Monday already?!!
I’m sure many of us are screaming that this morning! I hope everyone had a pleasant weekend though; if you haven’t checked out my posts from my vacation, please do so!
This morning I finally got the Green Monster my body had been ever so craving over the weekend!
Unfortunately (actually fortunately, really!), Ryan ate all the spinach while I was out of town so this morning I had to settle for kale instead. Here’s the lineup: 3 large pieces curly organic kale, 1 scoop raw almond butter, 1 scoop Sun Warrior, 1 frozen banana and 1 cup almond milk.
I have to admit, I like spinach a whole lot better in my GMs than kale, but I still feel wonderful after drinking this. Its like my body is pleading “no more sangria….more greens!” Kale has a much stronger taste than spinach so if you are a newbie, I highly recommend adding spinach instead. Oh, and check out my latest article on Creative Loafing on the subject if you haven’t already! 🙂
I’m working on a skin care post to get up today….does that interest anyone?! Its funny, actually, because you all seem to think I have perfect skin and I REALLY do not at all! I’ve struggled for years with my skin but have finally come to a place where I feel pretty comfortable in it so I don’t mind sharing what has worked for me. However, and as always, what has worked for me may NOT work for you and I do use a prescription face wash only available from a dermatologist so just keep that in mind.
What about you? What is your skin care routine? Any special products you just can’t live without?
I’m off to do some strength training then hit up my 8:30 spinning class. See you in a bit!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
June 1, 2009 at 5:45 amI’m in love with St. Ives Extra Gentle Exfoliator. I use it every other night. That and Burt’s Bees Deep Clean wash…two of my faves. 😀
I’d love to hear your skin routine, because I love getting new tips and pointers. 😀
Yummy lookin’ green monster. I’ve yet to try it with kale, but perhaps that will be my next experiment. 😀
Katrina (gluten free gidget)
June 1, 2009 at 6:06 amI’m interested in organic face washes, etc… Are they really better for your skin than say Proactiv or Neutrogena? What’s your take on the whole thing?
jocelyn
June 1, 2009 at 6:12 ammmm..so glad to see you got your GM..and i agree..spinach all the way! I had an especially green one this morning hehe…
I am always interested to see other peoples skin care regimens!! I’v always had such problems with my skin…but the past few years it seems to have been getting better..
Lately I have been trying this sample skit of aloe calming products for the face by the body shop 🙂 so we’ll see if it works!
Nicole
June 1, 2009 at 6:29 amMaybe I need to try the green smoothie with spinach! I hated it when I had it with kale. Boooo!
I am so interested in seeing your skin care routine! I have horrible skin! I didn’t even have this bad skin in highschool, and now that I’m post-college, I’ve got horrid skin. I use pro-active, but I really want to switch to something more natural. I think I may the routine that Angela gave to Caitlin, it seems way more natural and less harsh than what I’m doing now. Bring on the green monsters!
mh
June 1, 2009 at 6:37 amI also have problem with some pimples popping up occasionally and its so frusting b/c I’m 23, but i use cetaphil face wash b/c its gentle and Ilove it! I also exfoliate once or twice a week and it helps! Jenna, how does your smoothie get SO smooth? Ilove mine but they never turn out so creamy with all the little pieces of spn. blended (I use a regular blender). Thank You!!
Mel
runjen
June 1, 2009 at 6:49 amYes, I am dying to know your skin care routine. Your skin is looking amazing! I was admiring it in the photo of you driving to Charleston. It’s flawless!
Okay, so I am about to cave and jump on the green monster wagon. Do you make yours in a regular old blender? Does it blend the spinach up enough? I know you have a vita mix too so just curious how exactly you make yours.
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
June 1, 2009 at 6:53 amI use Arbonne “not-so-basic” skincare. It’s a bit pricey, but it keeps my skin REALLY looking good!
kim
June 1, 2009 at 6:55 amwhat’s Sun Warrior and can I skip that and the almond butter in the smoothie? I used to have breakouts all the time, but that’s also because I stayed up late a lot. I think fiber, water, and tea do the trick for me. I still don’t have perfect skin, but at least I don’t have to put on any pimple cream (knock on wood) anymore. 🙂
Brianne
June 1, 2009 at 7:06 amAll my products have to be “clean” IE no chemicals or scary man made ingredients. I LOVE Seabucktorn oil!!
