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i t f p E

A Look Behind My Favorite Amazon Essentials

February _ 20

Lifestyle, Products

The other day when I was working at WeWork, I was chatting with my friend Sari about Amazon shopping pages and realized… Why do I not have this by now? So alas, here we are! As a majority of you probably already know, there are so many gems you can find through Amazon Prime. I’ve been using it since college (about five or six years now) and have loved it ever since. If there’s something I think of that I need on the spot, I prime that ish STAT. From a random household appliance (like my new Vitamix container for my blender) or batteries for my t.v. remote (that reminds me I need to get on that) – anything is possible with Prime.

But hands down, as one could imagine, finding your favorite food deals (especially items from Whole Foods) is extremely helpful via Amazon. I get everything from my collagen, organic tea, snacks and all the in betweens on here. I figured I’d combine a list of my favorite items and most ordered so that you guys know what I love and can see my recommendations a little bit easier. To be completely transparent, all of these are affiliate links so I make a small portion of commission off of what you buy. Everything I share here I 100% buy myself, love and at that, love recommending to you all. That’s why I do what I do! So without further adieu, I’ll get into a few of the products on the page, how I use them and why I love them. 

Kitchen Basics

Vitamix blender – The best birthday present I was ever given that I’ll literally always remember… on my 18th birthday when my mom gave me my Vitamix. I still have it and use it to this day, 7 years later! I know Vitamix blenders are on the pricier side (between $350-500) but they are the best thing you could invest in, especially if you’re health and wellness focused and make anything from smoothies, coffee, soups, energy bites, etc. I use mine as a food processor too (since I don’t have one of those) and it works like a charm. 

P.s. if you’re like me and your pitcher was covered in filth.. You can always look up replacement blender pitchers for under $100 as opposed to buying an entirely new blender base. 

Nutribullet blender – I bought this when I worked at my last job and needed a blender for my morning matcha and coffee. Call me high maintenance (I admit I definitely am when it comes to matchas) but blended beverages are so much better and creamier than using an electric whisk/etc. I make everything from Four Sigmatic coffee, my Perfect Bar coffee and matcha in mine when all you need is hot water, milk and coffee/matcha. I also had one in college because my roommate would have straight up threw me out the window if she heard my Vitamix go off at 7am 🙂 

Cuisinart waffle maker – Everyone needs a waffle maker for Sunday breakfast. This makes pancake and waffle mixes much more exciting and nothing tastes better than fresh, fluffy waffles straight off the iron. I love using this mix, too. It tastes like all of my favorite store-bought paleo pancake mixes but without any added sugar so you can add your own. 

Air fryer – Dustin got me this air fryer for Christmas and it is truly… the best thing ever. I wanted an air fryer for so long but didn’t bite the bullet because the market is kind of like CBD.. there are just too many damn options to choose from but this one gets the job done. I’ve only made vegetables in it so I can’t say how it goes for meat or baked goods (I’ve seen a few people do that) but for under $100, it’s a steal. 

KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer – I was gifted this item back in college for a partnership I did and since then I’ve used it a handful of times but it is the perfect addition to your home if you’re single and bake but you’re no Bon Appetit chef. I bought the normal sized one for my brother for Christmas this past year which is great but for smaller spaces/if you want to save a bit… this is THE MOVE. 

OXO dish rack – I’ve partnered with OXO this month to show off some of their new kitchen must-haves and this dish rack is everything I never knew I needed. It is huuuuge and holds my blender, my pots and pans and is just… lovely! I tossed my old one from Target and am now so glad I’ve got this baby. 

OXO dish brush – Useful for cleaning pans, even my cast iron and dishes in general. I also love when you can clean things from a distance aka not be so close to the germs… am I the only one? Do I sound psycho? Probably. Anyways, this is essential (and cheap)! 

Berkey water filter system – I bought my Berkey when I moved into my new apartment this past summer as my apartment before, I never had a water filter… can you believe? Ha! Dustin used to buy water bottles before coming over because he refused to use my sink water and I don’t blame him. A berkey is definitely an investment but a. It makes your kitchen look beyond gorgeous and sleek and b. It is one of the best filtration systems you can buy, removing over 200+ toxins in your water. 

