Smoothies on Smoothies

In our house, smoothies are made on a VERY regular basis. As in at least 5 days a week. I love feeding my family smoothies for breakfast because I can pack them full of produce, lean protein, and healthy fats, and I can generally make them with whatever's on hand in our fridge, freezer, and pantry.

My son and I drink the Lean Green ACV Machine every weekday. 

The one smoothie ingredient that is non-negotiable is Tone It Up Organic Protein. Tone It Up protein is vegan, organic, non-GMO, and free of the top 8 food allergens. It's easy on my family’s stomachs, and it tastes great. We use vanilla 80% of the time, but I also keep chocolate on hand in case anyone get a late night craving. And now that cafe latte and peanut butter flavors have been released at Target, I can feel our smoothie game moving to the next level! 

The other thing that obviously critical to smoothie creation is a good blender. We have a NutriBullet, and I have to say I am super impressed with how well it blends frozen fruit and greens. In less than one minute, my smoothies are super... well, smooth.

We have a few recipes that are hits, and a few that we throw into the mix when we're feeling the need to switch things up. This is an evergreen post, so as we try and approve new flavors, I'll be sure to add them! Let me know in the comments if there are ingredients you'd like help creating recipes for!

smoothie liquids are all pre-portioned in mason jars on the top shelf. More than saving time on weekday mornings, this trick saves me from having to think about measurements at 6:30am.

One tip for making morning’s easier:

Prep all of your smoothie liquids and powders on meal prep Sunday. That way, when it’s time to blend, there’s no measuring- you just pour everything into the blender and go!

Hope you love these as much as we do!

xo, Terra

Lean Green ACV Machine

• 1/2 banana
• 1/2c coconut water
• 1/4c pineapple juice
• 1 scoop @toneitupnutrition vanilla protein
• 1tbsp ACV
• 2 giant handfuls of spinach
• Dash of ground ginger and cayenne

You down with PBB? Yeah you know me!

This is my hubb’s favorite smoothie, hands down.

• 8oz unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop Tone It Up vanilla protein
• 1tbsp PB2 peanut butter powder
• 1 banana
• 1/2c ice  

Strawberry Sweetheart Smoothie Bowl

This smoothie bowl is inspired by my hubby and son, who loves all things peanut butter!! The base is my hubby’s daily go-to, the PBB smoothie, and the swirl is fresh strawberry purée!

Ingredients for ✌🏽 servings:

• 8oz almond milk
• 1 scoop @toneitupnutrition vanilla or peanut butter protein
• 2Tbsp PB powder
• 1/2c ice
• 1 banana

Blend all ingredients and pour into your bowl. THEN...

Blend 1/2c strawberries and strain. Pour the purée into the top of your smoothie bowl, and swirl with a toothpick

If you like Pina Coladas 

• 4oz pineapple juice
• 4oz coconut water
• 1 scoop Tone It Up vanilla (or coconut) protein
• 1/2C frozen pineapple  
• 1/2 banana
• 1tbsp coconut manna

**you could easily add rum to this for a healthier(??) cocktail  

Cherry Blossom

• 1/4c frozen cherries
• 1/2c coconut milk
• 1/2c unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop @toneitupnutrition vanilla protein
• 1/4c frozen cauliflower
• 1tbsp coconut manna (coconut butter)

🌸Blend, blend, blend, and serve sprinkled with fresh coconut, and fresh blooms from the garden💕

No-Coffee Coffee Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 8oz almond milk
• 1 scoop @toneitupnutrition Cafe Latte protein
• 1/2 banana
• @foursigmatic mushroom coffee
• 5 ice cubes

Four Sigmatic is mushroom coffee. It’s lower in caffeine than traditional coffee, and has adaptogens for additional health benefits. 

Blend blend blend, and prepare to dazzle your tastebuds!

