. They definitely taste healthy but the cinnamon is a nice touch. These are wheat free, rice free, corn free, & GMO free. They are also naturally gluten free. & Certified as so. A 5oz bag retails for $5.99.

So there is everything that came in April's Healthy Surprise box. If my calculations are correct the total of all 18 items comes to $42. 18 dollars less then the 60 dollars I paid for the box. Not a huge difference so no complaints. If you would like to sign up for a monthly box of all natural snacks head over to Healthy Surprise

Product Review: Death By Lavender Deodorant

Let me preface this by saying I'm not someone who sweats a lot or often. So I don't have a need for a strong deodorant. I first learned about the dangers of toxins in deodorants late last year from a video by Eco-Vegan Gal's Whitney Lauritsen. Here is an in depth article from Natural Cosmetic News. After the new year I decided to go ahead purchase a deodorant Whitney mentioned in her video called Death By Lavender All Natural Deodorant by North Coast Organics.

Growing up my mother had these spa neck wrap things that were filled with lavender. I couldn't stand the sent of lavender in fact it made me nauseated. That being said I can't actually smell the lavender. What I smell must the rosemary & cypress. (I've never been good at identifying or describing scents). My cousin smelt the deodorant and said it was too "woodsy" for her. I personally love that about this deodorant.

Here is what the deodorant label says
"Death will kill [odor] for you. She relishes snuffing odor out. She bares her true face for it puts odor on notice. Death is a cocky elite assassin that will never miss her target. She is unlike any other deodorant you will meet because Death actually works and uses only natural ingredients.

This all natural deodorant only contains Coconut Oil* Carnauba Wax* Cornstarch* Baking Soda, & Lavender* Lemon* Rosemary* Cypress*
*Certified Organic
This deodorant DOES NOT contain Aluminum Parabens and is BPA free.

This Certified Organic, Certified Vegan & Certified Cruelty Free deodorant comes in 3 scents.

Naked
Death By Lavender - for women
Revolver - for men


Check out North Coast Organics & try some of this killer deodorant for yourself.

March 2014 Vegan Conscious Box

Conscious Box is an all natural, eco-friendly monthly subscription service.

“Conscious Box helps you discover healthier choices. Our personalized subscription service lets you sample the best natural, non-GMO products, every month. Find something you like? Pick up full-size favorites at deep discounts. It’s that simple. Conscious Box makes living healthy easier than ever.

We Read The Labels

We sort through hundreds of natural goods like snacks, beauty and cleaning products and pick only the best. Every product must meet our standards. That means all natural ingredients and zero GMOs. We always aim to support sustainable, fair trade businesses.”

There’s also a rating system where you earn 10 points per item you rate/review. 100 points = 1 dollar towards a full sized item in their market place. Since this is my first box I have not had any experience with the rating system or marketplace.

There are 3 different boxes to choose from:

• Vegan
• Classic
• Gluten Free

Each box comes with 10 - 20 sample products

There are 4 different subscription plans:

• Monthly - $19.95
• 3 Months - $18.95 Save $3
• 6 Months - $17.95 Save $12
• 12 Months - $16.95 Save $36

(All 4 plans include free shipping)

Traditional Medicinals Relaxation Teas Traditional Medicinals

Get a good night's sleep without the pills - try an all natural tea instead.

I received the 'Organic Nighty Night' tea. I'm not a tea drinker but who knows maybe some day I'll bite the bullet and start drinking tea.

Via Nature Sensitive Care Lotion Via Nature

Argan oil makes this lotion a great daily morning moisturizer for smooth, clear skin.

I received this in my last months box and loved it.

Via Nature Hydrating Lotion Via Nature

Full of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids, this lotion hydrates, tones and smooths skin.

I also received this lotion in last months box. Again I loved it.

Mighty Leaf Herbal Tea Mighty Leaf Tea Company

Relax and experience a mug of bliss with these soothing artisan whole leaf teas from Mighty Leaf!

I received these last month as well. This time I received Organic African Nectar, Organic Mint Melange, and Chamomile Citrus. Like I said I don't drink tea.

