Green Smoothie - History

(Before diving into this subject, allow me to clarify that I do not consider myself a health junkie. While I run 3-4 times a week, and I enjoy drinking these very much, I also dropped $10 yesterday on ice-cream. You do the math.)

Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by questioning individuals, in relation to the rise and progress of the Green Smoothie® - I have been induced to write this history, to appease the public mind.

In 2006 while studying at Brigham Young University, I was under the instruction of Robyn Openshaw-Pay, who became one of my most influential teachers during said tenure. She maintains a website focused on eating not only healthy food, yet healthy delicious food. (note emphasis)

The following video was posted there, which I consider a very worthwhile use of three minutes.



And there you have it.

My first attempts at this were unsuccessful, however time and experimention has created a very healthy pillar on which I can comfortably rest.

I knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it. Besides, since trying these, I have convinced a few others of their value, who enjoy these as well!

That said, I must clarify that I do not use a VitaMix. Our KitchenAid gets quite the workout here, and clearly doesn't make a smoothie as... well... smooth as a VitaMix. Still, I consider the entire effort worthwhile, and would emphatically recommend this to anyone who actually wants to significantly improve their diet rather than the frequently heard "One day I should.."

Enjoy!

Our Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend

Our drive to Niagara began early Friday morning...one broken plate later we were on the road. (Yes, I broke a plate, on the asphalt, in our parking lot, and could be seen sweeping it up at 6:00 in the morning).

Here is Lowell enjoying our drive with his trusty companion - the green smoothie.
Upon arriving in Niagara Falls, New York - we immediately set forth to find the illusive sweet potato fries Lowell experienced 4 years ago. After a few phones calls and some walking and then asking at a hotel desk - we discovered the place closed down. The summer of 2008 was its last. Sad day in our family... (until I found a place that opened just weeks prior - that sold sweet potato fries with maple syrup, almonds, and butter. Lowell bought two orders and quickly devoured them.)
Then we went to the falls. After viewing them from Ponder Point in the United States - I thought "is that all?" (Okay, I didn't think it, I said it out loud. Lowell just laughed. Little did I know what was coming.)
Cave of the Winds was our next stop - and believe me the "is that all" feeling quickly disappeared. Lowell said it was the strongest he has seen the water in his three visits. Even the "stay dry" areas got you completely soaked.

Here I am modeling my sexy raincoat.
Don't forget the awesome non-slip footwear.(Don't mind Lowell's toe - two words...Church Ball).
The happy couple...

...trying to survive the masses of water attacking them.

I was absolutely dumb-founded by the sheer force of the water. 30 seconds after this picture, I was grateful to be wearing shorts, whereas water gushed onto the deck.
Lowell went to the "Hurricane Deck" to get completely soaked - yeah, the water ripped his poncho. He didn't last long. Unfortunately the video I took is very poor quality with the water splots and long distance filming. You can just imagine it, right?

After the Cave of the Winds adventure (my favorite part, I was tempted to do it again) - we'd had enough of America and ventured to Canada.

So much cooler in terms of viewing the falls, however everything else in Canada seemed a little off (see below).

Maid of the Mist was our next voyage.

The rest of the afternoon was spent walking the boardwalk. We ventured to our room later that day and had one of the oddest bed and breakfasts experiences. (We know where not to stay next time!)

The next morning we arose and tried to find the whirlpool. Yeah, definitely not as big as the advertising makes you think. We had more fun spotting the odd people and things in Canada.

Case in point:

The old guy sun-bathing.

Yes he is sitting in a chair, with his arms to the sky, sun-bathing his potbelly.
NOTHING ELSE.
I love the shirt way the shirt tucks in. :)

Whoever said decorating your front porch with a coffin was a good idea - was mistaken. Especially in the merry ol' month of May.
And please don't forget the hotel that looked like it was straight from the seventies with glowing yellow chairs. For some reason, which we can't understand, EVERY door is open to the rooms. We do understand why no cars were in the parking lot though. :)

After one final view walk past the falls......we headed to Palmyra, New York. We checked in at a lovely bed and breakfast (we definitely know where to stay next time) and raced to the temple for the 3 pm session, the last of the day. We even spoke to one of the members of the Temple presidency who spent 45 years as a healthcare administrator - one of the fields Lowell is considering for a graduate degree.

