birthday month!

June has just flown right by! I'm not okay with it. Not at all. Summer is like.. my time. I think I thrive in summer- endless snow cones and popsicles, the smell of sunscreen and the occasional sunburn paired with aloe vera, more relaxed schedules, and fresh strawberries sold the size of your head. Pool days, splash pads, and backyard sprinklers. It's the 4 months of the year that reminds me of being back home (where summer lasts...like 10 months a year ;-) 

This June however things seemed to have been too busy! I can't put my finger on what exactly, but we haven't had enough of those lazy days. (I'm coming for ya July...we have big anti-plans). 

Mine and James' birthday are only six days apart! Sandwiched in between Mother's and Father's day- it's a big long month of US. Hah! James turned 31 this year and I turned 28. I have to admit...I actually thought I already was 28. So my birthday was just a formal confirmation of what I already knew to be true. When I was a late teenager and in my early 20s I used to think 28 was so OLD. So established and mature. Like, 28 year-olds had their junk together. 

I feel none of the above, however. I don't FEEL old. I feel like the best is yet to come and I'm just getting to my prime. I suppose that's a good thing. Now I look at people in their 30s the same way--so established...they definitely have their minivan-carpooling-soccer momming-junk together. 

Enough on my philosophies of life! For James' birthday we went with the girls to Tucanos, a Brazilian steakhouse, and then had cheesecake with his cousin and family a few days later. For my birthday we went to dinner and a movie while the girls had a sleepover at Grandma's so we could sleep in Saturday morning! It was glorious. 

The next week I went with some friends to The Cheesecake Factory! A night full of calories and good conversation for sure. 

Cheers to another year! We're off to Florida in just a few days and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

living room update #2!

Another living room update! I left it kind of half-done and it sat that way for a long time. In my first post about it, I talked about why it wasn't working:

Then I updated it to this: 

And now it looks like this!

I finally got my act together enough to paint our small entertainment center white and thought I'd try out chalk paint! How I haven't experimented yet with that yet is beyond me. It was time.

Enter huge DIY fail.

The first name you typically associate with chalk paint is Annie Sloan- the original chalk paint. Harder to find, and a bit pricier. I thought I'd try out a newer brand that was much, much cheaper- basically a chalk paint powder you add to any color latex paint (BB Frosch). FAIL FAIL FAIL. The paint didn't stick at all, and I ended up selling the whole thing for $25. Lesson learned- you get what you pay for. The beauty of chalk paint is it takes very little prep work- no sanding- and will stick to virtually any surface. But this one sure didn't. 

So not only did I waste money on crappy paint products, now I needed a whole new entertainment center! *eyeroll 

Magically, my neighbor was selling this at a yard sale and the little portion of my brain that looks at things and automatically assesses how I can DIY them started to DING DING DING! Winna' winna' chicken dinna'! 

I bought. For $35. :-D

And I bought the only kind of chalk paint you should ever buy- Annie Sloan. After talking with the sweet lady at the store who had dried paint in her hair and on her hands (I want to be like her when I'm that old), she told me the difference between the cheaper mix-in brands and Annie Sloan is how it's made. It's not simply a chalky additive mixed in with latex paint, it's formulated differently- which is why it works so much better than other brands. 

Trust me. It's worth the money. 

I wiped it all down with a damp rag and got to painting- three coats of old white, and 2 coats of french linen on the back. And look how GORGEOUS!

After the first few strokes I was amazed at the difference between this stuff and the "other" stuff. When it was dry I even took my fingernail to it to see how it would hold up and NOTHING came off. 

Right?

RIGHT?! 

I was a bit intimidated by the waxing process, but it really wasn't as scary as I thought it might be. THIS video and THIS video were really helpful to see someone doing it, and THIS blog post has lots of good info generally if you're new to it like I was. 

Don't be scared- take the plunge. I promise you'll never go back. 

I love how this piece just came back to life! 

I'm so in love with how it turned out. 

When this project was underway I was also eyeing new area rugs. I hated the darker rug we had before- it was really chosen out of practically purposes (aka it hides stains well). But I was over that. With my couches being so dark and heavy I needed a lighter rug to balance it out. Which means it's time to implement some stricter eating in the living room rules for my kids. In the name of style. 

I spent HOURS looking at rugs online. I'm not even exaggerating. I wanted a natural fiber rug in a pattern I liked, that was a neutral color and would tie in my couches and floor. No small order.

