Ah, what a week. Busier than most, it was filled with fun events, brunches, exploring Boston, and more. From speaking at the PRSA Boston social media conference, to seeing Mayor Menino speak at the Rosoff Awards, a fantastic brunch with a good friend and exploring the new Restoration Hardware store, here are a few highlights.
Statement cuff bracelets are a fantastic way to perk up your wardrobe. Whether it’s a pop of color, or a dash of sparkle, I always find myself turning to accessories to dress up a more classic outfit. As a result, I couldn’t resist this sparkly Moroccan-inspired Beaded Pave Metal Stretch Bracelet from LOFT. A great mix of gems and beads, it appeals to my inner magpie while offering an exotic element to my jewelry collection. As someone with a very small wrist, the stretch bracelet also fits perfectly, which is fantastic because so many non-stretch bangle bracelets and cuffs do not.
Spotted in an email from LOFT, I purchased this bracelet during a recent 40% off sale (score!) at their recently remodeled location inside Boston’s Prudential Center, but it is also available online at the full price of $34.50.
Though I’ve been snapping photos for ages, this image from the water is especially important because it also serves as The SavvyBostonian blog header. Taken during May 2005 just before I graduated from college, I was in Boston enjoying a Duck Tour with a dear friend from out of town. It was a sunny and warm day and we strolled over the city, from the Back Bay, to Newbury Street, Beacon Hill, the Public Garden. Oh, and the Duck Tour was pretty fun too! Definitely a must-do for tourists and locals alike.
Please allow me to introduce you to my newest obsession – avocado toast! Simple, yet decadent, avocado toast is an easy way to splurge a little at breakfast. Just toast your favorite bread (my favorites are Iggy’s or Pain D’Avignon), brush on a little extra virgin olive oil with a pastry brush and mash 1/4 avocado for each slice of toast and top with a little sea salt. One slice of avocado toast on whole wheat bread clocks in at about 185 calories, so I pair with an apple for a delicious, yet satisfying breakfast.
Apparently I’m not the only one rediscovering their love for avocado toast. Bon Appetit recently wrote a recipe for avocado toast on grilled bread that also includes a sprinkling of chili flakes. Check it out for more inspiration on how to dress up grilled or toasted bread.
For more of my recipes, click here.
With the temperatures increasing, I’ve been craving smoothies again. There are so many ways to craft a delicious smoothie, but for me it’s typically a mix of frozen berries or bananas, spinach, non-dairy milk, coconut water and protein powder. For my most recent smoothie, I went with a classic favorite. Jam-packed with frozen berries, banana, unsweetened vanilla almond milk and my secret ingredient, Vega One Vanilla nutritional shake, this smoothie is equal parts nutritious and delicious.
Serves One
– 1 cup frozen mixed berries (raspberry, blueberry, blackberry)
– 1 medium banana, chopped & frozen
– 1 scoop vanilla Vega One nutritional shake
– 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water as needed for blending.
I have a regular blender and find that using the ice blend setting works very well. The trick to the creamy, frozen consistency is using frozen fruit and frozen banana. I actually peel and chop ripe bananas up and store them in sandwich baggies in the freezer for smoothies. I’ve never liked the slushy-like consistency of ice cubes in a smoothie, so this works perfectly for me.
Note: You can absolutely sub the unsweetened vanilla almond milk for any other milk, or coconut water. Vega One is sweetened with Stevia and has a nice flavor, so my preference is to not add additional sugar or sweetener to this smoothie.
In case you’re wondering, the stats on this smoothie are pretty decent. It clocks in at about 350 calories and 9 grams of fat.
For readers not familiar with Vega One Nutritional Shake, it’s a personal favorite. It’s a vegan protein powder that’s free from dairy, gluten and soy. I know what you’re thinking – why would I use a vegan protein powder if I’m not vegan? For me it’s two things – taste and nutritional stats.
If you look at the nutritionals, it’s pretty impressive that one scoop contains 50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals, 15 g protein, fiber, Omega-3, Antioxidants, Probiotics and Greens. At $39.99 for a small tub it’s definitely pricey, but the contents make it a great solution for me to get the nutrients I need while trying to manage my busy life. For my readers in Boston, I purchase Vega One locally at Whole Foods, but you can also order on their website, or Amazon (affiliate link) for slightly cheaper. I’m also a huge fan of the chocolate flavor!
What’s your favorite smoothie combo? Leave a comment and let me know – I’m always looking for good new ideas!
For more of my recipes, click here.