Touchdown! Healthy Party Pleasers from Zoe's Mediterranean {Recipes}

I have a confession. 

I could care less about the BIG GAME this weekend. 

However, it does give me an opportunity to catch up with friends and partake in another reason for a party. 

While I have no gripes about parties, I am worried about the partaking part -- and totally ruining all that great work I've been doing trying to lose weight with the MamaChallenge DietBet. However, I don't want to be left out to eat nothing but raw vegetables and ice water. 

What's a girl to do? 

Thankfully my latest food fettish, Zoe's Kitchen, has shared some of their top-secret recipes for a few quick, clean, and easy recipes that are healthy (they were curated by dieticians, moms and culinary folks) and totally delicious. And if you need help trying to make a dish - they even have an easy-to-follow video available to show you how. 

Havent' heard of Zoe's? You are missing out. There are several here in DFW with the newest one in Richardson. And best of all their food AND their service is top notch! And you can actually go there for several healthy food combinations and not just one boring plate you have to eat every time you go. 

So even this mama can make them - and you'll want to as well because they are fantastic. 

Believe me, no one will choose that sack of chips when they have Turkey and Hummus Pizza, Pimiento-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms and Sangria at the party. 

All photos courtesy of Zoe's Kitchen

serves 8

ingredients

1 pint Zoës Hummus
1 lb lean ground turkey
1.5 tbsp Zoës
Spice of Life seasoning
8 whole wheat pitas
4 tbsp sliced Kalamata olives
8 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
8 tbsp roasted red pepper strips
4 tbsp chopped scallions (green parts only)
8 tbsp chopped tomatoes

directions

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and seasoning and cook thoroughly until turkey is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Heat the pitas on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Place pitas on individual plates. Top each pita with 2 heaping tablespoons of Zoës hummus and spread evenly over pita.

Then top each pita with 2-3 tablespoons cooked ground turkey, 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese, 1⁄2 tablespoon Kalamata olives, 1 tablespoon roasted red pepper strips, 1 tablespoon chopped tomatoes and 1⁄2 tablespoon chopped scallions.

Using a pizza cutter, slice each pita into 4 wedge-shaped pieces and enjoy!

serves 8 to 12

ingredients

1 pint Zoës Potato Salad
1 red pepper, cut into cubes
1 large yellow squash, thinly sliced
1⁄2 large onion, cut into 1" pieces
1 can artichokes, chopped and squeezed to drain
6 eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyere or Swiss)
1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp pepper
1 clove pressed garlic
1 tbsp olive oil

directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Prepare crust by mashing Zoës Potato Salad in the bottom of a glass quiche dish. Using your hands press potatoes into bottom of the dish and up the sides to form the crust. Place dish into the oven for 3-4 minutes.

Meanwhile place peppers, squash, onions and garlic on baking pan. Add olive oil and 1⁄2 of the salt and pepper, toss to coat, spread vegetables in a single layer. Roast vegetables for about 8 minutes; reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly in the bottom of the quiche crust, add roasted vegetables.

In a small bowl beat together eggs, milk and remaining salt and pepper. Pour eggs carefully into quiche dish. Dust the top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is puffed and beginning to brown.

Let stand 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

ingredients

1 gallon Zoës Limeade
Fill pitcher halfway with Ice (4 cups)
1 bottle red wine (choose your favorite!)
2-3 cups fresh fruit (we like grapes, strawberries, oranges and apples)

directions

Fill a large pitcher with 1 gallon of Zoës fresh-squeezed limeade. Fill with ice.

Add a bottle of your favorite red wine.

Chop 2-3 cups of your favorite fresh fruit and add it to the pitcher.

Stir and serve!

Now it's Game Time! 

DIY Healthy "Drive-Thru" Makes Breakfast Delightful with Jimmy Dean Delights {Free Printable}

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Jimmy Dean, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BreakfastDelight  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Mornings are madness for most families, especially at our house. 

