My Bento Project

Several Photos

2011-05-04T20:30:00.001-04:00

I made the "cool lunches" Monday, Tuesday, and tonight. Half the time, I just don't have the energy to look at a computer! Last night, I simply needed a mani/pedi with my mom, and then after getting home, I just HAD to watch Glee ;-) So, here are Hailey's lunches from Tuesday, today, and tomorrow, and a lunch of mine and Cailyn's from Tuesday! :) At least I see they are getting some variety over the course of a few days....doesn't seem that way when I'm packing lunch!

A butterfly soynut butter and jelly sammie, flower cheese hearts, carrots and ranch, flower cucumber slices, cherry vanilla yogurt, strawberries, and grapes.

I'm fortunate Hailey will eat a simple (and healthy!) lunch like this! Cantaloupe, grapes, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, ranch, cheese, and crackers.

This was my lunch from yesterday - salad (with tomatoes, cheese, and cucumbers), strawberries, and a laughing cow light w/crackers (sea salt and olive oil - omg so yummy!).

Soynut butter and jelly, cheddar slices, salad with a container of ranch, strawberries, and some vanilla mini cookies.

This one was Cailyn's from yesterday: Soynut butter and jelly, diced cheddar cheese, blueberries, applesauce (in the container), and some mini vanilla cookies.

Three Bentos for a Monday!!

2011-05-01T19:44:00.000-04:00

I love making Monday lunches. I love that - on Sunday - my refrigerator is full of good healthy, fresh produce. Heck, I love that my fridge actually has stuff in it! By Friday, it seems so bare!! I'm hoping to start sending ore fruits and veggies for myself in the upcoming weeks. I get those things in there for the girls, so why not myself? I'm actually quite excited about MY lunch for tomorrow. ;-)

Hailey's lunch: Cream cheese & jelly, cucumber and mushroom (can't say I've ever had a mushroom, myself!!) slices with a container of ranch, cantaloupe, and a few mini vanilla cookies with a sprinkling of M&Ms.

Cailyn's 1st "toddler room" lunch: Cream cheese & jelly, mini pretzel rods, diced cantaloupe, and diced kiwi. She has a few extra things thrown in her lunch bag also!

Mommy's lunch: Cheddar cheese, sea salt & olive oil crackers (omg - SO yummy), cucumber slices, carrots, a container of blue cheese, kiwi, and 2 peanut butter & fudge cookies. Mmmmm!!!!!

A Couple of Bentos from the Week!

2011-04-28T20:13:00.000-04:00

This is my crazy time of year - after April vacation until the last day of school. Concerts, general performances, report cards (before I know it!!), daily classes, and then room clean up. I feel like the end of June will be here before I know it....and I'm so overwhelmed already!

I still make Hailey's "cool lunches" every day, bu I know I'm a slacker with taking the photos and posting.

Here are a few from this week:

This one has cheese, a mini potato roll, kielbasa, goldfish, grapes, and a small piece of my homemade vanilla mousse cheesecake. :-)

For tomorrow: grilled cheese, grape tomatoes with ranch, goldfish, grapes, and a brownie with vanilla frosting (yum!).

Beautiful Day!!

2011-04-11T19:38:00.000-04:00

It was so nice to come home from work to see the sun shining in my town. Who woulda thought that the temperature would be 15 degrees cooler, and the sky filled with clouds just 25 minutes away from my house. That said, I was hoping to get a really yummy "spring" lunch to go along with Hailey's "Spring week" at school. I'm too tired, and still recovering from this past weekend. I had good intentions!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: A butterfly-shaped cream cheese and jelly sandwich, grape tomatoes with a turtle pick, flower-shaped cucumbers (and the ever necessary container of ranch - she won't eat the veggies without the ranch!), strawberries, and chocolate pudding with sprinkles.

2011-04-10T20:30:00.000-04:00

This was the busiest weekend we have had in quite some time! Hailey came down with strep throat on Friday. My brother got married in Boston on Saturday (and Hailey was the flower girl - you never would have known she didn't feel well. She did awesome!!). Paul's grandfather celebrated his 80th birthday today in the form of a HUGE surprise party. Lots of fun and excitement, but now, everyone is exhausted!!

Needless to say, it pained me to take the girls grocery shopping at 5:00 on a Sunday evening. I truly contemplated having the two of them buy lunch tomorrow and send for a Peapod delivery. But, we managed, and I made Hailey a decent lunch for school on Monday.

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow:

Ham and cheese on wheat (with a container of mayo), cheez-its, peach yogurt, strawberries and grapes, and some gummy snacks.

Couple Bentos

2011-04-06T20:12:00.000-04:00

In this lunch, Hailey had ham and cheese roll-ups, grapes, carrots with ranch, strawberries, popcorn, and a little debbie easter snack cake thingie.

