Did someone say vegan? The first ever, all vegan Conscious Box is finally here!!
Dont know what Conscious Box is? Conscious Box is a monthly lifestyle subscription service that delivers a box filled with pure and sustainable products from eco-friendly, ethical companies. Each month you receive a large assortment of samples from companies that are working to make a happier, healthier planet. Each business is chosen because of their commitment to bettering the world through sustainability and ethical practices. Expect some yummy edibles (not always vegan), cleaning supplies, household items (candles, seeds, etc), beauty, skincare, and much much more. Conscous box costs $19 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Conscious Box.
September 2012 (Vegan!)
It's here!! A box guaranteed to be filled with all vegan and cruelty-free products!! My biggest complaint about Conscious Box in the past has been that many of the products were not vegan. I'd never pay $19 if I couldn't guarantee the use of all products. Conscious Box listened and here we have the first ever Vegan box! Brendan Brazier, a triathlete and the creator of Vega, helped curate the box. Brendan has been proof that a vegan diet can compete. It is awesome that he was brought on board! I've always heard amazing things about Vega and his book.
This month also brings change to Conscious Box's information card. Instead of printing it they are saving paper and hosting it online (http://www.consciousbox.com/rate). I was disappointed when I saw that there was still all sorts of paper/cardstock advertisements inside the box. The information card was so helpful and useful. I keep every info card from my subscription boxes to reference in the future. Id much rather see the promotional papers gone for good.
Information Cards:
Products
+Skincare and Beauty:
100% Pure: Green Apple Nourishing Body Cream
Full Size: 8 oz ($15.00)
Size Received: 0.066 oz ($0.12)
This product isn't listed on the information card. I got to try 100% Pure for the first time a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised. Cruelty-free, vegan, and free of any synthetic chemicals, toxins, or detergents. It is believed that 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into your bloodstream so why would you put it on your skin if it isn't pure? This body cream uses cocoa and avocado butters with other fruit oils to leave your skin hydrated. Green apples are high in antioxidants and help protect your skin from damage.
Cruelty-free!
Ancient Minerals: Magnesium Oil Ultra Spray
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually all systems in the body. Ancient Minerals provides us with an effective, direct way to supplement this crucial nutrient—just spray it on & your skin will absorb what it needs! Learn more about the importance of magnesium at http://www.Ancient-Minerals.com
Full Size: 8 oz ($29.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($3.63)
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our body uses for over 300 different biochemical reactions. It helps maintain muscle and nerve function, keeps your heart pumping, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. It also helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Not enough magnesium can affect your entire body. A few months ago I received a magnesium supplemental drink, but Ancient Minerals allows you to get your daily magnesium through the skin. You just spray the magnesium directly on your skin and reap the benefits. It may help relieve aches and pains, improve your mood and reduce stress, encourage healthy skin tissue, and detoxify your cells. To get the most out of this product you should spray as much of your body as possible. I think Id rather take a multi-vitamin or a supplemental drink than spray oil all over my body.
Cruelty-free!
Hurraw!: Coconut Lip Balm
Three cheers for bomb balm! Hurraw is vegan, organic, fair trade, and super smooth. This coco-nutty blend of aromatic awesomeness will feed your lips with premium not-too-stick, not-too-glossy, and not-too-sweet succulence. Enjoy!
Full Size: 0.15 oz ($3.79)
Size Received: 0.15 oz ($3.79)
Hurraw! is a lip balm company from Montana that hand mix and pour every lip balm. All of their oils are raw cold pressed that make all the difference. The company has strict criteria for their balms. They can't be grainy, or too glossy, or smelly and of course must be smooth and long lasting. The company has all sorts of awesome flavors like Earl Grey and Pink Grapefruit. The formula is a little oily for my taste. But it is long lasting and provides awesome moisture.
Cruelty-free!
