Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake (Your New Fall Obsession)

Sip your way into fall with this ultra-creamy Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake. Blended with vanilla ice cream, chai concentrate, and cinnamon graham crackers, it’s a cozy, spiced treat that comes together in just 5 minutes.

Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake (Your New Fall Obsession)

I think that chai spices instantly slow down my day. The warm cinnamon, the hint of cardamom, that soft sweetness that feels like you want to snuggle up in your favorite blanket — it’s pure comfort. When fall hits I crave those cozy chai-latte vibes.  Today we are doing something similar but in a cool, creamy, dessert-style sip.

That’s exactly how this Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake came to be. It’s everything I love about fall flavors blended into one thick, dreamy shake.   The chai concentrate brings the warmth, the vanilla ice cream keeps things indulgent, and the cinnamon graham crackers add the perfect little crunch of nostalgia.

If you’re looking for a quick, 5-minute treat that tastes like fall in a glass, this is it. Trust me… once you try it, you’ll be making this one on repeat.  I've already stocked up on vanilla ice cream specifically for this shake!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

You only need 3-4 ingredients to make this delicious shake!

• Vanilla Ice Cream - The creamy base that keeps this shake thick, sweet, and dreamy. Vanilla works best because it lets the chai spices shine.

• Chai Black Tea Concentrate - This gives the shake its signature warm-spiced flavor. Look for a concentrate with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for the full chai experience.

• Cinnamon Graham Crackers - They blend into the shake for flavor and body, and add a nostalgic cinnamon crunch that makes every sip feel extra cozy.  My husband adores the Trader Joes version.

• Whipped Cream (Optional) - A light, fluffy topping that turns this quick shake into a dessert moment.

Substitutions & Variations

Basic Ingredient Swaps

• Ice Cream: Swap vanilla for cinnamon ice cream, salted caramel, or french vanilla for a richer twist.

• For a lighter or dairy-free version: use vanilla frozen yogurt. coconut-based ice cream, or a low carb version.

• Chai Concentrate: Any brand works — or use chilled, strongly brewed chai tea for a less sweet version.

• Graham Crackers: Substitute with speculoos cookies, gingersnaps, or plain grahams if you want a different spice profile.

Fun Variations

• Dirty Chai Shake: Add a splash of cold brew or espresso for a sweet + buzzy blend.

• Caramel Chai Shake: Blend in a spoonful of caramel sauce for a richer, dessert-forward flavor.

• Extra-Spiced Chai Shake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice before blending for even more warmth.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Blend in bursts to avoid over-thinning the shake — short pulses keep it thick.

• Start with less liquid and add more only if needed; chai concentrate can quickly thin the texture.

• Chill your glass first for extra milkshake shop vibes.

• Crush the graham crackers slightly before blending for smoother results.

• If you love a thicker shake, freeze your ice cream for 10 minutes before using.

• For a “blizzard-style” spoonable texture, stir in extra crushed grahams after blending instead of blending them fully.

       Set the Mood       

Want the full cozy experience? Start with this mood guide ↓

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Glow Water: Pineapple, Lime & Mint Infusion

Sip your way to radiant hydration with this tropical Pineapple, Lime & Mint Glow Water. Naturally refreshing and packed with feel-good ingredients, it’s like a spa day in a glass—bringing beauty from within and a taste of island escape to your everyday.

Glow Water: Pineapple, Lime & Mint Infusion

Summer calls for simplicity—bare feet in the grass, sunshine on your shoulders, and something cool and beautiful in your glass. This Glow Water was born on one of those slow afternoons, when the kitchen was quiet and the fruit bowl offered just enough inspiration: a golden pineapple, a fresh lime, and a few sprigs of mint from the garden.

I wasn’t trying to make anything fancy—just something that felt a little luxurious in its simplicity. The result? A naturally sweet, citrus-kissed infusion that’s as hydrating as it is stunning. I poured it over ice, took a sip, and instantly felt like I’d stepped into a tropical spa. Now it’s my go-to refreshment for everything from sunny brunches to post-yoga afternoons.

This isn’t just infused water—it’s a little daily ritual, a way to hydrate beautifully and bring a bit of tropical glow to your everyday.

Enjoy!

💛 Why You’ll Love This

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your daily hydration, this infused water is the answer. It’s light, refreshing, and naturally sweet—no added sugars, just real ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out. The tropical pineapple brings a juicy brightness, the lime adds a zesty twist, and the mint ties it all together with a cooling finish.

Whether you’re lounging in the backyard, hosting a brunch, or just trying to drink more water throughout the day, Glow Water makes it feel like a treat. It’s beautiful to serve, easy to make, and leaves you feeling just a little more radiant with every sip.

