Bos Iced Tea

A wholly indigenous iced tea that reflects South Africa’s bold spirit
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Bold “Afro pop” graphics set the tone for South Africa’s newest cold beverage, an iced tea bursting with fruit flavor. Utilizing the region’s indigenous Rooibos plant, Bos offers five caffeine- and preservative-free blends—Peach, Apple, Lemon, Energy and Slim—each mixed with spring water from Western Cape’s Cederberg mountains.

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Already an inherently healthy herb for its high level of antioxidants, the Rooibos in Bos tea is also ethically sourced from the Klipopmekaar farm and nature reserve. Klipopmekaar uses renewable energy and certified organic farming methods to cultivate the portion of land they dedicate to growing Rooibos—the rest of the 11,000-plus acres they keep as a bio-diverse wilderness reserve.

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Reflecting the contents inside, Bos’ graphic design for the slim tin cans combines African mythology with the continent’s classic bright color palette. This attractive packaging recently placed Bos as a finalist for Design Indaba‘s “Most Beautiful Object” award.

Made entirely in South Africa, Bos has yet to take an international stage but sells from cafes around the country.

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Fearless Raw Organic Chocolate

A chocolate company dedicated to making more than just brilliant chocolate bars

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Oakland-based Fearless was created by artist and activist Jordan Michael Schuster in 2006. The company uses organic Cacao from Brazil that’s been crafted to produce two to three times more antioxidants than traditional organic chocolate. The chocolate bars are made with 100% Kosher ingredients and are dairy-, gluten- and soy-free, using mineral-rich unrefined whole sugars.

In order to consider the chocolate bars raw, the cacao beans are temperature controlled using water-jacketed equipment.The process includes grinding, mixing, melting and molding the chocolate at temperatures that are under 118°F in order to preserve the nutrients, enzymes and anti-oxidants. The unique flavors offered are: Matcha Green Tea Peppermint (our fave), Sweet and Hot Hibiscus Ginger, Super Seeds Chrunch Hemp Chia Flax, Dark as Midnight and bestseller Exploding Coconuts. The flavors are both unique, potent and extremely satisfying.

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Fearless is also dedicated to making a conscious effort to give back to “fearless” people or organizations making a difference. One percent of its yearly profits are donated to “changemakers” that are suggested by Fearless customers. After suggestions have been made, a yearly vote happens in December to decide who will receive the generous donation. Fearless’ dedication to giving back is reflected in their packaging seen below, where a “bite” has been taken both out of the chocolate bar and its packaging, symbolizing the percentage taken out of the company’s profits.

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photo via Notcot

This well-rounded company has also made a concerted effort to be environmentally responisble by using 100 percent recycled paper that bio-degrades in six months. The wrapper inside is also made from environmentally appropriate materials that serve to ward off elements that threaten the purity of the bar.

When you bite into this unassumingly amazing chocolate bar, do it knowing you are being both satisfied and supporting a company that’s giving back. Buy a single bar for $5 or a box of 11 bars for $55 from their online shop.

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Evol Bowls and Mini Burritos

Two organic Tex-Mex snacks from a frozen burrito leader
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Bucking the football-sized burrito, Evol recently introduced a new line of minis to its roster of made-from-scratch frozen burritos and wraps. The three-ounce portions are made with the same all-natural and organic ingredients that the fast-growing company has always relied on for its products, including sustainable, antibiotic-free beef sourced from Niman Ranch and cage-free chicken from Petaluma Poultry.

Available in five flavors, the pocket-sized snack options include classic shredded beef blended with Monterey jack cheese, and two chicken and bean offerings—one with rice, and one without. For vegetarians, there’s a bean and sharp cheddar combination, while vegans will appreciate the bright blend of sauteed vegetables, rice and salsa in the Veggie Fajita burrito. Usual cooking time in a microwave takes less than a minute, with 160-190 calories per burrito.

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Yielding even more healthy choices to stock your freezer with this winter, Evol (which is love spelled backwards) also launched a new series of burrito bowl entrees last month, specifically with gluten-free and low-sodium eaters in mind.

The mini burritos are available at most Whole Foods stores, while the burrito bowls can be found at grocery stores nationwide.