+Edibles:
Funky Monkey: Freeze-Dried Fruit in Purple Funk
Size Received: 1 oz bag ($3.19)
I love freeze-dried fruit. Last month we got to try freeze dried mangoes and they were so delicious I started looking up how to freeze dry fruit at home. This month we got to try purple funk, bananas with açai by Funky Monkey (a local Indiana company!). These slices of bananas have 120 calories per package, 10% of your daily potassium, and 3g of fiber and 3 servings of fruit! The only ingredients are the bananas and açai. I found these so delicious and filling! Sweet and crunchy. I would 100% rebuy these as a quick snack at work. Amazon sells them for $21.97 for a pack of 12 which averages $1.83 per package. I don't have that kind of money right now, but if I saw these at Costco I'd be very inclined to purchase. Yummm.
Cruelty-free!
Happy Squeeze: COCO Orange Mango Coconut Milk
Full Size: 3.5 oz pouch ($1.69)
Size Received: 3.5 oz pouch ($1.69)
Happy Squeeze has just unveiled their new line of coconut milk drinks. These products are meant for young kids, but everyone can enjoy them! Coconut milk is creamy and sweet. Add oranges and mangoes and you have the perfect snack. At 90 calories it has 150% Vitamin C, 140mg potassium, 15% calcium, 10% Magnesium, 8% Vitamin A, and just 1g of fat. I brought it to work today and it was super delicious as a mid-morning snack. I felt like I was drinking a smoothie. Most pre-made smoothie drinks are not vegan, so it is awesome to know that there is something out there.
Cruelty-free!
C3 for Stress: Supplement Drink Mix in Lemon Lime
Size Received: 1 0.21 oz pack($1.60)
C3 is a all natural supplemental drink mix for those of us who need a little help becoming calm. cool. connected. Old friends came up with the perfect blend of botanicals and minerals, such as: kava root, polygalla root, ongan berries, wild jujube seed, licorice root, milk thistle, and white peony. All of these ingredients help calm and relax the mind and body and combat fatigue and irritability. The supplement also has Vitamin A, C, B6, B12, Zinc, Magnesium, and Niacin. The levels of minerals are much lower than Eboost or Emergen-C. But Im always open to try new formulas, especially when they say they combat irritability, one of my flaws...
Cruelty-free!
Madécasse: 63% Cocoa Chocolate Squares
Madécasse Chocolates are formulated from Madagascar cocoa beans. Not only do they get the beans from Madagascar, they make the chocolate there. How awesome is that? The owners of the company both were in the Peace Corp and wanted to keep their contributions going. Their company helps generate income for locals, uses natural farming practices, create diversity, and preserve the habitat. We got to sample their baking chocolate which was good enough to just pop in your mouth. They have some really interesting flavors, like: sea salt and nibs, pepper and citrus, and exotic pepper. What is better than eating chocolate and knowing it is helping make the world a better place.
Cruelty-free!
Vega: Pre-Workout Energizer in Lemon Lime
It would be silly if Vega wasn't featured in a box curated by Brendan Brazier. I've heard amazing reviews for Vega. This pre-workout energizer is meant to provide immediate energy, increase endurance, aerobic, and anaerobic capacity, and enhance mental focus and physical recovery. You take the powder supplement drink 20mins before your workout. It enters the bloodstream quickly, but does not spike or crash. Today I was so burned out from my day that I ended up going home and napping instead of going to the gym. Maybe if I had taken this I would have gotten my energy back. Tomorrow I'll try this out before I head out on my run. I could never afford to spend $50 for a workout drink, but I'll enjoy it this once.
Cruelty-free!
Artisana: Goji & Milk Thistle Nut Butter
Goji and Milk Thistle nut butter? Hmm. I had never even entertained the idea of that combination. Granted I dont think I've ever had either goji or milk thistle. The smell of this nut butter is sweet and somewhat berry like. I tried it and did not care for it. It was smooth and creamy, but too many exotic flavors. I stick to good ol peanut butter and cookie butter. And that's all Im saying about that.
Cruelty-free!
Kelapo: Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used often in many vegan cookbooks. From curries, to brownies, to fried goodies. And because of its high saturated fat content it lasts forever and ever on the shelf. I don't keep it in my house because of that exact reason, but its so creamy and delicious. It really adds extra flavor to your food. Plus! You can use coconut oil in handmade skincare. Moisture to the max. Kelapo farms and produces their oil in Sri Lanka using natural farming techniques and only fair trade practices. Kelapo sells their coconut oil is packets and larger glass containers.
Cruelty-free!
