DIY Sidewalk Paint featured on FormulaMom

DIY Sidewalk Paint - the perfect summer activity for little onesQuick and easy afternoon crafts are something we love to do. Especially when the weather is nice and the kids are eager to get outside. This craft is not only fun for the kids but it’s easy to put together and very inexpensive. There are only three components to this paint: water, corn starch, and food coloring. You can’t get any simpler than that.

An added bonus is the fact that both of my children could partake in this activity. My 15 month old doesn’t have to sit back and watch Brother make yet another craft without her. She jumped right in as soon as she saw the brushes and didn’t stop until it started getting cold out. I love how creative and imaginative both of them can be together with just paint and a sidewalk.

Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Check out how to make DIY Sidewalk Paint on Formula:Mom today!

This activity is not just for your preschooler. Infants and toddlers love it as well! My 15 month old daughter had a blast painting with her brother. She even wanted to share with mommy and tried to paint me and the camera a few times.

Pinterest Inspiration

DIY Sidewalk Paint featured on Formula Mom

 

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn't Just For Girls

When we told the kids that we were planning a trip to Legoland, after being invited to check out the grand opening of Heartlake City, my son proclaimed, “I don’t want to go! Heartlake City is for girls!”

Now we have always been one for gender equality and not pushing gender roles on our kids. My daughter plays with trucks, my son plays with our kitchen set, both enjoy imaginative play where they dress up and play pretend. They both also equally help my husband when he’s working on the cars, help me with dinner before my husband comes home from school, etc. But that’s another post.

We’ve never pushed one toy or another onto them however they’ve both naturally gravitated to gender stereotype toys when they play on their own. And that’s ok. Both love LEGOs. Blue, green, pink, purple, or yellow.

Legoland Heartlake City - heartlake stables

Legoland Heartlake City - Heartlake Stables LEGOs

The morning of the event I asked him again if he wanted to check out Heartlake City. Because a trip to go visit Heartlake City meant a trip to Legoland. He thought about it for all of a second and then exclaimed, “I want to go to Heartlake City! It’s not for girls!”

While he was at school, my daughters and I enjoyed Heartlake City on our own. We built horses and other LEGO creations in the Heartlake Stables, rode the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp, and enjoyed a crepe at the City Park Creperie (side note: I highly suggest the nutella crepe!).

Legoland Heartlake City - mia's riding camp

Legoland Heartlake City - City Park Creperie

Once he got out of school, my husband picked him up and drove up to meet us at the park. My daughter was stoked to bring them both to Heartlake City to show them around and share what she had gotten to do all morning.

From watching my daughter’s favorite LEGO Friends of Heartlake City dance and sing on stage to splashing around at the splash pad, both my son and my daughter had a blast exploring LEGOLAND Heartlake City.

I’m fairly certain my son won’t complain about Heartlake City at Legoland California being “just for girls” again.

Legoland Heartlake City with siblings

Legoland Heartlake City splash pad

Legoland Heartlake City - friends forever stage

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

  1. LEGOs – Just like everywhere else in the park, the kids can get hands on and build in the Heartlake Stables. Sure, there are pink and purple LEGOs. But they’re amongst a sea of blues, greens, reds, and yellows.
  2. Rides – The kids both loved riding the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp. Horses are for boys and girls last I checked.
  3. Splash Pad – Running through the splash pad is awesome. And it cools the kids down on a hot summers day.
  4. Crepes – Amongst other treats found in Heartlake City (you can also try Wok n’ Bowl for some delicious ramen), the nutelle crepe can speak for itself. Enough said.
  5. Family Friendly Fun – Just like everywhere else in the park, Heartlake City is filled with family friendly fun that everyone can enjoy. Sure there’s lots of pink and purple. I don’t see why pink and purple can’t be in other areas of the park too.

My daughter can’t stop talking about the fun she had with me on our adventure together. And my son wants to go back again and is already planning a return trip when he gets out of school. Because they’re kids. And LEGOLAND is fun for kids. Ok, it’s fun for adults too…

And next time? We’re tackling the LEGO CHIMA Water Park.

