I couldn’t stop thinking of yesterday’s banana mash oat topper and was craving a banana scramble samich this morning. I picked up some sprouted Ezekiel english muffins for the first time. I love their tortillas and wanted to try out another product. They have stellar nutritional facts and a great ingredient list. They are nice + hearty and I loved them. So did Chris!
A few people that have made the banana scramble, said that when you flip it, the scramble doesn’t stay together. I think it has to do with a few things, like how much liquid you use, what you use to bind it all together + what type of pan you have. I have a stainless pan and I think that really helps brown it so I can scoop and flip. Although, if yours is not flippable, it will be just as delicious browned + mashed around in the pan for a few minutes.
Coco Chia Oat Pnut Banana Scramble
- 1T chia seeds
- 1/2 banana
- 1T unsweetened coconut flakes
- ~3T rolled oats
- 1T pnut butter
- ~3T unsweetened coconut milk [or any other milk]
- Mash with a fork until thick.
- Let sit for a few min and the chia will help soak up a little moisture. You could sub in 1T of ground flax meal instead have a similar affect.
- Add more milk if needed.
- Heat + grease a pan on medium heat.
- Plop down scramble + cook for about 3min.
- Flip or mash around and cook another 3min.
- Top on whatever you please!
I toasted the english muffin, topped with jelly + cacao nibs. It was OVERflowing with the scramble.
SO freaking delicious.
I got back in the pool today for a kick-butt swim.
Warm-up
- 50m kickboard – legs only
- 50m buoy – arms only
Swim
- 500m freestyle [20 lengths]
- 500m breast stroke
- 500m back stroke
[I sprinted 1 length for every 10 lengths that I swam. So I did 6 sprints total]
Cool down
- 100m freestyle
Total workout time: 45min
I had a big handful of almonds before swimming but by the time I got home [including a .75m walk x2, to the park and back] I was ready to chew off my arm.
New glass + new straw! It’s a reusable stiff plastic straw. It came in a pack of 3 orange + 3 pink and I’m excited about them. I always end up with smoothie on my face, which Chris tells me about, hours after it’s been there.
It was good. Sort of. I bought this pack of Vega recently. It was the vanilla chai flavor. I’ve seen so many other bloggers rave about it, I wanted to give it a try before investing in a tub. Good thing I tried it out, because I did not like it.
Vega Purple Slurple
- 1 packet vanilla chai Vega
- 2 handfuls ice
- 1/2-3/4c frozen blackberries
- 1/2 small banana
- 1c + hemp milk
The texture was great and the first few sips had a great flavor. But then, I noticed what I was hoping I wouldn’t. Stevia. BLEGH. I am not a fan of stevia. I do not enjoy the sweetness at all and the aftertaste is even worse. I’ve had stevia in a few other things and can always detect it. Not.A.Fan. I would rather just use real sugar, sparingly. I really am not sure why they put stevia in this anyway? It seems like it would be better without it and usually people are blending this up with fruit anyway, which helps with the sweetness. Boo Vega. Just my opinion though 
I slurped it down anyway, but really hated it towards the end.
Eaten alongside a gigantic salad. This bowl is the size of a dinner plate, just for reference.
- local organic romaine
- 1/3 avacado
- 2 carrots
- scoop of leftover Israeli couscous mix from dinner
- 1T sesame seeds
Garlic Scape Pesto dressing
- 1T garlic scape pesto
- 1T tomato paste
- 1T balsamic vin [I use a 4% acidity, with has a very smooth, thick + sweet taste]
- 2T apple cider vinegar
- s+p
I want this salad every.single.day. I love the texture of Israeli couscous!
There are two homemade non-food products I’m making this week and here is the first one! Guesses?
Deodorant! Ever since a good friend of mine made + sent me a jar of natural deodorant, I have been obsessed with it. It has worked better than any other deod I have ever used. I swear that the store-bought deodorants actually make me sweat more. I want to get away from using as many products with toxic ingredients as possible. We use a natural toothpaste, natural cleaning products, and natural deodorant.