Patric Chocolate

“Peanut butter and jelly” chocolate handcrafted by a Midwestern bean to bar chocolatier
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Founded in 2006 by Alan “Patric” McClure, Patric chocolate has put the Midwest on the premium confection map. The brand, born from the founder’s deep love of chocolate and an influential trip to France, offers a variety of delicious craft-made bars.

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A leader in the artisanal/micro-batch chocolate community, McClure has been involved with the Craft Chocolate Makers of America since its start and is currently serving as its chairperson. Our appreciation of American craft chocolate makers—from the Mast Brothers to Rogue to fellow Missouri-based Askinosie is well documented.

Patric currently offers eight chocolate bars—both blends and single origin, with standouts like the signature 70% blend helping put the brand on the gourmand map. Last year’s introduction of the PBJ OMG—dark roasted peanut butter and cacao balanced with natural bursts of berry from the chocolate—manages to pull off the salty-fruity appeal of the classic sandwich in a melt-in-your-mouth form. Marketed for ages “1-120,” this bar truly offers something for just about every palate.

The line sells from Patric’s online store and select retailers (though the PBJ OMG only for a limited time) starting at $7.


Compartes Chocolate and Macallan Truffles

Melt more than hearts with this delicious marriage of single-origin chocolate and 18-year scotch
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For those who love chocolate and booze together but have grown beyond liqueur-filled mini chocolates, Compartes Chocolatier recently introduced a limited-edition box of scotch whisky-infused dark truffles. With our favorite The Macallan 18-year single-malt scotch enriching the deep flavor of the single-origin ganache, we’re fans. As the truffle melts in your mouth, the subtle taste of whisky comes through—sounds like a perfect Valentine’s day gift. So either pick up a 10-piece box for yourself or for a loved one for $30 from the Compartes online shop.


Presso

Hand-pull a great shot with the elegant design of this eco-friendly espresso maker

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With arachnid looks and elegant design, the Presso makes a morning espresso in less time that it takes most electric machines to warm up. Reflecting a growing demand, Presso joins the crop of machine-free methods of coffee brewing that—like other popular coffee tools Chemex and AeroPress—is smaller, easier to clean, gentler on the environment and generally less fussy then automated coffeemakers.

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The device requires just two steps to pull a great shot of espresso with the requisite crema. Tighten the chrome filter containing grinds into the bottom of the Presso, add boiling water and press down on the levers for a single or double. Strength varies according to how firmly you apply pressure to the levers—a more forceful push yields a stronger cup. Artfully-crafted from polished recyclable aluminum, the energy-saving Presso will please coffee purists as much for its spare and stylish design as it will for its no-frills mechanics.

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Each Presso comes with a milk frother and a two-cup adapter, and sells online from Holstee or Presso for $150.


Divan Turkish Delight

Packed in brightly colored geometric patterns, a regional treat pleases the palate and the eye

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Taking an age-old confection into the 21st century, Divan‘s Turkish Delights are a classic recipe housed in elegantly modern packaging. Discovered on a recent trip to Istanbul, Divan has been handcrafting these delicious delicacies since 2006. The small sugary cubes are comprised of a base of chopped dates, pistachios and hazelnuts and come in 13 intriguing flavors—including Orange, Rose Aroma, Lemon, Pistachio, Mint, Chocolate, Mastica, Almond, Ginger, Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Coffee, Chocolate Coated Rose.

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The gelatin gourmet confections make a great gift for anyone with a discerning sweet tooth. They can be found at Harrods, one of Divan‘s 14 patisseries or specialty shops around the world.


WineBotas

The next generation of traditional Spanish wineskins sure to be a hit at any fiesta

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Whether you’re a budding Hemingway or just fond of the festive Spanish lifestyle, Chicago-based WineBotas has you covered with their vibrant collection of beautifully crafted leather wineskins. The sole U.S. importer of the iconic artisinal wine bags by Jesús Blasco, WineBotas adds to the fifth generation family-run brand by offering nine bright colors (typically botas are tan or black) as well as a collection of custom art botas designed in-house.

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Each is comprised of two pieces of tanned goat or calfskin, and feature latex liners in place of pine tree resin (like most botas sold in Spain), and sports a traditional long red rope for slinging it over your shoulder.