A Speedy Guide to Makeup

Oh hey!! I'm a mom, and I work, and I like to work out, and I like to sleep as much as possible. I spend exactly 9 minutes on my makeup every day. No joke. I want to look polished, but I don't need to or want to look made-up. I like to just enhance my favorite features, and give my skin a little boost with a light foundation.

If you're in a makeup rut and live near a Nordstrom store, I would HIGHLY encourage you to make an appointment for a makeup refresh (you can book them online!) They'll show you the ropes, and there's no pressure to buy anything you don't love. Plus, it always feels amazing to learn from an expert.

My goal when I put on makeup is that people notice ME, not my makeup. A huge tip is this- shop around for right right foundation for you (again, a beauty stylist is an excellent resource here) and then use colors (blush, lipstick, eyeshadow) from one company. Think of it like paint by numbers. When you are using colors from the same pallet, you're taking all of the guesswork out of it!

I personally love colors from Bobbi Brown. They're effortless and photograph well. Plus, they easily transition from day to night. As you'll see in my product link, I don't wear eyeliner. I actually use the Bobbi Brown shimmer brick as my bronzer/highlighter/eyeshadow/and eyeliner. With the right brushes, that little pallet does everything!

order of application

1. After finishing my skincare routine, I apply foundation, followed by concealer anywhere that needs a little extra help
2. I use a large fluffy face brush to sweep the shimmer brick along my cheek bones (darkest color at the bottom, highlight at the top)
3. I use a blush brush, and apply blush to the apples of my cheeks with a HUGE smile on my face
4. Fill in my brows, and comb them so the hairs are all going the right direction
5. Using an eyeshadow brush, I swipe the middle colors from my shimmer brick onto my eyelids
6. Then, I use an angled stiff brush to apply the darkest color of the shimmer brick to my lashline
7. Swipe on 2 coats of mascara
8. Brush my teeth (this is just where I always brush my teeth)
9. Apply lipstick, and walk out the door!

That's literally it. And I suppose the actual makeup part takes 7 minutes because I spend 2 minutes brushing my teeth at the end. The right tools do make a huge difference, so invest in a few quality brushes to make sure those colors end up where they need to go.

I wear Bobbi Brown Sandwash Pink lipstick almost everyday, but I swap for Dior 'Darling' when I want a little extra pop of color. Bonus, both of these colors make your teeth look extra pearly white!

What are your makeup bag must haves? How long do you spend on your beauty routine in the morning? Let me know in the comments!

xo, Terra

Skincare Saves For My Acne-Prone 30-Something Skin

Here I am, 33 years young, staring in the mirror at my freshly washed face, winking with one eye to check the status of my laugh lines, while simultaneously jutting out my chin to get a better look at a fresh zit coming in.

I don't think it's fair that I am currently combatting zits, and wrinkles. Like, can't we just trade one for the other?!?! 

Ok, let's back up. I struggled with cystic acne as a teen, and used every topical treatment and pill my dermatologist prescribed. What I learned later in life was that my acne was caused 100% by my diet and products that were too drying for my skin. A diet lacking in alkaline foods wreaked havoc on my skin. I would then used drying astringents to combat the acne. My inflamed skin was painful to the touch, and my cheeks were either completely void of blemishes, or fully covered. There was no in-between.

Once my diet cleaned up (thank you, Tone It Up) my skin immediately followed suit. About that same time, I found a skincare routine that helped me not only heal my old scars but also helped to soften my skin and prevent new damage. 

my mom always said 'wash your face'

My mom has the skin of an angel. It's always perfectly dewy, and in her 50's, she barely has a trace of a wrinkle. She's also had a religious skin routine including sunscreen, for my entire life. I do know that some of this is genetic. My Grammy also had beautiful, soft skin. My mom has always nagged (with love) 3 things at my sisters and me: 

1. Wear sunscreen
2. Wear sunglasses
3. Wash your face

What I now realize is that face washing doesn't mean stripping your face of all oils. I just need to gently remove the day. I've found that my skin reacts extremely well to French skincare. The EU has much stricter rules than the US about what can and cannot go into their products, and I feel good about using products that cost a little more if they are cleaner. Think of it as 'you are what you eat-skin edition.'

