Good Morning! (Smoothie)

So recently I’ve become really obsessed with smoothies. Who knew that these yummy drinks could actually be good for you!?!

Good Morning Smoothie

-1 Container of Non-fat Yogurt (I used Vanilla Non-Fat Yogurt)

-1-2 Handfuls of Spinach, Washed. (More if you REALLY like your greens!)

-8 oz Strawberries (Frozen or Fresh)

-8 Oz Blueberries (Frozen or Fresh)

-8 Oz Raspberries (Frozen or Fresh)

-1/4 Cup Orange Juice

-2-3 tbsp of Flax Seeds (Optional)

I’ve used frozen fruits for the last couple days now, and I really like it! The downside, is the thawing process, but it’s doable! I think next time I’m going to focus more on the greens. Maybe add kale and celery to the list? We’ll see!!

Have any healthy smoothie recipes you’d like to share? Leave me a comment below…I’d love to try something new!

The Little Things: Sneakers

I’ll always try to share little things in my life that truly make me happy.

“Sneakers”

This guy came into my life during one of my darkest moments. My Dad was a couple of months into his chemotherapy and was feeling the effects. When little man showed up on steps of my workplace, I knew I had to take him in. Within moments of bringing him home he managed to hide in a shoe bin; his little head sticking out of the shoes (hence, his name). We were all in love. His adventurous ways and loving nature helped my Father through chemo and radiation before his death. My Dad was quieter during and after his radiation; more pensive. It took a lot of energy for my Dad to talk and express himself. What he didn’t say to us directly, he expressed in his smile. Those smiles came from the love of a little cat that stayed by my Dad’s side during his hardest days. Sneakers brought new life into Dad. He gave him something to focus on besides the pain.  We are so thankful for those moments.

I believe rescuing an animal will truly change your life.

When muffins go wrong. (Or The Day I Learned How to Make Biscuits.)

When baking, sometimes you have a 50/50 chance of things going right.

Let me clarify.

When I bake, I have a 50/50 chance of things going wrong. I’m okay with those odds since I am a novice in the kitchen. However, as a frequent consumer of baked goods, I believe I know the difference between a good and an “okay” baked item.

Inspired by a delicious recipe I found here, I decided to learn  how to make basic cranberry muffins.

I mean, why not? The process of baking muffins takes you right back to baking 101. Eggs, Flour, Milk. Easy, right?

Not exactly.

I’m not sure where the process went wrong; whether it was using dried cranberries or forgetting to add milk before mixing the dry ingredients with the wet.  Something went wrong.

This was my batter.

The consistency was tough and sticky. It really didn’t want to pour into the muffin pan. I was worried, but I continued on.

I should have stopped. Here’s the result.

Now in my defense, these were AMAZING biscuits. But the cranberries were gross and these bad boys were extremely hard.

This was a fail; yet, I would consider it a minor success. I conquered my fear of the muffin. I just have yet to learn how to master the art of muffin baking.

Picky, Picky–The joys of singledom.

Trying to make a relationship work when it’s obvious that it won’t is absolutely exhausting. I recently had to let a “situation” go just because of the clingy text messages I kept getting. Plus, he asked if he could hold my hand every time we hung out. “May I?” Seriously. Every time.

Like every single woman out there, I’d love to find someone. However, I get so irked over little things that it makes me want to just not date. EVER.  I’ve managed through my dating adventures to create a list of things I just won’t tolerate anymore. Here are just a couple. (Note: These are based on real-life experiences. I promise you I have not made anything up.)

1)First Date Attire: Do not call and ask if sweatpants are appropriate for a first date.  Car T-shirts and work shirts (name tag and all) also do not count.

2) Story-tellers. Please don’t tell me long stories about your Uncle’s Son’s Cousin’s Boyfriend’s Neighbor from ten years ago….and then quiz me later on all of your family members. Don’t you realize it’s hard for me to remember the names of my own?

3)Barefoot drivers. I get it. It’s more comfortable to you….I don’t know how though. Do it on your own turf. Please don’t let me see you shoe-less getting out of the car on our first date.

4) Man-dals…with socks. Just. Don’t. Ever.

5) “I can’t believe I’m not bald yet…” and other thoughts that you should keep to yourself when we’re talking. If I have to imagine my future babies as bald, with bad food allergies and crappy teeth…there’s no way I can get through a second date. (Side note. I love bald men.)

Disclaimer: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being a little selective in the traits of your potential spouse. But don’t take your list too seriously. You very well could be missing out on your one and only.

But seriously Guys…no man-dals with socks.

The movie Julie & Julia completely changed the way I thought about Food.

I truly wanted to cook for the joy of it; not for the joy of eating. I loved creating beautiful presentations, I loved the compliments I would get after slaving  over the hot stove for hours. It was well worth it to me.

Nora Ephron’s movie did this for me.

Yes, I understand this movie was based on a book that was based on real-life events. But it was the voice Nora gave to those characters that enlightened me and gave me the kick in the pants and the courage to give it another try.

Nora passed away recently, and it made me think of that wonderful movie that gave me new life.

Thank you Nora.