My Whole30 Experience - Getting Ready

I decided to do a Whole30.  There I said it and now I can't take it back. 

For those of you who haven't heard of the Whole30 here is the very quick and dirty overview:

Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie {Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free}

This post is sponsored by LorAnn Oils but as always all opinions are my own.

This gluten-free, dairy-free Pumpkin Spice protein smoothie is perfect for fall!

I have been trying to eat healthier lately.  Breakfast has always been my struggle – I know it’s the most important meal of the day but I’m the kind of girl who wakes up at the last minute possible and runs out the door so I’m not late.  I don’t have time for breakfast!  So I have been drinking protein shakes.  For those of you cringing at the thought of trying to choke down a chalky, funky tasting drink – keep reading I promise this one taste good!  In fact it taste like your favorite Pumpkin Spice drink.

That’s right I turned everyone’s beloved PSL (pumpkin spiced latte for those of you who don’t speak Starbucks) into a tasty breakfast treat!  Well it’s not really a latte – I didn’t add coffee but you definitely could! 

I have two secret ingredients – first quality protein powder.  I have been on a hunt for the perfect protein powder, one with not a lot of extra stuff and that tastes good.  My second secret ingredient is a baking emulsion from LorAnn Oils.  The baking emulsion is an exact that adds a boost of flavor to baked goods, or in this case a smoothie!  You can find LorAnn Oils at your local crafting store or online.   They have some fun flavors like cinnamon spice, cream cheese frosting, and coffee.

There are two ways to make this delicious smoothie – the “oh crap I have 5 minutes to get ready” way or the “hey I woke up early and have a few extra minutes” way.

Speedy Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie

1 cup almond milk, cold

1 teaspoon LorAnn Oils Pumpkin Spice emulsion

1 serving of vanilla protein powder*

In a protein shaker, mix almond milk, pumpkin spice emulsion, and 1 serving of protein powder.  Shake until well blended. Serve immediately. 

Blended Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie

1 cup almond milk, cold

1 teaspoon LorAnn Oils Pumpkin Spice emulsion

1 serving of vanilla protein powder*

5-6 ice cubes

In the blender, add almond milk, pumpkin spice emulsion, and 1 serving of protein powder, and ice.  Blend until smooth.  Serve immediately.

Looking for a more authentic Pumpkin Spice Latte smoothie or just need an extra caffeine boost?  Replace 1 cup almond milk with ¼ cup cold coffee and ¾ cup almond milk.  

*Make sure you pick a protein powder that is gluten-free and dairy-free if that is important to you!  Orgain is one of my favorite brands.  

I wanna hear from you! 

What's your go-to quick breakfast??

If you could make any flavor smoothie what would you make??

Curious to see what else you can make with LorAnn Oils and Flavors??  

Check out what a few of my favorite bloggers made! 

Strawberry Fudge from The Stylish Nest
Pumpkin Spice Latte French Macarons from Rickabamboo
Amaretto Cookies from The Blonde in the Apron
No Soda Root Beer Cupcakes and Frosting
Coffee Donuts from the First Year Blog
Pumpkin Spice Brownie Cookies from Flippin' Delicious
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake from The Frugal Foodie Mama
Sink Freshening Tabs in a Snap from Christina, Plain and Simple
Marshmallow Cookies with Princess Cake Frosting from Mom's Busy Helper
White Chocolate Key Lime Shortbread from It Bakes Me Happy
Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate from Delightful E Made
Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie from Nel's Nook
Cinnamon Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting from Hezzi-D's Book and Cooks
Almond Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Spice Glaze from Mom's Test Kitchen
Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies from Love Bakes Good Cakes
Princess Sand Tarts from Diary of a Recipe Collector
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze from Deliciously Sprinkled
Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse from Confessions of a Cooking Diva
Purple People Eater Popcorn Balls from Seven Alive
Green Apple High Hat Cupcakes from Pint Sized Baker
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Parfait from Fearlessly Creative Mamas
Pistachio Lemon cake from Self Proclaimed Foodie
Apple Crumb Coffee Cake from Healthy Delicious
Chocolate Chip Horchata Zucchini Bread from Plate to Gate
Key Lime Cookies from Cooking with Curls
Key Lime Margarita Cookies from Lori's Culinary Adventures
Chocolate Irish Cream Bundt Cake from Lynsey Lou's
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies from Never Skip Dessert
Maple Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Salted Maple Caramel Sauce from the Paisley Barn
Pumpkin Cinnamon Cream Puffs from That's my Home
Citrus Body Scrub from Melissa's Cuisine
Pumpkin Spiced Tres Leches Cake from Flavor Mosaic
Salted Caramel Meringue Cookies from The Bitter Side of Sweet
Pumpkin Toffee from Eazy Peazy Meals
Movie Theater Pops from KC Bakes
from I Love my Disorganized Life
Maple Bacon Fruit Dip from Renee's Kitchen Adventures
Maple Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding from Awesome on $20 a Day
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn Snacks from Grumpy's Honey Bunch
Cranberry Cheesecake Bites from Lady Behind the Curtain
Pumpkin French Macarons from Sweet and Savory by Shinee
Caramelized Apple Spice Cake from The Freshman Cook

Celebrating Change: Gluten-Free Cherry Coffee Cake

This post is sponsored by Lucky Leaf, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Gluten-Free Cherry Coffee Cake is a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!

As you may have noticed it has been a little quiet here at Nel’s Nook (insert cricket chirping here).   There has been a lot going on in my offline world and quite frankly blogging just got set to the back burner.  But the lots going on in my offline world means a few changes around here – hopefully they will be good changes – they are real, honest, sometimes messy changes but I think it will make for good conversation.

What's Momma Makin' - Penne Pesto Salad

BBQ, picnic & potluck season is just around the corner,
here is an easy, delicious Penne Pesto Salad to take along

Some of the best foods in life: garlic, basil, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts, goat cheese, garlic, balsamic vinegar and garlic…. Did I mention garlic?? 

Any time I can incorporate any or all of them in a recipe, it is sure to be a winner!

This is a recipe that was originally given to me by a good friend about 25 years or so ago.  Like all of my recipes, it has changed and evolved over the years.  As a matter of fact, this same friend and I went on a girl’s weekend away last month. Since it is tradition, I made the salad to take with us. While we were eating, she commented on how wonderful the salad was and wondered aloud where we had ever gotten the recipe… Um, it’s yours???  A sure sign we have been friends for way too long, our memories are slipping!!  Either that or I made a lot of changes to the original recipe...