Favorite Finds From Winter Fancy Faire Show San Diego

 I started my New Year traveling to San Diego, California, to attend the Winter Fancy Faire show. As the name implies, this was a food event that had a focus on fancy food. From food to drink, this show was an event where folks got together to learn about the newest trends in the food business. 

 This is an event for people who work in the food industry or have some connection to the food market. From manufacturers to buyers to distributors to even media folks like myself, there were so many people coming together to connect about food that was fancy. This was an event that was not open to the public, and I was able to attend since I write about food. 

A Coastal Train Ride To Learn About New Healthy Food Products

My trip began with an overnight train ride from Albuquerque to Fullerton. From there, I hopped on a 3-hour train to San Diego. I was excited for my second train as this train goes along the coastline of California with incredible views of beaches. The train ride was amazing! My view of the ocean from my train window did not disappoint. 

I admit, the coastal train ride was one of my reasons for attending this event. I do love the ocean and beaches.

Since I was heading to San Diego, I arrived a couple of days before the show, so I could go on a whale watching cruise and visit a beach. After a day in the sun, I headed over to the San Diego Convention Center for the event. I was on a mission to sample new products and connect with brands.

My Favorite Finds from the Winter Fancy Faire Show

While attending the show, I was excited to try some new products. Since I have multiple food allergies, I was only able to sample foods that did not have any of my food allergens. My food allergies are wheat, dairy, soy protein, and mushrooms. 

One would think that there would not be many food products that I could try, but even with my food allergies, there was plenty of food for me to try. I was able to discover plenty of products that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and even mushroom-free. 

Below is a list of some of the food items that I loved from the show

1. Cookies from Flax4Life Bakery

One of my favorite sweet products at the show was Flax4Life chocolate chip cookies. I love that they are not only delicious but also allergy-friendly. 

 Flax4Life produces the best-tasting, nutritious, and flax-based bakery products on the market. Their allergy-friendly bakery is Certified Gluten-Free, Nut-Free (except coconut), Dairy-Free, and Kosher. They create delicious Brownies, Muffins, Granola, Cookies, and a no-sugar-added line that tastes delicious and is good for you as well. 

2. Pink Pineapple from Melissa's Produce

 I have seen the Melissa Pink pinapple on social media and was so excited that they were sampling the pinapple at the show. This pineapple was so good. 

Pinkglow® pineapple features a whimsical, candy-sweet pink-hued flesh and is grown in Costa Rica.  This pineapple has a uniquely low-acid flavor profile, candy pineapple aromatics, and unique pink flesh. Pinkglow® contains lycopene, a natural pigment that gives some produce (like tomatoes) its red color, which makes this pineapple pink! Melissa's carries many other delicious produce and other products that are sold in stores, to restaurants, and online.

3. Plant-Based Almond Sauces Bitchin' Sauce

 I was happy to see my favorite plant-based sauce company at the show and had to taste the almond sauces. Bitchin' has some new products that will be available soon online. From delicious chips to salsas to even a cookbook, they had plenty of new products. Bitchin' even sent me a copy of their new cookbook, which features recipes with their delicious sauces.

Bitchin' was born from a mom's heart and perfected at San Diego farmers' markets. Bitchin' Sauce is more than a dip - it's a revolution in snacking. Made with simple, high-quality ingredients, their clean, healthy sauces have a flavor for every taste bud.

4. Homemade Cracker Mix from Top Seedz

If you have always wanted to make your own crackers but felt overwhelmed at doing so, this homemade gluten-free cracker mix is perfect for you. It's like a cake mix, but for making crackers. To make the crackers, just add water and oil. Then roll and bake.  

The result is perfectly crunchy, clean, and crave-worthy seed crackers. All of Top Seedz products are gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, nut-free, and made with Certified USDA Organic ingredients. This Bake-At-Home Cracker Mix won the SoFi Awards Product of the Year. 

5. Smoked Sea Scallops from Seabear Smokehouse

These Wild Alaskan Smoked Weathervane Sea Scallops were so delicious. I had no idea that smoked sea scallops were a thing. These scallops have a soft texture and rich flavor that is similar to smoked salmon. I admit that I ate at least 10 of these.

 The Weathervane Smoked Scallops were a finalist for the 2026 Sofi Awards under the Seafood Category. While they did not take home an award, they are my new favorite way to enjoy scallops.

6. Date Chocolates from Date Better

These chocolates are Medjool dates stuffed with fresh-ground nut butter and drenched in rich 85% organic chocolate. The result is a healthy sweet treat that tastes like a piece of chocolate. Trust me, I was not able to even taste the date.

These Date Better chocolates come in a wide variety of flavors like Cashew Lime Crisp, Peanut Butter Crunch, Almond Java Crunch, and limited edition Hazelnut Praline. They are plant-based, soy-free, and gluten-free.

