Hello! I’m Steph, from Steph Runs The City. I love, love LOVE sweet treats, and now that summer is officially here, there’s nothing like cooling off with something refreshing. Lately, I’ve been into smoothies and icy-drinks. They’re the perfect treat for after dinner, or with enough ingredients, a great way to start off your morning. They’re quick and easy to make with whatever’s around.

Here’s my favorite concoction yet:

Mango Banana Smoothie

• Two handfuls frozen mango (can substitute fresh, with ice)
• 1/2 banana
• 1 individual container Trader Joe’s organic 0% Vanilla Greek Yogurt (or any brand)
• Splash of juice (I like some combination of OJ)
• Some additional water, for blending

Directions: Add ingredients to your blender of choice, mix, and serve!

The result: Heaven on earth, in your mouth! This is the most amazingly creamy smoothie I’ve ever tasted. The mango and vanilla yogurt blend together to create the perfect amount of sweetness, and the subtle hint of banana is just the right amount.

Enjoy

Look at the caramelized topping on these amazing muffins! These Banana Upside Down Muffins from Amanda’s Cookin’ definitely deserve a Holy Yum!! I would love to have a taste of these treats that are just bursting with flavors of brown sugar, bananas, and rum! Wouldn’t these taste fabulous for breakfast paired with a cup of coffee? YUM!

A celebration is not complete without cupcakes! As I looked back through all the posts over the last year, I realized that I have made lots of cupcakes! To continue my countdown to my 1 year Blogoversary, I thought I would look back at some of my favorite cupcake creations. Which one was your favorite?

Chocolate Chippy Cakes

Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Banana Toffee Cupcakes

Lemon Pudding Cupcakes

Cherry Filled Pineapple Cupcakes

Cool Mint Oreo Cupcakes

Dark Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

If you want your house to smell like a bakery, whip up a batch of these banana caramel oat bars. I love candles with fresh baked scents, and there should definitely be a candle made that captures the carmelized banana smell of these bars! It is incredible! These oat bars are easy to make, and they got rave reviews from all the girls at work today. I have a feeling that these caramel banana treats will be requested for the next office party!

Caramel Banana Oat Bars

Ingredients:

1 pkg. banana cake mix
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cup oats
1 cup oil
1 egg
3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

Directions:

1. Mix the cake mix, brown sugar and oats together.
2. Add the oil and the egg and mix well.
3. Pat half of the dough into a prepared 13 x 9-inch pan.
4. Spoon the caramel over the dough.
5. Crumble the rest of the dough over the topping.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.
7. Cool and cut into bars.