Kite Hill | A Whole Foods Market Exclusive Brand

COMPANY: Kite Hill

PRODUCT: As many as I can get my hands on!

COST: Varies item to item, and I assume store to store.

DESCRIPTION: Kite Hill began with a vision for a plant-based food that would have all the qualities relished in the best artisan dairy cheeses. As they believe the best part of eating is inviting everyone to the table for a convivial meal, these products had to entice the full range of food lovers, from those dedicated to a plant-based diet to others simply curious about a healthier lifestyle. Kite Hill stands for the very best tasting alternative dairy products made with the simplest ingredients using traditional methods — from artisanal delicacies, nut milk yogurts, and cream cheese style spreads to entrées and even deserts.

ARTISANAL DELICACIES:

» Soft Fresh Truffle Dill & Chive «
Their description: Soft Fresh Truffle, Dill & Chive is supple and creamy with earthy, black truffle overtones. The almond milk curds are mixed by hand with fresh truffle oil and a mixture of herbs, and then shaped and pressed immediately before packaging to ensure ultimate freshness. This fragrant delicacy is best served right out of the refrigerator.

My review: Thanks to the truffle and dill, this actually gave it a more egg-like taste. I used it on my morning breakfast scramble and it took it to a whole new level!  

» RICOTTA « 
Their description: Our ricotta has sweet, and cultured overtones, and a buttery, smooth finish. It is moist and incredibly versatile. Its silky texture makes for a great mascarpone substitute and is ideal for desserts.

My review: Holy smokes! I want more of this right now. And... I now want them to make cottage cheese. I can't wait to create some Italian dishes with this! My only complaint is that the packaging isn't resealable. I happened to have a lid from one of the others that I used, luckily.


YOGURTS:

» Vanilla «

Their description: Our plain almond milk yogurt is produced exclusively with the highest quality, local almonds that provide a smooth and delicate mouthfeel and flavor. The natural flavor of our almond milk is balanced with acidity produced by Probiotic cultures that are aged with the milk during production.

My review: I don't like it as much as the peach one, but it's a great base. Perfect for yogurt or smoothies. Still a winner in my book!

» Peach «  

Their description: Carefully picked peaches from Sunny California orchards are first tossed with citrus and organic cane sugar and allowed to ripen for several hours. They are then mixed into the yogurt to add bright flavors that thrive in our yogurts over time.

My review: Peach is my favorite of all yogurt flavors — so I had high expectations for this one after have the artisanal options above. I will say, it's nice to have yogurt back in the mix (I do not like soy-based at all and almond-based options aren't always available). It's good, but it's not blowing my socks off like the ricotta did. 

CREAM CHEESE STYLE SPREADS: 

» Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread « Their description: Our cream cheese style spreads are made with all natural ingredients to create a complex flavor and a velvety smooth texture. Each batch is cultured to add depth, sweetness, and a subtle tang. Our spread is great smeared on a bagel, or served alongside fresh fruit or grilled vegetables.

My review: I've tried so many different types of cream cheese — never satisfied, chalking it up to being gone from my grocery list for good. Then Kite Hill came along. This is amazing! It tastes exactly like the cream cheese you use to love before you realized what it really meant to consume dairy. Bagels, spreads, baking, jalapeño poppers... watch out!  

» Chive Cream Cheese Style Spread « Their description: Our cream cheeses style spreads are made with all natural ingredients to create a spread with complex flavor and velvety smooth texture. Each batch is cultured to add depth, sweetness, and a subtle tang. Chives and white pepper add a pop of freshness and spice. It is great smeared on a bagel, or served alongside fresh fruit or grilled vegetables.

My review: Because, heaven-forbid, you only make awesome plain cream cheese. Show offs! :) 

CHEESECAKES: 

 

» Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart « Their description: Kite Hill fresh Ricotta is whipped with pumpkin puree, fall spices and brown sugar to give a vibrant, welcoming flavor and texture. The filling is then poured into a ginger snap tart shell and slow baked to perfection. Serve with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream to accent the fall spices and ginger.

