GREEN SMOOTHIE BOWL

I really love smoothies. Since I've been pregnant I've been trying to eat more nutrient dense foods, to really up my vitamin intake (in addition to taking my prenatals). It just feels like more bang for my buck when I'm already increasing my overall intake, I might as well try to get the most nutrients that I can. Smoothies are such a great way to get a variety of nutrients, and with the added greens I feel like I'm doing something really good for both my body and my growing baby.

I've been wanting to try the smoothie-in-a-bowl trend, and finally got around to making one this weekend. The verdict: so crazy good, so simple, so healthy. I don't know why it's taken me so long to try these, but I'm officially hooked.

RECIPE:

2 c Frozen Organic Spinach

1 Tbsp Almond Butter

1/2 c Vanilla Almond Milk

1 (fresh or frozen) banana

Blend, then add toppings: this one has coconut, chia seeds, more almond butter, and honey, but you can also add more banana, nuts, fruits, anything you like really. There are no rules, which is one of the many things I love about smoothie-making. Each one is slightly different.

Enjoy!

PLANT SHOPPING

Nesting mode has officially begun, and I'm organizing and redecorating every room in our house like my life depended on it. I knew one area I really wanted to expand on was adding more greenery and plants to our house, specifically one large, statement plant for the living room. I've loved my experience at Swansons Nursery with getting our Christmas trees in the past, so I turned to them for guidance.

Considering my less-than-stellar track record of keeping plants alive for very long, I knew I needed something easy to care for, especially with a newborn on the way. The nursery experts at Swansons recommended this Bird of Paradise plant to me, both for what I was looking for aesthetically and for ease of upkeep. This plant likes moderate to bright light, and regular watering once a week, which seems like something even I could handle. My second choice was a Fiddle Leaf Fig, but I learned that the Bird of Paradise was slightly less high maintenance so in the end I went with that one. So pleased with my choice and loving this green addition to the space.

Swansons is currently hosting an Indoor Living Event right now, all plants and planters are 30% off through the end of January, making this month a perfect time to bring some outdoor life inside your space. Additionally, if you post a selfie with your favorite houseplant to Instagram and tag #heyswansons you are entered to win one of four $50 gift certificates to use as you please. I really appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable employees at this local nursery. Highly recommended if you're in the market for all things plant related.

Beautiful indoor greenhouse at Swansons.

Succulents galore. Because you can never have too many, right? Hope this helps someone else also looking to spruce up their space!

SEATTLE FAVORITES: CHACO CANYON

I'm excited to introduce a new series on the blog highlighting of some of my favorite places in Seattle. I often get requests from out of town visitors (and locals too!) of our top recommendations, so I've complied a long list here, but I'm looking forward to expanding on some of them in more detail. First up: Chaco Canyon Cafe.

Chaco Canyon has three locations, the ones we've been to are the University District and Greenwood cafes. The University District has a larger menu, but both are excellent. Chaco Canyon prides itself on being 100% vegan, and providing a variety of mostly organic, local, creative menu options (including tons of gluten-free, daily free, and raw entree items). They also have a juice bar and serve fresh squeezed juices and smoothies.

A unique item on the menu is the Community Bowl, providing a way for Chaco Canyon to meet the needs of people who might not be able to afford healthy nourishment. The payment amount is a suggested donation of $8, or simply as you are able, with no amount being too small. It's a warm bowl of brown rice, black beans, vegetables, tahini sauce and spiced sunflower seeds. The menu states "Feed yourself and someone in need for $16. Overage is donated to a local food bank." So impressed. What a creative way to give back.

Daniel and I went for a Saturday brunch. Daniel ordered off the weekend brunch menu, he had a twist on Biscuits and Gravy, which were sweet potato cakes with a mushroom gravy sauce, all vegan and gluten-free/dairy-free, and he raved about it. He had the potato pancakes on the side with cashew cream and organic ketchup. I tried a bite and even as a non-mushroom lover, I liked it. Warm and comforting, which surprised me for being so healthy.

I ordered the Raw Pizza with side salad, and it was awesome. The crust was sprouted buckwheat, topped with pesto, cashew cream, and the best pickled onions. It can be challenging to make a good, raw pizza and this one is done so well. Crunchy and flavorful. To drink Daniel had a foamy latte (I had a taste which was delicious) and I ordered the Triple Berry Smoothie, which was also amazing.

Verdict: highly recommend, even for non-hippies. Healthy, fresh, and totally delicious.