With Dad trying to get out the door for work, the two kiddos to school/daycare and for me whatever appointments or errands I have lined up in the power-packed day, from the moment I open my eyes, we are in a marathon to get dressed, fed, packed up and out the door -- ideally, on time. Unfortunately, with all I'm doing to get everyone ready, breakfast Monday through Friday isn't something isn't as healthy as I'd prefer, but there's has to be a compromise, right?

Actually, there doesn't have to be anymore with Jimmy Dean Delights. 

For months I've felt like these were my little secret as I would sneak a box just for me in the cart at Walmart and store them in the back of the freezer for those mornings when I was short on time, but wanted to splurge on flavor like with my Egg White with Spinach & Mozzarella on Honey Wheat Flatbread. It was more convenient than going through the drive-thru, less expensive, loaded with protein, and frankly tasted better. (And did I mention less than 200 calories!?!) All of a sudden, I was actually getting to eat breakfast and not just cook it for the kids! 

However, one morning the kids refused to eat the boring breakfast I'd made. I had to admit, I couldn't blame them. They begin whining why we couldn't go to Chick-Fil-A or McDonalds for breakfast. While there's totally a time and a place for either, this was not the morning. There was no time, we didn't need to spend the money and frankly, starting this routine could only mean trouble for all of us. 

So, I busted out my stash of Delights, wrapped them in a paper towel and threw them in the microwave for 1:45 minutes - and voila - breakfast, kids! I couldn't send them to school hungry and looking at the calorie count compared to their normal breakfast, my Jimmy Dean Delights were healthier than anything I was giving to the kids every morning. Now, hopefully, they liked them.  

Oh, yes they did! They told me it was like going through the drive-thru...at home, but better. And for my kids, that's a pretty good compliment. There was no reason I needed to tell them at this junction that Jimmy Dean Delights are a healthy option loaded with protein and low calorie, too. And with so many options, we weren't going to have to worry about another boring breakfast for a LONG time.

Jimmy Dean Delights are available in nine varieties all under 300 calories: 

• Delights Bacon, Egg & Cheese Honey Wheat Flatbread (Boy's favorite)
• Delights Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Cheese English Muffin (Girl's favorite)
• Delights Turkey Sausage, Egg & Cheese Honey Wheat Flatbread
• Delights Canadian Bacon, Egg White & Cheese Honey Wheat English Muffin
• Delights Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Cheese Croissant
• Delights Egg White With Spinach & Mozzarella-Style Cheese Product Honey Wheat Flatbread (my favorite)
• Delights Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Cheese Whole Grain Bagel
• Delights Maple Pancakes & Turkey Sausage Griddlers
• Delights Cinnamon Glazed French Toast & Turkey Sausage Griddlers

Now if I can just get my hands on those JD Maple Pancakes & Turkey Sausage Griddlers or Cinnamon Glazed French Toast & Turkey Sausage Griddlers, I'd probably be the best. mom. ever.

And to make it really fun for those mornings when we are really running late, I decided we'd take that "drive-thru" concept to heart with our own specially labeled bags! 

Click here to download this sticker printable - perfect for Avery 9-up stickers templates. 

Making a cute little sticker, I just warm up the Jimmy Dean Delights and either throw a sticker on the napkin with the kiddo's name or on days when we might be in the car for a long stretch, this "McMom" puts in an orange juice, fruit or box of raisins and a Jimmy Dean Delights in the specially branded "bag" (sticker) and we head out ready for our day. I feel like a rockstar and they feel like they got a special treat of going "out" for breakfast.

It makes my mornings a DELIGHT and theirs, too!

You can can find Jimmy Dean Delights at your local Walmart. And I'd get two boxes at least, because the first box won't last you long!

Dallas Gets a Little Sweeter with See's Candies at NorthPark

There's mothing more symbolic of Valentine's Day than a beautiful box of chocolates. 

