Green smoothie love

I tend to drink a lot of smoothies for breakfast when summertime comes around. They are super easy to make, and a super great way to pack in a lot of different nutrients that you might not otherwise be able to get in your morning meal. For example, how many of us could easily incorporate kale and spirulina into our breakfast routine? Check out my latest favorite smoothie recipe below for a yummy breakfast treat.

Add to a blender:

1.  Kale (avoid the stems)
2.  Half an avocado
3.  Cold almond milk (or your favorite dairy alternative - flax, hemp, coconut, etc.)
4.  Dash of spirulina powder
5.  Fruit, frozen if possible (Banana, blueberries, watermelon are all good options that I've tried in this recipe. If the fruit is not frozen, add an ice cube to the blender.)
6.  Heaping spoonful of peanut or almond butter
7.  Dash of stevia (Please only use stevia or a natural sweetener. Artificial sweeteners are very dangerous to consume.)
8.  Blend. If not mixing properly, add a little more almond milk. Taste and add more stevia as needed, but be careful - a little stevia goes a long way.
9.  Enjoy!

Health benefits: This smoothie is a perfect balance of healthy fat, fiber, carbs, protein, and nutrients. Almond milk is high in calcium, non-dairy, and vitamin-rich. Spirulina is full of protein, iron, vitamin A, and other nutrients. It improves digestion, fights free radicals, and more. (I use Earthrise Spirulina Natural powder.) Kale is a wonder plant. No joke. Check out my blog post "Incredible, wondrous kale" to learn more about the benefits of this leafy gem. Avocados are good for your heart, high in fiber, have anti-inflammatory properties, are high in phytonutrients, and so on, ad infinitum. Yes, they contain fat, but it is AMAZING fat that is super duper good for you. Trust me, eat them. Finally, depending upon what fruit you choose, it will have various vitamins and nutrients that it provides you. As always, try to buy organic fruits and veggies. Avocados and bananas have thick peels, and so are slightly less damaging bought non-organic (I don't buy them organic), but no pesticides always equals healthier people.

You can't help but smile

Here is a little sunshine to brighten your day. This little girl is so excited to ride a train for her birthday!

Arthur Boorman's inspirational message

I love this man! He embodies the message: "Never, ever give up." Here is Arthur Boorman's story.

Living Joyfully Designs on Etsy

I create and sell jewelry and recently decided to launch a shop on Etsy called Living Joyfully Designs by Carly Massey. Check it out!

I've been made free

Check out the uplifting song "Free" by Dara Maclean.

Write a novel this month!

Have you always wanted to write a book? I know I have! Well, exactly one month from now you will have achieved that goal if you jump on board with National Novel Writing Month which starts today (but so what even if you start it a little late, too!) Thousands of people are going to be writing a novel this month, and so can you!

I am wishing you luck, but I know you don't need it. You only need to stay connected to the desire in your heart and the knowing that you deserve to do this for yourself, if it's something you would like to do. A big dose of gratitude goes out to my two friends who encouraged me to join them in this project. Happy writing!

The aftermath of Sandy

My city, New York, and where I'm from, the Jersey Shore, have been ravaged by the storm. The material damage is great, but I know we will rebuild. I'm grateful there weren't more lives lost and am sorry for those who did pass. Throughout this time, it's been so beautiful to see people reaching out and extending love to one another. The support given will help the healing process. I am sending out my love and well wishes to everyone impacted. May you all stay safe.

Here is a healing chant that I find very peaceful and powerful to listen or meditate to. I recommend finding a comfortable seat, closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths, and then taking in what you hear. I hope you will find it as beneficial as I do.

Thought for the day

"You are loved. All is well." (Abraham-Hicks)

My new art classroom

In my blog post "An Art Room of Their Own," I wrote about how important it was for me to create a suitable space for my students to develop their artistic ability. Below are some before and after photographs of the transformation. I love working in this space!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

 AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I love my job

This is the type of stuff I get to buy for my job... How could I not be happy when I'm surrounded by glitter all day?