My Favorite Deodorant - Death By Lavender Review & Giveaway

That's kind of a big deal; to be my favorite deodorant. A deodorant has to be pretty damn sweet to get that title. I might one of those obnoxiously super moderately quasi clean people. You know, always needing to have an excessive amount of shampoo lather when washing my hair (how else will I know it's clean?!) Also, I have a very keen sense of smell. I enjoy a good fragrance as much as the next person, but if it's overpowering or disagrees with me...I'll get a headache. As if that isn't enough, I am particularly persnickety about deodorant. I'm a Mammographer and that means I'm on my feet a lot during the day not to mention it's actually pretty physically demanding! There's a lot of lifting, crouching and moving about. In addition, I run for an hour each day on my lunch break. No one wants a stinky, sweaty mammographer all up their breasts face. Trust me.  I've only permanently changed deodorants three times in my life. I first used Secret, then Dove, and most recently, Ban. I never changed the smell. It has to be a solid too, none of that goopy gel-like stuff. Ick! Wet underarms? No, thank you. It has to go on smooth and even and it can't get all encrusted in my shirts, or causing staining. It must have good scent and last all day. The list, shockingly, goes on and on. Sadly, I only discovered the cruelty inflicted upon animals from the product testing of deodorants when I went vegan. Funny how that happens, huh? I decided there was absolutely no way I would vote for animal cruelty with my wallet by purchasing from these big brand companies that were not cruelty free...no matter how stinky it made me!

I researched and researched cruelty-free deodorants and I finally settled on one brand that had pretty good reviews, compared to others. I won't name names. It was only used it a handful of times. It didn't really keep me very dry and it didn't have any deodorant power at all. So, I ended up getting Ban. I read that they don't test on animals but I still was kind of leery about the controversy over the negative health implications of using deodorant/antiperspirant with sketch ingredients. Most conventional deodorants:

We all know that cosmetic and toiletry companies around the world are pulling triclosan and parabens from their products, which is great news. As for aluminum, there happens to be a lot of controversy over it's potential to cause cancer. There hasn't been any research to absolutely support that the build of aluminium in the body from extended use of an antiperspirant causes breast cancer. Also, more research is needed to determine whether or not aluminium from antiperspirants could be contributing to alzheimer's disease.

However, as a mammographer and someone who deals with a family member with alzheimer's, I can say that using a deodorant made solely from coconut oil, carnauba wax, arrowroot powder and baking soda is no skin off my back. For more information from The National Cancer Institute regarding the toxicity of aluminium, click here. 

So, if you're looking for a non-sketchy deodorant that goes on a like a typical deodorant, will keep you absolutely so fresh and so clean, and that's also vegan and cruelty-free...search no more! Without further adieu, here is my North Coast Organics Deodorant review!

North Coast Organics Deodorants 

There are three varieties: Revolver, Naked and Death By Lavender. 

The travel size is 0.35 fl oz for $3.49 and the full size is 2.5 fl oz for $8.99. It's a little spendy, but it's not something I would go back to conventional deodorants over. I love that they come in recyclable and reusable containers. Also, the labels are printed with vegan ink on 100% Tree Free and Fair Trade Certified Paper.

I expected to be a little sweatier than I would be if I was using a conventional deodorant/antiperspirant. This deodorant is not an antiperspirant and I'm okay with not that. I only noticed myself sweating a little on a few occasions. One time involved a skull radiography exam, an orbits/nasal bone exam, and when my boss informed my co-worker and I that we'd have to start working evenings and Saturdays. Bye, bye blog. Not, not really, but we should probably start a petition right?

My contact with North Coast Organics told me that he thought of the idea to start the deodorant line as an alternative for patients with cancer because they cannot use antiperspirants when undergoing radiation. What a great guy, eh? Who wouldn't want to support that?!

Bottom Line

Did I like this deodorant enough to become my coveted (or...maybe not so much) deodorant of choice? Yes, indeed! In fact, I think it's so awesome I'm going to get some for my lavender-loving friends! I can't get enough of the Death By Lavender!

I like to keep my little lavender lovely in this cute bowl with my synthetic pearls and (vegan) makeup brush. Of course, I'll need to get the regular size!

Giveaway

For 15% off North Coast Organic's wonderful products, use promo code POP2014 on their website. Also, they are generously gifting two lucky readers one travel size set of Revolver, Naked, and Death By Lavender, like you see above.  

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*DISCLAIMER*  PRODUCE ON PARADE IS A PERSONAL BLOG WRITTEN AND EDITED BY MYSELF AND TODD ONLY, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. OUR REVIEWS ARE COMPLETELY BASED ON OUR OWN OPINIONS OF THE PRODUCT REVIEWED. WE ARE NOT PAID TO WRITE POSTS. THESE PRODUCTS WERE SUPPLIED TO US AS GIFTS BY THE COMPANY TO TEST AND REVIEW. OTHERWISE, IF WE MENTION A COMPANY BY NAME AND THERE IS NO DISCLAIMER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST, WE ARE MERELY WRITING ABOUT SOMETHING WE LIKE, PURCHASE AND/OR USE. THE FACT THAT WE DO RECEIVE A PRODUCT AS A GIFT TO TEST AND REVIEW, WILL NEVER POSITIVELY INFLUENCE THE CONTENT MADE IN OUR POST.

