The whirlwind of
end of the year activities climaxed this week with my son's graduation from middle school. Hard not to be introspective when you reach such a huge milestone with your child. I'm so extremely proud of the young adult he is growing into. As he leaves behind his small alternative school and steps into a bigger world, I want to make sure he has everything he needs, the tools and skills, necessary for becoming the beautiful man he is destined to be. These days my responsibility feels greater than ever before. Last week he spotted another
inverted rainbow... he was watching a plane as he often is. Even though we all went out to admire it, I felt like it was a personal signpost of the bright future ahead of him with the universe providing rainbows to smile down upon his journey. What mama wouldn't want that for their child... and what little sister wouldn't want a rainbow of her very own. So, I did the best I could and pulled one out of the art cabinet in the form of wool.
She had been wet felting all week at school with one of her favorite teachers so she was thrilled with her rainbow roving in a bowl. I'll post more on that as we head into sharing easy and enticing summer activities. That very same lovely teacher also came up with our new fun breakfast: smoothie popsicles! So obvious, but it had never occurred to me. I made an extra large batch of a yogurt, juice, banana, berry, and chia seed smoothie. We each had a glass and the leftovers went into our popsicle mold. All week I've loved announcing
"breakfast is ready", as I grab popsicles from the freezer. Easy! Bonus... they can carry them out back to eat in the flower garden. What's your favorite smoothie recipe? Maybe I'll freeze it!
Frozen berries, a little pinapple-coconut nectar, orange juice and/or water and a pile of firm tofu. I also often add some pepitas or sunflower seeds for good measure. It's one of my best tools for getting a good dose of protein into my self-decided vegetarian five year old!
ReplyDeleteI love the tofu idea!
DeleteMy go-to breakfast lately has been dark chocolate almond milk, some Greek yogurt, flax seeds and frozen strawberries or raspberries - sometimes a banana thrown in for good measure. The frozen fruit makes it more like a milkshake, which I love. Hadn't thought of using tofu - think I'll try that next.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds delicious and perfect for freezing!
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Not only for breakfast but for anytime the "hungry's" hit which seems to be quite often around here. This summer seems to be the worst as far as keeping our boys filled... especially the youngest who at 13 is perpetually hungry. I am hoping he has a good growth spurt this summer! maybe he won't be destined to shortness like the rest of our crew. :) But in all honesty, all that really matters is that he is healthy and happy.... content but not too content.
ReplyDeleteOH I've be meaning to ask you... where do you get your chia seeds? and if you don't mind my asking, how much do you pay for them? I am trying to find a good source. Our local source seems to be quite high as they recently increased their prices. Almost double... it came as a quite the shock so now I am trying to find a source. Thank you!
Have a wonderful day!
And I almost forgot to tell you.... Thank you! You are truly an inspiration to me! Reading your blog has caused me to take a step back and look our life.... repeatedly over the past couple of years. How we spend our days, what we value, how we interact with the world around us and so much more. So thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've been making simple popsicles of yogurt & frozen fruit, blended together. I hear they're very good; I never seem to get one! Our popsicle mold is star shaped and is just so darn cute I can hardly stand it. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat smoothie pop, something so obvious we neer think of it. I don't think I've ever seen an inverted rsinbow, wow. The wool roving looks like cotton candy! Summer fune is beginning. xox
ReplyDeletei had the same thought just this week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea Maya! Thank you so much! And the inspiration in the comments here is also great! I Would NEVER have thought of tofu...
ReplyDeleteIt really is hard to choose a favorite smoothie. I love them all! And I usually make them from what ever I have on hand. This past week we made one with vanilla yogurt, mango, bananas, flax seeds and ground oatmeal. Sweetened with a bit of agave.
ReplyDeleteI definitely must try freezing them. Such a great summer breakfast idea!!! Thanks for sharing!
I like avocado, nettles, blueberries, and OJ. xo
ReplyDeleteFor those who can't have dairy - I made popsicles with a tofu base and added bananas and berries (a little honey if needed). Taste great!
ReplyDeleteWe have been keeping smoothie pops on hand, too! My daughter is always amazed that I let her have them anytime she asks (usually sweets are somewhat limited, since she seems to get the sugar blues easily). We use frozen berries or cherries, almonds (for instant nut milk)and chia seeds. Sometimes I throw in a handful of spinach, and I usually add a little cinnamon to sweeten.
ReplyDelete