I only use Micellar water to remove my makeup. I don't wear a ton of makeup, and my mascara comes off with just warm water, so this is an easy, effective, and inexpensive first step in my routine. I use cotton balls and Micellar water at home, and take the Micellar wipes with me when I travel.

**as a note, I've tried a few other brands of micellar water (now that it's 'a thing') but I come back to Bioderma every time. 

up next, the difference makers

These next products are the ones that stay on my face, and therefore I take very seriously. These are the products that have diminished fine lines, faded my acne scars, and (knock on wood) have kept new breakouts to a minimum.

1. Clarins Toning Lotion- this is actually just a toner, but it also softens your skin, and balances the pH. It's a great way to remove any missed traces of makeup, and it's all I use in the morning to clean my face after a workout.

Daytime Products

1. Clarins Double Serum- this is my daytime serum. It quickly soaks into my skin and gives me an instant glow. It also helps fight any new little blemishes that I see creeping in, and completely erased lines I had coming in around my mouth. I've used this serum religiously for 2 years, and I don't know how I'd survive without it! I swapped serums about 6 months ago, and after a week, I realized that my skin was not it's normal happy self. So, I switched back, and all was back to normal. #keeper
2. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm- I don't use this every day. I either wear it alone on makeup-free days, or use it under my makeup before events. It gives you that perfect 'lit from within' glow, and makes your makeup last all day!
3. Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream- this cream is made for 30-somethings. It's preventing aging, sagging, lines, while being light enough not to upset those hormonal shifts throughout the month.

Nighttime Products

1. Shiseido Spot Corrector- this is my nighttime serum. I have a few newer hyper pigmentation spots only face (chin specifically) and this product was recommended by multiple people to me. I knew I had to try it when I found out that the active ingredient was derived from Japanese Cherry Blossoms. I've been using it for just over a month, and I'll report back after 3 months with photo comparisons.
2. Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream- I love how soft my skin feels in the morning with this cream. It's so luxurious and even saves me from winter dryness.

what to do when you actually do get a zit

First and foremost, if you feel like your skin is on the brink of a breakout, audit your diet. Are you eating foods that make your skin feel good? Random fact, gummy bears make me break out. So does an excessive amount of bread. This is obviously not true for everyone, but my point is to know your triggers. When you can't avoid a blemish, my go-to remedy is light therapy. 

In the Pacific Northwest, we commonly use light therapy for the 'Winter Blues' but I've used blue light therapy for my acne for almost 8 years now. I have a handheld device but am also fortunate to have light therapy built into my sauna. Blue light has been proven to penetrate the skin, and kill acne bacteria, while red light therapy boosts collagen production, and promotes cell renewal (hello faded scarring). I use both for a 1-2 punch on zits! I love that there is nothing drying about light therapy the way there is with topical creams or even some antibiotics. A natural remedy is always better for me!

Here are my thoughts on investing in your skincare. OK actually, here are my thoughts in investing in you. You are worth it. You only get one body, so fuel it with the best food, and put things on your skin that aren't full of weird ingredients. What you put on your skin makes it's way into your body, so be mindful!! 

Tell me, what are your skincare go-to's?! I hope you get some ideas (and great results) from these products! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

xo, Terra

Travel Must Haves: Plane and Hotel Room Essentials

travel is one of my love languages

I really love traveling. I wholeheartedly believe it's the best thing you can spend your money on. I love exploring new cultures, eating new foods, and making memories to last a lifetime.

The only trade off with travel is that it can be disruptive to your normal schedules, and I also LOVE my normal schedule!

I spent almost 3 years traveling multiple times a month for work. During this time, I quickly identified things that drove me nuts about traveling...

