Smoothie Shortcuts! Get your nutrition in easily with these tips...

Smoothie Shortcuts!

Love to make smoothies? If you like to use yogurt in your smoothies, a great way to freeze the yogurt is to scoop it into ice cube trays so that the yogurt is in smaller amounts when adding to your blender. This is also a nice way to "save" your yogurt for future use if it's about to go out of date, so you don't have to waste it by tossing it out.

My daughter Kendall and I make protein smoothies a LOT, so we chop up bananas and strawberries and freeze them ahead of time, and keep frozen mango on hand so we can pull out whatever amount for our smoothie in the morning or in the afternoons after her workout. I also freeze the cartons of blueberries and just grab a handful to toss into the blender as well. 

Another hint, my friend Thomas just shared with me, is to "shave" off the white layer inside the banana peel and use in your smoothie. There are a lot of nutrients there we miss by just eating the banana AND this part will add FROTH to the smoothie! 

Strawberries, bananas and yogurt cubes all ready for the freezer!

(I haven't perfected my blog photography skills, but you get the idea)

My new favorite smoothie is a green smoothie made with Spinach or Kale! If you haven't tried these, I encourage you to be adventurous. The spinach and kale have a very mild flavor, if any at all, but add so much good nutrition to the drink! Be sure to add a scoop of protein to help your body absorb all the nutrition from the greens.  We chop an entire bunch of kale at one time and keep in the refrigerator for convenience. 

Here is the link to a blog where I discovered my first green smoothie recipe...I love it and now we make them every day!

http://www.fortheloveoffoodblog.com/2011/04/green-smoothie-20.html

Here is the picture of her green smoothie...

They are so good! I encourage you to visit her blog and discover some wonderful new healthy recipes!  AND please share with me how you like to make YOUR green smoothies...I would love to hear what you have to say. Have a great day!

Colorful Thermal mugs for tea to go!

Happy Monday!

Look what I found this past Friday at one of my favorite stores, Oh Yeah!, here in Bee Cave, TX! Looks like focusing on the little things is something we are all trying to do these days!

The artists are Brooke and Lexi Beerman, daughters of the owner Jill Beerman, and founders of Love Big Designs! Check them out on Facebook too and you can see the variety of artwork they do...colorful inspirational, collegiate, and  loving life designs that make us all smile!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Big-Designs/208054962554307?sk=wall

 The large signs are $75 and the medium ones are $50 and they do fabulous custom work as well!

AND, to follow up with my first post of my iced tea maker, these are the fun and flirty thermal cups that I love to tote my green tea in around town! They come in a variety of colorful patterns with the 24 oz cup @ $12.95 and the large 32 oz mug @ $21.95. It's so fun and colorful, it's almost like a work of art in your car! AND if you drop by the store they can add an initial for $5.00. You can also order them by calling Oh Yeah at 512-904-9002 or contacting them on Facebook (see link below). These make great gifts too, but you will want one for yourself!

32 oz mug $21.95

24 oz thermal cup $12.95

Oh Yeah! Facebook Page 

Hope you take the opportunity to drop by the store in Bee Cave 

if you live in the Austin area OR check these ladies out on Facebook! 

It will make your day...and maybe someone else's!  

Have a good day! 

Lighted Tweezers...you gotta see these!

"See the Light" Lighted Tweezers!  


As my girls have gotten older, stocking stuffers have become more creative and fun for everyone! This year I found a pair of LIGHTED TWEEZERS in mine! It was such a thoughtful and creative gift and they work GREAT! 


How many times have you tried to dig out a splinter or get those fine eyebrows plucked, but you can't see to get them? This mini tweezer/light combination really works well and takes the frustration out of not being able to see and remove those small objects or eyebrows! 

Sally Hansen Beauty Tools See the light - Comfort Lighted Tweezers - Slant Tip

These tweezers are stainless steel, have an LED light that turns on and off, and a slant tip. They cost $11.99 at Target 

or are available on Amazon in a two pack for 21.59 + 3.48 for shipping. 

http://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hansen-Beauty-Tools-light/dp/B004USRVV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_bt_5

They are worth every penny! 

Invisibelt...You Gotta have this!

Nothing philosophical today..just a GREAT product that I found this fall and have told a LOT of people about! I have even encouraged my friends who own boutiques locally to carry them because they are so helpful!

Do you hate that annoying bulge that always sticks out when you wear a belt to hold your pants up (or your tummy in) when you are wearing a sweater or a fitted shirt that's NOT tucked in? The INVISIBELT is the perfect solution to that sloppy, non-flattering tummy bulge! It was created by Kathy Kramer specifically to wear with today's fitted tops!

