“Worth the Money: One,” focused on getting a single really good knife and then storing that knife in a handy visible place. When cutting things is pleasurable and simple, you’ll do it more and eat better. Today, the focus is on the importance of getting a GREAT blender – the single most expensive small appliance I have ever purchased.

Over the years, I’ve bought and then discarded probably 10 blenders. The $19.99 Walmart kind like this. The problem? They all suck. They leak. They can’t even chop up the ice and fruit shown on the box and you have to take it apart to clean and it’s such a hassle that you end up not using it at all. Or it just dies within a year of buying it and you give up.

Over 4 years ago, we broke down and bought the mother lode: The Vitamix. It still works like new despite excessive use.

I cannot believe I spent $400 on a kitchen gadget. It cost as much as some dishwashers or stoves. But we use it at least once a day. It’s commercial grade, very easy to clean and you take nothing apart, ever.

If you are going to get serious about a health routine, have one smoothie every day. Every single day for one year. Basically $1 per day and it’s paid for itself. I know, it’s as much as a car payment. But. It. Is. Worth. Ever. Single. Penny. And we save a ton of money now not eating out and not buying meat.

In addition to the morning smoothie, it’s great for all kinds of cooking. It doubles as a food processor and chopper and if you want – it can be used to make a wicked fruity summer cocktail or two.

If you decide to bite the bullet and invest the money, do follow their guidelines for cleaning it and avoid the marital strife that sometimes surfaces in our house over that issue.

Saturday Morning Smoothie

Always put the liquid in first: 2 cups of almond milk and 1/2 cup of water

One scoop of Pea Protein (that or almond protein = vegan options with the most protein)

A handful of Flax Seeds

5 whole frozen strawberries

half a cup of frozen blueberries

Spoonful of almond butter

2 TableSpoons of Carob for a lil’ splash of chocolate taste