Teeccino: Herbal Coffee Tee-Bags and All-Purpose Grind
Coffee and I are not that great of friends. As a kid I would throw a tantrum if my mom got too close to me with coffee breath. I have yet to get on board with coffee. Teeccino is not really coffee, instead it is made from a herb that brews, looks, and taste like coffee. But it is naturally caffeine-free and has all the same medicinal benefits as herbal tea. I received three different products from Teeccino. I received two tee-bags that are single servings in Hazelnut and French Vanilla and a Maya French Roast grind. The package says that these herbal coffees are non-acidic, so maybe this will be smooth enough to wean me into the coffee world. If not, they will be perfect to have for guests who cannot believe I don't own a coffee machine.
Cruelty-free!
+Household:
Clean Well: Disinfecting Wipes
Size Received: 1 wet wipe ($0.40)
Clean Well is an alcohol-free disinfectant that kills 99.99% of germs botanically! They use natural thyme oil that is easy on your hands and the environment. It has been used for centuries as an antiseptic. Clean Well sells to-go sizes and also larger canisters for the home. Clean Well does not test on animals which is a major difference from the major brand of disinfecting wipes. I love the convenience of wipes and how effectively they pick up grime and dirt. It is even better that they are all natural and safe for everybody.
Cruelty-free!
Vaska: Perfect Lavender Laundry Detergent
Size Received: 0.75 oz ($0.32)
Pure and simple laundry detergent that is made of only plant-based surfactants, vegetable conditioner, a water-based degreasing agent, water, and lavender. No toxic chemicals, animal byproducts, alcohols, or other harsh colors and dyes. Vaska was designed to clean your clothes while still protecting you and the nevironment. Clinical tests found that Vaska's formula met or beat the leading chemical detergents on cleaning visible stains/grimes/odor. The full-size cleans 28 regular loads so it is only slightly more expensive than the normal brands. A good price to pay for pure, cruelty-free cleaning.
Cruelty-free!
+Misc:
Conscious Box Postcard
How can you not aww at this postcard! I love that every Conscious Box has had a postcard. Snail mail isn't dead. I already have someone in mind for this card.
Total Value of my September 2012 Conscious Box: $21.14
I'm learning that Conscious Box is not for those who want a high value box. Instead it is a way to sample many, many brands at one time. My favorite items in this month's box was all the food. I adored the Happy Squeeze Coconut Milk drink and the freeze-dried bananas by Funky Monkey. If I saw either in the store I'd buy them in a heart beat. I love that Conscious Box has listened and created an all vegan box. There are so many great brands that I haven't even heard of. I wish I had the extra money to sign up monthly, but currently it isn't in the stars.
Dont know what Conscious Box is? Conscious Box is a monthly lifestyle subscription service that delivers a box filled with pure and sustainable products from eco-friendly, ethical companies. Each month you receive a large assortment of samples from companies that are working to make a happier, healthier planet. Each business is chosen because of their commitment to bettering the world through sustainability and ethical practices. Expect some yummy edibles (not always vegan), cleaning supplies, household items (candles, seeds, etc), beauty, skincare, and much much more. Conscous box costs $19 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Conscious Box.
September 2012 (Vegan!)
It's here!! A box guaranteed to be filled with all vegan and cruelty-free products!! My biggest complaint about Conscious Box in the past has been that many of the products were not vegan. I'd never pay $19 if I couldn't guarantee the use of all products. Conscious Box listened and here we have the first ever Vegan box! Brendan Brazier, a triathlete and the creator of Vega, helped curate the box. Brendan has been proof that a vegan diet can compete. It is awesome that he was brought on board! I've always heard amazing things about Vega and his book.
This month also brings change to Conscious Box's information card. Instead of printing it they are saving paper and hosting it online (http://www.consciousbox.com/rate). I was disappointed when I saw that there was still all sorts of paper/cardstock advertisements inside the box. The information card was so helpful and useful. I keep every info card from my subscription boxes to reference in the future. Id much rather see the promotional papers gone for good.