I got the recipe from an amazing blog called Passionate Homemaking. I did some other research too, to find out that a few essential oils actually have natural antiperspirant qualities. One of them was lavender, a perfect summery scent!
I emptied out an old deodorant container and cleaned it out, as much as I could, with a paper towel.
The recipe says to use the coconut oil at room temp, but I don’t think that really matters. My coconut oil was a little soupy [turns to liquid at 76*] so I just went with it and then let it “set” in the fridge.
I used unrefined coconut oil, by mistake. Unrefined is great for cooking/eating because it retains all of it’s nutritional benefits and mild coconut flavor. Refined coconut oil, processes out the flavor and retains less of the nutrients. However, it’s sometimes used in cooking for it’s higher cook point. It’s also great for soaps or deodorant, if you don’t want the coconut scent. It still has a lot of great benefits for your skin, even when refined.
I have a jar of refined but forgot to use it. So now I have coconut lavender deodorant. I’ve been smelling my pits all night It’s actually pretty nice! hehehe
I also found that adding a little vitamin E is also great for the skin and helps reduce water loss from the skin! Umm…perfect! I have been out of this homemade deodorant for about a month and have been missing it SO MUCH. Seriously, I’m so hooked on this stuff! It might cost a little to get all of the initial ingredients, however, for how much you can make it will be worth it. I use arrowroot starch, baking soda, and coconut oil ALL of the time. I will use the vitamin E capsules on my bike wounds, so they don’t scar and the lavender essential oil can be used for a bunch of things, like adding in to my homemade cleaning products
Homemade Deodorant in 5min [adapted from here] – enough to fill 1.5 typical deodorant containers
- 1/4c arrowroot starch [or cornstarch but I prefer the more natural + less processed arrowroot]
- 1/4c baking soda
- 6T coconut oil [refined or unrefined depending if you want the coconut scent]
- ~8-12 drops of lavender essential oil [or other scent]
- 2 capsules Vitamin E
- Combine all ingredients.
- Mash with a fork until smooth or until completely combined. [if you’re using coconut oil in solid state it won’t really be “smooth”]
- Add more essential oil if wanted.
- Crank down empty deodorant container until it’s all the way at the bottom.
- Pour in mixture, cap, and refrigerate.
*Remember – It will become very soft around 76* from the coconut oil. Store in a cool place or even in the fridge.
*Also – The best type of container will have a solid push-up plate on the bottom. Mine didn’t and it took a few minutes on tinkering, but I finally got it to push up. I’m sure you could also stick a piece of cardboard, covered in foil, in the bottom that fits exactly to use as the plate. Don’t forget to cut a small hole in the middle to fit over the screw stick!
Lindsay, from Passionate Homemaking, answered a lot of questions on this post about the deodorant. Make sure to check them out!
All I can say is that I’ve been using this for about 8 months and completely love it. If you don’t want to put it in a deodorant container, just put it in a tupperware container or jar. You’ll have to spread with your fingers, but it’s not that bad. That is how I applied it up until I made this batch. It can get a little messy this way and make sure to rub it all in so there is no white mess The tub is also nice in case it does get too warm, it’s better contained in a tub-like container. In stick form, it’s more likely to ooze out.
It has a few quirks [like not being 100% invisible] but to me, it’s so worth it! My pits + body are thanking me and I smell better than everrr
If you want to get fancy or make these as gifts, here is a link to empty, push-up containers!
Night!
Ashley
PDF 
Pink and orange are my favorite colors. Be happy I’m not around to snatch your new straws
I’m very excited about this deodorant recipe. I am anti-aluminium, yet most ‘natural’ deods rarely ever work for me. I’ve heard slapping on plain coconut oil does the trick, so I’m sure this recipe is awesome. Thanks, love.