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow is much less colorful, but I simply can't be bothered. My DVR is calling my name this evening. ;-)

A heart shaped grilled cheese (looks more like a broken heart though!!!!), grape tomatoes with ranch, cheez-its, cantaloupe, applesauce, and some pez.

2011-04-03T19:20:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. I'm going to have to go through my pictures though, because I know I have some that I must just not have gotten around to.

Lately, Hailey is wanting to help out with cooking meals, preparing her lunch on the weekends, and now be a part of packing her lunch for school. I'm fine with that! So, here are Hailey's choices for lunch tomorrow.

Cream cheese and jelly on wheat, grape tomatoes with ranch, cheez-its, blueberry yogurt, cantaloupe, and a mini kitkat.

I think she did a good job!!! :)

A Bunch o' Lunches!

2011-03-21T21:23:00.000-04:00

I take the photos, but I can never get on the computer to update my blog (blame Paul). Here are some of Hailey's lunches from the past week.

A wheat and cheese palm tree, some goldfish, carrots and ranch, yogurt with blue sprinkles, strawberries, and a few jelly beans.

Peaches, carrots, ranch, cheddar cheese, crackers, grapes, and a cookie.

This was the start of T week at school. I thought I'd have Hailey search for T things in her lunch. :)

Cheese on wheat (like mommy like daughter!) in triangle shapes - with a little turtle pick to hold it together, cheese-itz, a teddy bear container with mayo, grapes, toy story gummies, and some vanilla pudding with the letter T spelled out.

2011-03-14T20:55:00.000-04:00

I don't think I like daylight savings anymore. We were all running late this morning, more exhausted than ever. I think schools should have a late opening the Monday after "Spring Ahead" weekend. It would make for more pleasant children, and more pleasant mommies (well, a more pleasant ME anyways).

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: a turkey and cheese rollup help together with a heart pick, baby carrots with a container of ranch, grapes, peaches, and some vanilla pudding with pink sprinkles.

2011-03-13T21:03:00.000-04:00

So after a fun-filled (sunny!) weekend, I get back to the grind...making lunches, and trying to remember to take a photo. Too bad we lost an hour of sleep last night. I have a feeling that one little hour is going to make this next week draaaaaaaaaaag on. Hopefully Hailey's lunch will brighten her day tomorrow!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: Heart shaped cheese sandwiches (with a container of mayo), carrots and a container of ranch, strawberries, vanilla yogurt with sprinkles, and some jelly beans.

Beano

2011-03-09T21:03:00.001-05:00

Just kidding! That is for Angie who can never remember the word Bento. ;-) I wanted to stick with a "rainbow" type lunch for tomorrow. The pre-schoolers are having a Pizza Party since they filled their marble jar - I hope Hailey has room for lunch (we were told to pack one anyways!!).

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: Cheddar cheese and wheat crackers, applesauce, broccoli, carrots, a container of ranch, strawberries, grapes, and a sugar cookie.

R Week

2011-03-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

Hailey is very excited for R week at school, so I thought I'd give her an "R" lunch. I tried to get a rainbow of color in there!!

A soynut butter and jelly sandwich (cut in a Rectangle) with a cheese R on top, cheese it crackers, grapes, strawberries, carrots, broccoli, and a container of Ranch, and a half of a brownie from the batch she and I made this morning.

One more for this week!

2011-03-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post Hailey's lunch from today, so here it is. Tomorrow is leftover day.

Hailey's lunch: Half a soynut butter and jelly sandwich, grapes, a cheese stick (cut in half), a container of yogurt raisins, strawberry cheesecake yogurt (um, the best yogurt I've even tasted - I'm not a yogurt fan, either!), and some chocolate rice cake minis.

Cookies!

2011-02-28T19:53:00.000-05:00

Last day of February, and I've met my goal of finding 20 followers! I think for March, I'll look for 5 more. :)

Cailyn has mastered a word - cookie. It was originally cute: every time she would pass through the kitchen, she would say in her cute little angel voice "cookie?". She was obviously good....we all gave in every.single.time. Well, then it became funny. Each time the pantry would open, no matter where she was, her little feet would come running, no longer asking for a cookie, but demanding "Cookie!". I stopped giving in, but Paul wouldn't. I found it was becoming a problem when I told her no one day, and she flopped on her belly kicking, banging the floor, and crying while panting the word over and over. Who would have thought I would have a 15 month old terror! The final straw came just last week, while in the grocery story, she screamed the word in every aisle we were in.

I never thought I would have to do the "cry it out" method over a cookie. The pediatrician's office said it would be a rough couple of days (um, yes, very!), but then the habit would be broken. Well, it is. She is perfectly satisfied with a few animal crackers after dinner. Occasionally, I will catch her looking at me with that coy smile as she walks by the pantry. Now, when I hear "cookie?" it is followed by a little giggle as she walks away.

