I love a cold smoothie. When everything is so doggone hot during the summer, a frozen treat like this just hits the spot. One of my all time favorite flavors is strawberry banana. It's a classic. Over time, I have perfected my own strawberry banana smoothie recipe and even found a way to make it a complete, balanced breakfast for eating on the go.

Earlier in the year, I blogged about healthy smoothies for breakfast. This recipe is an extension of that. Essentially, what you need for a strawberry banana smoothie is, of course, strawberries, bananas, and milk, but I added a few things to make it my own.

First, I started by freezing fresh strawberries and bananas by smoothie portion. Or you could just buy the pre-frozen fruit. You're choice. That keeps you from having to use crushed ice and it getting all gross and watery as it melts in the summer heat. Since I like my smoothies a bit thicker, I scoop about 3 spoonfuls of Greek yogurt into my blender then add the frozen fruit and blend it just a little to make room for the rest of the ingredients.

Next I add just a splash of milk and the equivalent of two spoonfuls of honey. Honey is a great natural sweeter and I can't get enough of it. I probably actually add more like 3-4 spoonfuls. Then I add a scoop of protein powder to keep me fuller longer and a small handful of spinach to make the smoothie energizing. From here I blend it all up until it's smooth, adding more yogurt and fruit as necessary. I generally like to fill my single serve blender to the top.

And, viola! There's you're healthy, summer treat. A strawberry banana smoothie is my go to smoothie. What's yours? Let me know in the comments. Maybe I have my own recipe for your favorite smoothies!

Chokers have been hot this year and I thought one way to reinvent this classic trend was to make a crochet choker. I used to have dozens of these things when I was little and I was ecstatic when I realized they were coming back in style.

I think they are the perfect addition to any outfit. They add definition and attention to a great, youthful area- your neck. My crochet choker is honestly my favorite statement piece.

Chokers are hot and if you want to have one that not everyone does, try making a crochet choker with this pattern! Black is the most popular color, and easiest to style, but you can make yours whatever color you like. Not to mention, adding a small charm is a cute way to accent it.

Whatever way you decide to make yours, this crochet patter will get you started! And if you're having trouble pairing your choker with an outfit, here is a quick style guide/inspiration.
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 Materials:

• Aunt Lydia's Crochet Thread (Size 10) in Black
• Size 10 (1.15 mm) Crochet Hook
• Lobster Clasp
• Jump Rings
• Jewelry Chain
• Jewelry Tool

Abbreviations

• Ch=Chain
• Sc=Single Crochet
• Dc=Double Croch
• Sk=Skip
• St=Stitch

Steps
String a lobster clasp followed by a jump ring onto your working yarn before you begin crocheting. If you're having trouble, check out my tutorial for crocheting with beads. It works the same with jewelry pieces.

Ch. 72
Row 1: In 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn (71)
Row 2: Ch 2 working the jump ring up and into your 2nd ch, dc in same st, sk 1 st, *dc ch 1 dc in next st, sk 2 st,* repeat from * to * until you reach the last 3 st, dc ch 1 dc, sk 1 st, 2 dc in same st, working the lobster clasp up and into your 2nd dc, turn
Row 3: Ch 1, sc across (71)

Cut tail and weave in ends.

From here, cut a length of jewelry chain, anywhere from 2-3 inches, and use the jewelry tool to thatch it to the jump ring on one end of the choker.

If you make your own crochet choker, let me know using #beaniesnweenies.

And, if you like this free crochet pattern, check out more fun crochet projects here at Beanies & Weenies!

Now on Etsy are Beanies & Weenies crochet chokers! These stylish chokers are perfect for everyone! They go with absolutely anything. You can dress it up or dress it down.

With an adjustable chain and lobster clasp in the back, you can adjust this choker anywhere from 9 to 12 inches.

Custom chokers are available!

Everyone wants one. Why not get yours from Beanies & Weenies?

Share with any friends who may be interested in a crochet choker of their own!