I finally found THIS one from West Elm and loooove it! It's a jute chenille blend and has the durability of jute but is very soft to walk on. 

I bought a cheap vinyl tablecloth to put down on it when my girls do occasionally watch movies with snacks, because I'm a reasonable person. ;-) And I really can't have a movie night without treats.

All in all I love how these two small changes have really completed the look I want in  my living room! 

As always- on to the next project!

that time i was really, really wrong

Part of being a Mom is constantly realizing you're doing things wrong. There are a lot of "do-overs". Fortunately, kids are really forgiving. They're good at giving second chances- and I need a lot of those. 

I had one of those experiences last week with Jillian, my shy, quiet, I-don't-ever-want-to-be-the-center-of-attention child. Her end of year preschool program was coming up and I was already prepping her (knowing she'd likely back out). We talked about what they would do, and who would be there. I told her we could get Sodalicious cookies afterward (her favorite treat). She was excited about it, but still quite hesitant. The night before she even prayed all on her own that she wouldn't be scared. 

Well of course the time came, and sure enough, she didn't want to sit with the rest of her class on the small stage in front of the small audience of parents. She didn't want me to go up with her, she didn't want her teacher to walk with her. She didn't want to sit by her best friend. She didn't care about my bribes I was offering if she went up and performed. She just didn't want to. So we watched the rest of the class sing the songs and recite the poems, all of which Jillian was mouthing silently as she cowered into my arm from the front row of chairs facing the rest of the class.

I have to admit, I was feeling disappointed. Or frustrated- some mixture of both that no other kid had any reservations about getting up there. This wasn't the first time it's happened, where she clings to my side and begs to let her stay in her seat, so I can't say I was surprised, but my feelings remained the same. 

I know she could sense my frustration with her, because as we were getting back into the car, she hung her head low and quietly said, "Sorry Mom." I instantly felt tears come to my eyes. 

You know, the "Crap. I messed up and it wasn't anything YOU did wrong- it was me and I feel like a terrible mother" kind of tears. 

We started driving and she asked if we could still get a cookie on the way home. At first I said no, since she didn't get up. But I begrudgingly gave in and we got a treat anyway.

Later that night before she went to bed she put on a tutu and her ballet shoes, and asked that I turn on some ballet music and she danced around the living room while I watched her from the couch. She said, "I want to show you a dance show since I didn't do my preschool performance today."

Same tears came up in my eyes.

Dangit- it's not her messing this up, it's YOU.

 

Later that night and after a conversation I had about it with my Mom (because this is obviously something you call your Mom about--expert help needed), I realized it doesn't matter if she doesn't like performances, singing in church, reading her well-practiced speaking parts- some kids just don't like performing, no matter the size of the audience. And maybe she never will. She can do SO many other things SO incredibly well, who cares if this one little thing just isn't where she shines (or even wants to shine). I shouldn't push that. I shouldn't compare her to the kids with the bold personalities, or the attention seekers, because their personalities aren't better than Jillian's, just different. 

The next day I woke up eager for my second chance. I told her how proud I was of her for working so hard in preschool and being such a good friend to the other kids in her class, and that I was sorry if I was sad that she didn't get up on stage. Fortunately, she was quick to forgive and probably had already forgotten about it. But it was important for me to tell her- important for me to reestablish the kind of mother I want to be. 

And I'm proud of her, SO incredibly proud.

 

a quick trip to DC

Last weekend James and I flew to DC! He finished his MBA at GW in December, but we had to go out for all of the graduation hoop-lah. It was such a whirlwind of a trip since we were there for less than 72 hours, but it was still a fun little getaway! I haven't been to DC since my 4th grade safety patrol trip, so it was basically all new again.

 We landed at 9am on Friday, and had just enough time to run to our hotel, shower off the travel smell, and get to the capital building for a tour given by a staff member of Mia Love, one of Utah's representatives. 

The paintings covering the walls and ceilings were so intricate! I especially loved this quote:

DC is really an interesting mix of old and new- some blocks reminded me of "The Capital" from the Hunger Games (surely that's where they got their inspiration), and other blocks had some really cool architecture!

James got to do lots of sight-seeing when he was in DC a few months prior for one of his classes, so he asked me to make a list of the places that I wanted to see! Naturally I came up with a list of places I wanted to eat at instead...

