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#FoodFindFriday | Bontà Natural Artisan Gelato | Ice Cream | Bend, Oregon

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2016.06.18. - Tumalo 8

A few weeks ago we made our second big trip down to Bend, Oregon for some camping, hiking and gelato eating. Prior to our trip I looked up ice cream shops to visit and Bontà was one of the first spots to pop up. I checked to see what they had for non-dairy options and when I saw flavors such as chocolate coconut, lemon sorbetto, and vegan spiced latte I knew that we just had to give Bontà a try.

2016.06.18. - Tumalo 4

Our first day in Bend we headed downtown and to our delight we not only found the Bontà store front but their was a food festival also going on which included the Bontà gelato cart. After perusing the flavors we decided to get the coconut with Jem nutbutter from the cart and the raspberry sorbetto from the shop. We also sampled the chocolate and the lemon which where absolutely amazing and I have dreams about going back for a scoop of each. 

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The dairy-free gelato was smooth, creamy, and incredibly rich. Exactly what I love in a gelato or non-dairy ice cream. I will say we went for a regular size of the coconut with Jem and it was more than we could finish because it was so rich but oh it was so good. 

Overall A+++ when it comes to quality, selection and taste and easily one of my most favorite #FridayFoodFinds.

Disclaimer: this post is in NOT sponsored. 

#SummerStrong | Bob’s Red Mill Protein Powder

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Bob’s Red Mill and FitApproach sponsored this post. All opinions are my own.

Bob's Red Mill Protein Powder

I have to be honest protein powders are something that I really haven’t been super enthusiastic about. I have tried a variety of them and while I have found a few that are decent I haven’t found any that I want to use on a regular basis or would consider purchasing again. That’s until this past month and Bob’s Red Mill Protein Powders. 

I have been loving on the chocolate flavor because when I want a smoothie I often want it to taste like a chocolate milkshake. I combine the chocolate protein powder, unsweetened vanilla almond milk and 1-2 frozen bananas and boom instant milkshake. The bonus with this milkshake though is that I get 20g of plant-based protein (pea protein), 12g of fiber, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and iron. You won’t be finding those in your standard milkshake. I can also have it for breakfast or really any meal I want. 

I have to say my only gripe with this protein powder is just how much of it you have to use. I serving is 1/3 cup (45g) which sounds like a lot and is more than other protein powders out there on the market. I personally feel like it’s too much protein powder to just shake up with almond milk and go but in a smoothie it is perfect. That is all personal preference though right? 

For flavors there is chocolate, chai, unflavored and vanilla. Of the four I like the chocolate and the vanilla and they are also the most universal to use and make a variety of smoothies, smoothie bowls and other recipes. The chai just wasn’t my favorite flavor – a little too much for me. As for the unflavored it was fine but you have to do a little more with it to get a good flavor – it might be nice in baking though! 

Overall I’m impressed with these protein powders and I’m thrilled to be able to give one away to one lucky person. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get a coupon: http://www.bobsredmill.com/get-a-coupon.html

Friday Food Finds & More

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summer splash

Happy Friday! 

Who is ready for the weekend? It’s supposed to be over 100F here in Portland this weekend – hot, hot hot! 

I have a bunch of ripe bananas begging to be frozen and these creamy popsicles on the agenda to beat the heat. 

Hot coffee isn’t going to cut it in 100 degree weather so bring on the iced coffee -specifically this one. 

Looking for something a bit stronger than coffee? Cool down with this cocktail that combines two wonderful things – strawberries & whiskey!

And for eating lets keep it fresh and green like these tacos because no one wants too spend a hot day cooking in a hot kitchen.

A few other shoutouts this week…

The first is to Katie Heddleston who launched her BAMR bands subscription box this week! 

The other shout out I have to give to Nicole Culver the creator behind the amazing Food Entrepreneur Summit that I am so thrilled to be (online) attending right now!

Feeling seriously lucky to have such inspiring women who I can also call friends in my life.