My review: This was the perfect Thanksgiving dessert! Before you even cut into it, such a beautiful presentation. But let's dig in... Soft, chewy crust. Rich, creamy cheese cake. Traditional, fall-spiced pumpkin pie. All in one tart. It's not very thick, which is nice — you feel less guilty about having a second piece! 

There are more I haven't been able to find at the Whole Foods Markets I hit up when I'm near one — so I'll add to this review as I find them. They're absolutely amazing! Thank you, Kite Hill!

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Petit Vour | December's Monthly Vegan Beauty Box

COMPANY: Petit Vour

PRODUCT: Monthly Vegan Beauty Box

COST: $15/mo (or amazing birthday gift from my friend, Jessica)

DESCRIPTION: Catering to beauty devotees interested in living a more compassionate lifestyle, Petit Vour delivers fresh beauty products - culled from beauty’s kindest - right to your doorstep each month.

Inside your box, you’ll find a range of chic vegan beauty products for you to apply, blend, buff, lather, soak and spray. Shop the box, earn rewards points, and receive complimentary US shipping when you purchase your new cruelty-free favorites in the Petit Vour Shop.

MONTH THREE PRODUCTS:

» KANI BOTANICALS, Petal Polish Rose Face Mask « 4.5oz | $28
Winter skin getting to you? We feel you. This innovative formula is enriched with revitalizing brown sugar and antioxidant-rich rose, which work together to gently dissolve dead skin cells and reveal perfectly-nourished skin. Your skin will feel ah-mazing! 

» ZABANA ESSENTIALS, Glow Stick « .6oz | $10
Take your holiday look to the next level by adding a touch of highlighter to your cheeks, collarbone, or wherever you fancy a glow. Moisturizing, fast absorbing, and rejuvenating with just a slight hint of shimmer.


» BLISSOMA, Deodorant Stick « .75oz | $9 or 2oz | $15
Traveling this season? Then pack Blissoma! This super-effective natural deodorant comes in a handy stick form and includes moisturizing mango butter and natural oils as well as anti-irritant, sweat absorbing, and stink-busting powders. No toxins, no problems!   

» MAI COUTURE, Blush Papier « 50 sheets | $17.50
Boost your complexion by adding color to cheeks whenever, wherever (from airplanes to soirées). The subtle shimmer you see will give your skin a healthy, natural glow. It's a beautiful sheen without looking shimmery or glittery. 

RESULTS:

» KANI BOTANICALS, Petal Polish Rose Face Mask «
I'm always thrown off when I use sugar in my facial products. I mean, it's sugar that causes my face to break out in the first place. On top of that, the combo of brown sugar and rose seems odd and maybe even gross. But throw your expectations out, this was lovely! Although, I will add, I probably will just continue to make my own sugar scrub because it's less expensive.

» ZABANA ESSENTIALS, Glow Stick «
It doesn't go on as smoothly as I would like it to, but once on it does add a nice subtle glow to your skin. I wasn't sure how much tint it really did add until I washed my face this evening and saw the difference. Probably not a repeat for me, but I'm enjoying it while I have it. 

» BLISSOMA, Deodorant Stick «
I absolutely love my homemade deodorant — it's basic, vegan, and I can change out the essential oils for a new scent every time. BUT... I do have to apply it twice a day if I don't want to offend people at the gym. If you're not into the homemade thing (or just don't have the time), I would recommend this deodorant. I only applied it this morning, and risked losing friends at the gym tonight to give it a good test. After an hour of cardio mix that was more sweaty than usual (and I was in a long sleeve shirt, what was I thinking?), I came out smelling like... nothing! It's unscented.

» MAI COUTURE, Blush Papier « 
These are fun, and I think convenient for a night out on the town when you have a small purse and even a wallet. But the idea of paper waste over something like blush or bronzer doesn't cut it for me. If that doesn't bother, I believe you'd really like these! They come in a slew of colors and styles. 

