If you have a food processor, energy bites are one of the easiest snacks you can make. These bites created by holistic nutritionist Mandy King get their natural sweetness from medjool dates, and feature one of our favourite nuts... almonds! Make them and enjoy healthy snacks all week. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup almonds 
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil 
• 2 tablespoons nut butter (we used peanut butter) 
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (cocoa powder works too) 
• 4 medjool dates, pitted 
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes 

• Optional protein boost: 1 scoop Genuine Health fermented organic vegan proteins+ in chocolate flavour 

makes 15 bites 

xoxo babes 

aloe vera has been popping up all over the skincare world as a powerhouse plant ingredient. but what makes aloe so special? and what can it do for your skin?  

why we love it, babe! 

aloe vera has more than 200 biologically active ingredients that boast incredible skin benefits. the aloe plant is also packed with vitamins and minerals that are useful for treating many skincare concerns, like scrapes or burns. there's a reason you've been taught to reach for the aloe when your skin is suffering! 

hydration boost 

the juice from aloe is primarily made up of water that is rich in minerals and vitamins. plus, the water helps to hydrate your skin and lock in moisture, which creates a protective barrier and leaves your skin smooth and soft. aloe's nutrient-rich juice will also leave you with clearer looking skin. yes!  

after-sun love 

aloe vera contains polysaccharides and phytosterols. these compounds provide impressive cooling, healing, soothing and antiseptic action on the skin after a sun sesh. aloe also promotes cellular repair and new cell generation.  

keep calm, and soothe on 

aloe has many biologically active compounds that are rich in vitamins a, b, c, d and e, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium and zinc. these vitamins and minerals aid in calming and soothing skin irritation. in addition, they assist in quicker healing of your skin’s barrier and prevention of further irritation.  

acne warrior 

aloe vera naturally contains salicylic acid, an exfoliant and anti-inflammatory that will slough of dead skin cells and act as an antibacterial. it also works to unclog pores, even out skin tone, and prevent bacteria build up in the epidermal layers of your skin. 

skin strength 

aloe stimulates connective tissue activity. connective tissue supports collagen and elastin fiber production, which helps reduce and slow the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks (yay!). the combination of zinc and vitamins c and e found naturally in aloe will tighten pores and prevent the formation of free radicals, limiting damage to the skin’s cells. 

aloe vera ftw! brb babes, stocking up on all basd body care ft. skin super ingredient aloe!  

  - xoxo babes

many of us shower at least once a day (or even more, if we have chosen to hit up a hot yoga class!). And there are multiple products you can use in your shower routine, but have you put much thought into using a body wash?

your body wash choice is an important part of your shower and overall body care habits. it not only helps to remove the day’s dirt build up but it’s a great way to give your body some extra tlc. we hands-down recommend getting naked and lathering up.

so how do you determine the right body wash? your skin is your largest organ, so you need understand what you’re using to keep it squeaky clean. we have compiled a few things to look for when choosing your shower cleanser:

traditionally, most body washes strip everything on the skin’s surface, removing dirt, sweat and germs. however, this also means that your body’s natural oils are stripped away. these healthy oils work as a protective barrier that lock in moisture and keep your skin soft. when choosing a body wash look for ingredients that are hydrating or moisturizing, like aloe vera, coconut or shea.

we are usually drawn to the scent of a product before we look at the ingredients. be mindful that not all scents are good for you -- many fragrances are synthetic and can hide undisclosed ingredients under its cosmetic name. luckily not all fragrances get a bad rap. there are some amazing body washes that are naturally scented, non-synthetic and transparent about the ingredients they are using to. So how can you tell the difference between the good and the bad? most companies will be clear about their fragrance blends on their websites and packaging. we also recommend using the thinkdirty app to check the rating of your body wash: if it rates a 0 you know it does not contain any documented ingredients that will have a negative health impact.

