Chocolate Vanilla Mylkshake Smoothie

Here is a guest post from the lovely Char of Char’s Kitchen!!! 

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Months ago when I was in Toronto, I made Chocolate Mango Smoothies for myself and my Auntie Lolo. While they have definitely since been a staple, I have news...I've made them taste even better!

Green smoothies have literally changed my life since I discovered them almost a year ago. They have given me silky, shiny hair; clear, soft skin; better digestion; more energy. Best part? I've learned how to make 'em taste like dessert! ;)
As passionate as I am about healthy foods, I do not believe in deprivation. However, I also do not believe in sending myself to an early grave as a result of destructive foods. So where's this middle ground?

I am honestly not the biggest fan of spinach salads. Not because I don't like spinach, but because I don't like "spinach teeth." (Anyone who has partaken in the consumption of raw spinach knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about!) But, through trial and error, I have learned that spinach is my favourite leafy green to blend into a smoothie. It makes it silky, soft, and creamy, and you don't notice it at all. And when you blend foods, it "pre-digests" them for your body, creating less work for your tummy.

Then what else do I add? Almond mylk, banana, and mango for added creaminess as well as sweetening; then cocoa, vanilla, and cinammon for a dessert taste. The result is a Chocolate Vanilla Mylkshake Smoothie that lets you be "bad" indulging something "good." I am OBSESSED with this smoothie, and drink it practically every morning. Feel free to switch up flavours: I've made some pretty fun ones. Even without the chocolate, vanilla, & cinammon, this is one silky smoothie that will have you craving more. Start your morning with "salad"! :)

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond mylk
1 cup water
2 tbs cocoa powder
1 tbs vanilla extract
1 tsp cinammon
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 ripe banana, peeled

Directions:
1) Blend it, drink it, love it.

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls

The first of many guest posts coming up in the next week!!  

Kristina from Spa Bettie is here today, with another tasty dairy free treat!!

Make sure to check out her blog, it’s wonderful and jam packed full of beautiful bright photography and the cutest puppy around!

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I am honored to guest post for Jessica while she is getting married and enjoying the sunny beaches of Mexico! Congrats, again, Jessica! So happy for you and excited to hear about all the details!

First I'm sharing my recipe for a great energy snack I make all the time, then showing the special adaptation I made just for Valentines Day and for Jessica!

Of my many no bake energy ball recipes, and this is the most popular at our house:

peanut butter chocolate ball

1 cup peanut butter 1/2 to 3/4 cup millet puffs 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Combine peanut butter and cocoa until blended; add puffs. You may need to mix and adjust, mix and adjust. I added more peanut butter after I started rolling – they do stick together.

Makes 20 one inch balls, with some sampling as you go. Store in refrigerator.

For Valentines, for friends getting married, for a Saturday afternoon, I made this recipe into a tasty treat.

Instead of shaping into bite size pieces, simply flatten the mixture into a pan -

I used a 9x9 square. Melt a package of vegan marshmallows -

I used Sweet Sara chocolate peppermint

YUM! Spread the melted marshmallows over the top, refrigerate to set.

The chewy top with mild peppermint flavor is a perfect marriage with the nutty chocolate base. Thank you again,

Jessica for having me here while you are in Mexico! I wish you and David the best!

A quick funny story for you and sushi.. drools

Ok. So I found my Christmas sweater for the Tacky Sweater tomorrow night!  Here is a sneak peak;

 

Let's just say... am about 90% sure I owned this when I was growing up.

Ok. the funny story.  So I take this and Dave's sweater up to the til at the hospital thrift store and the sweet old lady says "Oh dear, won't you look beautiful in this, are you wearing it on Christmas?|" 

She was so sweet and sincere, but it took every ounce of me not to laugh!!

I think it's one of those situations that you had to be there!!

There wasn't much to choose from, so we might go look again tomorrow!

After that I got my weekly fix of sushi - an avocado roll, and a shrimp roll. (and spicy mayo of course)

So good.    These may of slipped into my basket too

I need pretty dishes for blogging doing I?

I just got one of each, they are soo pretty!

PS. I've had a few emails about the newest selection of chocolate cups. 

The ones with cranberries, coffee beans and pecan don't have any peanut butter!!

Anyways, must go figure out the rest of my "outfit" for tomorrow night!!

Stay tuned for funny pictures

Ciao

Tacos and more chocolate!! YUM

Yesterday was a good day.  After getting my HUGE amazing grass order, I headed out for a walk with Lance the dog!   It was a beautiful chilly walk, but after one day of doggie classes he's like a new dog!! 

When I came home I had this

It was one of those.. quick meals where all you need to do is eat... not overly exciting.

Then I munched on a amazing grass bar, see below for the review!

(those seafood snacks might look gross, but are really good... lemony and peppery!!)

What is your quick fix when you are hungry?

Then I did about 20ish mintues of yoga, it was awesome.  I turned on the "spa channel" music and yogaed away! 

I used these that I downloaded from www.yogadownload.com

 

They are perfect for beginners too!!

Then I went to work.  I brought the kids (grades 5/6) snack

Whole wheat pitas, carrots and hummus.

15/15 tried the hummus (ok, maybe I bribed them a wee bit)

The general consensus  14/15 of them took some for their snack.

When they left I heard some of them telling their parents about this "super healthy dip" that they HAD to get!

1 for the healthy team!!   haha

Since working with kids (10ish years) I have always tried to introduce "healthyish" foods, they almost always love them.   The hits so far = rice crackers, edemame (huge hit), sushi, sweet potatoe fries (homemade), healty trail mixes, peanut butter with EVERYTHING!! haha, there are probably a few more, but I can't think right now!!

Then I came home and made a totally icky meal dinner

 

Tacos - corn tortillas, ground turkey with taco seasoning, salsa and homemade guacamole.

The turkey was dry, tortillas broke apart like crazy. But the guacoamole was fab as always!

I was in a rush... eating at the kitchen counter tisk tisk..

 

I also tested out one of these...

It was pretty good..  I ate it slowly during the day.

It was kinda larabarish!! 

I would order this flavor again!!

Last but not least... Dave bought me these little itty bitty muffin baking cups...

and they inspired me to get adventurous.

(Sorry it's sideways again.  I have flipped it 100x and it just won't post ride side up) boo to blogger!

 

I made cranberry ones, pecan, coffee bean and peanut butter.

We'll see how everyone likes them, I am bringing them to a "ugly sweater party" tomorrow n ight.

Just for the record, we haven't found our ugly sweaters yet EEK!!

Maybe if they are good enough, I can do a give away!! :) 

I think they would ship in Canada/US ok??

Anywhoo, must take the doggie for a walk and try to find an ugly sweater.

Also I have a ton of  new wonderful, beautiful readers (yay)  You guys rock my sox!!

To get to know me better check out my  about me post or read my "dairy free" story  -

please excuse all the terrible spelling mistakes in those posts.. EEK.

Have a beautiful day where ever you are!!