Reliving Old Holiday Traditions and Starting a Few New Ones: Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Traditions are what makes the Holidays so special and coming up with new traditions to celebrate with your family is even better. Every year when we were little we would have a cup of  hot  warm  cocoa with mini marsh mellows while we decorated the tree. I remember feeling so special while holding that cup of creamy sweet chocolate and watching with my brother and sisters as the tree slowly came to life. We were always in our footsy jamies, the red "Annie" ones were my favorite and we always put out a small plate of cookies for Santa by our fire place, a rarity in Phoenix to be enjoyed only once a year on Christmas Eve.






The expectations and anticipations of Christmas come flooding back to me now that I have 4 children of my own. I relish in living vicariously through their utter thrill of all of the magic of the Holidays. Keeping up with most of the traditions that mine and my husbands families enjoyed so much and cherishing the new ones our own little family have started.

Going to Cost Plus World Market every year and letting all of the kids and ourselves pick out one special ornament to hang on the tree is a tradition that we started many years ago with our children. This has proven to be such a treat as the kids bounce out of their slippers every year as we drag out the Christmas boxes and let them rifle through the ornaments finding the ones with their initials and the year marked on them that they chose them and then hanging them perfectly on the tree. I know that we will cherish those ornaments forever and ever.



Making the hot cocoa that literally defines Christmas in my humble opinion is another tradition we have stuck with. I however prefer to make it with a good quality cocoa powder and sucanat or turbinado (organic) sugar  instead of the boxed/packaged/overly processed variety and then adding a bit of pure peppermint extract and using a peppermint candy stick to stir up the chocolate that settles at the bottom of the cup. Mini marsh mellow are of course Absolutely, Positively  still  Required. After all a little bit of marsh mellowy goodness never hurt anybody.

Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to start a very recent tradition and go sit out in our new bubbly hot jacuzzi. I love living here in the Arizona desert, 58F is the perfect temperature.

What are your Holiday traditions?

Peace, love and peppermint wishes from Simply Healthy Family.

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Simple Chilled Gazpacho! "Give a Kid a Straw!"

This is part of a 'new' series I've been thinking about ever since I wrote the post about "Bok Choy Stir Fry with Asian Marinated Tofu" and got my kids to eat it by giving them cute hand painted chop sticks ~

" Give a Kid Some Chop Sticks"

All I have to do is give my kids a straw and they will drink anything! If your kids are new to veggie juices/monster smoothies etc. try putting it in a solid color cup with a straw. Maybe even a Starbucks cup or something they think is cool!

This is another habit I've gotten from my health nut mom. One of those things I wrinkled my nose at initially, but now can't live without.  I've never been a big breakfast eater, which I'm sure you've all heard is not good for you. So I used to drag around here in the morning for a couple of hours before I really woke up and felt like I had any energy. Four cups of coffee later I would start to wake up but still felt blah! Now, I wake up, have a glass of cold water which kicks your metabolism into gear and yes,  I still have a cup of coffee while I get the kids fed and ready for the day but then I whip up a glass of gazpacho for my breakfast! Chilled gazpacho in the morning gets ya movin and groovin!

This is a powerhouse of vitamins and protein! So many good things for you in this zesty little glass of juice. Some of you may still be thinking, 'Gazpacho for breakfast, I don't think so.' and that's o.k. I was stubborn too once, you'll come around if you know what's good for you! I started having this for an early lunch then once I realized how yummy it was and how good it made me feel I started drinking it for breakfast, not first thing but after my coffee... first things first.

Why in the morning you ask?  After sleeping all night your metabolism and GI system are in sleeping mode and you are essentially starting fresh. The worst thing you can do is wake up and have something that is going to raise your glycimic index quickly. Most cereal's are culprits as are muffins, breakfast sandwiches, juices and some fruits. It's best to eat something Raw before every single meal do help with digestion and stabilize the glycimic index, which really helps with weight loss.

Really, you could throw any veggies you like into this. The base should be a Low-Sodium, preferably organic veggie juice. I love R.W. Knudsen brand, 'Very Veggie'  It has wonderful ingredients and no additives!