consider using products that are vegan and cruelty-free. this is especially important when it comes to your body care routine. so, what does this mean? it means your products and their ingredients are not being tested on animals. additionally, we recommend using products that are vegan, meaning they do not contain animal by-products or derivatives. this not only helps to protect animals, but typically non-vegan products contain a high level of fillers.

have you ever tried to wash your car solely with water? it doesn’t work. this is because dirt and grease are lipophilic, meaning they don’t break down in water. in order for a body wash to cleanse and achieve that lather, it needs to include a hydrophilic (water base) as well as a lipophilic (oil base) ingredient. this combination makes up a surfactant that cleanses the daily dirt away. you can find many body washes that are derived from natural surfactants and are safe for your skin. we love our invigorating mint wash, as it combines aloe vera juice (hydrophilic) and powerful coconut-based ingredients (lipophilic) to create a fun lather!

we love to keep our skin clean, whether that is from daily dirt build up or the ingredients in your body wash. this breakdown will help you to use an amazing body wash that will leave your skin feeling so good, you’ll want to get dirty again. immediately.

check out our amazing selection of body washes

xoxo babes

coconut mint tea latte

• 1 can unsweetened organic coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut sugar (or until desired sweetness level)
• 10 fresh peppermint or chocolate mint leaves
• pinch of pink himalayan salt
• vegan dark chocolate (optional)

1. mix the unsweetened organic coconut milk and organic coconut sugar in a saucepan over medium-high and mix until both are integrated, stirring often, approx. 4 minutes
2. chop the mint and place it in a tea filter or steeping ball; immerse in the mixture of coconut milk and sugar for 2-3 min
3. stir in a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to taste. Then use a milk frother or an immersion blender to create a creamy foam texture. serve hot in your favourite mug, or, for a cold latte, let cool for 20 minutes, then poor over ice. enjoy!

for presentation (and extra deliciousness!), melt dark chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat. drizzle on top of your latte.

xoxo babes

#vegan #plant-based #gluten-free #dairy-free

babe, do you really need a nightstand?

this winter i lived without a nightstand for three months due to the fact I was renovating and hadn’t found the right one to put into the new space, and I never want to do it again.

during those 3 months of not having a bedside table, i realized how inconvenient it was to not have some key essentials at my fingertips while in bed (I mean, come on, babes, who wants to get out of that cozy cocoon for anything? #staywarmandsnoozeon)

trust me when i say the combination of some of my fave items take your r+r routine to the next level.  you may be asking, “seriously? what do you really need on your nightstand to get you through late nights and early mornings?” let’s break it down:

mood light

just because you are tucked into bed doesn’t mean its lights off, but it does mean that you don’t need a ceiling light shining down on you. i personally love to read before bed and having a beside lamp means i have the perfect amount of light for feeding my book obsession. it also means that when i’m close to falling asleep, i don’t have to get out of bed and cross the room to turn out the lights.

from time to time, I also like to set up my small essential oil diffuser with low key colour changing light. the coloured light diffuser transports me to the feeling you get when you are at a spa. It’s like the best nightlight ever.

reading material

speaking of bedside reading, I always keep a few must-read books or magazines stacked in my nightstand drawer. when you are finally tucked into your sheets, take some time to catch up on your reading list. It’s a great activity to unwind from the day’s stressors, detach from your phone and laptop, and stimulate creativity in dreamland.

h20

I don’t often wake up at night to drink water, but when I do, I prefer not to have to get out of bed. I like to keep either a fresh glass of water or my reusable water bottle for when I’m thirsty…. then I can carry on snoozing away.

plant baby

I love having a plant beside me while I sleep.  keeping a small succulent or air plant on my nightstand creates positive vibes. these plants also help with air quality, helping you breathe better.

beauty products

not having beauty products on a nightstand was probably my biggest inconvenience. I follow a lazy babe beauty routine. I cleanse, exfoliate and tone my face in the bathroom, but typically my body care and the rest of my facial care products are stored in my night stand where I finish my routine in the comfort of my bed. let’s just say my body and face were not happy for these last three months.

here are my nightstand beauty must haves:

I like to keep my lips soft, so I make sure to keep a basd mint lip balm in my nightstand drawer to apply before I go to sleep and when I wake in the morning.

