Smoothie Saturday: Carrot Cake

The first time I saw this recipe I thought "Gross, carrot cake? In a smoothie?" Who wouldn't right? It just doesn't sound like a good idea!  However, after seeing the recipe a few more times I started to wonder how it would taste!  I do like carrot cake after all, and if you can put spinach in a smoothie why not carrots?!

Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie

2 Scoops Vanilla Shaklee Life Energizing Shake

1/2 Cup Frozen Banana or Pineapple

1 Cup Vanilla Almond Milk

1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

3-4 Baby Carrots

Ice as needed

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.  I like to blend my milk and smoothie mix first to make sure it gets mixed together well.  Then I add everything else and blend until it is milkshake thick.

The verdict? Lainey Approved!

It was actually very good!  Lainey kept climbing up and stealing sips, I think she drank more than I did!  The carrot/spice flavor wasn't over powering like I was expecting.  I think next time I may even try to add in some more carrots.  Sound good or too weird? Are you willing to try it out?

Family Lunch Date

A few months ago, we decided to make a point of spending an afternoon or evening each weekend exploring the area and trying new restaurants.  We were in a Whataburger, Rudy's, and Pizza Hut rut! We've already tried some pretty good new places, and this past weekend we headed to Las Cruces for lunch.  We are always looking for new restaurants to take people to when they come visit, and this one is definitely going on the list!  

I found Si Italian Bistro and Bakery on Facebook and it looked really neat!  It's located in an old home and when we got out of the car you could already smell all the yummy Italian food!  

Photo Via: Si Italian Bistro

She loves stickers right now.  

I love that they entertain her so well, and for so long!

Margherita Pizza.  Basil, fresh tomato, and mozzarella. 

They had a good variety of items on their menu, from burgers to traditional pasta dishes and sandwiches.  We each got a personal size wood fired pizza, and they were delish!  They use local ingredients and you could really tell how fresh they were.  

Death by Chocolate Cake and a Chocolate/Vanilla Cream Puff

One of the reasons I chose this restaurant is because they are also a bakery.  You can order dessert with your meal, or just stop in and pick up something up! We shared the death by chocolate cake and wow it was so so good!  I tried a cream puff too, mainly because I'd never had one before.  It was pretty good, and would be perfect if you just want a little something sweet.  I'd recommend the cake though....yep just get the cake.  Or don't, more for me!  

We are always looking for new restaurants to take people to when they come visit, and this one is definitely going on the list!