Check out the lovely Jessica from Hapatime blog! She’s been featured in our Style Guide, so stop by and see what she had to say about blogging, her personal style, and the June bag from Handbag Heaven!

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

It happens every spring. Somehow, bathing suit season sneaks up on me. I’m forced to hit the gym like a mad woman and start substituting my fried foods for fresh veggies-all the things I should do religiously year-round. If you’re anything like me you’ll enjoy today’s round-up of healthy versions of America’s favorite comfort foods. I hope that they get your taste-buds watering and give you a few ideas for tonight’s dinner. And remember, no feeling guilty after two (or three) of these chocolate chip cookies.

Chili

Chili is a staple in many homes. It’s simple to make, delicious, and makes great leftovers. Skinny Taste took the traditional chili recipe and turned it upside down by substituting lean ground turkey for ground beef, and stuffing it full of veggies and ingredients lower in sodium than their original counterparts. Check out this healthy recipe and enjoy!

The Burger

There’s nothing like a good burger to complete a summer night’s dinner. Try something new by substituting delicious sweet potatoes for the traditional red meat burger. Healthy Happy Life shared a recipe for sweet potato veggie burgers. These delicious burgers are stuffed full of fiber, protein, and vitamins thanks to the sweet potato, beans, and spices. Top them off with avacado, lettuce, onion, and whatever yummy additions your heart desires. These are a cookout must-have!

Macaroni and Cheese

I don’t think a week passed when I didn’t have mac ‘n cheese growing up—not that I’m complaining. This American classic is delicious, and not especially good for you. Give Martha Steweart’s updated version of macaroni and cheese a try! It calls for pureed squash and skim ricotta cheese, and trust me, this is one tasty update!

Pizza

What family doesn’t love pizza? None. Try this quick lavash pizza from Skinny Taste and satisfy that ‘za craving. This recipe uses the Middle Eastern flatbread, Lavash, which can be found at your local grocery store. Divy up the dough and let your kids (or hubby) create their own personal pizza. This family bonding experience is not only fun, but low in calories!

Apple Pie

No holiday is complete without a delicious apple pie for dessert! Unfortunately, the original is full of buttery and sugary goodness that isn’t always good for you. That’s Fit rennovated the recipe though, subsitituting half of the apples for fiber-rich jicama, opting for Splenda instead of sugar, and creating a whole-wheat crust that’s low in butter. Try this recipe out for your next family dinner!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Go visit one of my favorite food bloggers, Chocolate Covered Katie to see her take on America’s favorite cookie. Katie subsitutes healthier baking ingredients like oat flour and uses far less sugar and oil in her chocolate chip recipe. I’ve tried many of her recipes in the past and they’ve all been absolutely delicious; she won’t let you down!

Have a happy healthy weekend!

It’s the time of year when everyone’s thinking about vacations. Students are gearing up for a summer abroad, and others are making plans to use time off work in a far away land. Many of us Handbag Heaven gals have spent time abroad, while in college or with our families, so we compiled a list of overseas handbag essentials. The Sigma Pocket Satchel is our pick for overseas travel because it literally has a pocket for everything. It also features a long strap so you can wear this bag across your body, leaving your hands free for important things like a crêpe, taking photos of the seaside, or searching a map for your next sightseeing adventure.

Here’s the rundown of some essentials for traveling internationally:

• Camera + camera case, extra battery, and memory card
• Passport + tickets, itinerary, etc.
• Prescriptions
• Gum
• Chapstick
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel toothbrush
• Money pouch — don’t be a victim of pick-pocketing!
• Tylenol
• Travel toilet paper — just bein’ real here, folks
• City guide
• Journal — jot down memories from your time abroad
• Face wipes
• Hair brush
• Makeup Bag
• Face powder
• Travel-sized dry shampoo — freshen your hair after a long flight or day

Also, if you have cool summer plans that involve a beach, sightseeing, or amazing food — we’d be happy to squeeze into a small bag and join you

What is it about the combination of black and white that looks so classic? Maybe it’s because vintage photography is all black and white. Regardless, even a super-modern space that uses a colorless palette feels very timeless. Here’s to enjoying the beauty of lack of color every once in a while…

{atlantic-pacific blog}

{cape} {dress} {sunglasses} {pearl necklace} {bow} {black handbag} {bracelets} {pumps}

{coffee shop girl}

{fresh spaces}

{ballerinas}