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!...

Protein Pack

August 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

Yes, even though I work from home - I still tend to pack my lunches and snacks! Especially during the school year. Why? Because more often than not, when I don't have lunch ready to go... I've found that it's easy for me to forego lunch all together or settle for something that isn't always a good option. With snacks, it's the same way.

If my lunch is all made up and prepared for me, there isn't much of an excuse not to enjoy it. Once my little one starts school back up this next week, I'll be back in action at the gym... and let me just say that I'm really looking forward to it. I know that protein is something I'm going to need once I fall back into my routine of exercising and this protein pack is loaded with it!...

Skinny Baked Tortellini Bites (Sponsored)

July 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

I've been so busy with the end of summer and getting my little one ready for back-to-school that it's been a task to be a the balanced mom I know that I am. I'm all about using quality ingredients and offering better-for-you options to my family, but let's face it... sometimes schedules and lifestyle will try and to force us to make compromises.

These baked tortellini bites are the perfect balance of being quick and easy to make while also being more health conscious without sacrificing any taste! Another great thing about these little bites is that they make for a great after school snack or even used as part of a dinner; served with a side salad and some sauce for dipping...

Granola Cups

July 7, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've been looking to make breakfast a little more interesting and fun round here lately while I've got my little one home for the summer. Ugh! I can't believe she's about to be a big first grader. Anyway, these cute little granola cups were the perfect way to do that! They're cute, and little, and so easy to make!

What I love about these cups is that they are so versatile. You can use them as mini pie crusts, fill them with yogurt and/or fruit (like I did) for breakfast, or even as the base of a tart or other sort of dessert. I'm thinking mini cheesecakes!

By the way, did I mention that they are also vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free? Yep, yep, and yep! These little cuties definitely hit all the right notes. If all that isn't convincing enough, there's also chia seeds in them too; adding super crunch and even more texture...

Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Buffalo Maple Syrup (Sponsored)

June 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

My little girl is a busy little bee! Phew! I never realize that more than when she's home with me for long bouts of time (like during the summer.) Of course, I do all I can to fuel her play, creativity, and mind. One way that I do this is by keeping her little tummy full and satisfied with wholesome things that I approve of.

Recently she's found her love of chicken nuggets, so today I thought I'd try my hand at creating a perfect little bite-sized slider for an old classic that most of us adults know and love; chicken and waffles! It's a great little play on sweet and savory that almost any kid or adult will love...

Dinosaur Snack Mix

June 21, 2016 Amanda Plott

Eee! I'm so excited to be sharing one of my most cherished childhood movies with my little girl this week that I just had to celebrate with the perfect movie night snacks! The Land Before Time movies are ones that I watched regularly when I was about my daughter's age. I've been spinning my wheels trying to come up with some fun movie night ideas and popcorn recipes to tie into the theme and The Land Before Time characters. We're all about themes in my family, if you haven't noticed.

This Dinosaur Snack Mix is full of sweet and salty add-ins to make those little (and big) mouths happy during the movie! Plus, I've added in some better-for-you tidbits that make for a great blend of what you want and what you need for yourself and your little ones alike...