Sarah
June 1, 2009 at 7:08 amI had a GM this morning too, yay! Its the best way to start off a new week after a semi-indulgent weekend 😉
I’ve tried kale in it once and it was too much for me so I’m all about some spinach! Have a great day!
megan
June 1, 2009 at 7:17 amI am using up a trial size of proactiv. It actually has really worked well for me, but it’s just too expensive so I probably won’t buy anymore. not sure what I’ll use then…clean and clear face wash? does that work?
Jenna
June 1, 2009 at 7:19 amI can’t wait for your skin care page! 🙂 I love everything skin! lol your green monster looks so freakin refreshing!!
polly
June 1, 2009 at 7:19 amhi lovie!
I’d LOVE to hear your skin care routine. Mine is just St. Ives Apricot scrub from Target and eating lots of fruits and veggies and never ever wearing make-up, except for mascara and lip gloss. 😉
Love you bunches! Love that green monster, girl. Today was peaches and oats for pol. XOXO
katie s
June 1, 2009 at 7:45 amI’m very interested in your skin care recommendations because like you, I have struggled with my skin for many years. I never had a severe acne problem, but my skin is quite dry, blotchy, and I have the occasional ugly breakout. I have never had the GLOWING skin. I use a prescribed face wash but only when I REALLY need it because it really dries out my skin. So I would LOVE to know what you do because your skin truly is glowing recently!!
Christie @ Beadluvah
June 1, 2009 at 7:52 amI just started drinking the green smoothies first thing in the morning and really hope they help with my skin!! Your skin always looks so pretty and bright!
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
June 1, 2009 at 7:53 amjust wanted to let you know that I FINALLY tried a green monster today (per your many recommendations!)
VERDICT? delish! Thanks for inspiring me to try it — I know what I’ve been missing!!!
Jillian
June 1, 2009 at 7:59 amI would be 100% interested in a skin care post! I have probably tired a million things with my dermatologist. My skin isn’t horrible by any means…. it is just obnoxious to have even small breakouts at 24!
brandi
June 1, 2009 at 8:02 ami love kale in green smoothies, but I would suggest spinach at first, too.
I would love to see a skin care post! Mine does good for a while then throws tantrums and it’s extremely irritating 🙂
enjoy your class!
Lauren
June 1, 2009 at 8:03 amI’d be very interested in your take on skin care… also any tips on getting rid of black under eye circles would be great! I can’t seem to get rid of them, despite getting plenty of sleep.
Kate
June 1, 2009 at 8:04 amYea, I’m not a fan at all of kale in smoothies:/ I’ve tried it a couple times & I don’t think it’ll work-I’ll try spinach next time!
Bec
June 1, 2009 at 8:10 amMy skins not perfect but I swear by clinique 3 step system, the sales ppl know what they are doing and get you the products that work!
Sheri
June 1, 2009 at 8:13 amA skin care post would be great! I am like spinach in my green monsters too! The kale is just to strong a flavour for me! I have very sensitive skin and I find the Clinique 3 step system works the best for me…have been using it for years!
Amanda
June 1, 2009 at 8:24 amI tried to make a Green Monster this morning, but added strawberries and peanut butter and 1) it wasn’t green and 2) the PB was too strong.
So, tomorrow I am going to add more spinach and skip the PB. I’ll get it right one day 🙂
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
June 1, 2009 at 8:26 amI love Prescriptives brand Comfort Lotion – that stuff has saved my face!!
Marina
June 1, 2009 at 8:34 amIt’s funny you ask that, I was just posting about skincare in my blog today… http://aveggiegirl.blogspot.com/. I’m picking up some Mario Badescu toners. I feel like they make such a difference!
Ally
June 1, 2009 at 8:39 amBeautiful vacation pictures Jenna!! I love Charleston as well and miss living in the South!!
You look so happy in the pics where you are out with your friends too! And I do think your skin always looks like it’s glowing – I think I’m goign to have to try one of these green monsters!!
