What could be better than a combination of the two most iconic childhood favorites?!
Pizza.
Mac & Cheese.

This is the recipe you didn't think you needed! I have lightened up (& added some extras) to these surprising handheld bites. The addition of Greek yogurt & butternut squash give a boost of nutrition, while achieving a creamy texture. 

The Pizza Mac Bites combine all of the classic flavors that we love to create the perfect cheesy, crunchy, saucy bite. Find the recipe below!

*This recipe is made with gluten free ingredients. Simply substitute your preferred alternative if you're not gluten free.

If you've never been to Bentonville, Arkansas you should seriously consider! Bentonville is a beautiful, fun & trendy place to visit. The people here will treat you like their own family, seriously they're SO nice! With endless options for things to see & do around this small town you won't grow bored easily! Plus, their restaurant selection is top notch. I have personally visited all of these local spots with my husband. We love trying new places so we can share our experience with others. I hope that one of these places finds a special place in your foodie aspirations or simply a new stop to add to your next road trip!

*A few of these restaurants we visited prior to going gluten free. I cannot personally vouch for their ability to accommodate allergy restrictions. I have included their websites for your own reference. I have also noted the places that were allergen friendly.

1. Onyx Coffee Lab - Not your average coffee joint. . . MAJOR vibes here! An Instagram worthy aesthetic. You'll think you've been transported to a big city café. They have a selection of yummy baked goods & small bites to grab while you’re there. Be sure to try the Iced Chai with oat milk or a hot mocha!    ( Website )
2. The Preachers Son - An ideal spot for a special date night. Their carefully crafted menu features seasonal offerings & fun flavor combinations. This restaurant oozes charm with it’s unique architectural features! The windows during sunset will take your breath away! Menu is allergen friendly.    ( Website )
3. Table at the Station - On the edge of a park you’ll find this family friendly spot. Lots of room to sit outdoors & marvel at the trendy houses lining the street. Or dine inside the quaint classic home turned restaurant. They are best known for their fried chicken but their burgers can’t be missed! The staff here is super friendly & was helpful in navigating their menu with diet restrictions. : )   ( Website )
4. Oven & Tap - Grab your friends & devour a wood fired pizza! A communal atmosphere wafts through this modern pizzeria, with its large brick oven, long tables & spacious outdoor patio. Our waiter suggested the Roasted Broccolini appetizer which was a delightful surprise! Paired with pizza . . . what else do you need?!    ( Website )
5. Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. - Breakfast is calling & it’s asking for bagels. This homemade bagel stop has ALL the toppings you could want. Try the classic Meat, Egg & Cheese bagel (GF bagels & dairy free cream cheese available) with a warm cup of coffee. High quality ingredients make this a must visit. They have Boar's Head meat! Take your creation out on the sidewalk & take in the foot traffic as you nibble. Kids welcome!  ( Website )
6. Eleven at Crystal Bridges - While you are visiting the beautiful Crystal Bridges museum be sure to stop by Eleven. The restaurant is the airy & window filled space located in the main area of the museum. Head to the coffee bar or grab a bite to eat while you stare out at the sparkling water & stunning modern architecture. Ultra casual with a come as you go atmosphere.   ( Website )
7. The Hive at 21c Hotel - The perfect place to munch on a salty snack & a fun cocktail! Their fries & dipping sauce are superb! Bring a date or a friend to hang out in this chic restaurant. Be sure to wonder through the hotel museum if you get a chance, which includes many modern art installments.    ( Website )
8. Markham & Fitz - This place takes chocolate seriously with ethical sourcing & organic ingredients. Think of anything sweet (& chocolate) they have it! The pistachio truffles & chocolate mousse are to die for. If you can’t wait they ship most of their items to your house!  Most of their menu items are gluten free.    ( Website )
9. Blu Fish House - Just a stones throw from downtown Bentonville this cozy cabin-like spot has a wide selection of fresh catch. From lobster rolls to sushi rolls you name it (any seafood) they have it! Super relaxed place to hang inside or out. The area directly around this restaurant has exploded with new businesses. This fish house was once in the midst of an industrial area a few years back. I still remember our adventure trying to locate it! There is much to explore nearby now so be sure to walk around after you eat.   ( Website )
10. Tavola Trattoria - A classic Italian restaurant that smells of parmesan & garlic.... YUM! Bring the family or celebrate date night in this cheerful atmosphere. Located in downtown Bentonville, it's in the midst of many great shops & other walkable sights. The food is classic Italian with some modern additions, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Make a reservation if you can.    ( Website )
    
    

I can go for some milk chocolate from time to time, but I am definitely a dark chocolate girl all the way! I took my Christmas Bark recipe {dark chocolate, fruit, nuts}  & switched it up to make these adorable little chocolate nests. Perfect for spring! My little helper loved creating these with me. He especially LOVED eating them!! He's also team dark chocolate. :)

This recipe is so simple, give it a try! Stretch it past Easter by trading out the M&Ms with your favorite candy, nut, or dried fruit.

​**These can be stored in the freezer or fridge, just pop one out to thaw when you get a craving for something sweet. For up to two months(freezer) & a week or two (fridge). If you plan to eat them right away store in a glass container on the counter for a few days.

I always struggle with eating something in the morning. Our mornings are always so busy & frantic. I am lucky if I get out of the door with everything I need! This has been a real struggle since going gluten free. All of my go-to options are now off limits! Which mostly consisted of bread. :)

Planning is key for me.
It always helps when I have breakfast items prepped ahead of time to help with the crazy. This way I know there are healthy options that don't consist of a granola bar & a cup of coffee.