However, no matter its presentation, it's what inside the box that counts. And there's definitely a difference in well-made morsels and those other kinds of sugar mess that you'll probably still eat, but wonder why you let yourself use up those extra Weight Watchers points later. Or even worse, the chocolate you know that's been there for a long while in that box before finding its way to you. 

And just in time for Valentine's Day, you have a new option in Dallas for chocolate. While the See's Candies isn't new since they've been making chocolate and other candy the same way since 1921, the store is at NorthPark Center is (it opened just around Christmas!)

Ironically, this candymaker purposely let's the chocolate age before selling it. It's part of its signature recipe. See's Candies is one of the few remaining candy makers that still ages their chocolate, a process that imparts a smooth, mellow flavor profile and elevates the taste of the chocolate overall. And while See's owned by one of America's most well-known tycoons Warren Buffett, there's been no new machines and new techniques for getting See's to the masses. He's left it just the way he found it. 

Recently, my son (the real chocolate expert) and I had a chance to visit the new store for a special media event. Designed to look like the crisp, clean black-and-white checkered motif inspired by Mary’s original kitchen, the shelves were stocked with candy of every flavor, size and occasion. Also like her kitchen the say, I was met instantly with a warm smile and asked to try a candy. While that tradition actually costs See's one million pounds of candy each year, but looks like Warren said it was worth the effort since 26 million pounds is what they sold in 2013. 

Hairnets are the newest trend. At least the night of the See's Candies event. Featured here is Cynthia from Oh, So Cynthia and Josh Hart from 102.1 The Edge. 

And while just trying See's was a new experience in itself, to really appreciate the art of creating a custom box of chocolate the See's way, we were challenged to a contest to see who could fill a box quicker among the guests. Hairnet, gloves and all. 

Does the image sound familiar? It should - apparently Lucy and Ethel did it on one of The Lucy Show episodes. And this contest was almost as funny. 

You can see my son joined me in the fun and he loved it. 

We'll I think it was all the chocolate he kept putting in his month that he really loved. 

And you will, too. Make sure to taste one while you're picking out your perfect Valentine's Day box. Or make it easy and one of the pre-made ones. 

Don't worry, Jackson says they are all good. 

Style IS Knocking: Front Door Fashion

Imagine what would happen if you had your own Rachel Zoe or Clinton Kelly to tell you what was a yes or no every morning? 

Bananas, right? 

Check out my new find for your NEW fashion solution on the Star-Telegram.com!

Belk Brings New Spring Style and New Dallas Store This Spring

Many women will work in 2014 to make a better and more fashionable statement, but like me, will need a little more knowledge and skill to make it happen. 

Thankfully, a new friend has come to town. Arlene Goldstein, vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction for Belk, hosted an exclusive media-only spring fashion forecast event last week.  The veteran-style expert and fashion and style contributor to Huffington Post and a notable fashion resource for stylists and fashion publications, shared fashion trends and forecasts for the spring season. Attendees got a glimpse of the designer brands that will be available at Belk’s new flagship store opening at Galleria Dallas in April.

Arlene’s 2014 Style Statements

From bold colors to timeless essentials, Arlene’s 2014 style statements showcased top trends from Belk brands such as Michael Kors (one of my favorities), Free People, Eileen Fisher, Adrianna Papell and Vince Camuto to name a few.

Feminine Charms:

Amp up your inner goddess with this ultra-romantic look featuring an eccentric twist for the modern woman. You’ll see plenty of frills, ruffles and 3D appliqués this spring for an elegant and textured style.

Clean Slate:

This look is all about making a bold statement while maintaining a minimal and chic palette. Embrace the architectural details with the modern textures for a bold style that is sure to impress.

Jet Setter:

Be the ultimate world traveler with tribal patterns and multicultural influences. You’ll see large embellishments and colorful patterns that embrace varying cultures.

Opening this April, Belk at Galleria Dallas will be the company’s first flagship location in Texas.  Get ready girls!

