I always thought chia seeds were nothing more than what gave chia pets hair. But recently I had heard a couple of people I know talk about them and their uses in various recipes. Then I saw Chia Goodness at my local Whole Foods and a few things caught my eye on the packaging.

The first was that it was entirely gluten free. The second was the nutrition that a mere two tablespoons can hold. It’s rich in Omega’s, fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, magnese, vitamin a, vitamin c, riboflavin just to name a few.  And the third thing was the simple, wonderful ingredient list: Chia seeds, Almonds, buckwheat, apples, raisins, Celtic sea salt, cinnamon and cane sugar.

The trick with chia seeds (as with chia pets) is to soak the seeds for a few minutes in whatever you’re eating it with. I put a couple of tablespoons in a plain yogurt and it was just about the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I put it on top of oatmeal and it transformed my morning breakfast. Now I’m looking for more ways to incorporate it and the possibilities seem endless.

A more than great value for a more than great healthy but very tasty treat.

BUY AT: Ruths Hemp Foods

I have never really been a fan of marshmallows but when I had an unlikely craving for rice krispy treats, I began the hunt for gluten-free marshmallows. I couldn’t tell with the traditional ones if they were gluten free or not but then I happened across a tub of Ricemellow Creme which said right on the label, “Gluten Free!”  It also said no animal products, no GMO’s, no fat, no cholesterol, no refined sugars, corn sweeteners preservatives or additives. I was wondering where it said “no good” – but it didn’t and so I thought I’d give it a try.

Opening it up I saw a yellow, fluffy, whipped creme – what traditionally melted marshmallow mixed with butter looks like. I tested it out with a scoop. Then another, then another. I could. not. stop. eating. It was amazing!

And all I had to do was add some gluten-free rice cereal for easy rice krispy snacks but I never got that far. I ended up using this as icing on some cupcakes, I put some in my coffee, and really I just kept some around for a little taste here and there.

I’m sure it’ll make great cookies… someday.

BUY AT: Suzannes Specialties

Fluffy, pretty, down pillows has always been my bed accessory of choice; there’s nothing like falling into softness at the end of a hard day. But unfortunately, I wasn’t waking up soft and happy but stiff and cranky.

My chiropractor recommended the Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow for me to try but I resisted; I had tried similar orthopedic pillows in the past with disastrous results. Some were only meant for back sleepers and some for only side sleepers but none worked for those of us who do both. But the Therapeutic pillow is designed for both so I thought I’d give it a try.

I was told to give it two weeks as my muscles in my neck adjusted. The first couple of nights my neck felt sore and I could really feel things adjusting. I woke up several times during the night but overall, I woke up way less sore. After a week I noticed a real improvement in both how I felt and how I slept.

Being on the small size I opted for the adult petite but wish I had gone for the average size that I had tested only because i like the side to be a little higher. If you’re 5″4 and over I’d recommend average but even with the petite I’m still sleeping pretty!

BUY AT: Amazon

There’s nothing I love more than a good cup of Earl Grey tea; it’s been a staple in my afternoon for far more many years than I’d like to say. But I recently decided to try to eliminate caffeine from my diet and brewing regular Earl Grey twice (to remove caffeine) seemed too much of a hassle and finding a good cup of decaf seemed even harder.

So imagine how happy I was when I discovered Rishi’s Earl Grey Rooibos Tea which combined my favourites – rooibos and bergamot!

Rooibos has long-proven health benefits and the taste is wonderful anytime of day but combine it with some citrus and bergamot and it becomes the most wonderful afternoon tea that you can have before bed, too. And not only good for your health and taste buds but it’s also good for the environment as Rishi sells only organic, fair trade artisinal teas, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

BUY AT: Rishi Tea