Legoland California San Diego

What are you looking forward to checking out at LEGOLAND California this summer?

Planning a trip to Legoland CA soon? Check out our highlights:

For more Legoland CA fun, check out these great posts:
The LEGO Movie 4D at Legoland CA
LEGOLAND California Holiday Snow Days
5 Reasons Why Star Wars Lovers Should Visit Legoland California
Top 5 Things to Do at Legoland California When You’re 5

15 Summer Drinks to Help Cool You Down

15 Summer Drinks to Help Cool You Down

It’s unofficially summer (just 1.5 weeks until my son is out of school!) and the weather is starting to heat up across the US. Here in So Cal we’ve been heating up all spring. And the best way to cool down on a hot summer day is a delicious beverage.

Whether it’s alcoholic (look for the * next to the name for boozy drinks) or non-alcoholic, these drinks will be sure to hit the spot and cool you down this summer.

Boozy Smoothies with Blackberry Arbor Mist

15 Summer Drinks

1. Boozy Smoothies* | Source: Simmworks Family Blog

2. Easy Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade | Source: The Classy Chapter

3. Creamsicle Slushie | Source: Wife Mom Geek

4. Frozen Caribbean Breeze Cocktail* | Source: Simplistically Living

5. Orange Mojitos* | Source: Honey and Birch

6. Easy Sangrias* | Source: Staying Close to Home

7. Homemade Black Cherry Soda | Source: Flour on My Face

8. Raspberry Margarita* | Source: Love Bakes Good Cakes

9. Peach Lemonade Slush | Source: That’s What Che Said

10. Mango Coconut Daiquiri* | Source: Self Proclaimed Foodie

11. Watermelon Juice | Source: Sandhya’s Kitchen

12. Blueberry Lemonade | Source: Carmel Moments

13. Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float | Source: Coupon Clipping Cook

14. Blue Hawaiian | Source: Baking Beauty

15. Homemade Cherry Slushie | Source: Back Roads and Blue Jeans

What’s your favorite summertime drink recipe?

partida skinny margarita aerial

Pinterest Inspiration

Seeing Myself Through My Daughter’s Eyes

Seeing Myself Through My Daughter's Eyes

This past weekend I headed up to Temecula, a short 45 minutes north of San Diego, to attend Bloggy Boot Camp with the SITS Girls. While I learned a lot about the business side of blogging, networking, etc., I also learned far more beyond blogging.

In addition to the great tidbits about the latest social media platforms (::cough, cough:: SnapChat?? No, maybe it’s Periscope…), Tiffany Romero of the SITS Girls shared ways to simply be a better person.

Now I’m totally going to paraphrase this because I’m no good at exact quotes but when Tiffany suggested that we stop and think of our daughters in our shoes. Then look at what our daughters are doing and tell them what they need to do – more sleep, less work, exercise and eat right, never give up – basically giving myself the advice I would give my daugther should she be in my shoes. And this opened my eyes a bit more to how I’m living my life.

After Women Get Social last year, also put on by the SITS Girls, I had taken away quite a bit that I actually put into action. I made office hours, I hired a Virtual Assistant. Heck… I even hired my house keeper back after a long break without her (and my friends thank me every time they come over and have to use our guest bathroom that is also my son’s bathroom). But there were a few things I hadn’t been doing and now I need to start working on weaving those into my life.

I also want to start considering what my daughters see when they watch me. I want to be more cognizant and aware of how I’m living my life and make sure that I’m living the life I want to live and being the person I want to be. But I also want to portray that to my daughters So that instead of just a frazzled, crazy woman who’s over-extended herself in an effort to do everything, they’re seeing a dedicated, hard working woman who loves to support those around her.

I have stopped saying negative things about my appearance and myself in front of her. When I weigh myself in the morning I smile even when I want to cry. And when I’m trying on clothes I make sure to critique the fit of the clothes, not the look of my body in the clothes. Because she’s watching… she’s watching everything.