After a quick tour of the Grandin Printing Press, where the Book of Mormon was first printed, the rest of evening was spent in the Sacred Grove.
We asked for a dinner recommendation and were very happy with the results. Tom Wahl's - 10 minutes from Palmyra. Delicious burgers and milkshakes, and yes we like to play while we eat.
Sunday morning we had a delicious breakfast that included, but was not limited to, cornbread blueberry muffins and peach-stuffed french toast. Heavenly! We then attended church in Palmyra which was a wonderful experience. I sat next to the "Candy Lady" who shared her mint truffles with me, while Lowell was complimented by a guy who noticed Lowell opening the car door for me - both when we get in the car and when we get out.

After church we spent some time at the Hill Cumorah.

The Joseph Smith, Sr. farm was our last stop.

We decided that the Church only uses the pokey gravel for historical sites. Both in Palmyra and Nauvoo, my flip flops were almost completely worn out after walking on the gravel paths. Lowell says I should wear different shoes. I disagree.

We then admired the beautiful Palmyra Temple one final time and headed home.


'twas a wonderful weekend indeed.

One year ago today....

our fun-filled expedition across the country...
Ended here...

What a trip that was...and what a year it has been!

We have met so many kind and wonderful people. We are so grateful to live in such a diverse area (I don't think I will ever get used to hearing so many languages at the grocery store), with a strong ward, steady jobs, and great friends - along with plenty of opportunities to explore and things to do. Definitely more than we could have asked for as we drove across the country.

Truly, we have had a great year in Pennsylvania. Lets see what the next one brings!


First stop of our second year "back east" - Niagara Falls...this weekend! Pictures to come next week.

A call to serve

Two Fridays ago our Bishop asked Lowell and I to spearhead a dinner for 175 to take place between the Priesthood Leadership and Adult sessions of Stake Conference. After a brief meeting with our committee and lots of hours of thinking (and stressing) we set to work on Saturday.

One of our committee members made 414 rolls and chicken salad, while the other roasted a bunch of beef and purchased cheese. The main course was set - roast beef and/or chicken salad sandwiches. (Thank you again to the Busaths and the Browns if you read this!)

Lowell and I took over the fruit and vegetable trays, along with paper goods and chips. We spent Saturday morning shopping and Saturday afternoon chopping and assembling. We purchased.....5 pineapples, 3 cantaloupes, 10lbs or so of grapes, 12lbs of strawberries, a few scattered oranges and apples, 5 heads of celery, 4 lbs of baby carrots, 5 pints of cherry tomatoes, 5 lbs of pre-cut broccoli, and mini-peppers. Needless to say we were a busy bunch.
Don't forget the brownies we made for dessert as evidenced by the empty bowl in the sink (the dishwasher was already full and running).After chopping and washing our entire fridge was full (sadly we didn't get a picture of the full fridge), all of our knives, cutting boards, and kitchen towels were wet (Lowell thought it best to not cross contaminate so every fruit and veggie had its own towels).

The dinner went off without a hitch...well except for one thing. Those mini-peppers I bought. Yeah, they were next to the large bell peppers at Produce Junction, but they weren't labeled. Lowell tried one and his mouth was on fire. Mitzi tried one and same result. Rosa, the Hispanic member of the crew, informed us that I had purchased Habenaro peppers instead of bell peppers. Oops! They looked just like mini-bell peppers to me! Honest.

Stake Conference was great. The adult session was all about service and there were several inspirational stories shared - I don't think I have enjoyed an evening session more. Our Stake President spoke, giving steps to true happiness and joy.
1. RELAX
2. Be Completely Honest
3. Be optimistic and look for the brights side. Always looking for the negative leads to a life of selfishness and depression.
I had never thought of joy and honesty being synonomus however it makes so much sense. We can't be happy if we are hiding something from others or even if we "hide" something from ourselves that we are scared to admit or correct, but we know isn't necessarily right. Great counsel for everyone. As for the other parts I am working on the relaxing and the optimistic side right now. :)

In other news, Friday marked three years since Lowell proposed. To celebrate - Lowell bought me an blueberry Amish cheesecake from the Farmer's Market in West Chester. Delicious! We are finishing it tonight as our treat for FHE.