Smoothie all the things: a (Canadian) giveaway

KitchenAid Diamond Blender and smoothiesI’ve been on a bit of a smoothie kick lately. Perhaps it’s something to do with the winter weather that apparently doesn’t want to go away. A pretty pastel smoothie in the morning goes a long way to help me forget about the cold. Especially when there’s coconut in there. A tiny taste of the tropics, if you like…

Two factors have helped satisfy my smoothie cravings recently are my new KitchenAid® 5-Speed Diamond Blender and my copy of Monica Shaw’s Smarter Fitter Smoothies.  (please note that although I do some sponsored work for KitchenAid Canada and although Monica Shaw is a good friend, I have not been asked by either to write this post. I write about products I truly believe in and these two happen to fit that bill!)

I’d been on the lookout for a blender for most of last year – we had an older blender that wasn’t particularly powerful and if I’ve learned anything about making smoothies, it’s that you need one with some guts to it – to break down the ice and/ or frozen fruit.  I had been eyeing some of the higher end models as well as the KitchenAid Diamond model and in the end, I “won” this one at a Silent Auction at KitchenAid’s Cook for the Cure Culinary Showdown late last year. It obviously was meant to be!

I’ve been impressed with the blender so far.  I’ve found that most ingredients blend together quickly and efficiently, the motor appears pretty robust and it’s not even that noisy (it’s not quiet either but it’s not as bad as some I’ve heard).  The Intelli-Speed® Motor Control apparently senses contents and will maintain the optimal speed to power through all ingredients (I’m not sure about this but I do notice that the motor seems pretty powerful even though it doesn’t look like it’s blending that fast).  There are 5 speeds (stir, chop, mix, puree or liquify) and the option to crush ice as well as a pulse mode which works with all speeds for staggered blending.  And apparently it stands up to the competition pretty well too!

Coincidentally, Monica’s book came out late last year too and I was thrilled to find it waiting for me on my return from Australia after Christmas.

SmarterFitterSmoothiesCoverIf you follow Monica on Instagram, you’ll know she posts almost daily smoothie pictures and following her last year as she developed the recipes for the book made me re-think my idea of a smoothie. She uses both fruits and vegetables “that will rock your world and make you feel awesome!”   All her recipes in the book are

  • Vegan
  • Dairy Free
  • Soy Free
  • Gluten Free

BUT – this isn’t just a book for vegans; it’s for people who appreciate whole, “real food” ingredients in the food they eat, so while it is a perfect book for those on dairy free, soy free, gluten free  or paleo diets it’s actually a book that will appeal to anyone. The photos are gorgeous and vibrant, the ingredients are simple, real food ingredients that you won’t have to hunt around at specialty food stores to find and, more than anything, it’s a book of inspiration.

Monica’s book is much more that just recipes though – she talks about “tools for the job”, lists pantry essential ingredients, gives a ton of money and time-saving tips, talks about the nutritional aspect of smoothies and their health benefits and breaks down the “anatomy of a smoothie” (it needs fruit and veggies, creaminess, sweetness, liquid, and optionally, ice and other add-ins for flavour. A lot of information there that helps you make better choices about what you add to your smoothies. I’m thoroughly enjoying my “smoothie learning curve” 🙂

A (Canadian) giveaway!

Because I think everyone should “smoothie all the things”, thanks to the kind folks at KitchenAid Canada, I have one KitchenAid® 5-Speed Diamond Blender to give away to one lucky Canadian resident and because I think it’s a great companion to a new blender, I’m throwing in a copy of Monica’s Smarter Fitter Smoothies too!

How to enter:

There are 2 ways to enter (maximum of two entries per person for the duration of the contest).

1. Leave me a comment on this post telling me your favourite smoothie ingredients.
2. Tweet the following message: Enter to win a @KitchenAid_CA blender + @monicashaw ‘s Smoothie book on @eatlivtravwrite  (Canada only) Details: http://bit.ly/MGWZSl then come back to leave a second comment letting me know you did.

Eligibility and contest rules:

– Open to Canadian residents only.
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using www.random.org) from all qualified entries on Sunday March 16th after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email Tuesday March 17th.
– The prize consists of of one KitchenAid® 5-Speed Diamond Blender and one copy of Monica Shaw’s Smarter Fitter Smoothies (to be shipped separately)

Good luck!

288 thoughts on “Smoothie all the things: a (Canadian) giveaway”

  1. I love to throw greens in my smoothies such as spinach, kale, cucumbers, etc. I think it has something to do with the lack of green outside. 🙁 My go-to is spinach, banana, almond milk, chia seeds and some protein powder.

    Reply
  2. I love adding avocado to my smoothies 🙂
    One Ive been making a lot recently is:
    Avocado
    Banana
    Almond milk
    Cinnamon
    Chia seeds
    Matcha green tea powder
    Spinach

    Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Blueberries are my fav to put on a smoothie. Straight from the freezer! Blend nicely and have great nutritional properties.

