This Wild Blueberry Smoothie with pineapple, cardamom, and lavender vanilla sugar, is packed with probiotics for a nourishing & delicious way to start the day! Get my easy recipe & find out what else I’m loving in this week’s edition of Happy Things & Healthy Living Tips!
HAPPY THING NO. 1 | Wild Blueberry Smoothie + a Brand New Cookbook
This Wild Blueberry Smoothie with Pineapple, Cardamom, & Lavender Vanilla Sugar, and my brand spanking new cookbook, From Freezer to Table: 75+ Simple, Whole Foods Recipes for Gathering, Cooking, and Sharing, have absolutely nothing to do with each other, other than they both make me happy 🙂
I bought the book 2 days ago after listening to an interview with one of the authors on Liz’s Healthy Table Podcast. Cooking more time-saving healthy freezer meals, is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, so I can’t wait to take a deep dive into this cookbook!
As for the Wild Blueberry Smoothie, I created it on a whim yesterday, and now I’ve had it two days in a row. You don’t HAVE to make it with the lavender vanilla sugar, but, it definitely adds a little bling! Here’s my super simple recipe…
Wild Blueberry Smoothie with Pineapple, Cardamom, & Lavender Vanilla Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup kefir , i.e. Maple Hill Creamery Kefir
- 1 cup frozen Wild Blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh pineapple
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
- Optional, 1/2-1 teaspoon Lavender Vanilla Sugar
Instructions
- Place all ingredient in a Vitamix, or your favorite high powered blender. Blend on high power to combine ingredients. Pour in a glass, and enjoy while cold.
Notes
Nutrition
HAPPY THING NO. 2 | Jamba Juice Pumpkin Protein Smoothie
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical of how this new Pumpkin Protein Smoothie from Jamba Juice would taste, but I was pleasantly surprised by how yummy tasted, and it filled me up too! If you’re wondering how it compares to a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks, I’ll tell ya’… {Comparisons are based on a 16 oz Protein Spice Smoothie & a 16 oz Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte}
- Calories: 280 vs 380
- Protein: 23 grams vs 14
- Sugar: 29 grams vs 50 {29 grams is still high IMO, but fun for a healthier treat, or an on-the-go meal replacement on occasion}.
- Fiber: 5 grams vs 0
- Fat: 4.5 grams vs 14 {made w/ 2% milk}
Not bad, right?! The ingredients are simple too: Almond Milk, Pumpkin Spice Base, Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, & Whey Protein, & it’s vegetarian and gluten-free.
Thanks so much to the team at Jamba Juice for sending me a gift certificate to try the new Pumpkin Protein Smoothie! Disclosure: I was not compensated to write this post.
HAPPY THING NO. 3 | No More Frizzy Hair with Davines 01 All in One Milk
I don’t usually share beauty products on the blog, but this Davines 01 All In One Milk is too amazing not to share. I’m in LOVE!!! I’ve tried lots of frizz-fighting hair care products, but, so far, this is the best one I’ve discovered. Not only does it keep my hair soft & frizz-free without weighing it down, but it also smells amazing too! Have you tried it? Do you have any favorite hair care products to share???
HAPPY THING NO. 4 | Hiking The Lake Miramar Trail
I have kind of a funny story to tell…Last week I was supposed to meet my friend, Liz, from Shaw’s Simple Swaps for a walk at Lake Poway. That morning I was running late {because I had to drop Big Tex off at school since he missed his carpool by oversleeping!}, so I arrived at “the lake” about 15 minutes late. Liz & I texted back and forth several times because I couldn’t find her when I finally realized I was at Lake Miramar instead of Lake Poway. Oops!
Sadly, I missed walking with her that day, but since I had brought one of my pups, I decided to take the ~ 5-mile dirt trail around the lake {I usually stay on the asphalt path}, and we had a lovely hike, meandering through the pine and eucalyptus trees & barking at the geese and ducks {Kai-not me!}
The moral of the story is…Have fun exploring the trail less traveled, and always know what lake you’re going to! 🙂
HAPPY THING NO. 5 | Daily Harvest Smoothies, Soup, Sundaes, & More
Have you tried Daily Harvest Smoothies, Soups, and Superfood Sundaes yet? I like to keep a stash of soups {new flavors include Lentil + Mesquite Chili-pictured above, Cauliflower + Leek Stew, & Turmeric + Lemongrass Broth} in the freezer for a quick lunch on super busy days, and the kids & Mr. Spicy like the smoothies for a healthy grab-and-go breakfast. The fruit and veggie-packed “sundaes” {Cacao Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie Batter, Salted Caramel, and more} are also a fun, healthy treat!
MORE HAPPY THINGS & HEALTHY LIVING LINKS I”M LOVING THIS WEEK…
- As a *recovering* perfectionist, I absolutely love this! Good Enough. Not Perfect.
- Here’s one more reason to follow a Blue Zones-inspired diet & lifestyle. Researchers Say Most Alzheimer’s Disease Cases Are Preventable-Find Out How.
- Super fun idea for a fall-inspired appetizer! Cinnamon Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini {Schar has a delicious new gluten free Artisan Baker 10 Grains & Seeds Bread this would be delicious on!}
- Hummus for everyone!!! 50 Plant-Powered Hummus Recipes
- Healthy Habit Tip of the Week! Make This One Change
Let’s Chat!
Have you ever had a wild blueberry smoothie before? What’s making you happy this week???
