smoothie queen

You may remember my post forever ago sharing this secret about the smoothies I make for the kids.  I’m proud to say we’re still loving the green.  Here’s one of my happy customers.

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Checking the weather and drinking her vitamins? Whatever works.

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Only one slight change.  I did some research and switched from raw organic spinach to kale, which appears to be a tad more loaded with vitamins.  Below is my current recipe.  Guaranteed to lure ANY non veggie eating child (or adult)!

Tangy Mango Smoothie:

Yields 4 – 5 cups

1/2 a bag of frozen mango

2 cups raw kale

1/2 cup water

1 cup orange juice

1 or 2 scoops of our favorite rice protein powder

.    .    .    .

I use this bad boy to blend it all together.

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Somehow I have mastered the joy of delivering raw, organic vegetables into my children.  With no fuss, anxiety, or awkward negotiation.  They request a smoothie every morning before school.  Who’d have thought?

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Maybe next I’ll crack the code to on how to get my children to clean and organize their rooms.  Hmmm, I probably have a better chance of crawling out of bed and hunting down the smurfs using night vision goggles.

For those of you who are into almond milk, over here is another recipe that looks super healthy.

green smoothie

 

Quickie health fact:  Tiny chemical compounds found in heathy greens interact with the immune cells of the gut, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), by effectively protecting them and boosting their numbers.  IELs, white blood cells that inhabit the lining of many body cavities, are concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract, where their primary purpose is to destroy target cells that are infected by pathogens.  Translation?  a high IEL count boosts your immunity.  Eat your greens!

.    .    .    .

[source for health fact:  Babraham Institute, Cambridge UK]

By Seleta | 6 Comments

fabulous friday!

You know I’m crazy about ExVoto’s Vintage jewelry designs.  I’ve written about them more than once and each time have seriously wanted one of their necklaces!

 

They have countless one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, so I’ve been patiently waiting for the right one to come along.  The gals at ExVoto Vintage helped me out and started on a hunt for a unique vintage sterling silver locket for my necklace.  Over the summer they found the perfect one.  They had it hand-engraved, which in and of itself is beautiful.  As soon as this beauty arrived in the petite box garnished with their signature red crest, I carefully unwrapped it, and popped it right on.  That July day I was sporting my favorite men’s shirt which is not exactly fall-ish, sorry!  

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It was love at first sight.  Since I wear mostly creams, whites and cooler tones, I went with their silver classic necklace.  I also love wearing this with all black and then piling on pearls for drama.  This locket happened to come with four frames inside – perfect number for my brood : )

DID SOMEONE SAY GIVEAWAY?

Why yes.  Today we’re giving away one of the newest ExVoto pieces – the Messenger necklace, valued at $129!

This necklace has an envelope pendant with a “letter” inside that says “I love you.”  Custom engraving is available for the backside of the “letter” which fits inside the envelope locket.  For example: a monogram, a date, a scripture reference, or even “marry me.”  Brilliant way to propose, gentlemen.

This is clearly the perfect staple for any wardrobe.  Love, love, love it.

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The winner gets to choose between the gold Messenger necklace with pearl stones here or amethyst stones right over here.

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A peek at some of their Fall collection to get you inspired…

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Lusting over this clutch tricked out with tassel fabulousness.  I could seriously deal with this in my life.

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More tassels…

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Another newbie, the Sterling Classic with Blackforest Metal. Yum.

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Bracelets anyone?  They have a to die for collection using leather, pearls, gold, glass and unusual charms.  I’m intrigued with their wrapped leather in chocolate.

 

HOW TO WIN:

We’ve made this one simple.  Just take your pick:  follow ExVoto Vintage on either pinterest, Twitter or instagram at exvotovintage.  If you do all THREE, your entry will count twice!  Also tell us which jewelry tones you tend to wear – warm (gold tones) or cool (silvers).

Happy Friday, friends!!

By Seleta | 78 Comments

new twist on tweed

One last mention on my recent Target visit, promise.  I found this interesting piece by Kirna Zabete.  It’s a traditional shift with a modern spin using one of my favorite materials: tweed.  The trim is a faux leather.

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Hanging among a sea of flimsy polyester teeny bopper tops, this little A-line number immediately caught my eye.  It had an air of sophistication.  So I gave it a try.  Nothing like snapping your pic in a fluorescent lit dressing room while barefoot to make you feel extra fancy.  This shift will be amazing with a black turtleneck, tights and tall boots.  And of course stacks of pearls ; )

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Tweed is timeless.  And a prevalent material used in many of Jackie Kennedy’s outfits.  Who could forget her Bob Bugnand designed black and white houndstooth tweed skirt and jacket with braided trim worn during her husband’s 1960 presidential campaign?  52 years later, it’s  still a classic.

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It was inspired by another couture classic – the Chanel suit.  And worn by Mrs. Kennedy with grace and style.

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She had an incredible collection of wool tweed dresses and skirt suits…of course it didn’t hurt that Oleg Cassini personally designed her wardrobe during her years as First Lady.

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Love the shade and nubby texture of this cream suit.

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By no means am I suggesting that the Target dress is in the same category as Chanel or Cassini, but what I am saying is that it’s very possible to pull off an elegant look without spending thousands.  I certainly don’t mind having a few inexpensive items in my wardrobe.  I think the key is pairing the inexpensive item with more quality made pieces, such as great shoes or something made with a higher end fabric such as silk, linen or wool.  I’m also of the belief that you can pair pearls with nearly anything and raise the sophistication factor a few notches!

Meanwhile, after posting my dressing room pic on instagram, an IG pal informed me that this inexpensive shift also won the approval of mod fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker.  How about that.

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Cheers to a thrifty Thursday ; )

By Seleta | 7 Comments
  • Simply Me

    SeletaI‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more here.
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