And it’s only a matter of time until she starts to look at herself in that mirror. It’s only a matter of time until she’s over-extending and wondering why she feels like she’s the only one drowning. Until she realizes that she’s not alone. And it’s ok to feel that way.

Oh, and the photo above? I had my daughter take it. I’m going to have her take a lot more photos of me too…

What’s New This Summer at Knotts Berry Farm

Screen Shot 2015-06-02 at 11.07.58 AM

Timber Mountain Log Ride

I have such amazing memories of the times my parents took me to amusement parks during the summer. The thrill of the rides, the indulgent good food, and the freedom to choose where we went and what we were doing next. My siblings and I were always up for an adventure and we knew that this was exactly what we would get as soon as we passed through the turnstiles at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Now with my own kids, I’m looking for that exact same experience this summer and I’ll definitely still find it at Knott’s. From the thrilling new rides, like Voyage to the Iron Reef,  to fun shows for the whole family, like Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre, there is something for everyone this summer.

Voyage to the Iron Reef On-Ride 1

In just a few short weeks I’ll be taking the kids up for their first adventure of the summer. We’ll be kicking things off right with a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm to check out what’s new this summer and how we can make the most of our summer with the help of a few of our friends (hint: one of them is a beagle with a black nose and a cool red house).

Here are 13 reasons why you should visit Knott’s this summer:

The NEW Voyage to the Iron Reef – The new interactive 4-D attraction called Voyage to the Iron Reef, will take you on an adventure aboard submarine-inspired vehicles through enchanting underwater forests, disorienting ocean current tunnels, mysterious mechanical wreckage, and high definition 3D animation.

Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice (Charles M. Schulz Theatre) – Snoopy and his Peanuts buddies “go Hollywood” bringing Walk of Fame glamour, dazzling movie lot escapades and California excitement to a brand new ice show adventure. June 13 – August 23 No shows on Wednesdays

Vertical Impact & Vertical Impact Geared Up Show – Vertical Impact presents the ultimate blend of extreme stunts with high flying acrobats performing a one of a kind performance perfect for the entire family! June 13 – August 23 No shows on Mondays & Tuesdays

Charlie Brown’s Happy Campers (Camp Snoopy Theatre) – Join Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy in a show that’s sure to make an outdoorsman out of anybody! Daily, June 14 through September 1

Big Band Swingin’ Sundays – Jump, Jive & Swing to the sounds of Orange County’s best local Big Bands. Sunday evenings, June14 – August 30

Boardwalk Dance Party (Boardwalk Circle Stage) – Dance ‘til you drop and wave your hands in the air until you just don’t care with DJ Howly, one of Orange County’s most requested “mixers & spinners”. Monday & Tuesday evenings, June 15 – August 25, plus September 7

Ghost Town Streetmosphere – Ghost Town is alive with townsfolk who will put you smack dab in the middle of the Wild West. As you mosey on through Ghost Town, say “Howdy” to returning favorites, Dusty Trail, who’s never without her six-shooter, Miss Ruby, the purtiest Saloon Gal in town, Miss Apple the School Teacher, and the rest of the Calico townsfolk. Daily June 13 – September 7

Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies (Birdcage Theatre) – Things get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies perform their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, side splittin’ country comedy show that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more! Fridays through Mondays, June 13 – August 23 except 6/19 and 8/6 & 29.

 Salsa  Bands (Fiesta Plaza Stage) – Nothing says a party at the Fiesta Plaza stage better than the energy created by some of Orange County’s most popular salsa bands. Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings, June 13 through August 23, Plus August 29, 30 and September 5, 6, & 7

The Ghost Town Miners (Spurs Stage) – For a “Yeehaw” of a good time you won’t want to miss the Ghost Town Miners sing and play some of the best bluegrass this side of the Rio Grande! Tuesday through Thursday, June 16 – August 20

The Marshal Purdy Show (Birdcage Theatre) – Come on in for some old fashioned, homespun fun that’s sure to tickle your fancy and bust your gut. Tuesday & Wednesday, June 17 – August 21

The Big Fat Steve Band (Boardwalk Circle Stage) – Back by popular demand, The Big Fat Steve Band-The Kings of Kool is a fun, exciting dance band with a swingin’ beat. Wednesday through Saturday, June 13 – August 29, plus September 5 & 6.

