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Frozen Fruit Smoothie with a Boost: Trying out Plant-Based Protein Powder with Botanica | Review + Recipe

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder

Hands up who wants to up their health game this year? Before you jump to conclusions and think this will be just another blog post about new year resolutions I want to let you in on a little secret: it’s not. This is about rethinking lifestyle choices on an ongoing basis by making incremental changes- such as giving your body a boost with a shot of plant-based protein in a tasty smoothie instead of reaching for that bag of chips, that bag of candy (hello leftover Christmas candy!), or whatever your naughty snack of choice is.
 
One thing we notice in our house is a general lack of energy (in the adults that is, the kids- yeesh can we bottle some of theirs?!). Some days are good, but many are clouded with that not enough sleep/ not enough coffee/ can’t wake up fogginess. I’ve enjoyed Botanica’s products for about a year now (see this post and this post) and we have recently been trying out some of their vanilla Perfect Protein Elevated Protein Powder in smoothies. We opted to try the Adrenal Support blend protein powder in a batch of smoothies as a family and everyone loved them. What I love about this plant-based protein powder is that it’s made with whole-food ingredients (quinoa, vanilla, coconut, brown rice) alongside superfoods recognized to improve/ balance adrenal function (more on those later).
 

Other reasons I love this plant-based protein powder:

  • Dairy-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Non-GMO
  • Soy-Free
  • Stevia-Free
  • Organic
  • Sugar-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Pesticide-Free
I sometimes find that protein powders can be overpowering when you mix them into drinks- smoothies, shakes, etc- but that wasn’t the case with this one. It only made a slight difference to the flavour and texture, definitely not like others I’ve tried where the taste of the protein powder takes over and you’re left with a thick chalky consistency that isn’t very enjoyable. This powder isn’t lumpy or grainy, making it a subtle (and enjoyable) addition to smoothies.

Give your health a boost by rethinking your lifestyle choices.

Botanica has a few protein powders to choose from, but I wanted to try the Adrenal Support blend because both Will and I are working to restore adrenal function in our bodies. So many of us seem to lack energy and/ or suffer from chronic fatigue and blame it on not enough sleep or not enough coffee (who is else is guilty there??), but these symptoms could also be indicative of other underlying imbalances in our body, such as adrenal fatigue. Lifestyle choices such as diet can have a large impact on how our bodies function and the quality of what we put in our mouths plays an important role.

Smoothies are a simple and convenient way to pack in nutrients!

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder

I like smoothies as a quick and healthy snack or breakfast option and admittedly don’t make them often enough. When I saw how much the kids loved the smoothies we made with Botanica’s protein powder it reminded me how great of an option they really are. Even though at this time of year I’m definitely craving warm comfort food, I know I have to make more of an effort in the colder months, because the effort pays off. See below for the recipe we made + find out more about the adrenal-boosting ingredients in this plant-based protein powder.

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder  

Frozen Fruit Protein Smoothie

fruit smoothie ingredients with Botanica plant-based protein powder

Ingredients

1 scoop of Botanica’s Elevated Protein Powder

2 cups of your favourite frozen fruits/ berries

1 banana (fresh or frozen

1 cup milk or non-dairy beverage of choice

1/2- 1 cup of water (add as needed to reach desired thickness/ consistency)

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse to help break up frozen fruit/ berries. Blend until a smooth consistency has been reached (Tip: pour into popsicle molds for healthy popsicles!)

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder 

About Perfect Protein

Botanica Perfect Protein is a fermented and sprouted complete plant protein blend packed with naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats and fibre. All in light vanilla taste so it’s easy to digest and absorb. Crafted in small batches with just a few simple organic, fair trade ingredients. So good there’s no added sweeteners, not even stevia. Great to add to a smoothie or mixed into milk/ non-dairy beverage. 

  • Dairy-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Non-GMO
  • Soy-Free
  • Stevia-Free
  • Organic
  • Sugar-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Pesticide-Free

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder

Adrenal- support ingredients

Botanica’s Perfect Protein Elevated Protein Powder is made with whole food ingredients selected for their adrenal- boosting qualities:

  • ashwagandha– an adaptogenic herb to support energy levels and immune function as a whole
  • reishi– increase energy and resistence to stress
  • Vitamin C derived from acerola cherries– used by the body in times of stress

fruit smoothie with Botanica plant-based protein powder

To see what other Botanica products our family has tried check out these posts:

Improving Your Wellness Routine with Botanica Health

Heading Into the Holiday Season with Botanica Health + Recipe

Visit the Botanica website to learn more about Botanica and their variety of products.

Find them on social media: Instagram | Facebook 

Disclosure: I received compensation and was provided with product in return for my honest review and recipe creation. All views and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Counting Down to the New Year | Giveaway with JORD Wood Watches

JORD wood watch Frankie
5…4…3…2…1… Counting down to the new year with a final giveaway here on OHP with JORD Watches! Enter to win a $100 shopping credit for one of their wood watches + everyone who enters will receive a 10% discount! These timepieces are a stylish addition to your accessory collection and if you don’t already own one, their wood watches are great statement pieces.
 

Kick off the new year in style with JORD’s wood watches!

 JORD wood watch Frankie
Whether you’re a New Years resolution/ goal-setting type, or just counting down to the start of 2019, you can stay on time in style thanks to JORD. Choose from a variety of styles for men and women, with many styles available in different colour ways and wood finishes. Once you’ve made your selection you can also customize your watch by having it engraved- perfect if you’re giving as a gift or to mark a special occasion.

A new meaning for arm candy!

I went for the FRANKIE watch with gold details and love the large face, clean design, and dark wood (this colour combination is ebony wood with gold, but the FRANKIE design is available in 5 other colour combinations). It’s a bold piece that stands out and it’s perfect for everyday wear. This is a piece that gets noticed and I receive compliments every time I wear it, whether by itself or layered with bracelets. 

JORD wood watch Frankie

Check out the full line of JORD wood watches on their website and find them on social media: Instagram | Facebook 

Shop men’s watches here and women’s watches here.

Ready to enter? See below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Printable Christmas Cards

pastel printable Christmas cards

Put the finishing touch on your holiday gifting with these cute printable Christmas cards! 

Whether you’re at the end of your Christmas to-do list or just getting started, these printable Christmas cards are a sweet addition that you can print right at home! Pick your favourite set or print both, they’re perfect to give to family, friends, teachers… everyone who’s on your nice list this year! Add some fun and cheer to any gift, or insert a gift card (or some cash) for sweet all-in-one gifting.

It’s as easy as click, print + trim!  

Each set contains four festive designs plus inserts if you want to add a little extra detail to the inside (or use as envelope labels). Tip: if you want to print multiple sets, upload the PDF file to Staples or another print centre website to save you from using up all your printer ink. I printed mine on a mid-weight paper, but opt for cardstock if you want something a little more sturdy.

Download yours below!  printable Christmas cards printable Christmas cards  printable Christmas cards 

Click below to download these printable Christmas cards! 

Mint Set

printable Christmas cards mint set pg 1 printable Christmas cards mint set pg 2   printable Christmas cards mint set pg 3

Printable Christmas Cards- Mint

Pink Set

printable Christmas cards pink set pg 1 printable Christmas cards pink set pg 2 printable Christmas cards pink set pg 3

Printable Christmas Cards- Pink

For more Christmas printables and DIYs check out these posts:

Printable Christmas Gift Tags | Simple Greenery Holiday Wall Hanging | Dried Orange Christmas Garland 

Like this post? Save it for later!

printable Christmas cards

These cards were designed in Canva. 

Goh Ballet’s The Nutracker Returns for it’s Tenth Year in Vancouver

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Vancouver for a tenth year with stars of American Ballet Theatre making their debut perfromances in Vancouver for the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier Prince. 

A Vancouver holiday tradition, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns for its tenth year this holiday season. Devon Teuscher and Alexandre Hammoudi from New York’s renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT) join as Principal dancers in the iconic roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier Prince. Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker will run for five shows at Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 21st to the 23rd with matinee and evening performances.  

The Principal Dancers will join a cast of over 250 dancers comprised of local and international cast members, performing to choreography set by Emmy award winner and Canadian choreographer Anna-Marie Holmes. Each performance will feature live music from members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. This year, Goh Ballet will offer an interactive VIP experience that includes exclusive pre and post show activities including, a private champagne reception, mingling with the cast,  photograph opportunities, and backstage tour access. 

