Pack It Up

    I have to state off the bat that LL Bean is not compensating me for this post.

    With the little one starting kindergarten we purchased a backpack online in mid August.  I was going to wait to see if they would be reduced, but my husband was afraid it wouldn't arrive in time for school.  Three days later, they went on sale.  I e-mailed LL Bean and they credited me for the 20% price.
 
    My first purchase with their company was my son's backpack.  Two years later, he is going off to school with the same one.  This year we bought lunchboxes for both kids.  I may even go back and get one for my husband.  I really like knowing that I can return items if they don't last long.  In this economy, who wants to buy items that fall apart?

Take A Dip

Dill Dip is going on the road

   As the summer winds down, it is time to start thinking about school lunches. I am not a big fan of cold cuts.   I prefer the cost and nutrition of natural peanut butter.  My children love my dill dip and vegetables.  It is a great appetizer for guests and parties.  Now it is going to make it's way into the school lunch box.  The children can choose their favorite vegetable and have a cup of dip to go with it.  The little Gladware containers are inexpensive and make it easier for me to send items without wasteful packing.

    Dipping is a fun way to eat your vegetables. It is also a great way to get a little dairy into the diet.  Plain yogurt is a staple at our house.  With no sweetener it can be used on baked potatoes, in cream sauces or in fruit smoothies.  This recipe is one I made up so I will try to be accurate.  What is your favorite healthy item to pack for lunch?

Dill Dip

1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup Vegenaise (or Olive Oil mayonnaise)
1/2 capfull dried dill (approx one teaspoon)
1 clove garlic, pressed

Stir everything up and chill.  It tastes great the next day and can be thinned for a creamy salad dressing.  Serve with your favorite chopped, raw vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, carrots and celery.