The Messier THE Better……that is the way I roll

 

I don’t know about you, but to me there is NOTHING better than a toddler’s face FULL of food.  Mr. Man’s pants is a close second, but I didn’t get a picture of that .  The other night while having dinner Bean gave us an epic example. These pictures do not FULLY express the extent of the mess, but the idea is clear. I like to call it “me and my pasta” and that night they were made for each other:

 

I always wanted to bring up a foodie. It has had its challenges especially as she has gotten older, but there are days where she is truly adventurous. Who would ever have thought she took bussel spouts and eggplant off of my plate when I never ate a brussel sprout until I met my husband. LOVE IT!!!!!!

Frito-Lay Perfect Pairing Party

 

 

After a FABULOUS weekend, I am SO excited to begin the week by telling you about the Frito-Lay perfect pairing party I attended. It was simply amazing to sit around the table with other mom bloggers feasting on tasty dips and crunchy Frito-Lay chips. It was truly the “perfect pairing.” This was especially true since Miss Bean had playmates to keep her entertained. That being said, here is the story behind my dip with the recipe included and some details from our wonderful adventure:

 

Origin of the Health, Happiness, Hamstrings Dip

When TheMotherhood approached me to create a dip for the Frito-Lay perfect pairing party my goal was to choose a recipe that had meaning. July has always been a special month for our family. Not only does it signify summer, but it is Mr. Man and my anniversary and my birthday. With that in mind, I decided to use a recipe from a “cookbook” that is truly an original. This book will some day go to Bean and was created around the time Mr. Man and I were getting married. At my bridal shower, I was given a book containing recipes from all the guests who attended my bridal shower. The recipe I am sharing is from that “book” and there is NO better chip to use as a vehicle to scoop the dip than Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips and Frito Scoops. Not only are Tostitos Scoops! made with corn, healthier oils and salt, but one-ounce serving of tortilla chips have less sodium than a cup of plain yogurt. In my book that is ONE great chip!

 

Since Bean and I were also travelling a distance for the party creating something that was easy to transport was key. This dip had a Mexican theme and was colorful. With the different layers and vegetables on top it was very appealing to the eye. Another great place to find your own inspiration to create a perfect pairing is the Frito-Lay website. This is where I initially started to get ideas before for my final dip choice. I hope your family enjoys it as much as our.

 

 

Taco Dip

 

Ingredients

2 cans bean dip

Scallions, chopped

3 tomatoes, chopped

6 oz ripe black olives, chopped

8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

3 medium ripe avocados

1 cup sour cream (I use light)

½ cup mayo (I use light)

1 package Taco seasoning mix

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

 

Instructions

You will build this dip up in layers. I would suggest a trifle dish which would show off the layers the best.

1. At the base will be the bean dip.

2. Mash avocados with lemon juice salt and pepper.

3. Mix sour cream, mayo and taco seasoning.

4. Chop scallion, tomatoes and olives. Spread the veggies and shredded cheese.

Serve with Frito-Lay Fritos Scoops and Tostitos Scoops.

 

Details From The Adventure:

So Bean and I packed our bags and headed to the Bayside to meet several other mom bloggers 

including (right to left) Lisa from New York Chica, Suzanne from Mom Confessionals and Kimberly from Foodie City Mom. We ate chatted while feasting on burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, but most importantly fabulous dips.

 

These included (going clockwise): Mango Peach Salsa with a kick, Guacamole, Seven Layer Dip, Taco Dip, Mango Peach Salsa, and in the middle Spinach Dip. Of course we used Frito-Lay chips to scoop up these creations. As I said, above a highlight of our adventure was the kids to keep Bean entertained while I munched. She  played with the water tables as the older kids had a ball on the jumpy castle.

                     

Bean still talks about her new partner in crime:

Now for a giveaway. Frito-Lay is kind enough to give away three coupons for free Frito-Lay chips. Now you can either use my fabulous recipe OR go to the Frito-Lay website and try some of their awesome creations.

Thank you Frito-Lay and TheMotherhood for the wonderful opportunity. Bean and I had such a wonderful time.

 

Disclosure: Thus post was sponsored by Frito-Lay and TheMotherhood

Thank you for the simple things………

 
It is so easy to get wrapped up in the silly things in life, but when I look at the face below, I realize what matters. I think my lack of blogging was due to the fact that I felt I didn’t have anything significant to say. Some of the blogs I read have such inspiring stories, tidbits, and  insight. I guess I was feeling inadequate……..but Tuesday was my birthday and I have made a declaration to be myself. If you read my blog that is what you are expecting. So to my readers……I promise to give you what you came for……ME. While every story may not be a declaration it is life as I know it. In the end there is nothing wrong with that.

 
I am going to end this post with a new tradition I added to Bean’s nighttime routine. After a visit with Grandma and Poppy where they went to visit my Aunt my Mother-in-law told me about a song my Aunt used to sing to my cousins to remember the names of the family members. I LOVED the idea and created my own. Bean ADORES the song and makes me sing it multiple times before she goes to bed. I even added her kitties which she gets a kick out of.
So, tell me about some of your nighttime traditions you cherish.
Also, stay tuned for my Frito-Lay party I did with some other mom bloggers this week through theMotherhood.
~Lauren