1. Plane air is so dry.
2. Airplane seats are dirty, but not as dirty as tray tables.
3. Dry hotel air makes my nose hurt.
4. Dry air is an issue for me everywhere.. lol

One of my missions was to bring the things I love about home (including my family) on the road with me whenever possible.

Without further adieu, here are the products I can't live without while I'm on the road!

leaving on a jet plane 

I'll say it. Planes give me an eew factor. I don't know who was sleeping/sweating/drooling in my seat before me, and I don't really want to know. When I settle down in my seat, the first thing I do is wipe all of the surfaces down with a baby wipe. Honest Co. wipes are my favorite. I feel like they're up for the task of a good plastic scrub-down. They and double as a way to 'wash' your hands somewhere other than the airplane bathroom (you know, the one with water splashed all over the counter). I kid you not, every time I wipe down a tray table, the wipe turns a new color... ew. 

Next, I slather on hand cream, and seal it in with aquaphor. I also put aquaphor on my lips and right below my nostrils (stay away, dry air!!)

To keep hydrated from the insides, I aim to drink 16 oz of water at minimum- per hour- on my flights. No need for a dehydration headache at 30,000 feet!  I love to add a greens tab to at least one of those glasses of H2O.

About halfway into the flight, I pull out a sheet mask, and treat myself to a mini-spa session. You may think, 'wow, she's crazy to do that in public,' but here's the thing. No one's looking at me. People are watching their movies, or on their computers. The only person who looks at me weird is my child... but he does that no matter where we are... #momlife 

living that hotel life

Once I'm off the plane and in my hotel room, I do 2 things:

1. Wipe down the doorknobs, nightstands, and bathroom counter with my trust wipes. again... stranger germs.
2. Unpack my travel humidifier, and essential oils, and set up shop on the night stand.

I used to get pretty chronic sinus infections when I travelled. I learned from my doctor that the most likely source was the dry hotel I was breathing during my trips. When the air is too dry, your sinuses dry out. That mucus (eew, gross word) that's normally in your nose prevents bacteria from getting into your system, and when it's not there, BAM! sickness.

Once I started traveling with a humidifier I immediately started sleeping better, and *knock on wood* haven't had a sinus infection.

Beauty BONUS side effects:

1. I don't wake up puffy (hello moisturized sinuses!)
2. My skin stays hydrated and dewy vs dry and ashy
3. No more static hotel-hair
4. I just sleep better! Humidified air is easier for me to breathe. My whole family feels a difference when I forget to pack the humidifier.
5. I pack essential oils to support whatever it is that I'm doing. If it's a work trip to open a new store, I pack eucalyptus because I find it invigorating. If I'm going on a relaxing weekend getaway, I throw lavender and bergamot in my bag to make my room feel like and extension of the spa.

This Crane humidifier is awesome because it's tiny, and if you're really pressed for space, you can leave the cup at home, and just use a glass from the hotel room.

Regardless of the trip location, length, or travel companions, these products are always in my carry on! 

Tell me, what are you're travel must-haves?

Happy travels!

xo, Terra

Made with extra love- Mexican Mocha Mini Loaves

Before we begin...

As you may have noticed, Bainbridge Kitchen has been quiet for the past few weeks. I've tried to figure out ways to be inspired to share content, but even posts that are 100% ready to publish didn't feel right. 

My grandma was admitted to the hospital in the middle of January with issues surrounding most of her vital organs. I'm sad to share that she passed away earlier this week. 

My Grammy 

I feel so blessed that I was able to spend so much time with her the past month, even if it wasn't under the best circumstances. While she was in the hospital, she all but refused the 'lousy' hospital food. I made sure to pack snacks everyday (because that's what I do) and I was so thankful that I did, because the only thing I could get my grandma to willingly eat was the protein muffins I baked and brought with me. 

My grandma is LDS, and she doesn't drink coffee or alcohol, so it's kind of funny that this post begins with a moment about her. Rest assured, I made sure all of her muffins were made sans coffee or booze. Boy Almighty would she have given me an earful if I tried to sneak that to her.

