These summer temps, man. They have been brutal and I don't know about you but I have been having a hard time doing anything that takes motivation or energy of any kind. 

Aside from trying to stay hydrated, stay indoors, dream of fall and consume all the smoothie bowls and shakes that are chilly and delicious.

While still being nutritious of course.

And if you hadn't heard, I have an Ebook out now! Full of Smoothie Bowls that are gluten and dairy free and chock full of all kinds of healthy, good-for-you things. 

This smoothie was inspired by the period of my life when I had t gag down a billion dates (IE: pregnancy)

I couldn't stand to eat them, BUT, when I put them into a smoothie I realized it just fueled them as the sugar source and it tasted SO GOOD. So now I'm on a "what else can I make with dates with it still tasting good?" kick.

Enter these Almond Banana Cocoa Date Smoothies. (We call it our ABCD breakfast) Or really a shake. But I feel like you can't say shake and still feel guilt-free at breakfast. Drool-worthy. Cooling for summer. YUM. 

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 2 Frozen Bananas, sliced
• 4 Dates, pitted
• 1/4 C. Almond Butter (Sunbutter for Nut-Free) 
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/2 C. unsweetened dairy-free milk of choice
• 1 1/2 TBSP. raw cacao powder 

Directions

• Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.
• Divide into two glasses and top with additional chocolate shavings or banana slices and enjoy. 

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

How do you envision an endless summer?

I'd imagine it'd be enjoyed with warm sun kissed skin and lengthy beach days, the sun hanging in the sky late into the evening while the scent of sea salt and the ocean breeze tickle my senses.

Topped off with a cool drink and a smile on my lips. 

This week I've partnered with Torani and Kroger to bring you a summer beverage that is sure to make you smile. My S'mores Iced Latte is as delicious as it's name suggests. It marries summer camping memories with a modern iced coffee that you can enjoy in any season. In addition to grabbing the recipe below, Torani has provided coupon to save $1.00 on any (1) Torani® Syrups and Sauces to create the perfect summer beverage. 

Once you find the offer, clip it to your card and redeem next time you're in store! Easy peasy!

What I love about Torani is not only how easy they are to find at your local Fry's or Kroger (coffee aisle!), it's how versatile their products are. With their extensive line of flavors from my favorite Sugar Free S'Mores or Toasted Marshmallow Syrups to the exotic Mango and Passion Fruit Syrups, I'm able to get creative and make the best drinks for any occasion.

And because no milk is used in the dark chocolate (the other sauces do have dairy for those with allergies), the Dark Chocolate Sauce is also a staple on my coffee bar for hot cocoa nights, adding a drizzle to ice cream or topping off this mouth-watering S'Mores Latte. 

 Vanilla is a weekly go to when I treat myself to a Vanilla Almond Milk Latte (I've saved so much switching to a home coffee bar and skipping the coffee shops), the S'mores is the star of the show in this recipe, and the Salted Caramel is drool-worthy guys. A dairy-free Salted Caramel Chocolate Shake is on my Summer Bucket List for sure. Like by the pool. Tomorrow kind of situation. 

So, tell me in the comments below, how do you envision your endless summer? And if you've tried Torani before, what is your go to flavor or blend? 

For more Torani recipes, follow the hashtag #ToraniEndlessSummer on social media, and to find Torani in a store near you: 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 C. Cold Brew Coffee
• 1/2 C. Dairy-Free Milk (I use almond)
• 1/8 C. Torani Sugar Free S'Mores Syrup
• Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce
• Marshmallows (for garnish, optional)
• Gluten-Free Graham Crackers (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

• Mix dairy-free milk into cold brew.
• Pour in Torani Sugar Free S'mores Syrup. 
• Garnish with marshmallows and crumbled GF graham crackers.
• Drizzle Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce on top for the perfect finishing touch. 

Smoothies and watermelon go hand in hand for summer as well as a beach day and a good book.

​This refreshing smoothie is PACKED with protein that it gets from the plant based protein and the nutter butter.

Creamy and hydrating, my kiddo requests this one on repeat. 

