Have I mentioned that we have been sick lately? First Leila, then me, then Joe, then me again, now Leila again. This time around the kids are going through 4 full days of fever, and I had pink eye. All of that means that we are under quarantine. Up until today, we had at least been able to go out to the backyard to get some fresh air. Today was really windy so we had to shut all the windows and doors to avoid the dust and even more sneezing.
We are all starting to get a little stir crazy. There are only so many times you can watch Mickey and the Gang call on Mr. Toodles for help.
When I get stir-crazy, I usually head to the kitchen. My parents had to leave on an unexpected trip so they blessed us with a huge load of fruits and vegetables that they had just bought. All of a sudden I had more cucumbers and tomatoes than I knew what to do with. Thanks to everyone on my Facebook page who gave me cucumber suggestions. As soon as I can get out of this house I am going to get supplies to make pickles! I took a bunch of the roma tomatoes and slow roasted them. They were ridiculously good even if they made my throat burn even more. I ate a few plain and used the rest in pasta and a Moroccan Vegetarian Stew.
Two days ago, I saw a green juice posted on Instagram by Janetha of Meals and Moves and wanted to give it a whirl. So far, I had only made juices that contain green stuff, not smoothies that ARE green. This one was really good! The ingredients were water, green apple, spinach, celery and cucumber.
The next day, I got ambitious and made my own version with water, apple, celery, spinach, parsley and a whole Meyer lemon. Vitamin C for me!
Today I went with a purple hue. I have really been enjoying adding cucumber to my smoothies, so I wanted to give it a try in addition to fruit. This combo is coconut milk, frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, cherries), cucumber and raw cashews. I call it a “Cashew Cucumber Chill”. Very refreshing!
The good news is, my throat now only hurts a little bit, and Joe was fever-free today. Poor Leila felt awful and feverish all day. Jeff is practically holding his breath trying not to breathe in our germs. I hope he is able to avoid it as he started back at spring training yesterday. That’s right, baseball season has officially begun! Now to get the family healthy enough to enjoy it!
Come back later where I’ll share the crafty adventures I’ve been on under quarantine.
Are you a green smoothie fan? What’s your favorite combo?
2 C Spinach or Kale
1 or 2 frozen banana (s)
1 cup almond milk
2 tsp Barleans Mango Swirl Fish Oil (YUM!)
the (frozen) core of a pineapple
and a couple drops of coconut extract
enough additional water to reach drinkable consistency
This one is my new fave
Kimberly Snyder’s Glowing Green Juice from her book The Beauty Detox Solution-
INGREDIENTS
1 bunch organic kale, or 1 bunch organic spinach
3–4 stalks organic celery
1 small organic apple, cut in quarters
Juice of ½ organic lemon
🙂
Hey Ashleigh so cool to have seen your name on her I love this shake in May it will be a year that I have been drinking it.
I’ve actually never had a green smoothie (or green juice), but I’m definitely open to trying :). Glad you’re feeling better…hope you’re 100% soon! I can only imagine a day full of Toodles. haha
I’m a huge fan of adding cacao and cinnamon to my green smoothies to make them chocolate! Added ice or frozen banana adds to a chocolatey milkshakey treat!
Also – I was so happy to read your last sunchoke post! I’m getting some in my CSA tomorrow so will roast them up!
Spinach, banana, cocoa powder, and peanut butter. Dessert version. 🙂
I have to try adding nuts to mine, great idea!!
I juice and smoothie both…I LOVE the juice but I HATE the cleaning!!! Its so high maintenance! My fav juice is carrots, tomato, ginger, cucumber and lemon. My fav smoothie is coconut milk, avocado, blueberries and vanilla protein. I really like the idea of adding cashews too! I will defiantly have to give that a whirl. I’m sorry you are still sick…that sure is lingering, isn’t it!! Get better!!!
Sorry to hear the whole house has been sick! Hopefully your yummy and healthful smoothies will get everyone back on the right path.
I’ve been on a kale smoothie kick for a few weeks now. I throw a couple frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, a cup of kefir, some pineapple and a half of a bunch of kale. The smoothie comes out a glorious deep green (can make it more blue/purple with less kale and a few more berries – great for kids!) as just wonderful! I’ve made it with cocount milk replacing the kefir and it’s very good, too. Next time I do that, I may add in some nuts to give it a protein boost. Great idea!!
I have never had a green smoothie, but I think it’s time to try one!! I love the recipes in your comments, as well!
I’m a big fan of green smoothies! They are so refreshing. Gosh I hope you guys get to feeling better for good soon, no fun at all =/
I have just discovered that my favorite smoothie ingredient is an avocado!
My favorite combo is one banana, one avocado, fresh orange juice, a bit of agave nectar, greek yogurt, and spinach. Its a pretty green color and the avocado makes it so creamy.