Smoothie Saturday - Cantabananaberry Smoothie

Yes, I know today is Sunday and not really Saturday, but I was unable to get to a computer to post this yesterday.  So, here it is.

But before I start, I just have to share something with you all.

The other day I was blessed to be given the Sunshine Award by not just one, but TWO of my very good blogger friends.
It is an honor and very flattering to receive this from them both.
Thank you, Joan of Chocolate, Chocolate, and More Chocolate, and Sara of My Imperfect Kitchen!!  I love you ladies and am very grateful for this gift!  It is such an honor to be thought so highly of by your peers.
The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers and the recipients are "bloggers who creatively and positively inspire others in the blogosphere".   The way the award works is this: Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them. Answer 10 questions about yourself. Select 10 of your favorite bloggers, link their blogs to your post and let them know they have been awarded the Sunshine Award! Don't forget to copy and paste the award on your blog! 


On to the questions so you can all learn a little bit more about me and then I'll let you know who I picked!

1.  Favorite Color - Aubergine.  Yes, it's not your typical color, but it's such a deep, gorgeous purple that I LOVE it!

2.  Favorite Animal - a dog.  Specifically that of a Golden Retriever.  We have one named Brady and because he is also my very first dog, I love him to death.  I'm sure there will never be another one quite like him.  He's the one you see in a few of my pictures.

3.  Favorite Number - 3.  I was born on the third of July and we have 3 children.  It's just a magical number. But it hasn't won me any money yet.  Not that I play it often enough to win though either.

4. Favorite Drink - hmmmm...that's a toughie.  I'm now addicted to water which is a good thing since I've recently become addicted again to exercising.  I would say that as a treat I like a nice cold Coke.  I don't purchase it for us to drink, so will only order it when we go out to eat on occasion.  I don't drink many alcoholic drinks, but if i do, I like the sweet and fruity stuff.  No beer for me.

5.  Facebook or Twitter - Facebook, definitely Facebook.  I have a Twitter account set up with the blog, but I often forget to update it.  I LOVE to see what my friends, both personal and foodie, are up to and the pictures they post on FB.  I can just connect with so many more people there, too.

6.  Good Book or Good Movie - I prefer a good movie.  I can definitely lose myself in one.  I also love to read, but haven't been doing it much lately - probably because I'm on Facebook so often. haha  I also love to go to the movies, relax and eat some popcorn while sipping some soda.  Yup, movies.

7.  My Passion - is without a doubt, my family.  Having a family is all I ever wanted to do since I was little, so they are definitely it for me.  Following close behind is my cooking.

8.  Giving or Getting Presents - Giving.  I love to give them and see the reactions on their faces.  It also warms my heart to make someone else happy.  But don't get me wrong, I really like to get them, too.  ;-)

9.  Favorite Day of the Year - Yes, July 3rd.  It's right around the corner.  It's my birthday and a day when I very often see fireworks, so it's special.  And I love the celebration for the U.S. of A.

10.  Favorite Flowers - Lilacs.  The smell brings me back to when I was little, living in Lombard, Illinois, the "Lilac Capital of the World".  There is a beautiful park near the library that smelled absolutely incredible when all of the lilacs were in bloom.  Every year there was a Lilac Parade, too.  They also remind me of the bush we had in the backyard of our old house in Rhode Island.  Those flowers always remind me of Spring and the beautiful weather yet to come.

I could happily pass this award on to so many of my fellow bloggers because they each have something unique and interesting to share, but these are the ones receiving my vote today.  Please check them out and congratulate them on a job well done!!

Kathi at The Full Fridge

Geni at Sweet & Crumby

Marsha at The Harried Cook

Carrie at Carrie's Experimental Kitchen

Mrs. Fantabulous at The Kitchen Whisperer

Tara at Della Rose Living

Keira at My Prairie Window

Lynn at The Actor's Diet

Tammie and Alessa at Carolina HeartStrings

Steve at Woodworkin' & Good Eats

Here's a word for you - Cantabananberry.
See if you can figure out what the ingredients are based on the name and the picture.
It's not that difficult, really.

A simple smoothie to help you cool off in this summer heat.  Quick, easy and delicious.  Seems to be the motto around here lately.  haha

Cantabananaberry Smoothie - serves 1 if you want to drink the WHOLE thing or 2 smaller sizes
            (I drank it all by myself, I did!)

1 banana sliced
1 cup cubed cantaloupe
1 cup frozen strawberries (about 10)
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

Put all ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth.

Pour into a serving glass or glasses.
Or just drink it straight from the blender.

I rate everything I make on a scale of 1-4 and this Cantabananaberry earned 3 1/2 rolling pins.

I LOVED the fruit combination!!

I was nervous about how the cantaloupe would taste in it, but it was mild and just really tasted good with the banana and strawberries.

I'm hooked.

I'm also liking the bananas in my smoothies now.  I guess it's an acquired taste because I certainly didn't like them in drinks before.

Oh, and just a reminder to check out the last post, Banana Splits for Dinner.  Have a banana split for Ryan and then post a picture for his family to see here on the Banana Splits for Ryan Facebook Page to post a picture!

And remember, hugs those you love just a little bit tighter today.

I give you BIG baking hugs and muffins!!