Smoothie Bar Birthday Party

My husband works one weekend a month in Jacksonville.  This works out great for us since it's near where I grew up and my parents still live there.  So the whole family goes up to stay for a weekend visit.  It's a great excuse to get us up there and for the girls to see Mimi and Papa. 

Ava's birthday is coming up next week.  So we decided to celebrate with Mimi & Papa this past weekend when we were up visiting.  Ava's favorite food is peanut and butter sandwiches.  She would eat them for lunch everyday if I let her.  So sandwiches were the meal of choice.  Meats and cheeses for the adults and PB&J's for the kids. 

Mimi is also famous with the grand kids for her yummy smoothies.  My mom has been making these for us since we were kids.  It's not an exact science, it's all about making it to your taste!

So for Ava's family birthday party, we also had a Smoothie Bar!  All the kids got to make their own flavors, picking out all of their own ingredients.



All of the Cousins & Aunt Jessie

Emma getting her frozen bananas ready for her creation.

Aunt Jessie is helping B taste test his smoothie.

Birthday Girl is ready to blend!

Here are just a few ideas for some of the smoothies we made.  The girls even drank some spinach!  The ingredient amounts are approximate since we like to taste test and add things as we go.  We like our smoothies thick, so I like to use frozen bananas and other fruit.  This eliminates the need for ice and keeps your smoothie from getting watered down.

Healthy Green Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie 

by Love Bug Living & Mimi

1 c. almond milk (or other milk)
1 frozen banana
spinach leaves
few peppermint leaves (or you can use mint extract)
chocolate chips

Combine your milk, banana, spinach, and peppermint leaves until combined.  Add your chocolate chips and pulse a few times to roughly chop.  Pour and serve. 
Serves 2


Tropical Smoothie
by Love Bug Living & Mimi

1 c. coconut water
1/4 - 1/2 c. frozen pineapple
1/4 - 1/2 c. frozen mango
1 frozen banana

Blend all until smooth.  Pour and serve.
Serves 2.


Chocolate Covered Fruit Smoothie
by Love Bug Living & the Cousins

1 c. chocolate almond milk
1/2 c. strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 - 1/2 c. frozen cherries
1 frozen banana

Blend all until smooth.  Pour and serve. 
Serves 2.