Because of our crazy our schedule ended up being, we only got to hit up one of the places on my list, Astro Donuts, but they were delicious! They're famous for their creme brulee donut- and for good reason! Fun fact: they also serve fried chicken.

 

We also toured the White House. I love that it's still period decorated- at least the wing that we were able to tour. ;-) I saw a woman's dreams get crushed when she asked a security guard if Obama ever just popped over to this area "just to say hi" to the visitors and he politely said, "never". Hah! She was notably disheartened. 

We also got to visit some of James' family that lives in Maryland, about an hour away from DC. My favorite thing about visiting family no matter how much you do or don't see them is that it instantly feels cozy and everyone just picks right up where they left off. 

And bonus, James' uncle made some killer fried empanadas. I'm certain I gained a few pounds during that meal alone!

The commencement for the whole school was on the lawn in front of the Washington memorial. It ended up being an incredibly windy and cold morning, but I loved the remarks given by Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey. He brought up how everyone is eager to want to change the world, but so many ignore the needs of those in their own neighborhoods and communities. It definitely made me think of so many things I can do better in my own little realm of influence.

I'm so proud of my husband and for his hard word and dedication over the last few years- working 50 hours a week (which turns into 60 with commute time), and still having the discipline to maintain an A-B average, and not slack off even a little bit in being an amazing father and husband. Congrats James! You deserve a really long nap. ;-)

 

this song is dedicated to my mama

Have you guys heard that song yet? My brother showed it to me a couple years ago...it's pretty catchy.

 This soooong is dedicated to my mama, who taught me how to put on my pajamas..

Once you become a mother yourself, Mother's Day becomes this weird mirror-like holiday where suddenly everything my mom ever did or said makes perfect sense to me, because now I know from experience exactly where she's coming from. 

I.e., I get why you don't like to share your drinks with us, but begrudgingly do anyway. P.S. I'm not as nice as you on this matter.



My Mom is and was one of the best and continually shows me the kind of mother that I want to be for my girls. 

Happy Mother's Day!

tulip festival

Every year Thanksgiving Point has a tulip festival where you can walk through their gardens of 250,000 blooming tulips. Yes, that's a LOT of tulips and yes, it is amazing! I wouldn't consider tulips to be one of my favorite flowers, but when there are so many of them all jam packed together, it makes for one beautiful sight!

This was a field trip for the online school I work for, but the girls came along with me--job perks! They always get to tag along for the fun stuff! 

It couldn't have been a more gorgeous day either.

 It was a little tricky teaching Olivia not to pick them...so they may actually have a few under 250K flowers now...I tried.

 

 I love how much they are starting to play together recently! They want to be with each other 98% of the time and wherever Jillian goes, Olivia is sure to follow. Sisters are the best, I'd know. <3 nbsp="" span="">

After we walked (for forever), we finally made it to our picnic spot by the waterfall! By the end of lunch the girls were exhausted and whiny. I tried to get a group picture by the falls but Jillian was not having it. So like any excellent mother, I got them some treats so they'd quit crying and we could walk back to the car without creating (too) much of a scene. ;-)  

It was (mostly) a great time! I am so ready for summer weather and all the outside fun that comes with it! (Bribery ice cream cones and all!)

egg & frittata recipes!

I try to balance my week with some savory breakfasts, and some sweet...okay maybe a couple more sweet, but I've love making frittatas for an easy, filling breakfast!

Traditionally these are made in a cast iron skillet, but since I don't have one and never actually think to buy one at the store, I found a way to make them without it! All you need is a 6" cake pan, parchment paper, and cooking spray. 

Also if I'm feeling lazy (happens often), I just make all of the same ingredients into an egg scramble or hash and it still tastes yummy!

Line the pan with parchment paper, pushing into the shape of the pan. Spray with cooking spray. You'll always add your veggies, meats, and cheese on the bottom then top with your egg mixture. Bake at 375 for 18-25 minutes (depending on how many eggs you decide to add!). It lifts right out of the parchment paper beautifully! I always lift the paper onto my plate, then use a spatula to slide it right off.

Now that you know the basics, you can put whatever you want in them!

My base egg recipe is 1 egg whisked with 1/3c egg whites (which is 2 WW smart points). If you want to beef it up, just add more egg whites! You can add up to 1 cup for only 1 smart point, so it's still a great point value! I usually add 2T of reduced fat feta, because it's only 1 smart point and I love feta! If I'm feeling fancy, I'll add in shredded gorgonzola or something else delicious! I love cheese.

