It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? It’s good to be back! Here are this week’s ‘Quick Takes’. I was supposed to post this two weeks ago but I was unable to due to Internet problems. :( So here it is now.
I have been making this smoothie a lot lately. I make it just as the recipe states except I don’t have guar gum so I leave that out. I also like to really be able to taste the peanut flavor so I sometimes throw in an extra tablespoon of peanut flour. Speaking of peanut flour, it’s such a great ingredient! It gives this smoothie such a nice nutty taste and added protein and fiber. (I purchased mine from iHerb, though I’m sure you can get it from other online retailers as well.) I also like to add some protein powder to this (1-2 tablespoons). Mine is sweetened so it eliminates the need for extra stevia (though I’ve made it with no protein, just stevia and it is still good). I’ve tried this smoothie with a mix of different berries: strawberries + blueberries, strawberries + tart cherries, and just strawberries. I think I like the plain strawberry one best but feel free to experiment. The name might sound gross but it is really delicious. Give it a try!
I recently had the chance to review the Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks and they are good! I tried them out in some baking and they have a wonderful rich flavor (semi-sweet chocolate is my favorite!). I also loved the bigger size—a sophisticated change from boring chips. Plus, they are vegan, nut free, kosher, gluten free, and soy free! If they weren’t so pricey I would probably buy these often. [Full disclosure: this product was sent to me free of charge for my honest review.] 
I love the idea of using computer passwords to foster gratitude! The article also has some other helpful tips on being more thankful. 
I have a bit of a fascination with the past and this article, about what the experts of 1900 predicted the world would be like in the next century, really intrigued me. Some observations proved to be quite true (e.g., seedless melons, television), others might have been a bit too optimistic (e.g., free college education, that we would all be very fit), and some were rather odd (e.g., food delivered in “pneumatic tubes” [whatever those are]). In any case, it’s a fun read. 
I love this idea of making a Dream Jar. Someday I need to do this. I’m honestly kind of scared to make one know because I feel so uncertain that I will ever be able to do anything…but someday. :)
There was an interesting article in The New York Times about the influence Kate Middleton is having on runway fashions this fall. Such refreshing news for those of us tired of sloppy styles! Here are some quotes from the piece:
Kate’s advent is timely nonetheless. Her unflagging graciousness, guileless manner and nonthreatening good looks are viewed by admirers as a tonic, the sparkling antidote to excess. “There’s nothing trashy or vulgar about her,” said Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, which has featured the duchess several times. “She dresses her age and never looks out of place.”
Catherine is, in Mr. Burstell’s term, “the anti-Kardashian,” a bracing antithesis to the strident style and manner of many Hollywood celebrities, who “look so phony by comparison,” he said, “with their paid endorsements and brand-ambassador deals.” Diane Von Furstenberg, whose dresses the duchess has worn, said that she represents a craving for a proper alternative to the “housewives,” a reference to the popular television reality series.
I really dislike using plastic water bottles and was considering purchasing one of these. Since I try to be as frugal as possible though, I decided to put an empty kombucha bottle to use for the same purpose at a fraction of the cost. Just carefully peel off the label, wash well and fill! It would be great to keep a few of these in the fridge for when you are running out the door in a hurry. They are breakable but so far I have managed to keep mine in one piece. I’m thinking of sewing a little jersey knit case for it to make it easier to carry. In the photo there is fresh mint (from our garden!) that I sometimes add for its refreshing flavor. The downside is that I’m afraid I’m going to chip my teeth on it!
**As always, 7 Quick Takes Friday is hosted by Jennifer at Conversion Diary**
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“Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise. God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms …”
– St. Frances de Sales
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