Amy
June 1, 2009 at 8:39 amI am so thankful for Angela for introducing me to green monsters! But the other day on Kath’ site, I saw a link to green ICE CREAM!
http://chocolatecoveredkatie.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/making-popeye-proud/
Sadly I don’t have a vitamix so I can’t try this out. So I thought I’d tell you instead!
Coco Knudson
June 1, 2009 at 8:42 amI use the proactive face wash, but then use other more soothing lotions. I have heard mix things about proactive, but it seems to keep my skin as clear as possible. I would love to hear some advice from you though!!!
Jennifer @ His N' Her Health
June 1, 2009 at 8:48 amI love a skin care post. I use Yes to Cucumbers. I have super gross dry skin and it does wonders!
April
June 1, 2009 at 9:10 amHey Jenna,
I had a not-so-green monster this morning…banana, frozen mixed berries, Light Silk Vanilla, spinach, and Hemp Protein Powder – I guess the berries win out over the spinach in terms of color. I enjoyed hearing about your vacation…so much in fact that my boyfriend and I decided to take our summer vacation at Folly Beach. It was funny because he and I were throwing around ideas and I got tired of looking at hotels, etc so I took a break to read your blog, and the first thing I saw was your “Everything is better at the beach” post, and so we made our reservations at the oceanfront Holiday Inn…we’ve both always wanted to visit Charleston as well, so it was perfect – so just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration – because of you we finally made a decision! 🙂
K
June 1, 2009 at 9:15 amI’ve heard mixed reviews on kale in GMs – spinach seems to reign supreme!
I don’t have any tricks to skin care except I have learned that A. You REALLY do need to wash/moisturize every night no mater how late it is and B. drinking a LOT of water really does help 🙂
Katherine
June 1, 2009 at 9:15 amI would LOVE a skin care post! I’ve been doing Angela’s routine but I’m still have a tough time with breakouts and would like to augment the plan a bit!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
June 1, 2009 at 9:16 amYay for Green Monsters! I have been drinking them daily too and I love them. Glad you got your fix!!
Have a great time at spinning!
Recipes for Creativity
June 1, 2009 at 9:17 amYes, please tell us about your skin care! I used to not care about that stuff at all, but this year I’m turning 30 and I have some issues with Rosacea (I see a dermatologist but I’m allergic to the antibiotic they usually give!) and realize I have to start paying attention to my skin!
Leah A.
June 1, 2009 at 9:21 amI can NOT live w/o my Neutrogena face moisturizer (w/ spf 15 for sensitive skin) and my apricot face scrub!
Jess
June 1, 2009 at 9:26 amI have trouble with my skin too … I have seborrhic dermatitis (kind of like psoriasis) on my scalp and it seems to spread onto my forehead. It’s so hard to find something that works for me. I’ve tried all kinds of prescription things and nothing seems to work 🙁 I’d love to hear what you use and what troubles you have.
Run Sarah
June 1, 2009 at 9:34 amI use mild Dove soap as it’s non-allergenic and lately tea tree oil for breakouts. Very interested to hear what you use though!
HeatherBakes
June 1, 2009 at 9:37 amI’ve used Olay Daily Facials pretty much every day since high school. Love them. Ditto Aveeno moisturizer.
Gloria
June 1, 2009 at 9:45 amI’ve been using Eminence organics stone crop gel wash on my face for the past 3 years and could never go back to anything non-organic. I love how soft it makes my face feel and I haven’t had any problems with acne since then.
I had a green monster for breakfast yesterday (my 2nd one ever – frozen banana, frozen mango, chocolate protein powder, cup of almond milk, half bag of spinach). I was so energized, happy, and felt great all day long. It was truly the best day I’ve had in months and I totally contribute it to the GM! Thanks for introducing it to me!!
Kristilyn
June 1, 2009 at 9:56 amYum! I had a Green Monster this morning, too … I’m definitely starting to become addicted to these. 🙂
My skincare regime is way too simple … I use face wash with scrubbies in it (Clean and Clear, Proactive, Nutrogena), wash my face, and then apply anti aging cream. LOL! I feel so old, but I’m only 28. My daytime one is by Reversa and my night one is by Aveeno. Both keep my skin soft and smooth and smell great!
