Easy Green Smoothie With Mango + Banana #DoleRose

I was recently told by someone, whom I highly respect, in the food writing world that she loved my blog {blushing} but that I needed to put more of me into it. ACK!! Perhaps you think it might be easy since I already write on my blog several times a week to add more of my personality but believe me it is a talent not many can do well – add just enough of your own daily life while not sound like you are whining or bragging to your readers. 

You may wonder why I am writing this as an opening for an Easy Green Smoothie with Mango and Banana Recipe – well my answer is two-fold.

Reason number 1 :: As I begin to add more of my personality to my writing I will look to other bloggers and writers who walk this fine line in a way that I respect – as I mentioned, no whining and not too much bragging. I have a mental list running and on this is list is one of my friends Ally Phillips, of Ally’s Kitchen, yes, a real in real life friend – not just an on-line “friend” – who really gets that magical line of being authentic in her writing style but not crossing it too far. Take it from me, she is just as lovely and full of personality as her book and blogs are.

So of course when I found out that Ally would be leading the count down to the 2016 Rose Parade:Rose Parade with Dole Packaged Foods at the first “Live on Green” event in Pasadena, I thought this was my chance to test my new skill.

Reason number 2 :: And here comes the adding my true voice, in January I will be going adult beverage free for the entire month and basically I need something to keep me distracted – creating easy green smoothie recipes and creative mocktails are going to have to be it… at least for 4 weeks {31 days to be exact}.

You may be thinking, whats the big deal? Simply cut out wine + beer for a month, no problem. Right? Wrong… Let me tell you I love a glass of wine after a day of work and I love my Mimosa on the weekend just as much. So for this girl those 31 days are going to be intense. I honestly can not tell you when I last went 31 days without drinking. But I am determined to do it, to prove that I can do it. Fortunately or, unfortunately for my husband, I am forcing him {yes forcing} to come along on the ride with me. We are allowing 2 passes in case an event comes up where we really want to partake  but don’t want to have the guilt.

What do you think – want to come along with me and see if you can do it too? I would LOVE additional support in both my “No Drinking January” challenge. Just think how productive we will be drinking green smoothies everyday. How great our skin will look. And how good that first sip of champagne will taste on February 1st.

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While you are contemplating your 31 days of non-drinking on January 1, tune in to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade where Dole Packaged Food’s float, “Soaring Over Paradise,” explores the world’s rainforests. The float includes four waterfalls, a zip line that travels through the rainforest canopy and a flock of Macaws that appear to take flight over the floral gardens. And my friend Ally will be hosting various cooking demonstrations in the Dole Bistro. 

At “Live on Green,” families are invited to indulge in food, entertainment and fun activities at free three-day event in Downtown Pasadena, Dec. 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. To 8 p.m., and Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pasadena Conference Center. Angelenos and visitors from around the world will explore 100,000 square feet of free entertainment, unique and rare exhibitions, and fun activities, as well as indulge in healthy snacks and beverages at the Dole Bistro. Dole California Cook-Off Champion Ally Phillips of Ally’s Kitchen will perform live cooking demonstrations and share quick and fun recipes featuring Dole Packaged Foods’ products.