Melody's Musings

Stuff that catches my fancy and random, sorted thoughts from the inner scrambles of my mind.

What you may expect to find here are what I consider good taste and some of the best in photography, philosophy, humor, art, architecture, food, music, poetry, literature and dance. I hope you like some of the things I enjoy.

I like anything to do with good design such as interior design, architecture, photography, and art. I enjoy philosophy and psychology. I love to figure out what makes individuals tick. Music of most all types but particularly classical, world, pop, acoustic guitar is a big part of my life and add some dance to the music and my day is great! I like to write and occasionally I will write poetry and I really love to read it out loud and I even record it sometimes.

I'm a Myers-Briggs type ENFJ which means I love people and have a great interest in them.

I guess you could say I'm a humanities kind of person. :)







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    Stoplight Mango Green Smoothie A layered multi-colored smoothie with frozen mango, strawberry and spinach! The perfect healthy breakfast, snack or dessert. Author: Minimalist Baker Recipe type: Smoothie Cuisine: Vegan Serves: 1 Ingredients 1.25 cups frozen mango pieces 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup fresh spinach 1 cup water / almond milk (I used half and half) optional sweetener: frozen banana, honey, stevia or agave Instructions Place mango into a blender with milk or water and blend until smooth, adding more mango to thicken and more water or milk to thin. Pour ⅔ of the smoothie into a serving container and then add strawberries to the blender. Blend until smooth, adding a bit more water or almond milk if needed. Taste to see if it needs sweetened. I added ½ a small frozen banana at this point. Pour ¾ of the smoothie into the serving glass on top of the mango layer. Lastly, add spinach to the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into the serving glass, making three distinct layers. Sip and enjoy, or freeze for later. Nutrition Information Calories: 289 Fat: 3.6 g Carbohydrates: 65 g Sugar: 52 g Fiber: 10 g Protein: 6 g http://minimalistbaker.com/stoplight-mango-green-smoothie/

    Stoplight Mango Green Smoothie

    A layered multi-colored smoothie with frozen mango, strawberry and spinach! The perfect healthy breakfast, snack or dessert.

    Author: Minimalist Baker
    Recipe type: Smoothie
    Cuisine: Vegan
    Serves: 1
    Ingredients
    • 1.25 cups frozen mango pieces
    • 1 cup frozen strawberries
    • 1 cup fresh spinach
    • 1 cup water / almond milk (I used half and half)
    • optional sweetener: frozen banana, honey, stevia or agave
    Instructions
    1. Place mango into a blender with milk or water and blend until smooth, adding more mango to thicken and more water or milk to thin.
    2. Pour ⅔ of the smoothie into a serving container and then add strawberries to the blender. Blend until smooth, adding a bit more water or almond milk if needed. Taste to see if it needs sweetened. I added ½ a small frozen banana at this point.
    3. Pour ¾ of the smoothie into the serving glass on top of the mango layer.
    4. Lastly, add spinach to the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into the serving glass, making three distinct layers.
    5. Sip and enjoy, or freeze for later.
    Nutrition Information
    Calories: 289 Fat: 3.6 g Carbohydrates: 65 g Sugar: 52 g Fiber: 10 g Protein: 6 g

    http://minimalistbaker.com/stoplight-mango-green-smoothie/

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    CARROT, APPLE, LEMON, & GINGER | ORGANIC JUICE RECIPE 7 Carrots 2 Apples 1 Lemon 1 Thumb-size Piece of Ginger Root This is a highly energizing / circulation-boosting beverage that gets all the juices flowing. This combination increases physical energy, lessens joint stiffness and arthritic pain, enhances the skin / glow, and boosts the mood.

    CARROT, APPLE, LEMON, & GINGER | ORGANIC JUICE RECIPE

    7 Carrots
    2 Apples
    1 Lemon
    1 Thumb-size Piece of Ginger Root

    This is a highly energizing / circulation-boosting beverage that gets all the juices flowing. This combination increases physical energy, lessens joint stiffness and arthritic pain, enhances the skin / glow, and boosts the mood.

