After a hiatus of almost one.whole.year, the monthly favourites posts are back!
I can’t really remember why I stopped doing these, but I think it was because I wanted to streamline them a little and only focus on blog-related things… which worked until it didn’t. Those posts (At A Glance’s…) started feeling a little dry after a while, and I knew it was time to switch things up when I stopped wanting to do them altogether. I started playing around with the idea of bringing my favourites posts back, and your guys’ positive response just sealed the deal… #coolstorybro.
So without further ado, here are some of the things that October saw me loving. I’m still playing around with how I want to do these posts, but for now I’m sticking to my original categories of: food, beauty, odds & ends, and blog things.
First up are cacao nibs…
I’ve been using the ones from Organic Traditions, but there are plenty of companies out there that sell them — it’s a good idea to try a few different ones since the flavours can vary depending on how long they’re roasted (OT are not roasted).
So cacao nibs are cacao beans that have been roasted, separated from their protective husks, and broken into small pieces. They’re basically a “raw” form of chocolate, and give even more health benefits than dark chocolate since they’re so much less processed and closer to the original source. What kind of health benefits? Glad you asked!
Cacao nibs are one of the best dietary sources of magnesium (which is important in muscle and nerve function), as well as a great source of potassium and iron (which is essential in red blood cell production and oxygen transport).- They’re also a great source of fibre (missing from more processed forms of chocolate), which not only helps keep you fuller longer, but is an important component in proper digestion.
- Cacao nibs are loaded with antioxidants, which combat the free radicals in our bodies that cause damage to our cells.
- They also stimulate the brain to release certain neurotransmitters that are tied to good mood, and they contain adrenal-related chemicals (phenylethylamine) and caffeine that help us stay focused and awake.
Not bad, eh? But I mostly just love them for their intense chocolate flavour and unique texture. They’re not at all sweet and have slightly fruity/flowery undertones, meaning it might be a bit of an acquired taste if you’re used to milk or slightly dark chocolate, but the tender brittle-like crunch is crazy addictive. I love sprinkling them on smoothies, oatmeal bowls, and ice cream, or replacing some of the chocolate chips in my baking.
And while we’re on the topic of cacao nibs, this Dark Cacao bar from Alter Eco Foods is LIFE.
I would show you the actual bar, but… uhm… I eated it 😳
Smooth and creamy dark chocolate studded with crunchy cacao nibs. And the best part is that the bar is fair-trade, organic, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Perfection.
In non-chocolate news, I have been LOVING this Cinnamon Apple Spice tea from Celestial Seasonings.
It still doesn’t beat Hot Cinnamon Spice as my #1 tea, but the flavour is pretty darn close (slightly sweet with plenty of cinnamon flavour and hints of orange), and I love that it’s naturally caffeine-free so I can drink it at any time without having to worry about getting buzzed.
And because I’m slightly biased, I’ve just gotta toss those blog recipes in there 😀
Vanilla Chai Breakfast Bake
No Bake Brownie Bites
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oatmeal Smoothie
14 Must-Try Healthy and Comforting Muffin Recipes
Soft and Creamy No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Baked Egg Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Moving on to things I put on my body, this first product is one that I’ve mentioned before but need to mention again because I love it that much, and that’s the Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer from L’Oreal.
If you think that putting a primer under your makeup is just an unnecessary extra step, then I highly suggest that you reconsider and give it a go. Not only does it:
- give your skin a luminous, healthy glow,
- minimize the appearance of fine line and pores,
- make your skin feel like silk/velvet and makes makeup go on more smoothly, and
- help makeup last longer and prevent it from oxidizing/shifting around on your face,
… but it also acts as a barrier between your skin and your makeup, which can actually help prevent breakouts. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my own skin after I started using primers regularly, and I’ve heard the same thing from several different people. The best part is that you can pick this primer up from the drugstore and it’s relatively inexpensive, so there’s no harm in trying it out to see how it works for you.
Another drugstore makeup product that I’ve been loving is this Instant Age Rewind concealer from Maybelline.
I don’t suffer from really bad dark circles, so while I can’t tell you how good it is at covering those up, I can say that it’s probably one of my favourite under-eye concealers because of how good it is at staying put and not settling into my fine lines. That and it does a pretty good job at brightening things up and making me look fresher and more awake. And because it’s drugstore, you don’t have to worry about investing a lot of money to see if you like it.
. – . – . – .
Aaaaaand because I’ve already rambled on for close to 1200 words (seriously?!?!), I’m going to cut it short this month and end things here. Would you guys rather have me include more favourites and say less about them? Or less favourites and say more about them? Let me know!
Disclaimer: this post was not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above. I genuinely love all of these products, and that’s why I’m sharing them with you.
What’s one thing you’ve been loving this month?
Have you ever tried cacao nibs? What did you think?
What’s your favourite tea to drink in the fall/winter?
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oh cacao nibs. Someone tried to pass it off as CANDY. WHAT THE EFF.
Was it the same person who said that cashews taste like candy?
Yay for monthly favorites! I really enjoy reading these posts and getting ideas from you. I especially like reading about your latest tea finds – I’m always looking for new teas to try!
Cacao nibs are awesome! I love that dark crunch they bring and they are the perfect topping on everything really! I must try the Alter Ego with them in it – Alter Ego being one brand that we can get in Australia! Yay!
I love your favourites post, it’s a great way to get yo know you are little better and see what’s going on in Spoons world! 🙂
Oh that’s awesome! Have you tried their quinoa chocolate? That one is amazing as well. I think I’m just in love with any chocolate that has crunch in it 😆
That’s next on my list to try – I have heard its like those ‘Crunch’ bars which I used to love! Our last one was the burnt butter one – I HAD to try it! haha!