7. Allergy-Friendly Cake Mix from Starry Lane Bakery

 I was drawn to this product as it was 100% free from the Top 10 Food Allergens and plant-based. This product has samples of cupcakes made from their allergy-friendly cake mix, as well as an allergy-friendly frosting. I usually don't sample prepared food, but the person working the booth, who also has food allergies, assured me that they were safe to eat. She even showed me the ingredient list of what the cupcakes were made with. 

I was glad that I tried one of the cupcakes, as they were so good! I love the brand's motto ~ "Where every treat is safe to share—and no one feels left out."

All of Starry Lane Bakery's mixes are 100% free from the Top 10 Food Allergens and plant-based. The mixes are easy to prepare. This brand even has a bakery in San Diego that only sells items that are free of the top 10 allergies and plant-based. Their bakery is so strict on making the place safe for those with food allergies that they won't allow people to bring food into the bakery/

8. Drink Mixers from Alpenglow

I first discovered these drink mixes in the media room, and the flavors sounded so good. So I had to try them at their booth. I was glad that I did. These drink mixers were so delicious, and I loved that they were made with clean ingredients with no artificial colors. My favorite flavors were the Blackberry Mojito and Prickly Pear Margarita.

Alpenglow Cocktail Company is a female-founded brand based in Issaquah, Washington, crafting bartender-quality cocktail mixers made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Designed to elevate both home and professional bars, Alpenglow’s mixers balance bold flavor, clean ingredients, and thoughtful craftsmanship—bringing Pacific Northwest freshness to every pour.

9. Spicy Peppers from Mama Lil's

These peppers had good flavor with a kick of heat. This brand had several levels of heat, but my favorite were the Mildly Spicy Peppers. These peppers are great on pizza, eggs, sandwiches, and more.

Mama Lil's Mildly Spicy Pickled Peppers in Oil are the perfect balance of rich, ripe pepper flavor and a kick of heat! Our original Mildly Spicy Peppers in oil are pickled Hungarian "Goathorn" wax peppers packed in a savory herb oil blend with a touch of garlic. Describing natural pepper heat is subjective, but our Mildly Spicy peppers tend to be about as hot as medium salsa.

10. Oat Milk Slices from Milkadamia 

Milkadamia has finally launched their Oat Milk Slices, and I got to try them. Last year at Expo West, they teased me with this product, and I was so excited that they had samples to try. I even received a package to take home.

 Oat Milk Slices from Milkadamia are the best thing since sliced milk. Just blend slices in water for easily proportionable and always available plant-based milk. The precycled product utilizes 85% less packaging, and has a shipping weight 86% less than traditional plant milk. 

Which product are you excited to try?

Effortless Hairstyles for Busy Moms: Quick Looks That Last All Day

 

Mom mornings can feel like a nonstop sprint. Between getting the kids ready, grabbing breakfast, and trying to remember what day it is, who has time to worry about hair?

 The good news is, looking put-together doesn’t have to take hours. With a few simple tricks, you can go from “just rolled out of bed” to “I actually have my life together” in minutes and keep looking great all day.

Prep Your Hair for Styling

 Before you start any hairstyle, it helps to have hair that’s ready to cooperate. Healthy, manageable strands make styling faster and longer-lasting. A deep conditioning treatment can make a big difference, softening hair, reducing frizz, and making it much easier to work with. Taking a few minutes to prep your hair pays off all day.

Quick Hairstyles That Actually Work

 When time is tight, you still want to look put-together. These hairstyles are simple, stylish, and hold up through busy mornings, errands, and everything in between. With just a few minutes, you can have a look that stays in place and keeps you feeling confident all day.

The Classic Low Bun

 The low bun is a lifesaver for mornings when you don’t have much time. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it, and secure it with pins or a hair tie. Mess it up a little or make it sleek, depending on your mood.

 For extra hold, apply a small amount of styling cream. The low bun works with almost any hair type and can be dressed up or down with accessories like barrettes or a scarf.

High Ponytail with a Twist

 A high ponytail is simple, but you can give it an instant upgrade. Add a braid, wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the hair tie, or pull out a few face-framing pieces. Use a lightweight hairspray for long-lasting hold. 

 This style keeps hair off your face, looks neat, and can survive a hectic day chasing after kids. It’s also perfect for workouts or casual outings.

Half-Up, Half-Down Styles

 Half-up styles are the best compromise: your hair is off your face but still has movement. Twist, braid, or knot the top section while leaving the rest loose. You get volume at the crown, and the style stays in place without constant adjustments. 

This approach works for medium to long hair and offers a flattering frame for your face. For extra shine, finish with a quick spritz of serum or leave-in conditioner.

Quick Braids That Hold

 Braids aren’t just for Pinterest boards. A simple three-strand braid or a loose fishtail can keep your hair neat all day. Pair them with a bun, a ponytail, or wear them on their own. 