      
MAKES  6 CUPS (48 OZ. )   ABOUT 4 SERVINGS

At the very least, this is what I throw into the blender:

2 tablespoons Hemp Seeds ( put in first to keep them from flying all over the blender and sticking to sides)

1/2 small head of cabbage, cut into chunks

celery

1 clove garlic, smashed and cut into small pieces

2 cups ( 16 oz.) Veggie Juice ~ low-sodium! preferably organic and in a glass jar ( not plastic or a can)

* other ideas: purple onion ( this is when my 5 year old won't drink it, but I like it)
spinach, kale etc. carrots or beets to make it sweeter, flax seeds etc.

Shelled Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein at 11 grams per serving,

Omega 3's, and all 10 essential Amino Acids!

Did you know garlic lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol, has cardiovascular and respiratory benefits? Garlic also aids in digestion, is an antioxidant, anti-viral and anti-bacterial super hero?

I Love my new Ninja blender! Blends up the smoothest gazpacho I've ever had! *booo Cuisinart...

I didn't think you'd believe me so here's the proof,  my kids really L.O.V.E Gazpacho!
This is also part of a new series I've been thinking about " Give a kid some [chopsticks] ". Basically, tips, tricks and games to get your kids excited about eating new and healthy foods.
So this would be, " Give a Kid a Straw"  and they'll even drink gazpacho!

 Going, going.....

Gone! 

 Seriously, she didn't even take her mouth off of the straw and sucked down the whole glass!

Nolan gives his thumbs up of approval!

Jack (not pictured) who is 5 years old and my 'picky eater' is hit or miss with gazpacho. Some days he'll drink it, other days he won't.

I am submitting this to Kahakai Kitchen for her 'Souper Sunday's event! Stop by for the love of soup!

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Tofu-Berry Morning Smoothie

If your anything like me, you get completely bored with breakfast every once and a while. I don't like to give the kids cold cereal very often because most all of them are laden with sugar and processed flour. Also, if you could see how much these 3 boys eat you would know that they easily scarf down a big box of cereal and well, boxed cereal is like $4 ea. That adds up fast. So that leaves the old reliable oatmeal. Even though we doll it up with pecans, flax, honey and dried fruit you can only eat so much oatmeal. That goes for eggs too.
Smoothies are always a fun treat and perfectly nutritious when made with healthy ingredients. You can always use plain, non-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt as a base, then add fruit of choice.

This time I used some soft Organic Tofu instead of yogurt for the protein. I freeze fresh blueberries when they are in season and chopped up frozen banana so the smoothies are nice and cold. That's it, blend it all up, add a tablespoon of flax meal for added Omega's and you have a super power breakfast smoothie!
These will wake you up and keep you energized much longer than cold cereal. Perfect breakfast for kids going to school!

Baby Mona gives her smile of approval!

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Berry-Orange Julius Smoothie

Isn't it funny what you remember from your childhood? Things that scared you half-to-death that you laugh at now. Things that you thought you absolutely, positively couldn't live without that seem so trivial in retrospect. Small things that brought you such happiness as a child so as that they imprinted a certain magic of sorts on your soul. And when you come across them years later you are flooded with nostalgic happiness. Few things bring such memories rushing me back to my childhood and Orange Julius' are one of them. We didn't get many sweet treats when I was little. A fact that I tolerated belligerently then but appreciate greatly now. A tradition that my children have begrudgingly been placed upon. Once or Twice a month at most my healthy conscience, and looking back budget conscience mother packed all four of us up and we went to the market or the mall for a sweet treat.

Orange Julius' were my absolute favorite, hands down. I could hardly contain myself as we stood in the always endlessly long line waiting for our Icy, sweet Julius treat. It's funny, back then I thought they were good for you, they were full of fruit right? Hmmmmm. Good thing I didnt' have to worry about that then.

Well , Orange Julius has long since been gone, replaced by another fad of the moment. I've been making my own various tropical smoothies and juices for my family for special treats and had all but forgotten about Orange Julius'. Then, last week, my mom handed me what I thought was our usual mixed berry-yogurt smoothie.  I took a sip........ and schazaaaam, was blasted into my childhood via my taste buds!

What was this magical concoction that has eluded me all these years? This simple recipe that brings back memories of happiness and childhood bliss. I'll tell you, and only because not only is it tear inducing delicious, but contains NO sugar! This may not mean much to you if you've never had a sugar-laden Orange Julius, but let me tell you, it's BIG TIME!