Cailyn's lunch for tomorrow: peas and carrots, quartered grapes, chicken nuggets (diced), and mozzarella cheese. There are a few animal crackers in there, too. ;-)

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: wheat thins, a cheese stick, goldfish, chicken nuggets (with a turtle pick), a container of ketchup, celery, grapes, vanilla pudding with sprinkles, and some Toy Story gummies.

2011-02-27T21:09:00.000-05:00

Last week I tried to use a lot of leftovers. I didn't want to make lunches, let alone post photos of them. As a matter of fact, I didn't want to even be in school (it was supposed to be our February vacation, after all!), but now it is a new week. I'm hopeful it will be a good one!! :)

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: cream cheese and jelly on whole wheat, pirate's booty, grapes and strawberries, yogurt, yogurt covered raisins, and a container with a few jelly beans

I was SO excited to see jelly beans in the grocery store this weekend. I may have to hide them from now on though - Paul has already finished the bag!!!

2011-02-23T22:36:00.001-05:00

Tonight I took pictures of both girls' lunches for tomorrow.

Cailyn's lunch: halved blueberries, cubes of cheddar cheese, peas and carrots, and smile fries, cut into smaller pieces. She also has a vanilla pudding cup.

Hailey's lunch is cheese on bread (ahem, I used to LOVE getting this in my lunch!!) with a container of mayo, cheez-its, blueberries and strawberries, yogurt, and a fruit roll-up.

Non February Vacation Lunch

2011-02-21T20:24:00.000-05:00

This week was supposed to be February Vacation week. After all of the snow days, we had President's Day off, but need to go to school/work the remainder of the week. Oh well. I can't complain after all the days off last month!! I figured I'll give Hailey a palm tree to pretend that she is someplace warm. :)

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: A cream cheese and jelly palm tree, baby swiss Cheez Its, vanilla yogurt with green sprinkles, chocolate rice cake minis, strawberries and blueberries, and a small packet of Pez as a treat.

2011-02-16T19:25:00.000-05:00

There MUST be an easier way to upload a picture from Facebook. I have my "bento" folder. Well, FB has messed with how pictures are displayed, and now it is taking me too long to be able to update my blog. Any ideas on how to make the photo uploading process easier (I'm using my droid and sending to FB)?

Anyways, things are well for all of us. It is weird to lose our February break next week, but I don't mind too much. I'm certainly looking forward to a three day weekend!!!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: half a soynut butter and jelly sandwich, grape tomatoes with a container of ranch, blueberries, pirate's booty, applesauce, and a mini 3 musketeers.

Valentine's Day - a little early.....

2011-02-10T22:11:00.000-05:00

Hailey has been a bit sad this week, and having a hard time with going to bed because "mommy is leaving." I tried to explain to her that I will always be in her heart. I figured I would give her some extra hearts tomorrow.

She has two heart shaped grilled cheese sandwiches, grape tomatoes (forgot the ranch again!!! darn!!!), chocolate rice cake minis, pirate's booty, mixed berry yogurt, and a hershey mini candy.

Breaking out the Love

2011-02-08T21:11:00.000-05:00

Since Valentine's Day is sneaking right up on me (ummm, hello? I feel like January never existed this year!!!!), I figured I'd start introducing hearts, pink, red, cupid, etc. now. Hailey loves Valentine's Day, so I hope she enjoys.

Hailey's lunch: two mini cheese sandwiches (heart shaped), some grape tomatoes (oops!!! I just realized I forgot ranch....I wonder if she will eat them anyways??), parmesan flavored goldfish, a fruit roll-up, mandarin oranges (in honor of "o" week at school) with a little heart pick, and vanilla yogurt with pink sprinkles.

Monday!

2011-02-06T19:21:00.000-05:00

"This is going to be a good week" is going to be my mantra. I figure, if I keep chanting it, it is bound to be a good week, right?

Cailyn's lunch for tomorrow: half an open-faced grilled cheese, cut into bite sized pieces, grapes (cut into quarters), a few animal crackers, and applesauce. I'm also sending some yogurt in case she is overly hungry. She is feeling much better now, but is now unpredictable with how much she will (or will not!) eat.

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: Half a grilled cheese, minus the crusts, with a little cupid pick, pirate's booty, pudding with sprinkles, grapes, and some animal crackers.

How Many Days of Work This Week?

2011-01-30T20:05:00.001-05:00

The snow is comical at this point. I can't do anything about it, so I had better just be able to laugh about it! They weather icons are either snow, ice, or freezing rain for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday of this week. Absolutely nuts!!