Tomato, Spinach, and Feta Frittata 

 

1 egg

1/3 cup liquid egg whites

2T feta

1 big handful of spinach

2Tish diced onion

1 roma tomato, sliced

salt and pepper to taste

Saute the onions and spinach in a pan with cookie spray until the onions are soft and the spinach is wilted. Put in the bottom of your frittata pan (or cake pan like I described above). Add the feta. Whisk egg and egg whites together and pour over the veggies and cheese. Add the tomato slices on top. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 18 minutes at 375, or until eggs are cooked through. 

WW Smart Points: 3

Ham, Kale, and Gorgonzola Frittata 

1 egg

1/3 c liquid egg whites 

1 bunch of kale leaves, removed from stem

3 slices canadian bacon (I use Land 'O Frost brand)

2T chopped mushrooms

2T diced onion

25gm shredded gorgonzola 

Saute the onions, kale, and mushrooms in a pan sprayed with cooking spray until veggies are soft and kale is wilted. Put them on the bottom of your prepared frittata pan (see top of post for directions). Add your chopped bacon slices cheese. Whisk the egg and egg whites, adding salt and pepper as desired and pour over the veggies and cheese. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 375 or until eggs are cooked through. 

WW Smart Points: 5

Sweet Potato and Spinach Hash with Avocado

 2oz sweet potato chunks

big handful of spinach

2 thin slices of black forest ham

egg

45gm avocado

1/2T reduced fat feta cheese

In a pan sprayed with cooking spray, saute the sweet potato until soft, add spinach and ham and let the spinach wilt. Plate the veggies and ham and top with feta cheese and sliced avocado. In the same pan, crack an egg and cook for a a couple of minutes on each side, leaving the yolk runny. Add salt and pepper as desired.

WW Smart Points: 6



Savory Egg Waffle

3oz shredded potato
handful of spinach
1 egg
1/3c egg whites
16gm shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and cook in a well sprayed waffle iron.

WW Smart Points: 6 

healthy pancake, french toast & waffle recipes!

Anything drenched in syrup is my favorite! I love a delicious, sweet breakfast! I prefer using sugar free syrups, and use Golden Griddle brand because it doesn't have aspartame. Here are some of my favorites:

Blueberry Cheesecake Protein Waffles

 For the pancakes:
1/3c Kodiak Cakes Power mix
1/4t baking powder
1/2t vanilla
3T egg whites, beaten until foamy
1-2T water

For the filling:
1T whipped cream cheese
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
1/2 packet or scoop of Quest vanilla protein powder
splash of almond milk

For the blueberry sauce:
Handful of fresh blueberries
1-2T water
sprinkle of Truvia (or 1/4t sugar)


Mix pancake ingredients and pour a small amount into the pan. Before flipping, add a few fresh blueberries. Mix filling ingredients and layer between cooked pancakes. Top with blueberry sauce, 1T fat free cool whip, additional fresh blueberries, and sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. 

WW Smart Points: 5


Banana Cream Pie Protein Waffle Stack
 For the pancakes:
1/3c Kodiak Cakes Power mix
1/4t baking powder
1/2t vanilla
3T egg whites
Dribble of vanilla
1/3 of a banana, mashed
1-2T water

Filling:
Banana cream Quest Nutrition powder
1/4c nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
Splash of almond milk for thinning

Layer pancakes with filling and banana slices, top with 1T fat free cool whip and sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.

WW Smart Points: 4    




Raspberry Key Lime Pie Crepes

 For the crepes:
1/3c Kodiak Cakes power mix (you can also use 1/4c for 2 crepes which is 1 less WW point- but pictured is 1/3c mix which makes 3 crepes)

1/3c water
1t vanilla
1T cocoa powder 
1/4t baking soda
2T egg whites

Filling:
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
1/2 packet or scoop vanilla Quest protein powder
2T Key lime juice 
1T whipped cream cheese
1T nonfat cool whip

Fill each crepe with filling, saving a plop for the top. Drizzle with 1T melted sugar free raspberry preserves and sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.

WW Smart Points: 5    


 Peanut Butter Cream Protein Pancake Stack

1/3c Kodiak Cakes Power mix
1/4t baking powder
3T egg whites
Few tbs water
dribble of vanilla

Filling:
1/2 packet or scoop of Quest peanut butter protein powder
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
Splash of almond milk for thinning 

Layer pancakes, peanut butter filling and banana slices. Topped with 2gm mini chocolate chips, 2gm walnuts, PB2 with 2T sugar free syrup.

