Breakfast Smoothies - Start the Day Right!

Hello blog world!

Annette INSISTS that after I blogged about my "Smoothie Packets," I need to blog about how I actually use them.  You can see our original post here:  Make Ahead Tips for Healthy Eating .

Well, here is the base for most of my smoothies:

My awesome new Ninja blender (makes me happy and makes smoothie making fun and easy), Almond Milk, Non-fat plain greek yogurt, some water, and a smoothie packet.  I also add spinach.  I promise you - no one in my house can taste it!!

Smoothies are a personal taste kind of thing, so there is no magic about a "recipe" involved.  You throw in what you have and go.  For instance, if I run out of Almond milk, I use the skim milk I keep on hand.  No biggie.  You have to do some experimenting to get the taste(s) you and your family members like.  I will say, a little banana goes a long way - consider yourself warned.

That being said, this is how my smoothies are being made these days:

Healthy Breakfast Smoothies 

1 cup of Almond Milk
2 very heaping Tablespoons of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
   (feel free to use more - lots of protein) 
1 frozen smoothie packet
1 cup (ish) of spinach
1/4 - 1/2 cup cold water 
SPLASH of Vanilla is optional (secret ingredient - lol)
Ice cubes can be added if desired (Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.)

Start with the liquid and yogurt, then throw in the frozen fruit - don't really "throw" it - that would make a mess and could possibly be dangerous. 

Put your spinach in last.

Put the top on your blender.  WARNING: DO NOT FORGET THIS STEP! (Unless you are looking for something that looks like an episode of "I Love Lucy.")  My blender won't even work without the lid - lol - pretty sure they were afraid someone would try that "no lid" thing.
You may want to use the "pulse" button a little at first to break up the frozen fruit and ice cubes if you elected to add them.

Turn that puppy (blender) on and let it do its thing.  Feel free to pack your lunch at this time.

Now listen, TAKE IT TO THE SINK.  I know you're awesome and all, but don't chance making a mess.  Go find an enormous cup, (this makes a huge serving) and fill 'er up.

Voila!

LOOK - IT'S MAROON!!!  WHOOP!!  (For those who aren't Aggies, just try to roll with it :)
Now all you need to do is get a straw and ENJOY!  I pop the top on it and take it right out the door to work with me.  I feel so great starting my day with calcium, iron, vitamins - basically a big, yummy glass of "healthy."

Here's an important tip - PLEASE go ahead and take the 30 seconds and rinse out your blender!  You will not be sorry!  This has yummy, sweet, sticky fruit in it and it will be MUCH more difficult to clean up later if you leave it.

Like I mentioned in the first part of this post, you need to make adjustments and go with what you have on head.  This morning I was out of spinach, so I decided to make a more "tropical" smoothie.
I substituted 1/2 cup of orange juice for the water and put in 2 pineapple spears.

 

WOWZERS! PURPLICIOUS :)

I hope this has helped those of you who are looking for a healthy start to your day and didn't know how to use the Smoothie Packets.  Remember, there is no "right" way and about a million recipes out there.  Experiment and have fun with it.  I promise I have just given you a way to easily sneak fruits and veggies (yeah, even spinach) into your children's' lives!  And I also promise I won't tell! SSSHHH =)

Always in Our PJs,
Annette & Beth

Great Invention For Coffee Lovers - Like US!

Anyone who knows me (Beth), knows I love many things, but coffee is way near the top of my list.  I have decided to give you a little "product review" today of one of my all-time favorite gifts.  It was given to me LAST Christmas by my amazing husband and I would have to say I love it as much today as a year ago!  Now THAT'S a good present!!!

Enough of the waiting... this awesome invention is my KEURIG!!!  I am going to have a difficult time, but I am going to try to tell you why I love it so much.  :)

Here is my beauty.  My husband picked this one, because you can select a variety of cup sizes, from very small to travel mug. That's one reason I love it!  =)

Another reason I love it is because there is no "leftover" coffee to clean up or throw away.  You get exactly the amount you want each time.  You can also have a variety of coffees all in the same day.

Example:
I love STARBUCKS!  So I can have my Starbucks or other bold roast coffees. (In my pajamas, without having to leave my house - BONUS!)
Attention:  That's also a MONEY SAVER!

