Vegan Product Review - June 2019

Sorry, it's been a good six months since I've have the time to right a review post so there's a lot here and some maybe more seasonal and not available right now...mea culpa!

I had a few people tell me how amazing Thrive Liquid Lash Extension Mascara is and it was vegan so I thought I'd try it, and at $20 it's averagely priced. I have to say I was not a fan. My lashes weren't extended any more than they are with my normal mascaras and I didn't like the shape of the brush or the consistency of the mascara (very clumpy which is not my preference). I have to say a big thumbs down :(

I don't know why I don't have a picture of the packet so I'll have to steal on from the internet but I LOVE Sweet Loren's gluten free and vegan bake it yourself cookies! I found them in Publix and they were less that $5, which was a vast improvement on the Cappello's ones bought that were $15!! Sweet Loren's has chocolate chip, sugar cookies, fudgy brownie and oatmeal cranberry. I porbably should mention they also sell cookie dough in a jar just to eat...WHAAAA?! Yes, absolutely evil!

For reference (of how bad my photography is LOL)...

Found these Pamela's Ambition Bars at the discount store and they are organic, vegan and GF! I particularly liked the cold brew one, especially since it has caffeine in it!

At the discount store again, for the win, I found Saverne dill & garlic sauerkraut, SO GOOD!!! For those who like dill and also sauerkraut lol

Tried the Follow Your Heart Sour Cream. I'm a fan of their cheeses and dressings but honestly the sour cream was no different from Tofutti. Nothing wrong with it, just nothing special.

I found this Truth Bar in Winn Dixie and OMG it tasted exactly like a Bounty bar. So good. Not all are vegan but this one was!

So I always forget about Schar brand for GF because some of it isn't vegan but some of it is (including no sugar) so I tried this pizza crust and LOVED it! 

I am IN LOVE with Violife's Feta! It tastes more like goat's cheese to me but it still perfect for any feta related dish. I made an amazing Palak Paneer and Feta Watermelon Salad with it. Also very good just on crackers ;)

Saw these No Bull burgers and thought I'd give them a try! They very bean/legume heavy so don't have a "meat" consistency but more like a veggie lentil burger. Still good though!

I was suitably impressed (as I usually am) with Sol Cuisine's Falafel PLUS tahini sauce! So good!

I did really like Cappello's chocoalte chip cookie dough mix but not enough to pay $12 again. Sorry guys but as one of the easiest vegan GF things to make, this is a little much! I love that they have fresh pastas too but I'll have to wait for a big pay day for those!

I picked this Oatly! Chocoalte milk from the discount store and it was SO GOOD! Even my husband who literally hates everything vegan keeps asking when I'm going to buy more LOL

Sir Kensington's Fabanaise is a vegan chipotle mayo I found and thought I'd try since Just Mayo has seemed to be AWOL for quite some time now (what's going on there??) It was pretty good, on par with most of the leading brands but have a great selection of flavors!

My hubby bought me these Belvas belgium vegan chocolate truffles online and they are so delicious! They taste like Nutella truffles. 

I found expensive coffee for cheap at the discount store and of course I had to get it! I love trying new organic coffees because I'm VERY picky about my coffee (I drink it as espresso so I need it to taste good!). This Patriot Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Koke organic and fair trade coffee wasn't bad but I still haven't found one that beats Sweetwater Organic Coffee! Plus the Patriot brand is around $15 which is maybe more than I want to spend on coffee.

Chocolate Ripple...always a win! Had never tried Califia Pumpkin Spice Latte though, pretty delicious...even kids kept asking for it. Sorry I got it couple months ago so may not be available till Pumpkin Spice season!

Veggie Straws are all create equal right? Well not exactly but pretty much, they all taste fairly similar...these Organic ones from The Daily Crave were good though, my son sure loved them!

I'm seriously in love with Vegan Rob's everything. The Jackfruit Puffs are so good, my favourite I think is the Probiotic Cauliflower Puffs, taste like cheesy puffs!

