There are many names for this annual event “Celestial Lovers Day, Star Festival, and China’s version of Valentines Day”  but in Japan “Tanabata” is a pretty special and incredibly colorful event. Un  festival romántica!

Tanabata, meaning- evening of the seventh,  is considered to be a mixture of Chinese and Japanese traditions.   It was introduced into Japan in the 8th century and became very popular folkore during the Edo Period or Tokugawa Period (1603 to 1868).

The story is about two lovers, Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair), separated by their families they can only meet across the Milky Way once a year on the night of July 7th.    The first time they tried to meet they realized they could not cross the river because there was no bridge.   Orihime (Vega) cried so much that a flock of birds called “Magpies” came and promised to make a bridge with their wings so that she could cross the river.   It is said that if it rains on Tanabata, the birds cannot come and the two lovers must wait until another year to meet.   How sad…

Today Japan, people generally celebrate this day by writing heartfelt wishes on small pieces of paper called “tanzaku”, hang them on a bamboo pole along with other decorations.  You write your special wish on a piece of paper and at midnight you burn it either in a lamp that you let float down a river or in a bonfire. I hope and pray your one true wish will come true!

Enjoy the video…you’ll get a better understanding of the celebration.

I’m  getting ready for the summer and nothing tastes better than a cool refreshing, plus nutritious drink!  “Summer Smoothie Time!” I love making smoothies for my family because it’s so easy, with unlimited flavors, and they’re very good for you!  High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they are the most perfect drink for anyone to drink at anytime!   Try a few of my favorite summer smoothie recipes – delicious and totally addicting!

私は家族のために、よくこのスムージーを作るの。だって、簡単で、フレッシュな香りがいっぱい楽しめるし、何と言っても身体にいいもの！　ビタミン、ミネラル、それに抗酸化物質をたくさん含んだスムージーはいつ、誰が飲んでもパーフェクトな一品ですよ！　あなたもリフレッシングでやみつきになる私のお気に入りの「サマー・スムージー・レシピ」をお家で試してみてね。

Watch my video to learn how to make my “Very Berry” Smoothie!
（ベリー・ベリー・スムージーの作り方はケーブルテレビ放映後UPしますのでお楽しみに。。。）

More recipes!   Every smoothie listed here has the same directions.  Put all the ingredients in the blender in the order listed and mix on high until fully blended.   That’s it!

その他にもこんなレシピがありますよ！　下のスムージーもレシピの材料の順番どおりにミキサーにかけるだけですよ。お試しあれ！

Basic Boot Camp Smoothie

2 bananas
10-12 frozen strawberries
1 cup of apple juice
1/2 cup yogurt vanilla or choose your favorite
4-6 ice cubes

ベーシック・ブート・キャンプ・スムージー
バナナ　　　　・・・　２本
いちご（冷凍）・・・１０～１２個
アップル・ジュース　・・・　２４０ｃｃ
ヨーグルト　　　　　　・・・　１２０ｃｃ　（お好きなフレーバーのヨーグルトでも可）
氷（キューブ）　　　　・・・　４～６個

“Vita-C” Smoothie

2 bananas
1 orange
2 kiwis
10-12 frozen strawberries
½ cup of frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups  orange juice
4-6 ice cubes

ビタ-C・スムージー
バナナ　　・・・　２本
オレンジ　・・・　１個
キューイ　・・・　２個
いちご（冷凍）　・・・１０～１２個
ブルーベリー（冷凍）　・・・　カップで１２０ｃｃ分
氷（キューブ）　・・・　４～６個

Peaches & Creamy Smoothie

2 bananas
1 cup of frozen peaches
1 cup apple juice
1 cup vanilla yogurt or peach flavor
4-6 ice cubes

ピーチ＆クリーミー・スムージー
バナナ　・・・　２本
ピーチ（冷凍）　・・・　カップで２４０ｃｃ分
アップル・ジュース　・・・　２４０ｃｃ
ヨーグルト　　　・・・　２４０ｃｃ分
氷（キューブ）　・・・　４～６個