Calico Saloon Cancan Show (Calico Saloon) – What’s a Saloon without a show? Don’t miss the Calico Saloon Show for some good old’ fashioned bar room fun. We heard that the dancin’ girls even perform that new fandangled dance from Paree, France, the Cancan! You might even want to cool off with a tall cool bottle of the hard stuff…Sarsaparilla! Daily, June 13 – September 30, Plus September 5 – 7

What are you looking forward to at Knott’s?

Tips for Hosting A Playdate

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tips for Hosting A Playdate

Over the past 5 years I’ve been the organizer of a large local playgroup. With over 250 members, we meet weekly at various locations and events around town.

As the organizer I’ve found it easier for new members to meet at someone’s home instead of meeting at a public space for their first event so I host a playdate at my house once a month. Needless to say we’ve gotten really good at hosting playdates.

I’ve put together a few tips on hosting playdates so that the next time you decide to invite a new friend over you’ll be prepared to sit back, relax, and enjoy some adult time while the kids play and entertain each other. Tips for Hosting A Playdate - imaginative play

Tips for Hosting A Playdate

1. Keep it simple

Playdates do not need to be complicated. Simplicity is key. As is prepping ahead of time so you don’t have to run around the whole time. Don’t overdo the toys and games. Keep a handful of things out but close the bedrooms and keep certain areas off limit.

Or keep everyone outside in the backyard so the adults can keep an eye on everyone easier. My friends and I like to grab some chairs, sit back with our smoothies, and chat while the kids run around and burn off some energy.

Tips for Hosting A Playdate - snack time

2. Have snacks on hand

If you want to make something for the kids to enjoy, do it ahead of time so you can serve when everyone gets there. I like to have one homemade goody on hand, like smoothies, oatmeal squares, or this delicious apple crisp.

Then we add some Quaker® Chewy® Granola Bars and some fruit and veggies that we have stored on hand for snacktime in between playtime. Quaker Chewy Granola Bars contain 8 grams of whole grains in every bar and come in delectably fun flavors like Chocolate Chip, S’mores and Oatmeal Raisin.

Tips for Hosting A Playdate - bubbles and other activites

3. Bust out the bubbles

One thing that seems to bring all of the kids together for a fun time are bubbles. Something about the joy of spinning, jumping, and twirling around to catch them just brings out the best in kids. So stock up on the sales and keep some on hand for playdates.

I prefer to have a bubble machine going instead of blowing them myself because they machines blow bubbles a lot faster AND we don’t have little ones trying to blow bubbles themself and getting bubble liquid all over the place.

Tips for Hosting A Playdate - fun for all ages

4. Fun for all ages

Have a few toys or activities on hand for all ages. I like to keep a small box of soft toys on hand in case any of the moms bring their babies along with the older kids. It makes everyone feel welcome and encourages the moms to relax a bit knowing there are toys for the little ones to play with.

And on the other side of the spectrum, grab a few Nerf balls and let the older kids play and have fun without worrying about hurting the younger ones. Or bust out the sidewalk chalk and let the kids use their imagination and creativity to make a beautiful picture or create another play area. A few simple things will go a long way!

Tips for Hosting A Playdates - sibling love

What are your tips for hosting a playdate?

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Peanut Butter Fudge S’mores Mug Cake Recipe

This shop featuring a Peanut Butter Fudge S’mores Mug Cake recipe has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LetsMakeSmores #CollectiveBias #sponsored

Peanut Butter Fudge S'mores Mug Cake Recipe

With the unofficial start of summer here, there’s no better time to enjoy the tastes that remind us of summer. Barbecue, simple sweets, and having fun making it! For us that means making some tasty s’mores treats. But you don’t need a campfire, or even a stove, to make these delicious s’mores inspired mug cakes. All you need is a microwave.

