The Sanctuary Serum and ultra-luxurious Sanctuary Nectar Balm are some of my favorite skin care products. They are just packed with nutrients and omegas that nourish the skin and give it a healthy glow. The Sanctuary collection from evanhealy was developed to help create sanctuary in the world, while simultaneously caring for our skin. I just love that they have created this program. Proceeds from the sale of each bottle go to a nonprofit organization with a focus on human rights and environmental justice. A new organization is chosen to be highlighted each month. Join me in doing something good for your skin while supporting worthy causes.

It has been an exciting year in the world of fine craft beverages. For the first time in my memory, we have an increasing number of very good, high-quality and excellent tasting beverages that are crafted to replace versions that traditionally have alcohol. We call this category “Zero Proof,” which means there is no measurable alcohol but may include an amount less than .5%. Among these excellent beverages is Ghia, a brand you may recognize from our shelves. Recently the team at Ghia released their Ghia Spritz in a can. It is a refreshing, slightly bitter aperitif that is made with ingredients derived from the natural plant world. Complex and satisfying it has notes of rosemary, citrus, hints of elderflower, fig and ginger. Perfect to start a dining experience or to have on its own. Enjoy!

In my endless search for fresh and unique specialty items, Koa Roots completely blindsided me. This very small, very new company out of Sandy, Oregon, offers two product lines that I never knew I needed in my life but will now never be able to live without. Their line of fruit butters includes two varieties that will be familiar to Pacific Northwesterners: Marionberry and Blueberry. Two other varieties draw from the company’s Hawaiian roots: Passion Fruit and Guava. What is unique about these products is their creamy, custard-like consistency and total lack of cloying sweetness, which really allows the vibrant flavor of these fruits to come through. These fruit butters are also 100% plant based. It’s hard to give specific pairing recommendations for these fruit butters because they are delicious on nearly everything, but I will say that my son has been partial to smothering his Saturday morning waffles with the Passion Fruit butter. Check these fruit butters out and explore Koa Roots’ other products found in our stores.

This delicious oil is made from natural Oregon hazelnuts. Cold-pressed locally by Laurel Foods, it was developed by a 6th generation hazelnut grower. Loaded with healthy fats and a delicious, subtle, hazelnut flavor, it is a secret weapon for any home chef. It is an amazing flavor enhancer in almost any dish. If you love to cook you need to try this hazelnut oil. It has a high smoke point and maintains its flavor when cooked. I use it for everything from scrambled eggs to meat marinades to salad dressings. My guests often rave about the flavor.

First off, I love these chickens because they taste SO GOOD! Until I tried them, I had not known that there would be such a wonderful difference in taste between commodity chicken and an heirloom bird, but, oh boy, there sure is! You really can taste the difference with this Non-GMO certified heirloom chicken, available at your Market Kitchen. The meat is juicy and deeply flavored, and the skin browns and crisps up with incredible flavor. The second reason I love it so much is that I really feel like I am taking good care of my family with this choice. I don’t think twice about whether it is good for them or if they will like it, I know they will love it and best of all I know it will nourish them while they (and I!) enjoy it! The fact that the chickens are raised foraging on organic food in a natural pasture just makes me appreciate them all the more.

Believe it or not, fall is coming in just a few months and for me that means candle season is near. But who needs a change in seasons to enjoy great candles? These hand-poured, 100% soy candles are made here in the Pacific Northwest. They have an untreated cedar wood wick and are made with a variety of essential oils. What I love about these candles is that the wood wick makes a crackling noise when it is burned, adding to the ambiance of a cool autumn day. With scents like “Lumberjack,” “Bookworm” and “Fall Harvest,” these candles make great gifts for yourself or a loved one.

I’m really excited to share this! I love our Peruvian Spatchcock Chicken, found in your Market Meat & Seafood department, because it is handcrafted with whole fryers that have the attributes that I look for: it supports local business, it makes for an easy and delicious way to create an amazing meal, and it is Non-GMO. These chickens are prepared by our Market Butchers using our Peruvian-inspired marinade, which includes black pepper, garlic, pasilla chili powder, sea salt, cumin, oregano, paprika and Dijon mustard. It is savory, a bit spicy, gluten-free and really delicious whether cooked on the grill or in the oven. Join me this month and enjoy our Peruvian Spatchcock Chicken.

I really love an Oregon story and even more if it’s about ice cream! Keto Pint Ice Cream Bars were developed by two Oregon brothers, Chris and Anthony. They created their first ice cream as a treat for their dad in an attempt to help him regain his health after a heart attack. Out of that low-sugar, healthier treat, they developed their ice cream brand. The Keto Pint brand has evolved, adding many flavors of ice cream, ice cream bars and most recently chocolate bars – all with the same low-sugar goal. Being a low carb/keto follower, I have enjoyed Keto Pint Ice Cream Bars this summer. They are creamy and sweet enough to curb my need for dessert while also being indulgent and delicious. The newest flavor to launch is Strawberry, with creamy strawberry ice cream wrapped in indulgent dark chocolate. Delicious! As you sit back and enjoy these treats you can feel the love that Chris and Anthony put into product development. Even if you aren’t living a low-sugar lifestyle, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the delicious taste of these bars.

Peaches have always been one of my favorite fruits. My mom canned peaches every year, and we would often eat the canned peaches with cake for dessert. This dessert is definitely an upgrade. Tender vanilla cake features fresh whipped cream and vanilla custard in the filling. Creamy and delicious, this cake makes me think of days past. Our bakers bake the cakes fresh on site at our store. Then our cake decorators work their magic, whipping up the slightly sweetened vanilla cream, the fresh custard vanilla cream filling and then putting it all together. The extra special touch is that we use Singing Dog Vanilla, which is Fair Trade+ certified. This certification helps ensure that the vanilla farmers who provide the beans get a fair, living wage and that their families and communities can flourish. Join me in a slice of this awesome seasonal treat and be prepared to smile.

Our team discovered HOIST during our travels and found that it is unlike other hydration drinks because of how it works in your body. The specially-formulated blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes and fluids closely matches your body’s natural electrolyte-water balance, which means HOIST can absorb rapidly without the need for digestion. Not only does HOIST replenish your body immediately, it is clinically proven to keep you hydrated longer than water. HOIST is so effective it has been chosen as the electrolyte hydration solution of choice by the U.S. Military and authorized by the Department of Defense. If it’s good enough to keep our military hydrated, it’s good enough for me, and I have to say, I’m loving how it helps me stay hydrated.

I’m a huge fan of fresh juice and there’s nothing better than a glass of honest, fresh-squeezed orange juice to start your day or to refresh your senses on a busy afternoon. My go-to is Market of Choice’s orange juice, which is fresh squeezed in each store by our Market team members. The juice is made with fresh Valencia oranges and is 100% juice, nothing else. I may be a bit biased, and I do have access to our orange juice every day, but knowing it is pure juice with no additives – other juices blend in preservatives to make it shelf stable for the months – just keeps a smile on my face. Pure, honest, fresh-squeezed orange juice…I’m making myself thirsty! Enjoy!