Favorite snack items

Four Sigmatic Mushroom Elixirs – I’ve been talking about these a ton lately but Four Sigmatic is one of my favorite brands hands down for elixirs, coffee and adaptogen blends. I started drinking their mushroom coffee 2-3 years back and love how convenient it is on the go, it’s organic and doesn’t make me jittery or feel any “normal” symptoms from most lattes/coffees. Since I stopped drinking coffee out 2.5 weeks ago, I save money by just using Four Sigmatic (it breaks down to less than $2 per packet/cup of coffee), and I overall just feel better. They have a few more options on Amazon than their site, but if you buy via their site use code “CHICKPEA” for a little something nice 🙂 

Dandy Blend – I found out about this brand in college and love it as a coffee alternative. Last year I bought it off of Amazon and would make “dandy blend lattes” where I used 1 tsp of this mix, 1 packet of Four Sigmatic’s Reishi Mushroom Elixir, 1.5 tbsp coconut butter, 12 oz of hot milk and a dropper of CBD and it is the best nighttime beverage. 

Banza pasta – A classic staple in my kitchen. I personally like a few other brands of chickpea/lentil pasta more than Banza but at the same time, it’s so convenient, sold in multiple grocery stores (especially conventional ones), comes in so many fun shapes AND it’s cheaper than others! Win win. 

Primal Kitchen dressing and condiments – The best dressings and condiments ever and when you run out like me (especially of their ketchup) and need it stat, Amazon to the rescue. Their ketchup is sold in a 2 pack which I couldn’t recommend more because it is the best and you’ll go through it like water. It’s not sweetened (nor are any of their sauces) and mostly all are Whole30 compliant. I just love the overall brand and while they’re on the pricier side, buying them in sets is a great option. 

Ancient Nutrition multi collagen – I used this in my pancakes this week, my smoothies every single day and my coffee to make it extra frothy and creamy. People have asked my opinion whether I like this brand more than other popular name brands and for me, I do (or else I wouldn’t be sharing it obviously). I appreciate Ancient Nutrition’s brand as a whole, therefore I love supporting them and this product. It comes in a few different flavors but this unflavored is by far my favorite as it is stevia-free. P.s. swipe some single serve packets because that ish is the best for travel! 

Ippodo Tea ceremonial grade matcha – Hands down the one matcha brand I prefer as opposed to others. It is rich, vibrant in flavor, earthy, strong… all of the good things I want in my matcha. It’s pricier but if you break it down, a GOOD matcha at a café is around $7-9 so you’re really saving here. I add 1.5 tsp of this matcha into a blender with 12 oz hot water and 1 scoop of the collagen above with coconut butter and it makes all the damn difference. The perfect beverage, truly. 

CHOMPS meat sticks – In the past when I’ve done Whole30, these have been a lifesaver. I love having one with trail mix and fresh berries (makes me feel like a legitimate cave woman lol). They come in a few different flavors from turkey (my favorite), venison (second favorite), jalapeno beef and original beef. They don’t taste artificial or fake, no added sugar and are paleo. They make the perfect snack when you need a bit of protein and you’re on the go and since they’re tightly wrapped they are great to have at the bottom of your purse. Yes, I have tons of meat sticks in the bottom of my purse.

Hu Kitchen chocolate covered cashew hunks – Chocolate covered cashews with no refined sugar. A handful of these are the best dessert you could ever find. Healthy fats and a small dose of dark chocolate.. The perfect combination. 

Crazy Richard’s powdered peanut butter – Back in high school I was a slave for PB2 (powdered peanut butter) because it was a “low calorie” food and I didn’t want all the fat from normal peanut butter. Sigh. I now enjoy my fair share of nut butter but it’s nice to every now and then use powdered peanut butter when it comes to baking because a little goes a long way. I love adding Crazy Richard’s PPB to smoothies because 2 tbsp of it just carries much more of a peanutty flavor than 1 tbsp of real pb would for me, personally. This one is the best on the market because it’s just peanuts and salt. NO added sugar!

Perfect Bar variety box – My one true love. Nothing makes me happier than getting people hooked on my favorite products and this especially.. I love that you can get a whole variety box of Perfect Bars online because the more the merrier and it gives you a chance to try all different flavors. I love these straight out of the fridge or I blend ⅓ of one with 16oz of cold brew, a scoop of collagen and BAM.. you have the creamiest cold brew coffee that’s slightly sweet. 