This variation of our chocolate mug cake is one that came about after my daughter asked if we could roast marshmallows one night in our fire pit and we realized we had no idea where our roasting sticks were. Since moving to our new home last year we had somehow misplaced them. So I figured the microwave was as good as any place to make smores!

Peanut-Butter-Fudge-Smores-Mug-Cake-ingredients-in-packaging

One thing I love to have on hand is a good dessert to go-to in case a need for sweets hits. We don’t like to keep cake or other sweets in the house because we know that they won’t be consumed in moderation. So I enjoy a few recipes that require little prep but still take care of the sweet tooth.

This s’mores mug cake takes less than 10 minutes, from start to finish, to prep and “bake” in the microwave. How’s that for instant gratification?

Peanut Butter Fudge S'mores Mug Cake Recipe ingredients

And the addition of peanut butter to the classic flavors of a s’more just takes it to another level. But I must warn you. Make sure you have a cup of milk next to you because this is one rich dessert.

Peanut Butter Fudge S'mores Mug Cake Recipe with toasted marshmallows

Peanut Butter Fudge S'mores Mug Cake

  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 Hershey's chocolate bar
  • 2 Honey Maid Graham Cracker Squares (exclusively at Walmart, crumbled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • Kraft's Jet Puffed Marshmallows
  1. Combine 3 tablespoons peanut butter and 1 Hershey’s chocolate bar in a small bowl, then melt in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  2. In another bowl, combine melted butter with graham cracker crumbs and stir until moistened. Grab your mug and press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom to create a crust.
  3. In a bowl. whisk egg, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add in flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa, stir until a thick batter forms. Stream in melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture, mixing to combine. This will be very thick.
  4. Add half of the mixture on top of the graham cracker mixture, then add a marshmallow or two. Add remaining batter on top. Cook in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes at 80% power.
  5. Remove and top with 1-2 additional marshmallows and a few pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bar if desired. Microwave for 5-10 seconds to make them melty and slightly puffy, or put them directly under the broiler for about 10 seconds to toast if desired (I always burn stuff I broil so I went with the microwave).
  6. If you used the microwave to melt the marshmallows, you can use an aim n’ flame or kitchen torch to char. Sprinkle with graham crumbs and grab a fork!

Peanut Butter Fudge S'mores Mug Cake Recipe bite

You can find all of the ingredients you need for the perfect s’mores dessert at your local Walmart. Look for the special s’mores display or head to the candy and cracker aisle to find everything.

Smores at Walmart

 

How do you change up a classic s’mores dessert?

Have more time? Try my s’mores brownies! Or my healthy peanut butter s’mores. Both made in the oven!

Smores Brownies recipe

 

Peanut Butter Smores

Boozy Smoothies By The Pool

This shop featuring boozy smoothies has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Arbormist #StartSummer #CollectiveBias The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

Boozy Smoothies

When I plan a mom’s night in I like to keep things simple: drinks, food, and fun. And if I can combine two of those things into one, like food and drink, everyone is happy!

I recently headed over to a friends house for some much needed girl time and brought a boozy smoothie bar with me to whip up some delicious cocktails we could indulge in by the pool.

With a few simple ingredients, a blender, and some plastic wine gasses I found at the dollar store we had delicious drinks that served as both snack and boozy treat. How awesome is that?

Boozy Smoothies with fruit

Boozy Smoothies By The Pool with Arbor Mist

I love to keep entertaining simple. Especially when it’s on-the-go entertaining at someone else’s house. But simplicity means that I can entertain elsewhere and am not limited to just my back yard.

This summer I forsee many afternoons hanging by the pool and relaxing with a boozy smoothie in one hand while I chat with my friends and enjoy the warmth of summer.

Boozy Smoothies ingredients

Boozy Smoothies blended up

Boozy Smoothies

  • 1 cup Arbor Mist (any flavor)
  • 1 cup fruit (I chose mango, strawberries, blackberries, and bananas)
  • 1 cup ice
  1. Add equal parts Arbor Mist, fruit, and ice into the blender.
  2. Blend until all incorporated.
  3. Serve in a classy plastic wine glass and sip by the pool!


