Back from the 2019 Natural Products Expo West, and I have 36 Gutsy Goods from Expo West 2019 to share.
Certified Gutsy Nutiva Organic Coconut Manna
I have Certified Gutsy Nutiva Organic Coconut Manna.
As part of my Non-GMO Month Dedication to Tracy, I promised to certify one new product, making sure it was something The Daily Grind carries.
I asked for a list of everything Tracy ordered for the The Daily Grind, and when I got the list I was beaming with excitement. So many awesome things, so much care for what locals have access to!
Because I saw this product in there when I was home in September (and have especially close ties to the company), I wanted to give the full stamp of approval for it.
As a reminder, here is what Certified Gutsy means.
Certified Gutsy Nutiva Organic Coconut Manna
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Ingredients
organic whole coconut puree
About
“We call this delicious puréed coconut butter “coconut manna” because if ever there was a food from heaven, this is it. An incredibly tasty, whole superfood made of pure, dried coconut flesh; you can enjoy it straight from the jar, or warm it up to spread the goodness! This tropical melt-in-your-mouth treat contains fiber, protein and nourishing fats.” (Nutiva) You can find this product on Amazon, in most natural grocery stores, via Thrive Market, and (of course) at The Daily Grind.
They Are
100% organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, contain no cholesterol and are made from fresh coconuts. By nature, the product is vegan, salt-free, gluten-free, dairy free, corn free, soy free, and free of all nuts. There is no added sugar, and a serving contains just 1g of sugar total.
Use(s)
This product is an ideal “everything” spread that can replace cream, cream cheese and butter, you can also use it in smoothies, smoothie bowls, Vegan frosting, sauces, dressings, desserts and baked goods. Also, these 35 ways to use Coconut Manna are legit. As for me? Straight spoonin’ + fat bombs.
Gutsy Notes
Coconut Manna works for almost for everyone. But for those of you with active SIBO, you’ll need to proceed with caution if you plan on having more than a tablespoon or two per sitting. Coconut Oil is perfectly fine, but coconut flour and dried coconut/shredded coconut can cause problems. This is a great option for those who need an alternative to nuts. Coconut is also wonderful for those who have to follow the stringent AIP Diet (and this product was a staple dessert when I had to follow the diet).
Questions
Do you include Coconut Manna in things or do you prefer to just spoon it like me?
Do you have a product you’d like me to review for potential Certified Gutsy status? Contact me!
Xox,
SKH
Certified Gutsy Made in Nature Dried Mangoes
I have Certified Gutsy Made in Nature Dried Mangoes.
Learn about the Certified Gutsy label.
I have always love Made in Nature, and full disclosure, I do work with them on a paid basis for various projects. But honestly? How could I not? I love what they stand for and the products they produce. They make snacking and on-the-go easy, not just for me, but (and maybe mostly) for my children.
Their mangoes have the Certified Gutsy label stamped all over, so it was time I officially Certified Gutsy Made in Nature Dried Mangoes.
Certified Gutsy Made in Nature Dried Mangoes
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Ingredients
organic dried mango slices
About
“Ripened in the hot tropical sun, these tender strips of mango serve up a healthy burst of fresh flavor and comic relief from the standard day-to-day.” (Made in Nature) You can find them on Amazon, and for many of you, the best place to get them will be at your local Costco! They can also be found at Walmart (in the produce aisle) and at Target. If neither of those are an option for you, you can click HERE to find a retailer near you that carries them. I’m fairly certain our local Safeway does.
They Are
100% organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, tree-ripened, contain no added sugars (which most dried fruit does have added sugar), and (by nature) are vegan, salt-free, gluten-free, dairy free, corn free, soy free, and free of all nuts.
Use(s)
Sure you could get creative with them. You could place them on top of an oatmeal, yogurt or smoothie bowl. Or you could just be basic like we are and eat them straight from the bag. If you have a small enough bag of them, throw them in your purse or diaper bag for those ohmygoshmommy-I’m-so-hungry-can’t-wait-one-more-second moments. If you get a large bag from Costco, I recommend grabbing a small and simple Stasher Bag to put several handfuls into for that same purse or diaper bag.
Gutsy Notes
Mangoes in this form, with nothing but mango in the ingredients, are almost for everyone. But for those of you with active SIBO, you’ll need to avoid for now. They are high FODMAP, even in small doses. The only other population who likely won’t do well with them are those who have a fructose malabsorption (with or without SIBO), as they are high in fructose. However, this product did make my 11 Favorite AIP Packaged Foods List, so there’s that 🙂
Questions
Have you had these mangoes before? Can you stop after just a handful or does the bag dwindle quickly?!
Do you have a product you’d like me to review for potential Certified Gutsy status? Contact me!
