2024 is my year for self-care! At the turn of the new year, I had resolved to be more kind to myself and push my needs closer to the top of my priorities list. When I nurture myself, I’m able to nurture my family with patience and joy, showing up for everyone as the best version of myself.
What are some things that will help me to regain a sense of self after the chaos of becoming a mom? Decluttering, finding ways to save time so that I can make time for myself, eating well, and finding new ways to get creative were all things I felt would bring me this peace. Who knew that a do-it-all kitchen appliance would help me to check off all those boxes? The Vitamix® Ascent Series A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System has transformed my life in the kitchen and has been just be what I’ve needed to kick-start my self-care journey. It would make a perfect Mother's Day gift for anyone looking for the same peace in the kitchen that I've found.
The author received compensation for this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are the author's own.
As a mother to two toddlers in constant need of fuel, the kitchen is where I spend most of my time. This time can be very stressful. Whether they’re just hungry, we have somewhere to be, or they’re on the verge of meltdown, there’s often pressure to get something on the table quickly. Simplifying is crucial for me. I’m not sure I can call myself a minimalist mom, but if we have less stuff and that stuff is organized, uncluttered, and easy to access, cooking is so much quicker, easier, and more fun.
Cut the Clutter
With the addition of this one kitchen tool, I’ve been able to clear out four others: a food processor, mandoline, personal blender (along with all of its accessories), and an ice cream maker. My Vitamix rests beautifully on my counter and the food processor attachment fits perfectly in the cupboard below. I don’t have to mess with another bulky base, and all of the discs are stored conveniently (and safely!) with the compact, self-contained storage mode.
With Vitamix, I’m confident that it’s going to be a workhorse in the kitchen for years to come and I won’t have to stress about malfunction or replacement. It’s a beautiful thing to open a cabinet and grab what I need rather than dig, search, and reach. Declutter – check!
Save Time
Now, the real game changer for me has been making soups in a blender. This is definitely my favorite, new, time-saving hack. I have been able to create some seriously delicious meals in a matter of minutes by simply throwing five to ten ingredients into the container and pressing the soup program setting – just one of five program settings that ensure walk-away convenience and consistent results. Tomato bisque and broccoli cheddar require little prep and are easily paired with bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. Black bean soup, curried carrot soup, and ramen are a little more involved, but are still under 30 minutes. These soups have saved me when I've had little time and energy, or simply no plan!
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Ready to start your kitchen transformation? Get your own Vitamix now!
Mother's Day Discount! From April 21 through May 18, Vitamix is offering up to $100 off on some of its most beloved products exclusively at vitamix.com. Purchases of $499.95 (U.S.)/$599.95 (CA) or more also qualify for a free Hedley & Bennet apron.
In the past, I had been labeled the ‘freezer queen’ because I love meal prepping and having an abundance of food stored in the freezer. It’s a way of reducing waste as well as having ready-made meals or components of a meal on hand. This has become difficult for me as a mom even though the need for it is much greater. However, meal prep with the Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System can easily be streamlined, and I’m already reestablishing the habit!
I can cut through veggies and make spreads like hummus or artichoke dip so quickly with the food processor attachment, ensuring that grab-and-go snacks are ready for the week. I can chop onions to throw into any dish. Prepared beans, legumes, veggies, and fruits can be frozen and thrown into the blender when a recipe calls for it. Tricks like this help to get bellies filled swiftly. That means more time to play, for me and the kiddos! Save time – check!
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My daughter has always loved hummus. It's easy to make, freezes well, and can be made in many flavors!
Eat Well
Having more control over the food I put in my body and feed my family is so important to me. I want to have the energy needed to keep up with my kids, and I want to set them up for a life of health and wellness. Homemade food with simple and fresh ingredients not only tastes the best, it’s likely to be much healthier.
Typically, though, the thought of making many things from scratch is overwhelming. With the Vitamix, making my own dressings and sauces is incredibly fast and easy to clean up. I can grab a few staples that are always on hand and in minutes have the perfect accompaniment to any pasta, salad, or meat. Plus the multi-use blade can finely chop, mince, knead, and mix ingredients, which makes it even easier and faster to put a great meal on the table. Since bringing Vitamix into my kitchen, we’ve eaten significantly more fruits and veggies. Eat well – check!
Rediscover Creativity
Having the time, the energy, and the opportunity to be creative is a privilege. When you can incorporate creativity into your daily responsibilities, it’s a match made in heaven! The Vitamix provides endless possibilities to be creative while serving your family and hosting guests. From pizza dough to slushies, nut butters and cheesecakes, I love to experiment and create masterpieces while fulfilling my daily duties.
I also love that including my kids in the process is incredibly easy with the touch interface on my Vitamix. Children are so excited to get involved by scooping, pouring, and pressing buttons that are easily wiped clean. This fosters relationships, builds skills, knowledge and engagement, and improves everyone’s overall mood. It makes me so happy to know that we can broaden our culinary horizons together and create a sense of adventure in the kitchen. Getting creative – check!
Ready to make eating well a breeze and get more creative in the kitchen? Get your own Vitamix here!
Mother's Day Discount! From April 21 through May 18, Vitamix is offering up to $100 off on some of its most beloved products exclusively at vitamix.com. Purchases of $499.95 (U.S.)/$599.95 (CA) or more also qualify for a free Hedley & Bennet apron.
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These two, laughing together as usual, enjoying a quick and easy broccoli cheese soup!
Ok, ice cream may seem like a bit of a diversion from my intention to eat well, but what’s life without a little sweetness? Thankfully the frozen treats that can be made in the Vitamix are healthy and not a bit less decadent. Frozen bananas blended alone are a great way to sweeten up a Sunday afternoon. Add some chocolate chips and a dash of vanilla extract and you’ve got an indulgent dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enough spending big bucks on lavish brands or ‘healthier’ ice cream at the grocery store. Make it your own, exactly how you like it in your Vitamix. Now this, this is self-care!
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Enjoying banana frozen yogurt with chocolate chips after dinner!
Self care is essential, especially in motherhood. I’ve found that it’s just as much our responsibility to practice wellness as getting food on the table. When made with joy, meals are so much more flavorful. Investing in things that help to bring you to wholeness and fill you with that joy will bear fruit for years to come.
There’s never a better time than now for your kitchen transformation, and for furthering your self-transformation or gifting to a special mom in your life! From April 21 through May 18, Vitamix is offering up to $100 off on some of its most beloved products exclusively at vitamix.com for Mother's Day. Purchases of $499.95 (U.S.)/$599.95 (CA) or more also qualify for a free Hedley & Bennet apron.
Vitamix is more than an appliance, it’s a tool that I’m using to bring me back to life – for myself, and for my family! I hope it does the same for you!
Visit their website to view the amazing products they have to offer!
