Fresh & Fit: Green Smoothies

I've been gathering a few healthy smoothie recipes lately and I thought I'd share one of the green smoothies I made over the weekend. Green smoothies are all the rage these days and with me doing my Herbalife protein shakes I wanted to switch up my daily routine. 

Green smoothies are wonderful for your body as they help incorporate valuable nutrients far more than just eating a serving of veggies daily. They are high in amino acids which help support your muscles, while giving you energy but low in calories. You feel full but because they contain high amounts of water and fiber, while helping you stay hydrated. 

The particular green smoothie recipe I made is from The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu that I found via Daily Candy. 


TRY IT FOR YOURSELF

Makes three cups

Ingredients
1/2 c. almond milk
1/2 c. avocado
Juice of 1 lemon
1 c. kale**
1/2 c. spinach leaves
1/2 c. pineapple
1 tbsp. ginger, minced***
1 c. ice cubes

1: Place all ingredients into a blender in order listed, except for ice, secure lid.
2: Blend well then add your ice
3: Blend until smooth

I must say this smoothie was really delicious despite the color, I was able to taste all the ingredients but still had a really smooth taste. 


* AVOCADO: good fat, helps prevent heart disease, promotes healthy skin and eyes.
**KALE: high in fiber, packed with vitamin minerals and cancer fighting phytonutrients
***GINGER: circulatory stimulant, increases blod flow, promotes sweating, good digestive health

Find more Daily Candy juice and green smoothie recipes here. 

The Abandoned NVF Plant

The abandoned NVF Plant in Hockessin, DE.

This past Saturday myself and a group of about 30 people ventured to the abandoned NVF Plant in Hockessin, Delaware. Founded by photographer David Norbut, this was the 3rd photowalk and meeting for the Delaware Instagramer's / EyeEm group, this walk so far has been the ultimate adventure. 

Photo by: David Norbut Photography. 

I got to the location an hour early to participate in David's new photo series called: Into the Wilderness of the Human Spirit, which reflects the raw beauty of mankind. One thing I've learned from the 1st photowalk is come prepared in the proper clothing, my first experience I got mobbed by fleas venturing into the Gibralter Mansion. For starters come prepared in fully covered clothing and boots to walk through any kind of environment. David and I trekked through mud past thorny bushes and burs, the morning was gloomy so we headed up through the hill into and open area to the right light. I really love how David shot my portrait; its the little imperfections in my face that make it feel so raw and personal. All the photos from the series had a real native and natural feel to them which we sometimes we lose into today's world. Check out his full series HERE »

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

AND SO THE WALK BEGAN…

Firstly, I'll have to tell you in case you we're wondering, is this place private property? Yes. Our group received permission from the township and we each had to sign a waiver to walk the grounds. The first part of the walk we ventured into one of the original buildings which contained contaminants like asbestos. About six years ago the NVF papermill Plant went bankrupt and the remains looks like the workers just got up and walked out, leaving remnants of their everyday behind. Graveyards of filing cabinets, old medical kits, desks, machines, lockers and the random objects like a mini tv, a Marilyn Monroe nude poster, and a frying pan to name a few items. For about an hour we walked some the inner buildings then later roamed the outside along the railroad tracks, through the woods and around the water tower. In the next few years this place will be demolished, so sad because places like this are disappearing. 

I meant some really cool people that day and got some eerie shots taken with my iphone. I also took part on being in front of the camera which was weird and cool all at the same time; want to do that more often. In the afternoon we all met up at one of the Delaware IGER's member's house for some mexican stew, brews and photo editing. I must say it was a great day; I'm really looking forward to our next adventure.

Check out more photos from this adventure over at my FLICKR »

One of the buildings was burnt down, and the roof caved in. This photo was taken between the destruction.

Myself, my brother and his girlfriend, we mostly roamed around together.

This photo turned out really cool, looking like a spirit is being released from my brother's head.

I found myself sitting in this old rocking chair, of course my butt got wet to get this shot.

Me watching tv.

Something left behind, the yarn seemed to go on forever.

Me taking a break from being so serious. This particular photo was taken by my brother Eddie. I had to share cause I love how it turned out, reminds me of an old tintype.

I found this bottle in a medical kit.

Check out more photos from this adventure over at my FLICKR »

Follow me on Instagram @leilaeleven

What cool places have you been to?
Would love to hear your stories?

The Eye of the Stoned Goat Festival

TUNE IN: Friday, January 11th from 10am – 12pm

Waking the Dead morning radio show 

I will be guest speaking on the Waking the Dead radio show talking a little bit about my jewelry from Red Heart 13. Tune into the show every Monday – Friday from 10am – 12pm for awesome tunage featuring some sampling of bands at the festival along with the best alternative music from around the world.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, February 9th

Eye of the Stoned Goat Festival

This event is not to be missed! 10 bands from the east coast's doom metal scene. Presented by Snake Charmer Booking, this mini fest will have live music and also feature several vendors which include Dead Dave's Radio, Steve Rotondi from Pop's Place Tattoos, Dullest Records, Anthropic Records, Red Heart 13 (that's me!) and Useless Rebel Imaging. 

