I went to Target yesterday and stocked up on a few essentials. It’s funny how a quick Target trip turns into 80 bucks, fast. There was also some overpriced and unpictured toilet paper. It’s very expensive to wipe your butt these days.
I love this mango. It’s a new scent for Suave that I’ve only been buying for a month or so, but I really dig it.
As I mentioned in my 10 Facts post, I am a dental hygiene freak
And as I mentioned in my last Target stocking up trip, I am a Carmex addict. I have the stuff in every room in my house, purse, car, bag. You name it. And I am proud that it’s been a month to the date since my last trip there.
After I came home from Target, I was lucky enough to find these Vega Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer samples
I’ve had them before and they are really nice to add a little ooomph to smoothies or shakes. They are plant based, not overly sweet, and not overly gritty or “earthy” tasting, either. Bonus!
I think I should add some Vega to a Chocolate Coconut Princess Smoothie
I’m a big fan of Brendan Brazier and have reviewed his book, The Thrive Diet, in the past, Here.
I thought this chart was cool that they enclosed with the samples.
And here’s a link to download another chart: Click here to download your FREE Thrive Diet Alkalinity Chart
Thanks Vega!
From my last post about Pantry and Refrigerator Staples, I am glad you enjoyed that one! I put some extra time and thought into trying to come up with a fairly comprehensive list of what I always keep on hand. And then some learning curve/blog posting using WordPress/recipe re-linking stuff came up so I kinda wrote the post, twice. But hey, I know now what shortcuts I can and can’t take now.
It was fun to hear what’s in your pantries, cupboards, and fridges!
Snack Today: Banana Rollups (Vegan Crepes) with Nut Butter
Or top with Syrup, Whipped Cream, and Fruit
Questions:
1. Have you ever tried any Vega products?
I’ve also tried some of the Vega bars, here.
2. Have you tried any “smoothie helpers”? Things to add some extra oomph, nutrition, or flavor to your smoothie? Tell me what you like and what you don’t like that you’ve tried.
I am generally not a huge fan of adding powders, “optimizers”, or additional specialty items to my smoothies. I believe plants are amazing and provide us so much already that we don’t need to feel as if we “have to” add in additional items. Also, the additional add-ins/powders/products can be hard to find, or pricey over the long term.
That said, every now and then they are fun to add in and offer a nice change of pace and additional nutrition stats.
3. What’s in your Target bag this week/month? Or what are your Target (or similar store) essentials?
I’ve posted about mine, here
Have a great evening gang!
It’s been a crazy day for me…I’ve hardly have time to come up for air and write this post!
I noticed your lip balm right away! As I remember we’re both big on smooth lips. :) I also use that very same St. Yves product. I love it!
I always add Amazing Grass to my smoothies.
I have to try those roll-ups – they look fun!!!
Well, you’re not going to use or like any of my suggestions for smoothies: xanthan and guar in very very small, titrated quantities, sugar-free fat free pudding powder- again in small doses, crystal light (chemicals) in sooo many flavors, and sugarfree drink powders from foreign countries that you can’t find here like guava and mango, etc. I also love Carnation malt powder. As far as helpers that are natural: frozen fruit and frozen cubes of milk of choice, and concentrated juices in tiny doses. Plus I have a zillion torani syrups and extracts of every flavor. See, you’ll want to use precisely none of my suggestions :-)
So you don’t use sunscreen partially because of the chemicals but you use some of these products? Seriously funny.
Have yet to try any of Vega’s products.
When travelling internationally I use Genuine Health’s Greens+ green powder (http://www.genuinehealth.com/the-essentials/greens.html) to add “oomph” to my smoothies. Handy since many times I can’t always find fresh greens to toss in the blender.
Essentials: generic brand toilet paper, facial tissue & paper towels, Q-tips, Tom’s of Maine deodorant, Tom’s of Maine toothpaste (for my hubby), Head & Shoulders (for my hubby), dental floss, generic kitchen garbage bags, generic zip bags (snack size & full freezer size), generic parchment paper, generic aluminium foil, and generic wax paper.
I love vega choc-a-lot smoothie infusion – I can usually catch some good deals on it at Sprouts.
i’m obsessed with carmex! nate has the st ives apricot scrub and loves it!