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Wow you’re like the MacGyver of the blog world! So cool.
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Way cool…want to see the final product: deodorant
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You made your own deodrent!? That’s amazing! I didn’t even know it was possible without loads of fancy equipemnt!
Loving the banana scramble as usual
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OMg, omg, omg, omg. First, that banana scramble looks divine. And DEODORANT?!?!? Ok. I made a face mask, you make deodorant. We add some stuff to our list of items . . . we move next door to one another . . . start a business <3
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:31 am
That would be amazing.
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I’ll be making that banana scramble very soon! Banana + PB = mucho lovin’
It seems like I’m having allergic reactions to my deodorant lately so maybe I should try that too. I’m not crafty at all though. Maybe if I think of it as a cooking recipe it would help ease the process…
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Yah, definitely..it was really easy!
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I’d love to try making my own deodorant. I think that is so cool.
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Mmm, the banana mash looks awesome on the english muffin! Genius idea!
Oh Ashley, you never cease to amaze me!!! Making your own deodorant! Now this is majorly impressive!
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I’ve been trying to cut out toxic chemicals from my toiletries as well! Deodorant is one I haven’t switched yet though, so I might just need to try this!
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Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. Homemade deodorant???? I never thought I’d see the day where such a thing popped up in the blog world. Way to go!
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I love this idea! My cousin makes her own deodorant and lip balm!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:30 am
Ooooh lip balm..nice!
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That banana scramble looks really interesting – and tasty! I admire your dedication to ridding yourself of toxic ingredients and cannot believe you made your own deodorant – wow!!
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I love these ideas! I need to make more of my own home products!
xo
Kris
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I’ve been waiting for an empty deodorant container so I could make my own, too! Thanks for giving another recipe.
I agree with you about stevia. terrible, terrible after taste
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that’s so neat! I have never thought to make my own deodorant! i’m glad you have flowery pits
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:29 am
LOL!!
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Ashley – this is brilliant. Thanks so much for posting the deodorant recipe. For a while I experimented with straight coconut oil (having been told the natural anti-bacterial/microbial properties would be enough to keep me sweet smelling), but it wasn’t quite right. I’m so excited to try this version.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:29 am
I hope you have luck with it!
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Yep, I tried another Vega product the other day – just the vanilla protein powder, and I had high hopes, truly…but blech. I have to agree with you BIG time on that one!
What a wonderful idea for the deodorant. I’ve always been super paranoid about store-bought stuff after hearing that aluminum has be linked to alzheimers…I will definitely be giving this a try!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:29 am
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This is great! I’ve been wanting to make this switch for a while and this is the push I needed
Thank you.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Welcome!
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I love Ezekiel bread! I’ve tried the original sprouted grain bread and the low sodium variety, and for some reason I like the low sodium better.
Wow, homemade deodorant! I may have to try that sometime!
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really wanting that banana scramble! and salad!
you know i think the only household thing i’ve ever made homemade was carpet cleaner. works pretty good, it’s just water, natural dish soap, and vinegar 
i would love to try that deoderant recipe. i really like my tom’s deod though….but i may like the homemade stuff better. choices choices…thanks for the recipe
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What a unique breakfast idea! I love it!
I have never even thought of making my own deodorant! Super cool
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So cool about the homemade deoderant. Like many other people, I hate chemicals and try to use everything without them – cleaning products, toothpaste, facewash, bodywash, sunscreen, bugspray and deoderant. However, i hate the natural deoderants…i never feel like they work. I will have to try this!
Thanks for the tips!
ps…I also don’t like the vanilla chai vega, but I love the chocolate. I am not a huge stevia fan, but I have gotten used to the taste and find that the chocolate really covers it up.
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Your own deodorant! WOw. fantastic. I must try this soon!
I tried Vega and I disliked it completely! I recently found one that was perfect in flavor and in energy for my smoothies. I ran out and I forgot the name but I will be back and let you know soon!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Awesome let me know! I love amazing grass products!