WW Smart Points: 4

 Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Fluff Protein Pancake Stack

    1/3c Kodiak Cakes Power Mix
1/2t baking powder
3T egg whites
dribble of vanilla
Few tbs water
 1T fruity pebbles

Filling:   
2T marshmallow fluff
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
1/2 packet or scoop of vanilla Quest protein powder
Bit of almond milk to thin it out

Layer pancakes with fluff and banana slices. Topped with another tablespoon of fruity pebbles, 1T nonfat cool whip, 1T melted sugar free raspberry preserves, and fresh strawberries. 

WW Smart Points: 6
     
Peach Crisp French Toast

  2 pieces of Sara Lee 45 calorie bread
3 egg whites
1T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2t vanilla
1/2t cinnamon

Topping:
2T oats
1t butter, melted
cinnamon
1/2t brown sugar
2gm chopped nuts

Peach slices
cinnamon  
 1T fat free cool whip

 
Heat the oven to 400. Mix topping ingredients and bake in a small dish for about 10 minutes until the oats begin to crsip. Meanwhile, mix egg whites, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Dip each piece of bread into mixture on both sides and cook in a well sprayed pan. Toss fresh peach slices with cinnamon and microwave for a minute or two in 1-2T of water until softened. Top french toast with oat topping, peach slices, and 1T of fat free cool whip.

WW Smart Points: 5

Sweet Potato and Apple Chocolate Chip Pancakes:

4oz sweet potato chunks

3/4 of an apple

1t vanilla

1/2t cinnamon

1/2 baking powder

1/4t baking soda

3 egg whites

2T oats

2-3T water

Toppings: 2T sugar free syrup, 2gm mini chocolate chips

Cut the sweet potato and apple into chunks. Place in a bowl with a bit of water (like a tablespoon or two) and microwave for a few minutes until soft. Place the sweet potato and apple in blender with all remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Spray a pan with cooking spray and cook on medium heat or a few minutes on each side. They won't bubble up like regular pancakes, just check the underside for done-ness! Topped with 2T of sugar free syrup and 2gm of mini chocolate chips.

WW Smart Points: 6

Sweet Potato and Apple Pancakes with Marshmallow Syrup and Cinnamon

4oz sweet potato, cooked and mashed

3T unsweetened applesauce

3 egg whites

1t vanilla

1/2t cinnamon

1/2t baking powder

1/4t baking soda

Topping:

2T marshmallow fluff

1T hot water

7gm Chopped walnuts

Combine all ingredients, or blend, until smooth. Spray a pan well and cook on medium heat. These won't bubble like regular pancakes, so check often for done-ness. Cook 2-3 minutes each side. To make the topping, mix marshmallow fluff with 1T of very hot water. Pour the fluff over the pancakes and top with walnuts and cinnamon.

WW Smartpoints: 6


Berry and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
2 pieces of bread (I use Sara Lee 45 calorie bread)
1T light cream cheese
1/4t sugar
1/4c. frozen mixed berries, thawed
1 egg
3T egg whites
2T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2t vanilla 
1/2t cinnamon
2T sugar free syrup

Make the egg dip* by mixing the egg, egg whites, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Assemble the bread by spreading the cream cheese on one side, sprinkling on the sugar, adding the berries, then the other piece of bread like a sandwich. Dip one side of the sandwich in the egg mixtures, then flip it and dip the other side. Cook in a sprayed pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. Top with syrup!

*This egg mixture makes enough for 4 pieces of bread, or two sandwiches. I also use this as a base french toast recipe for 3 smartpoints (2 for the bread, 1 for half the egg mixtures)--you can include whatever toppings or stuffings you want!)

WW Smart points: 4


Banana Egg Waffles (Grain Free)        

These are commonly made as pancakes on the interwebs, but I make them as waffles because 1) it's a lot easier..flipping them as pancakes requires some practice! and 2) it cooks faster!

2 eggs
1 banana
1t vanilla
1/2t cinnamon
1/2 t baking powder

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a well sprayed waffle iron and cooke for a few minutes until done. Top however you like! My favorite toppings are mixed berries with cool whip, peanut butter and banana, sugar free syrup, or toasted coconut!

