Foodie Pen Pals: Keri {&} Brian

It's that time of the month again—for the second month in a row, I participated in the Foodie Pen Pals program and I am so loving it! I send out a box of goodies, I get a box of goodies. Win...and win. This month, my package went to Rachel of Travel Challenge and I got a package from Keri of Keri {&} Brian. Keri went straight to my heart with a slightly sinful gathering of goods from Trader Joe's:

I love Trader Joe's, but I only get to shop it when I'm in Chicago. As of late, that hasn't been very often so that makes Keri's package even more awesome.

Up first, Dark Chocolate Tahitian Vanilla Caramels.

The entire bag is one serving, but I opted to play it smart by only eating three as a post-lunch sweet tooth satisfy-er. It worked, they're sweet. And "sweet" as in "awesome," too. I plan to make these last as long as I can. Unfortunately, I won't be saying the same for the juice box filled with raspberry lemonade coconut water.

A) It was good...and good for me, B) I was thirsty and C) I haven't had a juice box in fo-evah! So it was kind of fun to slurp the straw 'till I got to the very end. Yeah, it's for kids, but mine's on the way. Flavor and straw aside, I love that "O.N.E" stands for "one natural experience." That's always a good thing, right? The natural experience? I'm hoping for one of those any day now.

Back to my box of goodies.
Which, just so we're clear, I did NOT consume in one fell swoop.

Behold, a bottle of chocolate-infused coconut water.

Honestly, I was a little nervous about this one. Chocolate and coconut water did not seem like an obvious match to me. But I like chocolate drinks, and if they're healthy, all the more reason for me to drink them. So, truth be told, I really...really liked this. I typically buy chocolate almond milk when I feel the need, but it's super thick so I always end up diluting it with water and ice. The stuff above, it tasted like my best dilution ever. It was good! Refreshing, and full of healthy ingredients like electrolytes which would make this an ideal after-workout bev.

Not so good for after a workout?

A caramel-filled, sea salt infused dark chocolate bar. What a treat! And just so you know, I only took one bite. So there.

As for the rest of my goodies, I haven't quite used them all yet, but I certainly will. Keri sent an awesome spinach salad recipe to go along with the mixed nuts. If it turns out well, perhaps we'll find a way to share the recipe it with you.

Next month, well...what with the arrival of Baby, I shan't be participating in the Foodie Pen Pal program. It saddens me, but I'd hate to fall behind and cause someone else NOT to get their package. So I look forward to February, when I'll get and give my next box of goodies. But if you'd like to give and receive a box next month, or any month hereafter, this is how it works: