The Countdown Begins... Grinch Smoothies.

Finally it's here, December 1st! I am not normally the person who says "I can't wait for..." I truly believe in living in the moment and enjoying each day as if it were your last. But for some reason, this past month, I have been counting down for December and everything Christmas! It may have something to do with the fact that I have been watching too many holiday movies and searching Pinterest for too many holiday ideas! The tree is up, house is all decorated, and now it's time for everything Christmas. 

I recently won a giftcard from FedEx and American Express for Small Business Saturday to promote shopping local and supporting small businesses. This was in addition to the promo American Express offered (if you "shopped small/local" on Nov. 24th and used your American Express card you could earn a credit of $25.00 back on your statement) so I was searching online for where to use it! More on that in a minute. 

There are so many great local small businesses around us but I figured I would shop for something we actually need. That is exactly what I got, $25.00 worth of veggies, fruit, eggs and milk from The Market. 

Counting down to Christmas, I love the idea of everything holiday/Christmas themed. Today was a Grinch smoothie. Yum. Everyone's version of a smoothie is different, as is mine every time I make them. They are never the same, usually just whatever fruit I have that needs used up, or what I bought through the summer and threw in the freezer. It also depends on what yogurt I have fresh or frozen and what I am hungry for. I also try to add some ground flax seed or some oatmeal to it too. 

The "Grinch" Smoothie

2 slices of Pineapple (I had mine in the freezer from this summer, you could use a handful or two of chunks instead)

1 big bunch/handful of fresh spinach (perfect for the green grinch color. 

1/2 cup or 3/4 plain yogurt. I used Stoneyfield Organic today. 

About 1/4 cup Oatmeal (give or take a little) 

Feel free to add a little aguave nectar, honey or your sweetener of choice. 

Mine was sweet enough with the pineapple.  

Just toss it all in the blender and there you go, you have yourself a Grinch Smoothie. 

The great thing about smoothies is you can pretty much add or replace anything you would like. Like I said, mine is different every time. 

As I mentioned above, I also shopped local for Small Business Saturday and took advantage of the free $25.00 credit on my American Express. I searched on the site for local businesses participating and I found our local bookstore Read's Ink on the list. My Mom & I decided to stop in and check out their selection. So many great books but I was on the hunt for a specific cookbook, the new Rachael Ray My Year in Meals! The owners kindly ordered it for me! I just picked it up this week! Now I have to decide which recipe to try first! 

What is your favorite holiday theme food/drink/snack?