INGREDIENTS: 
1  12  oz.  bottle  WTRMLN  WTR 
1  scoop  plant-based  protein     
1  tablespoon  of  almond  butter  (or  other nut  butter  of  choice) 
1  banana 
1  teaspoon  fresh  grated  ginger  
½  cup  ice 

PREPARATION: 
Add  all  ingredients  to  blender  and  blend  until  smooth. 
Top  with  your  favorite  granola  or  fruit  and  enjoy  with  a  friend. 

Sharing my recipe for my Sparkling Strawberry Peach Lemonade on the West Valley Moms Blog today, click here to get this cool 4-ingredient refresher in time for the 4th. 

For Mother's Day this year, along with a trip to a cabin in Flagstaff, my husband bought me my first juicer. I've wanted one for so, so long and just never brought myself to spend the money on one. That and I heard they were a P A I N to clean and ain't no mama got time for that.

He however, found me an AMAZING one that is the easiest EVER to clean. This is the one he got me and it's fairy inexpensive when it comes to kitchen appliances that work really well. For the recipe below, YOU DO NOT NEED A JUICER. Just a good blender. So you can keep reading if you have yet to snag yourself a good juicer. 

The first juice I made at the cabin was a bust because I put a banana in it. NEWBIE ALERT. Don't do that. Bananas are not meant for juicers haha. If you want to add banana, put your juice in a blender with a banana and blend to finish. 

When we returned home, however, I was SUPER excited to hit the farmers market for all the goodies to whip up a morning juice for me and my boys. I made a Carrot Beet juice full of iron and goodies along with some fruits and I'll be posting that shortly.

In addition to my new juices I've been in the mood to whip up a ton of new smoothies and I actually make this one every other morning now to accompany some granola, eggs or oatmeal. 

The recipe is SUPER easy and I'm excited to roll out more smoothie and juicing recipes this summer as the temps heat up. 

I recently went to my six week postpartum check up and I was officially cleared to resume working out since having little man! I am so beyond excited to get fit for fall and get back to working out with Mr. Charming.

Although I lost most of my pregnancy weight from breastfeeding (yay!) and since I tried to stay fit and eat well throughout my pregnancy, I still have fourteen pounds to lose to get back to my pre-baby weight and I'm making sure I look for food and drinks that are not only filling but super nourishing. 

I love starting my day with a smoothie that packs vitamins and protein to give me energy and an immune boost for my day. As a new mama, since I'm not getting a full nights rest right now (hello 3am feedings!), it's important to keep my health boosted in other ways. 

Enter the goodness that is Orgain Organic Protein. 

Smoothies are an easy go-to breakfast or post-workout snack that allows me to get me and baby ready for the day without having to make a large meal. I also love that it's vanilla because little man isn't dealing well with me having chocolate at the moment. 

However, with that being said, I am really picky with the vegan powders I choose because I have to have a vegan powder that is not only free of allergens, but that is also healthy and tastes good. 

Seriously, who wants to sip on something that's chalky and tasteless, no matter how healthy it is? If you know me, that's not how I roll (hello healthy donut girl here) and I wanted to find one that was scrumptious and enjoyable. That's just the foodie I am. 

I recently connected with Orgain and was lucky enough to be able to collaborate with them on their newest campaign and I fell in love with the taste and texture of their organic vegan protein powder. 

​Many clients of mine are skeptical of vegan powders, as am I, and I love that this one isn't gritty. It's smooth and delicious. Aside from great taste and texture, it packs 21 glorious grams of protein per serving and 5 grams of fiber. All plant based!

And it's so fun experimenting with mix ins with a light tasting vanilla powder. Blueberry and banana have been my favorites, along with an addition of greens, coconut or almond milk and flax seeds for making more milk for the babes. 

Check out more on Orgain Organic Protein, and why it's important to get picky with your protein, by taking a peek at the following video: 
​​

I would love to hear your favorite smoothie recipes and how you'd incorporate Vanilla Orgain Organic Protein into your daily smoothies! 

Ingredients: 

1 pound organic strawberries, hulled
1 cup organic lemonade, chilled
1 tablespoon stevia
1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves


Directions:

• Place strawberries, lemonade and stevia in a blender and process until puréed.
• Strain through a fine mesh sieve and transfer mixture to a large pitcher.
• Gently stir in sparkling water until blended.
• Serve over ice, garnished with mint leaves.

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. 
​

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!