Some Enjoy Life Chewy Bars are so good and others are hit or miss. These  Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed were definitely a miss with the kids, even I wouldn't eat them. The carrot cake ones were ok but of course the chocolate and blondies remain old faithfuls!

I'm a pretty big fan of Kite Hill, so far it has none but impressed me and this was no exception, Chive cream cheese (insert Homer Simpson drool noises). This was so good just to dip but I had to make cucumber sandwiches and boy did they hit the spot! Reminded me of my grandma's Hungarian cheese spread.

I got this Coconut body butter from The Body Shop when they were closing down in a mall near me and everything was 70% off...lucky they have so many vegan products! This was definitely my favourite of the things I bought and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It was very rich and nourishing, definitely felt moisturized all day, and smells amazing. 

I love me some coconut and was excited to find some vegan mineral sunscreen by Sun Bum that was vegan and in spray form for the kids but I have to say I was a little disappointed with the consistency. It sprays on very thick and white and very difficult to rub into the skin, I ended up taking it back :(

I am loving this Pickle flavored popcorn from Trader Joe's. I love dill potato chips and these have that same flavor but healthier, right? I'm pretty sure they are healthier :)

I can't remember where I got this Nelly's Organics Caramel Nougat bar but I think it was Earth Fare. It was pretty damn good too, you get the chocolate bar hit but you can definitely taste the raw ingredients.

I love a sweet salsa and when I saw this Peach Salsa at Trader Joe's I assumed it would have sugar and therefore likely not vegan but to my wonderful surprise it had evaporated cane juice for the win! And second wonderful surprise, it was really good!!

I had heard such great things about Loma vegan tuna so I got a couple of different flavors online (since I can never find them where everyone says they buy them!) and I was a bit disappointed. It didn't taste like Tuna or have the texture or tuna. Even after adding vegan mayo I couldn't eat it :(

I love the Zing chocolate mint bar so when I saw the peanut butter one was vegan I thought I'd try it and it was ok but a bit too dry. I definitely liked the mint better.

I bought this Fruit + Greens Larabar because it was on sale and it's become my favorite one! It reminds me of a strawberry tart or something, so good!

Paperless Post

I am loving the Paperless Post! 

Not specifically vegan related although it saves paper usage so great for the planet, but you know I love aesthetics so sometimes I just have to share! 

Paperless Post are a company that design customizable online stationery and have partnered with several world famous designers such as Kate Spade NY, Oscar de la Renta and Jonathan Adler. They have so many different designs and for different occasions in the medium of cards, flyers and invitations! Just gorgeous, I can't wait for my next occasion to use their services!

I love that they've partnered with companies such as our local Floridian favorite Rifle Paper Co. to get such a great selection of styles!

Kale & Pineapple Salsa

This salsa is so refreshing and the pineapple can easily be replaced by peach or mango to substitute the sweetness. The spice of the fresh garlic could also be replaced or added to with a fresh chili!

Kale & Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple
1 cup kale
1 garlic clove
1/4 red onion
2 tbls cilantro leaves
1/2 cup tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Salt & pepper to taste
squeeze of lemon/lime juice (around 1 Tbls)


Method

Add ingredients together or separately to a food processor and pulse until nicely chopped but not liquid.
Add in any extra seasoning or juice and stir though.
Tastes great if you leave it in the fridge for a few hours so the flavours can mingle!

Sticky Date Pudding

A little known dessert in the US but very popular in Australia and the UK (known there as Sticky Toffee Pudding), the Sticky Date Pudding is a simple but impressive and deliciously decadent dessert! Original recipe from Alternative French Girl.

Sticky Date Pudding

Ingredients

Pudding
300 g Pitted dates, I used medool.
250 ml boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup GF baking flour
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
2/3 cup unrefined vegan sugar
1/2 cup vegan margarine at room temperature.

