Lunch on Fire Island
ChocoBananaNut Smoothie Recipe
My friend from way-back-when, Jennifer Menzer, is in incredible shape. So much so, that it begs the question: “Girl, what do you eat?” As a Nutrition, Fitness, and Lifestyle Coach for Boston Health Coaches, in Boston, Massachusetts, there is no question that she is in peak form, in part, through exercise; however, it is Boston Health Coaches lifestyle approach that got my attention. They advertise the belief that “food, health, and life should be savored.” How opposite to what we normally think about diet. Their approach is not about deprivation, but about making the right choices instead. Brilliant.
So back to the question about what she eats. This foodie wanted to know. She gave us this wonderful recipe for the ChocoBananaNut Smoothie. Visit her website at Bostonhealthcoaches.com to learn more information and connect with Jennifer and her counterparts at Boston Health Coaches.
Makes 1 serving
1 frozen banana (freeze it with the peel off!)
1 tsp peanut or almond butter
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp chia seeds
small handful kale
Cover with a bit of Almond Milk, blend, and enjoy cold.
As an aside, I served it to my kids, and they had no idea that they were drinking veggies. Bottoms up!
On Fatherhood: From Daughter to Wife
My Dad was the one with all of the answers. And sometimes, still is. Not much of a talker, or one who voluntarily shares his opinion. He’s quietly fascinating. Genes are so incredible. For while my son shares his face, my daughter shares his love of birds and butterflies. And everything that grows and makes this world beautiful.
When Mom went to work at night on weekends, Dad was there. He replicated the Egg McMuffin and made the fudgiest brownies you could imagine. He built the treehouse in the backyard and showed me how butterflies hatched from cocoons.
My husband had big shoes to fill. And while he’s so very different from my Dad in so many ways, they are alike in their amazing ability to step in and not only be Daddy, but Mommy, when she’s not around or not available.
For the first four months of my daughter’s life, she would only sleep on my husband’s chest. She was a colicky baby and soothed by his warmth and strong arms. Hours spent rocking her to sleep often didn’t compare to the comfort she felt curled up in his protection. They still share an incredible and undeniable bond, along with a love of all things anime.
Time is always at a premium in our house. Support is not. While I sneak off to some corner of the house to pen a particularly difficult post. or fly to the other end of the country, he is there, being every bit the parent that I am. Arranging for play dates, making dinner, goodnight hugs and kisses, and stories by night light.
If there’s any question as to what kind of a job he’s doing, ask my son what he wants to be when he grows up. His answer: “A daddy.”
One Dress, Two Looks
The Seven Day Manicure
When it comes to manicures, I’ve tried them all. After a year of gel manicures and over a year of acrylics, I’m back to my own nails. Although it’s certainly freeing not to be tied down to a two-hour fill-in session, making a regular or home manicure last a week is an art in and of itself. These tips will help keep your nails in tip-top shape.
1. Pick a Light Color, But not Too Light: Picking a dark color or even a very light (white-based) color will make any imperfections, like chips, very obvious. Pick a natural color like a beige or a faint pink. My favorites are Essie’s Mademoiselle, Sugar Daddy, and Spaghetti Strap.
2. Keep them on the Shorter Side: Longer nails are prone to cracking and chipping, especially if your nails are on the weaker side. Keep them short and each of a similar length.
3. Clean with Gloves On: Nothing ruins a manicure faster than contact with cleaning fluids like bleach. Buy yourself a pair of heavy duty cleaning gloves and wear them whenever you clean or wash the dishes.
4.Keep Nails from Contact with Hand Sanitizer and Hand Creams: These are things we are prone to using every day, but avoiding the nail area when you apply them will help keep your manicure from breaking down.
5. Apply a Top Coat or Nail Strengthener Every Other Day: Purchase a clear nail strengthening top coat from a beauty supply store or your local nail salon and apply it every other day. Not only will it keep your nails looking shiny, but the product buildup during the week will keep your nails strong and less likely to break or chip.
Beauty Space-Saver: Tarte Bronzer/Blush Duo
I’ve been seriously pondering switching out my large purse for a sleek clutch, so I need all the help that I can get downsizing its contents. This bronzer/blush duo allows you to carry all of your contouring products in one sleek compact.
If you’ve been applying blusher without pairing it with a bronzer, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to contour your face. (Hello, cheekbones!)
The color selection Tarte offers (Dollface blush and Park Avenue Princess bronzer) makes for a natural but polished look and a healthy sun-kissed glow.
Jumpsuit Chic
Mommy Needs a Drink Recipe: Frozen Bellini
What better way to cool down on a Summer evening than with a frozen Bellini?
Makes about 3-4 drinks
1 16-oz pkg frozen peaches
1.5 cups of Prosecco
A squirt of lemon juice
1 tsp. sugar
Fresh mint (Garnish)
Fresh raspberries (Garnish)
Place all ingredients except the last two (for the garnish) and blend until liquefied. Serve in champagne flutes. Pierce a raspberry and one mint leave with a toothpick and place on top of the glass. Enjoy!
The Chic Mommy 