Tag: Peanut Butter

Lärabar Peanut Butter Cookie Review

Happy Food Friday! Today I’m excited to bring you a review of another new-to-me vegan product. I recently traveled on a quick road trip, and wanted to pick up a snack to bring with me just in case I found myself in a situation where vegan food wasn’t readily available. I found the Lärabar Peanut Butter Cookie bars at my local grocery store, and decided to pick up a box since they sounded delicious, but also seemed like they could tide me over between meals if necessary. Luckily, I didn’t need to eat any bars during my trip as it was easy to find vegan options, but I’ve certainly enjoyed them at home.

I picked out the Peanut Butter Cookie variety of Lärabar not only because it sounded delicious, but because each bar contains 7g of protein. I think that is a good amount for one small bar, and knew it would be a nice item to have on hand should I need it during my road trip. I’ve never tried any Lärabar products before, so I was really amazed when I looked at the ingredients list on this product and saw only three things: dates, peanuts, and sea salt. Talk about simple ingredients! I also love that the packaging is very clear for those who are looking for a food product for a specific diet. This bar is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, vegan, and kosher.

Here is a look at the bar itself. It doesn’t look amazing, but it really tastes delicious! I love dates and peanut butter, so I’m honestly not surprised that I like the bar. The texture is quite like a cookie, too. The bar is quite filling, but it is definitely a snack and not a meal replacement. I think this is a great bar to keep in your purse or at your desk in case you need a quick pick-me-up throughout the day. While it’s not as amazing as eating an actual cookie, of course, this Lärabar is quite yummy, and I love the simple ingredients.

All in all, I am a big fan of the Peanut Butter Cookie bars from Lärabar. They are a bit on the expensive side, so I do not plan to buy them regularly. However, I do see myself getting these for future trips, or for those times where I want to make sure I have food on me when there might be slim pickings on vegan options. I also look forward to trying other products from Lärabar! Please let me know in the comments if you have any favorites from this brand.

 

Vegan Christmas Cookie Recipes I’ve Tried & Loved

Happy Tuesday! This will be my first Christmas on a vegan diet, and I wanted to make sure I could still enjoy my favorite holiday sweets with my family. I spent a lot of time scouring the Internet looking for vegan Christmas cookie recipes, and I’ve found three that I absolutely love. All are based on traditional cookies that my family has made since I was a child. It makes me so happy that I can make the cookies I know and love without animal ingredients! I thought I would share the recipes I’ve found with all of you to make your online search a bit easier.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Recipe: My California Roots [LINK]

I absolutely love peanut butter to the point where I eat some nearly every day. I knew I had to make some peanut butter cookies, and found a recipe from the blog My California Roots that seemed pretty easy. I am always on the lookout for recipes that have simple ingredients already in my pantry, and this one fit the bill. While rolling the cookies definitely takes some time, this recipe is very easy. Plus, the cookies are amazing! They are slightly crispy on the outside, but nice and soft on the inside. If you love peanut butter, you need to try this recipe!

Snickerdoodles

Recipe: The Viet Vegan [LINK]

I really wanted to make Snickerdoodles, as they are one of my dad’s favorite cookies. I scoured the web and found a recipe from The Viet Vegan that I really like. I think I overcooked the cookies just a bit, because they got really crispy once they cooled completely. However, they melt in your mouth and taste beyond delicious. I love enjoying these with a nice cup of coffee! Oh yeah – my non-vegan dad approved as well!

Chocolate Crinkles

Recipe: Everyday Vegan Cooking [LINK]

I wanted to round out my holiday baking with some chocolate cookies. My nephew loves chocolate crinkles, so I wanted to have some on hand for when he is visiting. This vegan version is a lot less intensive than traditional recipes, as there is no need to let the dough chill in the refrigerator. I also had a flashback to my childhood as soon as I bit into one of the cookies! They taste so yummy!

I hope you liked hearing about the three Christmas cookie varieties I made this year. I’m glad I was able to find vegan recipes for some of my favorite traditional cookies. It will be so nice to share these with my family this holiday season!

