“Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me, those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language” ~ Henry James
Photo Credit: Instagram – @surflodge
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Maybe it’s the bright blue skies and carefree days of summer, but I’ve been waking early as of late. Way before the alarm
I stay in bed as my husband gets ready for work, and we chat about the day ahead. One by one, the kitties come for their morning pets and behind-the-ear scratches, while Little Z burrows himself deeper and deeper under the covers.
Outside, the weather is already starting to get warm. It’s been hot in Iowa, vacillating between afternoon nineties, and a far more polite 70-degrees at night. A bit of rain makes an appearance every now and again.
The rain makes the sun brighter, isn’t that how the saying goes?
I set out for yoga, my favorite studio offering a summer challenge: 56 classes in 8-weeks (I’m shooting for 25-30 instead). An hour later, sweaty and red-faced, I take a shower, throw a summer dress over my head, and wander into the kitchen.
These first few hours of the day are some of my favorite. Ahead there’s such potential, so many fun things that could be done.
We’ve been living the heck out of life lately.
Picnics, bike rides, floating down the lazy river, and dinner parties with friends. On the eighth day we will certainly rest, but not yet. Not when there are weekend get-aways to plan, marshmallows on sticks, and long walks at the park
These days have been filled with so much good, and I’m reminding myself to simply let them be. Not to dwell on yesterday, when I decided to make a new recipe, only to realize the lighting would have been better had I waited a few hours. Or tomorrow, when I’ll wish for ice tea waiting for me in the fridge, get distracted by something shiny
and forget to make some
I’m thankful for my children, who’ve come back into our lives. My daughter and her family, who returned after a few years in Montana, and Eli, who’s nearly three. How we’re all getting to know each other.
Three feels like an age where you should explore and see and do with a cool and collected grandma by your side. An age that feels legitimate, like you’re ready to come home with a skinned knee every now and again. There should be sidewalk chalk marks on your buns, strawberry stains on your fingers, rosy cheeks, grass-stained feet, and wavy curls styled by heat,
sweat and fun
I tell a friend over lunch this week that I’ve been listening to and following the gentle tugs on my spirit. Those that have been guiding me away from days driven by the worry of not having accomplished enough, to something vastly different
A new and slower routine, one that’s brought me to a far happier place. One that leaves me feeling active and well-rested. Creative and productive, loving and intentional, accepting and thankful
It’s been a process. I’m settling into the groove. It feels pretty darn good
One a slightly different note, for those who follow The Veggies. Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes, with a fairly significant overhaul of the site. A chance to freshen the site’s look and make things a bit easier to find
I really hope you like it
You’ve caught me in the middle of a smoothie bender this summer. The time of year when I crave meals that are lighter and brighter
In this case, a breakfast jar containing everything required to make someone terribly happy, with ingredients you probably have at the ready. A start to the day that’s certain to bring a little ray of sunshine
A bright and fresh smoothie in a jar, one that’s best eaten with a spoon. It’s smooth and not too sweet, filled with banana, orange, yogurt, bookended with granola, and topped with fruit.
It makes a filling and delicious breakfast or snack, and a boost of vitamin C is never a bad thing
A couple of notes about the recipe
If you can remember to freeze the bananas ahead of time, it will be well worth it. Frozen bananas make for thicker smoothies
Use any granola you have on hand, although I’ve included a link to my favorite granola recipe (below)
Enjoy!
xoxo
~ Adapted from Bon Appetit
Summer Breakfast Jar
Ingredients
- Banana & Orange Smoothie
- 1 large banana, peeled, sliced, frozen
- 1 cup orange juice, chilled
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 4 ice cubes + more depending on the desired consistency
- 1 Tbsp honey (or liquid sweeter of choice, or you can easily skip it altogether)
- nut milk, to thin
- Fresh fruit for serving
- Granola of choice my favorite recipe is here
Instructions
- Banana & Orange Smoothie
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- If it is too thick, or if you prefer your smoothie creamier, add 2 to 4 Tbsp of your favorite plant milk and blend again
- Assemble and Serve
- At the bottom of each 16 oz jar, add a few Tbsp to ¼ cup of the granola
- Divide the smoothie between the two jars, top with additional granola and your choice of fresh fruit (I love blackberries here)
2 Comments
I just love your philosophy on life, particularly summer. I am also trying to get to that place you’ve found. Thanks for the gentle urging 🙂 Will you be at Michelle’s house in August for the next blogger meet-up?
Oh Kelli .. Hi. Thank-you so much. You are all sorts of wonderful 🙂
I’m definitely planning on being there .. it’ll be fun to get to see everybody!
Have a wonderful weekend