Mr. Charming is a smoothie master. He always manages to pack so much into his smoothies and his flavors are tangy, sweet and dimensional. This is one of his go-to's, and our homes go-to, when we feel like we are battling the sniffles. 

Packed with Vitamin C, bromelain, vitamin A and protein, this smoothie is a knockout powerhouse immunity booster. 

Ingredients:
10 oz. Orange Juice (no sugar added)
6 oz. Apple Juice (no sugar added, we use Simply Apple)
1 Banana
1/2 C. Frozen Mango
1 C. Frozen Pineapple
1 Scoop Everlast Protein Powder in Vanilla
5 Small Fresh or Frozen Strawberries (or 3 large)


Directions:
Blend and enjoy! 

I love a good green smoothie. As an avid smoothie lover from way back, being able to pack them with good-for-me-greens like spinach, kale or avocado makes me feel good about sipping on one for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

As the temps start to creep up into the 90's here in Arizona, I've been experimenting and trying new combinations recently. I've been getting many requests from my nut-free readers for drinks and eats that don't contain nut milks or nut butters, but that can still pack a mean protein punch, so I've whipped up something special for you guys and gals!

Many of my vegan readers and clients enjoy the protein content of soy and the health benefits it can offer. And while I believe in enjoying everything healthy in moderation if well tolerated, even my carnivorous friends can enjoy the benefits of this little green bean. Soy has a controversial reputation in many circles, and people always want to know my advice... it's simply this, speak to your doctor about your restrictions, listen to your body and always make sure to look for soy sourced from Non-GMO sources, such as Silk as there are many benefits to enjoying this power packed food source. 

April is National Soyfoods Month, so I thought it would be fitting to celebrate it with this lean and mean Mango + Greens smoothie that is so silky smooth, so decadent and packed with nutrients. 
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Soyfoods Association of North America in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions and photographs are my own.

With Silk's Soy Milk yogurt alternative being so versatile, you can use it in many recipes to not only get a protein boost, but to give your tummy that much needed healthy bacteria. Dairy-free yogurts that include live active cultures, along with a clean, doctor recommended probiotic, are staples in my diet. Dairy-free yogurt alternatives, such as Silk Soy, are also amazing sources of calcium and Vitamin D, which are super important right now, especially as a I grow our little Baby P. 

Below is the simple recipe, I would love to hear your favorite smoothie recipes or what you thought of this green treat that gives a sweet over earthy flavor, which makes it a hit with the kiddos too! 

You can also pair Silk soy yogurt alternative with a homemade granola, a top pancakes or in one of my many other smoothie recipes if this one doesn't tickle your fancy. 

For more information on celebrating National Soy Foods Month, food products & recipes, visit: 

In honor of #NationalCaramelDay, I wanted to whip up something super decadent and yummy.

The mornings in AZ have still been cool for Spring and that is definitely something that needs to be celebrated. 

A lovely little company, Cocomels, created a caramel that is dairy-free and made of coconut milk and though I've been noshing on them every once in a while as a treat, I wanted to use them in a recipe. And today lent the perfect excuse to make a warm, sweet beverage with breakfast. 

I also have to note, this post is not sponsored, I just like to celebrate small companies who offer clean, dairy-free, vegan options from time to time. And I got really excited about them. 

I know some parts of the U.S. are still blanketed by snow (I don't know how you all do it. Beach please! So this is wonderful for warming those tummies as you wait for Spring thaw. 

The balance of salty + sweet also makes it a perfect stand-alone treat or you can serve it with a savory breakfast. I enjoyed mine with eggs over a bed of greens for a well-rounded culinary experience. Nom nom. 

I made mine in the slow cooker early this morning while I did my prayers and devotions and some blog work before venturing in to make breakfast, but you could definitely make this quickly if you're looking to whip up a quick hot cocoa. You can do so by melting down the ingredients individually and mixing it in with your dairy-free milk of choice. Though in my personal opinion, if you have the time, I think slow-cooking it really helps marry the deep cocoa, salt, vanilla and caramel flavors together for a taste that is just out of this world. 

Ingredients:
4 cups dairy-free milk of choice. (I opted for almond milk for a nutty flavor, but coconut or rice work too!) 
2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life dark for this cocoa) 
½ cup dairy-free caramels, unwrapped and chopped in half. (I use Cocomels) 
1 teaspoon organic vanilla
sprinkle of cinnamon (optional, but anti-inflammatory so I throw it in everything) 
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
dairy-free whipped cream (I used SoDelicious whip to pipe on, but you can make your own from a coconut milk can) 
​Extra caramels for topping 

Directions: 
Add milk of choice, vanilla, chocolate chips and caramels to the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. If not completely liquefied, continue to cook on low and watch it until desired consistency is reached. 

Stir and pour into mugs. Melt down additional caramel. (Use CAUTION when doing so. I may have gotten a burn this morning.) Top with coconut whip and drizzle hot caramel on. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips and enjoy!