  • Principal dancers bring international star power to Vancouver’s favourite holiday tradition  
  • The tenth production of Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker will run five performances at their new venue of Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 21st to 23rd  
  • This year’s exclusive VIP experience includes private photo op with cast and backstage tour access 

About Goh Ballet 

Since 1978, Vancouver, Canada has been home to Goh Ballet, a vibrant, innovative and diverse dance organization. Following the vision of its founders while expanding on current artistic aspirations, Goh Ballet pursues technical and artistic excellence while raising cultural awareness in our communities through performance productions. The Goh Ballet is synonymous with excellence, training talent and fostering the presentation of classical ballet. It provides extraordinary opportunities for dancers to reach their full potential, while contributing to the artistic well-being of our city and country. Goh Ballet is always at the forefront of the arts community. 

With a wide-ranging and ever-expanding repertoire that encompasses classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, character, and national dance, the Goh Ballet’s reach extends internationally. Performance tours have been made to the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, France, and the U.S.A.  The achievements and visibility of our cast members who fill the ranks of world-renowned companies continue to prove Goh Ballet is a justly celebrated cultural ambassador on world stages. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Goh Ballet Nutcracker website


Heading Into the Holiday Season with Botanica Health + Recipe

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

How do you maintain your wellness routine and keep yourself healthy this time of year? I’m excited to be teaming up again with Botanica Health heading into the holiday season with some ideas to help you stay calm and relaxed while enjoying something warm to unwind with at the end of the day. We all know eggnog is a hit this time of year, but if you’re looking for something warm and not loaded with sugar I’ve got two ideas you might want to try (plus a recipe!).

Botanica Health has just released two new products in time for those evenings you want to stay cozy indoors (or go for a Winter walk), and unwind at the end of the day: Reishi Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Turmeric Golden Mylk. Both are modern takes on traditional beverages (reishi mushrooms are believed to help the body relax and support a healthy stress response, while turmeric is a popular ingredient in ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties). With the added decadence of chocolate, they’re the perfect drink for when you want to enjoy something warm and comforting without being loaded with sugar and artificial additives (bonus points for actually being good for you!).

Made in small batches and free from artificial ingredients and fillers both the Reishi Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Turmeric Golden Mylk are vegan, certified organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, stevia-free, and non-GMO. 

The Reishi Hot Chocolate is my favourite  of the two, and I decided to give it a try in a recipe: reishi chocolate chia pudding, a new take on this chia parfait recipe. I like that chia pudding is a tasty, healthy snack full of nutrients and how simple it is to make. Whether you enjoy the Reishi Hot Chocolate Mix to make a warm drink on a cold day, or to add into a snack like this one, it’s a refreshing option worth a try. See below for the recipe!

Reishi Hot Chocolate Chia Pudding

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

Ingredients

2 cups milk (regular, coconut, or pick your favourite)

1/4 cup chia seeds

2 tbsp Reishi Hot Chocolate Mix

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Vanilla Greek yogurt (optional)

Cinnamon or cocoa nibs for garnish

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

Directions

1. In a jug, mix the Reishi Hot Chocolate Mix until combined, followed by the chia seeds

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

2.Cover for half an hour or overnight 

3.When ready, pour the chia seed mix into mason jars and top with cinnamon or cocoa nib shavings

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

4.For an extra dose of protein, layer the chocolate chia pudding with Greek yogurt

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding  Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding    Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding  Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding  Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding  Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding  

Want to try this recipe? Save it for later!

Botanica Reishi chocolate chia pudding

More Info

Reishi Hot Chocolate

  • 1500mg of Reishi per serving, which is considered a therapeutic dosage (what you would get if you were to take a capsule or tincture of Reishi mushroom)
  • the whole mushroom is used (mycelium and fruiting body) to capture all the benefits of the mushroom
  • sourced from the Pacific Northwest of the USA
  • tested for herbicides, pesticides, and heavy metals to ensure purity
  • sweetened with dates and monk fruit as natural sweeteners (no added sugars)

Chocolate Turmeric Golden Mylk

  • 1000mg of Turmeric per serving
  • made with the same quality ingredients as the original Turmeric Golden Mylk, but with the added decadence of chocolate
  • sweetened with dates and monk fruit as natural sweeteners (no added sugars)

Check out my other post with Botanica Health here!

Visit Botanica online: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

 Available in health food stores and on Amazon
 
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
 
 

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