January Finds

I started off 2019 making a promise to go back to basics by focusing on the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Here are a few things I've found that make that promise a whole lot easy to keep — and then some odds and sods I couldn't resist sharing.

image via stasherbag.com

Stasher Bag

I know I'm WAY late to the party on this one, but having just KonMari'd the kitchen, I realized I finally ran out of Ziploc baggies. For 2019, every time I run out of a one-time use item, I'm researching more environmentally-friendly ways to replace it.

Enter Stasher. These reusable storage bags are perfect for snacks on the go, can be placed in the freezer, and even cleaned in the dishwasher. Basically use them any way (and more!) you'd use a Ziploc, and then wash and repeat.

image via bernardin.ca

Freezer Jars

I've been looking for ways to meal prep smoothie bowls for days when I'm out and about, and couldn't find anything that would work for me. Yes, I know Swell, Yeti, and other brands have a slew of thermoses for wine and spirits that may fit the bill, but these Bernardin jars freeze and thaw easily. All you have to do is blend up a batch of your fav smoothie, pour, and place in the freezer. The night before you want one, place it in the fridge with your desired toppings. In the morning you'll have an easy and delicious grab-and-go option!

Jasper Hill Harbison Cheese

I can't even contain my excitement on this one. Ever since I heard Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi from Top Chef say this was their favourite cheese, I've been dying to try it. Unfortunately, after heading down to St. Lawrence Market—and calling every cheese shop in the city—I learned you just can't find Harbison in Toronto.

Luckily, I just got back from the US, where I was able to find the last two wheels in all of Washington, D.C. The strong, rustic, and woodsy cheese was well worth the wait (and the price tag). Dig in to the soft and creamy brie-like wheels by taking some crusty bread and dipping it right through the rind. Serve it on a plate with fig jam for a sweet treat.

Toronto Star Article:

Diet-Free Fitness

This article hit a particular cord with me. For the last year my best friend and I have continuously talked about how trendy diets and fitness crazes need to stop, and how we need to just live happy, healthy lives, whatever that means to us. I know I'm the first to try some new cult-y class or Insta-trend (see the smoothie bowl freezer jars above), but I truly believe we need to find #balance in our approach to health and wellness, because that's exactly what it is: health and wellness. Competition and comparison don't have a place here.

Michelle's RawFoodz Dressings + Marinades

I always make my own salad dressings. Olive oil, Champagne vinegar, honey, dijon, salt, and pepper. Done.

But that doesn't mean I don't constantly keep my eyes peeled for something that could replace my every day combo. The problem is so many store-bought products are full of fillers or ingredients I wouldn't normally use (i.e. soybean oil, xanthan gum). Most of these things are stabilizers added to lengthen the dressing's shelf life.

Michelle's RawFoodz gets my seal of approval—and my $$$—because it's made up of ingredients

I have in my pantry. Plus, it's a damn good marinade

for chicken. Now I'm inspired to try making my

own version!

Cultures for Health Yogurt Starter

Okay, so I haven't used this product yet, but I am so excited too! I'm going to be making yogurt for the first time, and I know you don't really need a starter, but I thought it would help ensure my first batch is easy and successful so I don't feel tempted to go back and buy it at the store.

I'll be attempting as soon as the container of yogurt in my fridge is finished. Fingers crossed I can pull of something thick and a little tangy!

Have experience with any of these goodies? Or have any favourites I should be trying out? Let me know!