May/June Favorites, 2021 – not too long ago.

Hello, my friends.

I’m still raw with the loss of Salem and my sorrow for her for the way that she died, but I wanted to post my “favorite little things” list from May/June. Please to forgive me my brevity of commentary in this post. Suffice it to say that if it’s on this list, I’m a true fan.

Netflix provided an action/thriller film and a Scandinavian Noir series that I enjoyed:

1). The Ice Road (Netflix)

Employ massive suspension of disbelief to enjoy this film, and you will, if you’re into action/thrillers. The filmmakers stuffed as many disasters as they could fit into one hour and 49 minutes, and it’s ludicrous, but you should have a fun time. I found that all of my eyerolling was worth the shenanegans involving Liam Neeson pissed off and on a dangerous mission that becomes personal.

2). Katla (Netflix)

A Scandinavian Noir series centered around a volcano as the main character + changelings is the series I never knew I needed. It’s in Icelandic with subtitles. Like most in the Scandinavian Noir genre, Katla is slow-paced and dark. Just something to know going in.

Now for the consumables!

3). UpTime White Peach Lemonade Energy Drink.

It’s very rare that I drink an energy drink, and I hadn’t had one in years. Then I drove to the V.A. one day after work and starting falling asleep at the wheel. Alarmed, I went straight to the hospital retail store and bought this sugar-free white peach lemonade energy drink so I could get home without killing myself and others. I was amazed. Firstly, it was delicious. Secondly, it woke me up instantly. It’s yummy and it works!

Next, meet my favorite raisin bran:

4). Uncle Sam Skinner’s Raisin Bran.

INGREDIENTS
Whole Wheat Berries, Raisins (Raisins, Sunflower Oil), Salt, Barley Malt Syrup

I’ve been eating a lot of this raisin bran lately.

Moving on to my stand-by favorite Larabar of years, which saves the day every day. This bar is nothing but peanuts, dates, and sea salt. It does taste like a cookie:

5). Peanut Butter Cookie Lara Bar.

INGREDIENTS
Dates, peanuts, sea salt

I tried out these Triscut-like crackers and discovered that they’re spectacular with Trader Joe’s Mediterranean hummus, though they’d be great with any hummus, or any kind of dip, for that matter. I love how crunchy and thick these are:

6). Back to Nature Harvest Whole Wheat Crackers.

INGREDIENTS
Whole Grain Wheat, Safflower Oil, Sea Salt

It’s stone fruit season, and the stone fruits have me enraptured, as always:

7). Cherries and Santa Rosa plums.

Also, it was/is artichoke season!

I tried out some new snacky vegan items that are wonderfully simple and delicious. This activated superfood popcorn is a surprising flavor explosion. First, the salt. Then the grassy, earthy hints from the greens, along with the zestiness of the nutritional yeast. Lastly, the heat kicks in, a pleasant yet insistent burn in the mouth. The flavors play well together, and it’s overall redolent of taco sauce to me. The popcorn itself is fluffy and light. I love this popcorn:

8). Living Intentions Activated Superfood Popcorn Salsa Verde.

INGREDIENTS:
Popcorn*, Sunflower Oil*, Himalayan Crystal Salt, Nutritional Yeast* , Spinach*, Spirulina*, Chlorella*, Garlic*, Dill*, Cumin*, Lemon Peel*, Freeze Dried Kale*, Fermented Black Garlic*, Onion*, Black Pepper*, Turmeric*, Chilies* and Thyme* *Certified Organic

I tried out a brand of vegan ice cream that takes the words out of my mouth, it’s so creamy and rich:

9). Coconut Bliss Ice Cream Dark Chocolate.

INGREDIENTS
Coconut Milk* (Water, Coconut*, Guar Gum*), Coconut Syrup*, Coconut Cream*, Cocoa*† (processed with alkali), Vanilla Extract*. *Certified Organic †Fair Trade

I love the vanilla one, too!

Finally, the only product(s) on this list:

10). Pacifica Lavender Moon Body Lotion and Lavender Moon Body and Pillow Mist.