In the Kitchen: Coconut Acai Smoothie Bowls
A quick and easy coconut acai smoothie bowl recipe featuring Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola. (Did we mention it's gluten and dairy-free?)
Smoothie bowls are a great way to start the day—packed with superfoods (and quite nice to look at), they're a more satisfying way to enjoy breakfast.
The fun part about smoothie bowls is that you can't really go wrong. I love to experiment with different toppings and textures, like chia or pumpkin seeds, cherries, coconut and dark chocolate. There is, however, one thing you'll always find on top of my smoothie bowl: granola.
Purely Elizabeth was kind enough to send me over some of their flavors to sample and I knew immediately what I wanted to use them for. In this recipe, I went with their Original Ancient Grain Granola. Both gluten and dairy-free, it adds a satisfying crunch to the tops of smoothies, yogurts and more. It's also made with coconut oil and coconut sugar, which are better for you than traditional oils and sweeteners.
Coconut Acai Smoothie Bowl
Servings 1
Calories: 390
Ingredients
Base:
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 unsweetened frozen acai packet
1 cup non-dairy yogurt
1 tbsp. honey
1/4 cup raspberries
1/4 cup blueberries
Toppings:
1/2 cup Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
Run acai packets under warm water to slightly thaw
Add acai and other base ingredients to blender
Blend until smooth
Pour liquid into bowl and add toppings as desired
All Things Self-Care and Wellness
Everyone tells you not to fuss with trying new skincare and beauty products leading up to your big day—which, as you know, is something I love to do—so I’ve been researching and integrating a bevy of body products that would help me get glowing from neck to toe. And I recently discovered a brand that is too good not to share!
I learned of Pursoma last year when I was looking for clean, nontoxic bath products and have been a fan of the brand ever since. The plant-based, all-natural line of bath and body care will leave you rejuvenated, detoxified—and, yes—glowy! Plus, there’s something so therapeutic about soaking in the bath after a long day or hard workout that’s good for the mind and spirit.
If you’re new to the brand, I recommend their Ritual Wellness Kit as an introduction. It includes an assortment of their lovely bath soaks, as well as a body brush (which I will get into below). After a few weeks of trying out new things and getting a routine in place… my skin has never been so happy! Which is not a common statement that I throw out there in the thick of winter.
My body and complexion tends to run dry and thirsty this time of year, leaving me looking dull. Since starting this ritual and dry-brushing every day, my skin has truly never looked or felt more soft and smooth. Below, find my twice-a-week ritual that is the perfect way to welcome spring with the glowiest, healthiest skin ever.
Step 1: Dry Brush
Dry brushing was something that I’ve always been curious about but never really took the time for. I mean, who wants to add more steps to an already busy regimen? Trust me when I say that this is an absolute game-changer and once you start, you’ll wonder why you hesitated to begin in the first place.
While the tub fills up, I take my body brush and run it over my skin in gentle, circular motions. It feels absolutely incredible and has so many benefits—from increasing circulation to stimulating the lymphatic system to aiding digestion and improving the look of cellulite. Regardless of all of this, it feels fantastic and exfoliates skin for a glow you can’t fake with any product. Even if you don’t have time for a soak, taking time for this single step each day before a shower is worth it.
Step 2: Choose Your Treatment
My favorite thing about Pursoma is that each of their products feels truly personalized. There’s a treatment for whatever ails you, whether it’s sore muscles, feeling under-the-weather, low energy, or if you’re just in need of a digital detox for better sleep. Not that you need a reason for a good soak!
Step 3: Bliss Out
After pouring them into a warm bath, I allow myself to truly disconnect from everything. I tend to overthink things and my mind runs a million miles per minute, but within these moments I allow myself to enjoy the feeling of calmness. Sometimes I’ll enjoy a warm cup of tea, sometimes I don’t. But in these moments, I know it’s ok to focus on just being.
After soaking for the allotted time, I emerge feeling completely rejuvenated and energized. (Unless, of course, I’m using the Digital Detox which is seriously the best sleep aid ever. I feel so incredibly relaxed and ready to curl up in bed afterwards.)
Another thing I love about Pursoma is that I don’t feel the need to use any oils or creams on my skin afterward. Though you totally could if you wanted and the brand makes some beautiful options, which you can find here. The Pursoleil Body Oil is next on my list to try! The lavender and blood orange scent sounds amazing.
But for someone who has been trying to simplify their routine over the years, this has been amazing. A two-step routine to glowy, moisturized skin? Plus, the benefit of total relaxation? Sign me up!
Hopefully this inspires you to take more time for yourself this season, as we shed layers and things once again start to bloom.
Shop more of my Pursoma favorites here:
Do you have any tips or tricks for the perfect bath? Any self-care rituals that have changed the game for you?
