“There's a reason why forty, fifty, and sixty don't look the way they used to, and it's not because of feminism or better living through exercise. It's because of ..
Photo Credit: Tumblr – Jiminyoon
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hair dye. In the 1950s only 7 percent of American women dyed their hair; today there are parts of Manhattan and Los Angeles where there are no gray-haired women at all.” ~ Nora Ephron
Nearly nine months had passed, and I'd missed them
This funny (and wise!) group of women who spend their lunch-hours water-walking in the lazy river; all while soaking up the sunshine and chatting about life. I love hanging out with them and always head home with a big smile and warm heart
They're a treasure trove of stories, a wealth of great information, and such an inspiration for a life well lived
Most are in their 60s and 70s and go by the titles of mother, grandmother, and friend. They're so full of life and have spirits that are peaceful and content.
A few of their best tips from the summer of 2016?
Making a pie crust? Add vodka. Funniest name for a pet? Milkshake (the cat). The best potato salad? No to the Mayo, yes to Miracle Whip. It also has to be mustardy with eggs, onions, and a splash of pickle juice. Have you tried Ina Garten's? Why in the world would someone deviate?
And the books on their nightstand
Thought it might be fun to share a few of their funny tips and tricks that I've collected so far this summer. I hope they'll leave you with a smile as big as mine
In need of a great summer rosé? Bon Appetit's wine editor has just the recommendation (and a new book coming out in only a few weeks!)
In want of a good raisin? They claim there's nothing better than Dole. Although they've found themselves in a terrible quandary, they're nearly impossible to find in grocery stores and “There's no way I'll pay five dollars for a bag online(!)” Oh no, what's happened to the Dole Raisin?
The best beach towel? Turkish towels, they get softer with every washing and are dry in no time
In need of a good workout? They'll invite you to a morning class. But whatever you do, don't hide out in the back row. “It's reserved for the back-stander ladies. They've been going to the fitness center since the day it opened and the back row is their spot. Oh, and they won't let you turn on the fans(!)”
The less than $2 meal they all swear by? Arby's sliders. Every afternoon between 2 – 5 pm .. Arby's offers a Happy Hour of sorts. Everything on their slider menu is $1. I kid you not; yesterday they stocked their freezers with sliders for the month. “It's the perfect meal for one. Add a piece of fruit or a veggie and you're good to go.”
What does one do at home on a Sunday morning while eating spicy eggs with rice? Listen to crime and murder podcasts (of course!) A couple of their favorites? In the Dark .. My Favorite Murder .. and Crimetown
And if you're looking for a great read to tuck in your pool bag .. they've got you covered
Hillbilly Elegy – One of the best books when it comes to understanding where we are as a country. I've spent most of the last 2 days reading it and I can't stop thinking about it
Option B – Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant tell the stories of others — a painter who is deaf and blind, a woman who had a teenage pregnancy — who have triumphed over adversity. “Resilience is not a fixed personality trait,” they write “It’s a lifelong project”
The Rules Do Not Apply – Ariel Levy had it all until then she didn't. Then she wrote a book about it .. without any neat endings. It's messy and sometimes troubling but also sweet and exhilarating
Anything is Possible – Like her Pulitzer prize-winning book (and HBO miniseries) Olive Kitteridge, Elizabeth Strout’s new novel feels almost like a collection of short stories. Each chapter spotlights a different resident of Amgash, Illinois, a small town where everyone is connected to each other
Theft By Finding Diaries (1977-2002) – A collection of moments pulled from the diaries Sedaris wrote between 1977 and 2002. Certainly, he includes some of the bigger moments like the death of his mother or meeting his longtime partner Hugh. But most of the entries are quieter moments in which Sedaris writes about cleaning houses for a living, doing drugs and observing patrons at IHOP
And then there was this ice cream. A rich, decadent, ultimately satisfying dessert
This outrageously easy “ice cream” is just the sort of dessert to please everyone in the house .. the vegans .. the lactose-intolerant .. the paleo enthusiasts .. the picky children. Just toss four frozen bananas into a blender and give it a good whirl.