Boozy Smoothies with Blackberry Arbor Mist

Boozy Smoothies By The Pool

Visit the Simple Entertaining Social Hub for more great entertaining ideas! And if you’re looking for more fun, enter the Arbor Mist Summer Sweepstakes where 1 lucky winner will win a brand new water sport vehicle and 100 others will win Arbor Mist beach themed prizes!

What’s your favorite way to stay cool by the pool?

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings

This shop featuring a Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings recipe and mediterranean dinner ideas has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SpringIntoFlavor #CollectiveBias

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings

One thing I absolutely love about summertime are the fresh flavors of summer. Everything seems to get lighter while still staying just as tasty. And I love including some light fare when hosting friends over for dinner or lunch. Especially when most of the meal is make ahead!

I recently hosted a small group of friends over for a light dinner and went with a mediteranean themed menu including a quinoa tabbouleh with onion rings, delicious sweet potato fries drizzled with homemade tzatziki sauce, and some veggies and pita bread with tzatziki dip. Paired with a great wine, this was a fabulous meal to kick of summer.

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings and veggies

All I needed to do was prep a little ahead of time by pairing a quinoa brown rice blend I had left over from dinner the night before and making the tzatziki sauce that morning, I was able to throw this all together in about 10 minutes after the sweet potato fries and onion rings baked.

By prepping 1/2 of my meal ahead of time, I’m able to enjoy my guests and throw things together right before we eat. That means more quality time with my friends and less time in the kitchen.

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings and sweet potato fries

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup english cucumbers (sliced and quartered)
  • 8 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa and brown rice blend (cooled)
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 5-6 onion rings (baked and chopped)
  1. In a large bowl, mix together tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and combine.
  2. Add quinoa mix to the bowl and squeeze 1/2 a lemon over the mixture. Salt and pepper to taste and stir once more.
  3. Add chopped onino rings and lightly toss. Serve with whole onion rings on the top and enjoy!

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings mediterranean spread

By using high quality ingredients like Alexia onion rings and sweet potato fries and pairing them with fresh, in-season produce, a delicious meal can be created with little effort. And you won’t be missing out on flavor.

Every single bite of this tabbouleh is filled with fresh flavor and the perfect texture. Normally a tabbouleh is not made with onion rings but the crunch of these baked rings of deliciousness is an amazing addition.

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings bite

You can find Alexia products in the freezer section of your local Walmart. I was able to find a handful of varieties all together right next to one another in the frozen potato aisle.

I absolutely love that Alexia products are made with all natural ingredients and love to keep these on hand for quick meals with the family or when friends come over. Next time I’m picking up a bag of the new Alexia Rosemary fries to try out with my tzatziki sauce!

Alexia Onion Rings and Sweet Potato Fries at Walmart

How do you keep meals light during the summer months?

85 Ways to Use Yogurt

Are you a yogurt fan? We’re sharing 85 ways to use yogurt in your everyday recipes!

85 Ways to Use Yogurt

There’s one thing I can always count on to make me happy. Whether it’s morning, noon, or night. And that’s a delicious bowl of yogurt. It’s the one thing I reach for in the fridge when I need a snack or when I’m cooking up a meal or dessert.

I started turning to yogurt more and more as a staple in my home after going through Weight Watchers after having my oldest child. It is such a great substitute for other ingredients in recipes and is full of flavor. Plus… less calories!

And in it’s simplest form, with a sprinkle of granola and some sliced berries, it can make any day better. Plus, when you’re done eating the yogurt inside, you can make something fun out of the container!

Have some yogurt in the fridge like I do? Here are 101 ways to use yogurt!

