Creamy Cashewmilk Smoothie

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My two favorite kind of nuts are almonds and cashews. You will always find them in my pantry. I also love making my own almond and cashew milk, but sometimes I don't have the time. That's where Silk Cashewmilk comes in hand! Silk Cashewmilk is gluten, dairy and soy free and has 25% fewer calories than skim milk. It is so creamy and makes the best cashew milk smoothie!

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric

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• 1 frozen banana (if it's not frozen that is ok! I like to peel and freeze my over ripe bananas for smoothies)
• 1 Cup Unsweetened Silk Cashewmilk (I opt for the unsweetened version because the banana will add your natural sugar)
• 5 ice cubes

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Directions:

Place all ingredients in blender. Blend away until creamy smooth. There may be some mini ice chunks but I like that little crunch in my smoothie. Enjoy! What is your favorite  smoothie mixture?

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Silk Original Cashewmilk: 60 cal/serv; skim dairy milk: 80 cal/serv. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 27. Data consistent with typical skim dairy milk.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Silk through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated to write a post about Silk, all opinions are my own.

Turmeric Milk Recipe

As weird as turmeric milk sounds, it is actually quite delicious! I was reading some blogs and came across turmeric milk and knew I had to try it. I just finished my first half cup and I loved it! I do not think I could drink a whole cup, not just yet. This is a soothing drink that I think would be best to drink at night. 

Why turmeric? Read up on the many benefits of turmeric: here and here.  And check out my awesome turmeric dinner recipe here!

Turmeric milk is made of any kind of milk- usually coconut or almond milk- and then a small amount of turmeric and pepper. The pepper is added because pepper and turmeric go well together and help absorption. Some people like to add in ginger, I still  have not tried that.

I made my own homemade coconut milk:

• 1/4-1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2-1 cup HOT water, not boiling.
• Put in blender on high and blend for 2 minutes.

I doubled my cheese cloths and drained the milk right into a pot. Squeeze all the liquid out. There will be some coconut flesh in the cloth. I just tossed mine. I started with a 1/4 cup of coconut flakes and 1/2 water. I may up it next time if I feel adventurous.

NOTE* If you do not want to/do not have time to make your own homemade milk you can of course buy almond or coconut milk in a carton. I have used almond milk in a carton for my turmeric tea, and it was delicious.

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After the "milk" is made and in a pot, put fire on medium heat and add in 1/2 tsp of turmeric, some black pepper, and fresh ginger. If you do not have fresh ginger powdered is fine. If you need some sweetness add a medjool date to the mix and let it melt a little. Mix around and take the pot off the fire just before it starts to boil. Do not let it boil. Strain (optional), pour in a cup and enjoy!

You can be creative with what you add to your tea. I have added cinnamon and pumpkin spice to my tea. This was amazing, like a little treat! (image above) Just remember the base of the tea is the milk, turmeric and pepper. From there you can add whatever spices and sweeteners you wish!

This is a super helpful blog post about all the different kinds of "milks" and their nutritional value. 

I will be drinking this maybe once a week before bed. It is soothing, tasty, AND good for you! Have you ever tried turmeric milk? How do you make it?

Aruba Circuit workout and a delicious fruit smoothie.

I am back!!! I was in Aruba for a short 4 days and  wanted to film a beach workout for you!  Here is an awesome circuit that will target everything from your arms, abs, legs and inner thighs. This video shows you 1 full circuit, but you will have to do it 5 times through! WOOOO. Enjoy! http://youtu.be/El58Nh16rUA

While in Aruba I fell in love with some amazing fresh fruit smoothies. I got a mixture of papaya, mango, banana and lime. My friend Christine got papaya, mango, banana  and watermelon.  Brandon got papaya and mango, and my other friend got banana, strawberry and yogurt!

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And apparently I am not the only Boston fitness teacher that found this smoothie place. Erica from Erica Bornstein Yoga and Dance loves it too!

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All smoothies are blended with ice and act as an amazing refreshing drink. I wish I could make this on my own at home, but I believe I need one of those special blenders. Mine is narrow at the bottom where I noticed that theirs had a wider base, so it could crush the ice and fruit more easily. Anyone have an awesome blender where you do not need any liquid for it to blend? Just ice and fruit.

Wedding dress designers you haven't heard of and a nice cold treat (scroll to bottom)

goddess dress

This post on wedding dresses seems appropriate because not only have I had requests from readers to do more "wedding stuff" but a few weekends ago I went to NYC and finally gave my dress a GO! It is happening. My wedding dress is being made. And as you can tell from the picture below I get really excited when surrounded by wedding dresses!

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An amazing designer/seamstress in NYC is working on the dress that we designed and put together. I found inspiration through many different styles and dresses. Through my dress search I came across certain features and detailing of dresses that I loved.  Most of us have heard of Vera Wang, Jim Hjelm, Oscar de la Renta, and Reem Acra. But below is a list of designers that are not so popular. Many of them are London designers, and I found myself attracted to their styles. Hopefully you can find some inspiration!

Jenny Packham- The beautiful backs to her dresses caught my eye.  Her dresses have amazing bead work and detailing.

Sarah Seven - A designer from the USA! Portland Oregon. Her dresses have frills, layers, and movement. Girly and oh so sweet. I love  her accessories too!

Sarah Janks- Feminine. Beautiful backs. Sexy Elegance.

Temperly London- When I see these dresses I think elegance, sophistication and royalty. Lace and sleeves.

Amanda Wakeley- Light fabrics and not your traditional wedding dress. Her take on the staples dress is my favorite. London Designer. Her style reminds me a bit of Nicole Miller.

Clair Pettibone- Vintage feel. Most of her dresses have texture or lace. Very few are staples.

Penina Tournai- The first designer I fell in love with. Her work is amazing. So intricate and truly pieces of art. These dresses are for the avant guard bride and those with a larger budget! Israeli Designer.

J Crew- Simple. Elegant. And will not break the bank. We often look over J Crew, but they really have some beautiful dresses. Check them out for brides maid dresses too.

Nicole Miller - Simple BUT the little detailing will give you an edge. Most of these dresses are slim fitting. Some of these dresses are perfect for an outside wedding.

What are you favorite dress designers? What is your favorite style of dress?

OH and I made this last night. SO good, SO easy, you SO need to try it!

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ingredients:

• 7-10 FROZEN strawberries
• 10-15 FROZEN blueberries
• 1 FROZEN banana
• Then add about 4-8oz of unsweetened almond milk (you can use coconut milk, rice milk, cows milk, whatever). Decide what consistency you like it and just play with how much milk you add in. Start adding the milk in slowly, because you can always add more. **if you do not have enough milk your blender will get jammed up.

Directions:

• add all ingredients together in blender
• blend
• add more milk as needed
• enjoy