If you like soft-serve consistency, eat it right away (and adding a few tablespoons of milk or nut milk to the blender wouldn't hurt, but it isn't necessary). For more traditional scoops, freeze it in an airtight container and dole out as you would the Ben & Jerry's. Also, consider adding some different twists:
Strawberry/raspberry ice cream
Prepare as directed, except add 1/2 cup each, strawberries and raspberries and reduce the coconut milk to 2 Tbsp
Peanut Butter ice cream
Prepare as directed, except add 1/4 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter) and reduce the coconut milk to 2 Tbsp
Chocolate ice cream
Prepare as directed, except add 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and reduce the coconut milk to 2 Tbsp. A few chopped almonds would also be a great addition
Enjoy!
xoxo
Banana Ice Cream - 4 Easy (and Delicious) Ways
Ingredients
- Banana Ice Cream
- 4 medium bananas peeled, sliced, and frozen
- ¼ cup refrigerated unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Banana Ice Cream
- In a blender (or food processor) add all of the ingredients and combine until smooth
- Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency, or freeze at least 4 hours for a scoopable ice cream
61 Comments
I’ll have to get myself a Turkish towel. I rarely see banana ice cream on offer, but when I do , I usually order it.
My grandmother is the one who taught me to cook and sew. I learned so much from her. I definitely do not discount the wisdom and advice that we can learn from those older than us. I have actually made this banana ice cream before, and it turned out great.
Wow there is some great info in this post. I love sitting and listening to my Grandmothers. They have taught me so much in my life. However I have never thought to put Vodka in my pie crust…worth a shot!
Haha! I love their tips!I have learned so much from my mom and her friends who are now in their 70’s. They are full of great tips and information, and always so funny! And I completely agree with the best beach towel being a Turkish towel! They really do get softer with every wash! Thanks for the list of books, too! I am always looking for a good read. And of course, summer just wouldn’t be summer without ice cream! Although I have to admit, banana ice cream is not one of my favorites. However, the one made with coconut milk makes it sound pretty good!
These tips are very interesting! I wonder what makes Dole raisins better than other raisins?
This ice cream would be a great way to make a summer memory. I have heard of others making ice cream themselves, but I have never been quite sure how that worked. This is definitely something that I will consider doing with my kids this summer as my oldest is already seven so I know the years are coming to and end with him where he is going to want to hang out with myself and his brothers vs going over to friends.
I love all of these tips, and such a fabulous post! Banana ice cream is my absolute favourite which is weird really as I can’t stand bananas!!
Omg, this makes my mouth water. I love ice cream even though I don’t eat much. Funny thing is I don’t eat the fruit banana, but I like banana ice cream. Tastes so yummy!! haha.
So the the sweet potato recipe I have saved with the dip sauce – and now the ice cream !!! 1 out of 2 desserts I only ever eat! Thats two in a row Ali that I would make and I’m fussy 🙂 What alternative to almond? (allergic)
These ice creams look so freakishly good! Seriously – my mouth is watering with every picture that I’ve scrolled through. I am SO totally willing to try these recipes out… seriously!
Damn i shouldn’t read this post on an empty stomach! I’m thinking of trying the chocolate one, since i’m a huge fan of chocolate! And maybe add some chopped hazelnuts so it would be just like nutela-banana-ice cream BOMB! Thanks for sharing and making us crave those ice-creams right now 😀
I am drooling. All this ice cream looks delicious. I eat a lot of it over the summer so I’ll have to make these.
I have to admit I’ve seen a lot of banana makes of late, but I really don’t think I have ever seen banana ice cream! I can just image this being a perfect summer nights treat.
My son’s favorite food is bananas. This would be a really easy and healthy alternative to ice cream. We’ll have to try it.
I recently discovered banana ice cream and my son is absolutely obsessed! I can’t imagine how his little body can contain so much ice cream. We love the peanut butter one the best!
