Vegan Cuts- September Snack Box

Earlier I tried a one month gift subscription to the Vegan Cuts Snack Box. I decided to go for a 3 month subscription this time, and last month received my first box. I am always excited to get packages, but was anxiously awaiting this one. My box contained-

 This was the item I was most excited to try! I have not had boxed macaroni in ages, and was pleased to see the white cheddar flavor in my box. It was good! I expected an artificial taste, but was pleasantly surprised.

I love popcorn and I love Chai!  I got the Chai Caramel flavor, which was delicious. I need to find this again.

I think regular peanut butter has spoiled my taste buds, this nut butter was not sweet at all. It's interesting, but would take some getting used to.

I have never had protein powder before, and don't think I ever will again. I used this in a smoothie, but there was a chalky, weird taste that I just did not like. 

 This product was another miss for us, it is made from banana and coconut. The package states that the brown color is normal and we all know that bananas turn brown. Yet I found the color a little disturbing and didn't like the taste much either. I did share with a coworker who enjoyed it, so it may just be me?

 These were.... chips! Nice chips, but chips. It was nice to enjoy without having to read the ingredients and worry something non-vegan being sneaked in.

I enjoyed this blend of strawberry, banana and apple. It reminded me of applesauce, though it is referred to as a smoothie. I was pleasantly surprised to see it carried in my neighborhood Solomon's Fresh Market and have added Buddy Fruits to my son's lunch box.

There were a few additional items that I have not tried as yet, and probably won't try: a Shitake extract, and some electrolyte replenishing powder.

I am looking forward to October's box. Visit Vegan Cuts to get your own box.

Christian Book Review- Playing By Heart by Anne Mateer

Finding the time to read has been so difficult, so finding the time to write about reading has been almost impossible. I don't regret beginning my Master's degree, but despite having just begun I am counting down. I look forward to lazy afternoons with a book and nothing to do.

Playing By Heart takes place at a perfect time period. There is a bit of technology, but still a more simplistic way of life. I loved the fact that the sport of Basketball was just being introduced to the world, and the challenges faced by players, particularly girls.

Lula Bowman is a woman pursuing higher education at a time when women are pretty much expected to get married, stay home and raise children. Lula has a reputation for being flaky and her family does not consider her or her pursuit of education to be worthwhile. Circumstances force Lulu to live with her sister Jewel, providing financial support through her job as a teacher. Lulu holds on to resentment as she is forced to leave her education and scholarship behind.

Of course Lulu meets Chet, a teacher struggling with his own problems. I was dubious at the thought of Lulu abandoning all thoughts of education to be with Chet. I was very happy when Lulu and Chet arrived at their happy ending without Lulu sacrificing her own dreams. I have not read many books that take place in this time period and enjoyed the perspective and story. I think that teachers will especially appreciate this book, as it shows what teaching was like during a different era.

A free copy of this book was provided  by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.