Oh Banana Bread... how we love you! Since the kids were babies, Banana Bread of all sorts has been not only a staple in our kitchen but also a vehicle to pump healthy ingredients into the kids without them really knowing it.
I've gone so far as to add spinach and avocado to recipes (with success I might add!), but we keep returning to an old favorite recipe (and spinach-free version...) - Oatmeal Banana Bread with Molasses.
Tender and flavorful, we easily removed the dairy when my son became intolerant, but would the old recipe stand up to becoming "veganized"? Absolutely.
The banana and oatmeal bring a tender moistness while the walnuts add a touch of texture. But I think it's the molasses that kicks this recipe over the top with a rich pop of flavor that leaves you simply wanting more.
Fabulous fresh from the oven, we've been known to demolish an entire loaf before the last slice cools. However if you can save enough for breakfast the next morning, a toasted slice slathered with peanut butter and topped with sliced banana is pure heaven.
Whether serving to your plant-based friends or not, this recipe may rise to the top of your most used recipes once you give it a go.
Cheers my friends, here's to banana love!
Kim
Setting off on vacation a few weeks ago I tucked a couple travel-sized 2 oz jars of Skinny Coconut Oil products into my suitcase. Skinny & Company sent me a few travel-sized products to review, and I agreed to social media (if we liked them) in return. Asking Liv if she and her friend would give the products a try and perhaps help compose a photo or two (they are instagram styling queens!) I received a "Maybe." in return. Hence, I was on my own.
However, on my own turned out to be just fine when unpacking some 20 hours later and I realized I hadn't packed my usual makeup remover wipes. Turning to the Skinny products I chose the Coconut Facial Oil which is said to remove makeup. And remove makeup it did!
I think for the first time in ages my face was completely makeup free - including those stubborn mascara smudges under my eyes. Seriously... wow.
Taking a peek at the ingredients brought another wow. Chemical free, all natural (not natural flavor - but actually real, natural, plant-based ingredients), and it worked. I'm so sold.
Three products all packed in one little jar, the Facial Oil works as a makeup remover, cleanser and moisturizer. I think Skinny's site says it best:
"This amazing jar contains some of the most calming essential oils
in the world. This facial oil is best used to remove stubborn makeup
with ease, then wipe off with a warm cloth. A little goes a long way
with all coconut oil products and it has a long shelf life. It will not
irritate eyes or skin because just like all Skinny & Co. products,
it is not made with any chemicals or preservatives. A great bonus tip is
to add this to the tops of the cheekbones or decollete as a light
highlight once makeup is applied."
But the real test came some 10 days later when Liv asked if she could use some of my "coconut stuff" as she had used the last of her makeup wipes. Unfortunately, this was the last I saw of my prized little jar. However the girls too, are sold, and Olivia's friend returned home to order a jar to spread the Coconut Facial Oil love in college at UC Davis.
The girls say their faces are clearer since they've begun using the Facial Oil and that it works "way" better than other removal products. In addition, while it is an actual oil, it doesn't make their faces oily - only soft and clean. Note a little goes a long way!
Researching Skinny & Company, made me even more of a fan. Products with real ingredients made by real people with real stories, Co-Founders Matt and Luke Geddie create raw alkaline coconut oil products that are changing the face of the food and cosmetics industries.
Skinny and Company also sent me a jar of the Oil Pulling Coconut Oil and now our whole family uses it. Hard to get onto the pulling bandwagon, it was Skinny's oil enhanced with real peppermint that changed their minds. (The pulling oil leaves your mouth minty fresh while improving overall oral health). I've been pulling for almost a year and my last dental visit the hygienist mentioned my teeth were cleaner and healthier than ever. She asked if I had been flossing more (Um.... no). But I told her about the oil pulling and she said that's most likely what did the trick. Again... I'm sold.
So thanks for introducing yourself Skinny & Company. I'm loving the raw alkaline coconut oil benefits for my whole family including the dog, and the UPS guy is getting used to making regular Skinny & Company deliveries to my house. Here's to a long and healthy relationship!
Liv Life Note: Skinny and Company sent me a few sample jars of coconut oil products. I've since repurchased the facial oil, pulling oil and ordered a jar of the pure coconut oil for cooking (recipes coming). I was not under obligation to post about the products, however when you find something you love so much you simply want to share!
Three weeks of vacation - pure, wonderful, indulgent vacation - has left me in somewhat of a food coma and ready for fresh, revitalizing foods. Which brings me directly to today's Blueberry Lime Cooler recipe.
Light and refreshing, I've prepared this minty drink for the last three days and have found it an ideal "get me going" drink on sluggish jet lagged mornings.
Filled with antioxidant-rich blueberries, protein and vitamin rich spinach, digestion enhancing mint and a bright squeeze of lime, this cooler is easing by post vacation blues and helping me transition to the slightly chillier end of summer mornings.
Blueberry Lime Detox Cooler
A get you back on track nutritious drink that sets your morning off in the perfect direction. Light and refreshing, it's a great way to start the day!
1 cup coconut water
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
1 handful organic spinach
1 Tbs oatmeal
1 Tbs goji berries
2-5 leaves organic mint
juice of 1 lime (more if desired)
Place all items into your blender and blend until smooth. The mint leaves usually bring quite a bit of flavor, so adjust to your taste by using more or less - we use between 3-5 leaves, I love a nice minty drink!
Add more water if smoothie it too thick.