🛒What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• Fresh pineapple
• Fresh lime
• Fresh mint leaves

Pantry / Beverages

• Cold water (filtered or bottled, if preferred)

Refrigerated / Frozen

• Ice (optional)

🌞 When to Serve It

This isn’t just a drink—it’s a vibe. Glow Water is the kind of refreshment that makes everyday moments feel just a little more special. Whether you’re hosting a sun-soaked brunch, cooling off after a workout, or simply trying to drink more water with intention, this tropical infusion fits right in.

Here are some perfect moments to pour yourself a glass:

• Brunch with friends – Serve in a glass carafe with extra mint sprigs and lime slices for a beautiful presentation.

• Spa or self-care day – Pair it with a face mask and a cozy robe for full glow-up energy.

• Post-yoga or workout hydration – Naturally sweet and revitalizing without added sugar.

• Summer gatherings & BBQs – Offer this as a non-alcoholic option that’s still festive and fresh.

• Everyday desk hydration – Keep a pitcher in the fridge and feel good about sipping something that supports wellness.

No matter when you serve it, Glow Water brings a little radiance and refreshment to your day—one beautiful glass at a time.

✨ Glow Tip

Hydration is one of the most underrated beauty secrets—glowing skin starts from within! Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support collagen production, while mint offers a natural digestive boost and lime adds a dose of skin-loving citrus.

For an extra glow-up, try adding a few slices of cucumber or a splash of coconut water for added hydration and electrolytes. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let your water do more than just hydrate—it’s self-care in a glass.

🍍 Make It Beautiful

One of the best parts about Glow Water? It’s just as pretty as it is refreshing. With golden pineapple, vibrant lime slices, and fresh mint leaves swirling in a glass pitcher, it’s the kind of drink that instantly brightens up any table.

Here are a few simple ways to make your presentation shine:

• Serve in a clear glass pitcher or carafe to showcase the colorful ingredients.

• Add extra garnishes just before serving—think mint sprigs, lime wheels, or even edible flowers for a spa-like touch.

• Use pretty glassware like mason jars, stemless wine glasses, or tall tumblers with bamboo or glass straws.

• Layer in crushed ice for that frosty, beachy look—perfect for summer days or special gatherings.

Whether you're hosting or treating yourself, turning this infusion into something beautiful is all part of the experience. Because hydration should feel as good as it looks.

🍋Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use ripe pineapple for best flavor. A sweet, fragrant pineapple will infuse more quickly and naturally sweeten the water without needing anything added.

• Gently muddle the mint before adding it to the pitcher to help release its oils and boost that refreshing flavor. Just press the leaves lightly with a spoon—no need to bruise them.

• Chill before serving. Letting the water infuse in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 12) gives the flavors time to bloom.

• Serve within 24 hours for peak freshness. After that, the mint can wilt and the pineapple may soften too much.

• Refill once! After your first round, you can usually refill the pitcher once with more water and chill again—just note the flavor will be lighter.

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Spring Fling: 14 Strawberry Recipes

May is the start of strawberry season and here is a round up of 14 irresistible strawberry recipes!

 

14 Strawberry Recipes

Each year in May we have our Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, Ca.  It's filled with lots of booths selling artistic creations and crafts, food vendors selling strawberry delicacies, and then there's the heavenly strawberries themselves!  We always bring home a flat of these gems so I can make all the different dishes that include this luscious fruit.

Below is a round up with links to 14 of my favorite strawberry recipes.  I hope you enjoy them.

1.  Strawberry Lime Slushy - perfect to cool down with on a summer afternoon.

2.  Grandma Landon's Strawberry Cake - a throwback recipe that is the best around!

3.  Strawberry Pear Smoothie - The perfect drink during the Spring when strawberries are popping up and pears are still around.  The pears lend a delicate flavor that compliments the strawberries.

4.  Spinach and Strawberry Salad - The perfect light salad.  Simple and delicious.  Great for Mother's day, Easter, or Memorial Day.

5.  Strawberry Banana Pancakes - get ready for all those Spring brunches.  This recipe is a crowd pleaser!

6.  Strawberry Shortcake Scones - I've made these scones for Mother's Day for many years.  They are elegant, flavorful, and lend something special to the day.

7.  Strawberry Waffles with Yogurt - These waffles are sweet with the flavor of strawberries in the batter and light with a dollop of yogurt instead of the heavy maple syrup.

8.  Strawberry Avocado Toast - this recipe is a WINNER!  Strawberries, avocado, and feta top toasted bread for one heck of a combination!