They come in two widths, regular (1.25" wide) and narrow (1" wide) and are available in a variety of colors. I have the regular clear belt and have just ordered the narrow one, although the regular belt has fit through most of my belt loops. Only a couple pair of pants do not accomodate this larger width.

http://www.invisibelt.com/shop.aspx

They run about $20 and are found in some local boutiques. You can also order direct from their website and can view the entire Invisibelt collection.  I ordered mine from Amazon, because, of course, I can get them in two days with free shipping through Amazon Prime. In case I haven't said it enough, I LOVE Amazon Prime. Anything I can buy locally, I DO! I want to support our local retailers. However, when time is of the essence or if I'm going to have to hunt it down and drive all over town, Amazon Prime is the way to go!

This REALLY is a fabulous product! It's been highlighted in many magazines (Women's Health, Lucky, Shape, People, etc. ) so you might have seen it before!

Let me know what you think!

Bubble Baths keep me breathing easy...

We can't live without oxygen, right? We all need to slow down and BREATHE every once in a while to calm our minds and spirits, right? Well, Bubble Baths are My Oxygen....that's right...that is not a typo...


"Bubble bath? Who me? I don't have TIME to take a bubble bath!"


Ever hear yourself say those words? As women, we run all day taking care of those around us. We are daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, partners, employees, employers, volunteers...the list goes on. We are so busy taking care of those around us that we forget to take care of ourselves sometimes. 


Don't get me wrong, living and loving those around us is important! Our lives are enriched when the focus of our existence does not stop three feet in front of us, enough room only to encompass me, myself and I. I do think, however, that just like on the airplane when we hear the flight attendant instruct us to "Put the oxygen mask on yourself first so that you might help the passenger next to you who is unable to do so.." that we need to find and maintain a balance of taking care of ourselves so that we can be good, no, BETTER, as we tackle the many roles we enter into each day! The way I do THAT is to slink into a hot bubble bath EVERY NIGHT as my day ends. Yes, you heard me right, EVERY NIGHT. I admit it! It is the transition from an activity filled day to quiet relaxation. I am much better when my head hits the pillow for soaking in a tub with bubbles piling up in front of me so I can only see my toes...and that's if I have the energy to lift them out of the water! 


The challenge these days is to FIND a really good bubble bath that lathers up and creates mountains of white bubbles! There are so many great smelling shower gels out there for the speedy "showerers"...I've made it my mission to find us "bathers" a couple of products that you will love! 


One of my favorites is Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Luxury Bath! It comes in three scents; Sleep-Lavender Vanilla, Sleep-Lavender Chamomile and Stress Relief-Eucalyptus Spearmint for $16.50 for 15oz. These smell so wonderful and make mounds of bubbles! Right now on the Bath and Body Works website you get free shipping for orders of $50 or more, so if you don't live near one of these retail stores, take advantage of the free shipping and order several. One for you(or two..bc you will want to keep another one for yourself,I promise!) and a couple more for gifts. I have given these to friends who have gone through a rough time and just need some TLC. They last longer than fresh flowers and it is something they might not buy for themselves, but when given a gift of bubble bath, it is "guilt free" indulgence! Like a mini-spa!


Heres's the link to the Bath and Body Works website, so you can see the product and the specials they are having now.


 ww.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11669930&cp=4090261.4090358.4342142

The second (an most recent) BB discovery I've made is Archipelago Botanicals MILK Bubble Bath. OH MY GOSH...it is divine! The scent is very clean and bubbles and bubbles and bubbles!!! 
I bought this at my local grocery store that carries nicer lines of bath products, but it may not be available in your local grocery store. If you cannot find it locally, I have posted the link below from their website.  It cost about 27.00 for 32 oz at the grocery store I shop at (HEB), the cost was $22.00 plus $7.00 shipping from their website. It's also available on Amazon (what ISN"T? : ) ) for $20.00 plus $7.94 shipping as well, so online about the same price if you cannot find it locally.

http://www.archipelago-usa.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductName=Milk%20Bubble%20Bath

Now, I am NOT a Bubble Bath snob. I know there are less expensive bubble bath products out there and I would LOVE to hear which ones YOU like! These have just made my "favorite" list...please share with us all so we can add some more!

Most importantly, don't forget to slow down and take care of yourself. Whether it's a bubble bath, or a long hot shower, or a walk around the block, or an exercise class....take time for yourself today to breathe...figure out what is your "oxygen" that keeps you healthy, balanced and better for YOU and for everyone you love around you....you will be better for it...splurge on yourself! YOU ARE WORTH IT!

"Get the Scoop(s)" here!

Starting a blog is such a fun new adventure! Thanks to my girlfriends for all your support!

