Hellooo my loves, and happy Sunday! I have a really fun post to share with you today, and it involves a very special someone. Drum roll please… Say hello to Tess Masters, otherwise known as The Blender Girl!

(BTW, I love the name The Blender Girl. I also loooove blog name alter egos. There are so many people out there who know me as The Balanced Blonde and aren’t really sure what my first name is, and sometimes people ask me if that bothers me. Quite the opposite actually… I love being referred to as TBB. TBB is my baby & I work on it every day, so being acknowledged by that name is actually pretty cool!)

I’m sorry, but how sensational is this cover?!?!

I am celebrating Tess on the blog today because she wrote a BOOK (not her first), and it’s allll about smoothies. It’s based off of her best-selling app & it’s absolutely KILLIN’ it on Amazon right now. #1 new release in the Vegetarian category, and wayyy up there in a bunch of related categories — which I can appreciate like crazy, because I stalk Amazon rankings like it’s my job. I think it’s fun. I know, I know, I have weird hobbies…

As the title suggests, there are 100 smoothie recipes in Tess’s book. They are all gluten-free, vegan and paleo-friendly. I am a sucker for a good smoothie, and I have a lot of favorites up my sleeve. Tess’s super awesome infographic below of her smoothie steps is very much in alignment with mine, so right when I saw that I knew I was in good hands.

Actually, I knew I was in good hands before I saw this, too! I am lucky enough to know Tess personally, and WOAH what a radiant soul. You guys would love her. She brings people together, and it’s clear from having any sort of conversation with her that she cares deeply and genuinely about what those around her are up to, and how she can help them succeed. It can be rare to come across someone who realllyyy means well, values their tribe & supports their friends in every way, so when I find people like that I hold on to them.

Now, let’s get to more about the book. The book is BEAUTIFULLY made and the recipes are really impressive. Like I said, I am a smoothie freak. I thought I had tried most combos that would be up my alley — but she surprised me with so many of hers.

For example… the Chai Thai smoothie. WHAT?! Look how amazingly yummy this is.

And, Tess was kind enough to make this recipe available to share so you guys can enjoy this smoothie & you can also get a sneak peek into what the rest of the recipes in her book are like! See below…

YUM, right? And, now for a little Q&A with Tess herself!

Q&A TIIIIIME:

Q: Tess! Your book is out of this world beautiful & I am so honored to feature you, one of my longtime favorite plant-based bloggers, on TBB today. As a fellow writer I am always intrigued by others’ writing processes — especially when it comes to a project as in depth as a book! Can you tell us a bit about your book writing process?

A: Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words. I always wire frame my story, keep detailed notes, and slowly piece the whole thing together. I have a board with post-it notes, several documents on my computer, and I keep rearranging the story as it comes together. I like to do a mixture of recipe development and writing to mix things up so that I don’t get burnt out. Doing it that way ensures the narrative text informs the recipes and the food serves as an example of the tips I share in the front matter. I then read aloud with Scott (my partner, who is a writer) to make sure things are clear, and I have a group of about 30 recipe testers who extensively test the recipes with all kinds of blenders to ensure the recipes are accessible to everybody.

Q: You have 100 recipes in the book (so awesome), which makes this book a fabulous read for those who are looking for anything from a sweet, savory, nutrient-rich, filling or lighter smoothie option. Out of all 100… do you have a favorite? How about a morning go-to?

A: The Pomegranate Slam It! is my favorite recipe in the book because it is so dimensional, and takes you on a flavor journey much like a textured dish. It just explodes in your mouth like a firecracker. It’s also a great blend for inflammation and immunity, and is alkalizing and detoxifying.

Q: I can only imagine that with developing so many recipes for your book (and your wildly popular app, which came before the book!) there must have been some smoothie flops. Or, as you call it in your book, “a big glass of death.” (LOL, I can so relate.) Give us a glimpse into one of your funniest or most memorable smoothie flops!

A: Oh gosh. I am still being haunted by a collard-beet swamp water concoction that tasted like a big old glass of dirt. I called on my smoothie super powers that day, and nothing could lift that blend off the dirt! Even the magic ¼ cup of cacao couldn’t save me that day. I did manage to rescue it to “drinkable” status, but certainly not mindblowing enough to make the book!

Q: What is your take on how long a smoothie or blend “lasts” in the fridge while maintaining its nutrient-density?

For full nutrient and live enzyme potential smoothies are best consumed immediately after blending. However, that’s not always possible or convenient. I think 24 hours is my threshold for how long I would leave a smoothie in the fridge. However, with some blends, ingredients become more assertive, and the flavor profile changes dramatically while chilling. To be safe, I recommend freezing smoothies in glass mason jars directly after making, and defrosting in the morning and shaking or reblending to revive the prize!

Q: Do you have a favorite spot in LA to get smoothies when you are out and about and don’t have time to make your own? What about in NYC?

A: In L.A, I love the blends at Sun Café, Café Sage, Café Gratitude, Kreation, and Moon Juice. In NYC, I head to One Lucky Duck, Juice Press, Liquiteria, and Blossom du Jour.

Q: Favorite place to purchase organic produce for your blends?

A: My local farmers market in Studio City has awesome organics, and I love heading over to the Santa Monica market. I also get so much of my produce from Melissa’s Produce.

Green Mojito from the book… Mmmmm!!

Q: Your go-to blender?

A: I test my recipes on several different blenders. At the moment, the Vitamix 5200 is my favorite high-speed blender, I love the KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond for a mid-range machine, and I travel everywhere with my Nutribullet.

* TBB SIDENOTE: I totally agree on the blender front. I am a Vitamix girl through & through, but I LOVE my Nutribullet for travel. 

Q: When you aren’t drinking smoothies… what is one of your all-time favorite plant-based dishes to whip up?

A: Oh, I make my Red Cabbage Detox Salad (on my website) every single week. It’s been a staple in my life for years, and it just never gets old. Delicious!

Q: Unrelated to food: favorite place to travel?!

A: I absolutely LOVE Italy. The food, the people, the approach to life, the art, the scenery, and the language. I just can’t get enough.

Q: Your book is gorgeous, and clearly writing and recipe development are huge passions of yours. Can we expect any more books in The Blender Girls’ near future?

A: Yes. I am writing my next book right now. It will be released by Ten Speed Press in January 2017.

YAY! Wonderful on all levels. I already can’t wait for her next book… Check out Tess’s website HERE & show her some support. She is an amazing woman doing incredible things for the wellness community. And of course, check out her BOOK, her APP, annnddd this super rad Kitchen Aid GIVEAWAY worth $2,000!

Huge thanks to Tess for hanging with us today! Why don’t we all use today to celebrate someone who inspires us? I like that idea… 🙂 xo  

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