This post is brought to you by Whole Foods Market.
When I went to Louisville, Kentucky last spring; not only I had the opportunity to visit World Market, but I also stopped by Whole Foods Market. I was immediately blown away by the vast selection of organic and natural products and brands. I was thrilled to come across several of my favorite brands, and even more so to discover brands that I never heard of! I can easily believe that Whole Foods Market is the largest retailer centered on healthy living and wellness. There are a few natural and organic grocery stores (The Fresh Market, River City Food Co-Op, Adele’s Natural Foods, and Elbert’s Natural Food Market) in Evansville, Indiana that I regularly go to, but they pale in comparison to Whole Foods Market! Unfortunately, Louisville, Kentucky is close to 2 hours away from where I live, so I can’t go to Whole Foods Market on a regular basis. Therefore, I can only hope and look forward to the day that they finally launch a store in my area.
Whole Foods Market sent me several of the latest products to try out. They generously set aside the same products to send to one lucky winner, too!
Prize(s): One winner will receive over $100 worth of products from Whole Foods Market. This includes three Amazing Grass Green SuperFood Whole Food Energy Bars, Boiron Children’s Chestal Cold and Cough, Boiron Chestal Cold and Cough, Giovanni Cosmetics 2Chic Ultra-Moist Avocado and Olive Oil Shampoo, Reserveage Organics CocoaWell Powder, Eco Lips Cocoa Vanilla Nut Lip Balm, Jason Power Smile Anti-Plaque & Whitening Toothpaste (Fluoride-Free / SLS Free) in Powerful Peppermint, Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste in Fresh Mint, Mineral Fusion Minerals on a Mission Illuminating Mineral All-In-One BB (Make-Up, Moisturizer, and Age-Defying Treatment), and three sample packages of Amazing Grass Amazing Meal Dietary Supplements in Cafe Mocha.
The giveaway will conclude on February 18th.
I love energy bars, but more often than not: they’re not always fulfilling. I found Amazing Grass Chocolate Chip Coconut Whole Food Energy Bar ($2.99) to be quite different than my usual favorites (i.e. Raw Revolution and Probar). Not only they’re fulfilling, these bars are a wonderful way to obtain that non-jittery burst of energy. Amazing Grass Whole Food Energy Bars are simply delicious, combined with antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, organic, unprocessed, soy free, and vegan.
Even though I drink it from time time, I’m not of those people who have to start my mornings with a freshly brewed, piping hot cup of coffee. Never been a coffee fan, yet strangely enough I love the subtle taste of it in products such as the Amazing Meal Cafe Mocha. Blend this with Good Karma Flaxmilk (or any type of milk) and ice, and you’ll practically forget all about Starbucks! It’s naturally sweet (no additional sugar added), kosher, vegan, gluten-free, raw, and has a chock full of probiotics & digestive enzymes.
For centuries, cocoa has been recognized as a nutrient that provides comfort, sustenance, and strength. The Kuna indigenous people of coastal Panama are one of the world’s healthiest people. In fact, cardiovascular diseases and cancer are a rarity for them. Unlike their mainland Panamanian counterparts, they drink 30-40 oz. of flavanol-rich cocoa per day. Cocoa has a wealth of benefits, such as improving brain, muscle, skin, and eye; and heart health.
The Reserveage Organics CocoaWell Cocoa Powder ($19.99) is nutritional as it is delicious, with smooth, robust, and authentic chocolate flavor that is tantalizing to the taste buds. This cocoa powder can be enjoyed as hot or cold beverage – your choice! Last year, the Kuna chiefs and CocoaWell signed a landmark sustainable business agreement – the first in Kuna’s history – to assist CocoaWell in promoting their sacred cocoa tradition.
My lips are prone at getting dry and chapped easily, especially during this time of the year. The most ideal lip balm for me is one that is reasonably priced, yet long-lasting, soothing, moisturizing, and provides a soft, natural shine. Eco Lips Cocoa Vanilla Nut Lip Balm ($5.99 – $7.99) does all of that and more. It’s thick and highly moisturizing – just what I need for this weather. For its price, you get a lot more lip balm compared to other lip balms in the same price range. It also smells really good, with a delightful, subtle cocoa scent – almost good enough to eat!
I try my best to steer away from traditional medication, because I find the homeopathic remedies to be more effective for me – I can’t speak for everyone. 
I haven’t had a chance to try out the Boiron Chestal Cough Syrup ($10.99 – $12.99) yet since I haven’t been sick – knock on wood! However, I have heard nothing but good about it. Chestal works naturally with the body to improve the productivity of all types of common coughs. Honey in Chestal coats and soothes the throat while the blends of safe homeopathic medicines loosen chest congestion.
Even I’m always open to trying out new hair products, I get a little apprehensive about it sometimes since not everything agrees with my hair. It’s mostly shampoo that I have an issue with, even if it’s touted as the best shampoo on the market or is natural and organic. Most shampoos either leave my hair in a tangled mess, drier than the Sahara Desert, or a combination of both. Thankfully, I have found a few shampoos over the years that agree with my hair, and surprisingly, Giovanni Cosmetics 2Chic Ultra-Moist Shampoo Avocado and Olive Oil ($15.99) is one of them. It is gentle, yet very effective, without any tangles, extreme dryness, and the “chemical overload” that’s usually swimming in traditional brands. It also smells really, really good!
Even though natural toothpaste isn’t always the most budget-friendly buy, I have started greening up my choices of toothpaste. Some of my notable favorites are Now Foods Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel (Cinnafresh) and a couple that Whole Foods Market sent me, Jason Powersmile All Natural Whitening Toothpaste ($6.99) and Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste in Fresh Mint ($2.99).
The Tom’s of Maine toothpaste comes in a TSA accepted travel size tube that’s perfect for the traveler on-the-go. It also naturally whitens the teeth with sourced silicas, while freshening the breath and combating cavities with pure peppermint leaf oil. The Jason Powersmile All Natural Whitening Toothpaste, on the other hand, is fluoride-free. Not only it freshens the breath without abrasives or irritating chemicals, but it has an exclusive blend of polishers and stain-fighting botanicals (Bamboo Powder, Calcium Carbonate, and Silica). The flavor is strong, so it took me a bit to get used to it. However, I like it the best so far!
Unless you have been living under a proverbial rock, it seems like you can hardly go to a beauty blog, sift through a women’s magazine, or turn on the television without seeing an advertisement for a BB Cream (also known as Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm). Its popularity rose in the 60s when Dr. Christine Schrammek (German dermatologist) started using BB Creams for healing scars caused by laser skin surgery because of the cream’s soothing and healing properties. Then, it gradually became a trend in Korea in the 80s, spreading to Japan, South East Asia, China, and has since made its way to Europe and the United States.
The Mineral Fusion Minerals on a Mission Illuminating Mineral All-In-One BB ($24.99) provides an ample of coverage without looking unnatural. I hardly ever use foundation after discovering BB cream last winter. I have always hated that “mask” feeling that foundations give. BB Creams give my skin the “breather” that it needs. However, not all BB creams are alike. Much as I love the coverage this one provides, I have been noticing bouts of breakouts. I have very sensitive skin to begin with anyways. Like my hair, not everything agrees with my skin either.
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