Mixed Berry + Banana Smoothie

Most weekday mornings I like to jump start my day with a smoothie. I love knowing that I'm giving my body nutrients to fuel itself for the day, and not feeling gross because I just pigged out on something I know was horrible for me.

MIXED BERRY + BANANA SMOOTHIE

1 c. almond milk (Trader Joe's is my favorite)

1 banana

1 scoop of protein powder (I use Raw Protein)

1/2-3/4 c. frozen blueberries

1/2-3/4 c. frozen rasberries 

Put them all in the blender (I use a Vitamix & hit the smoothie button) & presto! Breakfast is served.

Banana/Coconut Chia Pudding.

Lately we've been sort of obsessed with chia seeds in our house. Yes, the same chia seeds from the old informercials "cha cha chia.." These tiny powerhouses originate from South America, are high in omega-3, and help make you feel full. What's great about chia seeds, is that when they're soaked in liquid, they absorb 10 times their water weight and form a "chia gel." This makes them perfect for puddings!

This Banana/Coconut Chia pudding makes a yummy breakfast or mid-day snack. It's also easily portable for those workday breakfasts on the go.

Ingredients:

+ 1/2 c. almond milk
+ 1/2 c. coconut milk
+ 2-3 tbsp. of chia seeds
+ 2 bananas (1 to blend & 1 for topping)
+ strawberries (for topping)

Blend together almond milk, coconut milk, & 1 banana. Add in the chia seeds & refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. When you're ready to eat, just spoon into your bowl & top with sliced bananas & strawberries.

Fresh Plums.

Recently we visited my old college roommate, Shaila. Back in the day, we did everything together, but after college her studies took her other places. Right now she's in California doing research at UC-Santa Cruz, so we only get to talk on the phone or exchange emails.

It was great catching up with her, and checking out her new home. Before we left, she told us we needed to pick some plums from her plum tree in the backyard. They were absolutely juicy and sweet! 

Do you still stay in touch with your old college roommates?

Madewell Shopping Party.

Have you shopped Madewell? They're the lovely kid sister to Jcrew. I swear their jeans are awesome. The skinny skinny ankle fit is perfect for shorties like myself. 

Join me at Madewell for a private shopping party Sunday, August 12th from 2-4pm.

Hope to see you there!

Farmer's Market #1

Last week we discovered the cutest little farmer's market. On a typical day Wheeler Mansion is a bed & breakfast, but on Wednesday nights, it plays farmer's market host from 4-8pm.  What I really loved was the cozy ambiance. From the ivy filled walls, to the live music on the back porch, families and pets were all in attendance. 

I'm surely going to make this market a summer staple! 

Summer.

Summer is here! The weather is warming up, the sun is shining, and my garden is growing. One of favorite things to do during the summer is pack up a picnic dinner after work and meet my husband in Millennium Park. Being surrounded by the Chicago skyline at sunset and the buzz of the city make for a perfect evening.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the summer?

Hyde Park Art Fair.

One of my favorite parts of summers in Chicago are all the art fairs and street festivals. Last weekend was the annual Hyde Park Art Fair that has been running since it's start in 1948. The weather was completely beautiful, so we took advantage and headed to checkout some local art.

Did you do anything fun last weekend?