SMOOTHIE TIME!!!

Over the past month, we have become obsessed with breakfast smoothies at our house. Since the Chubber Bubs of the house has a hard time getting full, I had to find something that easily satisfied him! …And, smoothies were the answer!

Thankfully, the Big Bro of the house is enjoying them too! And, I’m loving the good stuff they’re getting each morning.

Here’s the stuff (with various mixtures each day) that we use…
We start with a few big spoonfulls of yogurt. (whole milk yogurt) Then, I add in applesauce and fresh fruits of all kinds. Next is some Odwalla juice and sometimes a splash of pineapple juice. I top it off with some baby oatmeal…and honey and Fish Oil for Q.

After the layers are complete, I turn it over, twist it on the Magic Bullet and let ‘er rip! It’s LOUD…and above the noise, I always annoyingly yell, “SMOOTHIE TIME!” Nash always smiles, kicks and LOVES it! He knows what’s coming. And, Q usually laughs, repeats my words and covers his ears!
 

This sweet face is patient for a minute…but quickly wants to EAT! Meal time is NO joke! :)

Smoothies are enjoyed by all! What a great and easy way to feed my little ones!

And, I’d love your tips of things to add in your perfect smoothie!!!! Please share!!!

A New Christmas Tradition

When I saw this recipe on Annalee’s blog, I couldn't wait to try it! I knew my hot chocolate lover would LOVE it. But, little did I know that it would become my newest obsession! We made it with french vanilla creamer and peppermint mocha creamer. I truly can’t decide which one I like best. And, it has been the perfect Christmas treat around our house…a new tradition, for sure!!! I can’t wait to share it with all of our friends for years to come!

{I halved the recipe and it still made a BUNCH!}

Quinn’s {NEW} Favorite Hot Chocolate
INGREDIENTS
8 C powdered milk
1 box Nestle quick (1 lb. 8 oz. box)
4 C powdered sugar
2- 8 oz. jar flavored coffeemate creamer (powder)
(whichever flavor you buy will be the flavor of your mix)
11 oz. regular coffeemate creamer (powder
1/2 t salt

DIRECTIONS
mix all the above ingredients together in a LARGE mixing bowl.

Store in an airtight container.

Mix together 1/4 C cocoa mix with 1 C hot water and enjoy!

   

Fancy Name…Yummy Juice

This easy Southern Living recipe made for a super yummy brunch drink! It was much better than the pre-made juice concoctions that you buy! …And, I loved how pretty the apple looked floating at the top!…
Apple Julep
1  qt. apple juice
1  cup  pineapple juice
1  cup  orange juice
1/4  cup  lemon juice

Garnish: apple slices, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs

Stir together apple juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemon juice. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

Better than Sonic!

I made this yummy treat for the 4th and it was a hit for the whole fam! So much better than Sonic!...
Homemade Cherry Lemonade

1 cup hot water

4 cups ice cold water

3/4 cup sugar

3 large lemons, squeezed (roughly 1/2 cup juice)

maraschino cherries

1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice

36 oz. lemon lime soda

***

Place 1 cherry in each section of 2 plastic ice trays. Fill trays with lemon lime soda and freeze. Pour sugar and hot water into a 2 quart pitcher, stir to dissolve sugar. Add remaining water, cherry juice, lemon juice and lemon lime soda. Stir and chill. Pour cold lemonade over cherry ice cubes and serve.

Peppermint Marshmallow Stir Sticks

For our playgroup Christmas party, I made these fun little stir sticks to put in the Egg Nog or Coffee...Here's how to make them...

Powdered Sugar (Sifted)
Candy Canes or Peppermints
Water
Large Marshmallows
Sticks

Add a teaspoon (at a time...3 total) of water to one cup of sifted powdered sugar. Stir until it becomes a think glaze. Dip half of the marshmallow in glaze, lightly shaking to remove excess. Roll glazed end of marshmallow in finely crushed candy. Place on waxed paper coated side up to set. Thread on skewers and serve.