Since Gabby is our last little one, every milestone seems to be bittersweet.  Don't get me wrong, I was excited to not have the expense of diapers over a year ago--but then it was sad to think we'll never have a tiny baby anymore.

Mmmm Monday: Strawberry Coconut Protein Pancakes #StonyfieldBlogger

I am a #StonyfieldBlogger and received product coupons.  All recipes and opinions are my own. 

Have you noticed the new Stonyfield Organic Protein OP  drinks in the dairy section?  Three flavors are available: chocolate, strawberry and vanilla.  Strawberry is hands down my favorite! Each drink has 15 grams of protein and NO GMOs, artificial sweeteners or hormones. The drinks alone are super tasty, especially after a workout, but they're great to cook with too!

New Stonyfield Yogurt Pouches! {Giveaway!!} #StonyfieldYoGetter

This post was created in partnership with Stonyfield. All opinions are my own.

Liv spent a few days at Grandmas...she missed the boat on this photo op (and yogurt!)!

My kids fly through yogurt.  We basically have a whole shelf in the fridge dedicated to yogurt of all types: tubes, quarts, cups and now pouches!  When Gabby was a baby, they just started coming out with the cool pouches of baby food and I LOVED them! So convenient and mess free.  I was always bummed they never made yogurt for older kids that way.  UNTIL NOW!  Stonyfield has yogurt pouches in all of their kids varieties: YoBaby, YoToddler and YoKids.  All of them are organic and made with whole milk, perfect for your growing kiddos!

I find the pouches at Meijer, Family Fare and Target has 4 packs!  With coupons, they are the same price as any other variety.  We like to pack them for the car after school or the Y.  When it gets warmer, I will love to freeze these for a tasty treat at the beach or pool.  Even when we are home we hand them out for lunch because our kids make a MESS with their yogurt, this keeps the tables clean!

Would you like to try the pouches?  I have a giveaway for you!  One lucky winner will get 10 coupons for FREE yogurt!  Horray! 

Enter on the Rafflecopter below.
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NOTE: I do monitor all entries...if you have failed to complete a certain step, I will remove that entry.  Once the winner is drawn, they have 48 hours to respond to the email so keep your eyes peeled!  If there is no response, another winner will be drawn.

Can't wait to try the new Stonyfield pouches?  Here's a printable coupon for you!

Banana + Nutella Pancakes with Stonyfield Yogurt!

Raise your hand if you're over this LONG winter! I am SO ready for sunshine and flip flops.

One thing that I associate with summer is Jack Johnson music.  Banana Pancakes is up there as one of my favorite songs.  His music is perfect for sitting on a patio, sipping a frosty drink.

Since we are still frozen here in Michigan, I'll make some banana pancakes and enjoy my day with the family.  I'm still sittin, waitin, wishin for summer though! (Like my Jack Johnson reference?!)

If you've never used quinoa before, it's a versatile grain alternative--gluten free for those of you who are intolerant!  You can substitute it for rice, bake with it or put it in your salads.  The possibilities are endless!  Another great thing about quinoa are the nutrients: high protein, as much calcium as milk, as well as high in fiber and iron . I love that it cooks in less than 15 minutes.  You can buy it anywhere these days, even Aldi!  At Costco they have a huge bag of it for under $10 that lasts for months.

The point is you should check out quinoa!  This pancake recipe is a perfect introduction for you!  Also in this recipe is Stonyfield yogurt.  A great way to start out your day...or end it if you want breakfast for dinner!

Here's what you'll need: 

• 1.5 cups flour (whole wheat, regular, 50/50...whatever floats your boat!)
• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon flax seed
• 1.5 cups cooked quinoa, chilled
• 1.5 cups Stonyfield yogurt- 3/4 cup Banilla + 3/4 cup Vanilla Greek
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup Egg Beaters (or 3 eggs)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla 
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 banana--brown are best!
• 2 tablespoons Nutella + 1 teaspoon coconut oil for swirl

1. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl.  Set aside. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, yogurt and almond milk.  Add vanilla and coconut oil.  Finally, add quinoa.
3. Slowly add dry ingredients.  Slice banana on top and fold in.
4. In a microwavable bowl, heat Nutella and coconut oil for 30 seconds...or until runny.
5. Heat a griddle or pan to medium heat.  Place 1/3 cup of pancake mix and drizzle the Nutella mixture on top.  Flip after 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy!

This makes a batch of 12 large pancakes.  I suggest making the whole recipe and freezing for later!

Even if you have a family of picky eaters, I think that you will like this healthified pancake recipe.  It's very versatile!  Instead of Nutella, you can use mini chocolate chips.  Take out the bananas and add blueberries!  The combinations are endless!

Stay warm if you're freezing here in the Midwest with us!  If you live in a warmer climate, crank some Jack Johnson in the sun for me!

Disclaimer: I am a Stonyfield YoGetter and I have was provided yogurt to make this recipe.  All recipes, opinions and Jack Johnson obsessions are my own. 

You Gotta Try This #StonyfieldGreek {Super Fruity Banana Bread Recipe!}

Disclaimer: I am a part of the Stonyfield YoGetter Team.  I was provided yogurt to review.  All opinions (and tasty banana bread recipe!) are my own!

Last week, I came home to a HUGE box of Stonyfield Greek yogurt on my doorstep.  Although I was excited, I think Gabby was even more so.  I'm all about sharing, but the new flavor Cafe Latte was ALL MINE.  The twins love cherry, so I let them try out the new Black Cherry flavor.  Both are super tasty! I ate my Cafe Latte with some mini chocolate chips as a mid-morning snack. 