Products
+Skincare and Beauty:
Full Size: 8 oz ($15.00)
Size Received: 0.066 oz ($0.12)
This product isn't listed on the information card. I got to try 100% Pure for the first time a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised. Cruelty-free, vegan, and free of any synthetic chemicals, toxins, or detergents. It is believed that 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into your bloodstream so why would you put it on your skin if it isn't pure? This body cream uses cocoa and avocado butters with other fruit oils to leave your skin hydrated. Green apples are high in antioxidants and help protect your skin from damage.
Cruelty-free!
Ancient Minerals: Magnesium Oil Ultra Spray
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually all systems in the body. Ancient Minerals provides us with an effective, direct way to supplement this crucial nutrient—just spray it on & your skin will absorb what it needs! Learn more about the importance of magnesium at http://www.Ancient-Minerals.com
Full Size: 8 oz ($29.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($3.63)
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our body uses for over 300 different biochemical reactions. It helps maintain muscle and nerve function, keeps your heart pumping, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. It also helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Not enough magnesium can affect your entire body. A few months ago I received a magnesium supplemental drink, but Ancient Minerals allows you to get your daily magnesium through the skin. You just spray the magnesium directly on your skin and reap the benefits. It may help relieve aches and pains, improve your mood and reduce stress, encourage healthy skin tissue, and detoxify your cells. To get the most out of this product you should spray as much of your body as possible. I think Id rather take a multi-vitamin or a supplemental drink than spray oil all over my body.
Cruelty-free!
Hurraw!: Coconut Lip Balm
Three cheers for bomb balm! Hurraw is vegan, organic, fair trade, and super smooth. This coco-nutty blend of aromatic awesomeness will feed your lips with premium not-too-stick, not-too-glossy, and not-too-sweet succulence. Enjoy!
Full Size: 0.15 oz ($3.79)
Size Received: 0.15 oz ($3.79)
Hurraw! is a lip balm company from Montana that hand mix and pour every lip balm. All of their oils are raw cold pressed that make all the difference. The company has strict criteria for their balms. They can't be grainy, or too glossy, or smelly and of course must be smooth and long lasting. The company has all sorts of awesome flavors like Earl Grey and Pink Grapefruit. The formula is a little oily for my taste. But it is long lasting and provides awesome moisture.
Cruelty-free!
+Edibles:
Who says being vegan can’t be fun? Funky Monkey proves that wrong with their scrumptious banana chips coated in purple açai. Awesome for snacking (and even better in your morning cereal) these are easily the funnest way to get 3 servings of fruit in one sitting!
Full Size: 1 oz bag ($3.19)Size Received: 1 oz bag ($3.19)
I love freeze-dried fruit. Last month we got to try freeze dried mangoes and they were so delicious I started looking up how to freeze dry fruit at home. This month we got to try purple funk, bananas with açai by Funky Monkey (a local Indiana company!). These slices of bananas have 120 calories per package, 10% of your daily potassium, and 3g of fiber and 3 servings of fruit! The only ingredients are the bananas and açai. I found these so delicious and filling! Sweet and crunchy. I would 100% rebuy these as a quick snack at work. Amazon sells them for $21.97 for a pack of 12 which averages $1.83 per package. I don't have that kind of money right now, but if I saw these at Costco I'd be very inclined to purchase. Yummm.
Cruelty-free!
Happy Squeeze: COCO Orange Mango Coconut Milk
Always organic, Happy Family has created some of the most delicious fruit and veggie blends, perfect for your little ones (or you!) Take this magical blend of coconuts and mangoes for example! Not only is it packed full of nutrients, but it’s got a taste that’ll rival home juicing.
Size Received: 3.5 oz pouch ($1.69)
Happy Squeeze has just unveiled their new line of coconut milk drinks. These products are meant for young kids, but everyone can enjoy them! Coconut milk is creamy and sweet. Add oranges and mangoes and you have the perfect snack. At 90 calories it has 150% Vitamin C, 140mg potassium, 15% calcium, 10% Magnesium, 8% Vitamin A, and just 1g of fat. I brought it to work today and it was super delicious as a mid-morning snack. I felt like I was drinking a smoothie. Most pre-made smoothie drinks are not vegan, so it is awesome to know that there is something out there.
Cruelty-free!
