Chocolate Berry Protein Shake {Vegan}

Death. 

It's a factor in life.

 You know it will happen to everyone and everything eventually, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you are prepared for it. We've been at the ranch for almost nine years now and in that time I have been able to see the miracle of life many times, but also come to know the heartbreak of death. Earlier Saturday afternoon, my mom and I went to the vet to put Hedgie to sleep. A few months after I got Hedgie, he got cataracts which took his sight and I noticed that he seemed to be having what appeared to be seizures. The last 2 weeks though, I knew something was wrong because he stopped eating, was shaking, and seemed really lethargic. The vet looked him over and said by the state his teeth he was much older than we were aware of. Since the vet and most of the other staff had never seen or treated a hedgehog, he became quite popular even in his sickly state.

He's 4lbs heavier than her yet he likes using her as a pillow.

Gus Gus also has a vet appointment since he hasn't seen a vet in his little life and he also has a little wheezing problem that I first noticed a few months ago. It almost sounds like asthma except he doesn't wheeze all of the time and acts like a normal spoiled kitten, but just to be safe him and Charlie will be going to visit to vet tomorrow afternoon. I doubt they will appreciate it, though.

My mom's birthday is tomorrow so she is treating herself to a 2 hour massage. She isn't the biggest dessert fan besides cookies and sometimes apple pie so she just asked for some cream cheese filled strawberries that I'll dip in chocolate. I'll probably post a pic on instagram.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review & Giveaway :CLOSED

Congratulations to Kylie Carlson for being the winner for 1 Qrt. of Tropical Tradition's Virgin Coconut oil.

  As promised, I have a great review and giveaway to share with y'all today :)

 Coconut oil is a great product because it's so versatile and that is why some many people love it! You can use it as a healthier oil to cook with, bake with it, add it to smoothies, make homemade beauty products, and it's a great natural moisturizer {especially in the winter to avoid dry skin}. Tropical Tradition's Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil has a milder coconut flavor than other brands I have tried which is great especially if you are new to using coconut oil. I've used coconut oil to make several  DIY body scrubs like this refreshing coconut lime scrub {which make great holiday gifts}, desserts like vegan chocolate coconut fudge and this healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookie dough.

  One of the first things I made when I received my jar of coconut oil was a pan of gluten free dark chocolate brownies which were DELICIOUS! I'll share the recipe in a few days and then try to stick with more holiday themed treats and DIY activities. 

Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

Cream Top Greek Yogurt & My 1st Giveaway

  The other day I received an email from Brown Cow Yogurt asking if I wanted to try their new Cream Top Greek yogurts. I looked it up online after I was contacted and I found nothing, but rave reviews on Brown Cow's other yogurts. I received 4- 6oz Greek flavors which were: vanilla, blueberry, honey, and maple. They also have a 24oz Plain Cream Top Greek, but it isn't available all over the country yet, so you'll have to check you local Whole Foods. If you don't have a Whole Foods near you, you can click here to see if a supermarket near you might carry Brown Cow Yogurt except their Cream Top Greek yogurt which will be exclusively available at Whole Foods until October 1.

  Even if you think that you don't like yogurt, you need to give this brand a try. I'm not a dairy fan. Milk always tastes sour to me, yogurt generally has too much tang and tastes past it's prime no matter what brand or flavor I try, and you will never see me munching on cheese unless its on something like a burger or cheese fries.