What is your favorite kind of Christmas cookie? Share with me in the comments! 

October Lifestyle Favorites

Happy Thursday! October is over, and it’s time for me to share with you what I loved all month long. I feel like I’ve been saying this all year, but I can’t believe how quickly 2016 is flying by. We only have a couple of months left! Nonetheless, I’m excited to share my October favorites with you. I definitely discovered some new and awesome things!

October Lifestyle Favorites

SKINCARE

Yes to Cucumbers Face Wipes [BUY]

My first favorite this month is an old favorite! I decided to purchase a pack of the Yes to Cucumbers Face Wipes for the first time in a very long time. I’m so glad I did! These wipes are amazing. Not only do they remove all my makeup, but they are gentle on my skin and smell very refreshing as well. If you are looking for a great makeup remover wipe option, I highly recommend these. While they are a bit more expensive than I would like to spend, they are worth the money.

ORAL CARE

Preserve Toothbrush [BUY]

A bit of a random favorite is my new toothbrush! I found the Preserve Toothbrush at Trader Joe’s and purchased it because it is made of recycled products in the USA and is cruelty free. I had no idea how much I would love the toothbrush itself! The head of the brush is at an angle, so it makes it really easy to brush all of my back teeth. Plus, the brush head is on the small side, so I can fit the brush way in the back, too. I’m so glad I found this!

FOOD

Peanut Butter and Co Pumpkin Spice

Peanut Butter & Co Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter [BUY]

I absolutely love peanut butter, and was beyond excited to see my favorite brand Peanut Butter & Co. release a pumpkin spice flavor! I know it sounds weird, but this peanut butter is amazing. I spread it on bagels and use it to make mug cakes, too. I also have to admit I got a back-up jar for when this one runs out!

TV SHOW

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

I started watching Crazy Ex-Girlfriend with my sister-in-law, and I quickly fell in love. If you haven’t heard of this show, all you need to know is it is a musical comedy about a woman who leaves her plush life in NYC to move near her ex-boyfriend from high school. This show is absolutely hilarious, and I can’t wait to continue watching it. I am only a few episodes in, though, so please don’t spoil me!

MUSIC

Joanne by Lady Gaga [BUY]

I’ve been a huge Lady Gaga fan since her Just Dance days, and I’m always blown away when she releases a new album. I purchased Joanne on release day because it was only $3.99 on Amazon, and I’ve been listening to it on repeat. I can’t even pick a favorite song on the album because they are all so good!

STICKERS

Blobby Stickers

Blobby Stickers from Oh, Hello Stationery Co. [BUY]

My last favorite in October are stickers from Oh, Hello Stationery Co. This shop released a bunch of adorable designs in the Blobby line. Blobby is a little creature who is living life just like the rest of us. I love to use Blobby stickers to mark anything in my planner. If a Blobby is appropriate for the occasion, I will use one! I highly recommend picking some of these stickers up for your planner or journal.

That wraps up my October favorites! I hope you enjoyed learning what I’ve been loving lately. As always, please share your current favorites with me in the comments. You can also use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media so I can see your photos. I hope you all had a wonderful October, and here’s to a great November!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack Idea

Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to bring you a new recipe, as it’s been quite a while since I shared one here on the blog. I recently posted a photo of my popcorn on Instagram, and quickly got a question about the recipe. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn is super tasty, but it’s beyond easy to make. It also happens to be vegan! I decided back in June that I was going to transition to a vegan lifestyle, and the first thing I did was change my food. I’m slowly transitioning all of my beauty products, skincare, and clothing, but will share more about that in the future. Today it’s all about the delicious popcorn that I like to enjoy as dessert, so let’s jump into the recipe!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack Idea

Remember how I told you this recipe is super easy? All you need is two ingredients and your microwave and you’re good to go!

Ingredients | Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe

The two ingredients are popcorn and Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter. You can use any brand of popcorn you like. I love the Pop Secret Popping Corn because it’s 100% all natural popping corn without any added ingredients whatsoever. You can also use your choice of peanut butter flavor, or perhaps even a chocolate hazelnut spread!

Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn PopperI also use the Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper to make my popcorn. I received this for Christmas this past year, and it is such an amazing kitchen gadget. It allows you to make popcorn in the microwave without purchasing the ready-made bags. It’s also super affordable at under $10! If you love popcorn, I highly recommend getting this popper. It’s much less hassle than shaking a pan over the stove top.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe IMG_0413The first step is to make the popcorn. I go by the directions on my Nordic Ware Popper, and use 1/3 cup of popcorn. I microwave it for about 1 minute 30 seconds, and then stop the microwave to give the popper a shake before microwaving it for 1 minute more. This helps to pop almost all the kernels without any of them burning. Of course, our microwaves vary so make sure to stop the microwave when there are 1-2 seconds between pops.
Peanut Butter & Co Dark Chocolate Dreams
Peanut Butter & Co Dark Chocolate DreamsOnce the popcorn is done, I take 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter and place it in a microwave safe dish. I microwave it for 30 seconds, and then stop to stir it before microwaving it for another 30 seconds. This liquifies the peanut butter so it mixes onto your popcorn easily. You can find Peanut Butter & Co. at many stores nationwide, just check the brand’s website HERE to find a location near you.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack IdeaFinally, carefully pour the melted peanut butter onto your popcorn and stir gently with a spoon. Use a potholder or towel when picking up the melted peanut butter so you don’t burn your hand on the hot container. I also like to eat the popcorn with a spoon because it is messy, though very delicious! This snack is full of fiber and a great option for dessert. Of course, it is really quick and easy to make, too! The recipe is below so you can easily copy & paste to print it out at home. Please tag me on social media if you end up making this recipe so I can see your popcorn!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup popping corn
  • 2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams (or peanut butter of your choice)

Directions:

  1. Pop popping corn according to the directions on the package.
  2. Place peanut butter into a microwave safe container and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir.
  3. Microwave peanut butter for another 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat if necessary until peanut butter is fully melted.
  4. Pour peanut butter over popcorn and stir.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Keep the Stress at Bay with Holiday Essentials from Duane Reade! #DRHoliday

CB-sponsored-post-black-600Happy Monday! While the holidays are my favorite time of the year, they can also get a bit stressful. You may know that I am only a part time beauty blogger and a full time law student. That means I’m in the midst of finals, but still trying to enjoy the holiday season as much as possible. When I learned about the amazing items the Duane Reade holiday section has to offer, I couldn’t wait to get some goodies! I definitely needed a few things to get me in the Christmas spirit!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbiasI went to Duane Reade with the mission of buying a few holiday decorations for my bedroom, and some candy to enjoy while studying for finals. I was so surprised to find a great array of options at the store! My tip is to look not only in the holiday aisle, but all around your local store. There were decorations, wrapping paper, and gift items all around! For instance, I spotted tinsel on the lower floor of my Duane Reade location. Here’s how beautiful the aisles looked!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias #DRHoliday #shop #cbiasAs for decorations, I decided to grab some silver tinsel and a cute Merry Christmas sign. Both were very affordable, and I knew even these small touches would brighten up my bedroom at home. I decided to drape the tinsel around my bedroom door, and put my glittery sign near my makeup collection. While sitting at my desk, I can see both, and they put a smile on my face!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias 
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias

I also couldn’t say no to some holiday candy! I mean, snack breaks are an important part of studying for finals! I decided to go with some Sour Patch Kids and Reese’s Peanut Butter Trees. Maybe if my friends are lucky I’ll share with them!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias

I’m so glad that Duane Reade supplied me with some holiday essentials at great prices. My total for all of these items was just under $15 with tax! The decorations and candy may be a small touch, but it’s making my holiday season and finals much better. Of course, the Duane Reade Seasonal aisle has more than just decorations and candy – you can be sure to stock up on wrapping paper, gifts, stocking stuffers and more! Make sure to get yourself a little treat when you’re there as well.

Let me know how you keep the stress at bay during the holidays in the comments!