{kid's bags}

In the last 6 months we have taken two road trips (each being longer than 16 hours each way). With summer here I know many others will be experiencing that same thing as you go to visit new places or see far away family and friends.

If you have kids there always comes the question, "How do I keep them entertained in the car?" Although DVD players are absolutely wonderful they usually don't do the job the ENTIRE time - so you usually have to have a few other tricks up your sleeve!

This year I made each of my kids their own car bag. I found these cheap plain black bags at Goodwill for $2 bucks. The straps were just long enough to fit over the headrest in our car. So each kid got their own bag, slipped it over the headrest in front of them, and then got to fill it with goodies. Anything from snacks to coloring books to dolls got piled in the bag and it was a perfect solution to keeping all their car trip goodies in one accesible location. 

Here's how to make your own:

1. Buy a cheap bag.
(I got mine at Goodwill but I've seen these same types of ones at Walmart for $5 bucks or under).

2. Print out a large letter in your favorite font from your computer.

3. Cut out the letter or name and use it as a stencil for cutting out your fabric and Heat 'n' Bond.

4. Iron - follow the directions on the packaging of Heat 'n' Bond.

5. Put it over the headrest and load it up!

 Not going on any trips? Fill it up with church stuff, Halloween candy, towels and suncreen, etc! Kids love bags to tote around - I'm sure they'll love these no matter what's in it :)

Enjoy!

{asian turkey meatballs}

I am always on the lookout for new recipes - especially asian and mexican dishes that are on the lighter side. Healthy eating doesn't have to be boring - and this recipe proves that. If you look you can find millions upon millions of delicious and oh so flavorfal foods that are good for you as well!

One of my favorite spots of find these kinds of recipes is from Gina at Skinnytaste.com. I'm a big fan of Weight Watchers and have used its program several times in the past to lose weight - so a year ago or so when a friend referred me to this site to check out - I did - and LOVED it! She is so creative in finding tons of healthy ways to make classic as well as not-so-traditional dishes healthy and figure friendly. Go check her out!

This dish is a simple and fast asian meatball - paired with rice and roasted green beans the meal turned out yummy and quick. Try it out :)

Asian Turkey Meatballs Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes

• 1/4 cup panko crumbs
• 1-1/4 lbs 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil

Dipping Sauce

• 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh scallion

Enjoy!

{lemon cookies}

Summer to me encompasses many things. One thing that makes the top of my list is fruit. Almost everything in the produce aisle is screaming my name - sweet strawberries, juicy watermelon, succulant berries, etc. I could go on and on. I swear almost half my grocery budget is spent on fruit (particulary grapes) at this time of year.

My craving for fruity desserts is always rappant at this time of year as well. Strawberry shortcake, peach crumble, and anything with lemon.

Last year my good friend dropped these delicious cookies off at my house before a big training run and they have been a favorite ever since. So good that they made it to my top 3 cookie recipe list.

They are the perfect texture and stay super soft - the most important part of a cookie in my opinion. Go ahead and give them a try - you and everyone else will love them!

White Chocolate Lemon Cookies

 

1 c. butter

½ c. white sugar

½ c. brown sugar

1 egg

2 ¼ c. flour

¾ t. baking soda

½ t. salt

2 T. grated lemon peel (about 2 lemons)

1 ½-2 c. white chocolate chips

 

Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in egg. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix. When you get a dough consistency, mix in the lemon peel and chocolate by hand. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on a wire rack.

 

*You can substitute orange or lime instead of the lemon.

Enjoy!