Caramel sauce
130 ml canned coconut cream
2/3 cup unrefined vegan brown sugar
2 tbsp vegan margarine


Method

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C and grease you square baking tin (5.5cm deep / 17*17cm). I used a mini bundt tray (made about 8 mini bundts). I think the hole is perfect for pouring in the sauce!!
In a small bowl, add the dates, boiling water and baking soda and let the dates soak for 10/15min until they are softened. Keep the water!
In larger bowl, add the flour, baking soda, sugar and softened margarine.
Pour the liquid from the dates with the flour and keep the dates aside.
In a food processor, add the dates and pulse until they’re finely chopped, then add the dates to the other ingredients.
With an electric beaters, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 45 min or until a knife comes out clean when poked into the centre. It took about 35-40 minutes for the mini bundts.
To make the caramel sauce, add in a saucepan on high heat, the 3 ingredients and bring to boil while whisking. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 15 min.
You can have it just like that hot and thin or put it in the fridge to get a thick cool sauce.
I made it earlier in the day and left it in the fridge, then took it out when I started making the cake to bring to room temperature.
Allow the cake to sit for 15min before you generously pour your caramel sauce on top.
Serve with vegan vanilla ice-cream!

Rise 'N Shine

The wonderful people at Rise 'N Shine sent me some lovely vegan products to try! And I'm so happy they did! It's so great to be introduced to this natural brand. Their concept is simple - To use only premium and natural ingredients for improving overall health through the skin. You can really feel how natural the products are when you use them. I can smell the orange in the Vitamin C Facial Toner. The Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid which stimulates collagen was so soothing on the skin. I can smell the Dead Sea mud in the Dead Sea Mud Mask which sounds gross but is actually very earthy because it's full of so many minerals which are amazing for your skin! I loved all three of these products honestly.

When I first got back from my trip my skin around my chin had broken out because of travel stuff, you know how it is. I started using the products exclusively (other than my regular cleanser) and my skin was all clear with in a couple of days. To top it off over the 10 days which I used the products my skin got clearer and more even toned plus I even had a comment by someone about how my skin was glowing so that was nice!

Usage wise I was using the toner followed by the serum morning and night and then three times a week I used the mask. I will also say the value is huge - you get a lot of product for your money. The 8oz toner is $15.99 (my regular toner is 6oz for $24), the serum is 4oz for $29 (my regular serum is 1oz for $60)!

I can say without a doubt I will return to this brand to try some other vegan products!**

**The only product that is not vegan is the Retinol Moisturizer which contains a bee byproduct.

Thousand Island Dressing

One of my favourite salad's dressings growing up - always the way to get me to eat lettuce. This vegan version comes care of Kitchen Treaty.

Thousand Island Dressing

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (
2 teaspoons finely diced onion (I use onion powder also)
1/4 teaspoon finely minced garlic (I've used garlic powder also)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
2-3 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)


Method

Whisk all ingredients together and serve!

Immunity Enhancer - Essential Oil Blend

I just have to share something magical I've discovered. Now I live in a house with three children (one of whom is a toddler) so immune support is very important. I've found this essential oil blend to be very helpful with boosting the immune system. When facing seasonal threats, I take two capsules before bed and two in the morning. If a more vigorous approach feels necessary, I like to take two capsules every two hours as needed. I make the blend in a separate bottle so I don't need to keep making it up and use vegetable capsules. Vegetable based capsules tend to disintegrate quickly so it's hard to make them in advance. I find that filling the blend up to the line where you would need to put the lid on is the perfect amount. doTERRA oils are pure enough that you can take them internally.

Immunity Enhancer

6 drops On Guard

3 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

2 drops Oregano

2 drops Frankincense

Current Everyday Cosmetic & Body Care Faves - 2019

I realised it's been close to 4 years since I last did a post on my favourite cosmetics and skin care so definitely time for an update! If you need help de-cluttering or organizing your cosmetics, which I definitely do, check out this article from One Pampered Life!

So cosmetics, I'm not a person who has to buy only from a vegan company because I appreciate some companies trying - especially if they are cruelty free to begin with and the more demand the more we will see. Plus not a lot of great brands out there that have ALL vegan cosmetics. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for and it's going onto your skin...so in clothing I'll buy thrift but in cosmetics I buy quality!

The ones I'm using at the moment definitely have more to do with specific products than whole brand lines...

