Skinny Baked Pumpkin Mac-n-Cheese

September 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

We're finally settling in and getting used to being back-to-school over here. A routine is in place and things are starting to run more smoothly. It's such a busy and emotional time for parents and the kids, especially if you're starting up in a new school as my little one is. I've been determined to get my daughter off on the right foot by offering her more wholesome and meals and snacks during this transition.

I know first hand that it can be a challenge for many parents to find ways to making healthy eating both delicious and appetizing. My daughter is one of those picky eaters, which makes things all the more difficult when meal planning. One thing that almost any kid enjoys though, is macaroni and cheese!

With fall coming up on us, I decided to make a season inspired pumpkin macaroni that is not only better-for-you, but also delicious and super easy for a great weeknight meal that you can your kids can both feel good about...

PB&J Oat Bars

September 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

So, there isn't much that makes me think of back-to-school and childhood other than the flavors of a good peanut butter and jelly. I've never felt inclined to limit PB&J to a mere sandwich though. In fact, one of my most favorite ways to enjoy peanut butter and jelly is in the form of a parfait. Seriously, it's good stuff. I'm a firm believer that you just can't go wrong when you mix the sweet and salty taste pf peanut butter with the tartness of fresh fruits.

Today I wanted to step outside the box even further to make these amazing PB&J Oat Bars. These would make for a perfect snack, an addition to a lunchbox, or even as breakfast; which is how I've been enjoying them all week long! Back-to-school as been crazy and this grab-and-go bar has been exactly what I needed. I've actually enjoyed them so much that I'm planning to make them again next week!...

Skinny Unicorn Ice Cream Cake (Sponsored)

August 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CuriousCreamery #CollectiveBias

My little girl is 6 years old now and is a little eccentric. She's a lefty and as such is incredibly creative and imaginative. Needless to say, in this house, we 'believe' in magical things like fairies, unicorns, mermaids, leprechauns, and so on. That's what childhood is for, right? Magic, wonder, and all things amazing.

Childhood is a thing worth celebrating.

Of course, this Unicorn Ice Cream Cake would be amazing for any holiday or celebration and the bright and super fun colors are completely versatile and up to you to get creative with. Maybe there's a back-to-school unicorn around your house with the primary colors? Or a holiday unicorn with red, green, and white? Today though? It was all about the infamous rainbow unicorn...

Turkey, Apple & Cheese Wrap Lunchbox

August 18, 2016 Amanda Plott

Thank you SkinnyPop Popcorn for sponsoring this post. Feel good about adding SkinnyPop Popcorn to your kids' lunchbox this back-to-school season, a better-for-you snack made with ingredients your kids can spell and pronounce!

Ah! Today is the first day of first grade for my little girl, and there is definitely a big difference between dropping her off today and dropping her off for her first day of kindergarten. I think every mommy in the world knows exactly what I'm talking about too. What can I say? It was an exceptionally long and drawn out summer.

Needless to say, I was super excited about making her lunch and getting her ready last night. Of course, to keep her little mind active, I wanted to be sure that she had the tools that she needed in her lunchbox to keep her going through her day. This better-for-you lunch has everything a growing kiddo needs and wants without having to make any compromises...

Skinny Edible Monster Cookie Dough

August 4, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's still really hot here in Texas right now. Seriously, it was 80 degrees upstairs in my house last night. ...And that was after the sun set. So, clearly I'm staying away from the oven as much as humanly possible for a few more weeks. In the mean time... I'm still craving things that generally require cooking or baking. Let's face it, life doesn't stop just because it's hot outside! Cookies are what's been on my brain lately.

If it's cookies I want, it's cookies I get.

Not just any old cookie though. I want something thick and rick and colorful. Enter this Skinny Edible Monster Cookie Dough! If this won't get you through the heat of the summer and curb your cookie cravings, nothing will...

Healthified Juicy Lucy Burgers

August 2, 2016 Amanda Plott

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so... I'll just leave this right here for a moment and let you take all of this glorious golden cheese amazingness in.

...

Good? Good.

When I decided to try my hand at making a Juicy Lucy burger this week, I've got to admit, I was a little nervous! The last time that I attempted making a Juicy Lucy was with my dad grilling them up, and let's just say they didn't turn out as planned. Not at all.

The cheese completely disappeared out into the burger meat and/or oozed out in a sad waste. Leaving us with just plain old burger patties. How boring! It was cheese abuse at it's finest. So much cheese was lost that day... may it rest in peace. Today though, that wasn't the case. I was determined to have my Juicy Lucy, and eat it too with all of it's amazing cheese goodness tucked away inside where it's supposed to be...