The Amateur Green Smoothie

Have you jumped onto the green smoothie bandwagon yet? I've tried before but was unsuccessful for two reasons. 1. I didn't have a good enough blender to get the greens completely pulverized. 2. I shamefully admit that I just didn't like them that much. What respectable eater of a mostly whole foods plant based diet doesn't like green smoothies? I was ashamed of myself! Well I can now say with relief that I've joined the green smoothie club with my beginner's recipe I recently came up with, and now I'll share it with you so you can join the club as well. It seems that most people do green smoothies for breakfast, but I've found that I love them as an afternoon snack. You know that time around two or three in the afternoon when you hit an energy slump and crave sugar? This will provide you with enough sweetness to satisfy that craving and give you real energy to make it through the rest of your day!

The Amateur Green Smoothie
1 frozen banana
Handful frozen pineapple
Handful spinach
Coconut water

This is obviously just a simple base that can be added to and/or adapted. I hope you try it, love it, feel great, and begin incorporating green smoothies into your diet every day!

Gratitude and Grains

This morning Miss V and I went on a short walk. She wore her best friend Fern's eggplant hat to stay warm, and I bundled her up inside my fleece. These little outings are now the highlight of my day! Needless to say, life has become much simpler around the Ross household since she was born just over a month ago. (FYI, simple does not always mean less stressful, hardy har har.) Sometimes that simplicity seems mind-numbingly boring, but it's really the most wonderful thing in the world. This time that I get to spend so intensely connected with my daughter will be gone in a flash, and I'll be reminiscing about her newborn days. I was reminded of how precious all of it is by some shocking news I received today. My step-cousin died suddenly this morning (they're not sure of the cause yet, possibly a heart attack), leaving behind three gorgeous children and an amazing wife. I'm giving Vivian lots of extra snuggles and smooches today and am feeling extra grateful for my wonderful husband Clint. I hope if you're reading this you take a little extra time today to show love and gratitude to those who are special in your life.

It's been a while since I've posted any food deliciousness, and I don't have any pictures or fancy reviews today, but I will share links to some yummy recipes that have been happening around here lately! I've unintentionally been exploring lots of new and different grains, and let me tell you, there's a whole lot more to breakfast life than oatmeal! You should pick a recipe or two out of the list to share and enjoy with those you love!

Dairy Free, Gluten Free, and Soy Free Mac & Cheese. This was so good we made it two nights in a row.
Crunchy Kale and Coconut Bowl. My first time eating farro. A new favorite.
Barley, Walnut, and Pear Salad with Raisins. I didn't have high hopes for this one, but it rocked my socks off!
Buckwheat, Chickpea, and Sweet Potato Jamaican Jerk Wrap. Was delicious as leftovers on a bed of spinach.
Toasted Four Grain Cereal. There's a tiny bit of prep the night before, but in the morning you just turn on the stove and within a few minutes have a warm, nourishing breakfast.

I have a lot more amazing recipes on my Pinterest page if you like what you see here!

To the botanical gardens we go

Vivian has had her first outing! Clint, my sister, Viv, and I ventured to the UGA Botanical Gardens on a beautiful, spring-like day last week.

My new favorite photo. I love babywearing.

Jess got some great photos inside the conservatory. (There isn't much blooming outside yet except for the daffodils.)

It felt so good to get out of the house further than a walk around the neighborhood!

Viv stayed zonked out till the very end. Then she had a bit of a meltdown. Other than that it was a great trip.

Working up ideas and the courage for our next outing. (It's nervewracking taking a newborn out!) Any suggestions?