Vintage Italia Pasta Chips Pasta Chips

Made with Semolina, these tasty snacks are baked and come in 5 authentic flavors.

I received these in the flavor Sea Salt. I've had these before in this flavor as well as the flavor Marinara. They are amazing and I love them.

Derma E Soothing Anti-aging Trifecta

This natural anti-aging product line helps reduce redness and fine lines while soothing and hydrating your delicate skin.

I received this in last months box as well. Wasn't thrilled with seeing it then so I'm not thrilled with seeing it now. However, I read somewhere that we begin to age in our 20s, although I'm not sure how true that is. Never the less I will use it just in case it is true.

Vibrant Health Field of Greens

More than just wheatgrass, this mix has the power of kale, spinach and other greens to help detoxify and energize you.

Another product I received in last months box. Haven't tried this yet, it intimidates me.



AloeVella Wrinkless Cream
This unique cream has winter cherry, an adaptogenic herb that goes deep to restore your skin.
I received this in last months box and have not used that sample yet.



Smock Paper Stationary Smock Stationary
What makes this beautiful stationary so unique? It's sustainably pressed on bamboo paper.
I received a single card. This card is elegant looking yet simple. Very nice

Bonelli Fine Foods Simply Sesame Spread Bonelli Fine Foods
Slather this tasty, antioxidant - rich spread on your morning toast, use it as a fruit dip, or even cake frosting.
I received a sample in Vanilla with Almond Bits. Its nutty and sweet, its delicious!

Crystal Deodorant Towelettes Crystal Deodorant
Throw a pack of these handy, unscented wipes in your gym bag or purse for freshness on the go.
I currently do not need an on the go deodorant wipes but who knows maybe the weather will start to warm up enough to where I might need them.

I also received a 20%  coupon for Mineral Hygienics makeup. I haven't decided if I'm going to use this or not.

My Overall opinion of March 2014 Vegan Conscious Box is that I'm not impressed & not happy with as many repeats as there are. I loved the Sesame Spread, can't complain about the Pasta Chips & the card is nice.

If you would like to sign up for a monthly subscription of Natural goodies click this link Conscious Box

Here is the link to my previous Conscious Box review on Tumblr
February 2014 Vegan Counscious Box

A Brief Story of How I Decided to Go Green

This blog is pretty self explanatory. When I was still a pre-teen I decided to be vegetarian for the simple reason that meat grossed me out. I was also pretty paranoid about getting a food born illness.
 In 2008 I became sick for an unknown reason and no matter what I ate I would become sick to my stomach. It didn't matter the time of day nor what I ate, I could count on vomiting not long after. It got so bad that I was hospitalized that October, having lost 36 lbs. I don't weigh much to begin with. They couldn't find anything wrong with me and chalked it up to it being all in my head & me having an eating disorder. Needless to say I was pissed. I was sent home with some anti-nausea pills and they left it at that.

Over time I've learned to listen to my body noting which foods make me sick and which foods don't. However that really doesn't matter since my stomach is so messed up, some days I can eat something specific and others that specific food makes me sick. Also in 2008 I became severely depressed at this point I wasn't eating much to begin with but due to my depression I lost any appetite I had left. I only ate when I had hunger pains and the food I ate was fast food & processed junk. Fast forward to 2013 I was diagnosed with gallstones. I had to have my gallbladder removed the day before my 21st birthday. As a result of this surgery I started to look into healthier ways of living. It started with Organic food & then it became Vegan food.

On October 20, 2013 I stopped eating McDonald's, all fast food since March 17, 2014 (I was doing great with this until pizza was ordered & I caved). I cut out soda on March 10, 2014. I still eat processed food. However, since the fall of 2013 I've done quite a bit of research on healthy living. I went from wanting to cut out meat because it grossed me out to finding out about just how bad EVERYTHING on a standard supermarket shelf was. I've learned about the toxins in our food, clothing, cleaning & beauty products. I've learned about the environmental damage that's done to bring these products to consumers. The cruelty to animals to test the products & workers who work in the factories.

I don't know everything there is to know about the eco/green lifestyle nor am I an expert. I'm simply starting this blog to record my journey to going green & I hope to inspire others to join me.