 

Upgrade Your Everyday Salad | organicgirl

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Upgrade Your Everyday Salad with organicgirl's new Sweet Pea and PEPPERGREENS

I feel like for me I’m either all about the salads or all I want is pasta. When I fall into a salad rut it is often due to the fact that I just get bored with my normal greens. I mean I love a bit of crunchy romaine, sweet mache or nice peppery arugula but then I run the rotation and get bored. That’s until my favorite greens, organicgirl, came out with their new PEPPERGREENS and Sweet Pea. I have never found a mix of greens that are as inventive as these two.

organicgirl sweet pea flavor profileIf I’m feeling a bit sweet I’ll go with the Sweet Pea which (depending on the season) have a pea shoots and a nice mix of tender leafy greens such as baby romaine and even baby bok choy. I love to add a small handful to my avocado toast or as a nice simple salad. It’s also great when combined with crunchy romaine hearts. Bonus if you’re looking to get a little protein, Sweet Pea provides you with 5 grams per serving!

organicgirl peppergreens leaves taste profile

 

When I’m feeling a like I want to turn up the heat a bit I go with the PEPPERGREENS. This mix of tender-leaf greens includes a mix of my favorite peppery arugula as well as a few different mustard greens and a new to me herb called cress. Cress is from the watercress and mustard family. These greens are my favorite on a sandwich or tossed with marinated tofu, cherry tomatoes, crispy croutons andorganicgirl‘s vegan Lemon Agave dressing. The dressing is made with real ingredients and you aren’t going to find it on the shelf but right next to the greens in the produce section of your grocery store. Bonus the PEPPERGREENS are an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K.

Upgrade Your Everyday Salad with organicgirl's new Sweet Pea and PEPPERGREENS

Now I want to share a few tips to turn your boring salad into something fun, fresh and delicious. 

Step 1. Greens. Get yourself some amazing greens that make you excited to enjoy your salad. Pick ones with features that appeal to you whether that is crunchy, sweet, or peppery. Choose high quality greens because they really do taste better and will make your salad munching experience more enjoyable. 

Step 2. Toppings. The topping options are really endless but I thought I’d share a few of my favorites:

Walnuts + Roasted Sweet Potato + Lemon Agave Dressing (pair with organicgirl Sweet Pea)

Peppered Tofurky + Avocado + Tomato (Pair with organicgirl Sweet Pea)

Crispy Chickpeas + Pepperoncini + Tomatoes + Zaatar (Pair with organicgirl PEPPERGREENS)

Roasted Potatoes + Red Onion + Orange Bell Pepper (Pair with organicgirl PEPPERGREENS or Sweet Pea)

Tempeh Bacon + Avocado + Jicama + Tomatoes (Pair with organicgirl PEPPERGREENS)

Roasted Beets + Hemp Seeds + Dried Figs + Lemon Agave Dressing (pair with organicgirl Sweet Pea)

Step 3. Dressing. Whether you prefer a creamy dressing, a vinaigrette or maybe you just like a simple drizzle of lemon juice make sure you are once again choosing something of quality. When looking for a vinaigrette or dressing avoid bottled dressings that are filled with sugar and preservatives and especially ones with ingredients you don’t recognize. Go for something simple, made from really great fresh ingredients and ideally something that you’ll find in the cooler or produce section such as organicgirl salad love dressings.  

Upgrade Your Everyday Salad with organicgirl's new Sweet Pea and PEPPERGREENS

I hope you find a bit of inspiration and new ways to make your salad fun and delicious. If you try out these new organicgirl salad mixes let me know what you think! Last night I enjoyed the Sweet Pea on a special vegan sausage waffle sandwich with apricot jam and it was so good and maybe, just maybe I’ll have a recipe soon…

So tell me what are your favorite salad combos? What kinds of greens do you prefer spicy or sweet? Crunchy or tender?

og logo good clean greens

 

Where to find organicgirl: Available nationwide, including Whole Foods, Fred Meyer, New Seasons and many neighborhood markets in Portland.

