Sneak Peak!

It's almost finished! I know I keep saying this but think really I'm on the countdown with just a few more recipes to go/create. =)

Here's a sneak peak. . .

Want beautiful skin for this summer's beach body? Eat tomatoes!!! They're full of vitamin C and since they're acidic they help cut unwanted oily skin.

Tomato Basil Salad w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette and Salted Sunflowers 

4 firm (large) bright red tomatoes

6 orange grape tomatoes

2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon onion salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup salted sunflower seeds (roasted)

5-6 fresh basil leaves

Cube up tomatoes. Shake up dressing (vinaigrette, oil, spices) mason in jar; pour over tomatoes. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over tomatoes and garnish with basil. 

Ok- so that's a sample recipe of what's to come! Stay posted. :) 

GSC Recap Link-up / Organic Sambazon Giveaway

Kristine // Ashlee // Sally // // Jezz // Hope  

It's over which means it's time to open the discuss and hear all about the aftermath! Link-up below and visit the blogs below for inspiration and the latest on last week's challenge. :p 

There's a fun giveaway running today (sponsored by Sambazon) to top off everything so be sure and get in on that, too! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sambazon Organic Products, are:

• USDA Organic
• Non GMO Project Verified
• Ecocert Fair Trad
• Vegan and Gluten-free
• Soy-free products: Amazon Energy Drink and Acai Powder

Be the Change You Want to See

What you are doing today to build a better tomorrow? 

Green Smoothie Challenge: Day 7 of 7 {Superfood Smoothie!}

It's Day 7 of 7 green smoothie challengers. :) Congratulations- you made it!

There were close to 100 of us participating in this green smoothie challenge this wk!!!! Wow. That's amazing! How do you feel after 7 days of consistently drinking a smoothie packed full of nutrients?! Did you enjoy the experience? =) I know i did!

If you didn't join us this go around- be sure and catch us for the next challenge by subscribing here! I'll be sure and let you know any and all future dates. :) 

Ok- so here's my final smoothie post for the challenge: a superfood green smoothie! 

As much as this looks like dirt- I promise you, it's not. :p Acai powder is an Amazonia superfood packed with vital nutrients and a fresh fruity flavor. 

Tri- Power Pack/Superfood Green Smoothie

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1 frozen banana

1 pitted date 

2 cups spinach

1 tablespoon coconut oil - superfood

1 teaspoon acai powder - superfood

1/2 tablespoon chia seeds (soaked in 2 oz water for 2 minutes) - superfood (optional) 

1/2 cup ice 

Soak chia seeds in 2 oz water for 10 minutes. Pour milk and chia seeds into blender. Add spinach and blend up until thoroughly mixed. Toss in banana, date, coconut oil, goji berries and blend. Add ice. :) 

Slurp it up! 

{photo credits to Joey! he's so cute- trying to steal a sip, huh? :p }

Tomorrow is the final link-up / recap day for the green smoothie challenge! You won't want to miss the recap posts/ =)  

This pic was taken after church this morning with some of my sibs. Yep- they're pretty awesome!

See you tomorrow for a final link-up for the Spring 2013 GSC and a giveaway sponsored by Sambazon. =) Enjoy this last little bit of Sunday- aah, Monday morning is coming soooon. :p

Day 6 of 7 / Green Smoothie Challenge {EnergyBits Giveaway}

Katherine // Hope // Ashlee // Sally // Jezz // Kristine 

Wow- it's Day 6 of the green smoothie challenge!!!!!!!! Did you check out yesterday's link-up? It was AMAZING and sooo fun! Heads up - the final one for the challenge is on Monday so get to blending up those greens and posting so you can link-up! If you don't have a blog- don't sweat. Just leave a comment! I promise, we {Me // Hope // Ashlee // Sally // Jezz // Kristine} value your feedback and take it seriously. =)

Great job to everyone and if you aren't joining in on the challenge this time around be sure and subscribe here for updates about the next one! They're only getting bigger and better so you'll definitely want to be in on the next one, too. =)

I'm just back from a massive Saturday morning breakfast  (always the best!) and now it's workout time! I think I'll go for a run. Always makes me feel better. :p

So, this was the start of my wk/end. :) "Stacks" for dinner! Have you heard of them? It's basically like an open taco meal. You layer corn chips, beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour creams, peppers, nacho cheese, etc. It can be as simple for elaborate as you want!