WW Smart Points: 4 (not including additional toppings) 

 
Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Protein Waffles
 2 eggs
1 banana, divided in half
2T unsweetened applesauce
1t vanilla
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2t baking powder
1/2 packet or scoop of Salted Caramel Quest protein powder
1/2T Jif salted caramel whipped peanut butter
2T sugar free syrup
1T fat free cool whip

Blend all ingredients (minus the peanut butter and syrup) until smooth. Pour into a well sprayed waffle iron and cook for a few minutes until done. Makes 4 thin waffles. Top with salted caramel whipped peanut butter, remaining half of the banana, syrup, and a dollop of fat free cool whip!

WW Smart Points: 5


Lemon Strawberry Kodiak Power Cake Waffles
1/3c Kodiak Power cakes mix
3T egg whites
2T nonfat plain greek yogurt
1/4t baking soda
lemon zest
juice of 1/2 lemon
strawberries
2T sugar free syrup
1T fat free cool whip

Mix first 5 ingredients until well incorporated. Spray a waffle iron with cooking spray and cook each waffle for a few minutes until done. Makes 2 thin waffles. Top with strawberries, cool whip, more lemon zest, syrup, and another squirt of lemon juice!

WW Smart Points: 3        


Pina Colada Kodiak Power Cake Waffles

1/3c Kodiak Power Cakes mix
3T egg whites
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
1/4t baking soda
1/4c crushed pineapple in juice
2T sugar free syrup
1T fat free cool whip
1T unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted

Mix first 5 ingredients until well incorporated. Spray a waffle iron well with cooking spray and cook each waffle for a few minutes until done. Makes 2 thin waffles. Top with syrup, cool whip, extra pineapple, and toasted coconut!

WW Smart Points: 4



Cinnamon Apple French Toast
 2 pieces of Sara Lee 45 calorie bread
1 egg
3 egg whites
1T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2t vanilla
1/2t cinnamon
1/2 apple
1/2t brown sugar
4gm butter
6gm chopped pecans
2T sugar free syrup
1T fat free cool whip

Make the egg dip by mixing the egg, whites, milk, vanilla and cinnamon (this makes enough for 4 pieces, so I count it as 1 smart point for 2 pieces in this recipe). Slice 1/2 an apple and sautee in a pan with the butter, brown sugar, and another sprinkle of cinnamon. Dip each piece of the bread in the egg mixture and cook in a well sprayed pan for a few minutes on each side. Top with cooked apples, pecans, syrup, and cool whip!

WW Smart Points: 5



 Nutella and Banana Stuffed French Toast
 2 pieces of Sara Lee 45 calorie bread
1 egg
3 egg whites
1T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2t vanilla
1/2t cinnamon
1/2T Nutella 
1 banana, sliced
2T sugar free syrup
Optional- tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar


Make the egg dip by mixing the egg, whites, milk, vanilla and cinnamon (this makes enough for 4 pieces, so I count it as 1 smart point for 2 pieces in this recipe). Assemble your "sandwich" by spreading the nutella on one piece of bread, and laying out your banana slices. Top with the other piece of bread and dip each side in the egg mixture. Cook for a couple minutes on each side in a well sprayed pan. Top with the rest of your banana slices, syrup, and sprinkle of powdered sugar!

WW Smart Points: 5


Carrot Cake Kodiak Cake Crepes
For the crepes:
 1/4c Kodiak Power Cakes mix
1/8t baking soda
1/4t cinnamon
1/2t brown sugar
pinch of ginger
1 heaping Tbs finely shredded carrot
1 heaping T crushed pineapple
3T egg whites
1/4c water
1/2t vanilla

Filling:
1T fat free cool whip
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
1T whipped cream cheese

Mix crepe ingredients and cook on medium heat in a well sprayed pan. Remove and let cool slightly. Mix filling ingredients and fill each crepe with cream mixture, saving an extra spooful for the top. Sprinkle with 2gm chopped pecans, tiny sprinkle of toasted coconut, cinnamon, and extra shredded carrot- to be fancy. ;-)

WW Smart Points: 4  

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream CrepesFor crepes: 

1/4c Kodiak Power Cakes mix
1/4c water
1t vanilla
1T cocoa powder 
1/4t baking soda
2T egg whites

For the filling:
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt (I use Danon Light and Fit brand)
1T fat free cool whip
1T whipped cream cheese


Heat a small pan to medium heat and spray well with cooking spray. Mix crepe ingredients- the batter will be very thin. Pour in crepe pan and cook a couple minutes on each side. Makes two thin crepes. Mix filling ingredients and split the filling between each cooled crepe. Top with sliced banana, 1/2T melted peanut butter, and 2gm of mini chocolate chips.

