July Favorites
Happy first day of August!
I’m having major Coco withdrawals, hence the throwback photo. She was so happy that day at the beach, frolicking around like a puppy. I like to think back to that memory whenever I need a good smile. I swear, being away from her is the hardest part of traveling!
But I digress…can you believe it’s August already? It feels like summer is flying by so fast! If there’s something you still want to check off your summer bucket list, now is the time. I know, easier said than done, right?
Well I hope you are able to stop and savor a few moments this month. In the meantime, let’s try to ignore the fact that it’s Monday and sit back with a round-up of my recent favorite finds!
*****************************
Favorite Drink: Honey Sweetened Fresh Cherry Limeade. Who needs Sonic when you can have homemade limeade that’s naturally sweetened and made with FRESH cherries?! Now that’s a cherry limeade, y’all.
Favorite Snack: Homemade Key Lime Pie Larabars. The flavors of key lime pie in a nutritious snack bar? I wish I had time to whip up these up to take on our trip because they sound so tasty and refreshing!
Favorite Salad: Thai Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing. Even though I’m currently in Korea, I admit that Thai food is my favorite Asian cuisine. The tropical flavors get me every time. They look incredible in this salad paired with all of the different textures. It sounds like a perfect light and healthy dinner for a hot summer day!
Favorite Wanderlust: Elephant Nature Park. This has been a very hard secret for me to keep up until now but…we’re going to THAILAND!!!!!! We’ll be flying there from Seoul at the end of this week and I can hardly wait!! We have plans to spend a day at the Elephant Nature Park which is a sanctuary that allows you to feed and bathe rescued elephants. There are no words to express how excited I am. Other than AAAHHHHH!!!
Favorite YouTubers: Kara and Nate. I stumbled upon this vlog when I was searching for elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai and I’ve been hooked ever since. Kara and Nate are an adorable couple taking a full year off to travel the world and they publish a new vlog five times per week. This one takes place in New Zealand and it’s one of my favorites. The baby seals are sooooo adorable! I love that you can observe so closely in their own habitat. I’ll definitely be adding this experience to my bucket list!
Favorite Deodorant: JK Naturals. I have confession to make: I rarely wear deodorant. With the year-round temperate weather we have in Northern California, I just don’t sweat that much. But I knew I would need it during our trip to Southeast Asia so I decided to give this local brand a try. So far I’m really impressed. I love the way the peppermint smells and it feels super refreshing too!
Favorite Supplement: MegaFood Methyl B12. As I’ve mentioned before, because I eat vegetarian and also try to limit my dairy intake, B12 is one supplement that I always make sure to include in my everyday routine. MegaFood has been my go-to brand long before I became an official blogger for them but I was even more excited when I learned about a new product that they just launched, Methyl B12. What’s great about this type of B12 is that it’s in its active form which means it’s suitable for those who are unable to metabolize unmethylated B12 due to genetic abnormalities, possibly up to 30% of the population!
As far as I know, I don’t have any issues metabolizing B12 but I rather take this form and know that I’m getting the most that I possibly can out of it.
Favorite Compost Bin: Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin. I’ve wanted a compost bin for over a year now and finally just ended up buying whatever had the highest rating on Amazon. After about a month of using it, I’m happy to report that I can officially trust Amazon reviews. :)
The charcoal filter does an awesome job containing any obtrusive smells and keeps bugs away. If you’re looking for something to separate your organics in your kitchen, I highly recommend it!
Favorite Cooking Oil: Chosen Foods Avocado Oil. I discovered this oil about six months ago when I was looking for an alternative to olive oil for high heat cooking. I’ve gone through a couple bottles of the Avocado Oil for roasting vegetables and I love that it has a neutral flavor with a high smoke point.
More recently the company reached out and sent me a variety of the products they offer and I was really impressed with The Chosen Blend. It doesn’t solidify like pure coconut oil which makes it super easy to bake with!
Favorite Summer Read: First Comes Love by Emily Giffin. I haven’t finished reading this yet so I can’t give my full opinion, but Emily Giffin’s books are typically light and enjoyable reads that are great for relaxing with. I brought it with me to read during down time on the trip and I’m hoping it ends up to be better than her last one.
Favorite Dog Food: V-Dog. You guys, I started feeding Coco vegan dog food. I know it might sound silly to some of you but our friend that watches Coco feeds it to her dogs so we decided to give it a try. We still supplement with a little animal protein (like boiled eggs and dehydrated chicken) here and there, but for the most part Coco’s a vegan.
Favorite Vegan Makeover: Vegan Pepperoni. Speaking of vegan food, how insane does this look? I would have never thought you could turn tofu into anything that even remotely resembles pepperoni but Dana made it happen. She’s a freaking magician, I tell you. I see this coming to a pizza near me very soon.
Favorite Dip: Mexican Street Corn Chipotle Hummus. I promise I’m not just sharing this because I love Julia so much. It’s honestly because this hummus looks ridiculously good. First of all, it has chipotles in adobo sauce which are basically life. Then the grilled corn on top? KILLING ME.
Favorite Dessert: Vegan Chocolate Avocado Pudding Pie with Salted Almond Date Crust. If there’s one pie that needs to get made before summer’s over, it’s this one. Holy deliciousness!