I’m a big fan of Vega. When I first started eating breakfast on a regular basis, this really got me through. I only have it 1-2 times per month now, but sometimes it’s just what I need to be sure I have met my nutritional needs. I really appreciate that if I’m sick and can’t handle solid food!
I’m also a Target junkie. I go in to buy a $2 item, and leave $100 later with a whole bunch of stuff I apparently needed, but didn’t know it!
wow that vega stuff looks awesome! i just got some sun warrior protein powder, and i wish i could get vega.. maybe i can over in england??. ALSOOOOOO i just posted on how im becoming Vegan- BIg news.. im so happy!
I can’t go to Target without spending at least $100! I swear I go for 3 things, come out with 20. The bottom of the cart is barely full, yet it’s cracking my piggy bank! :lol:
They sell Hello Kitty stuff, though. So they’re worth it :D
how did i know you’d be a hello kitty fan :)
Hi Averie, my target essentials include face-wash, body wash, toothpaste, dental floss sticks, protein bars, and shampoo/conditioner.
Sometimes I’ll buy nail-polish and makeup essentials :)
I’m a huge fan of Brendan Braizer, and the Thrive diet. I’ve tried some Vega products – my new favorite is the chocolate protein powder, and I have liked them, but unfortunately, they are too expensive for me on a regular basis.
I love target, but its actually kind of rare around LA! Its really strange and I have only been in a walmart once in my life when I was in Rhode Island! LOL! I think the closest Wal Mart from me is in Anaheim which is like a 90 min drive! I’m wasting more money just with the gas!
ha. i haven’t been to target in awhile too! i may make a trip this week(end).
also i wanna make that banana crepe thingies!!! they look so good! i hope they’re easy to make! :)
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Hi Averie,
Great products, I also love the mandarin body wash gel and I’m using it for since a year.
1. Have you ever tried any Vega products?
– I haven’t tried any, it wasn’t necessary and I sure hope it won’t be.
2. Have you tried any “smoothie helpers”? Things to add some extra oomph, nutrition, or flavor to your smoothie? Tell me what you like and what you don’t like that you’ve tried.
– I don’t think so.
3. What’s in your Target bag this week/month? Or what are your Target (or similar store) essentials?
– More mandarin body wash gel and … I don’t really know :D
Congratulations for the great article and thank you for sharing it!
Best regards,
Maria
I do like the Vega protein powders! Pretty tasty!! I try to avoid target because I can’t go without spending at least $100!
I think Vega is not bad. I find it to be a little gritty, but I think it is a good product overall. It has impressive nutrition. My dad eats so poorly that I tried to get him to add vega to his diet in the morning, but he hated it. He also doesn’t have a blender though, so he was just mixing it with water…which I’m sure would not taste that good.
I’ve never tried the vega bars but heard good things about them.
Target- we don’t have it in Canada yet but when I go to the states, I raid the make up and body care aisles. I really go nuts. I can’t help it. Last time I was there, I ended up with a bunch of products from the yes to carrots/tomatoes/cucumbers line which I love! Pricey but worth it in my opinion.
I wish my Target had Vega!!!
You always crack me up with your Target posts :-)
It’s so true how you can easily turn it into an $80.00 trip…EASY!!! I stock up on everything there…and I always need it at the same time!!
AND..YEY!! You are on WordPress now!!! i am so excited!!! Where have I been???? Shesh! Love the new look and everything!!!
target is my love. I live 5 mins away and its dangerous. But you get some good deals. The vega powder seems pretty awesome. I don’t always add in extras but sometimes I feel like I need a little boost and the packs or premixes help
I’ve tried the smoothie powders and they are very tasty. I actually just got hired at Thrive Juice bar. It’s the first juice bar that sells vega products and is actually associated with Brendan Brazier. I’m super excited to start the job. Juicing and blending all day! it will be great!
Wow that chart is awesome. Or should I say it shows how awsome Vega powder is. I haven’t read that book, but I am going to add it to my list of need to reads. Target trips always do mega damage to my wallet! It can turn costly quick!
I LOVE Vega products!
I have never tried carmex– but I think I will have to now. You have convinced me ;)
We use the same face wash! Big <3
Target ALWAYS gets me — I somehow end up with 10x more than I ever intended…every single time I walk into that store! SHEESH!