RXBar Peanut Butter single packets – I just love this peanut butter. It’s so creamy and dreamy and while honestly I’m not a fan of RXBars at all really (used to be obsessed in college), I love this peanut butter and their honey one. Slightly sweet from dates but it’s just an insane drippy texture. These are great for travel but just be sure you have napkins nearby as it can get pretty oily. 

Raw shelled hemp seeds – I use hemp seeds for everything and anything. They are so versatile. Back in college I bought them just because I thought they were another superfood to make my smoothie bowls look good but this year alone I’ve included them into my diet almost every single day. They’re a great source of plant-based protein and iron (two things I could always use more of) and make a mean homemade nut milk on the spot. Just blend 2 tbsp of hemp seeds with 16oz of water and there you go – nut milk! I add 1.5 tbsp to my smoothie every day, too. 

Winter sickness/wellness essentials

Raw manuka honey – When it comes to honey, it is definitely not all created equal. I’ve been a fan of raw honey for a couple years now after learning that most honey on the shelves at grocery stores is super processed and all the benefits that come from honey like it’s anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties only work if your honey is RAW and UNPASTEURIZED. This is the go-to in all of my tea I drink when I’m sick!

Elderberry immune gummies – Not a huge gummy person but when I’m sick I love popping a few of these. No sugar added (only fruit juice used), they’re quite tasty and I love Garden of Life products in general. They also make being sick a little bit more bearable. 

Black elderberry syrup – I purchase this from Whole Foods if I’m near one when I’m sick but for mostly all other times, I love buying it via Amazon. Elderberry syrup is the key to boosting your immune system when you’re feeling run down or a cold coming on and I love love love everything Gaia creates. This is the one brand of elderberry syrup I’ve seen that doesn’t have a ton of added sugar aka it’s really just elderberries (like it should be). This is the cough medicine of the wellness world. 

Heating pad – Through most of my life I never really had cramps and back pain with my cycle until about a year ago and this heating pad is everything. I also used to get extremely bad sciatic nerve pain from cycling and this is a god send. Cheap, comfy, soft and works great on your bed or couch. 

Skincare/beauty must-haves

Cocokind chia facial oil – I love that you can find Cocokind’s products pretty much all over the place (Amazon, Whole Foods, Target) and they are relatively very affordable. I started using this facial oil after I cleanse and tone my face around last fall and the smell, the texture… everything about it, I love! It’s super hydrating and I haven’t met one human who doesn’t love it. Also for Chicago winters, it’s a must-have. 

Cocokind organic rosewater toner – A very gentle toner that is great to use after your basic cleanser and before the chia facial oil. It’s not as harsh as their raspberry vinegar toner and it’s also a great refresh after a long day out and about. Throw this in your purse for when you’ve got a long day ahead of you!

Ayurvedic copper tongue scraper – Tongue health is the key to gut health, my friends. I’m one of those crazies that loves to brush her teeth 3-4x a day.. Basically every time after I eat and I really notice a difference when I use my tongue scraper 1x a day. It’s crazy how much this gets off of your tongue as opposed to just brushing your tongue. It’s really common in ayurveda and I just love what it does. Makes you feel so much cleaner and your breath so much fresher.

Reusable cotton makeup remover pads – Such a great way to reduce your waste when it comes to cleaning products, especially cotton balls or swabs to take off your makeup. The second I use one I throw it in my laundry and they wash really well. They’re great for taking off makeup or putting on toners. Yay for reusable cotton! 


That’s all I’ve got for you guys right now but be sure to keep up to date and check on my Amazon shopping page for more goodies I love. Everything from books I’m reading to kitchen appliances I’m loving and all of the in betweens. My favorite products come from Amazon and the fact all of the above can be delivered to you in 48 hours is just the best thing to happen to us all, really.

Enjoy! Xx

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Hi! I’m Addie, but some say “Chickpea”. I’m a health and lifestyle blogger and content creator based in Chicago, IL. I look for light in pretty much everything: people, places and every day moments. I focus my energy towards things that inspire me and bring me positive energy, including yoga flows, high quality ice cream, finding new music and noticing the little things in life.

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