Best of the (Expo)West!

No matter how much some of us want to simplify our life, the truth of the matter is that we are a consumer society, and we always seek out new stuff to bring that extra increment of ease to our existences. Therefore, coverage of major national trade shows often trickle into mainstream news media.

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), of course, is gadget heaven, and the stories about the high tech demos, games, cameras, smart phones, and, yes, swag, are the stuff of legend. However, on the other end of the spectrum, ExpoWest--covering all things natural, wholesome, organic, ethically produced and "simple"--is just as intriguing, even if it does not have the same amount of media attention as CES.

In the last few years, the event has grown so big that most people need the full four days to truly digest (no pun intended) all the new inventions, products and demos that promise a healthier, happier and perhaps a more "zen" existence. Huge swaths of the Anaheim Convention Center took on a Willy Wonka-by-way-of-Alice in Wonderland feel. Every room had a fascinating assortment of bells, whistles, and plenty of surprisingly delicious things to eat. Check out the photos for the numerous "best new things" I personally hope to see in shops soon!

While CES has its science museum caliber demos, displays and thrills, what ExpoWest 2014 offered was a Lollapolooza-like scene out front with live concerts and hippie-chic food booths (except here, the food samples were free). Even if you did not get inside the stadium, you got a generous and very literal taste of what was inside. If you did get inside, you were overwhelmed with an endless buffet of products intending to trigger the need to live more naturally.

For vegans like my friend Rachel, and for beauty addicts like me, two days at this fair was literally was like being kids in a candy store. But in this case, the candy store covers several football fields, and you are sharing it with thousands of retailers, wholesalers and other professionals on the hunt for the next big thing. This show had everything but the kitchen sink, including stuff to clean the kitchen sink. Kale, brussels sprouts, beets and all forms of superfoods spirited into crunchy, snacky formats battled for the hearts and minds of the would-be health conscious. We also learned that monkeys may be replacing owls as the hip animal motif of the moment.

You could say all of it was truly an "organic" experience for trendseekers! However, in the afterglow, after sorting through the samples and literature, I was able to pick a few favorites from the show. Many of these products may seem out of this world, but in fact, they are available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, CVS and many other familiar places in the Valley—or may be soon!

Burt’s Bees (www.burtsbees.com): Love the tinted lip balm (the free offering on the last day nearly started a riot of Beatles-like proportions), offered in over a dozen flattering shades. Also fabulous are the new brightening products line.

Devine Lip Shimmers (devineshimmers.com/‎) is a smaller line, but the shades are great, and the subtle taste reminds you of candy from childhood. For the grown-ups in us, the product is made with red wine extracts, Resveratrol and grapeseed oil.

Lafes Deoderant (https://lafes.com) with hemp oil, aloe ver and essential oils is something my friend swears by. They also recently launched powdered shampoo that matches one's hair color.

Free by Chandler Farms Palm Oil Free Body Care by Ronna Phelps (chandlerfarm.com): These conscientiously conceived tropical luxuries are palm oil free (sparing orangutans and other wildlife), but abundant in their luxurious textures, fantastic fruit and floral scents, and results. Skin is fragrant and buttery soft.

Pacifica (www.pacificaperfume.com/‎) The candles are one thing but the frangrances and cosmetics are downright lust-worthy. The bottles are vanity-perfect, but the price points are very alluring, too!

Daiya Vegan Cheese (us.daiyafoods.com) and Teese (chicagoveganfoods.com/products/teese-vegan-cheese) cheese substitutes: When you follow the directions on the package for different dishes, your results will be creamy and satisfying. Just add a side of tomato soup.

Amy’s Kitchen (www.amys.com/‎) rolled out a line of Thai food that’s not quite restaurant decadent, but definitely better for you. The Red Curry is the star of the squad.

Diabolo Beverages (www.drinkdiabolo.com/): If you must do a soft drink, or need mixers for your "skinny" cocktail recipes, Diabolo's creations are a heavenly alternative. Smooth, subtle flavors and no aftertaste.

Hint sparkling water (www.drinkhint.com): The carbonation adds literal "sparkle" to the brand's herbaceous and floral tinged fruit flavors.

Himalaya Herbal (www.himalayausa.com):  Amples of their supplements and toothpaste from India were packaged in bags made by an Indian woman’s collective. I am familiar with these excellent products from my trip to India, but packaging them in these lovely sari fabric tote sends a positive message that gets their "quality of life" marketing hook out in clear way.

Kiss My Face (https://www.kissmyface.com/‎): Old favorites in sleep new packaging

Gardein (gardein.com): Possibly the best meat substitute of the bunch. Their "fish" tastes like fish! Their "chicken" tastes like chicken, and their version of beef is very palatable.

Glee Gum (www.gleegum.com): This retro-packaged gum has been a cult hit for years. Good thing, as it is the only non-GMO gum out there right now...and the flavors are a delightful throwback to childhood, minus the mystery chemicals.

Pasta Mia Gluten Free Pasta (pastamia.com): Restaurant quality pasta flavor without the gluten.

Seventh Generation (www.seventhgeneration.com/), Method (methodhome.com), Earth's Balance (earthbalancenatural.com) and Mrs. Meyer's Clean home: They make housekeeping a lot more palatable and easier on the senses and the environment.

World’s Greatest Cat Litter (https://www.worldsbestcatlitter.com/): With no synthetic chemicals, clays or perfumes, the corn-based formula is outstanding for clumping and easy cleanup.

Shoosha True (shooshatrue.com) First discovered this at the Secret Room. Lotions for mom and baby, but actually nice for anybody with sensitive skin or sensitivities to fragrance.

Silver Hills Gluten Free Bread (www.silverhillsbakery.ca) -dense and very cake like.  Best for breakfast, but also a nice, sturdy accompaniment with soft cheeses and preserves.

Sofritas at Chipotle (www.chipotle.com/sofritas)-Coupons were distributed at the show. Test drove it the Monday after. It's tasty and satisfying, though it reminds me more of a turkey chili than a beef substitute. Add plenty of onions and peppers and pico de gallo, which amps the savory flavor. Yay! They are available in our neighborhood!
 
Berry Breeze (www.berrybreeze.com) BerryBreeze™ is a compact device that filters and cleans the air in your fridge, which hopefully assures your veggies and fruits will not die a premature death. Genius!