Ice Cream Alternative

What if I told you that there was an ice cream that is gluten free, dairy free, has around 100 calories per serving, and, could infact be considered healthy?

Annnd what if I told you that there was only one ingredient and you don't need an ice cream maker to make it?

I know, I may sounds crazy. But see, I have a problem.

It's ice cream.

I love it....like a lot. Especially in the summer. But it's not too good for me. Or you, for that matter. So when I found this alternative, I was very skeptical, but willing to try anything that would satisfy my ice cream cravings.

So, what's the one ingredient, you may ask?

Bananas. Rippen bananas, actually.

So here's what you do: Cut 2-4 (approx 2-4 servings) ripen bananas into little wheels as seen. Then place banana in freezer for 2-3 hours.

Once frozen, you'll need a food processor to do the rest. 

Process your bananas on low. This may take a little while, and you may need to scrape down the sides a few times, but after a few minutes you will get the texture you want. 

Here's the fun part! While this is a one ingredient recipe, you can also add some fun things. I added about a tablespoon of Nutella to mine. Yes, it decreases the health factor a bit, but it's still better than ice cream.

Spin it a few more times to mix in the nutella, it should look like soft serve!

So right as I was finishing up this 'ice cream' recipe, Shawn walks in. I ask him to try it and he loves it! Then I ask him to guess what's in it. He had NO CLUE.

You could also mix in almond butter  or peanut butter, which would give it a nice kick of protein and keep you full. You could also mix in chocolate chips, strawberries or blueberries, caramel, vanilla extract, even vanilla wafers and marshmallow fluff to make banana cream pie!

Cute, huh?

Place it in the freezer to get a firmer ice cream. I can't wait to get into this again!

Has anyone else tried this before? Any other ideas for mix ins? 

Cat Picnic and Discontentment

Discontentment.

A few weeks ago, my lovely (er, handsome?) husband spoke on the subject. You can listen to that sermon, here.

The ironic thing is, lately, that is how I have been feeling. Maybe it's just that I've been restless since things have slowed down after graduation, vacation, weddings, mission trip, and I'm now in this "waiting period" before I start my job on the 23rd. Even so, there's still this need to "do" something or "buy" something constantly running though me.

So on Saturday, I decided to have a "cat picnic." No, I didn't eat our cat.

Wait, let me back up. First, I have to clarify that we put our cat on a leash. Yes, we are those people. Our cat is an indoor cat, and we live right next to a main road, so we do leash our cat when she's outside. Anyways....

So back to my picnic. I decided to put our cat on her leash next to a blanket that I laid out in the yard. I thought it'd be so cute to have a snuggly place to enjoy the one non sweltering day of the weekend.

When, alas, Sidney did not sit down, and in fact walked as far away from the blanket as her leash would allow...

So that was annoying. But it got me thinking about her leash and how it relates to discontentment. See, her leash can be extended. So sometimes I'll just leave her outside with a little bit of leash to run around on. Eventually, she tries pulling herself as far as she can go, and then meows because she's unsatisfied.

On this day, I had her leash at it's fullest extent, and she was still discontented. She still wanted to go further, whether it was chasing a butterfly into the woods or watching 'her daddy' repair his bike. Even though she was getting way more freedom than she normally does, she was still meowing and pulling herself to show she was unhappy.

Sometimes I'm like that. No matter where my "leash" is at (whatever the status God currently has me residing in) I am always pulling it a little further, trying to get more, do more. Somehow I am never satisfied.

So while I was laying in the grass on a blanket I started laughing about how silly I was acting like our pet cat, feeling that I needed more than what was currently provided me.

The truth is, I am so incredible blessed. I have the best husband I could ever ask for, great education, family, friends, I'm about to start a new job, and all of our expenses are met. What else could I ask for or need?

Skin Care for 20 Somethings

What better way to expand my blog than to write about skin care, right?


Totally random, I know, but it's something that I've been thinking about lately. No, I don't sit around and day dream about skin care, but it is important! I'm 25 (going on 26 this year) and every once in awhile I get this overwhelming fear of getting wrinkles. I know, it may seem shallow, but I guarantee every female thinks about this at some point!


Anyways, here's the on going dilemma. What really works? How do I afford it when I'm on a budget? What's really necessary?


From what I've read, the key to fighting aging in your 20's is MOISTURE. Keeping your skin from drying out is crucial to fighting wrinkles. In your 20's your skin slows down the process of producing the natural oils and whatnot that keep it youthful and that's when cracks can appear.


So, here's what I use (for normal to combination skin). It's all super affordable and I think keeps my skin pretty awesome.

(Going left to right)

• Equate (Walmart) Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Face Towelettes ($6 for 120 wipes): I'm not a fan of Walmart. But, these are the most affordable and best-working make remover wipes I have found. Up until I got married, I never took my makeup off a night. *gasp* I know, a huge no-no for skin care. If you're anything like me, you know that at night you are typically too tired to go through a long facial cleaning process. These are super cheap and easy. Plus, I love the added texture they have that allows you to really scrub everything off.
• Equate Daily Regenerating Cleanser ($3.97): This is the generic version of Olay Regenerating Cleanser. I use this in the shower, and I like it because it has somewhat of an exfoilator in it but doesn't dry out your face. Plus the salicylic acid accelerates cell turnover, which helps you look 'youthful' I suppose. And it's a lot more affordable than Olay.
• Olay All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen (around $8): Remember how I said moisture is imperative to fighting aging? This is where it starts. Before putting on makeup in the morning, this is my go to moisturizer. It's simple, light weight, not greasy, plus has an SPF, which is VITAL to protecting skin. I find a bottle this size will last me 4-6 months. 
• Freeman Clay Mask Avocado and Oatmeal ($3.99): I was looking for a good face mask, and this is what all the reviews I read recommended. It's super affordable but definitely cleans out your pores and leaves your skin super smooth. I use this once a week to 2x a month (depending on need). 

The clay mask not only cleans but also works for scaring your husband! :)

• Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Serum (at Target, around $6.50): Not only is it important to moisturize during the day, but also at night. I use this after taking off my makeup every night. It's light weight and leaves my skin smooth and happy in the morning. 
• Nalgene Water Bottle ($10): Water. The most important way to moisturize your body. Whether I'm home all day or on the go, I have this by my side. I have several water bottles, but I like this one right now because it shows me how much I'm drinking. 2 of these babies equals the daily recommended water intake. 

Well, that's it. Anyone have any other products you highly recommend? 

Neglect and New Beginnings

Oh, blog world, how I've neglected you. If you were a pet fish, you'd have died months ago. If you were an exercise bike, you'd be dusty-and I overweight.

But I was thinking about you today, and how I miss this tiny outlet in my life. I can offer excuses (food blogs aren't helpful to those attempting to tone up, I was busy finishing school, out of the country for over 2 weeks) but...I won't. ;)

While I was thinking about this blog I was wishing there was a way to combine my love for food with my love for other things. Expanding my blog beyond just my love for food and opening it up to travel, fashion, thrifty spending, crafty-ish things (not which I am the best of), and most importantly, inspiring thoughts from my own head.

On July 23rd I am beginning a new path as it is, starting my career in counseling as a Family Based Therapist. I am excited for the transition from student to employee, but I am aware that with this transition I will need, more than ever, a creative outlet.

So, I am setting out to attempt this expansion. It will be a slow and gradual change, and I can't guarantee what it will look like, so bare with me. :)

Saphire Beach, St. Thomas