You've gotta try these new flavors! Aside from the two newbies, they have also enhanced the fan favorite flavors: strawberry, super fruit and blueberry. 

We are trying to be a little greener this year.  Our budget doesn't allow us to buy all organic/GMO free, but we do what we can.  What I love about Stonyfield yogurt is there are always sales AND coupons...it makes this tasty yogurt affordable!  I like Greek yogurt for breakfast and the girls prefer the regular tubs of yogurt, especially the French Vanilla or Banilla flavors.

You know what else is great to do with Greek yogurt? Make banana bread!  I altered my go-to recipe a bit to try out some coconut oil I have been experimenting with.  (I'm totally loving it so far...from stir fry to baking, it's been amazing!)

For this variety of banana bread, the twins wanted to use the Super Fruit Greek flavor in it.  It gives it a subtle berry flavor...the girls said it gave them "Super Girl powers".  I also used coconut oil and pumpkin instead of butter to lighten it up.  This recipe is very versatile, you can add whatever flavor Greek Yogurt you want.  The Black Cherry would be ah-mazing with some mini chips!

Here's what you need:

•  1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 eggs (or 1/2 cup Egg Beaters)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups flour
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup flax seed (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 (6 oz) Stonyfield Super Fruit Greek yogurt cup
• 2-3 brown bananas, sliced or mashed
• Optional: raw sugar to sprinkle on top before baking

Let's Bake!

1.  Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a mixer, combine sugar, pumpkin and coconut oil. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla.
3. In a small bowl (I use an old quart yogurt container!), add flour, oatmeal, flax, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir together and slowly add to wet ingredients. 
4. Add yogurt and bananas.  Mix together for about 1 minute.
5. Pour into 1 bread pan or 4 mini loaf pans.  Bake for 45-60 minutes.  It depends on your oven! For a crunchy top, sprinkle with raw sugar before baking!

What's your go-to yogurt flavor? Do you enjoy Greek or plain?

Quick & Easy Pumpkin Spice Frozen Coffee!

A couple of months ago, I stumbled into the kitchen early one morning, desperately needing my cup of coffee...only to find my relatively new coffee maker was broken.  A little piece of plastic was going to cost $75.  No way!  I tried to return it, but it was past the 3 month return period.  Frustrated, I decided to give up brewed coffee for a bit.

I never thought I would like instant coffee, but I'm here to tell you all that it has come a LONG way from when my Great Grandma used to make it!  It's so quick and easy in the morning, since I already have the teapot going for oatmeal anyway.

Another issue we have is a tiny fridge.  I love flavored creamers, but we barely have enough room for our milk situation (2%, skim and almond milk...oy!), let alone creamers.  Powdered creamer is much easier for us!  Plus, you can use it in recipes and it's healthier.

 

In the morning, I make my instant coffee in a 2 cup Pyrex measuring cup.  From there I either make a tasty homemade PSL (pumpkin spice latte for all of you non-Starbucks junkies) or this frozen coffee.  Seriously, it's whipped up in less than 1 minute.  Perfect for our crazy school mornings.  If I have any coffee left, I pop it in the fridge for later.

TIP: When using powdered creamer, dissolve it in the hot coffee before putting it in the blender...it's hard to dissolve the creamer in cold liquids

In a blender (check out my sweet green Hamilton Beach smoothie blender), combine coffee/creamer mixture, 1 teaspoon white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup milk and ice.  Blend and top with whipped cream and caramel.  So quick and easy...and cheaper than a coffee shop!

During the holiday season, convenience is key.  Plus, think about all of those family moments when you can use a quick pick me up.  Make some instant coffee to save time.  I also like how portable instant coffee and powdered creamers are.  If you are heading to a tailgate, all you need is some hot water to warm up!

One surprising treat we came about during our big Sunday breakfast this weekend was a Pumpkin Pie Parfait.   I added the creamer to vanilla yogurt and it was amazing! The girls had graham cracker crumbs in their yogurt, I added granola and bananas.

Aside from the Pumpkin Spice, the other seasonal flavor is Peppermint Mocha...which I love, but I'm waiting until after Thanksgiving!  Don't you feel like Turkey Day is already getting trampled on by Christmas?!

What's your favorite creamer flavor? Have you tried instant coffee lately?

Want more coffee ideas?  Check out the holiday digital magazine with Coffeemate ideas!

On the MOOve with Stonyfield Smoothies! {Giveaway!}

Nice refreshing snack for the little ladies!

No matter what time it is, or how long ago they ate, my girls are always searching for a snack.  I'm lucky they gravitate towards healthy options.  I still cannot figure out where all of the food goes on their tiny bodies!

Did you know they always have great coupons available on their site? They are also now found in the Sunday paper. You know I'm all about coupons! To be able to get a great organic product for the same price as other non-organic yogurt is a great feeling!  Our favorite is the Banilla quart (Banana + Vanilla).

As a Mama trying to keep her kids healthy, I love how my kids can quickly get some great nutrients in their system with these smoothies.  Organic milk, puree of fruits & veggies PLUS 1/3 daily calcium serving all in one 3 oz smoothie.  Can't beat that!

This summer it seems we are always on the go.  I like to stick a straw in the smoothies and give them to the girls in their carseats.  I don't like to give them too much liquid before driving, as they aren't quite always the best at going potty when they need to.  (Anyone else have kids that LOVE public restrooms? Ew!)

Want a chance to WIN some Stonyfield goodies?  Enter in the Rafflecopter below to win 4 coupons for FREE packages of Stonyfield Smoothies & a fun deck of cards "52 Things to Do in the Car" (Hello summer road trips!).

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