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    LEMON AVOCADO GREEN DRINK USING A BLENDER 2 cups Spring Water, chilled Juice of 1 Lemon ½ Cucumber, ends removed, halved lengthwise 1 Celery Stalk, halved 3 c Leafy greens, lightly packed ½ Avocado ½ Thumb-size of Ginger Root, peeled Blend all ingredients to liquid consistency and enjoy this mega-jolt of green vitality!

    LEMON AVOCADO GREEN DRINK USING A BLENDER

    2 cups Spring Water, chilled
    Juice of 1 Lemon
    ½ Cucumber, ends removed, halved lengthwise
    1 Celery Stalk, halved
    3 c Leafy greens, lightly packed
    ½ Avocado
    ½ Thumb-size of Ginger Root, peeled

    Blend all ingredients to liquid consistency and enjoy this mega-jolt of green vitality!

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    Valentines Smoothie anyone? Raspberry Banana Smoothies 1 - 10 oz bag frozen raspberries 1 banana 1 cup vanilla lowfat yogurt 1/3 cup orange juice. Blend all ingredients together and put in a glass bottle.

    Valentines Smoothie anyone?
    Raspberry Banana Smoothies 1 - 10 oz bag frozen raspberries 1 banana 1 cup vanilla lowfat yogurt 1/3 cup orange juice. Blend all ingredients together and put in a glass bottle.

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    Cherry, Wild Blueberry Basil Smoothie is an elegantly simple smoothie chalked full of antioxidants and is great any time of day. Description Surprisingly, Basil adds an amazing flavour to this smoothie! Cherries are powerful anti-inflammatory fruits. Wild-blueberries have anti-oxidant properties that can keep you looking and feeling young. If you can get raw, unpasteurized coconut water (either in a coconut or from Exotic Superfoods or Harmless Harvest) it’s a great carrier liquid to use in smoothies. Coconut water acts as a carrier by delivering nutrients straight into the blood stream. It was used in WW2 for blood transfusions on the battle field and is the most similar liquid to our blood plasma on the planet. This smoothie just so happens to be a natural anti-inflammatory, and a great choice for someone with arthritis or pain. Ingredients 3-4 Basil Leaves 1 cup Cherries (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup  Wild blueberries (frozen) 1-2 cups of Water or Coconut Water Methods/steps Blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth and enjoy. Additional Tips 3 Rawesome Facts about This Smoothie 1. You can eat cherries for a good source of Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamins A, C, E, Folate and Fiber. 2. Basil is another amazing anti-inflammatory herb as it helps to block the enzyme that creates swelling in the body. 3. Blueberries are a beauty enhancing food with Vitamin E and other anti-oxidants that help fight free radicals and keep you feeling and looking young.

    Cherry, Wild Blueberry Basil Smoothie is an elegantly simple smoothie chalked full of antioxidants and is great any time of day.

    Description

    Surprisingly, Basil adds an amazing flavour to this smoothie! Cherries are powerful anti-inflammatory fruits. Wild-blueberries have anti-oxidant properties that can keep you looking and feeling young. If you can get raw, unpasteurized coconut water (either in a coconut or from Exotic Superfoods or Harmless Harvest) it’s a great carrier liquid to use in smoothies. Coconut water acts as a carrier by delivering nutrients straight into the blood stream. It was used in WW2 for blood transfusions on the battle field and is the most similar liquid to our blood plasma on the planet. This smoothie just so happens to be a natural anti-inflammatory, and a great choice for someone with arthritis or pain.

    Ingredients

    • 3-4 Basil Leaves
    • 1 cup Cherries (fresh or frozen)
    • 1/2 cup  Wild blueberries (frozen)
    • 1-2 cups of Water or Coconut Water

    Methods/steps

    Blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth and enjoy.

