New Years Eve is upon us, and since we have three little ones, we tend to stick to non-alcoholic beverages.  I am sure there are many others out there who also prefer alcohol free, and there is no reason you can't enjoy delicious drinks to celebrate without the alcohol.

Here aresome ideas to blend up:

Egg Nog Smoothies
Banana Smoothies
Create a Smoothie Bar with various ingredients and allow everyone to make their own
Mocktails - utilize Pina Colada or Daquari Drink Mixes - just leave out the alcohol
Milkshakes

Of cours there is also sparkling cider, and alcohol free wine & champaign.

If you have other suggestions, please add them to the comments area.  With a little creativity we can create delicious drinks alcohol free this New Years Eve.  ENJOY!

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We all know the importance of eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Unfortunately, with our busy lifestyles it's not always so easy.  That's where smoothies come in.  Delicious and nutritious smoothies can be our secret weapon to including extra fruits and veggies in our diet.

Here are some yummy smoothie combinations that are great for breakfast or any time of the day.  Simply throw all ingredients in the blender and blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes. 

Bananarama – 1 banana, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, dash of milk

Mango Mania – 1 mango (cut and pitted), 1/4 cup orange juice

Peach Medley – 1 peach (cut and pitted), 1 banana, 1/4 cup orange juice

Berry Surprise – 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup raspberries, ¼ cup of milk

Strawberry Ice – 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup orange juice, I cup crushed ice

Honey melon – 1 cup chopped honey dew lemon pieces, 1/4 cup apple juice, tablespoon honey. 

Banana Boost – 1 banana, 1/4 shredded wheat cereal (or other high fiber cereal), 1/4 cup milk.  A great way to get extra fiber and vitamins into your child's diet.

And if it's hot outside why not try smoothie popsicles.  They may a great alternative to sugary ice cream and are a delicious summer treat.  For a creamier consistency try adding 1/4 cup yogurt of your choice to the recipes above and pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds.  If you don't have popsicle molds you can use paper cups or even ice cube trays.  Fill cups or tray and when half frozen and slushy insert popsicle sticks and leave until fully frozen.

You don't have to stick to the recipes above, just about any of your favorite fruit combinations will taste delicious in a homemade smoothie.  It's also a great way to let kids get involved in the kitchen.  Let them choose their favorite fruits and let them help you peel and chop them up (according to their age of course).  They can also pour liquid ingredients into measuring cups.

Smoothies are not only a great way to eat more fruit, they're also easy to prepare and best of all DELICIOUS!

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