Xox,
SKH
11 Favorite AIP Packaged Foods
I have 11 favorite AIP packaged foods for you today.
My Favorites Issue 8
This week flew by so fast that I barely made my favorites issue 8.
But never fear, I am here.
Before I get to my favorites, I have to be honest. I bought a pack of Nutpods. They were Whole30 Approved, and I was really, really excited about them (even given their pricey tag). I tried all 3 flavors. They fell super short. In fact, I thought they were disgusting. Even Ryan couldn’t do them. I threw out more than we consumed. Am I crazy? Ever had them?
My Favorites Issue 8
Click HERE to save this for later.
The coolest thing I found this last week was through Shauna Niequist’s podcast. First things first, subscribe to her podcast. It’s brand new, but I’m so excited for it. I have only listened to one episode so far, which is what actually made my favorites list this week. It’s Episode 2 with Heather Avis. Heather is the adoptive mama to 3. Two of the children have Down syndrome, and two of them are also from the foster care system. So many things that she said resonated with me. In fact, I also ordered her book, “The Lucky Few,” and after I read several pages I’ll decide if it will be our next book club book!
Small Handheld Stick Blender. I already have an Immersion Blender, but on Wednesday I ordered the Nestpark Portable Drink Mixer. I was at one of my clients, and the CEO had an idea for something he wanted me to create. I quick headed to Amazon and ordered this. We shall see how my creation turns out!
Popsicle molds. I’ve been feverishly perfecting my Rice Pudding Pop recipe, and to do so, I wanted the best popsicle molds, so I bought Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold. Verdict? Flawless. Love it!
And these Rice Pudding Pops…..OMG. I can’t wait to share the recipe with y’all soon! They are actually called –> Peach Rice Pudding Pops and they are dairy free, but totally full of creamy, fatty goodness! And sugar (but far less than a traditional recipe. Balance, guys, balance). 🙂
Mint Chocolate Popsicles. If you’ve never tried my Mint Chocolate Popsicles, then I recommend you grab those popsicle molds and get moving on it. They are still a favorite in our house. I’m going to create more popsicle recipes this summer, so stay tuned. Also, let me know if there is a popsicle type/flavor you’d like to see me create!
Client letters. Last week I did a photoshoot for a client who loved every last image. I am shooting almost daily now for clients, but sometimes I get a message that just makes me stand back and say, “Yes, this is exactly my niche – right where I’m supposed to be.” Here was part of the message, “You are changing XYZ’s branding presence one picture at a time.”
For Amiya’s 1st birthday, we got her 4 headbands from Birdie Baby Boutique, per a Facebook recommendation when I was looking for cute headbands. They finally arrived last night, and they are absolutely adorable. Once her adoption is finalized, you’ll see the full scrumptious version.
Cafe Gratitude opened in Beverly Hills. You may or may not have heard of this unbelievable restaurant, but they just opened their Beverly Hills location. For all my Midwest friends, if you ever come out to California to tour Beverly Hills, stop in! I’m hoping to make it down there sooner rather than later.
Mighty Sticks. Organic Prairie has done it again! They sent me these sticks, and we love them! Full disclosure: I did not eat the Teriyaki one, but Ryan did and is a fan. I am digging the Original Mighty Stick.
Foster and Foster Adoption Mamas. I, very randomly, met another foster adoption mama yesterday. Their little is almost two, still not adopted, and birth mother has appealed the court’s decision. This mama was a firecracker and I loved that about her. Each time I meet a “me, too” mama I feel like there’s a mama’s circle I really belong to in California.
Memorial Day Weekend! And finally, it’s Memorial Day Weekend. I love this weekend so much because it signifies the beginning to longer days, adventure, pool, and sun, sun, sun. This is going to be an incredible summer! We are taking the kids on a road trip in a few weeks (which I can’t wait to share about), and there are a few other things big things that are going to be happening on my blog, namely the introduction of Amiya and the story of Amiya and Isaiah or Amiya and Samarah.
Have a beautiful weekend, friends!
Tell me if you’re loving anything from this past week.
Previous Favorites
- My Favorites Issue 1
- My Favorites Issue 2
- My Favorites Issue 3
- My Favorites Issue 4
- My Favorites Issue 5
- My Favorites Issue 6
- My Favorites Issue 7
Xox,
SKH
My Favorites Issue 7
Even though I was around this week here and there, I felt mostly disconnected from my blog, but alas, it’s Friday so time for my favorites issue 7.
I have been super busy with work this past week. All good things and all time well spent, but instead of blogging every single spare second, I’ve been trying to keep up and ahead on all client projects. And speaking of which, I started updating my portfolio again. If I don’t do this every couple of weeks it gets super outdated, since I’m producing so much these days. Love. Love. Love.