9.  Healthy Breakfast Banana Split - Banana Split for breakfast?  Yes! This modified version uses yogurt along with strawberries and almonds to top bananas.  It's heaven on a plate.

10.  Strawberry Couscous Spinach Salad - A favorite salad during the Spring and Summer months featuring strawberries and couscous.  Great for the 4th of July!

11.  Lighter Strawberry Crisp - An delicious dessert for spring and summer.  This is a lighter version!

12.  Strawberry Crostini - A great appetizer for any summer gathering.

13.  Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars - I love these bars.  These are the best snacks!  I made these recently to take along with us on a road trip to Oceanside.

14.  Strawberry Banana Chunk Muffins - Muffins are a great breakfast treat.  These are filled with fresh strawberries and bananas that the whole family love.

Mango Pina Colada Smoothie

Add of bit of tangy sweetness to your typical pina colada flavors of pineapple and coconut all in a healthy smoothie.  You will swear you are on a beach somewhere!

 

Mango Pina Colada Smoothie

A great way to start the day is with a healthy smoothie and what better than one that takes you away to a tropical beach.  With flavors of mango, pineapple, and coconut you'll be whisked away to a tripical island in the carribean.

Full of healthy ingredients like pineapple, mango, banana, and coconut milk this smoothie comes together in a few minutes and is full of vitamins and protein.  A satisfying breakfast that tastes like heaven is on the horizon.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• banana
• frozen mango
• frozen pineapple
• coconut milk
• greek yogurt

Substitutions and Variations

• Use coconut flavored greek yogurt for a stronger coconut flavor

• Use any non dairy milk - or use regular milk in place of the coconut milk

• Add a dash of vanilla for a boost of flavor

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• freeze your ripe bananas for making smoothies

• place the liquid in the bottom of the blender to assist in the mixing

• Using frozen fruit make your smoothies slushy and there is no need for ice.

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Mango Pina Colada Smoothie

serves 2

1 cup greek yogurt

1/2 banana
3/4 cup frozen pineapple
3/4 cup frozen mango
1/2 cup lite coconut milk

In a blender add coconut milk, yogurt, and the fruit.  Blend on high until blended.  If the mixture is too thick add an additional splash of coconut milk and blend again.  Serve immediately.

Winter Cocktails: Cranberry Margaritas

The perfect winter margarita has all the flavors of the season.  Cranberry juice and citrus flavors create a bold flavored cocktail to enjoy all winter long!

Cranberry Margaritas

Everyone loves a good margarita and having one that is quick an easy AND reminds you of the season/holidays is a bonus.  These come together in no time.  They are easy to make one glass at a time or in a pitcher for a crowd.

I like my margaritas on the rocks with no salt.  Feel free to blend these up in a blender for frozen style margaritas and to salt or sugar the rims of your glasses if you would like.  We threw these together while decorating our Christmas tree this year and had them again on New Year's day.  We are having friends over for a little dinner this weekend and I'll be serving these along with some appetizers before the meal.  They really are good!   Be sure to read my tips below for suggestions on the cranberry juice.

Enjoy!

P.S.  I really need help in shooting drink pictures...these are horrible!  Anyone have some foolproof tips?

What Ingredients do I need?

• Cranberry juice - I would choose a sweetened one instead of pure juice.  It could be a little tart and then you would need to add some sugar to the drink.

• Ice - for on the rock or frozen versions ice is key

• Tequila - either a silver or blanco tequila will work best.  I use Casamigos blanco.

• Orange liqueur - Grand Marnier or Triple Sec both work well.

• Limes - fresh lime juice is best

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Cranberry Juice - I would choose your favorite, and one that is sweetened.  Pure cranberry juice is very tart and your drink will need added sugar.  

• Try a cranberry juice blend such as cranberry raspberry or cranberry pomegranate for a twist on the flavor.

• You can salt or sugar the rim of your glass if you choose.  Rub the outside rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip it in the salt or sugar that has been placed on a plate.  Here is a nice chunky salt.

• Garnish your drink with a lime wedge, orange wedge, or float some cranberries.

• You can mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker if you like and them pour them all in a glass, or mix it straight in the glass.

• Increase the ingredients to make a pitcher of margaritas.

• A shot glass is handy for measuring ounces.  I use this one.

• Consider some fun margarita glasses like this one or this one.

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Cranberry Margaritas

serving:  1


ice
2/3 -1 cup cranberry juice
1 oz lime juice or the juice of 1/2 lime
1.5 - 2 oz silver tequila
1/2 oz Triple Sec or Grand Marnier


In a glass combine all ingredients and stir to combine.  

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