COSMETICS

First things first, you need to start with primer! I LOVE the Arbonne and INIKA primer. INIKA is a vegan organic cosmetic brand from Australia but now available in the states online! I tried a sample of the Hourglass Veil Primer too and I really liked it also.

Foundation I've been loving Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation (their Amazonian Clay range is all vegan as far as I understand it). I didn't love the only vegan concealer Tarte had though so I've been using a brand named Hourglass that I had never heard of but they have quite a lot in their vegan range. Powder I have a Kat Von D Illuminating powder for light coverage and a Tarte Amazonian Clay powder foundation for those heavy coverage days!

Still loving my INIKA bronzer that I use for contouring my cheekbones, I love the loose powder better than the baked but they are both lovely. For blush I still have an old palette by Paula's Choice who sadly don't make cosmetics anymore :(

Eye shadow wise I like a matte colour, I have brown eyes so usually browns, greys and smoky pinks/purples and luckily I still have my Paula's Choice palette. (WHY DID YOU STOP MAKING COSMETICS PAULA'S CHOICE WHYYYY!??!???) I love using the darker browns to colour in my my eyebrows with an angled brush!

I am LOVING the Chantecaille highlighter - I got one in a pack with the mascara. I mix a little in with my foundation and then use some after my whole base is done on the highlight areas and it's magical how flawless my skin looks! Yes this brand is expensive but you really get what you pay for with this brand. Very natural and made in France, mostly vegan! They make cosmetics, skin care and perfume.

I love Kat Von D liners - the Tattoo and Ink liners are vegan and have the most AMAZING precision! I don't like that they are water proof but that seems to be a trend with all cosmetics these days. The Tattoo is thinner so I love it for real detail but the Ink liners have a lot of colour options!

Mascara I still love Arbonne the best but I do really like the Chantecaille one as well. I think I really like the Arbonne brush for getting defined lashes as appose to clumpy. Better Than Sex Mascara by Too Faced is amazing too but I just prefer non-waterproof mascara. I've adding a couple drops of Rosemary EO to my mascara pot as well to help with hair growth and strength!

I'm still using my Lucus' Paw Paw Ointment as my go to chapstick (yes I know it has petroleum jelly in it but I just haven't found anything that works as well). Lipstick wise Kat Von D Studded matte lipsticks are amazing. (The one pictured is Cathedral which I LOVE) They smell divine, go on smooth but dry matte and have some major staying power without feeling dry. I still have some of my Manic Panic lipsticks that I love for colour but they don't seem to do much vegan lipstick anymore :(

SKINCARE

For cleansers I'm using L'Occitane's Reine Blanch Facial Scrub and Divine Cream Cleanser. That Divine cleanser will get rid of all your make up - even your waterproof stuff, it's amazing!

For toner I just use the cheap Witch Hazel because I haven't found the expensive ones to do a better job. I do really like the Andalou cleansing wipes I bought on sale. For face masks once a week I love Andalou Naturals and Eminence Organic Skin Care.

Daily cream I usually use Image Skincare daily moisturiser with SPF 32+ suncreen because it smells divine and makes my skin feel so smooth. All Image products are vegan. When I had dark spots I use Roden + Fields REVERSE Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen, it really vanquished them!

At night, after cleaning and toning I've been using L'Occitane's Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum followed by the Immortelle Youth Oil.  I used to be scared of putting oil on my face but it really penetrates so much deeper than cream so you are reaping the benefits.

BODY CARE

In the shower I use my own homemade soap (available on my Etsy store) for cleaning but for moisture and shaving I LOVE L'Occitane's Almond Shower Oil. I also have been using the Delicious Scrub from their Almond collection as well, makes me feel so silky!!!

After I get out I like to spray some of L'Occitane's Almond Skin Oil in my hand and mix it with whatever moisturizer I'm currently using. I love Loccitane Almond Milk Concentrate or Milk Veil, also the scented lotions are amazing, EO's body lotion, Nature's Gate Hemp lotion.

