GLASS STRAWS

I've always been a fan of straws and use them mostly for smoothies and hot beverages, but I wanted an eco friendly version since our land mines are filled with plastic. After watching Benji from "Its Judy's Life" using metal straws for his smoothies I became obsessed with the idea of eco friendly straws. I was hesitant on purchasing metal straws since many people complain of the metal taste, and I was weary of glass straws and how fragile they might be. After some research I invested in some glass straws from a company called SimplyStraws. I purchased mine from Amazon but you might find a similar version on Etsy.

I bought 6 straight straws, 3 for me and 3 for Mark in the colours: Amber, Amethyst, Blue, Green, Pink and Teal

FIRST IMPRESSION
1. Overal Quality - Initially I was afraid they would shatter easily if I dropped them in the sink, but they are actually very durable. The glass is thick that it won't easily break and it is thick enough to use with hot beverages. I usually drink tea with straws to avoid tea stains and most plastic straws end up melting or become scorching hot that you can't even use them. These straws were thick enough that you don't burn your lips.

2. Design - Simply Straws makes a variety of sizes, colour and shapes (ie. bent or straight) and they also comes with a fitted brush for easy cleaning. The diameter of the straws are perfect for thick smoothies.

3. Company Policy - Although these are expensive you are definitely getting your money's worth because Simply Straws has a lifetime guarantee- "of you break 'em, we replace 'em."

I've been using these straws religiously for weeks now and I absolutely love them. I wish I bought the bent straws in a shorter length so make sure you order the correct length before purchasing your straws.

Let's Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! 

-A

BODY SHOP HAUL

I blame the stress of board studying for my recent online shopping purchases. Although I love using macadamia nut oil on my skin, I've been annoyed at how the oil transfers from my arm onto my textbooks making my pages translucent.  I wanted to buy a product that was "natural," moisturizing and absorbent. Although The Body Shop isn't 100% all natural ingredients, I know it is a brand I can trust and they use community fair trade ingredients from Ghana which is an extra bonus. I love the fragrance of their body butters and how silky smooth your skin feels after. The Body Shop recently had a mix and match sale going on where you could buy 3 products and get 3 free so I purchased the following:

1. BODY BUTTER COCOA BUTTER
2. BODY BUTTER OLIVE
3. BODY BUTTER SHEA
4. BODY BUTTER ALMOND
5. HAND BUTTER ABSINTHE
6. BODY SCRUB BRAZIL NUT

I LOVE the HEMP HAND PROTECTOR, but Mark absolutely detests the smell and wouldn't go near me when I used the product so I had to be picky with the fragrances I purchased. I also had to make sure that the products I purchased were appropriate to wear in a clinical setting as perfumes and fragrances are not allowed at my school clinic. I purchased the lighter nutty scents with the exception of Olive and Absinthe, both which I knew Mark liked. Over Christmas my mom bought a Groupon for the Body Shop and wanted Mark and I to use it up. We were obsessed with the Olive and Absinthe scents, but unfortunately they were out of stock of both products.

These body butters leave your skin feeling moisturized all day and night. I usually apply my body butter right after the shower before I got to bed.  When I wake up the next morning my skin is still soft and feels hydrated. These are definitely worth trying.

- A

ALOHA - DRIED GREEN JUICE

I've been trying to incorporate a green juice/smoothie everyday in my diet this past month and stumbled across, "ALOHA" through a Facebook ad. I ordered a free 5 day trial and think this is a convenient way to add more vitamins and minerals into anyones diet. I have noticed an increase in my energy level especially in the mornings after I have a green juice. You can either mix the individual packets with water, coconut water or throw it in a smoothie. I blended the ALOHA with fresh fruit and water. If you're busy and always on the go I would recommend trying the product because it is filled with 14 rich nutrient rich ingredients. I prefer making my own green smoothies in the morning because it is more cost efficient and I rather use fresh ingredients, however, I will most likely purchase this product again in the future when I travel for my rotations. ALOHA is coming out with two new flavours, "Berry Blend" and " Chocolate Cacao" so be sure to check out their website and order a free 5 day trial!

-A

HERBAL COFFEE

When I moved to Chicago for school I quickly learned that I needed to figure out how to never ever get sick. I moved to a new country and there was no one to take care of me! I needed to learn how to take care of myself. I was told numerous times during my orientation that,  "the amount of information thrown at you is like trying to drink out of a fire hydrant" and it's so true. I knew if I got sick I would fall so far behind in school so I promised myself I would eat healthy and that's when my new journey of healthy eating began. I have become a little neurotic about reading ingredients on every food product and try to educate myself (and Mark...but he never listens to me) about what I put into my body. Like any student, I consume more caffeine than I should and recently discovered a natural organic coffee replacement :)

Teeccino is a company that makes herbal coffee and teas and I recently purchased Vanilla Nut, Maya Chocolate and Almond Amaretto (I'm saving this one for Mark). 

Maya Chocolate 
Ingredients: Roasted organic carob, organic barley, organic chicory, organic ramon seeds, natural chocolate flavour, organic cocoa, chile flakes.
Impression: the aroma smelt so similar to coffee. It had a more bitter dark chocolate taste than I was expecting so I added milk and sugar. I was expecting a more chocolaty taste and was a little disappointed with this flavour - it was okay.

Vanilla Nut
Ingredients: Roasted organic carob, organic barley, organic chicory, dates, almonds, organic dates, natural vanilla extract, natural nut flavor, figs.
Impression: I could definitely smell and taste the dates in this, but I quite enjoyed the flavour more than the Maya Chocolate. I drank this the first time black and the second time as an iced beverage which was delicious.  The acquired taste of this flavour may take some getting use to.

Overall, I think this is a great product if your looking for a flavourful beverage to enjoy that does NOT contain caffeine. If you are trying to cut down on your caffeine intake it is suggested that you mix your favourite coffee with Teeccino and gradually wean yourself off of coffee. Unlike coffee, Teeccino won't lead to insomnia, irritability, muscle tremors or heart palpitations, rather Teeccino can help nourish your body. It has no caffeine, it is non-acidic so it won't erode your stomach lining, it has antioxidants, provides a natural energy boost and more. 

I'm still getting use to the taste of Teeccino and won't go throwing out my coffee and black teas just yet, but I enjoy having a variety of beverage options for those late study nights.

-A

RECORD CRAZY

Hey guys,

This summer has been such a busy one for me. The only thing that seems to get me through some stressful days is my growing record collection. I figured since I have a little time I would update you guys with 6 records "spinning" this month.

• Adele : 21 - melodic with great slow jams and some up beat tracks. Adele delivers a great performance, a must have for those who appreciate ballads.
• Lauryn Hill : The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - I grew up listening to Lauryn Hill so it was only fitting to grab this LP.  No words can explain how awesome this album is. Soulful and powerful Lauryn Hill is a must have in anyones LP collections
• Lorde : PURE HEROINE -  I have to be honest I was a little hesitant picking this LP up. I Youtubed the full album before grabbing it.  I was pleasantly surprised.  PURE HEROINE has become a favourite of mine. Electronic with great beats, LORDE really shows why she deserves all the hype.
• Florence and the Machine : LUNGS - "The dog days are over" - Florence Welch the lead singer delivers amazing vocals 
• Justin Timberlake : FUTURESEX/LOVESOUNDS - Great R&B Justin Timberlake brings sexy back with great transitions between amazing tracks.
• Mumford & Sons : BABEL - A feel good uplifting LP.

Hope you guys are doing well!

-M