These three prep-ahead breakfast ideas are filling, made from real food, easy to prep & satisfy all eaters at home. I always block off time on Saturday or Sunday to prep a few things for the week ahead. They can all be stored in the fridge & reheated for an easy guilt-free breakfast!

Scroll down to the button below to download all 3 recipes at once!

Do you ever dream about your to-do list? Creating recipes & cooking always has me dreaming about food. This recipe came to me one early, early morning. I knew if I didn't write it down immediately I would forget. So what did I do?? I wearily squinted my eyes at my ultra bright phone & typed nonsense in my "notes" app. 

It looked something like this....
"Dark choc with pistachios" 

Luckily I remembered what that actually meant!!

This Christmas will be a little different since we have chosen to go gluten free. The usual desserts are mostly out. This recipe is something sweet that we can have without any substitutions!! It's not Mom's Christmas cookies BUT it helps with my sweet tooth. The recipe itself can be switched up to fit your taste buds. Choose any nut or dried fruit combination you want. 

I wanted to create something that everyone in the family could enjoy. Any guesses as to who was the last one at the table eating seconds??? MOM & DAD!  :)

I have made these chicken tenders for a few years now. They are a favorite in our house. I never wrote down the recipe though. Funny how that works! This time I made a gluten free version that turned out equally well. They can be made with or without gluten based on your family's diet.

Since Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday you will need a fill-in. ​Am I right?
This recipe is a perfect weekend treat for your whole family. I only say weekend because it requires a little prep & this mama doesn't have time for that during the week! BUT if you planned ahead a little, I know you could make it work for any weeknight as well! Don't let me forget the cranberry saaaaaaaauce. YUM! Which is seriously the best part of the whole thing. Go ahead & double this recipe because you're going to need it.

I have to make these weekly. They are that good!
​A super easy & quick side dish.

When it comes to feeding kids, we have to be on our game! They are the pickiest little people around. I've found that if I have fun eating tools & a handful of healthy recipes they will eat then everyone wins the battle!

The "eating tools" I arm myself with are related to anything food & drink. I have divided them up into two groups based on age: school age & toddler. The items below are tried & true purchases that I have made myself. They are used constantly in our home, with consistent outcomes! I don't waste my time on items that don't perform well, because kid's won't either!

​A large majority of them are made from silicone which is superior in my opinion. Metal is great too! Glass is not so ideal for kid's use unfortunately. I try to limit plastic & use materials that wear well over time. If I do end up purchasing a plastic cup or utensil, I will recycle it & replace it within a year or two. That way the plastic isn't breaking down & getting into what I am serving.
If you spend a little extra investing in quality items the dividends will pay back over time! 

The following items would be useful Christmas or birthday gifts for any kid. Those lucky parents! Our kids always get similar items in their stockings! The toddler list would also be a great resource for any baby shower purchase. 

*All items linked below

​Stainless Sandwich Container $18.50 - Lunch box approved! Washes well in the dishwasher. Fits a sandwich & then some.

Silicone Multicolored Pinch Bowls $10 - We use these for kid's sized soup, snacks & fruit. Easily stacked in any drawer & resist stains. Plus they are great anywhere in the kitchen! I've had these for almost 10 years, well before children!

Cutlery Set for Big Kids $10 - When you need a transition between toddler & adult silverware. Having their own knife is life changing!!
​
Silicone Straws $6 - These are super high quality straws, they are thicker silicone than most. One of my favorites to use as well!
​
Bamboo Rainbow Plate $2 - Love all of the colorful healthy foods on these! Made from bamboo & melamine, dishwasher safe. Matching cups & bowls as well!

Kid's 12oz Hydroflask $30 - The OG of water bottles, this will last forever. Extremely durable. Worth every penny! Easy to take on the go because it stays cold for so long.

Animal Snack Container (Zip closure) $9 - Comes in four different adorable animal designs. Great for on-the-go snacking. Size is the ideal portion for a snack or side in their lunch.

*All items linked below

​Silicone Adjustable Bib $20 (2 pack) - Dishwasher safe & doesn't stain. Easy to wipe clean after messy eaters!
​
"Modware" Silverware $5 (Set of 3) - Love this funky fun tableware! Easy handles for little hands to hold. The fork actually breaks up food (ideal for parents prepping) and the spoon is the perfect size. There is nothing worse that using a baby/toddler spoon that is too little!

Divided Silicone Plate $10 - Ideal weight to keep food on the table, while providing function with divided sections. They come in such trendy colors!!

​Suction Bowls $10 (Set of 3) -  Their shorter height & just right suction power are ideal for little eaters. 

Straw Cup With Handles $20 (2 pack) - Helps littles transition from a traditional sippy cup with a regulated straw.

​Boon Pulp Feeder $11 (2 pack) - Get a bag of frozen fruit, pop some in this baby & watch them go! Teething toddlers love the cold on their gums. A fun way to eat fruit!
​
​Collapsible Snack Cup $10 - I've tried many snack containers . . . this one takes the cake!! I so appreciate it's all-in-one setup. Super easy to clean & fill back up. Little hands can get in without trouble.

Or let's be honest husband friendly??? Mostly my own recipes that were created with family meals in mind. There are a few recipes from other bloggers that we often make at home.

I live for a quick and easy recipe that makes a delicious snack. This recipe does just that with only six ingredients! I have a major sweet tooth and like to have healthier options around the house when sweet cravings hit. You can make these protein bites in fifteen minutes and snack on them all week long. It also serves as a great snack for kids! These little bites are packed full of protein and flavor.