Great post as always! xoxo
I love the Vega products, especially the vanilla chai powder… adds a lovely flavor! I’ve never had any of their bars before, but I definitely want to try them!
the last time I hit Target was Xmas…before, during and after.
ugh.
I haven’t been back since, but I am in need of a “run”.
I have that sweet pea soap! LOVE IT!
OH the coolest thing I got from Target was a covergirl smokey eye pencil thing that I LOVE.
I want another color now!
yay!!!
LOVE your bloggie changes btw!
xoxoxo
I’ve tried the Vega Bars and Powders, not big on the powders taste, but it serves up an impressive list of vitamins and minerals. I loved your comment “it costs a lot to wipe your butt”..haha..Target sucks my money too :)
I always come out of Target with extra items :) They have such fun stuff! Their maternity clothes totally rock too. My usual go tos- workout clothes, hair/teeth products, mini travel products, fun nut butters and coffees, bowls/dishes! I haven’t tried any vega products- I’m intrigued!
I haven’t tried Vega, but have heard wonderful things about it! I am also looking forward to Target coming to Canada…whoo hoo!
say what? you found those samples at Target?!? I’ve been in pursuit of those forever! urgh. Hopefully my Tarjey will stock up soon.
Target is seriously dangerous for me. Whenever I go there my “essentials” always become a pair of shoes, shirt, new bag, and usually a cute new piece of dishware. I have serious spending issues.
No such luck girlie…
I went to Target. And then came home and found those samples waiting for me.
The only places you can buy Vega are WF’s, or ordering it, or specialty health food store type places I think. Definitely not at Target tho :(
I JUST got back from Target myself :-) I went to get some essentials for the new room– I foresee a few more trips in the next few days as well :-)
I have read Thrive and think it is a great book for vegan/vegetarians who are very into fitness. It provides a lot of great info. I have tried Vega products before and they have great nutritional stats, but I prefer the taste of other protein powders.
no target here (canada) but supposedly one is coming to toronto (an hour away) in a couple years??!…LOVED target in florida this past summer – can’t believe the prices.
we refuse to scrimp on toilet paper…and it’s so easy to drop $75 on bathroom essentials!
i have not tried vega products…but i am interested!
sorry to hear you’ve had a crazy day! busy is good, over-busy…not so much!
So I was just browsing the comments, and saw you live an hour away from Toronto so I thought I’d wander to your site to see where you were. And YOU LIVE IN MY HOMETOWN!! Of course, I live in Australia now, but I thought I’d say HI fellow Waterloo-ian! :D
Vega is a recent re-discovery for me. I tried a couple of their products back in 2009, and did not love them then BUT then I received Vega samples last fall at DC VegFest and have been obsessed since. I think some of it is that my palate has changed so Vega stuff tastes delicious now, as opposed to green and not very sweet. I am so glad I tried Vega stuff a second time as I am now obsessed with the stuff. I just wish it was not as expensive. My favorite is the Vanilla Chai, but I like all the powders, even the Plain/Natural flavor which I did not like before.
True on TP, hubby likes the aloe stuff which is also the most expensive. Sweet score on the Vega samples, I’ve yet to try any Vega products.
1. Not yet, I keep meaning to buy some but they’re pricey. I need to score free samples. :-P
2. Sun Warrior protein, chia seed gel and frozen berry blends.
3. Pet food, cleaning supplies, Burt’s Bees face wash, probably a couple of items from clothing clearance.
and thanks for the info on your fermented veggies and cherry pitting/TJ’s frozen cherries!
Target sucks you in with its hot deals. It’s the Pied Piper of capitalism.
Mango sounds lovely! Such a nice scent…but really easy to mess up in beauty product form. I’ve smelled some mango lotions that have smelled more like medicine. Yuck!