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  4. I use fruit and ice. I’m not sure what else to put in it so a cookbook would be a bonus. And who doesn’t want a Kitchenaid blender.

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  5. I love to use peaches and fresh raspberries with almond milk, baby spinach, Greek yogurt and a splash of honey 🙂 I am currently lacking a blender so it would be amazing to win this one!

    Reply
  6. Pineapple, I love pineapple in my smoothies. This couldn’t have come at a better time. My kitchen-aid blender just broke! 🙁

    Reply
  7. Clearly, my blender is a problem. I have tried smoothies in the past (berries and yogurt) but seemed more trouble than should be. Would be good to try again as I struggle with breakfast.
    Beautiful blender!
    Thanks.

    Reply
  8. I love using berries, yogurt, and protein powder but since our blender broke I haven’t been able to make smoothies

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  9. Favourite ingredients would have to be – strawberries, yogurt, raspberries, pineapple, spinach, a scoop of protein powder. Delicious!

    Reply
  10. My favourite smoothie ingredients are spinach, parsley, romaine lettuce, apple, pears and lemon. Green and healthy. It would be intersting to read Monica’s book about smoothies.

    Reply
  11. Oooooooh it’s so pretty! If only I weren’t so far away! 😛

    – Taryn Elise xx
    blog.sugarpushcakes.com

    Reply
  12. Frozen pineapple chunks with kale and apple juice make an amazing smoothie!
    I also love putting ground up almonds or flax seeds in my smoothies, or even wheat germ or oatmeal!

    Reply
  13. For years I thought smoothies were not for me, until I discovered Harley Pasternak. Now I’m hooked on a pear, banana, ginger, ice, cinnamon, nutmeg with pumpkin seed protien powder and a splash of coconut milk for breakfast. And both my blenders just broke, so my fingers are crossed!

    Reply
  14. I try to mix it up, but my fallback fave is Spinach, Banana, frozen bing cherries, greek yogurt, cinnamon, turmeric, and a touch of protein powder

    Could sure use a pretty blender and a new smoothie cookbook to freshen things up for 2014 😉

    Reply
  15. I love using any kind of fruit, but lately, I’m hooked on pineapples. Plus I love adding probiotic yogurt – makes my smoothies creamy and extra healthy! 🙂

    Reply
  16. Tweeted!!
    Sweet!
    Loooooove my smoothies. I buy frozen berries by the gross at a bog box store and therefore always have lots on hand for mixing with any fresh fruit.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  17. My favorite smoothie ingredients are coconut oil, banana, greens+, kale, and blueberries. Together or separate.

    Reply
  18. I’ve been on a smoothie streak lately. Freezing fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas and pineapple. Put all in one bag after frozen, then pick and choose according to juice, coconut or other flavoured waters. I like these for quick and satisfying meals plus they are gluten free. Very refreshing.

    Reply
  19. I love cacao nibs and peanuts in chocolate almond milk!!! I tweeted to let everyone know … And win of course 🙂

    Reply
  20. My favourite smoothie is fairly simple but packed with the delicious ingredients of banana, orange juice, raspberries, and Vega protein. Yum!

    Reply
  21. I love banana’s and berries in my smoothies. I really want to try some “green” smoothies.. but I just can’t wrap my mind around them yet.

    Reply
  22. I always seem to throw in strawberries, banana, sometimes blueberries and raspberries! I have also now started using some kale and cucumber!

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  23. I would love a better quality blender for making smoothies and sauces (and a recipe book too)! I always use frozen banana in my smoothies, and I love to add instant coffee in the morning for an extra boost

    Reply
  24. Almost any kind of fruit with Greek yogurt or kefir – yum! Hemp protein powder and flax or hemp hearts, and goji berries in the former and likewise into ginger, carrot and a splash of coconut or almond milk. Also have done cucumber, mixed greens and avocado. A great contest and a delight to share info with all. Thanks!

    Reply
  25. This is a terrific post. Clever video extolling the product. Tho I rarely make them (not having really good tools to) I do whip up rasberry smoothies with a hand blender on occasion

    Reply
  26. I love sipping on a summery mixed berry, banana, and lemon smoothie that’s super-charged with hemp seeds, chia seeds, and sometimes maca powder.

    Reply
  27. I love mango smoothies, with the mango as the predominate taste.

    Would love the recipe for the ravioli filling!

    Did the egg turn out soft or hard?

    Your boys are just great!

    Have a Joyful Day :~D
    Charlie

    Reply
  28. I love strawberries, blueberries and pineapple in a smoothie. My secret ingredient is agave syrup to add sweetness in a healthy way. Maple syrup and honey are also good options!

    Reply
  29. I like carrot juice in my smoothies, its slightly sweet, has a vibrant colour and goes with almost all fruits & veg!

