Anj’s January Picks: Everything I’m Loving Right Now

Sharing a list of my top picks this month for mind, body, planet and spirit.

What’s Cooking

Chloe Crane-Leroux’s The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking

I’ve long been a fan and follower of Chloe Crane Leroux, so I was thrilled when she released her first cookbook last year (which she wrote with her mom – so sweet). The Artful way to Plant-Based Cooking is filled with gorgeous recipes, photos, and anecdotes, and serves as such a wonderful reminder of how delightful and delicious that vegan cooking is.

Cast Iron Grill Pan

I’ve found a new love for my grill pan of late, particularly since this week it’s helped me resurrected not one, but two day-old sandwiches. An unexpected, underrated benefit of a cast iron grill pan is that it helps to crisp up old bread better than an average pan, while evenly heating all of the inner sandwich elements. I’ve also used it for charring fruits (persimmons, topped with a balsamic glaze and vanilla ice cream – try it and thank me later) and veggies like grilled bell peppers for salads, sandwiches, and romesco sauce. This pan is so versatile that I have taken to leaving it on my stovetop because it’s getting so much use (plus it’s a Caraway, so you know it’s non-toxic and planet-friendly).

Plant-Based Milk Maker

I can’t get enough of my Almond Cow Milk Maker – it is truly the best investment that pays for itself, and such a great way to cut down on kitchen waste. You can make virtually any type of plant-based milk with this thing in under 5 minutes (and it’s extremely easy to clean afterwards). I also love that you can take the pulp and use it to make so many other fun things like cookies, crackers, energy balls, pancakes, breads…you name it. You can even make cheese, which is up next for me. And, not only are you majorly cutting back on waste by not having to buy milk at the store, but you’re also avoiding gums, fillers, and oils that are included in many plant-based milks. If you’re ready to add the Milk Maker to your kitchen, use code VEGANANJ for $30 off.

To Your Health

Superfood and Probiotic-Rich Protein Powder

I’ve long been a fan of Sprout Living and have pretty much exclusively used them in my daily smoothies for a few years now, but I’ve been switching things up from my usual Original or Vanilla Lucuma flavors and am currently loving their Pro-Collagen protein powder. It has this delicious natural sweetness thanks to raspberries, and I love that is offers plant-based collagen – it’s basically beauty in a smoothie. Be sure to use code VEGANANJ20 for 20% off your order.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion Tea has incredible detoxification properties and is also excellent for your gut. I often start my morning with it, or drink it after dinner to help with digestion. I also love Traditional Medicinals because they’re certified organic and also use compostable wrappers.

For a Post-Holiday Reset

I’ve written all about my experiences with Prolon’s 5-day fast mimicking diet on the blog, and think that kicking off the year with a detox like this one is so helpful after holiday indulgences and when you just need to hit reset. Use code VEGANANJ for 20% off your order and trust me, you’ll feel like new afterwards.

Seasonal, Antioxidant-Rich Fruits

I have been stocking up on passion fruit and dragon fruit at the farmer’s market lately; not only are they completely delicious and what I consider to be nature’s candy, but they’re also super high in vitamin C (which is far more bioavailable in this form than by taking a supplement).

Festive (Non-Alcoholic) Beverages

I wrote all about the best NA brands I’ve tried through my journey of sober curiosity, but I just can’t get enough of Aplos’ Ume Spritz right now. It’s tart and sweet, very low sugar (with no added sugars) and packed with functional, calming ingredients.

On the Bod

Non-Greasy, Luxurious Body Oil

Like so many of us, my skin gets very dry in the winter. Osea’s Undaria Algea body oil is the best I’ve ever used and is somehow so hydrating without being greasy at all – plus, it smells divine. I also really appreciate that Osea’s bottles are made of glass, not plastic, and they’re also a Certified B Corp. Code VEGANANJ for 10% off!

Sustainable Activewear

I continue to be so impressed by Organic Basic’s ethos – many of their products are organic and/or are made from recycled materials – they even tell you what the carbon impact of each individual garment is on their website. I’ve been living this cute and chic workout set and have my eye on a few other items. They’re also currently having their big ‘Refresh Sale,’ so it’s a great time to shop; and you can also use code ANJELICA10 for an extra 10% off!

For the Mind

I was a huge fan of Lily King’s Writers & Lovers (and I still need to finish Euphoria) so when I kept hearing rave reviews of her latest novel, Heart the Lover, I had to pick it up. So far, it’s everything that was promised – the book is full of emotional depth, romance, wit, and is highly readable – I think I’ll easily finish it within the week.

Note that there are affiliate links in this article that will enable you to get a discount while I’ll earn a small commission on sales. I only work with brands that I have researched and personally vetted. These collaborations allow me to run this blog and keep my in-depth content free of charge and ad-free for readers like you who want to learn more about vegan living and eating.