I won't pretend that I'm not sad even as I write this. My Grammy was one of my favorite people on the planet. She was a firecracker. She took zero grief from zero people, and she loved with all her heart. She also taught me how to cook. Not just cook, bake. My Grammy’s cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legends. My Grammy shared her love through her food, and she will always be my inspiration to do the same. 

So without further adieu, here are my Grammy and non-Grammy approved versions of DELICIOUS Mexican Mocha Mini loaves. Take a minute today to call someone you love, hug someone you love, and make these with a little extra love. I know I will. 

xo, Terra

Mexican Mocha Mini-Loaves

Makes 12 Mini Loaves (I love this mini loaf pan, and this heart shaped pan)

Grammy-Approved (no coffee, no alcohol- still delicious)

• 1/2C chocolate Tone It Up Organic Protein powder
• 1/2C unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2C oat flour
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4tsp baking powder
• 1/4tsp salt
• 1/2C applesauce
• 2Tbsp canola oil
• 1/2C almond milk
• 1/4C agave
• 1 egg
• 1/4C chocolate chips

Non-Grammy Approved (a little more decadent, and my personal preference)

• 1/2C chocolate Tone It Up Organic Protein powder
• 1/2C unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2C oat flour
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4tsp baking powder
• 1/4tsp salt
• 1/2C applesauce
• 2Tbsp canola oil
• 1/2C coffee
• 1/4C agave
• 1 egg
• 1Tbsp tequila
• 1/4C chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray silicone baking mold with coconut oil spray, place on baking sheet, and set aside.
2. Combine all dry ingredients, and whisk together.
3. Add wet ingredients to the dry, and stir gently to combine.
4. Stir chocolate chips into mixture
5. Spoon the batter into the baking mold, and tap the pan lightly against the counter to remove any bubbles. Top with heart sprinkles if you're feeling festive
6. Bake at 350 for 17-19 minutes. Mini-Loaves are done when a toothpick inserted to the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Let cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire cooling rack. 

**Serve with friends, family, hugs, and sprinkle them with a little extra love**

with love, from my home to yours. 

5 Sanity-Saving Holiday Tips

We've all been there. It's 11:30 on Christmas Eve, and you're halfway through wrapping gifts when you run out of tape... or paper... or bows... and you realize that the last month has flown by. Though you're certain it's been busy, you're not quite sure what happened, who you saw or who you didn't, and you don't remember the last time you got a full night's sleep.

Ok- so you've never experienced that? Congrats! I, however, have been very guilty of spreading myself too thin during what is actually my favorite time of the year. One year, I even managed to forget to take Peyton to see Santa. Like, literally forgot until he said something... On December 23rd... #momfail.

Anyhoo- a few years ago, my husband and I decided to take back our holiday season. Spending time with loved ones- doing the things we love to do- is what makes the holidays our favorite time of year. We had tumbled down a rabbit hole of overcommitment (why is that so easy to do?!) and had gotten away from what really mattered to us. Here's the thing, at the end of the day, when the parties are over, and the gifts have been unwrapped, and the dances have been danced, and the carols have been sung, we still need to be present for each other.  Somehow we lost sight of that! Luckily, we both committed to learning from what didn't work and moving forward as a team. 

SO. **drumroll please** here are FIVE things we do during the holidays to keep our sanity and stay connected as a family.

COOKIE TIME! COOKIE TIME! COOK-IE-TII-IIME

Sanity-Saving Tip #1: Frozen Cookie Dough

AND SCENE: It's Thursday night, it's bedtime, and your darling child tells you that there's a class party TOMORROW, and he needs to bring a treat... Your friends are driving through town, and call to see if you're home for a quick visit... Your annual neighborhood 'Cookies, Carols, and Cocktails' party is tonight at 6, and you forgot until you see your neighbor at the mailboxes... at 5:30.

