• Be My Valentine: Sweetheart Strawberry Smoothie

    Sweetheart Strawberry Smoothie

    Last week I picked up some fresh strawberries on clearance at Ingles.  As soon as the girls saw the strawberries they wanted to know if I would make them a smoothie.  This past weekend while they were playing together I decided it was time to make they smoothie for them.  I came up with this recipe using ingredients we had on hand.

    As an extra treat I put freshly cut strawberries around the smoothie on a plate.  I cut the stems off the strawberries in a “v” pattern making the strawberries look like little hearts.

    Sweetheart Strawberry Smoothie:

    • 5 Strawberries (fresh or frozen0
    • 1/4 cup Raspberries
    • 1/4 cup Cranberries
    • 1 cup Milk
    • 1/2 cup Ice
    • Extra Strawberries for garnish
    • Cool Whip for garnish

    The girls loved the fresh “heart” strawberries and their smoothies.  I super excited that they willingly ate some fresh cranberries and raspberries which were in their smoothies.   The more healthy fruits, vegetables, and nutritional goodies I get into the kiddos the better.  They love smoothie treats just as much as I do! 🙂

    Strawberry Smoothie with Cool Whip and a Straw!  The girls LOVED it!

  • Recipe: Mixed Fruit Smoothie

    Flash frozen strawberries we picked this summer with fresh pears, blueberries and banana

    I know it is still Winter but every once in awhile I look forward to a good smoothie for breakfast or snack.   This smoothie is rich in antioxidants and vitamins to give you that extra boost for the day!

    Mix Fruit Smoothie:

    • 3 Frozen Strawberries
    • 1 small Pear
    • 1/4 cup Blueberries
    • 1/2 Banana
    • 1/2 cup Milk

    Put all the ingredients together and blend until smooth.  Drink and enjoy!

    Mix Fruit Smoothie

  • They Really DO Love Me!

    One of the many "I Love You" notes from Jake and girls!

    Recently I went on a quick road trip to Orlando, Florida with some friends.  They were moving their items down from North Carolina to Orlando and I was able to spend time traveling with their sweet family.  It was great having a few hours to catch up with friends.  They have three adorable children who traveled very well in the van.  We stopped for lunch at McDonald’s and let them run around then they crashed in the van for a couple hours.  It was wonderful having some time to relax and talk with another Mom friend while traveling.  For dinner we ate outside at a great place called, Crispers, they have a delicious chicken salad wrap if you ever get a chance to go there!  Thankfully everyone made it safely to Orlando and in good spirits.  The kids had school the next day so they quickly took their baths and were tucked into bed.  The next morning I flew out of Orlando back to Greenville, SC.

    It was nice having a relaxing time with friends.  Although it was a quick trip it was enjoyable and reminded me of the many amazing blessing I have in my life from my spouse to my children, family and friends.  When I arrived home I was greeted by a VERY excited Skipper!  She was bouncing all around me and eventually gave me a lick on the hand before I was able to give her a treat.  Glad to have such a warm welcome home.  Since Jake was at work and the girls were at school I was just planning on having a quiet day of catching up in the office.  When I got to the top of the stairs I found my first “I Love You” note, I quickly found out that I had “I Love You” notes scattered across the house to welcome me home.  Jake even made the bed before heading into work.  My keyboard had a note on it and underneath the note was one of my favorite candies – Milk Duds.  So thankful for a husband who takes the time to show me his love and to know that my family really does miss me when I am away even for a short trip.  I am also grateful for a husband who is willing and knows how to get the girls up, ready, and off to school (which can be an adventure some mornings)!

    Here pictures from my short trip and love notes from my family, simple yet beautiful and perfect!  Jake really knows how to melt my heart!

    Napkin from my snack at the airport!
    Strawberry Blast Smoothie, it was delicious!!!
    Yummy chocolate chip muffin!
    My "I Love You" note on the keyboard!
    The "I Love You" note on my keyboard had an extra special surprise underneath, MILK DUDS! Delicious!

    I had a series of “I Love You” notes all over the house!

    • On the Kitchen Counter
    • The Kitchen Floor
    • Dining Room Table
    • Office Chair
    • Keyboard
    • Hallway
    • Bathroom
    • Bed with a treat underneath
    • Bedroom floor
    • Entryway
    • In the Printer…..as soon as I printed something a hidden “I love you” note popped out of the printer…super sweet!  The girls thought this one was so funny!

    Thankful for my sweet family and that they took the time to show their love to me.  It was a lot of fun coming home to the special surprise.  I had a wonderful time with our friends as well as coming home to my great family (yes I know I am bias).