C3 for Stress: Supplement Drink Mix in Lemon Lime
It’s true—even vegans get stressed! Well, here’s an incredible, all natural stress relief drink that’ll help you get through the times you just want to pull out your hair. Delicious, safe, and totally vegan, this drinks rocks!
Full Size: 15 0.21 oz packs ($23.95)Size Received: 1 0.21 oz pack($1.60)
C3 is a all natural supplemental drink mix for those of us who need a little help becoming calm. cool. connected. Old friends came up with the perfect blend of botanicals and minerals, such as: kava root, polygalla root, ongan berries, wild jujube seed, licorice root, milk thistle, and white peony. All of these ingredients help calm and relax the mind and body and combat fatigue and irritability. The supplement also has Vitamin A, C, B6, B12, Zinc, Magnesium, and Niacin. The levels of minerals are much lower than Eboost or Emergen-C. But Im always open to try new formulas, especially when they say they combat irritability, one of my flaws...
Cruelty-free!
Madécasse: 63% Cocoa Chocolate Squares
From bean to bar, Madécasse chocolate is rooted in something much more special than sweets. Made from "bean to bar" in Madagascar, Madécasse set off on a mission unlike any other chocolate company: make chocolate in Africa, instead of just exporting the raw ingredients. Generating about 4x more income for Africans than Fair Trade chocolate, each bar of Madécasse is blended with true purpose. Enjoy consciously!
Full Size: 7.05 oz ($9.99)
Size Received: 0.35 oz($0.50)Madécasse Chocolates are formulated from Madagascar cocoa beans. Not only do they get the beans from Madagascar, they make the chocolate there. How awesome is that? The owners of the company both were in the Peace Corp and wanted to keep their contributions going. Their company helps generate income for locals, uses natural farming practices, create diversity, and preserve the habitat. We got to sample their baking chocolate which was good enough to just pop in your mouth. They have some really interesting flavors, like: sea salt and nibs, pepper and citrus, and exotic pepper. What is better than eating chocolate and knowing it is helping make the world a better place.
Cruelty-free!
Vega: Pre-Workout Energizer in Lemon Lime
Created by Brendan Brazier himself, Vega adds incredible dynamic to your plant-based diet. Formulated to maximize nutrition from only plant-based ingredients, all of Vega's products enable you to jumpstart your workout and get the most from your sweat. Power through it with Vega—and feel the difference!
Full Size: 19 oz ($49.99)
Size Received: 0.6 oz($1.57)It would be silly if Vega wasn't featured in a box curated by Brendan Brazier. I've heard amazing reviews for Vega. This pre-workout energizer is meant to provide immediate energy, increase endurance, aerobic, and anaerobic capacity, and enhance mental focus and physical recovery. You take the powder supplement drink 20mins before your workout. It enters the bloodstream quickly, but does not spike or crash. Today I was so burned out from my day that I ended up going home and napping instead of going to the gym. Maybe if I had taken this I would have gotten my energy back. Tomorrow I'll try this out before I head out on my run. I could never afford to spend $50 for a workout drink, but I'll enjoy it this once.
Cruelty-free!
Artisana: Goji & Milk Thistle Nut Butter
With rich, delectable butters and spreads, Artisana has quickly become one of our favorite companies to discover with their 100% organic, omega-3 enriched foods. All butters are made in small batches with only the finest ingredients, free from animal products, pesticides and chemicals, and GMOs.
Full Size: 20 0.5 oz packs ($27.80)
Size Received: 0.5 oz($1.39)Goji and Milk Thistle nut butter? Hmm. I had never even entertained the idea of that combination. Granted I dont think I've ever had either goji or milk thistle. The smell of this nut butter is sweet and somewhat berry like. I tried it and did not care for it. It was smooth and creamy, but too many exotic flavors. I stick to good ol peanut butter and cookie butter. And that's all Im saying about that.
Cruelty-free!
Kelapo: Virgin Coconut Oil
Thought olive oil was your best alternative to butter? Think again. Kelapo is the perfect counter-top companion to more conscious culinary creations. Rich in taste & smooth in texture, Kelapo delivers some of the most majestic blends of healthy coconuts, for cooking, toast, or even massages!