85 Ways to Use Yogurt

Breakfast

1. In strawberry muffins

2. Sprinkled with homemade granola

3. In a breakfast cereal parfait

4. In brown sugar maple muffins

5. To make a strawberry shortcake parfait a little healthier

6. In banana blueberry muffins

7. Spruced up as pumpkin pie yogurt

8. In greek yogurt blueberry muffins

9. In apple carrot walnut muffins

10. In chocolate chip donuts

Weight Watchers Simple Start anytime snack

11. In a healthy blueberry parfait

12. In overnight oats

13. In a Pomegranate Parfait with Blueberries

14. In cinnamon streussel yogurt muffins

15. In baby bran muffins

16. In banana chocolate chip whole wheat pancakes

17. In these flavorful Pomegranate Pancakes

18. In a blackberry shortcake parfait

19. In these Red Currant and Rosemary Olive Oil Scones

20. In these Whole Wheat Cranberry Sauce Scones

21. Or these Whole Wheat Mango & Ginger Scones

22. And these Whole Wheat Orange Scones with Chia Seeds

23. Or change it up with these Whole Wheat Pomegranate Scones

24. And around Halloween, bake up these Whole Wheat Pumpkin Scones

Strawberry Muffins with Greek Yogurt and coffee

 

Lunch

25. To spruce up tropical chicken sliders

26. In a greek chicken wrap

27. In greek style gourmet burgers

 

Dinner

28. To lighten up Pomegranate and Lamb Moussaka with Cardamon

29. In a marinade for Chicken Skewers with Dipping Sauce

30. In a chicken tikka masala recipe

31. In the slow cooker with this butter chicken recipe

32. In a Boneless Chicken Breast Kabob (Joojeh Kabob)

33. With these Filet Mignon Kabobs (Kabob-eh Barg)

34. In this Yogurt Marinated Leg of Lamb

 

Side Dishes

35. Grilled Baby Artichokes with Balsamic Yogurt

36. In carrot raisin salad

37. Mixed with mint on top of a beet salad

 

Snacks

38. In vanilla chai banana bread

39. In an apple blossom parfait

40. In apple cobbler yogurt bites

41. In cranberry orange muffins

42. With a cup of coffee and this Nut Crusted Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie ingredients

Drinks

43. With a straw in a PB Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

44. In an orange creamsicle smoothie

45. Spiced up in a pumpkin pie smoothie

46. In a strawberry smoothie

47. In this Mango-Rum Smoothie

48. With avocados in a blueberry smoothie

49. In a cookies n cream smoothie

50. With papayas in a papaya smoothie

51. In Doogh (Persian Yogurt and Mint Drink)

52. In an Orange Cream Smoothie

53. After a workout in this Mango Protein Shake

54. In a Pomegranate Smoothie

 

Dessert

55. In mandarin orange cream pops

56. For a delicious addition to a Banana Smash Cake

57. In chocolate chip muffins perfect for dessert

58. In a Plum Yogurt Cake

59. To cool down in frozen greek yogurt pops

60. In an Orange Upside Down Cake

61. In churro cupcakes

62. In these root beer float pops

63. In chocolate covered strawberry frozen yogurt

64. In pumpkin spice yogurt

65. In a berry triffle

Mandarin Orange Cream Pops aerial

66. In strawberry frozen yogurt

67. In these Strawberry-Rhubarb Creamsicles

68. In a pomegranate sundae yogurt parfait

69. Frozen in pina colada popsicles

70. In berry cake with coconut rum

71. To moisten Carrot Cake with Walnuts & Raisins

72. With a glass of wine and this Grape Upside Down Cake

73. In a vibrant Lemon Basil Cake

74. In this Red, White & Blue Jello

75. In these mini Saffron & Raisin Pound Cakes

76. In this White Rose Cake

 

Dips and Appetizers

77. In a herbed yogurt cheese dip

78. In a refreshing homemade tzatziki dip

79. In Borani-e Esfenaj (Yogurt and Spinach)

80. In this Hatch Chile Dip

81. In Borani-e Bademjoon (Persian Yogurt and Eggplant)

82. With this Mast-o Khiar (Persian Yogurt with Cucumbers)

83. In chocolate caramel apple dip

84. With apples in this PB Yogurt Dip

85. In peanut butter cinnamon yogurt dip

Mountain High Yoghurt

What’s your favorite way to incorporate yogurt into your day?



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