Berry-Orange Julius Smoothie 


1 cup mixed frozen berries

2 cups non-fat, plain yogurt

1 ripe banana

1 tablespoon Flax Meal ( ground, toasted flax seed)

3 small pieces frozen orange peel 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend on high till smooth. That's it! Simple, yummy happiness!!

Frozen orange peel is the key ingredient, vanilla too I guess. I've been giving my mom a hard time for peeling and saving orange peels. She gives a small amount of them to my kids as snacks occasionally and boasts that they contain super levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, only found in the peel. My little ones chomp them up to my amazement and now they have found an even greater purpose as far as I'm concerned!

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My Secret Weapon to Beat the Heat. Strawberry-Coconut Smoothies P.S. Dear Monsoon: Please hurry.

Rain would be a true God send right now here in Phoenix. It always looks like even the cacti are going to give up and die during the endlessly long summer's here. I guess too much of anything can wear on one's nerves. Come July, after most people get tired of mindlessly commenting or joking about the stifling dry heat, all one can do is wipe off the continual beads of sweat rolling down their necks and pray for the monsoon.

Monsoon season is nothing short of a true miracle. Natures wrath at her finest. After months and months without a single drop of rain the sky darkens without notice and beautiful violent rains pour from the wakened sky and hit the hard, cracked desert floor. There is no drier dust than that found in the Arizona desert in July. Just when the cacti start to wilt and the weary desert animals are ready to call it quits, God sends them relief. And He doesn't skimp on the job. 

The smell is my favorite part of the monsoons. It's no ordinary rain. The layers of dust and sand that have accumulated on the streets and in my nose can only be washed away by the heavy rains of August. I wait anxiously starting mid July for the chance to sit outside amidst the sheets of rain and furious winds that wash every trace of dust from the startled desert. It lasts only for a few minutes but is enough to quench the deserts thirst for many more months. It is energizing   refreshing   uplifting invigorating and restores even the most lifeless soul.


During these long, hot months in the desert it is difficult to want to eat, let along cook anything. We need to save every single ounce of energy that we have so that the heat doesn't drag us down and reduce us to ashes. Water is our best friend but my secret weapon is coconut water which instantly rejuvenates me and gives me the energy to make it through the entire days obstacles which includes getting the mail while the sun is still out.

You think I'm joking?

Coconut Water + Frozen Berries =  Extreme Heat Blaster

When I'm feeling like I want a sweet treat and need some extra refreshing, I always go for these Strawberry-Coconut smoothies. They take all of 3 minutes to make and are a gazillion times healthier (and tastier IMO) than milk shakes or fast food smoothies. I think it important to note that even the drinks labeled "Real Fruit Smoothies" are not in fact good for you. At all. Period. And that includes popular Juice Joints. Sorry.


I keep a big bag of frozen berries from Costco in my freezer and plenty of coconut water around to make these smoothies throughout the summer months. They taste even better when sitting in the pool oddly enough. :)



This post is linked to

Fresh Food Friday

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Chocolate Hemp Latte.. A healthy treat your body will crave.

When you think of hemp what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Don't lie. Have you seen all of the hemp products lining the shelves in your local grocery store such as hemp seed, hemp milk, hemp bars, hemp oil and even hemp lotion and shampoo? If not or even if so , do you still associate hemp with weed. pot. marijuana. Cannibus sative?  Gasp!  Shame on you!






I kid. Really, I've been familiar with the miracle benefits of hemp for many years but still can't help to associate it with the illegal herb marijuana. In fact, the nutritional and legal form of the plant is pushing it's way into every grocery store in America as of late.

It's about time.


The views and laws for hemp are different all over the world. In Australia for example, although you can legally grow hemp (without the drug ingredient THC), hemp foods  are not legal. While in North America, the opposite is true. The lucky Canadians who supply much of the hemp found in the U.S. are reaping the benefits of a 1/2 billion and growing industry.


So, the hemp found in foods and beauty products does not contain the illegal or medicinal ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.  What it does contain however is totally worth having.

