Avocado Chickpea Feta Salad

July 13, 2017 Amanda Plott

Who doesn't love a good cool avocado dish on a hot HOT summer day? Okay, you caught me. I'm not going to lie. I love avocados year round, but there's just something about them during the summer that just brings even more joy and rapture to my soul.

This 'salad' is being called a salad because it sort of reminds me of what a vegetarian style 'chicken salad'. It's loaded up with plenty of avocado and summer flavors that bring a perfectly fresh and refreshing bite, and I've been looking for a good reason to use chickpeas again since they're one of my personal favorites...

Mermaid 'Seaweed' Wrap (Sponsored)

July 11, 2017 Amanda Plott

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

The end of Mermaid week is upon us! I've saved the best for last with this Mermaid 'Seaweed' Wrap. There is a long history behind this wrap too! It's special to my family because it's been in the summer rotation for about 5 years now! Yep. That's just how good this wrap is. One thing I love most about it is that it's so versatile; making the perfect lunch box addition, summer lunch or even as a light dinner. It's perfectly 'meal prep' friendly and full of wholesome goodness.

I've dubbed it the 'seaweed' wrap since I like to use the bright and colorful spinach tortilla to wrap everything all up in. On the inside, I've loaded this wrap up with plenty of fun and vibrant mermaid inspired bits. The first layers are hummus and a low fat cream cheese, followed by carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and my favorite part, Chopped Eckrich Honey Cured Ham! It's all pulled together with some reduced fat feta and rolled to perfection...

Schedule

Mermaid Treasure Cupcakes

July 7, 2017 Amanda Plott

The next step into this week of Mermaid amazingness is in honor of my fabulous mother's birthday! Truly, she's more of a mermaid than I am. She spends about 75% of her summer in the water. And... about 50% of the rest of the year in and about the water as well. We're talking rivers, lakes, pools, etc. If there's a body of water, she'll find it and she'll be in it with a cocktail or two in her hand.

Every year for one another's birthday we each take the time and effort to make or go and buy one another our favorite cravable cupcakes or cake. This year I opted for a local Austin food truck that makes my most favorite strawberry cupcakes in the entire world. For my mom though? She's getting an oldie but a goodie. It's a surprise cupcake that we've made together in the past and fell in love at first bite...

Healthy 7 Layer Fourth of July Dip

July 2, 2017 Amanda Plott

It's the fourth of July weekend! While I'm spending it rather lazily at home as I recuperate from a few weeks of busy, busy, busy - I'm still finding the time to have fun and be festive! With an impromptu visit from my brother, I decided to toss together a quick 'snacky' meal that we could all graze on throughout the day at our leisure.

Naturally, my first inclination was a 7 layer dip. I think that's because it's one of those things that has something it in that everyone likes! It's one perfect montage or mashup of everything I love. Plus, it's perfectly light and cool for a hot summer day. And of course, since it's around the 4th of July, you just know I had to arrange this dip into the shape of the American flag to be all the more cute and festive!...

Mermaid Smoothie

June 23, 2017 Amanda Plott

This post was sponsored in partnership with Millennium Blend. All views are my own. #MillenniumBlend #Ad @MillenniumBlend

It's hot here in Texas. Like... real hot. As in, I can't use my oven anymore sort of hot. As in... your only escape right now is a body of water. Hm... that gets me thinking. About what, you ask? MERMAIDS. I've been head-over-heels in love with Unicorns for a while now. Buuut, when the summer rolls around, the inner mermaid in me comes out. It's time to splash around and have some fun!

This mermaid smoothie is the perfect summer treat. And what's better is that it will keep your figure seashell ready all season long while keeping you full and completely satisfied. It doesn't hurt that it's as pretty as a mermaid to boot. Tasty, healthy, and beautiful too? Yep! It's a winner all the way around...

Honey Beer Cupcakes with Fresh Blueberry Buttercream

June 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

My dad's birthday always falls around Father's day, which usually means... double the celebrations! Some of his most favorite beers are from the local Austin brewery, Infamous Brewing Company. I've had the honor of meeting the owner (Josh) and hanging out at the brewery a few times. They've won a LOT of medals for their selection of regular and seasonal beers. Their Pumpkin Massacre is a family favorite when it comes around in the fall.

Their brewery was literally right down the street from my parents when they lived over near the lake. Now it's a bit of a trek for either of us, so unfortunately we don't get to go there much anymore. The good news is that they sell Infamous beer in almost any store here around Austin and most of Texas too. If you can't find Infamous near you though, you could always use another beer of your preference for these cupcakes...