How is it already March? February went by so quickly; three out of the five weekends we had family birthday parties and the other two weekends were so beautiful we went out hiking and exploring every day just to be outside in the sun.
I’ve been taking the weekends entire off of lately, which just feels so freeing. Whereas I used to feel compelled to post on social media or do any of the endless behind-the-scenes tasks involved in managing a website on Saturdays and Sundays, lately I’ve been working on creating a distinct work/life balance. It’s not always easy to do when you work for yourself, but I’m getting there!
I hope you all had a restful February, and are looking forward to the longer, warmer days that are coming in March!
Other than just being outside with Kevin and Peanut, here are the things that got me most excited last month:
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BIODEGRADABLE/COMPOSTABLE DENTAL FLOSS
Over the years we’ve slowly switched over as many of our household products to plastic-free alternatives as possible, but it literally only just occurred to me this month that floss was a. made entirely of plastic and b. very easy to get plastic-free.
So, we made the switch and…WOW. Not only is it the cutest floss ever, I actually enjoy flossing with it because it doesn’t split and fray like regular floss usually does for me. I bought this one off amazon and love that you reuse the little glass jar and simply replace the roll of floss once it’s empty. Highly recommend checking it out!!
MEDJOOL DATES FROM PALESTINE
I know I mentioned them last week, but I’ve been 100% obsessed with these dates lately. They’re consistently large, plump, and sticky, make such an easy, satisfying snack by themselves or dipped in nut butter, and are sustainably grown by a cooperative of small farmers in Palestine’s West Bank. I also love knowing that purchasing these dates helps to directly support some of the most disenfranchised farmers in the world, who rarely get the opportunity to sell their products in the local or global market.
HOMEMADE CASHEW MILK
This month I’m on a roll with homemade cashew milk. I’ve been making it on Sundays and using it all week long in coffee, cereal, oatmeal, etc. I love how simple it is to make and the fact that it can be made very low waste- no plastic packaging or cartons needed!
My basic formula is: 1 cup cashews, soaked in a jar full of cold water on the counter overnight (or at least a good 4-6 hours). Drain and add to a blender with 4 cups cold water, a pinch of salt, a splash of vanilla, and 2 dates (for a tiny bit of sweetness- a drizzle of maple syrup works, too, or you can omit this). Blend really well until smooth, pour into a jar and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using!
TRADER JOE’S RISONI
Trader Joe’s launched a new grain-free rice alternative this month and I think we’ve already gone through six boxes? It’s so good. I would say it’s more like orzo pasta than rice, as it’s made from chickpea and lentil flours and a little bit more plump than grains of rice, but nonetheless we’ve been eating it in burrito bowls, as the base for stir-fries, and in soup with dinner all month long. Since chickpeas and lentils are both high in protein and fiber, I’ve found it to be more filling that regular rice, and a great option for bulking up meatless meals. If you have a Trader Joe’s nearby, I highly recommending grabbing a few boxes! Pro Tip: it’s very bland on it’s own, so be sure to season it well before eating!
CHOCOLATE AVOCADO POTS DE CREME
This month I found myself intentionally buying too many avocados just so I could have a few ripe ones leftover at the end of each week to turn into dessert. If you haven’t hopped on the avocados-as-dessert bandwagon yet, I highly recommend starting with this recipe. It’s essentially like a super rich, luxurious dark chocolate pudding, and doesn’t taste like avocado at all! I’ve loved topping it with a drizzle of peanut butter, a dollop of coconut yogurt or whipped cream, or just eating it as is for an afternoon snack.