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  30. honey ! I use 1 espresso spoon of honey from my local area. combats seasonal allergies. I haven’t had a sniffle in 3 years and counting ! *insert knocking on wood here*

    Reply
  31. My favourite smoothie ingredients:
    any kinds of yougurt
    Pineapple juice/tropical blend juice
    raspberries
    Ice
    Protein powder

    Reply
  32. Spinach, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, yogurt, green tea, coconut oil and top with chia seeds after blending 🙂

    Reply
  33. Would love the blender! My favorite smoothie? Fresh blue berry, mango, greek yogurt, and a touch of orange juice!

    Reply
  34. My favourite smoothie ingredients HAVE to include Citrus juices (Grapefruit by far the best)! Also, Plain Greek yogurt, how could you go wrong?

    Reply
  35. My grandson and I make smoothies whenever he is visiting. Our favourite is frozen starwberries and banana pieces, greek yogurt and skim milk.

    Reply
  36. My favourite ingredients are for strawberry swirl cheesecake smoothie, which contains:
    Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese , softened, milk, sugar and whole strawberries

    Reply
  37. Does root bear and vanilla ice cream count? No I guess that’s a float. How about Guiness and Vanilla Ice Cream – oh that’s just a better float. Smoothies… healthy…hmm… Oh I know Banana, Strawberry and some chocolate. Sorry that’s about as healthy as I get.

    Reply
  38. For me it’s a tie. My favorite smoothie ingredients are coconut milk and strawberries. Both are amazing and delicious!

    Reply
  39. Tweeted ! @karrlyrae this blender would be a great addition to my new kitchen ! Along with my kitchen aid mixer 🙂 hello morning smoothies!

    Reply
  40. I really don’t have a fave. yet but do like banana, strawberry with ice and low fat yogurt. Have just gotten into smoothies. I was told just over a year ago I’m diabetic and have been trying to find healthier foods to eat/ drink

    Reply
  41. Favourite smoothie ingredients include:
    milk, yoghurt, ice, pineapple juice
    bananas with raspberries and strawberries
    fresh peaches
    occasionally, my son likes to add almonds to his as, while I am trying to lose weight, he is trying to gain weight.
    A new blender might help us do both!
    Thanks for the post and the contest.

    Reply
  42. I tweeted, make smoothies with homemade almond milk, probiotic plain yogurt and frozen organic strawberries

    Reply
  43. My favourite smoothie ingredients are strawberries, blueberries, sometimes peaches (when I can get local ones because they’re always more flavourful), and almond milk

    Reply
  44. Springtime Smoothie

    1 riped banana
    1/2 pealed apple
    1 chunk of pinapple
    1/2 pealed kiwi
    1 tall glass of Almond Milk
    2 scoops of hemp powder
    2 scoops of peanut butter
    2 TBSP of molasses
    Whip and serve, a great breakfast starter or anytime during the day

    Enjoy

    Reply
  45. Our blender is dying from makig too many smoothies :-p
    Love making them with soft tofu, frozen berries and vanilla soy milk.

    Reply
  46. My favourite ingredients are almonds, almond milk, berries (strawberry, blueberries , raspberries ), banana (half only) , and lots of shakes of cinnamon!

    Reply
  47. Awesome smoothie: Almond milk, banana, dates, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla. Tastes like a cookie, works like a meal. Gotta give credit to Fresh Restaurants for this one.

    Reply
  48. My favourite smoothie is kiwi and banana in coconut milk; I call it my “southern island” wake up call!

    Reply
  49. I love blending yogurt, frozen fresh berries, bananas, and a bit of juice. I could probably do with more variety too! Such as a green smoothie.

    Reply
  50. My fav smoothy ingredients are strawberries from my garden and frozen bananas. I need to break out of my rut

    Reply
  51. My favourite smoothie ingredient is raspberries. I especially like using them when they are frozen to chill up my smoothie.

    Reply
  52. My favorite smoothie ingredients are mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, spinach, orange, kale, ginger, lime, cocunut water & ice.

    Reply
  53. My new favourite smoothie ingredient is frozen peaches, their consistency is perfect in a smoothie, not to mention how incredibly sweet and delicious they are!!

    Reply
  54. I love to add chia, hemp, ground flax and then add mango, a few pitted dates and cinnamon with ice. Mango Lassi diaryfree style.

    Reply
  55. I have recently undertaken my hubby and myself to the wonderful world of Paleo and eating less processed things. We have not yet tried any of the smoothie’s ideas as we haven’t had the extra to buy a blender. That is next on the list of doing. Your recipe site will be well used and abused. Just saying. 🙂 Thanks, THaNkS, THANKS

    Reply
  56. Frozen mixed berries, frozen banana, yogurt, vanilla, honey, almond milk, you can also add some vegetable protein powder as well..that’s it and so yummy

    Reply
  57. Oh gosh – am l listing my favorite favorite ingredients? Those would have to be a classic:
    One banana, fresh OJ (a little) a pure organic yogurt, raspberries and mango. MMMMM Adding any additional berries would be nice too – especially strawberry.

    Reply

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