Let me tell you how to save the day in every one of these situations- frozen cookie dough. At the beginning of December, I spend a few nights with my son making cookie dough, rolling it into balls, and FREEZING IT. We do a big family cookie party, but I love these nights because it's just the 2 of us in the kitchen.

No matter how last minute any treat request is, for the next 8 dozen cookies needed, I'm only 15 minutes away from a solution. I have 2 go-to recipes. these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. This recipe needs no alterations, they are delicious. The second is my family's Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe with Christmas colored M&M's. Both of these recipes are crowd pleasers over and over again. 

ROGER DODGER- 10-4.

Sanity-Saving Tip #2 Put It All Out There- Together

Have you ever said to your husband 'I told you last week....' SURE, neither have I. He and I totally remember everything the other says... the first time. Hahahaha no way.

My husband and I found this year that our schedules plus our son's schedule cannot be managed by memory. So, now we send each other calendar requests for EVERYTHING. Date night, haircuts, work events, holiday parties, school events, all of it. We used to spend so much time talking about what we had going on every week, but now, we spend time talking about what we did because it's all on the calendar. 

Another game-changer this season has been managing our Christmas shopping lists on Trello. We have running gift lists for everyone in our family, and can both add notes, ideas, and mark items complete from our phones. 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Sanity-Saving Tip #3 -Keep weeknight dinners simple

Once we get into the first week of December, we have at least two holiday parties/happy hours/concerts every week through New Years. That mean's we're eating at home 4-5 days a week for dinner, and on those days, I stick to the family favorites that are SPEEDY! For us, this means Fajitas, Breakfast-For-Dinner, Meatballs, and Falafels on repeat. I want to spend time at home with my family, not in the kitchen working on dinner for an hour. Eating dinner together is a priority for us, and helps us slow down during this busy season! For more tips on how to get ahead of meal prep, check out this post!

WRAPPY HOUR

Sanity-Saving Tip #4- Turn the things you have to do into a party!

Last year, we started a new tradition that I don't know I can ever give up. The Thursday before Christmas, we get together with our friends and have a massive wrapping party. We lovingly refer to it as Wrappy Hour. We get a sitter for the kids and leave them at one house. Then, all of the adults wrap all Christmas presents at another house as to not be disturbed by kids. Here's the thing. Wrapping is a thousand times more fun when you do it with your friends, and cocktails, and a giant arsenal of wrapping supplies. It's also a great way to connect with friends while still being productive! In all, we spend about 90 minutes wrapping, and another 2 hours just laughing, relaxing, and enjoying good company. And helloooooooo!!! It means you can actually SLEEP on Christmas Eve!

JUST SAY NO

Sanity-Saving Tip#5 Don't overcommit yourself

This, I know, is easier said than done, but I truly think it's the most important tip. We opted a few years ago to stop saying yes to every invite we got, and instead, choose to attend the ones that mean the most to us. At first, I felt really bad declining invitations. Then I realized, no one really worries if I'm not one of the 50 guests at a cocktail party. I also realized that if I knew I wasn't going to enjoy myself at an event, I didn't have to go just to 'be nice.' It's so freeing to only go to the events you truly WANT to go to. 

Now, we are refreshed between events and not run ragged. As much as possible, we try to attend events as a couple. My top picks may not be a priority for my hubby, and vice versa, but WE are each other's top priority and make it a point to show up for each other. Because we've scaled back the number of events we attend, we actually get to treat them as date nights rather than items on an agenda. We also save on babysitters by being selective with events.

Bonus tip- schedule some downtime! We purposely schedule a Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday between Thanksgiving and NYE with no events. This year, we used that weekend to watch Stranger Things. I wore pajamas one day until 2 pm. It. Was. Great.

From our family to yours, and from me to you, we wish you the happiest holiday season! Take a moment here and there to slow down, take a breath, and take it all in. 

Much Love, Terra