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you make all kinds of homemade “stuff”. I need to start doing this more
Do you find that it saves you money to make more everyday things than buy them?
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Yes it does save. It might not seem so right away, but a lot of the products you have to buy you get a LOT of use out of or can use for making other cleaners or in food recipes.
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That banana scramble looks like such a fun oatmeal alternative! I love the idea of making my own deodorant too – how neat.
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I have been saving my used deodorant bottles so I could make my own, i’m so excited you finally shared the “recipe”!
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What a great idea! I too shun “regular deodorants; and agree that they made me sweat MORE! I switched to the “crystal rock” several years ago and have never looked back,and I think it works great! There’s something skeevy about applying aluminum (the main ingredient in most regular deodorants) right into your skin. Go natural deodorants, go!
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I love the idea of making your own deod. I buy Tom’s natural deodorant in the apricot scent. It is waaaay better than the other stuff. I used to use lady speed stick, degree, etc and those products DEFINITELY made me sweat more and stink more when the deodorant got wiped off.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Yes. Definitely w/the sweat + stink more thing. YUCK.
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Oh my, I ADORE Vega. Seriously, the first time I tasted I “yumm”-ed out loud. I really like the taste of stevia, though I don’t usually have much of a sweet tooth, and love Vega’s “green” taste, too. If you have any extra Vega that you don’t know what to do with, I’d be happy to take it off your hands
.
I love your huge fresh salad, too; I’m all about salads these days. I also really like the idea of making my own natural deodorant. Thanks so much for posting how to do it! I don’t like that most commercial products have aluminum salts in them (cancer-causing) so I am very careful about what I buy. More natural and with awesome benefits? Yes, please!
Have a lovely day!
xox
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Hahaa…I know a lot of people say they love it but to me it tastes just like splenda! Eeek!
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That scramble is such a great idea!! I love those muffins.
Yay!! I’m so glad you made this. I use pretty much only all natural products and my deodorant is running out. Usually after a couple of months it stops working and I need to use another kind, so this is perfect. thanks!!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:25 am
I used to have that problem too!
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Wow, you are so fancy it’s not even funny!!!!!
I tried natural skin products in the form of makeup and it really didn’t rub in well. It looked like I just painted dirt on my face.
I’ve also tried the natural deodorants and they make my skin feel so gross. It actually irritates my skin, which is super weird!! I’d totally have to try making my own to see if that helps!
…except… I’m not that motivated. I’m lazy haha. Send me some?
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That recipe for deodorant is really intriguing me. I’m allergic to fragrance and usually force myself to wear fragranced deodorant anyway so I can smell nice (I used to think my pits were desensitized but sometimes they get SUPER itchy). Anyway, what else was I going to say? Oh yes, now I know — your swim workout looks fabulous!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:24 am
It should work pretty well even w/o the lavender…coconut is a nice natural scent!
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Wow, thanks for the deod tip – awesome. I’m always buying Old Spice, because I can get only a deodorant and not an antiperspirant. Most brands for woman have antiperspirant, which can lead to breast cancer (bc of the aluminum factor). I’ve tried using tom’s of maine before, but I’m always having irritation from them. This is so exciting – can’t wait to try it.
Also wanted to say that I’ve been making banana scramble almost daily since you posted it AND I’M TOTALLY IN LOVE. I adore it and could pretty much eat it at every meal. I have a set of “green pans,” which are great and super nonstick without any gross teflon stuff; Perfect for flipping and browning up without burning.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:23 am
I tried Tom’s but didn’t like the outcome. I’m soooooo glad you love the scramble
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I do the mashed banana with chia seeds all the time, minus the oats. It’s delicious. Mine usually involves avocado, raw cocoa powder and raisins, though.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:23 am
Whoa. I make a cocoa avocado pudding that is awesome..I’ll have to try that combo one morning!