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Petit Vour | November's Monthly Vegan Beauty Box

COMPANY: Petit Vour

PRODUCT: Monthly Vegan Beauty Box

COST: $15/mo (or amazing birthday gift from my friend, Jessica)

DESCRIPTION: Catering to beauty devotees interested in living a more compassionate lifestyle, Petit Vour delivers fresh beauty products - culled from beauty’s kindest - right to your doorstep each month.
        Inside your box, you’ll find a range of chic vegan beauty products for you to apply, blend, buff, lather, soak and spray. Shop the box, earn rewards points, and receive complimentary US shipping when you purchase your new cruelty-free favorites in the Petit Vour Shop.
MONTH TWO PRODUCTS:
» MODERN MINERALS, Lotus Wei Infused Emotive Lip Gloss in Violet Rose « 3g | $24
Modern Minerals collaborated with lotus Wei to create a special lip gloss infusion of pink camellia flowers, pink tourmaline gemstone essence, a light floral fragrance of lavender, chamomile, rose, and neroli. This special blend follows Lotus Wei's emotive formula and magnifies: Love of Life  •  Inner strength  • Compassion  •  Living in the Present Moment

» ONE LOVE ORGANICS, Healthy Locks Dry Shampoo Powder « .6oz | $12 or 1.8oz | $29
With a unique blend of highly absorbent Georgia Kaolin Clay, hyaluronic acid, and silica rich bamboo extract, Health Locks Dry Shampoo Powder softens, strengthens, lifts, and nourishes hair between shampoos, during travel, or for an anytime pick-me-up. 

» PELLE BEAUTY, Luxe Beauty Balm « 30ml | $65
This dreamy delicate, waterless balm provides your face with intense moisture. Formulated with floral waxes, precious essential oils, and antioxidant-rich ingredients, this super-emollient and easily-absorbed beauty balm will keep skin soft, smooth, and protected.  

» ORGANIC BATH CO, Stress Less Organic Body Oil «  100ml | $45
Softly scented with pure Bulgarian Lavender and a blend of calming essential oils, Stress Less Body Oil delivers lightweight moisture that absorbs instantly for dewy, healthy-looking skin.

RESULTS:

» MODERN MINERALS, Lotus Wei Infused Emotive Lip Gloss in Violet Rose «
This is a nice, subtle, flirty lip gloss with just a hint of color that is highlighted with sparkle (not shine, sparkle). It stays on for a decent amount of time without being tacky and leaves your lips moisturized. It says it has a floral scent—which made me nervous since I don't want some floral tasting—but I can't really remember it having a strong scent at all.

» ONE LOVE ORGANICS, Healthy Locks Dry Shampoo Powder «
I just tried this today — after traveling yesterday (and therefore putting my hair up, taking my hair down, and putting it back up again) my hair was oilier than usual this morning. I've always been a little scared/put-off by dry shampoo. Maybe because I'm scared I'll use too much and look like I basically poured baby powder all over me... Because let's be honest, that's what I would do. But this powder was really light and I only used a little bit for it to give me the boost I needed today. It has a slight scent to it, that is pleasant but not all "hey, I'm putting this scent in my hair because I don't want you to know I didn't wash it today." The 12 oz container is quite a bit, I can't see myself going through this quickly, so I would recommend sticking with the smaller, less expensive option.

» PELLE BEAUTY, Luxe Beauty Balm « I remember the lead singer in my punk rock band (late 90s, early 00s) would use a balm on her cheeks in the winter time. It was the perfect solution to dry, freezing cold wind all up in your face... but more importantly it made her look magical. She had slight shine that gave her appearance a cozy hello in a sea of pasty drunks at the show. When I saw this beauty balm, it was like I was granted the secret formula to her sorcery. Winning! 

But it's also $65, so I probably won't get it again because I'm cheap frugal.

» ORGANIC BATH CO, Stress Less Organic Body Oil « 
I love the smell of lavender, but this comes in a spray that doesn't really mist on the oil as much as it drips it on. That can be frustrating when you're less than graceful and get it on your clothes. I will probably stick to my lavender scented eye-pillow when I need to really let go of some stress.

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The New Shop

I added on a new link to my shop! But the news is way more exciting than that...

Last week I designed the slogan you see to the left. I knew I wanted to donate what little money I made to Uplands PEAK Sanctuary, but what I found out when talking to them was way more beautiful than I could have ever anticipated.

