Detox 'Spa' Water

December 26, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've got to be honest, I feel rather toxic after the last month of constant illness and being on and off an array of medications and antibiotics. My body needs a little bit of rest and recuperation, so I'm going to give it all the help that I can get!

I should start off by saying that I am not a fan of cucumbers. I love pickles, and hate hate hate cucumbers. The taste, smell, texture... everything. But, like I said... I'm determined to give my aching body some much needed love.

I was rather surprised and delighted to find that after the lemon and mint, I didn't really taste the cucumber much... if at all!...

Healthy Gingerbread Loaf

December 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's that crazy time of year when it just doesn't seem like there's enough hours in the day! I'm busy shopping, wrapping, decorating, and getting everything in order for Christmas and New Years. Come on 2017. That being said, I woke up this morning and decided to get this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf whipped up and ready for the influx of company to enjoy.

If you love pumpkin bread and you love gingerbread cookies, then you are going to adore this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf! It's got just enough gingery spice and sweetness to blend perfectly together. One of my favorite things about this bread is that it's great for a holiday breakfast, gifting, or just having around to snack on. Plus, you can make it a few days in advance!...

Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes

December 19, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's day one of having my little girl home and officially off of school for the holidays and I could not be more excited! On top of all of the holiday fun and festivities, she's started getting her 6 year molars and her first 'big girl' tooth. Looks like the tooth fairy will be stopping by in the next month or so!

But, before all of that we have the Holidays right around the corner. To get us all in the holiday spirit on this joyous Monday morning, I decided to whip up a batch of these Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes. Don't worry though, there's no alcohol in these, just the wonderful flavors of egg not that even the kiddos can enjoy!...

Homemade Cinnamon Whipped Cream

December 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

The holidays are on our tails and I'm busy getting ready (as I'm sure we all are) by making my usual loads of cookies, cakes, cocoa and other wonderful sweet treats. 'Tis the season, am I right? Just because it's the season of feasting and over indulging, doesn't mean that you have to go overboard though! There are so many easy ways to lighten up and indulge in your favorites without feeling guilty. It's as simple as a few swaps and some common sense.

I've heard it said before that you can eat anything you want, as long as you make it yourself. Of course, that isn't entirely the mantra that I live by, I do believe in homemaking the vast majority of the things I can. One of the most easy things to make on your own, has to be whipped cream! I've been making my own whipped cream for a few years now, and I love that I can completely control the sweetness and flavor for myself...

Winter Berry & Citrus Salad (With Black Berry Vinaigrette)

December 4, 2016 Amanda Plott

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a salad! This Winter Berry & Citrus Salad with Black Berry Vinaigrette is full of winter fruits and flavors to satisfy you on even the coldest and gloomiest of days. I mean... look at those glorious bright colors there, it's a sure-fire way to climb your way out of the winter blues with some winter greens! Hah! See what I did there?

The deep red and green here make me think that this would make for a perfectly seasonal dinner salad or festive side salad to a Holiday meal. What I love most about this salad is that the dressing is completely homemade and super simple to make too!...

Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

November 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

A little chicken noodle soup for the soul, anyone? 2016 has been a year that will go down in infamy. I don't think this year hasn't touched everyone in a particularly strange (and I'll even dare to say negative) way. I for one, couldn't be more happy to see it in it's last several days. I know that 2016 will go out kicking and screaming the entire way, but I can't wait to see what next year brings.

Only good things, I hope.

My Christmas tree bit the dust last year, and I guess that should have been a sure sign of the things to come. So, I decided to add some extra Christmas tree to my life this year by including it in this soup as early as November. MOVE OVER DECEMBER. We're getting this year done and over with...