David Rio Power Chai Review & Recipe

On occasion, my best friend in the world stops by the clinic and brings me a chai tea. It is the most delicious beverage ever. Especially when it's unexpected and delivered to you at work. I love her so much. I asked her what kind of chai it was (as I am very particular about my chai) and she told me it's David Rio's Elephant Vanilla Chai made with soy milk. I knew I had to get my hands on some of this chai tea powder. I went onto the David Rio site to learn about this most delicious chai, because that's just the kind of person I am. Must. Research. Everything. Based out of San Francisco, all David Rio chai is GMO-free and kosher, and their Tiger Spice Chai is organic. As part of their mission, they work with animal welfare organisations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and several others. I thought, of course, that is was absolutely fabulous. I read somewhere that every dollar you spend, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in...or something like that. It's hard to find companies that have integrity and do genuinely take an interest in animal welfare and rights.

All their chai mixes are called "dairy-free". They use a non-dairy creamer as a milk substitute in the powder mixes. However, the non-dairy creamer does contain sodium caseinate, which is a milk derivative. But, it is technically considered a non-dairy product. Yet, I personally, couldn't feel good about drinking something with sodium caseinate. And Todd, of course, cannot have any milk whatsoever because it's a big trigger for his rheumatoid arthritis.

Saddened, I knew I couldn't justify purchasing any of the chia mixes, even with all the great work they do for animal welfare charities! While perusing their website I saw that they have one variety of chai that is completely dairy-free, their Power Chai! I was so excited, I cannot even tell you. Behold, the David Rio Power Chai. 

The Power Chai is absolutely lovely. It's a delicious blend of black tea and Japanese Matcha, a ceremonial green tea powder. Rich and frothy, this chai is bold, lively and sure to put a smile on your face. You know how sometimes when something is so good, it makes you do a little dance? No? That's just me, huh. Well, it makes me do a little dance. Todd knows what I'm talking about. 

There is only one place in Alaska that carries David Rio tins for purchase, but they do not carry the Power Chai. I plan to ask our local grocery store to carry it! Please check out their site here to see all their wonderful products and the good they extend toward animal welfare! Amazon.com also carries David Rio, but again, the Power Chai is only available with an outrageous shipping cost. Perhaps because it's new? Maybe in the coming year, it too will be available!

Move over Oregon Chai. This is my new favorite chai. My take on the basic David Rio Power Chai tea latte is made with creamy, silky coconut milk with a little splash of sweet vanilla and a pinch of cayenne for a little spicy bite. 

Invigorating Power Chai Latte

Makes 1 large mug

• 1 1/2 cups cartoned coconut milk (I use Silk Vanilla)
• 3 Tbsp. David Rio Power Chai mix
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• pinch of cayenne pepper

Heat the coconut milk milk in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. 

Whisk in the chai mix, vanilla and cayenne pepper. 

Serve hot and frothy!

Todd and I sipped this chai while wrapping presents. Check out this sweet wrap job. The paper is actually part of the packaging from the box that David Rio sent me. I'm not making that up. Yes, I use packing paper for all my gifts. Don't judge. It's awesome, economical and environmentally friendly. I asked Todd for a hippy high five when I told him this. He did not disappoint. Crazy hippies for the win!

Do you like Todd's snowflake? I told him it was a bit Southwestern, I don't think it was on purpose...but we had a good chuckle about it. OMG, we are lame. Also, as of right now, that greenery you see is our Christmas tree. Waaahhhh! 

Yes, I am listening to a playlist called, Jazzy Christmas.... Harry Connick, Jr. – Have A Holly Jolly Christmas

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*DISCLAIMER*  PRODUCE ON PARADE IS A PERSONAL BLOG WRITTEN AND EDITED BY MYSELF AND TODD ONLY, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. OUR REVIEWS ARE COMPLETELY BASED ON OUR OWN OPINIONS OF THE PRODUCT REVIEWED. WE ARE NOT PAID TO WRITE POSTS. THESE PRODUCTS WERE SUPPLIED TO US AS GIFTS BY THE COMPANY TO TEST AND REVIEW. OTHERWISE, IF WE MENTION A COMPANY BY NAME AND THERE IS NO DISCLAIMER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST, WE ARE MERELY WRITING ABOUT SOMETHING WE LIKE, PURCHASE AND/OR USE. THE FACT THAT WE DO RECEIVE A PRODUCT AS A GIFT TO TEST AND REVIEW, WILL NEVER POSITIVELY INFLUENCE THE CONTENT MADE IN OUR POST.