Friday afternoon was a "rough day at the office" for me so when I got home I was literally dying to work out. Thankfully- I was in a much better mood afterwards. lol! Amazing how that works. :p

A few pictures from a spring get together with friends last night! I love southern hospitality. :) I don't know- it just makes me think of sweet tea, back porches with swings, cool breezes and good conversation.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now for the giveaway! EnergyBits is sponsoring this one. =)

EnergyBits is donating $26.20 to The One Fund to help those hurting from the Boston Tragedy for every purchase made with the promo code BOSTONSTRONG.

If you'd like to see more information you can visit this press release, here. Giveaway winner will be announced on Monday.

***The only catch for EnergyBits giveaways is they don't mail outside US. Sorry guys :(

Ah, yes . . . it's so refreshing. :p Tomorrow is the last day of the challenge!!! I'll be posting a Super food smoothie recipe in the morning which I think you'll love, love.

And, just FYI - Monday is "recap day" and the last link-up for the Spring 2013 Green Smoothie Challenge so be there! You won't want to miss this one. =)

See ya soon!

Apple Cinnamon Green Smoothie (+ Link-Up!)

#7daygreendrink #GSC7day #realfoodeats

This is the green smoothie that I tried out on a "Standard American Diet eater". It wasn't a pre-meditated act. :p Just a friend happened to be stop by my house right after I had just mixed this one up!

At first, he said "No, thank-you!"  but . . .

He gave it a try! And, guess what?!

Here's the exact quote, "It tastes like candy!"

He even called me back once he got home to ask about the ingredients. :) Yes. This is what's it's about people. Showing people that healthy foods can and should be delicious!!! Made my day. =)



Alright, now that you're dying to know what's in this delicious "apple pie" in a glass :p here's the recipe!!!

Apple Cinnamon Green Smoothie 
1 medium crisp pink lady apple (organic, if possible, as apples are on the dirty dozen list)
1/2 banana
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia seed
2 cups spinach (or more!)
1/2 cup ice (or more, depending on how thick you like it)

~

Life of late has been fairly busy!!! Having friends over 2-night to play games and hang out. :) Should be fun!

I'd laid off running for a bit but I'm back at it now. It's funny how you don't realize how much you love something until it's gone for a while!!! {which was only about a wk, but still!} Ok- wait. I admit, I mostly love the "after feeling". Pushing myself hurts but the reward is worth it! Don't you agree?

And, yes! I got called in for the birth and it went AMAZING. Sarah- you rocked it. So proud of you! You and Josh make a dynamic team and watching you guys work together makes me only hope I can be 1/2 as brave one day.

Actually, I just got back home from the birth just a little bit ago so after I finish up this post I'm heading to bed as I'm dead tired . . . :p

Music, school and work pretty much explain the rest of my life at the moment, though!

What have you been up to of late? Any exciting wk/end plans?

If you're a green smoothie challenger- LINK-UP BELOW and share your recipes / reasons / experiences! Keep it raw and real. :) 

NOTE: Fresh Friday peoples- I am taking a 1 wk sabbatical but will be back next week!!!

Chocolate Green Smoothie {Organic / Vegan / Sun Warrior Giveaway}

Are you craving chocolate? Good for you!!! It's full of antioxidants and great for your heart, digestion and get this one - mental well being. :p Yep, it's true! You just need to be sure you're getting chocolate in the raw form - without all the nutrients being sucked out by heat and replaced with hunks of sugar. 

Check out this chocolate coconut green smoothie I had for breakfast the other day. :) 

Chocolate Coconut Green Smoothie 

8 oz water

2 cups spinach

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1/2 banana

1 scoop Sun Warrior's vegan chocolate protein powder 

1 cup ice

Blend and drink! 

In light of the current Spring 2013 green smoothie challenge, SunWarrior is sponsoring a HUGE healthy giveaway for everyone. Check it out! And, you don't have to be participating in the challenge to enter. :-) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ok, for the first one! Ormus Greens:

• Grown and produced in America
• Certified 100% organic and non GMO
• Completely raw (cold drying process) 
• Eco-friendly

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SunWarrior Liquid Light:

• Helps balance pH in the body
• Replaces electrolytes 
• Goes great in smoothies, juice or water!

Have at it. =) Winners will be chosen tomorrow, Fri April 26! Everyone be sure and say 'thank-you' to Sun Warrior by liking their FB page!

And, of course- if you missed it you'll want to check out yesterday's GSC link-up and the other co-hosts Hope // Sally // Kristine // Jezz //  Ashlee!!!

Another link-up tomorrow- check back. :-) See you then!