 

Disclosure: This post was created in collaboration with organicgirl. I am thrilled to be working on a three part series with organicgirl because frankly I have been obsessed with organicgirl for years.  I was provided compensation for this post but since I should already have stock in orgaicgirl most of this money is going to go towards buying more of their delicious greens. 

About organicgirl: organicgirl is all about making great products people love. Created with premium quality, superior taste and a lot of love, organicgirl greens and salad love dressings are our answer to making a great salad with unmatched taste and freshness. A lot of attention to detail makes the difference; picky seed selection, diverse growing practices, tight specifications, triple washing, a cold, fast delivery system and the commitment of all our people. In addition to organicgirl greens, organicgirl salad love dressings are so great you will love them too! Premium quality organic vinaigrettes are made with fresh ingredients including whole produce to be delicious, fresh and tasty.

Cooking & Eating in The Great Outdoors – A Call For Help

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Cooking & Eating in The Great Outdoors

We have caught the camping bug and we are just running with it. We have already been yurting and tenting and we already have plans for more tenting and also a stay in some vintage trailers. I’m also currently searching for more tenting spots and have plans do a little cabin/yurt camping this Fall/Winter (yay for heated cabins and yurts!) While I am thrilled to be camping I still haven’t quite figured out the whole cooking/eating thing. I either am too ambitious, too boring or I over pack. 

Last night we met up with friends and our littles to see a local children’s musician. After the show we headed out from dinner and since we both had just arrived home from camping that day we of course got to talking about our camping trips and the topic of food came up. When asked what we made I was really wishing I could have share some really fun and creative meals but instead all I could say was veggie dogs and veggie chicken sandwiches – can we say boring?

While I wish I was sharing a bunch of tips and inspired recipes I am instead asking (begging) for your help. Go crazy in the comments and share your favorite camping recipes, tips and foods. TIA!

5 Things: Food, Fitness & Fashion Blogs

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I read a variety of blog from food to fashion and today I am going to feature a few of my favorites.  I read these blogs not only for entertainment but refer to them for recipes, fitness tips/ideas/motivation, and fashion ideas (I’m trying to be more fashionable).  This is by no means a complete list of the blogs I read but a high light of five from each category that I really enjoy. 

Five Food Blogs:

  1. Peas and Thank You
  2. Spabettie
  3. Pure2Raw
  4. Oh She Glows
  5. 101 Cookbooks

Five Fitness (/running/healthy living) Blogs:

  1. Carrots ‘n Cake
  2. Healthy Ashley
  3. Meals and Miles
  4. Healthy Tipping Point
  5. Faith Fitness Fun

Five Fashion Blogs:

  1. My Style Pill
  2. What I Wore
  3. The Sartorialist
  4. Kendi Everyday
  5. J’s Everyday Fashion
Q: What are you favorite food, fitness and fashion blogs? 

Date Night In Deutschland

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Last week Neil and I decided that we needed to have a date night. Lately we have been so busy with our own things and home things that we haven’t been spending enough quality time together.

Our date night started at the driving range where we shared an extra large bucket of balls.

After we emptied our bucket of balls we headed to the batting gages.  I watched while Neil hit a few balls and then it was time to head downtown for the second half of our date.

We debated over a few places to go for a drink and dinner but I wasn’t really that hungry so we decided to go to the German brew pub for a beer and decide on what we wanted for dinner later.  Once we sat down and perused the menu we saw that there were a few potential small plate options for us to have and since we were enjoying the quiet night on the patio we decided to stay and order food as well.

Grilled Asparagus with olive oil and lemon

Giant pretzel with horseradish mustard (no butter on the pretzel)

Spicy Fries (more liked seasoned)

The Verdict: delicious beer (we stayed for a second) and tasty food. We sat and enjoyed each others company while sipping beers and snacking on the food. Overall one of the best nights lately and I can’t wait to return for more of the asparagus-SO GOOD!