This post was brought to you by Collective Bias, Inc. and it's advertiser. I received compensation to write this post … but, all opinions expressed are my own. #McCafeMyWay#CollectiveBias
I'm the mother of a rather active almost five year old girl. (I mean... what little one isn't active, am I right?) Around here, mornings are always full of chaos and about 75% of the crazythat will go along with the day. It seems like everything is a struggle. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, brushing hair, everything. It's just an all out stressful situation!
Recently, I started in with a 'chore chart' that seems to make the mornings a bit easier. For each 'chore' she does on her own to get ready in the morning, she gets a star sticker. At the end of the week if she has accumulated enough stars, she gets a special treat or prize.
Another thing that helps with my morning routine is always starting my day off with a nice big cup of coffee. It's that morning pick-me-up that I absolutely need to get through it all. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Once I get my little one dressed and settled in (whether at home or pre-school), I like to indulge in a second cup of coffee for a bit of much needed "me time".
Today I'm using McCafé coffee in yet another way to help me get through my day while indulging in a better-for-you treat at the same time! After all, what goes better with coffee than donuts anyway? Now you can enjoy both together in one glorious bite...
Crock Pot 'Baked' Potatoes (With Skinny Pesto & Parmesan)
For the longest time, I never knew this little trick. You can fake-bake your potatoes in a slow cooker, and it's so super easy that it's pretty ridiculous!
I've been using this method for a while now, and it's definitely handy during the hotter spring/summer months when you don't want to boil the house up with turning your oven on. Plus, the potatoes can sit there and cook through the day leaving you not to h ave to worry with them at all...
Read MoreSkinny Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Yes. Skinny and loaded.
Alright, so let me just tell you a fun little story about these potatoes...I've made them a hand full of times before. One particular time, my collegiate Longhorn of a brother was over for dinner. He is one of the more picky eaters in the family. And he quickly gobbled down a huge serving... followed by a second.
He had no idea that these loaded spuds were full of another sneaky veggie... cauliflower! Muahahaha! That's my 'evil' cackle...
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Butternut Squash Faux Fries
These baked Butternut Squash Faux Fries are an amazing alternative to their potato brethren. They taste just as amazing as sweet potato fries, and are remarkably similar, but come in way less on their calorie count!
Not to say anything bad about zucchini, but the health benefits of winter squash far exceeds that of their summer time family. The butternut squash is high in fiber and low in fat, making it a very heart-healthy choice.
This fruit is full of potassium, B6, folate, and last but not least carotenoids! A 1-cup serving will give you nearly half the recommended daily dose of antioxidant-rich vitamin C. And what's more? It's an anti-inflamitory as well...
Read MoreSkinny Vanilla Bean Donuts
My daughter is a donut fiend. And even though I've been trying to avoid my oven while in the midst of summer... these vanilla wonders were absolutely worth it.
Originally I wanted to use actual vanilla bean in these bad boys, but... they're a little pricey (nearly $10 for one bean!) Needless to say, I opted for vanilla bean paste instead ($9 for a large jar.) I've never used vanilla bean paste before and I generally buy the cheapest vanilla extract that I can find, but I remember reading somewhere about the magic of vanilla bean paste.
I. Am. In. Love...
Read MoreSkinny Baked Samoa Oatmeal (Overnight)
I love Samoa Girl Scout Cookies!
The other day while at the grocery store, I spotted Samoa coffee creamer and just had to have it. That was actually my inspiration for this oatmeal. What else can you do with creamer other than pour it into your coffee every morning? Apparently, a lot!...
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