The instant age rewind concealer is one of my all-time favs! It works so so well. I have yet to try Alter Eco chocolate bars…they’ve been on my radar!
I love the monthly favorites!!!
Now I want that chocolate bar we didn’t buy at WF’s. Shoot.
My favorite is the tea you brought me. I have been loving on that stuff. I even brought a bag to my hair dresser’s house yesterday and borrowed some hot water from her. 🙂
I told you to get it! Crazy lady, turning down chocolate. And I’m glad you like the tea 😀 You’re going to have to end up ordering a yearly shipment of the stuff 😛
Alter Eco chocolate is amaze! I can’t get behind cacao nibs, though. They’re too intense or too crunchy…not really sure what the problem is, but the caffeine in them is also a major issue for me as I avoid it 100% of the time (except in dark chocolate).
I honestly think that cacao nibs are death. I know they are super healthy and people claim “they taste like dark chocolate” but no, they do not. Not at all. When I want chocolate, they do not suffice. I think your description fit them well.
October I was loving animal crackers. Both plain and chocolate 🙂
They definitely weren’t what I was expecting either, but they grew on me after a few… err… years? 😆
You have ALL the chocolate at the beginning and then at the end those bites…and now I wish “I eated it” ALL!!! I’ve had cacao nibs, but they were roasted – I need to try OT’s next for sure!
I don’t care if you have more favs or talk more about fewer favs – I’ll always stop by and read – though if you keep eating all the chocolate without sharing, we might have a problem! JK 🙂
Happy Friday Amanda – Oh make that Happy Halloween Friday! Hope your weekend is lovely!
Right back at you, Shashi! Hope you’re enjoying your Halloween 😀
I am in love with cacao nibs too at the moment! Shame they are so expensive :/
I think more favourites is best. But then there’s nothing wrong with lots of text. I always find your posts entertaining and read right through!
Definitely love! And I mean love cocoa nibs! I put them in smoothies, on top of yogurt or even by themselves! But my favorite thing this month is my discovery of overnight oats!! Why did I not jump on that band wagon sooner – they are so good! Another monthly favorite or even just a good thing that I am loving about this month is I am taking the leap into self hosted website!!!
You decided to take the plunge! Super excited for ya 😀
I love knowing why people love certain products, so I’m fine with fewer products and more reasons why! But really I just like favorites posts in general, so I’m ok with whatever you decide! 🙂
I’ve been wanting to try cocoa nibs since they talked about they on Brooklyn Nine-Nine a few weeks ago, so I feel like this is a sign that I just need to try them
Alter Ego can do no wrong when it comes to chocolate…I don’t think I’ve tried that specific one, but I’ve loved every other kind by them that I’ve tried so I’m sure that ones amazing as well. I don’t think I’ve ever had cacao nibs though!
The only way I can eat cacao nibs is in cookies or something else. I tried eating some by themselves and almost spit them back out 🙂
I was pretty shocked when I first tried them as well. Definitely an acquired taste!
I really need to get a bag of cacao nibs! Everyone is raving about them.
LOL @ cool story bro ?
I’ve been falling in love with cooking this month. I’ve always loved to bake but my cooking has always been ‘meh’ so that’s been fun. Hopefully I keep it up ?
Jealous! My cooking skills are definitely lacking as well. And the worst part is that I actually used to be so much better about it, but I’ve been slacking because of all the baking 😛
That chocolate bar is everythingggggg. ….and I hate when people say that, but it’s true!
I’ve heard the age renewal cream is awesome. I always enjoy reading what you are enjoying because of the various products you like.
Hi Amanda! Yay, loving the favorites. So funny you should mention cacao, because I actually learned all about its benefits yesterday and decided I need to be eating more of it. And those Alter Ego bars? So good, I got a few as samples a couple of months ago and was sad to finish them. Perhaps they should be on my shopping list today! Have a great weekend, lady! 🙂
So you talked me into buying the cacao nibs. I have been meaning to and now I will when I go shopping later. I do believe in makeup primer, until I run out and forget to restock lol
I’ve actually been experimenting with a way to make them a little bit more palatable. Remind me to talk to you about it!
It’s nice to see these posts back and – I might be in the minority – I like hearing a bit more about each favourite. Because they obviously are your favourites for a reason :).
Thank you for reminding me I still have some of that tea hidden in my cupboards (where, though??). It’s not sold regularly around here but I snatched a box during one of my stays in a larger city.
I too am in love with the Cinnamon Apple Spice tea… it is just so autumnal and warming! I need to try the cacao bar, as I move toward a more dairy and grain limited diet for health seasons I’ve found even dark chocolate is sweeter to me 🙂
I need to pick up some cacao nibs, cause I’m pretty sure I’d love them!
Face primers actually can make a really big difference, especially if you’re tired. I got the new YSL one through influenster last month and I really love it. I’ve also been very loyal to my Garnier BB cream through the years, so that almost eliminates the need for primer, but adding one does give a nice boost.
Still not sure how I feel about cocoa nibs. The taste is surprising. I like 100% chocolate, but cocoa nibs need to grow on me I think.
As a hot apple cider lover, I want to try that tea!
You’ll love it! Especially if you steep a few bags at once or let it sit for a while. The flavour is super strong – none of that watered down nonsense.
I have to try cocoa nibs… I put them in my oatmeal a couple weeks ago thinking they were sweet and I was in for a surprise!
Include more favourites!
LOVE Alter Eco but haven’t tried that one yet- I will now. Monthly favorites is a great idea, I’d like to try that for myself if I can actually organize it 🙂
Definitely give the cacao one a try! The crunch is seriously to.die.for.