We love the holidays don't we? The lights. The excitement. The food. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is pretty consumer driven with lots of preconceived notions about what you "have to have"  in order to experience the "perfect" holiday - Christmas or otherwise.Well, I'm attempting to slow down. Keep things simple. Experience my children and family, remembering the real reason for the season, and enjoy this beautiful time of year for all it's worth.I'm also trying to help my body do the same. Stress, refined sugars, and overeating can really put a lot of strain on our bodies. So, even though the weather outside is frightful, this Spiced Green Smoothie will be so delightful! (No? Doesn't work?) This smoothie is full of vitamins, protein, probiotics, fiber, and the spices of the season.

My CrossFit challenge is fast approaching the final challenge event and seeing the results from our 8 weeks of hard work. Finishing strong isn't just about what happens in the gym - diet is going to make a huge difference too. So I'm going to be doing lots of detox smoothies for the next week or so. Not only are smoothies great for weight-loss, but this one is also packed with immune boosting vitamins and minerals.This bad boy is a kick of vitamins and body purifying good stuff! I used my juicer for the carrots and oranges, or if you don't have one you can buy a bottle of Simply Orange juice and pure carrot juice.

  I love spring! Here in my desert home the trees are starting to blossom and big billowy clouds bring cool rain, turning the sagebrush a lovely shade of green. The inevitable and always inspiring rainbow is bound to show up whenever the sun peeks out. 

Having a baby six months ago on top of everything else had put a bit of a damper on my workout habits. Oh, who am I kidding, they came to a screeching halt! It hasn't been easy or convenient, but I'm back to running again (which is the best de-stressing, mind clarifying, boost of endorphin ever! It's like a shot of happy!) and I've joined a gym and am loving trying out all the different classes they offer. You know what, having that hour a day of exercise back in my routine is not only making me feel better physically, but I'm telling you it makes me a better mom.  Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm way more able to handle the daily challenges that being a mom brings and feel more relaxed so I can enjoy this time with my crazy kiddos. Speaking of feeling good and doing good stuff for yourself...how about a green smoothie?! This smoothie is creamy and filling while still refreshing and super good for you. My kids love green smoothies too and they gave it a thumbs up. Even my hubby who prefers his greens non-pureed thought it was yummy!

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Now that summer is coming to a close and school is gearing up to start it's the perfect time to power you're little learners and yourself with a power smoothie.  My dad is a religious green smoothie maker and since we recently moved closer, he's got me and my kids hooked on green smoothies too.  Yes, my kids LOVE this and look forward to their green smoothie every morning.  Even my 2 year old asks for her "dreen smoovie".   My dad likes to add carrots, broccoli and dried cranberries to his. Make yours with as many veggies and fruit as you like, but this is how I put mine together for a nice smooth smoothie...