Recipe: Strawberry-Banana Flax Protein Smoothie

My grocery shopping for the week is complete. I’ve stocked up on my organic basics, and added a few new items to my cupboard, including:

» Ginger spice (perfect for my favorite Japanese-inspired dishes!)
» Stevia (a sweetener that comes in fiber-based packets, that is chemical free, zero-glycemic index, and zero calories!)
» Flax seeds (fiber-rich, heart-healthy seeds that contain lots of omega-3s, with added beauty and weight-loss benefits!)

I think that I am most excited about the stevia and flax seeds, as I as trying to get my bod in tip-top shape and I can use these to mix in my protein smoothies! For those of you that don’t know, flax seed is similar to fish oil in that it contains omega-3 essential fatty acids. These ‘good’ fatty acids actually benefit your health, by aiding in weight loss, improving your mood, and adding a glowing luster to your skin and hair. More on these benefits, and other beauty supplements, can be found in the Health section of this site (coming soon)!

Here is one of my favorite smoothie recipes. You will need strawberries, bananas, flax seeds, protein powder, and milk of your choice (I use soy milk).

Strawberry-Banana Flax Protein Smoothie

Ingredients
1/2 banana
3 large strawberries
1-2 tsps flax seeds (adds a nutty flavor)
1 scoop whey protein powder (I use a vanilla flavor)
1/2 cup milk (skim or soy is best)
1/2 cup ice

Preparation
Add the ice, milk, banana, protein powder, and flax seeds first to your favorite blender. Blend to a desired consistency. Add the strawberries. Blend.
Yields: 16 ounces

This smoothie contains plenty of vitamins, protein (up to 40 grams), fiber, and mood-boosting omega-3s, a perfect start to your day or work out plans!

glass sinks

Trend Watch: Wide Headbands

As the new season approaches, I’ve already got a few ideas in mind on how I’d like to switch up my style. Some of the looks I am digging are modelled above. This fall I’m thinking sheer victorian button-up tops, wide- or pencil-legged slacks, wide belts, and basic colors for the office; my street style will include tunics, kimono tops, skinny pants, peep-toe pumps, and lots of print. Oh! And I can’t forget cute, wide headbands. This season they’re wider and more fun than ever, and the great thing is that they can fit into anyone’s look and work for any time of day.

I am an avid Ebay bargain shopper, and you better believe that I’m always scouting for cute looks at the best bargain prices. Searching for wide headbands, I stumbled across Ebay seller mixbaby. Mixbaby hand-crafts all of her special stretch-fit wide headbands, and she uses only the most stellar prints and fabrics that she can find! Mixbaby and I got together for a one-on-one, so we can find out what she does and what makes her wide headbands so cool.

What inspired your username, ‘mixbaby‘? And what is your real name?
My mother is Taiwanese, and my father is White. I suppose it should really be ‘mixed-baby.’ My name is Terri Wagamon Jones.

What kickstarted your awesome idea to create these stylish wide headbands, and how long have you been doing this?
While I was at work one day, a co-worker had this super cute hair tie which looked comfy & stylish. I took a look & thought of how I could make something even better. I went to the store that day & purchased supplies & came up with a pattern for it. I listed 3 colors on ebay in the beginning: baby blue, navy, and red with white polka dot hearts. They sold pretty quickly, and as I relisted more, I had many requests for making other colors. It grew from there & I have about 80-90 different colors & prints now. I love that I can share my idea with others & stop the painful headaches from wearing hard headbands. These are soft, washable, fits everyone, and so easy to jazz up your outfit when you are getting ready in a flash. I also do custom orders.

Which are your favorite colors or designs to make?
My favorite patterns are the paisleys. I also love high constrast graphic prints, such as black & white checkered, & antique black/white print. I’ve recently found some very romantic prints such as the blue gypsy paisley, brown with pink rose, and the Pucci print that has a 70′s disco feel. So I guess I do have a hard time choosing!

What is your personal ‘must-have’ accessory for this upcoming fall season?
Cinch belts, colorful graphic totes, and furs (faux of course…unless it is vintage).

Which design from your Ebay store would you recommend to a prospective shopper?
The Bridal Ivory Satin is great because it matches all skintone & can be dressed up or dressed down.

Thanks, mixbaby!!

Now everyone can have their own unique piece of this trend without paying retail markup prices!

metal roofing

Green tea for health

We all know that green tea has excellent health benefits. These include – but are not limited to – antioxidant benefits, stimulating the metabolism, increasing energy levels, improving brain function, and even easing hangovers. But if you’re like me, you happen to despise the taste of plain hot (or cold) herbal green tea.

Introducing newer, better tasting green tea beverages. Wandering through my local health food market, I came across two suitable alternatives to those bitter-tasting tea bags. Glaceau has formulated a Vitamin Water that contains green tea extract, and is infused with many other vitamins and minerals (hence the name). The taste is clearly green tea, but is sweetened by crystalline fructose syrup, which creates a much more pleasant flavor. Secondly, Steaz has what they call a Green Tea Ginger Ale soda. Sounds weird, but tastes exactly as described – green tea, ginger ale, and that cool zing of soda bubbles. Omitting high fructose corn syrup (a very unhealthy sweetener) but sweetened by natural cane sugar instead, this is a healthy choice for your green tea cravings.

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