We just got back from a weekend getaway in Green Lake, Wisconsin, and on Sunday evening as I reflected on why it was such a great weekend—maybe the best I had all summer—three things came to mind. One, it was a weekend spent with just the four of us, Patrick, Liam, Lily, and me, and in the busyness of life, big family gatherings, and events, it feels rare that we have that dedicated time just us. It was easy going, there were not many decisions to be made, we went with the flow. Secondly, all of the meditation and embodiment work I’ve been doing has raised my frequency—I’ve got high vibes and it’s impacting my family in a good way. And finally, it was playful.

When was the last time you played?

As adults, we forget to play. Bogged down with work, responsibilities, obligations, and the one-track mind to do-do-do followed by utter exhaustion leaves little time for fun. I know when I am at home, there is always something—cooking meals, laundry, dishes, a closet or cabinet that can be cleaned out—it’s never-ending. Sometimes I need to remind myself to let go, not take life so seriously, and have some light-hearted fun. Over the weekend this looked like jumping into the lake after my yoga practice, still in my bra and leggings. It was swinging with my kids. Making s’mores. Practicing handstands in the lawn. Doing a back dive from the boat and laughing at my form, something I have not done for years! There are ways to be intentional about play at home, too. I’ll turn up the music and dance, either alone or with my kiddos. I’ll play make-believe with Liam, something I loved to do as a little girl. We’ll go play outside or upstairs after dinner, so I can’t see the mess in the kitchen. I’ll make up silly songs as I cook or clean, in attempt to make my kids laugh, but also to be playful with and laugh at myself! 

So ask yourself, what does play look like for you? What did you love to do as a child? Maybe it is drawing, or dancing, or singing, or getting out in nature. Follow your heart, connect with your soul, and incorporate more play in your life! 

PLAYING WITH ROUTINE

I tend to be a creature of habit, especially when it comes to my morning routine—aka, I don’t play around! I drink warm lemon water or green juice and take my supplements before taking the kids to school. Then, I enjoy my matcha as I get into work, and then about an hour later, I make a protein smoothie or keep it simple with protein in water. Recently, I decided to deviate from my typical smoothie recipe by really amping up the alkalizing greens. I wanted to create something that tasted green, clean, fresh, and light—so I went all in on the greens: romaine, spinach, cucumber, celery, cilantro. The result was exactly what I was looking for, but even better than I imagined. I crave this smoothie and love that it doubles as a green juice, just with extra fiber and less clean up (if you juice, you know what I’m talking about!). It is super hydrating and makes my cells dance!

Note: this smoothie does taste greeeeeeen—I personally love and crave it, and if you are not used to it, I recommend giving it a couple of goes so your palate can adjust. If you make the version with the Vanilla protein powder, it will help tame the flavor.

Natalie’s Green Goddess Smoothie

2-2½ cups filtered water
4 cups organic romaine lettuce (2 big handfuls)
2 cups organic spinach (1-2 big handfuls)
1 whole organic cucumber (cut into chunks)
2 cups organic celery (1-2 big handfuls or about ⅓ of a full bunch)
½ cup organic cilantro (1 small handful)
½ lemon, juiced
⅓ banana
Ice

Additional add-ins

1 scoop Truvani vanilla protein powder

I’ve tried other plant- and animal-based protein powders and this one is my absolute favorite. It has simple ingredients, no sugar, and doesn’t cake or goo up—it even tastes great in just water. I quite literally have had this nearly every morning for the last 2+ years. I also love the chocolate flavor, but vanilla is more versatile IMO.

1 scoop Agent Nateur Holi(mane) marine collagen powder

This is pricey but it has made a real, noticeable difference in my skin, hair, and nails. My skin feels more supple, my hair isn’t shedding as much (even my hair stylist noticed), and my nails are stronger and longer than ever. In fact, my husband complimented my nails just this week saying “your nails look good, you never have them so long” (yes, babe, because they aren’t weak and prone to breaking anymore! Thank you, Holi(mane)!).

1 scoop Solluna glowing greens powder

I recently was gifted this product, and am really enjoying it! The founder, Kim Snyder, was one of the first people I considered a real wellness thought leader after I read her book “The Beauty Detox Solution” about 10 years ago. This is a simple greens powder that was intentionally crafted, pulling from her Ayurvedic knowledge. “The GGP contains a perfect mix of exactly 7 plants: 2 from the water (spirulina and chlorella), 2 from the land (ashitaba, the super spinach, and moringa), 2 berries—including the “fountain of youth berry” amalaki, and digestion-promoting monk fruit, as well as the earthy super mushroom cordyceps.”

The smoothie is great with or without these extra add-ins. I choose to include them more times than not because of their added benefits!

I would love to know what you think about my Green Goddess Smoothie—leave a comment below, send me a message, or tag me on Instagram if you try it!