Sometimes even if you're eating really healthy you just need a little pick-me-up to treat yourself!

This smoothie was created with essential ingredients to aid in digestion as well as clear skin!



Benefits of the ingredients

Herbs: Really you can use any combination of herbs you like but I used fresh basil, parsley, and mint.

Basil: anti-oxidant effects which slow down the effects of aging, supports liver functions to detoxify the liver
Parsley: contains iron to fight fatigue, contains antioxidants to protect against aging
Mint: promotes digestion and soothes indigestion and inflammation in the stomach



Coconut water: full of electrolytes to help you maintain proper fluid balance and very hydrating. Also acts a diuretic and helps with your metabolic rate so you can lose weight. 

Cinnamon: anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Could maintain normal digestion functionality by relieving abdominal discomfort brought about by excess gas

Ginger: ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach in people with indigestion

Raspberries: raspberries contain certain ketones that can affect the activity of enzymes and cell signaling molecules that are involved with the breakdown of fats which can help with weight loss. Raspberries also contain anti-oxidants

Collagen: collagen is a source of highly bioavailable protein with a specific amino acid profile that feeds soft tissues like cartilage and skin
I used this kind

Honey: regulates blood sugar and reduces gastrointestinal disorders

Detox Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of fresh herbs (I used basil, parley, and mint)
• 1 1/2 cups coconut water
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4" of fresh ginger chopped up (or about 2 tsp)
• 1/3 cup raspberries
• scoop of collagen
• 1-2 tbsp honey
• Ice if desired

Directions 

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth
2. Serve!

Last year when I posted my recipe for Cranberry Filled Eggnog Cupcakes, many of you admitted to not liking eggnog. I have to admit that I was slightly taken aback by this. I don't understand how some do not like eggnog. Although, I do have to confess, I also cannot drink eggnog on its own. There's just something about it being so thick and sweet. I still love the taste and creaminess eggnog brings to things!

Drinkable cake!
Hope that got your attention...

Have you ever discovered a recipe but didn't have a key ingredient so you went out of your way to buy that ingredient just so you could make it? That's what I did when I saw this recipe a while ago. I've been thinking of making my own milk for some time and I thought that cashew milk sounded super yummy. The only thing was, I didn't have any cashews! So I bought a huge jar of cashews to satisfy my desire to make this milk.

Cats like Cashew Oat Milk too!

My cat decided to make an appearance for this post. Her name is Blaky. Yes, that is the correct spelling. It's how I spelled her name when I was a little kid and so that is how I will keep spelling it. I love her, she is my best friend!
Isn't amazing how everyone loves their pet? They can provided us with so much joy and friendship. I wonder if they know how much they mean to us.

Before my post today I want to say how sad I am about the earthquake in Japan. About a year and a half ago I went to Japan for three months as an exchange student. I have not been able to contact my host family but luckily they live in a part of Japan that was not affected.
I love Japan so my heart has been broken due to this tragedy. All my prayers go out to Japan and those affected by this disaster.

On a lighter note, this week I participated in my first bake sale! I was so excited. I love bake sales. Nearly every day there is one somewhere at my university. I never was asked to participate in one until a couple weeks ago. Of course I immediately said I would help out.