5 Ideas to Organize Your Happy Space at The Container Store {Giveaway}

Disclaimer: I was provided a gift card to The Container Store for purposes of this giveaway.

I heart The Container Store. It's my happy place. 

Everything is clean, monochromatic or at least color-coded, lots of white space, and full of people who totally appreciate that organizing things = calm amidst the chaos. Unfortunately, my family doesn't appreciate that a little walk through The Container Store is only second to yoga for me (well, maybe not that much, but it does make me feel a little calmer.) I can only dream that in my little fantasy world everything would be like The Container Store. 

While I've figured out that I can't live there, I can bring a few of the ideas home with me that are practical for my family and give me my Container Store fix. 

Closet/Mud Room
Isn't this a fantastic way to organize and store all that stuff that makes it in the door each day? Backpacks, jackets, scarves, shoes and all that stuff has to have a space and unfortunately, at our house all we have is a few hooks and a drawer. But using the Elfa Closet System you can build any size of closet space that works for your house. And if you are uncapable to put it together - you can have someone from The Container Store to install it for you! 

Speaking of closets...did you know that The Container Store has more than 100 different types of hangers from you to choose from? They even have a video for that!  While my husband would wonder why you might even bother, I have to admit, since having kids, accessories, etc., I've learned that there is always the right hanger and it does make a huge difference. I mean can you imagine if Mommy Dearest had all these options? It might have been a whole different life for her! 

Office Space

Thankfully our laptops, tablets and smartphones have made it possible to "office" from anywhere, but you still have to have a central places to keep things like supplies, reminders, etc. There are several options that aren't desk spaces that you can create that are customized for your needs and habits. Urbio Magnetic Modular System is a great option because it is a modular system that allows you to create the perfect space just for you that is also an attractive modern design that is green friendly as well (you may have seen it spotlighted on Shark Tank!) 

Cords

My name is Autumn and I hate cords. A lot. 

I hate to see them and hate even more to have to figure out which one is which when you have to locate the right one behind your computer or the TV! I'm kinda in love with all these fun ways to not only sort your cords, but label them so you know exactly which cord is which! Talk about a timesaver! 

Wrapping Paper/Craft Room 
Several years ago I had my grandpa build me the greatest wrapping paper organizer, but if you don't have an awesome grandpa like me, you still have amazing wrapping paper options at The Container Store. Even if you don't have a room to devote to your projects, you probably have a closet you can either roll this baby into or a little extra wall space that you can add your wrapping paper and ribbons, too! Talk about all the time you'll save not pulling out the big bag out of the back of the closet every time you need to wrap a gift or the money you'll save not running to the store every time you need to wrap a gift because you have everything you need at your fingertips! 

Playroom

So maybe the LEGOs aren't in your happy space - or maybe they are and that's why you need this LEGO sorter! My son is a HUGE fan of LEGOs and I can't handle walking into his room and finding all his small blocks on the bottom of my feet! Whether your kids are small builders or heavily invested like mine, you have several fun ways to get your kids to organize their pieces and keep them intact and out of your feet! Many of them are even on sale right now, so it's the perfect time to get those LEGOs in their place! 

So are you ready to make your space your happy place? 

To get your started, I've a $25 gift card to The Container Store. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go Go squeeZ Applesauce Valentines - 'Thanks for Being Awesomesauce' {Free Printable}

* I am a proud ambassador for Go Go squeeZ * 

I admit one of my favorite things about my kids going to school are the holiday parties. I just love those cute little foodie treats for the class parties, but unfortunately, all that sugar is no good for them or for me later on when I pick them up! 

That's why I came up with this cute printable to be used with pouches of healthy Go Go squeeZ that is quick, easy and that your children will LOVE!