 A little texturizing spray helps them stay in place and can even extend the time between washes. They look stylish on their own and don’t need constant fussing.

Sleek Straight or Soft Waves

 Straightening or curling doesn’t have to take forever. For a polished look, work in small sections and use a heat protectant. Soft waves can be achieved by twisting damp hair or using a curling wand on random sections. 

 Styles like this are low-maintenance but look intentional. If you have a tight schedule, alternate between straight and wavy days; your hair will look fresh without a daily heat session.

More Tips for Effortless Hairstyling

 Even with quick styles, a few extra tricks can make your hair look polished and last all day. These tips will help you get more out of every styling minute.

Accessories Are Your Friend

 Accessories can elevate even the simplest style. Headbands, clips, scrunchies, and pins add flair and keep hair in place. For busy mornings, choose pieces that are easy to put on and don’t require constant adjustment. Accessories are also a subtle way to express personality without adding extra styling time.

Nighttime Prep for Morning Ease

 A few minutes at night can save stress in the morning. Loose braids or buns while sleeping can reduce frizzy hair and create natural waves. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase also helps hair retain moisture and reduces breakage. Waking up to hair that’s partially styled cuts down morning prep time significantly.

Seek Professional Help

 Sometimes, quick fixes aren’t enough. Regular visits to a stylist can keep hair healthy, manageable, and ready for effortless styling. If you’re in The Valley, Arizona Hair Co offers a variety of treatments, cuts, and styling tips tailored to busy schedules. Investing in professional care ensures your hair looks great with minimal effort.

Keep Your Hair Stress-Free All Day

 Keeping hair under control while raising kids can feel like a full-time job. The right hairstyles, healthy hair habits, and a few smart accessories can make mornings smoother and save you time, letting you look put-together without constant touch-ups.

Veganuary Products That You Need To Discover

The New Year is here, and it is the perfect time to rethink your shopping habits. It is the perfect time to discover new products that are made with plant-based ingredients. Keep reading to discover products that are perfect for Veganuary.

Veganuary is a global movement for those who love animals and the planet. It is an annual 31-day challenge where people pledge to eat a fully plant-based (vegan) diet for the month of January. It's a way for millions to explore veganism without lifelong commitment, encouraging simple food swaps and lifestyle changes for 31 days, with many continuing beyond January. 

 The vision is simple for those who choose to participate in Veganuary. They want a vegan world. A world without animal farms and slaughterhouses. A world where food production does not decimate forests, pollute rivers and oceans, exacerbate climate change, and drive wild animal populations to extinction.

What is Veganuary all about?

Veganuary isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about small swaps that feel good all month long. From everyday essentials to thoughtful upgrades, these Veganuary-approved products make plant-based living feel easy.

Keep reading to discover some of my favorite vegan or plant-based products.

1. Huel High-Protein Starter Kit

If you follow a plant-based diet, you may need more protein in your diet. My favorite plant-based protein source is vegan protein from Huel. Huel is a complete nutrition powerhouse fuel that is plant-based and gluten-free. Huel contains a science-backed balance of protein, carbs, essential fats, and fiber, plus all of the 27 essential vitamins and minerals. 

The Huel High-Protein Starter Kit is a great way to try Huel meals. With up to 40g of protein per serving, Huel Black Edition delivers complete nutrition in a smooth, satisfying meal. Just shake, sip, and keep moving.

What's included in the High-Protein Starter Kit

  + 1x bag of Black Edition (10 meals)

  + 5x bottles of Black Edition Ready-to-drink

  + FREE shaker and scoops for all new customers

 Use code MOMKNOWSBEST15 to save $20 the High-Protein Starter Kit ~ or any other purchase at Huel of $80 or more

2. Nugo Bars

These delicious dark chocolate bars are perfect for healthy plant-based snacks. Nugo Bars are also gluten-free. Nugo Bars taste so good, like a candy bar, but they are loaded with healthy ingredients. They are available in many delicious flavors like dark chocolate, pretzel, and peanut butter cup.

Get a variety box of 12 Nugo bars for $15 + Free Shipping Here

3. TBH Personal Care Products

If you have kids, tweens, or teens, you need to check out these personal care products. TBH makes hair care, body washes, lotion, and other products that are made without harsh ingredients. The products are made with natural extracts like Nettle and Jojoba to balance and hydrate. They also smell so good. 

  Kids can gently cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize to tune in and tune up the glow! Age-appropriate visible results from the first use to ensure a clean, confident kid! Parent-approved, tween-loved, and ready for every routine.

  + Purchase TBH Here

4. Redmond Real Salt

Flavor and hydrate with Redmond Real Salt. Redmond Salt is a plant-based salt that is loaded with healthy minerals. They make the most delicious seasonings and hydration drinks. 

