Upcycled Produce Smoothies

If you are like me, you purchase healthy produce with the best intentions of using all of it... strawberries, spinach, carrots, apples, celery, bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados and more.  However, my produce usually ruins before I can prepare it all.  Or it reaches a point where its texture turns my kids off to eating it.  Strawberries, for example, are great for a day or two, but once they get a bit mushy my kids won't touch them.  Same for bananas and apples.  This is where we moms can use this to our family's healthy advantage, by "upcycling" all that food into the base for delicious, healthy smoothies.

During the day, I tend to snack or eat unhealthy.  Now, I squeeze in the necessary food groups with a nutritious smoothie that won't cost extra money at a juice bar or health food restaurant and will use up all our wasted produce.  Here one example I whipped up today using my blender.  A fancy juicer or food processor is unnecessary.   (See the very end of this post for tastier kid smoothies.)

• 9 mushy strawberries
• 3 stalks Romaine lettuce (stalks and leaves)
• 4 slices of apple (I used two entire apples that were getting brown)
• 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
• 3 tablespoons fat free plain yogurt to give a creamier texture (you could also use natural peanut butter)
• Coconut Water

Wash produce thoroughly.  Add produce to blender first.

Next, add coconut water.  I add maybe a cup or cup and 1/2

Cover blender and blend on low setting, then switch to high setting.  You can also pulse if the produce isn't getting chopped enough.  Add any additional produce if you like.

You can also add as many ice cubes as you want and blend again.

Ta-da!  Ready to drink!  You can experiment as much as you like with all sorts of juices, milks, nuts, veggies, fruits, etc.  If it isn't sweet enough, add honey, agave or vanilla yogurt, etc.  I drink all of this for breakfast or as a meal substitute a few times a week.  Since it is all blended up, it's the same as eating all of these foods on a plate and drinking a glass of coconut water.

Here is the nutrition I'm getting, not to mention the fiber:

• Romaine lettuce - vitamins K, A and folate
• Strawberries - vitamin C
• Blueberries - vitamins K, C and manganese
• Coconut Water - potassium, super hydrating beverage

One perk is that my daughter loves the sweeter smoothies with fruit and veggies added.  Two quick examples (without photos) are below.  Google the nutritional value and you will be amazed. 

Chocolate Suprise Smoothie (AKA: Spinach Smoothie)

• one cup fresh spinach (it can be wilting, no problem)
• one or two bananas (ok if over-ripe or even turning dark)
• 1/2 cup frozen berries (black, blue, raspberries, whatever)
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• two tablespoons organic peanut butter
• vanilla Almond Milk (or chocolate)
• ice cubes

Orange Cream Smoothie (AKA: Veggie Surprise)

• 1/2 cup baby carrots (throw them in whole)
• one or two bananas
• carton vanilla low fat greek yogurt
• orange juice or half orange juice, half coconut water
• ice cubes
• (orange slices can also be added)

Experiment with your favorites and I guarantee you will find a million uses for your wasted produce!

Spring Looks for Less

My good friend Robyn recommended I mirror styles from current magazines and photograph items from my shop styled in similar ways.  Today is my first attempt!  I am not a photographer, nor am I a stylist.  However, it was fun taking a stab at laying out items just like InStyle magazine and taking pics.  You may find many similar items in your own closet, or you may want to hit the thrift stores, discount retailers or vintage outlets to find something similar for less.

First off, I noticed lots of flowy dresses in the March 2012 InStyle. Specifically, pages 233 & 234. Most dresses run between $95 (topshop.com) & $750 (Suno, thecorner.com). The silk cap sleeve Alice Ritter dress for $575 is quite lovely, as is the Suno vintage-look short printed dress. I have four examples of vintage dresses that provide a similar look and can be further styled for 2012. All are available at Dianadwain on etsy.
 

At left is the spread from InStyle.  Opposite, my dresses include a pink 1970's spaghetti strap dress with tight pleats also has a jacket with peplum, cotton blend, $30. My black dress shown has 3 tiers with spaghetti straps and full lining. Late 1970's or early 1980's for $30.

Another dress of mine at left is an early 1980's flowy style with wide elastic waist and flowing skirt. 
Sheer, requires a slip or can be worn over a swimsuit.  It needs a bit of repair work, but will sell for $20 at DianaDwain on etsy.

Next up, denim. Super looks for the spring and very versatile, as the article states regarding jackets on p. 242.  The jacket below left is by Armani Jeans and sells for $325 (armani.com).  I especially like the fading at its shoulders.  At right in this same article, the look is from Levi's for $78 (levi.com).

My look at far right is a DKNY 1980's blazer in denim with some stretch for extra comfort.  The fading is there, with a gold antique tint to look tea stained.  It is worn over an '80's black sequin mini dress with a cutout back.  The canary yellow beaded bag, big '80's Liz Claiborne shades, and Van Eli sandals complete the outfit.  All vintage, available in my shop.

Finally, p. 244 shows a bright yellow cotton jacket from Gap, $90 (gap.com). A very clean, nautical look over a striped Lynne Hiriak tank ($78 cardigannewyork.com) and denim 7 for All Mankind mini skirt ($169, 7forallmankind.com).   My version is a 1980's zip up track jacket from Cos Cob with a blue boy's tee (literally... my 9 year old son's) from Target and cut-off vintage Levi's shorts. The 1960's straw bag (Simon Styled by Mr. Ernest, Hong Kong), gold toned chain necklace and vintage tortoise shades complete the look.   

This has been a fun experiment! Flipping through magazines is fun, but we can't always afford to go out and buy the latest fashion trend. Sometimes, shopping vintage, thrift, and our own closets can be all we need to look fashionable for the season.