This post was created in partnership with MegaFood, a brand that I have used and loved for years. As always, all opinions and texts are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you quality content!
*Disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
I just started reading the Emily Giffin book! I’m loving it so far, which does not surprise me since I always seem to enjoy her books.
She is such a great author! Minus the last book. ;)
Awesome round up! Thailand sounds AMAZING and I’m excited to hear more about your travels :) Those avocado oils look super good- gotta give ’em a try :)
Thanks Medha! The oils are awesome. Definitely give them a try! :)
Ahhh elephants in Thailand?! So jealous and you know I’ll be stalking you on snapchat to follow along. I expect videos. I want that Thai mango salad so badly right now!
I’ll do my best to deliver! :)
Awwww I can imagine it’s tough not seeing Coco everyday. She’ll be so excited to see you guys when you return! Loving these favorites as always – you seriously have the BEST favorite posts ever! I think I spied you wearing that maxi skirt in one of your snaps? Looks so cozy!! From all your shares on Snapchat, it looks like you’re having such a great time! Keep it up, it’s making me feel like I’m traveling with you! xo
You’re too sweet, lady! Yes, I was wearing the maxi skirt! It’s so comfy. :)
That cherry limeade looks amazing! I need to make that :)
Doesn’t it look amazing?! Thanks Heidi! :)
Coco!!! I love seeing photos of Coco. I totally agree that the hardest part of traveling for me is being away from Emma! I miss her like craaaaaazy! Have so much fun on your trip!!
They’re our babies!! :)
Your trip sounds amazing. So happy you could go to such an interesting place.
I like your new format with recipe ideas. I pinned several from today!
Even though it is in the low 90s here in FL, I made your farro chickpea soup this week.It is so good. We eat it year round!
Safe travels.
Thanks Carolyn! I’m so happy you are enjoying the soup. Try to stay cool!! :)
I can see why you love that photo of Coco so much — she looks SO happy and the view behind her couldn’t be prettier — breathtaking! I’m loving that cherry limeade and Julia’s dip sent me into a tailspin when I saw her post — I could make a meal out of that! Have a wonderful trip Sarah. :)
Oh my gosh!! Have a blast in Thailand!!! Can’t wait to see your beautiful pictures :)
You’re going to Thailand?! Ahhhh! Have the best time! And give a baby elephant a pat for me :D I’ve never been anywhere in that neck of the woods, but it looks like such an amazing place to travel to and I’ve really been enjoying watching all your snaps of Seoul.
I was worried it might be out of my comfort zone but it’s actually been really nice! Brandon said his first Asian experience (in Beijing) wasn’t as easy. I think Seoul is a good place to start! :)
You’re on an amazing adventure, Sarah.. I can just see you two.. like on the Amazing Race, jetting around, one adventure after another. What a soul nourishing experience both Korea but THAILAND! OMGeee I’m soooo excited for you! And you’ll get to show elephants some love (what’s with the chains tho?).. I’d like to hear more! Being in their presence is a gift in wisdom. I can’t imagine being that close to one.. the honor. The hummusss!! Julia’s hummus! Yaaaaas! I started putting chipotle in mine a few years back, but I gotta check out her recipe with that corn! OMGeee!! Thank you for the link love my dear! Wishing you a fabulous and delicious way on your journey! xo
Thanks Traci! Also, I found that picture on Pinterest- chains are not used at Elephant Nature Park! Believe me, I spent weeks researching before I chose that place. There are a lot of awful things going on with elephant tourism, unfortunately. ENP is trying to change that!
YAY I think that you’re going to love Thailand! Visiting an elephant sanctuary was one of my favorite parts about visiting there, and I can’t wait to hear about your trip!
So I hadn’t seen your book review of The One & Only until just now. I actually just read it a few weeks ago. It’s so interesting before it sounds like you had the opposite reaction, but I actually got more & more into the book as it went on. I was really rooting for them as a couple, because it just seemed like a natural connection that neither one of them could deny.. so while I liked the idea at the end, it didn’t leave me feeling satisfied. I wanted to know more I guess! But I’ve read all of her other books & think I might pick up Emily’s latest read for my trip to Ireland. I figure it’ll keep me entertained on the longgg flight, which I’m sure is what you’re doing this trip too!
PS – Coco is so precious!
Yes, I definitely had the opposite reaction! But I can see your point. She did make you feel like their connection was genuine. This one will surely make the plane ride go by faster. A good book always helps! :)
Love this post and not just because you included my Key Lime Pie Larabars, although that certainly made my day! :)
I’m totally with ya on loving avocado oil. It’s my favorite oil at the moment too. And OMG Thailand?!?! I’m so crazy jealous. I can’t wait to see pictures and snaps from the elephant sanctuary. Have some papaya salad for me.
I will do my best to eat ALL the papaya salad!! :)
My heart skipped a beat when I first read of your Coco withdrawals… travelling, yes, phew. That photo by the way could not be more beautiful. Coco’s spirit shining through and the soft dreamy water and majestic bridge behind. I hope you’ve framed it. I use the same compost bin! It has saved my kitchen :) I don’t know why it always takes so long to make these simple discoveries… before the bin I had an “open” system (read stinky, fly attracting) that was just silly. This one deals with all of that and looks really good. Just the right size too. I hope your travels continue to amaze, x.