Real Salt is unrefined, ancient sea salt exactly as nature made it. It is “Nature’s First Sea Salt®.” It contains 60+ naturally occurring trace minerals, and it’s never processed or chemically treated. 

My favorites are Real Salt seasoned salt and Re-Lyte hydration drinks. They even have a hydration energy drink. 

Save 15% with code MOMKNOWSBEST on any Redmond Salt products

5. Adagio Non-Alcoholic Mocktails

Tea is always a good choice for Veganuary, as most teas are loaded with healthy antioxidants. Adagio Teas Online Tea Store has a wide variety of loose teas in many delicious flavors. From gourmet loose teas to artisan teas, they have over 200 custom blends.

The Adagio line includes classic black and green teas, creative seasonal blends, and caffeine-free herbal options. Every tea is sourced directly from growers and blended with natural ingredients for exceptional freshness and flavor.

You need to try their non-alcoholic mocktail tea blend set. The set includes 4 varieties.

  + Kentucky Bourbon - Blended for slow sipping, this black tea has notes of vanilla, malt, and a hint of smoke from the bourbon barrel. [High caffeine]

  + Fuzzy Navel - Combines the flavors of Georgia peaches and navel oranges with fruity white tea and rooibos. [Low caffeine]

  + Pina Colada - A mouthwatering tropical treat for your island (or local) getaway. Vivid flavor and succulent sweetness. [No caffeine]

  + Peach Bellini - This sunny herbal tea blends the refreshingly zesty flavors of peach, strawberries, mango, pineapple, and papaya. [No caffeine]

 + Purchase Adagio Non-Alcoholic Mocktails Here

6. Morning Complete

Looking for a healthy boost of nutrition and wellness? Morning Complete is a daily greens powder packed with probiotics, prebiotics, and essential nutrients to help boost energy, improve gut health, and support overall well-being.

Each scoop of this delicious drink mix is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with 8 advanced nutrient blends, including a vibrant green superfoods blend, prebiotic fiber, and a potent antioxidant blend. This super greens powder supports efficient digestion, mental clarity, and overall wellness.

To enjoy, just mix one scoop of the greens powder into your favorite cold drink or smoothie for an easy, energizing start to your day. Morning Complete is available in many delicious flavors, like mixed berry and citrus melody. 

 If your goal is youthful-looking skin, you need to try their Essential Skin Food. This supplement is made with 6 plant-based skin nourishing compounds that work to encourage healthy collagen production — for firmer, plumper-looking skin from head to toe.

  + Purchase Morning Complete and Essential Skin Food Here

7. Handzies Wipes

 Start the New Year with the healthy habit of keeping germs off your hands without the use of harsh hand sanitizer. Many hand wipes and hand sanitizers rely on harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or drying alcohol. Handzies offers a gentler, more mindful clean — one that feels like washing with soap and water, no sink required. Handzies are the all‑natural hand wipes made with just soap, water, and plant‑based ingredients.

They’re ideal for families, travelers, gym bags, lunchboxes, and anyone looking to reduce their toxic load in 2025. 

 Handzies are:

  + A clean‑ingredient alternative to traditional wipes

  + Safe and soothing for kids and sensitive skin

  + Supports immune‑conscious routines during winter travel and back‑to‑school

  + TSA‑friendly and perfect for on‑the‑go lifestyles

  + Purchase Handzies

8. Dozy Oats

 Looking for a delicious, healthy plant-based breakfast? How about one that is super easy to make? You will love these instant overnight oats packages. 

Dozy Oats are gluten-free and vegan (except for the chocolate lovers) overnight oats that deliver both fuel and flavor for busy families and mindful eaters alike. In the evening, just pour the dry oats into a jar, cover with milk, and refrigerate. The next morning, they’re ready to help you start the day feeling nourished and energized. With 18 mouth-watering, gluten-free favors to choose from, breakfast will never get boring.

Purchase Dozy Oats

9. Cactus Crunch Chips

 Looking for a delicious plant-based snack? You will love these unique chips that are made from a unique blend of natural ingredients that includes nopal flour. Nopal flour comes from the cactus plant and adds awesome flavor.

 Cactus Crunch chips are available in two delicious flavors: Sea Salt and Jalapeno. These chips offer a light, airy crunch for a simple yet satisfying snack that pairs well with your favorite dips or can be enjoyed straight from the bag. The chips are made with natural ingredients, have no artificial flavors, and are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Beginning March 1, Cactus Crunch will be in a natural and organic endcap in over 330+ Kroger stores nationwide - Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry's, Fred Meyer's, Mariano's, and more!

+ Purchase Cactus Crunch Here

Veganuary is the perfect month to explore a vegan lifestyle and eat plant-based food in the month of January. It is a good New Year's resolution to explore. For those who already eat a plant-based diet, it can be a way to encourage others to try it. 

To learn more about Veganuary, click here