WW Smart Points: 5


Strawberry Cream Cheese Crepes 
For crepes: 
1/4c Kodiak Power Cakes mix
1/4t baking soda
1/4c water
1t vanilla
2T egg whites

For the filling:
1T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt (I use Danon Light and Fit brand)
2T low fat strawberry yogurt
1T whipped cream cheese

Heat a small pan to medium heat and spray well with cooking spray. Mix crepe ingredients- the batter will be very thin. Pour in crepe pan and cook a couple minutes on each side. Makes two thin crepes. Mix filling ingredients and split the filling between each crepe. Top with strawberries and 1T melted sugar free strawberry jam.

WW Smart Points: 5 


Chocolate Cream Cheese and Raspberry Kodiak Crepes
For the Crepes:
1/4c Kodiak Power Cakes mix
1/4c water
2T egg whites
(=2 smart points)

For the filling:
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt (I use Danon Light and Fit brand)
1T fat free cool whip
1T whipped cream cheese
1/2T-1T cocoa powder, to taste
(=2 smart points)

Topping: 1T sugar free raspberry preserves, melted 

Heat a small pan to medium heat and spray well with cooking spray. Mix crepe ingredients- the batter will be very thin. Pour in crepe pan and cook a couple minutes on each side. Makes two thin crepes. Mix filling ingredients and split the filling between each crepe. Top with melted raspberry preserves and tiny sprinkling of powdered sugar, if desired.

WW Smart Points: 4


Chocolate Kodiak Crepes with Raspberry Cream Cheese Filling
For the Crepes:
1/4c Kodiak Power Cakes mix
1/4c water
2T egg whites
1T cocoa powder
(=2 smart points)

For the filling:
2T nonfat vanilla greek yogurt (I use Danon Light and Fit brand)
1T fat free cool whip
1T whipped cream cheese
1T sugar free raspberry preserves, melted
(=2 smart points)

Heat a small pan to medium heat and spray well with cooking spray. Mix crepe ingredients- the batter will be very thin. Pour in crepe pan and cook a couple minutes on each side. Makes two thin crepes. Mix filling ingredients and split the filling between each crepe, then spread with melted raspberry preserves. Top with a tiny sprinkling of powdered sugar, if desired.

WW Smart Points: 4


Black Forest Kodiak Cakes Waffle 1/3c Kodiak Power Cakes mix
1T cocoa powder
1/4t baking powder
1/4t baking soda
1/2t vanilla
2T egg whites
1/4c water
about 1/3c dark sweet cherries (I used frozen, so when defrosted they made their own juice)

Mix all ingredients, except for a few of the cherries and cook in waffle maker. Top with remaining cherries and juices, 1/4c fat free cool whip, and 2gm of mini chocolate chips.

WW Smart Points: 4     


Chocolate Waffle with Cookies and Cream Protein Fluff
For the waffle:
1/3c Kodiak Cakes Power mix
1T cocoa powder
1/4t baking powder
1/4t baking soda
2T egg whites
1/2t vanilla
3-4T water

For the filling:
1/4c  nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
1T whipped cream cheese
1/2 packet or scoop of Quest Nutrition protein powder
1T water or milk

Mix all waffle ingredients and cook in a well sprayed waffle iron. Mix the filling ingredients and layer between each piece of waffle. Topped with 2gm mini chocolate chips, just a few white chocolate chips, sprinkle of chocolate graham cracker crumbs, and drizzle of chocolate syrup (all 0sp worth). 

WW Smart Points: 6  

Gingerbread Kodiak Cakes Waffle with Maple Cinnamon Protein filling

For the pancakes:

1/3c Kodiak Cakes Power mix
1/4t baking powder
1 egg white
Few tbs water
Dribble of vanilla
1t molasses
Cinnamon, nutmeg & ginger to taste (few dashes of each)

For the filling:
 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
2T plain nonfat greek yogurt
2T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2t maple extract
dash of cinnamon

Layer the pancakes with filling and banana slices. Topped with fat free cool whip and a dash of cinnamon.

WW Smart Points: 4