They were so excited to find out about the design, because they had just rescued their first cow. His name.... Vegan.

Perfect, right?!

So, in honor of serendipity and acts of kindness... I will be donating 100% of the proceeds I make on the Keep On Vegan On design to PEAK/Vegan until all his medical expenses are paid off.

To learn more about Vegan's story: http://tiny.cc/RESCUEvegan

I hope this holiday season you find your heartwarming way to give back — and maybe consider donating directly to PEAK or treat yourself and them through my shop. *heart*

Thanks!

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Petit Vour | October's Monthly Vegan Beauty Box

COMPANY: Petit Vour

PRODUCT: Monthly Vegan Beauty Box

COST: $15/mo (or amazing birthday gift from my friend, Jessica)

DESCRIPTION: Catering to beauty devotees interested in living a more compassionate lifestyle, Petit Vour delivers fresh beauty products - culled from beauty’s kindest - right to your doorstep each month. Inside your box, you’ll find a range of chic vegan beauty products for you to apply, blend, buff, lather, soak and spray. 

MONTH ONE PRODUCTS:
» URSA MAJOR OF VT, Fantastic Face Wash «
A foaming gel cleanser with a natural brightening complex, this everyday essential is made with a spirited fusion of premium, whole essential oils including cedar, spearmint, lime, lemon, rosemary, black spruce, owyhee, vetiver, and lavender. Face wash has never smelled so good!  

RESULTS
They aren't lying — this smells amazing! And after using it for over a month now, I can honestly say this will officially replace my face wash for good! It suds up just a little, and instructions say if you leave it on for 30-60 seconds after you massage it in, you'll get extra hit of exfoliation. I don't know if that's true, but it makes me feel all spa-like, so I let it sit while I brush my teeth. For reference of my skin type — overall it's more on the oily side with dry patches during seasonal weather shifts. I am prone to horrible acne, and my skin has been pretty clear since I started using it.


» HABIT COSMETICS, Nail Polish «
Habit gives you the gorgeous color you crave and strengthens your nails (that's the Myrrh extract at work), all without the harmful chemicals found in other brands. 

RESULTS
The color they sent me is a sparkly gold/sand color, called Disco. Love the name, I mean, if nail polish doesn't have a great name it's not worth contemplating, right? I feel like it's out of season for my taste, but I also think it will make an excellent color for sun-kissed skin. That being said, I tested it on my nails to see how it went on. Applies great, and because I'm lazy, I also learned it lasts long because I didn't remove it right away. Oh, and the bottle packaging is cool too.


» HANA ORGANIC SKINCARE, Eye Oil «
The delicate area around your eyes will love the gentle, soothing, and smoothing properties of this nourishing eye oil.  

RESULTS
This is a product (though I liked how it went on/the scent/the potential benefits of it), I won't end up making a habit of using it. I'm just too low-maintenance when it comes to any beauty regimen. So introducing new habits, like delicate area around your eye only oil, won't make it into my routine.





» ESSENCE OF VALI, Sleep—A Bedtime Ritual « 
This concentrated natural blend will ease you into a peaceful sleep and comfort you during times of stress. 

RESULTS 
About 2-3 months ago I finally jumped on the essential oil bandwagon. After years of trying it at a friends house and reading/researching the best kinds—I knew it was worth the investment. I can say, I am more relaxed, seeing improvements as far as shorter or less frequent bouts with illness, and I just purchased an oil to help with hormone balance *fingers crossed*. 

So! When an essential oil came in my first package, I was elated! I was a little put off by the scent, it's more musty than I expected, but I'm still a big fan because it also has helped my sleep. I wouldn't recommend it in a diffuser (I think because the scent is too strong for me, not because it will ruin your diffuser), but applying it to the pulse points (inside of the elbows, wrists, and your temples) does wonders. I also enjoy rubbing it into my hands and then cupping over the nose while deeply breathing it in.

I hope this was helpful. I can't wait to get my next Petit Vour box, it's such a fun surprise (and this is an excellent gift from my friend Jessica—3 months of vegan goodness, swoon)!

Namaste

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