I’m an ice cream addict, it makes everything better. I wish I spent more time in the kitchen with my elders. I’m the scoopable type of ice cream lover so I would let it sit for a few hours.
My son loves banana anything. I have bananas I’m moving into the freezer after reading this! We’ll make this tomorrow for an afternoon treat!
What a great group of women! Milkshake the cat, too funny. I had a pet sitting business years ago and I tallied up all the “food” names of pets. So many! Mocha, Pistachio, Honey….It was a hoot.
Sounds like an amazing group of women! I love getting other women’s book lists as well And your ice cream – simply amazing! I want to learn to make it myself!
I could make some banana ice cream with the Banana Wave milk I shared on my blog! I am always reading so it’s cool seeing other’s recommendations. I am always a sucker for Elin Hilderbrand for the beach.
Absoluely love all of these tips. I am a HUGE fan of bananas, and loveeeeeeeeeee banana ice cream. Such a great post of yumminesss.
Sounds like a wonderful group of women! I have been wanting to try to find a local group myself to join in on because it’s a new area to me. I hope I am able to remain as active as being able to walk around like that with a group. Thank you for the book recommendations.
Some great book suggestions here. It sounds like you have a wonderful local group with lots of good advice.
Sounds like a group of gals to keep close! We have to find people like them in our lives. Thank you for all of the book ideas, I am always looking for new books to read. Also, those ice cream options…yes please. It is hot here today….need something cool and I Have all the ingredients.
Well well well… you’ve found one of my food weaknesses! I happen to LOVE ice cream : ) the photos have now awakened my sweet tooth and I am craving each bowl shown on this post… Thank you for the ideas, I’ll try all 4 ways : )
Is it suitable for kids also? I have got a 6 month old love of my life, and he loves ice cream already. And likes to eat bananas also, should we make this for him?
I love friends like that! Full of wisdom and good taste. I think this ice cream is a must try! IT’s definitely something that I would make for me and the kids!
That’s the kind of women that I want to be around with. It’s awesome what they can teach you especially since they’ve pretty much experienced everything. I am loving this recipe, it’s perfect for the summer!
Amazing! I couldn’t believe how much this tastes like real banana ice cream. I needed to keep it in the freezer for a few hours to give it an ice cream texture after ab hour it was more like half melted ice cream. I sometimes add a little cocoa powder to make it banana and chocolate flavored and made by own chocolate sauce by melting dark chocolate in the microwave and adding a spoonful of half fat creme fraiche.
This ice cream recipes look delicious! Doesnt matter if you are 60,70 or 90 you will still find banana ice cream delicious
My Grandmother taught me to love ice cream…not just to eat it. She taught me all about the glory of coffee flavored ice cream and how to savor every bits, not rush to finish.
Okay I had to check out the recipe for the pie crust using vodka because I have never heard of it before. I am going to be checking out a couple of these books too you shared as well as the banana ice cream. Thanks for sharing these things and the recipe.
I want to learn to make ice cream this summer. I’ll have to start with your peanut butter ice cream and the strawberry/raspberry ice cream.
Never knew that banana ice cream can be easily done just like this. Glad I came over this post. All I need is the coconut milk and I am good to do and try this one. Thanks to Sexy Veggie!
Oh i love ice cream! and this one looks so delicious! Perfect for summer.
I’ve never heard of adding vodka to pie crust but now I’m curious as to how that would turn out.
As a child one of my most beautiful memories of summer are the days when my mother would make homemade ice cream…this post has taken me back to those days and actually has me ready to buy a food processor just to try out a few of these recipes!
I have made banana ice cream like thsi in the past and it’s one of my favorite frozen desserts. There are so many fun ways to customize it!
