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This easy and delicious Coconut Java Smoothie is perfect for mornings on-the-go, a quick after lunch pick me up, and more!
Having two kids who go to two different schools, plus dance lessons, plus karate, plus any other outings that might happen means I’m always on the go. Besides keeping everyone fed, clean and entertained I also have to fit in house cleaning, my work and somewhere in there a little “me” time. When life is this busy there are just some things that don’t make the cut, and I have been known to skip breakfast and lunch entirely, leading to a very drained afternoon. Since I pretty much live on coffee, I thought I would start making coffee infused smoothies that I keep stocked, so when I’m on the go I can just fill it up in my travel cup and be on the way! Doesn’t it look yummy? Read on for the recipe!
Coconut Java Smoothie
This smoothie is perfect for a quick refresh, as an after lunch treat, or really any time you want a little pick me up! It combines two of my favorite flavors ever: coffee and coconut. If you aren’t a fan of one or the other, you can certainly switch one out, but oh.my.goodness. they go so well together! I am using EDY’S® Grand Mocha Almond Fudge and OUTSHINE® Fruit Bars Coconut as the main flavors, but if you want to switch out the coffee and make a kid-friendly version you can substitute the mocha for Edy’s® Grand Vanilla Bean. Even though this recipe does use a scoop of ice cream, it is balanced out with almond milk and almonds to give it a protein kick and make sure it isn’t overly indulgent. You can even add a banana to it if you want to pack more into it – versatility is the key here!
For this smoothie recipe you will need:
- 1 scoop Edy’s® Grand Mocha Almond Fudge
- 1/2 Outshine® Fruit Bar in Coconut
- 1 tsp loose coffee (from a package – not brewed)
- 1/4 cup almonds (these will be finely crushed)
- 1/2 cup almond milk
This smoothie is super simple, and all you need to do to make it is combine all ingredients into a blender and pulse for about 60 seconds. You are going to want to make sure your almonds get very finely chopped, so if you are worried about the texture make sure you do this before hand. I have a pretty powerful blender, so it worked well. Once you are finished, give it a shake, and it’s ready!
These smoothies are great for starting your day, as an after workout refreshment or really any tine you want a tasty treat! And now that you’re ready for the day, let’s talk about some great ways to help manage the madness of back-to-school time.
Plan Ahead
Meal time can be a huge time suck, and when that is in short supply it can be a race to the finish if you are trying to keep a balanced diet for the family. I have always wanted to meal plan, but never did, so now I’m jumping in! I used to plan our meals daily, take trips to the store four and five times per week, and waste a lot of time in the process. With meal planning, I write out all of our meals for the entire week ahead of time, shop once (maybe twice) a week for the entire haul, and I end up cutting out a lot of travel time. Plus, I can divide and use ingredients that I have for one recipe and use it for another the next day, and so on. So, it saves money as well! This is my first time attempting to plan ahead with our meals, and it has been a bit of a rocky start, but once I get the hang of it I know it is going to be super helpful!
Freezer Meals
At least a couple of nights each week, I have started cooking up frozen meals. I have come to love the freezer section at my Walmart for fast, easy, and wholesome meals that I just don’t have time to cook from scratch. Nestle’ has a great variety of options, and I love their ‘Good Food, Good Life’ motto when it comes to feeding the family. On nights when karate runs until almost dinner time, or we are running late from one of our many activities, it just doesn’t make sense to spend an hour in the kitchen only to have to put the kids in bed as soon as their last bites leave their plates. So, having a quick, convenient solution like Stouffer’s Stir Fry Skillets or a Tombstone Roadhouse pizza can be a lifesaver! Plus, there is a great Nestle’ promotion going on right now that is perfect for saving some cash on your next trip to Walmart! Here it is: From July 25 to September 15, when you purchase any two (2) 30 oz. or larger Stouffers products and at least one (1) refrigerated Tollhouse cookie dough product at a participating Walmart store you can get a $5 Walmart egift card! Check out the dates and complete rules to find out how HERE!! Here’s how you do it:
- Purchase products
- Take a photo of your receipt, the image must be clear and legible, with the purchase date included and showing the qualified purchase.
- Text NESTLEFAMILY to 35350
- Once confirming you want to participate by responding ‘YES’, you will be prompted to send the image of your receipt.
Easy peasy, right? Do you have any ideas to help maximize time during a busy school year? I’d love to hear them! Also, be sure to pick up your smoothie ingredients at your local Walmart!