I want my skin to stay hydrated and protected, so I make sure to use a combination of facial oil and cream to keep my skin moisturized and balanced.

I’m prone to tired looking eyes, so having a brightening eye balm on hand is key. When I need some extra tlc, I put a heavy layer under my eye mask, close my eyes and drift away!

treating my body to some TLC is important. I keep basd mint lotion on my nightstand for after shower hydration. It also doubles as a hand cream and provides a relaxing scent that can be used to massage pressure points.

 see yah in dreamland babes xx

with galentine’s day (valentine’s with your girls, of course) around the corner, get together with your best babes to celebrate your amazing friendships and make some new memories.

we’ve rounded up three of our fave ways to pamper your babe squad.

brunch, babe, brunch

brunch is best spent with your babes. celebrate over the most delicious meal, by either brunching at a great local restaurant or hosting a potluck brunch. and wherever you find yourselves, make sure to cheers to all the different kinds of love.

relax + pamper

we love the tradition of a spa date with your babe squad. it’s even more enjoyable when you’re able to do it at home. tell your squad to come over and byon (bring your own nail polish!) to get your mani-pedi on.  

p.s for a little extra tlc, start the night with a hand and foot mask using your fave basd body lotion – seductive sandalwood, anyone?

for the love of cinema

galentine’s day is about celebrating the love of good friends. what better way to honor that than by getting together and watching (or in our case marathoning) movies that celebrate friendship! don’t forget to have a selection of chocolate and popcorn on hand.

when the winter season comes around, it can be hard to keep the chill from getting to you, babe. finding moments for self-care is so important for your mind and body throughout the season. check out these five self-care ideas for making you a priority during the colder months:

1. the unwind

make your shower extra soothing with herbal bath bouquets. just wrap mint, eucalyptus and lemongrass stems with natural twine and hang them from your showerhead. the steam and heat from your hot shower will release their natural scents, which can be calming and comforting on a wintery day.

2. the reflection

the daily practise of bullet journaling can be quite relaxing and the perfect way to reignite your creativity in the winter. this form of journaling helps you track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future. it’s as easy as it sounds. simply log a thought, feeling or goal you want to focus on and make bullet point notes to reflect on what you are looking to achieve. to make your journaling even more creative you can add drawings, create mind maps and add inspirational quotes.

3. the flow

we feel you, babe. staying warm and cozy during the chilly season is the ultimate goal. but sometimes bundling up on the couch can make you feel extra tired and stagnant. to maintain warmth and feel revived, try a relaxing yoga session at home (but no one says you have to give up netflix, don’t worry).

4. the quench

hydration and relaxation go hand in hand during the winter (well, all-year round, really). brew yourself one of your favourite teas. while you are waiting for it to steep, give your body some TLC by massaging your bod with your fave hydrating lotion.

5. the sound

“girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song.” dedicating time to listening to an entire album or an amazing playlist is a beautiful form of self-care during the winter season. this moment to yourself will help you feel centered, stay balanced and project good vibes.

Since our launch in the spring of 2017, we have met some of the most incredible women. From the babes who buy basd over and over, to influencers and entrepreneurs who have constantly supported us, our tribe is like no other. Here is a quick snapshot of just a few of those we’re lucky to call fans.

This babe is an incredibly talented artist, in so many senses of the word. Danielle has studied mediums like drawing and painting, as well as makeup artistry. In 2012, she received a Summer Student Grant to open her own makeup business, where she focused on building a network of vegan makeup artists. Now she has an online hub and YouTube channel dedicated to vegan makeup tutorials and makeup art, and she’s one half of the duo behind Holistic Beauties—a popular destination for beauty tools and apparel.

Jamieson Eileen (@jamiesoneileen):

Jamieson is a freelance food and fashion writer, so you’ll get pretty hits of delish eats, stunning #ootds and snippets from life and business in YVR.  This newlywed has style to spare, so add her to your feed for inspiration on so many fronts (scroll down to when she rocked edgy purple hair earlier this summer!).