Hemp contains calcium, vitamins B-6, A, D and K. It has a good source of Iron, magnesium and 24%  protein including the full range of amino acids as well as a balanced source of Essential Fatty Acids or EFA's. EFA's include omega-3 and omega-6, which help maintain a healthy immune system and are responsible for shiny healthy looking hair, skin and nails.  Best of all in my humble opinion is the major reduction for the craving of junk foods and sweets that I've noticed since I've started consuming hemp seed and hemp milk.

ground hemp seed

How to get Hemp into your diet:

1.  Hemp has a slightly nutty flavor and can be eaten raw. You can purchase hemp seeds or hemp meal (ground) or grind the seeds yourself in a food processor or coffee grinder.  Add it to smoothies (green or fruit), baked goods, sprinkle it on your yogurt, add it to your trail mix, sprinkle it onto your salads, salad dressings or dips.

2. You can purchase hemp milk at most well stocked grocery stores or make your own by combining 1 cup of hemp meal with 4 cups of water and blending. Add a pinch of stevia, honey or good quality chocolate powder if you please.

We recently purchased a little espresso machine in an effort to save a trillion $$$ at Starbucks and to be healthier and so my newest favorite way to enjoy hemp is in my morning latte. I like the chocolate and vanilla flavored hemp milk which contains some sugar so I usually only have these on the weekend as a special treat.

Simply mix 1 or 2 shots of espresso with hemp milk to your desired strength. Add ice or drink it hot.

Enjoy the many health benefits of hemp.

This post is linked to:

Fresh Bites Friday at Real Foods

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Papaya, Mango-Ginger Frozen Margarita

The problem you see,  if you are tolerant enough to see that it is in fact a problem, is that the weather here is so gorgeously perfect out right now that it is impossible to get anything done on time. The laundry is piling up, the dust bunnies are everywhere and my 'To Do' list has all but been forgotten. All for the gravitational pull of the warm 'Spring' Phoenix sun that quite literally drags me outdoors to soak in all of it's perfectness. Bad day. Forgotten.







The afternoons here have been perfect in every form of the word and I would be insane not to take advantage of weather most of the world is wishing for right now and not sit outside on the back patio with a cocktail in the late afternoon and enjoy every last fleeting moment of it. July will be here all to soon with it's triple scorching digits and all of you in Central Park, Maine, North Carolina and everywhere else can rub it in my face if you please.

I love papaya's subtle, floral sweetness and it's buttery texture. Make sure you choose the smaller tropical ones, not the giant ones from Mexico, in my experience those smell and taste like vomit. Sorry, just warning you. The smaller ones are as I described above just make sure you wait until they are very ripe to get the full tropical flavor experience, otherwise they are fairly tasteless. It's pretty safe to buy frozen papaya as I did for these margaritas. Paired with mango, a squeeze of lime juice and a bit of ginger and you have yourself one damn good margarita.

What could make this situation any more perfect? Two things. Shrimp and margaritas. duh.

National Margarita Day was on Saturday and just in the nick of time for most of you clinging to your coats, scarves and blankies in knee deep snow. ick. If you aren't fortunate to be able to celebrate this occasion outdoors, there is absolutely NO reason IMHO not to turn up the heat, put on a tank top and blend up a tropical margarita this afternoon! It's quite rude not to honor holidays you know. Quite rude.


Heather from GirliChef put together a little party to celebrate this worthy National party, made up or not I've yet to find out. Who cares? If I get to mix up a margarita or two (or three) and sit outside in the fabulous Sonoran sun then I'm celebrating!

Of course, I managed to somehow miss the link up in time (see disclaimer above) and didn't realize my post didn't auto load that morning because I had to work all day. On a Saturday. On National Margarita Saturday no less. Bummer. Ah well, nothing a Papaya, Mango and ginger margarita can't fix. Mood brightened!

If you too are in need of a cold frozen Margarita, head over to GirliChef for an impressive list of margaritas. If fact, their are Margaritas on the rocks, Margarita cupcakes, drunken shrimp and more!

SERVES 2
2 cups frozen papaya and mango
1 inch piece of fresh ginger
2 limes, juiced
2/3 cup blanco tequila
4 oz. triple sec or Cointreau 

Blend, enjoy, repeat.
Chile Sugar to garnish on rim

I made a big bowl of Drunken Shrimp Pasta to go with our frozen Papaya Mango Margaritas and needles to say, we were in 7th heaven that evening sitting outside in the setting Phoenix sun sipping on our drinks and slurping up the spicy sauce from fettuccine noodles. Check back in a couple of days for the recipe, It's the best shrimp pasta I've ever had if I must say so myself.

