Monday, September 26, 2011

Bento of the Week: September 26, 2011





  • Veggie Frittata (You can put anything in a frittata.  Serve it hot or cold.  They're just like a crustless quiche.  But better.)
  • Corn on the Cob (From last night's dinner...)
  • One Red Plum
  • Homemade Microwave Brownies (They're done in five minutes.  They're chewy, moist, and rich!  I've made a batch a day for the past five days.  Mom jeans, here I come!!)
  • Mini M&Ms (In a craft jar.  Oops, I just noticed there are two chocolate items in this week's lunch.  Was that really a mistake?)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Bento of the Week: September 19, 2011



  • Crackers, Round and Square
  • Colby Cheese (Love that it's two-toned)
  • Deli Meat Turkey (I sliced up a pound package for this week's lunches)
  • One Red Plum (My new favorite fruit.  I just planted a plum tree!)
  • Homemade Granola Squares (Because when you make them yourself, you can make any. shape. you. want.  I chose a 2.5 x 2.5 inch square.  Wild!!!)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Bento of the Week: September 12, 2011



  • PB&J Sandwich on White Bread (I hear a diet rich in whole grains makes you a very unpopular lunch maker.  Relax a little!  White bread won't kill ya!)
  • Fresh Strawberries (Because they were cheaper than apples this week!  Woo hoo!)
  • Homemade Gogurt (Yogurt in a travel tube.  You can take it through airport security, also.)
  • Hard Boiled Egg (Yes, it's colored.  No, it's not Easter.  Did you know you can dye eggs year round?  It really works!  Try it!)

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Something That Works: Lunch Choices

Sometimes I pack a lunch that doesn't appeal to one (or more) of my children.  Normally I encourage them to take it and try it.  Sometimes, though, the "take it and try it" approach doesn't work.  That's when you can offer a lunch choice to your child that is quick to pack and easy to make.

Here's how you can give your kids a lunch choice during the week without going crazy:
  1. Offer Leftovers.  Pasta salad, pizza, quesadillas, and frittatas.  These dinner staples all work as lunch repacks.  Toss in some fresh fruit and chocolate and your child will be happy!
  2. Freeze Sandwiches.  It works for Smuckers Uncrustables.  And it can work for you.  Just make the sandwich, uncrust it, and freeze in a sandwich baggie.  Or if you're anti-plastic-baggie, wrap with non-bleached vegan waxed paper and put in a reusable fair trade bamboo container.)
  3. Stock Ready-to-Go Lunch Options.  Tortilla chips, refried beans and salsa.  Cottage cheese, canned pears and granola.  Marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey bars.  (No, not that, actually.)
  4. Eat Native American Style.  Native Americans used to eat something called pemmican to sustain them on their heap big journeys.  You can do something similar for your little Indians.  Pack trail mix, dried fruit and maybe some beef jerky.  It's a calorie-dense lunch which is also high in sodium, so use this lunch choice sparingly.  And pack some water, too.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Bento of the Week: September 5, 2011



  • Baked Baby Red Potatoes (Thoroughly buttered, salted and parsleyed!)
  • Li'l Smokies
  • Orange Mini Wedges (Seriously, just cut an orange "smile" in half...)
  • Edamame (Quite possibly the worlds funnest vegetable!  Can be packed in lunches frozen.)