Zevia - A Healthy Soda

Let me tell you a true story. I'll make it quick. I received a Sodastream as a gift last year. I loved it, and used it constantly. I made all kinds of sodas (diet only!). However, after several months of drinking way too much of the stuff, I started to get very dizzy, once even falling into the door of the Radiologist's reading room! Um, embarrassing. My hands were abnormally shaky (even for me) and I started getting regular headaches. It got so debilitating that I  finally had to drag myself in to see my primary care doctor. God forbid I had some sort of mysterious disease, people! She took a bunch of blood and asked me question after question and finally when my appointment was almost over she asked if I drank diet soda. I said, "Yes." She asked, "How much?" I said, "Um...a lot." I told her it didn't really count since it was diet Sodastream. She told me that it did infact count and that I was to stop drinking diet soda, or at least so much, and see if my condition improved. I thought it was very interesting to hear that she said she'd been seeing many patients with neurological issues linked to artificial sweeteners .

So, I packed up my Sodastream (not really, I just stopped using the syrups) and after a few days I felt completely better. All skeptical, like I am, I thought that it wouldn't last, but it did! I haven't had any issues at all and it was such a stark contrast to really having some pretty intense side effects.

This brings me to the topic of my post today. You see, I love sweets. Anything sweet! "But Katie, you rarely post any desserts here on Produce On Parade." Yes, and there is a reason for that. It's the same reason I can't have Oreo's, Reese's Puffs Cereal or chocolate bars in the house.

Anyway, most everyone agrees that soda is okay to have in moderation, I realize this not only because my doctor told me so. Yet, I still couldn't bring myself to feeling okay making a Sodastream drink with the syrup or buying a diet soda from the store. However, one day whilst strolling through the hippie section in our local store, as I do, I discovered Zevia! What is Zevia you ask?

Well, it's an all natural, zero calorie soda made primarily of erythritol! Remember our little chat about erythritol? If not check out this video. Seriously, check it out. If you want to learn more about the only soda I ever buy now that I am older and wiser...check out my review below and enter to win four coupons for up 40% off Zevia. Three lucky people will win four coupons each!

What: Zevia is an all natural soda that has zero calories, only natural flavors and no dyes.  They have 15 flavors too! How awesome is that!? There are a few flavors with caffeine, but most do not have caffeine.

The flavors available are as follows: Cola, Lime Cola, Cherry Cola, Caffeine Free Cola, Lemon Lime Twist, Cream Soda, Orange, Grapefruit Citrus, Dr. Zevia, Black Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Mountain Zevia, Ginger Ale and Ginger Root Beer.

Why: Because children, diabetics and pregnant women want soda too! And some of us just need to start saying no to artificial flavors, dyes and sweeteners...just ask your physician. Although really, do we need to be told? Apparently, yes. I'm not saying anyone should pound Zevia, but a healthy soda alternative in moderation is much better than what comes in that bottle of Coke or Coke Zero.

How: Zevia is made without artificial sweeteners, is GMO-Free, Kosher, gluten free, vegan and free from dyes as well. Zevia is made with stevia and erythritol which is derived from fruits and actually contains antioxidants!  They implement natural flavors like nutmeg, wintergreen, and lemon oil, ginger extract, and cherry essence, as well as many others to obtain natural, wholesome soda flavors.

Where: Zevia can be found in the United States and Canada at stores such as Safeway, Whole Foods, Target, Albertsons, Giant Eagle, Walgreens, and many more. To see if a store in your area carries Zevia look here.

Cost: The cost of a 6-pack of Zevia ranges from $4.99 - $5.99

Recurrence: Like I said before, Zevia really is the only soda I buy now. I haven't tasted all the flavors as our local store doesn't carry all 15, but my favorites are Cherry Cola, Dr. Zevia, Grape and my most favorite is Strawberry. I love how crisp and fresh they taste! If you're used to a sugar laden soda or aspartame, Zevia might take a little getting used to depending on your palate. Some of the flavors are an acquired taste, but if you're used to stevia or erythritol then you should be used to that unique flavor stevia can impart.

Enter below to win four 40% off coupons! Three different lucky people will win!

Congratulations to Alison, Brandi and Ann! They are our winners!

***This giveaway is now closed, thank you!***

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*DISCLAIMER*  PRODUCE ON PARADE IS A PERSONAL BLOG WRITTEN AND EDITED BY MYSELF AND TODD ONLY, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. OUR REVIEWS ARE COMPLETELY BASED ON OUR OWN OPINIONS OF THE PRODUCT REVIEWED. WE ARE NOT PAID TO WRITE POSTS. THIS PRODUCT WAS SUPPLIED TO US AS A GIFT BY THE COMPANY TO TEST AND REVIEW. OTHERWISE, IF WE MENTION A COMPANY BY NAME AND THERE IS NO DISCLAIMER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST, WE ARE MERELY WRITING ABOUT SOMETHING WE LIKE, PURCHASE AND/OR USE. THE FACT THAT WE DO RECEIVE A PRODUCT AS A GIFT TO TEST AND REVIEW, WILL NEVER POSITIVELY INFLUENCE THE CONTENT MADE IN OUR POST.