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The “life project” of marketing expert Halim Trujillo, WineBotas is the upshot of his multicultural heritage and enthusiasm for Spanish culture. With a Cuban father and Mexican mother, Trujillo grew up “eating Spanish foods at home, drinking wines from Rioja and sipping from a wine bota since I was very young.” He hopes by adding an element of fun to the high quality functional bag, botas will become an easy way to enjoy drinking among friends.

WineBotas sell online for $50-$80.


Julie Anne’s Granola

Handmade granola from Las Vegas hits the mark
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On a recent trip to Las Vegas we discovered locally-made Julie Anne’s granola. Frustrated that she couldn’t find granola she liked, Julie Hession decided to make her own and launched the line in 2008. Today there are five flavors available: Sweet Citrus, Decadent Raspberry Truffle, Berry Yummy PB&J, Maple Blueberry (warning: highly addictive) and Tropical Bliss.

The key to tasty granola is finding the right balance between grains, fruit and nuts, with just enough sweetness. We think Julie Anne’s hits the mark on all fronts. She makes every batch (and even packages them) herself.

Julie Anne’s Granola sells online in eight- and 16-ounce bags (for $6 and $8, respectively) and by the case, as well as at a growing list of retailers.


Eleven Eleven Wellness

Detox and cleanse with Dr. Frank Lipman’s easy-to-use programs

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Since 1992
Dr. Frank Lipman
and his Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City have been the go-to practice for those seeking wholistic care. A South African M.D. who studied Eastern medicine in China and a practitioner of
Integrative Medicine
, Dr. Lipman looks at the whole of a person’s health rather than focus singularly on a specific symptom or illness. Having written
several books
and articles on health, wellness and nutrition, he’s a growing voice in the Integrative Medicine community.

Over the years Lipman has worked with thousands of patients, tailoring programs to address their particular issues. Oftentimes he created regimens of various vitamins and supplements, meticulously-sourced and increasingly manufactured to his specifications—requiring patients to mix powders and take a custom assortment of pills multiple times a day. Eventually, he noticed that many had similar issues and found assembling the assorted supplements burdensome. In 2010 he created three easy-to-use kits that address the concerns he treats most frequently: detoxing and cleansing the body to perform optimally; reviving your body’s metabolism to function optimally; and sustaining it with a balance of vitamins and supplements. The kits include pre-measured powders that mix into liquid to create shakes and vitamin/supplement packs that make following the programs extremely easy. Another benefit of the kits is their low price and accessibility to both current patients of Lipman’s practice and those who’d like to take part but don’t have easy access.

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Last year, a visit to Dr. Lipman (who I’ve seen for many years) ended with the suggestion of following the Remove and Revive programs. Several others at CH HQ also decided to give it a try and six weeks later we were feeling great and enjoying a weight loss of around 10 pounds each. Read on to learn what we did.

We started with the
Remove program
, an aggressive but manageable two-week program geared at detoxing the body’s organs while replenishing it with a range of beneficial nutrients. Three shakes and three supplement packs a day plus two meals produced the desired results. We found this pretty easy, but some may find the removal of gluten, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, dairy and many animal proteins more challenging. Following the program at home was a breeze, meals out were usually easy enough to assemble, and because you aren’t limited by volume (of the right foods) we were’t ever hungry. We all saw some weight loss and a noticeable improvement in energy, though not without a few rough days from caffeine withdrawal and a few days when we would have loved a drink from the well-stocked CH bar.

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The Revive
kit, a four-week program similar to Remove, was next. You start the day with a shake and a supplement pack, and follow a less restrictive diet. The addition of more animal proteins and foods we missed made this painless, and eating out became even easier. We all continued to see benefits—more weight loss, sustained balance in our energy levels and we made an effort to work out more than we had been. Most importantly we began to integrate a lot of what we learned into our post-program daily routines.

Sustain, a twice-a-day supplement pack created to help your body fight stress and ensure you power up with essential nutrients, is the last and least hardcore of the kits.

Dr. Lipman’s Remove ($200 for the two week kit), Revive ($230 for the four week kit) and Sustain ($130 for the four week kit) all sell online from the
Eleven Eleven Wellness site
.