Hey, hey!
I can honestly say I am super happy it is Monday. Due to my kidney infection, I spent all of last week lying on my couch and watching television shows. Needless to say, I was so ready to go back to work and experience a day out in the real world.
I don’t have too much to report about my weekend. I ended up going to my parent’s house. Thankfully, they only live about 45 minutes away from me, so they were able to pick me up at my apartment and let me spend the weekend with them as I nursed myself back to health.
I mentioned in my last post that my mom made me some Saturday morning waffles. Well, she also made me a Saturday evening carrot cake!
This was to die for! The best part was the icing. She made it out of plain greek yogurt and organic powdered sugar. YUM!
It was so good that Beatrice was waiting in the wings in an attempt to steal it from me.
Other notable eats included banana steel cut oats with cashew butter.
This was my first time trying cashew butter, and it was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! It tasted sweet, almost like cake icing.
***
So, remember when I said I won a giveaway for an iHerb $50 gift certificate? I had a difficult time choosing my items (there was SO MUCH good stuff!!), but I finally made my decisions last week.
Today, I arrived home at my apartment and learned that a package was waiting for me in the office. But what ever could I have received?
My iHerb goodies!
Plus a few, small freebies.
I’m pretty stoked about my swag, so I’m ditching today’s previously planned post idea in order to share my winnings with you!
I chose…
Brown Rice Syrup
I plan on using this for baking. It is supposedly low on the glycemic index, meaning that it will cause less of a blood sugar spike than other sweeteners. FYI-Brown rice syrup scores a 25 on the glycemic index, whereas glucose scores a 96.
Yummy Earth Organic Fruit Lollipops
This was kind of an impulse choice. I’m a total candy girl. And organic ingredients can make even candy healthy, right? 
Hemp Seed
Hemp seed is a good source of protein and essential fatty acids. I plan on sprinkling these seeds on top of soups and casseroles as well as experimenting with hemp seed in my Green Monsters.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is finely ground almonds. It’s a high protein, high fiber flour alternative. It also adds a unique taste to baked goods. I can’t wait do some experimenting!
Reviva Brown Spot Night Gel with Glycolic Acid 
Products with glycolic acid aid in the fading of sun spots. I was a lifeguard for 5 years, and I did not treat my skin well in those days. Unfortunately, I have a lot of sun damage from the mistreatment of my skin. A little glycolic acid couldn’t hurt.
Mesquite Powder
I learned about this stuff from The Fitnessista. Mesquite powder is ground from mesquite seed pods. <—Don’t ask me what those are. I just know you find them in South America and the southwestern U.S. Mesquite powder is often used in baking, put in smoothies, or sprinkled on foods as a seasoning. It has a sweet, nutty flavor. I’m going to try some in my oatmeal, and I’ll let you know how it goes!
Mesquite is popular in the health food community because it contains lysine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and dietary fiber. Supposedly, mesquite also helps balance blood sugar.
Omega 3 Supplement
Although I try to incorporate lots of omega-3 into my diet, I take a supplement daily. The main reason I do this is because I have very dry eyes. Omega-3’s help make tears more viscous, and my eyes are definitely less dry since I’ve increased my omega-3 intake!
Eco Farmed Risotto in Butternut Squash Flavor
There’s no fancy schmancy reason for choosing this. What can I say? I’m a sucker for prepackaged meals and side dishes. Some things never change…
Auromere Tulsi-Neem Hand-Made Soap
I like things that smell good!
Rich in protein and fiber, spelt flour is known for its unique, nutty taste. I can’t wait to make delicious baked goods with this stuff!
So there you have it, folks! My iHerb gift card choices. If you haven’t been to their website, I would check it out. In my opinion, they have very reasonable prices!
Have you tried any of my new items? Were you a fan?
***
I’m signing off. I’m hoping to catch the Valentine’s Day episode of Make it or Break It. I’m rather sure I’m 15, not 25….
That’s a nice package. I have never tried any of those items. I’m really curious to try Maca powder, which they have too.
I don’t know what Make It or Break It is but my fiance is currently making fun of me because I’m watching Life Unexpected. It’s good!
Lee, I must warn you, maca tastes NASTY!
The Mesquite powder seems interesting…how many grams of protein are there per serving?
lol @ Beatrice… too cute! I take fish oil supplements- I love them! I’m convinced that they help make my nails stronger and skin better. I have been reading a lot about mesquite- you’ll have to let us know how you like it! Welcome back to the real world
Lily,
Your Mom’s Carrot Cake looks unreal! Is it easy to make?
I’m so sorry to learn about your kidney infection – one of my girlfriend’s came down with one on our last day of our Carribean Cruise (third year law students’ last “Spring Break”) – do you have any tips for recovery other than high quality R&R?
Jean
High quality antibiotics!!
I’ll ask my mom for the carrot cake recipe and hopefully I can get it posted soon.
WOW!! WHAT A SWAG!! I’m intrigued by the Almond Flour. Can’t wait to see what you make!
I loveeeee carrot cake. That looks like a great package. Let me know how the spelt flour turns out!
those banana oats look so amazing! and i love carrot cake..yumm
LOVE the new swag, girl!! you rock! the butternut squash risotto sounds fantastic!!!
holy ^&$% you got a TON of stuff from that gift card!!! I can’t wait for you to try everything! I love how you picked items that might be hard to find locally!
my family LOVES that spelt flour!! so many delicious items!!
and mannnnnn that carrot cake is making me droooooool! Love the kitty pics too!
wow, you got some great stuff!
I love the name of your blog!!! I have never commented before or stopped in but just wanted to wish you well from the kidney infection! I spent all weekend snowed in and studying the kidney ! ( and liver, and blood etc. ) Anyhow, I love your giveaway package too! Must feel great to have so many new things to try!
-Laural
I hope you are feeling better! Kidney infections are rough! Nice swag ya got there. i am really curious about the mesquite powder. I could not agree with you more on cashew butter! So rich and decadent! I love it!
This is the wrong post, but I must recommend the tv show “You Are What You Eat” It is British and very witty due to the nutrition expert, Gillian. She speaks openly about her favorite subject “poo”!! –a must see!
Hemp seed… well a different brand.. but I LOVE it.. you Nutrition Magazine titled Cleanse looks VERY intresting.. please share stuff as you read through it
All of your new goodies look awesome! Glad you are feeling better
You got a ton of stuff! They must have good prices! I’m going to have to check it out. I’ve been wanting to buy some brown rice syrup for making energy bars.
i haven’t tried any of those products!! what a shame..but I really want to hear how you like the risotto!
Cashew butter is def. towards the top on the list of good nut butters
Mesquite is my newest obsession! It’s like cinnamon, sugar, caramel, & crack all in one
Wow what a great haul! And that carrot cake icing looks sooo good. I will have to try making it!
Yay! Welcome back to the real world!!
That carrot cake looks amazing!! Yum, yum!
wow what a nice package! I have never tried any of those items but some look very interesting!
Spelt is my current fave flour and that brown rice syrup makes some amazing granola bars! Nice and not too sweet.
Enjoy!
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