10 Alternative Uses For Coconut Oil
The benefits of coconut oil are pretty much endless—and with a wide array of health benefits from beauty to baking, it's safe to say this all-natural oil is a staple in our pantry. Here are 10 ways we like to use coconut oil in our home.
Image via Rip and Tan
The benefits of coconut oil are pretty much endless—and with a wide array of health benefits from beauty to baking, it's safe to say this all-natural oil is a staple in our pantry.
Coconut oil is made from the the fruit of the coconut palm tree and boasts a unique combination of fatty-acids that your body can use for energy, to curb your appetite and even boost immune function. It's also been proven to support a healthy heart.
Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this superfood is surprisingly versatile. Below, find some of my ways to use coconut oil:
1. Cooking Oil—I like to swap out conventional cooking oils or butter for this healthy alternative, whether it's in a stir fry or slathered on toast. This is an easy and delicious way to start adding more coconut to your diet. You can find organic, virgin coconut oil at most grocery stores. We love the Dr. Bronner's and Trader Joe's brands.
2. Deep Conditioner—A natural, affordable alternative to expensive deep conditioning treatments, coconut oil makes a fantastic hair mask. I like to leave it in my hair for 15-20 minutes before showering so that my hair really soaks it all in. I then shampoo and rinse as usual. The result? Silky, smooth locks that feel like I just left the salon.
3. Body & Facial Moisturizer—When used topically, coconut oil can help prevent free-radical damage and premature aging. It's particularly great for those with sensitive skin.
4. First-Aid Remedy—Coconut oil boasts anti-bacterial properties which makes it a safe, natural remedy for small cuts and scrapes. It can also help aid in the of healing of scars, bug bites and sunburn.
5. Oral Rinse & Teeth Whitening Aid—Oil pulling is an ancient, Ayurvedic practice for both cleansing and whitening your teeth. It involves the act of swishing organic, cold-pressed coconut oil around your mouth to draw out (or "pull") impurities and toxins from your teeth and gums. Prior to brushing, swish a spoonful of oil around your mouth for between 5-15 minutes, then spit the oil out. It's important that you not gargle with or swallow the oil, as it's now filled with the toxins and plaque that you just "pulled" from your mouth.
6. Digestive Aid—A spoonful a day keeps the doctor away. Coconut oil is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins that help aid in healthy digestive function. Try adding a spoonful to your coffee or tea to reap all of the benefits.
7. Makeup Remover—Coconut oil is a gentle, incredibly effective makeup remover. I like to use it before cleansing to remove stubborn eye makeup. You can mix in some skin-safe essential oils or honey, or use it alone.
8. DIY Lip Scrub—I mix a little bit of coconut oil and brown sugar together to form a paste and then use it to scrub off any dead skin or rough patches on my lips. The result? A soft, smooth surface. It's a great way to prep your lips for balm or lipstick.
9. Household Cleaner—Coconut oil is a gentle, effective way to remove dirt and impurities from your home. I like to use it as a dish cleaning aid, to remove soap scum and grime from the bathroom and as a stain polish.
10. Pet Wash—Our puppy has sensitive skin that reacts to a lot of chemical ingredients. We like to use coconut oil as a natural and safe alternative to sulfate-filled shampoos. It helps keep his coat shiny and clean.
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Easy, Elevated Weeknight Swaps
Simple, healthy weeknight meal swaps to up your dinner game.
During the week, I like to try and keep things pretty simple. My favorite salad recipe has been on rotation for as long as I can remember. I like to swap out the base for things like kale, mesclun or spinach, but lately I've been feeling a little uninspired.
Being busy can make you feel like you only have time for takeout or convenience meals, but that's definitely not true. Since we finally started to feel settled in, things are starting to become more routine and I love to cook during the week in our new kitchen. I've been switching things up by making small tweaks to our normal go-to meals to make them feel a little bit more like a treat.
I’ve grown quite fond of swapping out tomatoes in my recipes for radishes. On salads, tacos, sandwiches, they add the right amount of flavor and crunch. It got me thinking about how just a few simple ingredient swaps can take your recipes to a whole new level.
SIMPLE CAESAR SALAD FOR 2 PEOPLE
2 tbsp homemade caesar dressing
1 lemon (squeezed)
1 tbsp manchego cheese
2 cups romaine or mesclun
1 baby radish
1/4 cups croutons
OTHER SWAPS I’M CURRENTLY LOVING RIGHT NOW
swap: homemade pesto (on pasta, pizza and wraps—it's the best-o!) in lieu of tomato sauce
swap: manchego cheese in place of parmesan
swap: white bean hummus for mayo
swap: sweet potato for chicken (it makes amazing tacos!)
swap: quinoa for oatmeal—it's packed with protein and healthy carbs to keep you full
swap: coconut oil for olive oil adds a bit of flavor and has a higher smoke point
What are your go-to weeknight meals? I'd love to know!