Trey (husband) can walk right up and brew a cup of Decaf or "Half Caff."

 Kelsi (daughter) can get a little flavored coffee.

It is not uncommon when my "sissy", Annette, visits to see her try several types in one morning! :)

Let's say it is mid-afternoon and you're not sure you want coffee...
Well, the options seem limitless:
Kyle (son) LOVES the Hot Apple Cider!  Everyone enjoys the hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course)!

Trying to add green tea to your diet?  You can have it with the press of a button.  There are lots of varieties of teas!

 

 

"But that machine looks difficult to use."
Nope - Let me show you how SUPER EASY it is:
Select from your many choices:
Note that Trey does not like to have any "holes" in the Keurig carousel, so it's the least we can do to keep it filled up for him.  LOL

Lift the handle and pop in the "pod", then close the lid:

Select your cup size and press "brew":

Watch the magic happen:

About 1 minute later - yes 1 MINUTE...
Voila!!

A simple swipe with a wet rag and all is clean.  I "de-slime" occasionally by running vinegar through, followed by clean water.  It could not be easier! 

I enjoyed my "Half Caff" while putting together this blog -- don't want it to keep me up! :)

Morning coffee is probably one of the favorite activities for Annette and me.  It is part of every visit with one another, no matter where we are.  We sit and talk and talk (If you know us, you can imagine...).  We talk about joys, problems, memories - good and not-so-good.  Sometimes it's serious and includes tears, other times we might be laughing loud enough for the neighbors to hear.  Sometimes we even make calls to our other siblings, our Aunt Viv, or other friends or family and include others in our "coffee time".  We tend to get annoyed if we don't get this time together.  The day just doesn't seem right. 

Annette has the cutest story about our Daddy "letting" her drink coffee for the first time.  I know she will share it sometime.  I have that proud moment when Daddy visited my home and told me, "You really know how to make a good cup of coffee.  Not weak like most people..." That was music to this daughter's ears - sweet Daddy...
AAAHHH -- COFFEE, I love it!!!

We hope even if you don't love coffee, that you will create and share special times with your loved ones.  Let's make it a priority in 2013.

Always in our PJs,
Beth & Annette

P.S. Can you tell Trey got me a CAMERA for Christmas this year?? =D

Grapeade Refresher

Hello Everyone!

I (Annette) thought we might start with something super easy, but, tasty today!  Sometimes the best tasting things are the easiest to make.  This particular recipe holds an extra special memory for me.  As Beth and I told you earlier we originally come from the country.  We were raised on a ranch in West Texas 20 miles from town.  As you can imagine, by not being close to town, sometimes going to the grocery store was not very convenient.  Beth and I were raised drinking primarily milk, water, tea and orange juice.  So, when this drink was presented to us all I remember was hearing my little sister (Beth) squeal. ;)  I loved that sound when it came from her.  The good kind of squeal anyway...if you get my drift. lol  Well here goes.  I hope you enjoy this drink as much as Beth and I did and still do.

Grapeade Refresher

Ingredients

1 large can Welch's grape juice
1 large can Minute Maid Pink Lemonade (both found in the frozen section of your grocery store)

You combine both cans of juice in a gallon size container.  Then add 7 1/2 cans of water.  Stir well to combine both flavors together evenly.

Voila!

What makes this such a "special" drink is you can serve it at a variety of occasions with different additional ingredients.
For instance:  I like to take some of the drink and make ice cubes with it.  You can also take some lemons slices and float on top for presentation purposes.  I'm all about presentation. ;) You can use this at home as a refreshing drink or as a special punch at any event.

Note from Beth:  You can add "sparkling something" to make it even more festive, depending on your crowd. ;)

As Beth told you previously our Daddy went to meet Jesus recently.  During the holiday season so many memories come flooding through our hearts and minds.  This recipe reminded me of our youth and of our Daddy in such a sweet way.  He was always delighted when he saw delight in us.  We pray that this upcoming year is full of many blessings for each and every one of you -- that it's filled with love, fun, laughter, and prosperity.

Love to you all! 

Always in our PJs,
Annette and Beth