I always make sure to remove makeup before bed and I find that since using the anti aging creams, my face has never looked better!
I’m hoping the Green Monsters start to help, too. 🙂
Lora
June 1, 2009 at 9:59 amYou got me hooked on the Green Monster but I’m still a little afraid to try it with kale. They’re so addictive though!!
Christina MINDFUL LIVING
June 1, 2009 at 10:07 ami cannot wait for this skin post!!! My face has been in shambles recently! your skin looks gorgeous and I cannot wait to see your routine! maybe it will be my savior, who knows! haha
Christina MINDFUL LIVING
June 1, 2009 at 10:08 amoh and i bought a green monster at a favorite organic cafe of mine this weekend and then made my first today- and im addicted. thank you for introducing it!
Michelle Hisae
June 1, 2009 at 10:12 amI just love St. Ives’ Apricot scrub – it leaves my skin feeling so soft and dirt-free. The major downfall is that it has parabens in it…I’m torn!
Lindsey (fiteats)
June 1, 2009 at 10:27 amI really need to start using something fancier if I want to improve my skin… I just use spf lotion and the Costco kirkland face wipes at night… Wow, that doesn’t sound very good as I type it. Maybe I should start making my skin more of a priority!
Jess
June 1, 2009 at 10:42 amI might have to join the GM bandwagon soon…those look yum, but it’s my “not buying groceries week” so I’ll wait til I have some fresh spinach on hand to give it a whirl.
I’ve always gotten away with minimal skin care, I just use Clearasil-the original variety, not that pro stuff with the benzoic acid in it, when I shower and that’s it. Yes, I only wash my face once a day. I started caring about my skin more in the past couple years and added a light moisturizer with spf to the mix. Haven’t picked one favorite just yet. I’ve recently started using Neutrogena Deep Clean Nightly Cleanser at night after I was complaining to my mom about how my skin has been really oily as of late. She not so gently reminded me that I only wash my face ONCE a day and maybe that was the problem? So far so good. I love how soft my skin feels when I go to bed now.
Can’t wait to hear about your products though!
Angela
June 1, 2009 at 10:42 amI agree Kale isn’t as good in a GM, but you kinda get used to it after a while! 🙂 Good for you for sticking with it! I just got caught up on your weekend and I am so glad to see you had such a nice time!
Amy
June 1, 2009 at 11:26 amWow! I have been craving green monsters all weekend too after a few nights out. I just made one for post 7 mile run fuel and not only did my brother, niece and Mom try it… they LOVED it! Just bananas, almond milk, cucumber and spinach with a splash of vanilla for flavor. Im so glad you ladies (Jenna and Tina) introduced me to these!! 😉
Leah @ Simply Fabulous Now
June 1, 2009 at 11:32 amI would love to hear about your skin care routine!
jenner
June 1, 2009 at 1:28 pmI am thinking about ordering some of the Sun Warrior protein powder. Do you use the regular or vanilla flavored? Ever try the chocholate?
Lynna
June 1, 2009 at 3:21 pmhey jenna,
I just tried a green monster for the first time about a week ago and i love them! You are so right, can’t taste the spinach at all. Sometimes I also make them with half a banana and some frozen mango chunks– really yummy! I can’t wait to try different mixes.
Heather
June 1, 2009 at 3:59 pmAwesome smoothie! I actually like mixing half spinach/half kale in my green smoothies. A little bit of both seems to do the trick for me! 🙂
I just LOVE Clean and Clear Maximum Strength Persa-Gel 10. It has 10% Benzoyl Peroxide and clears my pimples right up overnight!
Rona
June 2, 2009 at 4:34 amAll this talk of green monsters, I had to try one! so I finally did this morning. I chickened out of 4 cups of spinach. Went for 2 with a Tbsp of peanut butter, a scoop of soya protein, regular soya milk and a dash of vanilla extract and cinnamon. IT was fab and lasted me from 7.45am until 11am which is good for me! I am hooked!
Rona
June 2, 2009 at 4:35 amooops plus a banana of course