    Additional Tips

    3 Rawesome Facts about This Smoothie

    1. You can eat cherries for a good source of Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamins A, C, E, Folate and Fiber.

    2. Basil is another amazing anti-inflammatory herb as it helps to block the enzyme that creates swelling in the body.

    3. Blueberries are a beauty enhancing food with Vitamin E and other anti-oxidants that help fight free radicals and keep you feeling and looking young.

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    Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie I made up my own breakfast recipe today.   We know how nutritious blueberries are for us.1 cup frozen wild blueberries 1/2 cup pomegranate blueberry juice (you could use plain pomegranate juice but I had Northland’s 100% Pomegranate Blueberry Juice)1/2 cup coconut milk (I think almond milk would be good too)Blend

    Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie

    I made up my own breakfast recipe today.   We know how nutritious blueberries are for us.

    1 cup frozen wild blueberries

    1/2 cup pomegranate blueberry juice (you could use plain pomegranate juice but I had Northland’s 100% Pomegranate Blueberry Juice)

    1/2 cup coconut milk (I think almond milk would be good too)

    Blend

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    Sunrise Smoothie We tried this smoothie with 2% reduced-fat milk but liked it much better with the soy milk. Any kind of fruit will work—try strawberries or peaches. Cooking Light APRIL 2001 Yield: 5 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup) Ingredients 4 cubed peeled kiwifruit (about 3/4 pound) 2 medium ripe bananas, cut into 1-inch pieces 4 fruit-flavored green tea bags 1 1/2 cups boiling reduced-fat soy milk 1 tablespoon honey Preparation Place cubed kiwifruit and banana pieces in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and place in freezer for 30 minutes or until almost firm. Place the tea bags in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling soy milk over tea bags, and steep for 3 minutes. Strain the tea mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, and discard the tea bags. Stir in honey, and cool. Combine the kiwifruit, bananas, and tea mixture in a blender, and process until mixture is smooth.

    Sunrise Smoothie

    We tried this smoothie with 2% reduced-fat milk but liked it much better with the soy milk. Any kind of fruit will work—try strawberries or peaches.

    Cooking Light APRIL 2001

    • Yield: 5 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

    Ingredients

    • 4 cubed peeled kiwifruit (about 3/4 pound)
    • 2 medium ripe bananas, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 4 fruit-flavored green tea bags
    • 1 1/2 cups boiling reduced-fat soy milk
    • 1 tablespoon honey

    Preparation

    Place cubed kiwifruit and banana pieces in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and place in freezer for 30 minutes or until almost firm. Place the tea bags in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling soy milk over tea bags, and steep for 3 minutes. Strain the tea mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, and discard the tea bags. Stir in honey, and cool. Combine the kiwifruit, bananas, and tea mixture in a blender, and process until mixture is smooth.

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    Cran-Berry Green-Tea Smoothie The best smoothies combine great nutrition with even better flavor. Cranberries and green tea pack this drink full of healthy antioxidants, while berries and banana add essential vitamins and nutrients. Yield: Makes 1 breakfast serving (2 cups; 1 cup for a snack) Prep time:10 Minutes Ingredients 1/2 cup frozen cranberries 1/4 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 cup frozen blackberries 5 frozen whole strawberries 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup brewed green tea, cooled to room temperature 1/4 cup plain soy milk (I don’t consume soy so I use almond milk) 2 tablespoons honey or packed light brown sugar Preparation In a blender, whirl all ingredients until smooth. Note: Nutritional analysis is per 2-cup serving.

    Cran-Berry Green-Tea Smoothie

    The best smoothies combine great nutrition with even better flavor. Cranberries and green tea pack this drink full of healthy antioxidants, while berries and banana add essential vitamins and nutrients.

