Just another day in paradise… errr… Italy.  Specifically,  Siena!  We’ve been so excited to see this area.  (More) Great food, medieval history, and Gothic architecture.

I was lucky enough to discover Ari’s blog, ThE DiVa DiSh, a few months back and have looked forward to reading every day.  She has the MOST beautiful little girl I’ve ever seen (and I’m not just saying that), complete with a ton of spunk.  Ari is an innovator – whether it’s doing her own “design on a dime” or creating a healthy meal that looks like a fat kid’s heaven, I can always count on her for inspiration and a good recipe.

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Hey Guys!

My name is Ari and I blog over at ThE DiVa DiSh!

I am so excited that I have the opportunity to guest post for Laura today! I am super jealous of her trip adventures right, and secretly wished she would have taken me in her luggage so I could join her….

Maybe next time. (Editor’s note – for sure!) 🙂  As for now, I’m excited to share a little bit about me and my amazing family.

 

I’m a wifey and a mama, and there is nothing I love more. My husband is a cross between a woman who loves shoes and a man who loves sports… And my daughter is beautiful, dramatic, and full of energy. I try best to raise my family living a healthy lifestyle, and we feel that our bodies are temples, and we should treat them that way. We try to eat an abundance of plant based, whole, and natural foods as much as possible.

Even though we go through a Costco size spinach package in two days, I can assure you the same goes for chocolate. We know how to live and be happy, as well as love and respect the bodies we have been given.

One of my favorite kitchen tools is my blender. I had to do many “I ain’t gonna talk about” things so I could convince my hubby to get me the blender of my dreams. I use that thing at least twice a day.

That being said, one of my favorite things to make is a milkshake! It’s hard enough when we crave foods we love, and we try and tell ourselves we can’t have them. This only makes it harder, and in the end we are more likely to give in to those “butt” shakes, as I like to call them. Well my friends, I can assure you that there will be no more worrying. No more telling yourself, your kids, or even your hubby NO!

Healthy, natural, whole, yummy milkshakes!

S’mores Milkshake

Carrot Cake Milkshake

Coconut Vanilla Chai Milkshake

And lastly, how about a seasonal one?

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Ingredients:

1 c. coconut or soymilk

1 banana

½ c. pumpkin puree

1 carrot finely shredded

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp. molasses

1 TB. 100% pure maple syrup

1 TB. vanilla

Directions:

Blend all together until creamy! Sip and enjoy!

There you have it! Now go get your milkshake on! (you never know, it might bring some boys to the yard…)

Did I really just end with that?

(Editor’s note – Yes.  I could teach you, but I’d have to charge.)

Thanks again Laura for giving me this opportunity!  Have a great and safe trip!

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I’m going to make one of these with gelato… mmmmm…

What is your favorite milkshake flavor?

Do you they to “healthify” your favorite shake flavors?