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Blackberry and Peach Sparkling {Camping} Sangria #SundaySupper

It's July (in case you didn't know) which means it's really. freaking. hot. here in Phoenix (in case the obvious eludes you) which means it is officially time to get the heck out of the desert (duh). I'm counting the days until we can go up north and watch the temperature gage in the car drop down into the 70's. Ahhhhhh...... Luckily, "up north" is only about 3 hours away so coolness is within our grasp and I'm not one to not grasp at opportunities when they are shoved in my face.

The correct path is the path that leads to a Sangria.......

Let's be honest for a minute shall we? I love camping, always have which may surprise some of you seeing as how I also enjoy some of the finer things in life. I love the fresh air, the nothing to do but sit and stare at the trees and the blue sky and watch the clouds slowly drift away and become sunset unimpaired by pollution and skyscrapers. I love campfires and I love snuggling in a blanket in July. I love watching my children run around in nature and make up games to play that don't involve batteries. I love watching my son's help their 4 year old sister find a fuzzy caterpillar and I love that she loves caterpillars.

How I like to spend the day camping.

All of the love and fuzzy feelings aside, camping is without a doubt a LOT of prep work and then cleaning up. Now, add 4 kids to the scenario and you can times that work by1 million. Yup, that's 25,000 x's per child, it's a scientific fact.

How my children like to spend the day camping
{this was exactly 8 minutes after I washed, dressed and did her hair for the day.}

Which brings me to sangria's. Because who the hell goes camping without a little bit of happy juice?

Sure, you could bring plain old wine or beer but wouldn't it be nice to plop down in your brand new anti gravity lounger after a long day of driving (yes 3 hours is a long drive with 4 kids and a dog) and after hours of setting up camp (yes, we tent it) and wrap a blanket around you and your sweetie an sip on a light and fruity sparkling white sangria?


I knew you'd understand.

The best part? You make this sangria by literally throwing a handful of ingredients into a big pitcher and then pour into little mason jars, chill for at least 8 and up to 48 hours while they get all kinds of better. Perfect for camping, picnics or just sitting by the pool.

So let's get to it shall we?

You will need

4-6 small Mason jars
1 bottle of dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc (the one pictured above, found at World Market was fantastic!!) ask your wine guy if you're not sure.
1- 1&1/2 cups peach nectar (depending on how sweet you like it)
1/2-1 cup peach flavored vodka (depending on how boozy you like it)
2-3 cups low sodium club soda (depending on how bubbly you like it)
1 heaping cup fresh blackberries, rinsed
2 large white peaches, pitted and chopped into small cubes

Mix the liquids in a large container and set aside. Place a small handful of berries and peaches into each Mason jar. Pour the liquid mixture into each jar and close. Refrigerate until ready to enjoy. These will keep in the fridge or cooler on ice for up to 4 days. Beware, the fruit gets pretty boozy the longer it sits!

 The Sunday Supper bloggers have been working hard to bring you everything you need to keep cool and snack happy this summer! Check out this roundup of everything from drinks, salads and wraps to cool desserts. A big huge thanks to this weeks host, Alaiyo from Pescetarian Journal!










Brisk Beverages

• Blackberry and Peach Sparkling {Camping} Sangria from Simply Healthy Family
• Mocha Madness Milkshake from Desserts Required
• Savory Salted Cumin Mint Lassi With Greek Yogurt from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Skinny Watermelon Mojito from Peanut Butter & Peppers
• Southern Sweet Tea from Gluten Free Crumbley
• Strawberry Mango White Sangria from The Texan New Yorker
• The Polar Cap Drink from Seduction in the Kitchen
• Vanilla Root Beer Cream Soda from Feed Me, Seymour

Chilled Starters

• Avocado Hummus Dip from Shockingly Delicious
• Bak Kwa (Grilled Chili Pork Jerky) from Food Lust People Love
• Cucumber-Watercress Soup - Gazpacho Style from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Gazpacho from Jelly Toast
• Green Gazpacho from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Rabarbersuppe Med Vin (Danish Rhubarb Wine Soup from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Mexican Flag Guacamole from What Smells So Good?
• Polish Chilled Beet Soup (Chlodnik) from Curious Cuisiniere
• Tuna Tartare from Kimchi Mom
• White Gazpacho from The Little Ferraro Kitchen