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I have been making deodorant for a while now. I have had better luck putting it in a tub and applying with my fingers. I tried using an old deodorant container but it didn’t work well for me.
The mashed banana scramble looks great, I can’t wait to try it.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Yeah, I need to do that…it’s leaking
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I didnt even know you could make homemade deodorant! that is so cool, Ashely! you are quite the inspiration! I do know that you can use distilled vinegar and water to clean countertops, right?!!
oh and that english muffin looks INSANE!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Yes, that’s right! It’s just 1/2 + 1/2 plus a half lemon and some essential oil..I like to use orange
It’s my FAV cleaner ever!
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This is amazing! I’ve never thought of making my own deodorant, I’m not sure yet if I will invest in the ingredients, but I’m thrilled that it’s at least an option. That’s really exciting that it works just as well too.
I LOVE Ezekiel EM, trust me..once you’ve had them, you will never be able to go back to another kind. Dangerous, dangerously addicting
Glad to hear your thoughts of Vega too! I hate the taste of Stevia and any of those sweeteners too, so I’m stay clear of it.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:21 am
I know it seems like a lot of ingredients for deod, but they’re things I use all of the time. If you just buy those products for deod. it will eventually end up being cheaper than store bought as well
LOVE the Ezek EM’s!!
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Just put your Oat Encyclopedia post to AMAZING use this morning. Stove-top oats are amaaaaazing
Thanks for all the info !!!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:20 am
This makes me very happy
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I’ve NEVER been intrigued by natural deodorant but you make it sound yummy. Wait, yummy isn’t the right word for deodorant. But you know what I mean.
I can’t STAND artificial sweeteners.
And seriously, Ezekiel english muffins are amazing. So much better than their bread. When they are toasted and have a little earth balance on them…SO GOOD.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:20 am
I never ever thought it could possibly work…but it does…and better!! Love it! Yeah..not a fan of the art. sweeteners even though they say stevia is “okay.” I just haaaate the taste!
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What wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing!!!!
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I am so glad that you posted your dislike of the Vanilla Chai Vega. I tried it not too long ago with spinach, frozen banana and a little almond milk in a smoothie. I could NOT choke it down. At first I thought I had put too much spinach in the Vita mix…but I have had many a green monster and never thought that before when packing it in. I also bought the packet and was SO glad that I didn’t buy an entire container. I have one packet left and actually thought I might try to just put it half of it next time to give it one more try.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:19 am
HAhaha…yah, no bueno!!
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I hate vanilla Vega, but I love chocolate Vega… give all the flavors a shot before you just give up on it. It’s such a perfect option to have on hand when you don’t have time or appetite to eat a full meal.
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:19 am
A few people said something about the chocolate vega but I’m happier with my Amazing Grass Amazing Meal mixes. I also love just adding hemp protein powder into my smoothies.
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Jen Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Amazing grass is by far the best (and plain hemp), even though i use chocolate vega once in awhile! Did you see that amazing grass came out with a vanilla chai?! Has anyone tried it???
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the deod sounds yummy…..you are amazing ash!
and i want some of that english muffin for breakfast tomorrow! love you…aunt sher
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:17 am
LOVE YOU aunt sher!!!!
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You are a FRICKIN health food genius!
I am so HAPPY to have found your blog.
Thank you so much for all the great ideas and recipes.
You have truly inspired me to kick my healthful lifestyle up a notch!
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[...] the recipe for homemade deodorant? Click here to Edible Perspective’s blog. I saw her post on this a couple of weeks ago and have been [...]
[...] had looked over a few recipes & went with Ashley’s version & added another essential oil for its natural antibacterial qualities…but it also [...]
[...] sleeveless black dress. If you’d like to try it, check out Ashley’s awesomely titled “lavender + coconut pits” post for tips and a [...]
does Chris use the homemade deodorant too? my fiancee and i are trying to switch over to all natural products and i’m sure he’d love to try the deodorant, maybe with a different scent than lavender though
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