Summer break started for us about a week ago. It’s a whole different ball game here in Arizona with 100+ degree weather and indoor activities are a absolute must with the girls! I sat down with them and made a list of crafts we could do together over the next two months. Things that are easy, inexpensive and fun. I’ve been wanting to paint plain canvas tote bags to use as reusable shopping bags for a while (because my old ones are just about finished, and truly, they’re not the cutest), and the girls were super down. I think what they came up with was prettier than anything I could have created by myself. :)
I watered down basic acrylic craft paint with one part paint to three parts water. It goes on smoother, dries quicker, and makes for a way easier clean up. It also ended up being a fun lesson in abstract painting. We walked around the house first and pointed out the art and patterns that looked more abstract and they looked closely and the paintings and made notes about how to get the look.
So cute, right? These new bags are making grocery trips so much more appealing lately, and I’ve desperately needed a bit of a kick in that department! If I have a menu for the week and a written out list, things are great. But life gets in the way and sometimes I end up at the store stocking up on the basics and come home feeling like I have nothing to make a complete meal. I came back from the store a last week and Heather pulled a jar of peanut butter out of the bag and said “Um, we have like three jars of peanut butter in the pantry already!” Oops.
It took only a few minutes of poking around on Cook Smarts to fall in love with the concept after they reached out to me. The first thing that jumped out was the shopping lists. Cook Smarts sends you four recipes on Friday for the following week (you can use their set menu plan or customize your own) and a shopping list of everything you need for the meals. It’s broken up into categories like “produce” and “spices”. You can print the list or email it to yourself, which is a huge selling point for me because then I always have my list with me on my phone. Their site is super easy to use and beautifully photographed and organized- which always helps.
I decided to jump right into the week Cook Smarts was currently on and make the
Three Tomato Spaghetti with Kale and Apple Salad. I’m so, so impressed with how easy and simple the recipe was. Not only did it take exactly how long they said it would (35 minutes) to cook, but it was insanely simple and most importantly- delicious! Like really,
really good. The dressing on the salad was perfection and the whole family ate it up! I can’t wait to try more recipes. Two other meals this week are
Batterless Chile Rellenos and Chicken Fajita Bowls–
I’m so in.
There are also
the cutest little videos on every recipe with some cooking tips- like how to dice a shallot or the best way to slice cabbage. When you sign up, you can choose to try a starter account and then you can try out three meal plans for free, and starting at about $6 each month, you can have access to an absolute mountain of delicious and easy recipes.
I texted a few of my friends about Cook Smarts after discovering how customizable the meals are. Every single recipe has a gluten-free, paleo, and vegetarian option – seriously so convenient for families with food restrictions! My sister’s family has gluten allergies and we cook a lot of meals together, so this feature has been coming in handy for me lately!
Cook Smarts is generously sponsoring today’s give away of a $250 gift certificate to Whole Foods and an adorable reusable grocery tote. To enter, just sign up for a FREE Cook Smarts account and leave a comment here with which recipe is calling your name!
Contest ends next Friday at midnight.
PS – for 30% off your first meal plan, use the code LGNCOOKS. (Code expires on June 12)
I would got for the mustard roasted fish. Yum!!
That butternut squash curry looks amazing!
I am looking for great salads and the Summer Farmer's salad looks really good.
Rotisserie Chicken Curry sounds interesting.
Sesame Teriyaki Salmon looks good!
Okay, so I don't have kids, but I am thinking this would be a fun project for us 20-somethings with friends! Thanks for showing us how!
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
The apple fennel turkey burgers look so good!
That butternut squash curry looks yummy!
The Panko Crusted Fish Tacos look divine!
Hi Jenny
I'm really looking forward to trying out the Moroccan-Spiced Chicken and Carrots this weekend. I love spicy food and to cook but am now just cooking for myself now that my husband has passed away. I'm hoping that Cooking Smarts will help with meal planning and cooking for one. Thanks so much for making all of us aware of this.
Apple Fennel Turkey Burgers sound delicious!
Beef and broccoli stir fry! yum!!
Butternut squash curry – oh my goodness!
We're trying out a pale diet, so this was awesome for additional ideas. Thanks for the tip! We're excited to try the beef and broccoli stir fry!!
ohemgeee they have regular recipes that convert to Paleo??!!!!! I just signed up and I can't wait to make the Beef and Broccoli (paleo upgraded of course!). This site is so awesome!!!!!
I really want to try those portobello pesto pizzas!
Stovetop Mac and cheese! Childhood favourite that I can't appreciate as much anymore in Kraft form.
Um, beef and broccoli stirfry sounds amazing! I am always looking for "take out" recipes.
Mmmm…chicken thai basil stir-fry! That looks great!
The steak fajitas look delish!
The Chipotle Guac burgers looks amazing for a sunny weekend!
would love to try the pesto spaghetti, my basil plant is huge!
Avocado fries!! Oh, yum!
The fish tacos sound soooo good!
Turkey Burgers with adobo honey sauce and roasted CARROT FRIES? Yes please!
I'm such a sucker for anything with Butternut squash! That soup looks aaaaahhmazing and perfect for a cool early summer dinner. Also, your silverware is wonderful.
chicken thai basil stir fry – nom….reading this just in time for lunch now I want thai food!
TOMATO, AVOCADO & QUINOA SALAD. It looks like such a simple snack.
I always have to try fish tacos!
Looks like lots of good recipes to try. Our family already loves Beef stir fry, and fish tacos, so it would be fun to try their version.
The panko crusted fish tacos looked yummy!
This has nothing to do with your post, but I have three daughters and they are the exact same hair colors as your girls! I never see that. Everyone always comments on it, so my response is if I would have had another it would have been a red head. Funny. My girls are now 22, 17, & 13, with the same color difference.
Just signed up. I love how they easily convert recipes for you based on your dietary needs. I'm going to try the Moroccan spiked chicken and carrots.
The fish tacos look delicious.
I love the painted grocery bags. Such a good easy craft.
The Indian Spiced Roasted Vegetables looks pretty good!
The Chile Relleno's and summer salad look fantastic!
I get into major food ruts… so I'm very intrigued. The whole week sounds delicious. Would definitely try the Moroccan-spiced chicken and carrots.
Oh, this is a GREAT idea. Since I started a new job 6 months ago, I've slacked off in the grocery. meal prep arena. I'm sure my husband would appreciate a little bit more variety in our food choices!
I signed up! That steak with romanesco sauce looks incredible.
Wow! The mahi mahi tacos are right up my alley! Definitely is a must try!
My boyfriend and I were just talking about apps like this! I would love to cook the potato leek soup.
Sesame Teriyaki Salmon sounds delicious right now.
The apple-fennel turkey burger sounds amazing! And perfect for summer grilling.
I made the Beef and Broccoli last night and it was great!
UM, nice kitchen!
The stovetop macaroni sounds like my kind of thing!
Hi Jenny, Thanks for the idea for the kids craft activity. My little girl is four, and I feel like our indoor summer hibernation has already started! (We're in Phoenix too)
Oh and the panko fish tacos look great! I'm excited to have every recipe as a gluten free option. That alone may make me sign up for it!
Apple Fennel Turkey Burgers! I've never cooked with fennel, can you believe it? I bet this would be a great recipe to start with.
The mustard roasted fish looks amazing! Thank you!
panko crusted fish tacos!
fish tacos sound yummy!