

December 26th. Well, now what? For the last two months it seems like holiday festivities have consumed a large part of my brain. And though New Year’s Eve awaits us, today, a large sigh of relief exits my lips.

Today I woke to what feels like the day after a big, joyful party. I feel a little tired. (OK, a lot tired, actually) A bit sad. And a bit blissful, still tipsy on all the happy moments that happened over the past few days.

And yes, I checked off a few things on my 39 Ways to Have the Best Winter Ever list.

So this morning, I started slowly, easing myself into work and made a revitalizing Vanilla-Berry Smoothie. Sweet and creamy, with accents of almond, walnut and a dash of cayenne too. Get my recipe and I share some holiday pics..

This smoothie saved the day more than a few times over the holiday rush..

Blend. Enjoy. Energize.

On Holiday. Bits and pieces from my holiday.

Plenty of resting..

Plenty of twinkly lights..

Plenty of “relaxing while the kitty snoozes” time..

Plenty of movies. (Way to much crying in the theater since we saw Les Miserables and The Impossible.) Both wonderful…

Plenty of vegan hot cocoa and mochaccinos…

..more twinkly lights..

…more hot mugs of bliss…

..brunching and shopping and more…

Smoothie Break. And it seemed that whenever there was a hungry pause in the day, I whipped up a mini smoothie. This berry-vanilla smoothie was our holiday energizer. We served with a side of sprouted grain toast + either almond butter or spicy hummus and fennel seeds sprinkled on top.

So I decided to start today with a larger version of it. Perfect for my sleepy morning mood.

Antioxidants, fiber, (I added protein powder too.)

Two versions below. One made using Vega’s Energizing Smoothie Powder. One without it.

Vanilla Berry Smoothie (version 1)

1 banana, frozen

1/2 cup raspberries, frozen/organic

1/2 cup almond milk, vanilla

2 Tbsp walnuts, raw

1/4 cup ice

pinch of cayenne (optional) – add during blend + as garnish on top

Vanilla Berry Smoothie + Vega (version 2)

1 banana, frozen

1/2 cup raspberries, frozen/organic

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup almond milk, plain

2 Tbsp walnuts, raw

1/2 cup ice

1 scoop Vega Vanilla-Almond Energizing Smoothie Powder (adds sweetness, flavor and nutrients.)

pinch of cayenne (optional) – add during blend + as garnish on top

Blend and serve with a dash of cayenne over top. Some walnuts and raspberries as garnish too.

notes:

* any non-dairy milk can be used.

* for a thicker smoothie, use less liquid.

* Vega’s powder is quite sweet, so if you use it be sure to use plain non-dairy milk and balance it out with enough water and ice. If it tastes too sweet, add more plain liquid or ice.

* Any frozen berry can be used! Try strawberries or blueberries if you’d like.

* You could also use another vanilla protein/nutrient powder if you’d like. Or none at all.

* The banana adds the natural sweetness. If you are not using Vega and would like your smoothie sweeter and thicker, add in another 1/2 banana. (For sweetness, make sure to use a vanilla/sweetened non-dairy milk.)

with Vega powder added..



optional spicy cayenne on top..



Hope you all had a wonderful holiday too!! For more healthy, happy winter ideas and recipes check out my -> 39 Ways to Have the Best Winter Ever list.