Green Pina Colada Smoothie

One of my kids shared this nasty cold/cough bug with me and I've been trying to fight it hard with food.  I set out to make a green smoothie and was looking for something a little different from my norm.  I went in search of fruits high in Vitamin C and discovered 3/4 cup of frozen pineapple chunks contains 130% daily value of Vitamin C.  I threw this little yummy concoction together with ingredients I had in the house:

1/2 c. unsweetened coconut milk

3/4 c. frozen pineapple chunks (~12 chunks)

1 T. unsweetened shredded coconut

1 handful fresh spinach

1 handful (or 1 stalk) fresh kale

ice

Blend until smooth.  Add more coconut milk or ice to adjust the texture to your liking.

Happy Spring!

dawn

Inspirational Bits & Pieces

Just a few things I have read or listened to lately, that have really spoken to me.

The Joneses Are Overrated
I recently took a 1 week hiatus from Facebook.  An ungrateful attitude was creeping back into my life, because I was spending my days comparing my life to what I saw on Facebook.   And I was tired of it.  I expected to at least get a grip on reality and refocus on how abundantly full my life is.  It was fabulous!  I felt like I could breathe again.  My brain didn't feel so cluttered and overwhelmed.  I think the introvert side of me that is recharged by peace and quiet, is mentally stressed by the continuous stream of (mostly unnecessary) information that social networks such as these provide.  While I don't plan to hang it up completely, as it does have its benefits, life does not revolve around it anymore.  And it is quite a relief.  Love this Proverbs 31 devotional!

To continue with that theme, you must read Stop Instagramming Your Perfect Life.

Help!
Our very own Pastor Mike tackles how isolated, disconnected, and superficial we've become in our technologically savvy world.  And how we all are in desperate need of authentic relationships, in which we can safely share our messes and lives.   

Speaking Life Into Your Relationships
Fabulous message from Pastor Steven Furtick at Elevation Church in Charlotte, about the power of our words.  My favorite quote:
"God's potential in your relationships, starts with you denying yourself, crawling up on your own cross, and giving your own life.  You cannot hold onto your selfishness and fulfill God's potential for your relationships at the same time."
Wow!  Love this message because it applies to all the relationships in our lives, not just the marriage relationship.  Our words have the power to bring life or death.  Choose them wisely. 

Blessings today-
Dawn

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

I wanted to share several things I've discovered  recently that I really like!  Several of my dear friends and I often snap pictures of products, recipes, quotes, etc. that we like and send them to one another. Always fun to share the sweet findings of the world with those you care about :)
(By the way, these are in no particular order.)

Chickpea Avocado Salad

I could eat bean salads every day.  They are one of my favorite lunches!  This one is just perfect.  I love the creaminess of the avocado.  If you are a real avocado lover, you'll want to use two like I did.  If you want the chickpeas to be the primary focus, one avocado is enough.  

2 15oz. cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1/2 small red onion, peeled & diced

2 cloves garlic, peeled & minced

4 T. pure lime juice (~juice of 3 limes)

1/4 c. fresh cilantro, chopped

1-2 small avocados, halved, pitted, peeled & coarsely chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, except avocado, in a bowl.  Stir, cover, and refrigerate to chill.  Add avocado just before serving.  Toss gently to combine.  Eat as is, serve over salad greens, or stuff in a pita or wrap with some fresh baby spinach.

Enjoy!
Dawn

(adapted from Forks Over Knives, The Cookbook)