Full Size: 10 0.5 oz packs ($10.49)
Size Received: 0.5 oz($1.05)Coconut oil is used often in many vegan cookbooks. From curries, to brownies, to fried goodies. And because of its high saturated fat content it lasts forever and ever on the shelf. I don't keep it in my house because of that exact reason, but its so creamy and delicious. It really adds extra flavor to your food. Plus! You can use coconut oil in handmade skincare. Moisture to the max. Kelapo farms and produces their oil in Sri Lanka using natural farming techniques and only fair trade practices. Kelapo sells their coconut oil is packets and larger glass containers.
Cruelty-free!
Teeccino: Herbal Coffee Tee-Bags and All-Purpose Grind
Get sustainably energized. Teeccino herbal coffee is naturally caffeine-free, but provides you with the same taste and spunk of the coffee bean. Completely vegan, Teeccino makes the perfect alternative to your morning brew!
Full Size: 10 tee-bags ($4.49) and 16 oz grind ($13.50)
Size Received: 2 tee-bags ($1.00)and 1.05 oz grind ($0.89)Coffee and I are not that great of friends. As a kid I would throw a tantrum if my mom got too close to me with coffee breath. I have yet to get on board with coffee. Teeccino is not really coffee, instead it is made from a herb that brews, looks, and taste like coffee. But it is naturally caffeine-free and has all the same medicinal benefits as herbal tea. I received three different products from Teeccino. I received two tee-bags that are single servings in Hazelnut and French Vanilla and a Maya French Roast grind. The package says that these herbal coffees are non-acidic, so maybe this will be smooth enough to wean me into the coffee world. If not, they will be perfect to have for guests who cannot believe I don't own a coffee machine.
Cruelty-free!
+Household:
Whether you’re wiping down a machine at the gym or just trying to clean up the toddler spill in the car, Clean Well has got your back. Safe and effective at killing germs and bacteria, Clean Well is the perfect companion for anyone looking to keep their hands (and home) pristine.
Full Size: 20 wet wipes ($7.99)Size Received: 1 wet wipe ($0.40)
Clean Well is an alcohol-free disinfectant that kills 99.99% of germs botanically! They use natural thyme oil that is easy on your hands and the environment. It has been used for centuries as an antiseptic. Clean Well sells to-go sizes and also larger canisters for the home. Clean Well does not test on animals which is a major difference from the major brand of disinfecting wipes. I love the convenience of wipes and how effectively they pick up grime and dirt. It is even better that they are all natural and safe for everybody.
Cruelty-free!
Vaska: Perfect Lavender Laundry Detergent
The perfect companion for any vegan’s laundry room, Vaska is a great alternative to traditional soaps. Low-impact, safe, and effective, Vaska will help breathe freshness into your fabrics!
Full Size: 21 oz ($8.99)Size Received: 0.75 oz ($0.32)
Pure and simple laundry detergent that is made of only plant-based surfactants, vegetable conditioner, a water-based degreasing agent, water, and lavender. No toxic chemicals, animal byproducts, alcohols, or other harsh colors and dyes. Vaska was designed to clean your clothes while still protecting you and the nevironment. Clinical tests found that Vaska's formula met or beat the leading chemical detergents on cleaning visible stains/grimes/odor. The full-size cleans 28 regular loads so it is only slightly more expensive than the normal brands. A good price to pay for pure, cruelty-free cleaning.
Cruelty-free!
+Misc:
Conscious Box Postcard
How can you not aww at this postcard! I love that every Conscious Box has had a postcard. Snail mail isn't dead. I already have someone in mind for this card.
Total Value of my September 2012 Conscious Box: $21.14
I'm learning that Conscious Box is not for those who want a high value box. Instead it is a way to sample many, many brands at one time. My favorite items in this month's box was all the food. I adored the Happy Squeeze Coconut Milk drink and the freeze-dried bananas by Funky Monkey. If I saw either in the store I'd buy them in a heart beat. I love that Conscious Box has listened and created an all vegan box. There are so many great brands that I haven't even heard of. I wish I had the extra money to sign up monthly, but currently it isn't in the stars.
What did you think of my September Vegan Conscious Box? What was your favorite product? Are you gonna sign up for the all vegan subscription? Let me know in the comments below!