For hands, I haven't found a better hand cream than L'Occitane's 20% Shea butter but the original contains honey. The Rose scented 20% Shea does not contain honey and neither does the Almond hand cream which is also a fave of mine!

For feet I am loving the new 25% Shea butter foot cream from L'Occitane! I wish it had the essential oils the old one did but am happy it doesn't have the honey that the 25% shea hand cream has!

In terms of perfume daily I use a doTERRA roll-on called "Motivate" not only because it smells heavenly but also because it really uplifts my mood and gets me moving!
When I want a perfume I reach for my L'Occitane Terre de Lumiere L'Eau or Rose EDT.

HAIR CARE

I still use my hemp shampoo bar every couple of weeks as my only form of shampoo, available on Etsy. I usually just use some good quality Argan oil (Maple Holistics brand) instead of conditioner. I just work it into the ends and then work it up. I also love L'Occitane's Reparing Hair Oil that contains argan oil.

Sometimes I feel like using real conditioner. I love L'Occitane's 1 Minute Intensive Care Conditioner and DeLorenzo's (only available in Australia) "The Ends" Leave in Conditioner. I've also love just using a homemade mask of organic coconut oil and rosemary essential oil and leaving it on my hair for an hour or so before washing out. It can take a couple of washes sometimes but is well work it!

On the rare occasion I style my hair and need some setting products I always go to Pureology first because the quality is great, the smell is great and it's 100% vegan! I've used the hair spray and mousse which are great.

NOTE: I am not paid by any of these brands to advertise, these just the brands I use and love. 

Spinach & "Feta" Pot Pie

I made these in four single serve ramekins and they were so delicious! GF pastry recipe originally by Maggie Beer but I made it vegan. Filling I made up as I went. I'm in love with Violife Vegan Feta Cheese, reminds me more of goat's cheese, it's just so smooth and creamy!

Spinach & "Feta" Pot Pie

Filling

1 pack tofu (439g)
1 pack spinach  (283g)
1.5 packets of vegan feta (300g) - I used Violife
1/4 cup shredded vegan Parmesan I use Violife
1 onion, chopped finely
2 garlic cloves minced
2 green onions
salt & pepper to taste (I used 1/2 tsp of each)
1 Tbls olive oil

Pastry

1 cup water
2 tspn salt
90g unsalted vegan butter
150g gluten free flour Plus 1/2 cup extra for kneeding
2g xanthan gum
2-3 egg replacers


Method

Preheat oven to 200C/400F.
To make pastry;
In a heavy based saucepan combine the water, salt and butter.
Bring to a simmer and add the flour and Xanthan gum. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon.
Lower temperature and continue to cook until pastry comes away from the sides and is well combined. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Whisk the egg replacer to combine and add half the egg mixture slowly, incorporating fully before adding the final half.
If the mixture is a dough texture when you add in the first half, you may not need to rest of the eggs mixture.
Turn out onto a surface on which you have placed a further ½ cup gluten free flour and knead until shiny.
Try to incorporate as little flour as possible so the pastry does not go crumbly.
Chill pastry.
While the pastry is chilling make the filling;
In a medium frying or saucepan heat olive oil on a medium heat and add onion and garlic and saute until clear.
Press tofu and add to a food processor along with all the filling ingredients.
Pulse a few times to have well mixed but not pureed.
Once done collect pastry dough from the fridge then using a rolling pin roll the pastry between two pieces of baking paper greased on both sides. Roll to half a centimetre thick and place in pie tins. I turned over the ramekins and drew a circle around about 2 cm out from the rim.
Place into the preheated oven and bake for 20minutes.
While cooking roll out remaining dough and create pastry lids for the pies.
Remove and set aside to cool, ready for your filling.
Once cooled slightly add in filling into all pots.
Place pastry lid on each pressing sides down with a fork and cutting off any slack.
Puncture a couple of slits in the top of the lid for air.
Optionally you can also brush some non-dairy milk or vegan butter on the top for a shinier look.
Heat made pies for another 20 minutes or until top looks golden.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.


Bake at 400 for 30 mins