They sound like some really cool ladies that you are meeting with. My only complaint is that they seem to have an affinity for Miracle Whip. Miracle Whip was created in some evil laboratory. And it’s made to turn stomachs and kill people with cholesterol. I can’t do that stuff. It’s just too… too… too.. ugh! Ah well. And I always wondered who kept the fans off in the fitness classes. I wonder no longer. 😉
My grandparents all passed while I was very young, so I was unable to forge a close relationship with them. But whenever I go to one of those classes at the gym, they hate it whenever someone tries to turn on the fan. Did not know it was a thing haha.
Looks like you have a nice ladies gang full of love and laughter to support each other! The banana ice-cream reminds me of the Dippin’ Dots’ banana ice-cream but only dots are missing…lol!
Well I can honestly say I would never have thought to add vodka to a pie crust! What a quick and easy recipe I must try this, we love homemade ice cream.
LOL @ hair dye. Last month I was visiting my mom and I gave her a trim. I had no idea how many grey she had! I never see her dye her hair so I guess it never dawned on me that she did that. But of course she does. She’s 62! And she looks great!
This ice cream looks sooo perfect! I love the touch of almond mixed in with the banana.
I came across a product review on Turkish towels before and they said the same thing. I would need to find some and replace the ones we have at home. I had to scroll down really quick to avoid those ice cream photos. My craving is so great, I’d be out the door first thing in the morning buying ice cream at the store.
I haven’t come across a mix like this before, and it looks yummy! When I look at it, I rather think of Coldstone, the mix and feel of it all. Delicious and tasty. I have a mad love for ice cream and this is one looks like a must
I’m not a big banana lover, but I appreciate it better when it’s used as an ingredient for a dessert or dish. This banana ice cream looks absolutely delicious! It’s even better that it includes coconut milk. I’m a big fan of coconut flavors!
I’ve always wanted to make my own ice cream! Looks super easy and definitely summer ready!
This post had me droolin’! I’ve never actually tried making my own ice cream, maybe it’s time for me so start (or at least try!)
The women sound wonderful and who knew that anyone could want to put vodka in their pie crusts lol. It is certainly innovative but it is nice to know that you share a great bond with these women. On another note I do love ice cream and banana ice cream is one flavour that I have never really tried before! x
My husband loves anything but chocolate. So this would be just perfect for me to try for him. I am sure he will absolutely love it.
Awe so sweet xx Also so true, my grandma always cooks the best food when me and my family are visiting!!
I miiight try this but the thing about ice cream is that I’m supposed to wait for it while it’s staying in the fridge and I DON’T KNOW what to do with myself meanwhile LOL.
I didn’t know banana ice cream could be so easy. Just frozen bananas? There’s no denying that it’s very healthy as well. Can you make this into banana shake, too?
Oh these books do sound fab. What better way to indulge with them, than with a spoon and some tasty ice cream choices.
I’ve never tried banana ice cream before. It actually sounds delicious 🙂
Louise x
Love how you hook me in with the starting line… Curious as a cat me had to know who it is you had missed 🙂 Beautiful reminder of the wosdom that older people can share. I´d especially be curious about those ladies book list.
Then ofcoarse the banana ice cream…Yummy! Will try this one. Thanks!
Those photos! I imagine you’d have to be quick with the camera or have a very cool room in which do your photography. Everything looked freshly scooped and wonderfully prepared.
This post really struck a chord with me because I consider my Abuela my best friend…she is such an inspiration to me and a wealth of knowledge. Not too mention that she was the first one to dye my hair 🙂
Looks amazing, especially during summer season. I’ve never tried banana ice cream earlier however it is a new inspiration for me. I love the combination of almond mixed with the banana – super cool idea!
I was raised by my grandma and every summer we went to the pool in our neighborhood and there were ladies her age. I loved sitting and listening to them to talk to each other or talk to me about life. Ladies at those ages are a hoot!
The ice cream recipes look delicious and perfect for summer!
I am a huge fan of nicecreams! Not a type, it’s called nicecream. =D There is nothing better than a smooth, melt in your mouth banana goodness. <3
Frozen cherries work just the same! I make cherry ice cream almost every night.