Snappy Salads and Sides

• Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad from Neighborfood
• Broccoli Salad from Flavor Mosaic
• Cantaloupe Risotto from Confessions of A Culinary Diva
• Cold Peanut Noodles from girlichef
• Korean Salad from Noshing With The Nolands
• Layered Salad with Green Goddess Dressing from Delaware Girl Eats
• Pesto Pasta Salad from Supper for a Steal
• Picnic Orzo Salad from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Spinach Salad with Curried Apple and Cashew Dressing from Peaceful Cooking
• Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad from Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch
• Tuna and Potato Salad from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Quinoa Fruit Salad with a Creamy Yogurt Dressing from Simply Gourmet
• Watermelon, Mango and Arugula Salad from Take a Bite Out of Boca

Refreshing Main Dishes

• Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken Salad from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad from Cookin' Mimi
• Jalapeno Ham Salad from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Shrimp Ceviche from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Surimi Salad from Pescetarian Journal
• Zucchini Lasagna from Nosh My Way

Cool Confections

• Berry Ice Cream Bomb from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Cherry Cream Cheese Ice Cream from Magnolia Days
• Lemon Curd Parfait from Life Tastes Good
• Lemon Thyme Ice Pops from Country Girl in the Village
• Mocha Latte Ice Cream from The Foodie Army Wife
• No Maker Required Berry Ice Cream from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• No-Bake Penuche Drop Cookies from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
• No-Bake Raspberry and Japanese Yuzu Citrus Bars from NinjaBaking.com
• No Churn Lemon Ice Cream {Dairy Free} from Healthy. Delicious.
• Nutella and Pistachio Gelato from La Bella Vita Cucina
• Olive Oil Gelato from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Pluot Ice Cream from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Raspberries and Cream Panna Cotta from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Salted Caramel Gelato from Manu's Menu
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwiches from The Redhead Baker
• Trio of Fruity Ice Cream Toppings from Foxes Love Lemons
• Vanilla Bean Chia Seed Pudding from Pies and Plots
• White Chocolate Fruit Dip from Hezzi D's Book and Cooks

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET.  Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!

I hope all of you are having a great holiday with your friends and family.

Here are a few of the yummy things we ate at our house to get in the patriotic spirit.

We had so much fun swimming and playing and BBQing.

Today we are going to swim some more and then if the little guys aren't too cranky and it's not to hot out,

 we will go watch some fireworks!

We try to talk to our little ones about what Indepencence Day means and all of the wonderful things we have thanks to our Freedom. I've heard some great ideas about how some people teach their children about this. My favorite was to have your children write a letter to a soldier over seas telling them thank you for all that they do for us!

What do you do to celebrate the 4th of July???

I will post the recipes to these pictures very soon. I'm to busy being lazy with my family today. ;-)

Enjoy!

We had chili-butter corn on the cob that we grilled on the BBQ

Patriotic red, white and blue watermelon boats

and of course, CAKE!

(this one is Gluten Free!) I am so excited to share this one with all of you, it was delicious!

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Watermelon Morning Refresher

I read somewhere that Jennifer Aniston drank this every morning as part of her detox diet so I thought I'd give it a try. After all, she looks amazing so this ought to do the trick for me right? ;-)  Well, I thought it sounded delicious anyway. I wake up each morning thirsty and tired and this drink was really a perfect fix for me! Watermelon is so light and crisp and the almond milk adds a bit of protein making it a wonderful, refreshing wake me up drink. I simply have this first thing in the morning and then a couple hours later have a light protein snack such as egg whites with veggies or a handful of nuts. I feel much less bogged down when I stick with this routine.

Remove rind from watermelon and chop into bite size pieces. Lay in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. After a few hours, I put the frozen watermelon into baggies. This way, I can stumble half awake to the freezer and just grab a bag, throw the watermelon into my blender, add some unsweetend almond milk and presto, breakfast is served! My kids love this as a snack too. Perfect summer cooler.

* Buy your watermelons from Sprouts or a Farmers mrkt if you can.
I bought 2 big seedless watermelons for only $3!  They are 1 for $5 at Safeway and Fry's.

Unsweetened Almond milk is low in calories, contains several vitamins and is lactose free.

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