Today I want to tell you about a great way to streamline your cookie/cupcake baking process AND make it much easier to clean up!

My daughter and I like to make cupcakes together, and I make a batch of protein "cookies" weekly, so on Sunday afternoons my kitchen quickly turns into a culinary disaster zone! My artistic nature presents a challenge for me to maintain structure and order in most everything I do, but when I find a way I can enjoy the "creating" process AND stay organized, I am much happier!

Pampered Chef sells these GREAT scoops that are versatile and can be used for a lot of cooking applications. I purchased the large scoop for $16.50 and the small scoop for $14.50. I am sure you can find less expensive scoops, but these are great quality tools and I swear by them!

Small Scoop:
 http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=237&categoryCode=KW


large scoop:
 http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=364&categoryCode=KW

You will need to find a local consultant or order these online.  I highly recommend them! I have posted Lisa Shanks' Pampered Chef Consultant website at the bottom right of my blog for easy ordering. The items will be shipped directly to you!

The large scoop is PERFECT for cupcake batter. One large scoop is the exact amount for standard cupcake tins and there is no dripping between tins when placing the batter in with the scoop. I always dripped a TON of batter which made for much more clean up but not now! It's also good to know that the large scoop measures about 1/4 cup of liquid ingredients like honey softer ingredients like peanut butter. This scoop allows you to scoop the peanut butter out of the jar, then easily get it into the bowl with the other ingredients because of the squeeze handle.

The small scoop is a tablespoon size, which is a common measurement for cookie dough. I spray a little pam in the small scoop initially so it releases the cookie dough even easier. I also use this small scoop for measuring the coconut oil I use in my cooking. Since the unrefined coconut oil is like crisco in texture, again, I just scoop it out then use the squeeze handle to release it from the scoop. EASY! This would work great in measuring butter or other solid oils in cooking. Again, it's easy bc the measurement is already there for you...one tablespoon!

I would love to hear of other ways that you see these scoops could be used in cooking!

Get "Green" this year with Green Tea and an iced tea maker!

So, this is my first post of my first blog ever. Over the past year or two, I would send or give my close friends small gifts that I found made a big difference in my every day life! I was encouraged to start a blog to share these "little things" with them and others. (Hence the name of the blog) They actually loved what I gave them and what I shared with them!  I jokingly told this closest group of girl friends, who I shared my favorite lip gloss, bath gels, kitchen gadgets, accessories, etc that Oprah gives out $300 dollar watches on her "Favorite Things" show, but mine were all under $30! I have found that no matter the cost, my friends have loved getting this eclectic collection of products that I have found that add some glitz, ease, comfort or joy to my every day experience. 


So, I'm just going to jump in and start writing about the things I love having and love giving to others! 


I'll start with a gift I received from my mother in law at Christmas.  I got a Mr. Coffee Tea Maker  from her and it is AWESOME!!! 

So, we know that drinking diet sodas are HORRIBLE for you, but its just much easier to grab those during the day, right? Well, in November I read a tweet (yes, you have to be on twitter to read a tweet) from a very inspirational trainer in California (@Jeannette Jenkins) who was making Iced Cranberry Green tea and it got me thinking...I LOVE tea and would go daily to Chick Fil A for fresh iced tea...and had pretty much switched from drinking diet drinks anyhow (aspertame converts to formaldehyde at 96 degrees Farenheit..think about THAT...or google aspertame toxicity....anyhow...) SO I thought I should drink more green tea! 


I realize that many people will say "Why do I need an iced tea maker?". You don't NEED one, but I can tell you the tea that I make with this ice tea maker tastes so much better than when I would brew my bags stovetop and transfer to a pitcher. And, it is so easy to make. You just add water to the tea maker, fill the pitcher up with ice, put tea bags of your choice in the filter and brew. In less than five minutes you have delicious fresh tea. Get a BIG thermal cup with a straw and fill and refill throughout the day.


I now make a pitcher of green tea about every 4- five days in my tea maker and it is so FRESH and good for you! I buy the Republic of Tea Blueberry Green tea or Honey Ginseng Green tea  using 7 bags for the 3 quart pitcher. I don't miss diet drinks at all..these teas are so good! 

The best part? This tea maker is just around $20!!!  

 The Mr. Coffee Tea Maker is available on Amazon and eligible for Prime Shipping or  it is available in many grocery stores or discount stores like Target or Walmart. (Don't forget to purchase the Mr Coffee water filters that fit in the brew basket). I just LOVE Amazon Prime bc I don't drive all over creation looking for stuff and it's on my doorstep in two days  ! It's ALMOST instant gratification!

So, for anyone looking for a fresh, healthy alternative to diet sodas an ice tea maker is a great way to start the new year off right!