    • Yield: Makes 1 breakfast serving (2 cups; 1 cup for a snack)
    • Prep time:10 Minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup frozen cranberries
    • 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
    • 1/2 cup frozen blackberries
    • 5 frozen whole strawberries
    • 1 ripe banana
    • 1/2 cup brewed green tea, cooled to room temperature
    • 1/4 cup plain soy milk (I don’t consume soy so I use almond milk)
    • 2 tablespoons honey or packed light brown sugar

    Preparation

    In a blender, whirl all ingredients until smooth.

    Note: Nutritional analysis is per 2-cup serving.

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    Kiwi Mango Layered Smoothie Smoothie Ingredients 2 1/2 cups frozen mango 3/4 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind 3 ripe kiwifruit, peeled 2 cups ice cubes 1/2 cup packed baby spinach Instructions Place mango, 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons water, and lime rind in a blender; process until smooth, stirring occasionally. Divide mango mixture into each of 4 serving glasses; place glasses in freezer. Rinse blender container. Place 1/4 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, kiwifruit, and next 3 ingredients in blender; process until smooth, stirring occasionally. Gently spoon green tea-kiwi mixture onto mango mixture in reserved glasses, working carefully around inside of each glass to create a clean horizontal line. Stir to combine flavors, if desired. Serve immediately.

    Kiwi Mango Layered Smoothie

    Smoothie Ingredients

    • 2 1/2 cups frozen mango
    • 3/4 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
    • 1/4 cup honey
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
    • 3 ripe kiwifruit, peeled
    • 2 cups ice cubes
    • 1/2 cup packed baby spinach

    Instructions

    1. Place mango, 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons water, and lime rind in a blender; process until smooth, stirring occasionally. Divide mango mixture into each of 4 serving glasses; place glasses in freezer.
    2. Rinse blender container. Place 1/4 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, kiwifruit, and next 3 ingredients in blender; process until smooth, stirring occasionally. Gently spoon green tea-kiwi mixture onto mango mixture in reserved glasses, working carefully around inside of each glass to create a clean horizontal line. Stir to combine flavors, if desired. Serve immediately.

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    I tried this kale smoothie this morning……delicious and so good for you!   These kale smoothies are such an easy and painless way to get your daily greens. Creamy Avocado Kale Smoothie 1 large ripe banana, peeled 4 large kale leaves 1/4-1/2 avocado flesh 3/4 cup blueberries, frozen 1/2 cup strawberries, frozen 1 packet of stevia (optional) 1 1/2 cups pure water Pour the water and toss the banana, kale, and avocado into the blender. Blend. Then add the blueberries, strawberries, and stevia. Blend again until smooth. Enjoy! 1-2 servings

    I tried this kale smoothie this morning……delicious and so good for you!   These kale smoothies are such an easy and painless way to get your daily greens.

    Creamy Avocado Kale Smoothie

    1 large ripe banana, peeled

    4 large kale leaves

    1/4-1/2 avocado flesh

    3/4 cup blueberries, frozen

    1/2 cup strawberries, frozen

    1 packet of stevia (optional)

    1 1/2 cups pure water

    Pour the water and toss the banana, kale, and avocado into the blender. Blend. Then add the blueberries, strawberries, and stevia. Blend again until smooth. Enjoy! 1-2 servings

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    Orange Julius recipe - Smooth and creamy, this drink is very similar to the one served at the mall. 4 servings 6  ounces frozen orange juice concentrate 1  cup milk, lowfat okay 1  cup water ¼ cup sugar 1  teaspoon vanilla 8  ice cubes Directions: 1 -Combine all ingredients, except ice cubes, in blender. 2 -Blend 1-2 minutes , adding ice cubes one at a time, until smooth.

    Orange Julius recipe - Smooth and creamy, this drink is very similar to the one served at the mall.

    4 servings

    • 6  ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
    • 1  cup milk, lowfat okay
    • 1  cup water
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 1  teaspoon vanilla
    • 8  ice cubes

    Directions:

    1. 1
      -Combine all ingredients, except ice cubes, in blender.
    2. 2
      -Blend 1-2 minutes , adding ice cubes one at a time, until smooth.
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