We’ve been so lucky at basd to be featured in some of the most amazing media outlets in Canada and the US. So, to say thanks, we wanted to highlight a handful of pieces that have really resonated with us, from a few of the brands that have shown us some love since our launch last year.

 
Allure

 Allure has added to the body positivity conversation in a new way, by taking gorgeous portraits of women that highlight what have traditionally been considered imperfections. Things like body hair, stretch marks and scars tell their own stories, of a woman’s growth and development, of her family’s background, of her health and wellness journey.  By commissioning these unique portrait series, Allure is encouraging women to embrace, rather than hide, these elements of their bodies. This is at the heart of what basd is, too – we love you as you are, babe.

 https://www.allure.com/story/womens-arm-hair-portraits

 https://www.allure.com/story/beautiful-stretch-mark-photos

Best Health

 You’ve heard the phrase, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life” but it’s kind of a vague statement, isn’t it? Best Health has gone a step farther and zeroed in on the habits of successful people, and how to incorporate them into your own lives. We especially love #7 – “Successful people take care of themselves.” We’ve got your back on that one, babe.

 http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/wellness/7-habits-of-successful-people/

Chatelaine

 This one’s a little more practical than philosophical, but it’s essential. Strapless bras are potentially the most ill-fitting garment any woman owns, no? Chatelaine has done the heavy lifting (pun intended) on the best options for busty babes, which means less time in the dressing room and more time for life. And drinks with friends. And goal-chasing. And sleep.

 https://www.chatelaine.com/style/strapless-bras-for-large-bust/

Elle Canada

The kind of boss and co-worker you are may not rank high on things you think about, but this Elle Canada article might change that. We love the first point—“Find a mentor, be a mentor”—which means you never stop learning, but also that it’s essential to to pay it forward to those who will follow in your footsteps. Give it a read for a few more empowering gems, babe.

http://www.ellecanada.com/culture/society/article/how-to-lead-at-work-and-empower-others-and-yourself

Huffington Post

Anyone tapped into the fashion industry knows that the September issue of Vogue is the biggest issue of the year. Rihanna is making history in 2018 by being the first black woman featured on the cover of the British outpost of the iconic mag. We love this teaser video from HuffPo to highlight this moment in history. Talk about a babe!

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/08/01/rihanna-vogue_a_23493827

 When the mercury rises, many people just want to slather on sunscreen and go. But it only takes a few more minutes to add basd to your skincare routine.

If you’re a basd babe (and if you aren’t already, you should be!) you know how important it is to look after your skin, especially in the sun. So, what’s the best way to layer your products on a super-hot day, to reap the benefits of basd while still expecting to deal with the heat?

Start with a lukewarm or even cool shower. If it’s a coffee scrub day, get your hands in the bag and get dirty. Rinse off, then lather up with your basd body wash. Wash your hair last, so you catch any stray coffee grounds when you run the water through your hair.

Towel dry slightly (or if you can brave the goosebumps, just wrap up your hair and be naked!) and run for your basd body lotion. Your skin starts losing moisture the second you step out of the shower, so the faster you can apply, the better. There’s no wrong way to apply it, but take a few minutes to make sure you have maximum coverage.

Don’t put your clothes on yet! Let the moisturizer absorb. Do your makeup and your hair, or, if that’s not your jam, read a book or scroll Insta. Then, when your skin feels relatively dry to the touch, layer your favorite sunscreen over top. Make sure you hit every part of your bod that’s going to be exposed to the sun. Even if you’re just going to the office or out for breakfast, don’t forget the backs of your arms, your neck and the tops of your hands and feet.

Your OOTD comes last. Add a hat and sunnies if you’re planning to be outside. (One more thing: If you’re going somewhere that requires bug spray, it goes on after you’re clothed. DEET can be a skin irritant and shouldn’t be used under clothing.)

That’s it, babe. Summer’s got nothing on basd.