10 bands for $10, you can't beat that. 

Tickets are available HERE

The Week In Pics

Preparation for craft time

Handmade doily dream catcher made with string, beads, feathers, wicker and a doily

Didn't happen. 

Took a left instead of a right

New record player from my hubby for xmas.

Got to dig through 6 Fedex boxes of vinyl and came home with about 45 free vintage vinyl records

Saw and started reading the unexpected journey

4 DAY SALE at Red Heart 13

Starting at midnight on Black Friday is our four day holiday sale! 

Get 25% OFF your purchase when you shop at Red Heart 13 applies to jewelry or Skeleton Krew prints. 

Use Coupon code RADICAL when you checkout to get this discount.

Sale ends Cyber Monday at midnight.

Keep your eyes peeled for new arrivals coming throughout the weekend.

Forest Witch Experimental Photoshoot

MASK: Taken with Nikon D80 SLR, edited with Photoshop.

Sunday I ventured up to my dad's house in West Grove, PA. I spend most of my hours there making jewelry or catching up on some paranormal shows. This November day was really warm and the sun was striking, I had plans to do a photo shoot for a while with the remaining pieces of my Halloween costume, which was 70s horror actress Linda Hayden as Angel Blake from Blood on Satan's Claw. The film is set in 17th century England and tells the tale of a village being taken over by demonic possession. Inspired by the scenery, witchcraft, spells and '70s music I collected my costume, cameras and animal skulls from my backyard and got in the car to take the 20min drive.

After 2pm I spent a good two hours in the woods, I wore my white sheet and my hand-made crown of flowers like in the film, I ditched my blonde wig because those store bought wigs are always the worst. I snuck over to the neighbors property in which I used to go when I was a kid, there is a farm with goats and in the middle is an open green area surrounded by a small mountain side with trees and dark jagged rocks. As a child I used to challenge myself to climb it then go for walks exploring. I returned to the pit as I call it, and did some shooting on the stone altar that stands in the center. I was there a few months back and had discovered a circle with remaining ash and animal bone. Animal sacrifice maybe? I returned to the pit, with some of my animal skulls from my backyard garden. Most had been given to me by friends over the years and have the perfect decay and have been eaten away by the elements; thought they'd be interested organic pieces to include in photos.

The stone altar has been there more than 30 years. Instagram.

Remains of ash and bone. Photo taken with Instagram.

Close up of animal remains? Photo taken with Instragram.

The whole time I was experimenting, especially since I was alone I had to figure out how to take photos of myself without a tripod. I used the surrounding tree branches and rocks to hold my camera in place, then I would set a timer. As you can imagine I have many photos figuring out placement and where to stand, that's part of the fun. I brought along my iPhone using the Camera+ app and also my Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera. Photos were edited with Camera+ and photoshop with the ones from the Nikon. 

POSSESSION: Camera+ with timer.

ALTAR: I placed the skulls in the center inside the circle. Camera+.

SPIRITS: Photo taken with Camera+ with timer.

SHADOW OF THE BEAST: Nikon D80, edited with Photoshop.

HOLY: Camera+

POISON: Camera+

WANDERER: Nikon D80 with timer

THE FOREST: Camera+

WHISPER IN THE TREES: Camera+

PAGAN WITCH: Camera+ with timer

NEW ARRIVALS at Red Heart 13

I had vacation a few weeks ago and I sure was busy with antiquing and flea marketing. But I did spend a good whole few days creating new jewelry. I feel like its been months since I've had some free time. Spending those hours working with my hands was really calming and got me motivated again. 

N E W  A R R I V A L S:

Resurrection Pyrite Pendulum Glass Tube Earrings: beautiful electric color matched with healing properties.

There is fungus, among us! Happy fungus inside these tiny Weird Science Laboratory Bottle Necklace.

A primitive Red and Black Obsidian Arrowhead Necklace reminds me of tribes hunting, a fierce necklace for the wild in all of us.

Life is all in the Eye of the Beholder as in this vintage assembled necklace made with the tiniest hand held mirror matched with a vintage lucite enchanted pink flower lined with a hint of sparkle.

By the twilight, one can se the dustings from fairies, such stories seem to have come true with these Pixie Dust Glass Marble Earrings.

The Scorpio Golden Orb Garnet and Amethyst Zodiac necklace is an insight to the special qualities us as Scorpios possess. 

The Spell Bound Book Locket and Double Crystal Necklace symbolizes mystery and magic. Of spells and spirits from other dimensions, the belief is often hidden from the living, every now and then we see glimmers of what is from the netherworld; it is those secrets that often inspires us.

Whisper through the winds floating across on these Vintage Nautical Sail Boat Earrings. 

Please stop by my shop to see the new comers and be sure to check back for more pieces for the holiday season. See something you like but want to reserve, when putting on reserve be sure to ask for layaway as well. Contact me for details. 

The Weekend In Pics

Walking past fields was very calming.

Sparklers bringing me to my younger years.

It was a scorcher Saturday, thank heavens for D&D. 

The love of my life.

Bellevue State Park, the waters reminded me of the south.

On the Brandywine tubing with friends.

Photo shoot of new jewelry, ME very excited.