I’ve only tried Vega once and I really liked it. I like adding protein powder to my smoothies. It’s great for texture and satiety…then again, my shakes are more dessert-themed than fruit-themed. Right now I just have some so-so hemp I found on clearance at a health store. I’m debating if I want to get any whey, as I’m not seriously weight training right now. Other “weird stuff” I liked to add to my shakes were bee pollen, maca, lucuma, and cacao. Oh, and peanut flour. That way I don’t have to dump in globs of the real stuff–just a bit to nail the flavor and add some texture. The flour beefs up the peanut taste and adds even more thickness.
stay tuned for my next post…it has to do with peanut flour :)
I really like Vega – the green vibrancy bar is tasty & my toddler will eat it too so on less than awesome days nutritionally speaking, it makes us a great snack. I also like the natural & vanilla chai powders but the chocolate needs more cocoa added! My 15 month old will slurp up smoothies with these added. The berry was good too but extra sweet for me. I agree they are expensive products – I spend too much on groceries as it is. In winter with minimal fresh produce, I use these – not in summer/fall.
I used to have a serious chapstick addiction: actually the little tubs of Carmex.
Never been to a Target. I live in Canada….
Ps. Averie I love how you continually remind me of raw recipes I used to make & would be perfect to do again – the banana wrap/crepes! So good :)
glad you like the raw reminders. some of the stuff i repost is from 12-18 mos ago when i had more time on my hands to dabble in the kitchen. and it’s a reminder for me, too :)
I have just purchased some Vega and I am excited to try it. I appreciate the info!
Target I can never go without buying stuff I dont need and spending too much money ; )
I bought dunkin donuts strawberry shortcake coffee at target the other day, I loved it so much I went back and bought the last 3 they had left! Its sooooooooo good! I hope you have a great night! xoxo
I haven’t tried vega products but I have tried the Amazing Grass powder and I think it’s super gross. I hate how it makes my smoothie all grainy. Is Vega like that?
yes, it is. I personally am super aware of any grainy or gritty texture and it’s not as gritty as A.G. but it’s still…there.
I think any of the vegan/plant based optimizers add grit. I have never NOT noticed it. So yea, for me, there is grainy/gritty noticeable.
I’ve been dying to try some Vega products, but haven’t so far. I do, however, have two of the Thrive books. Thanks for the link to the food chart!
glad you liked that food chart link :)
I absolutely love st. Ives scrubs! I use the sensitive every morning:) Slash no way, does target have Vega products?! Also I just ordered thrive a week or so ago and got it in the mail yesterday, I LOVE it and brendan is a god:)
Target does not have Vega products. Some WF’s carry them or you can order them online and I love his books. Enjoy!
I haven’t tried any of the Vega stuff, but I would if they sent it to me! :)
Those are pretty much my Target staples too. And I almost spit out my tea when I read “its expensive to wipe your butt”. Aint that the truth?!?
it’s totally the truth though, right?! I dont skimp on Cottonelle and it’s like almost a buck a roll. Or 75 cents i guess. I sound cheap. But am just being honest :)
Why am I not surprised that we even use the same kind of TP!!?!?
Looks good as always!! I want some of those banana roll ups!!!!!!!!!!!
I have my final wedidng update up if you want to come visit!!
I do like to add things to my smoothies because it’s easier than just taking yet another pill or tablet. If I can pack in more wheatgrass or hemp protein, I will. I prefer mostly greens/fruit though.
I hardly go to target but I just got a $50 gift card to the store. I hope to find something to treat myself to. And some socks.
I love Brendan Brazier’s books! Some of the recipes (like the pancakes) were pretty gross when I made them though. That would take me a while to get used to…regular foods made with powders don’t usually cut it for me. I have lots of Vega powders, but rarely use them…I like fruit and greens and simple stuff in my smoothies. Well, and I’m a big fan of sun warrior too.
I like the vega vibrancy bars (mostly the green one). I try not to eat that stuff a lot though because it is expensive, and I could easily make my own stuff that would fill the same need (maybe not so dense in the superfoods).
I went in target lately, but only looked at workout clothes…and ended up leaving without buying anything (that has NEVER happened before!).
I havent really made his recipes. I look to his books for inspiration and love the message, but havent actually tried the recipes, verbatim. Good to know your thoughts :)
Making my own bars will ALWAYS trump anything storebought!
I totally know what you mean about chapstick in every room. Ever since my sister stuck a burts bees chapstick in my Christmas stocking years ago, I have been addicted. Like you I have it in every room, purse and in the car!
I haven’t tried any products yet, but they do look appealing!
We don’t have a target in NYC. Well, actually, we do but it’s a schlep and without a car, seems like more trouble than it’s worth. Not having easy access to one is $ in my wallet but I do miss out on those fun trips!