"Thanks for being awesomesauce!" FREE PRINTABLE (click here to download the PDF)

We love Go Go squeeZ around here, so I'm constantly coming up with new and fun ways to use it! From pancakes, muffins and Valentine's treats, they make the perfect compliment to healthy snacking that's convenient, delicious and full of nutrition! 

This downloadable prints six per page and could be printed on sticker paper or card stock with a hole punch and affixed with ribbon. There's also a line for your child's name. 

I hope you think these are awesomesauce as well! 

#GoGoPlayfully with Go Go squeeZ Play Day, January 11 at 1:11 p.m.

With just one week in the 2014 hopper, many of us are working to be: 

Better at being active 
Better at healthy eating 
Better at quality time enjoying life - living playfully!

This Saturday on January 11, Go Go squeeZ is launching its first GoGo Play Day to jumpstart the new year across the U.S. including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Aspen, Boston, Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, San Francisco, DALLAS, and the Bay Area! We are celebrating with free products and exciting surprises at fun events of how people are choosing to live playfully and capture it with photos, videos, and storytelling. Plus, we’re calling 1:11 p.m., the official kick-off to a playful year. That’s when we’ll be unleashing coast-to-coast playful experiences showing the world what being playful really means.

As an ambassador for Go Go squeeZ, I'd love to invite you to celebrate with us! 

We’d love you to be involved with our Play Day campaign!  We are looking for fun and unique events and activities going on Saturday, January 11.

• Join us in participating in a Play Day event or host your own event - even if it's your sports activity, playing at the park or just having fun with Go Go squeeZ
• Play with us on January 11 at 1:11pm by sharing something fun 1-11 on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! with @Gogoplayfully @squeezsquad #Texas
• Get your own Go Go squeeZ redeemable for discounted GoGosqueeZ redeemable on Jan. 11 only.

With Go Go squeeZ, there are 10 flavors to enjoy whenever and wherever you GoGo, including: AppleCinnamon, AppleStrawberry, ApplePear and AppleBerry and many more. Our innovative, re-sealable packaging allows kids, big and small, to snack spoon-free and get their play on. And every pouch is gluten, nut, and dairy-free!

Looking for some fun ideas to starting celebrating? 

Here's 7 Ways to Have the Most Playful Week Ever from Go Go squeeZ

It might cold outside, so considering cooking up some Go Go squeeZ fun for a great way for the family to involved with delicious Apple Cinnamon Muffins from 7 on a Shoestring! 

Or see how to make some colorful Apple Cinnamon pancakes from ME, Mama Challenge, on Good Morning Texas! 

 

Valentine's Day is just around the corner? Get moving on those Valentines for the classroom with this BERRY adorable idea from A Nerd's Wife!

So how do you #GoGoPlayfully? 

Let us know this Saturday at 1:11 p.m!

5 Fun Things to Do in Los Cabos, Mexico with Kids

Sponsored 

In October I celebrated my 33rd birthday by taking a trip to Mexico. Unlike previous trips I had taken to Mexico, including getting married there seven years ago, I wasn't planning for lazy moments sipping banana-rum-somethings by the pool. This time I was taking my five-year-old with me as my traveling companion. 

While he's been a great this year as we ventured to Disney World (his first airplane ride) and to the Texas Hill Country (his first road trip), this trip would require a passport and me as his sole guardian while we were out of the country. The pressure was definitely on as I wondered if he would even enjoy it and hopefully, being it my birthday, would I enjoy it, too!

I can definitely say from this happy face we both had a wonderful time. It took very little work on my end and within a few hours from an Artic-feeling Texas, we were soon walking on the beach enjoying the weather, the sand and the hospitality of Los Cabos. 

Here's the highlight reel of what we did and definitely our recommendations for an adventure in Los Cabos, Mexico with a five-year-old. 

1. Enjoy a Special Dinner Together
Kicking off our first night in Cabo, we went for a "fancy" dinner at the beautiful Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort restaurant, Tomatoes. I love to experience different cuisines and considering we were on the coast, we went for a seafood dinner on the beach. And while it wasn't a romantic dinner with my husband, my pint-sized version of him was the perfect gentleman as he sat a little taller than normal as he felt the ambience had changed from our normal Chick-Fil-A. 

