Friday Favorites

I'm jumping on board. I think someone does an actual Friday Favorites linkup, but I think we all know by now linking up for something is way too much work for me.

Here is a round-up of a few of my favorite things.


1. My Vitamix. 

I know, I know, insert eye roll here because doesn't every health freak have one and preach it's greatness? It's so true though. I bought mine last year with my annual bonus as a Christmas present to myself. Thinking about getting one? Wait til Christmas they go on super sale on QVC. I got mine for a great price, and usually they will let you do payments when they air the show too. This machine makes EVERYTHING. I even used it to make mashed potatoes. I stumped the Vitamix demo guy because he didn't know you could do that. You might think you have a great green smoothie, but you don't. Not until you have made a green smoothie in the Vitamix. It's smooth as buttuh.


2. My Microplane Grater. 

This is one of those items you don't really think you need until you get it. I suggest getting it as a gift for someone who cooks. It's one of those things you eye in the store and wish you had but don't really want to buy it. Well. Buy it. I use it for zesting, and now I zest more! Cheese. Garlic is the big winner. Just mince away. Way easier than chopping.


3. Herbal Philosophy Tea. 

This is a line of teas made from 100% organic herbs. That's it. Just herbs that are oh so good for your body, mind and soul. Lucy, the girl behind the tea, is as dedicated and inspirational as they come. Above is the Feel Beautiful tea, which is a delicious fruit/mint blend. There's also Feel Lite, which I love, that helps clean our your system and curb your appetite. I love tea. Love love. I've got every blend she makes and tea time is me time. Oh no, my favorite is Feel Dreamy. Trouble sleeping? GET IT. It contains Valerian Root (which I happen to also take in liquid form) that helps calm the nerves. It doesn't make you druggy sleepy, more so once you fall asleep, you stay asleep. I'm obsessed.


4. Peas and Thank You. 

Ah. This blog. I love Sarah aka Mama Pea. She is strong, she is inspirational and she is freaking funny. I have this cookbook, even though I'm not vegan, and all of her stuff is so good! her family is beautiful and her blog is all around enjoyable. Check her out.


5. Temp-tations Stone Cookware

You guys. Seriously. So I'm totally addicted to infomercials. One time my mom ordered a Turbo Cooker and I was so excited it's not even funny. Too bad she returned it and we didn't even get to use it. Anyway, I'm laying in bed flipping channels Sunday morning and I come across this infomercial. Just for a brief couple of minutes. I was hooked. Temp-tations is glazed stoneware that you can bake, freeze, store, microwave. All of it. In one. The set comes with lids, trivets that double as cheese trays and a serving tray that triples as a cookie sheet or lid for baking (hello lasagna). If you've never used stoneware, it's totally worth it. My mom has a stoneware casserole pan and you get such even cooking or baking. This set comes with loaf pans, a casserole dish and 4 single serving side dishes. Oh yeah and of course, I researched it on QVC and the reviews confirm it is actually legit and I did not actually fall for some made for TV scam. Whew.


6. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend protein powder. 

This is THE best protein powder. Ever. In life. In the entire history of the universe. And I have been through some protein powders. Well, ok... this is the best raw, vegan protein powder. Whole Foods makes a good whey that tastes just like chocolate milk. This is not that. This is raw, meaning it has not been processed at high temperatures so all the nutrients are maintained and your body can utilize them easier and quicker. It's vegan. No dairy. The vanilla tastes delicious. I say this, but, I don't drink it. I HATE drinking a protein shake. Sick. Vom. Ew. However, this is the best for protein pancakes, baking or making protein balls. Adding to oats. It's insanely versatile. And if you like drinking protein shakes, then you will probably love it for that reason too.


7. GT's Synergy Kombucha

You guys. This stuff is so good. It's like fizzy magic. If you've never had kombucha, it's a fermented tea. It's full of live bacteria (like yogurt) that's great for your gut. Try the Synergy line in Passionberry if it's your first time. It's like fizzy koolaid. The first time I tried the regular version, I gagged. It was so strong but the Synergy line is a little bit more reserved. Trilogy is my favorite, with a raspberry/lemon/ginger blend. Every time I drink it, I think of little scrubbing bubbles in my tummy. I drink it when I'm bloated, or having tummy issues. Or just because. I really want to buy a case, but man... a case is like $40 and I don't usually work that into my budget. Mmm... just typing this is making my mouth water.


8. Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara

I consider myself a mascara connoisseur. Or addict. Total open to interpretation. I go through a tube a month. I use 2 different kinds. I like thick, clump, Tammy Faye Baker lashes. I wish I could get permanent falsies. I tried wearing false eyelashes once on NYE. Aaahahahaha. BIG MISTAKE. It was lie bat wings on my eyes. I have pretty long (albeit thin) lashes, so I was blinking, they were falling, uneven.. just a nightmare of a mess. I don't want longer lashes, I want thick, ridiculous, solid line of lashes. THIS MASCARA IS AMAZING. It does in 2 coats what most mascara does in 3 or 4. I would know, I do like 8. It's made with natural ingredients and amazonian clay. I love Tarte, I use all of their eye shadows. It's a little bit steep in price, but totally worth it. You can never have too much mascara. Well, actually... you can. One time I finished my mascara then started blow drying my hair (upside down) and my eyelashes started to stick together. Whatever. Battle scars I say.

Those are just some things I love. I also love the weekend. And I am so ready to not leave my house, possibly even my bed, for 2 straight days.

Cheers,