I really need to invest in a good blender. I always walk by the Vitamix blender at Costco and linger for a while. Right now, I’m using a cheap $20 blender that I picked up for convenience from Target or someplace. It’s the loudest thing ever and takes ten minutes for me to crush four ice cubes. Not to mention that I may or may not have cracked the glass while putting it away and now it has a huge line going down the side.

I’m pretty sure one day it’s just going to burst and all the contents of my smoothie will be covering my walls and ceiling. I’ll keep pushing it until that day comes. Why? Well, it’s hard to have so many appliances when you’re moving every year. I can’t wait until the day comes where I will be living in a house that I own. No more renting, no more moving. Just a permanent space to really call my own personal kitchen.

Until that day comes, I’ll be making simple smoothies. Nothing fancy, nothing too hard to blend down. Who has $500 dollars to spend on a blender, anyways? Ouch.

I bought this acai juice from Costco and it comes in a double pack. It tastes great as is, but even better when you thicken it up with some ice and yogurt. You can replace this brand with any other acai juice you can find in your grocery aisle.

Again, this is just a base smoothie recipe. Feel free to add more ice, juice, or yogurt depending on your desired consistency. You can even throw in some real berries if you’re so lucky!

I am an official ambassador for Dole Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Dole provided me with Free Salad and Free Banana coupons for the purpose of this post, as well as compensation for my time. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Over the 4th of July weekend, from July 2-6, the DOLE^® Get Up and Grow! North American Tour will be coming to Los Angeles! What exactly is the tour about, you ask?

One of three brightly covered Tour caravans will stop at supermarkets and public events throughout Los Angeles, offering tasty recipe and product samples, a do-it-yourself smoothie bar, free giveaways for the kids and adults and other surprises celebrating the fun, flavor and health benefits of fruits and vegetables.

Not only that, but visitors will also have a chance to take the Get Up and Grow! Healthy Living Pledge, which means you’ll try to eat a healthier, plant-based diet in 2015. Those that sign up to take the pledge will get a chance to receive free DOLE^® fresh fruits and vegetables, along with other rewards!

Here are the dates and locations for the upcoming weekend:

Dole fresh fruits are one of my favorite ingredients to work with. Their pineapples are so sweet on their own that I don’t have to add anything to them when using them in recipes!

This mango pineapple smoothie doesn’t have any additional sugar, sweeteners, or syrup. It’s perfect to serve for the hot summer ahead!