There was no kids meal ordering though on this night. He was able to order off the adult menu and sipped his first Shirley Temple while I appreciated my margarita. There was something so cute about the two of us having "drinks" as we breathed in the ocean air and the sounds of the tide hitting the coarse sandy coast. It was about then the mariachi band came over and serenaded us with a fun and spirited song that my son couldn't have been more excited about. I was never so happy to pull out pesos for that tip (too bad it was too dark for a picture, but the memory is worth a thousand words for us!) 

2. Explore the Water 
While I'm not a real sports enthusiast, I'm still of the mindset you should try everything once even if this mama didn't have the know how. So one day Baja Outback picked us up at the Sheraton Hacienda and took care of everything! 

We were taken by van to a nearby beach with a safe surf and treated to a Cabo 4 Kids adventure complete with an afternoon of sandcastle building, boogie boarding, swimming, snorkeling and refreshments! All I had to do was watch, relax and take photos while my son had the time of his life doing everything he could imagine with a group of new friends! They brought EVERYTHING including life jackets, snorkels, boards and lunch! I couldn't suggest this enough, especially if you have several kids you want to keep happy (and worn out for a little afternoon siesta.)

3. Appreciate the Culture 
My birthday coincides with the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) so during our trip we were able to see how how the Mexican culture celebrates. And to make it even more of a treat my son, who is a student at a bilingual school in the U.S., had learned about the holiday at school before he left, so he knew about the altars and could also practice his Spanish-speaking skills. 

Altar space at the Sheraton Hacienda

Altars along the Marina

Another friend of mine at OC Mom Blog actually got to Cabo a few days before us and took her kids Trick or Treating in Cabo, so we couldn't recommend more spending time in a new country during a holiday! 

4. Kiss a Dolphin 
We could have spent our whole vacation at the Sheraton Hacienda with all the fun activities on the property, I wanted us to venture into the city before we left and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the dolphins with Cabo Dolphins. 

I was able to schedule the experience with the hotel concierge and the van picked us up three hours later. The driver took us into town and while we picked up other passengers we had a little peek at the city and the other side of the ocean! About 45 minutes later we were dropped off at the Cabo Adventures headquarters to wait for our time to meet the dolphins.

I opted to not get in the water, so I could take photos from the deck a few steps away. The experience was about 30 minutes long and during that time my son was able to pet the dolphin, watch several tricks with the trainer and then snag a little kiss from the dolphin. 

5. Discover the Marina
Just outside of Cabo Dolphins is the beautiful marina in Los Cabos. Full of amazing yachts and azure waters, the marina area was a perfect way for us to get a little last bit of Mexico before we said adios to our Mexican expedition. We walked along the edge of the water, enjoyed a little helado (ice cream), scooped up a few souvenirs for the family and his classmates for show and tell, and tasted one last bowl of Mexican fare before boarding our car to the airport. 

Whether you go during the day or evening, there's tons to do including great shopping, dining and just people watching. 

There's something special about having a vacation with just one of your children alone. We spent lots of time talking about what he was experiencing, enjoying things together and just letting my inner kid have a chance to come out and have fun building sand castles and being silly. 

It felt good just to be without expectations. 

And while the facial I had at the hotel spa was amazing (we'll talk about that soon), there was something so relaxing about just having fun with my son, especially in a beautiful and safe place as we stayed at the Sheraton Hacienda Los Cabos. I can only hope as my kids get older and my two-year-old turns five, I can continue this tradition of enjoying my children on a one-on-one basis. If time doesn't allow you the extravagance, consider just a date-night with your son and daughter to do something fun like the movies, a museum, bowling or just a nice dinner. You'll never regret it and they will definitely have a special memory with you as well.