Another Lunch!

I got to pack another lunch today - yippee! And because Mister J was taking his Laptop Lunch box, Miss M had to have hers, too. In fact, she refused to eat her breakfast once the LLBs were out of the cabinet - so she had a late breakfast out of hers during the parent organization meeting at preschool. It worked out great since it all stays in the box - open to eat, close to go. These are, by far, two of the best purchases I've ever made.

I can't explain why I get so excited about packing the LLBs - well, maybe I can!

• Because they are just so stinkin' cute, even when they are empty
• Because when I use them I feel good about doing my part to reduce waste and help the environment
• Because, since these boxes attract attention (I always get questions about them), I feel even more accountable for packing a healthy lunch
• Because my kids will eat almost anything I put in them!
  

So, here they are, my latest lunchtime creations:

Mister J dined on:
Ham and cheese on a whole wheat mini-bagel, cut in half per his preference
Applesauce with a dash of cinnamon
Carrot sticks with hummus
A leftover pack of ranch dressing - he doesn't usually get this since it's off-limits at home due to egg ingredients, so I thought he might enjoy this special treat
A tiny bag of Skittles, left over from Halloween
Silk chocolate soymilk - I usually use the drink bottle that came with the LLB, but had this on hand. I used his bottle to pack and extra drink for myself along with Miss M's lunch (see below).

Since these boxes hold a LOT of food, I packed enough for Miss M and I to share when I packed her LLB. Considering we'd be out and about until 1pm (since Mister J was staying for Lunch Bunch), I knew we'd need something to eat - so why not pack it?


Miss M and I shared:
Applesauce, in the green container - which she ate
Carrot sticks and hummus
Turkey pepperoni and slices of monterey jack cheese
Milton's Multigrain crackers - they are a little large for the blue container. I should have taken it out and just put them in the empty space
Water with a splash of apple juice for her to drink, sweet tea for myself

There were very few leftovers, and Mister J finished his leftovers as an afternoon snack. The kids seemed a little disappointed that I didn't buy the tiny bagged carrots this week, but instead bought whole (organic) carrots and cut them into sticks myself. The savings was huge, and I don't mind the extra cutting and chopping, so it was the logical choice for me. I also feel like it's important for my kids to see all varieties of food - whether it's in the way it looks as it comes from nature or in the manner it's prepared.