Cailyn spent the weekend recovering from bronchiolitis and pneumonia...my poor baby! Fortunately, she responded really well to the antibiotics, and she seems to be her happy, smiley self again. The downside is that she still hasn't seemed to regain her pig-like appetite yet. I'll see how she does with lunch tomorrow.

Cailyn's lunch is an open-face grilled cheese, grapes, pirate's booty, and applesauce (in the container). I'm hoping she eats it all, though I wouldn't be surprised if more than half of it comes home. I will certainly keep my fingrs crossed.

Hailey helped pack her lunch this evening. She chose every item that went into this lunch - even the salad!! Good choices, Hailey!! :)

Cheese and crackers, salad, a container of ranch, grapes, pirate's booty, applesauce, and a little chocolate candy treat.

Forgot to post yesterday!

2011-01-28T20:18:00.000-05:00

What a nutty week (yet again)! We had only one full day of school because of all this snowy weather. I wonder when we will ever have a full week again? We haven't since....hmmm.....the middle of December?? Insane!

This was Hailey's lunch from today:

Half a cream cheese and jelly on multi-grain bread, pirate's booty, yogurt, grapes (with a snowman - how apropos), and some scooby doo gummies.

Can it be??

2011-01-24T20:56:00.001-05:00

Two days of school in a row??? I'd better not jinx it......

This past weekend, I took Hailey to Barnes and Noble. Her Uncle had given her some money to buy a book as part of her birthday gift. So, Saturday morning, Hailey got her little purse, put the money inside and off we went. She found these "Step Reader" books that she wanted to get, buy 2 get the 3rd free. Perfect! We then went to Stop & Shop, again Hailey walking in carrying the brown purse with the blue stripe. The change from the books was clearly burning a hole in her pocket. She was psyched when she found these little chocolate Tinkerbell Valentine's candies...for $1.29. I hope she gets excited when she opens her lunch tomorrow afternoon. I wouldn't be surprised if she tells her teacher all about how she bought the candy (and the books - with the money from Uncle Bryan!) "all by herself.":)

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: Cheese and crackers, grapes, pirate's booty, applesauce, broccoli and a container of ranch, and a mini Tinkerbell chocolate candy :)

No Bentos Today (for the girls anyways)

2011-01-23T20:58:00.001-05:00

I've been sick all weekend, and truly had difficulty having enough energy to make lunches at all. I love my Easy Lunch Boxes, but I can't heat leftovers in them (well, not if I have cold items in there as well). Tomorrow will be a leftover day for my little ladies. Baked rigatoni (from dinner this evening), grapes, and pudding. I have my lunch ready to go in my ELB container.

Cheese and crackers, celery with a container of blue cheese, grapes, and a 100 calorie pack of chocolate covered pretzels. Yum!

2011-01-19T19:54:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, I was going to send Cailyn with leftovers from tonight's dinner: pulled pork. I had never made it before, but was excited to try. The girls loved it, but I thought it was a bit dry. I have no idea what I may have done wrong (not that I'm surprised), but I figure I'll try it again another time. Cailyn has leftover mac and cheese, yogurt, animal cookies, and something else....but I'm too tired to think.

I don't send Hailey with items that need to be reheated, but she seems fine with that. :)

Hailey's lunch: half turkey and cheese (other half from yesterday - I was going to eat it myself tomorrow, but Hailey said she really liked it today!) on sandwich thin, a container of mayo (the green spoon is for her to spread the mayo on herself), white cheddar cheez-its, blueberries, vanilla yogurt, and two oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Mid week, first bento!

2011-01-18T19:11:00.000-05:00

It isn't really funny anymore. In one week, we've had two snow days, one day of work, a three day weekend due to MLK day, and another snow day today (oh, and a partridge in a pear tree?). I'm anxious to get back to work, and I know Hailey is looking forward to seeing her friends and teachers back at school tomorrow. Hopefully we will have a full day....but, looking at the sheet of ice surrounding my house, I would not be the least bit surprised to get a phone call that we have a delay tomorrow.

You would think with all the extra time I've spent at home over the last few days, I would have the coolest bento for tomorrow. However, I'm so exhausted from having all this time off with the girls that I'm counting down the days til February vacation! Needless to say, I just threw some things into Hailey's Easy Lunch Box container, and I'll add some snacks in the morning. :)

Hailey's lunch: Half a turkey and cheese on a sandwich thin (mayo is in the fish container), some caramel rice cake minis, broccoli with a container of ranch, some frozen blueberries that will thaw before lunchtime, and a small homemade brownie for dessert.

The end of a CRAZY week!

2011-01-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

I love snow. I love the powdery white stuff even more that we have 25.5 fresh inches in our yard. The storm gave us two unexpected (well, I completely expected one - not two!) days off from school. It was so nice to have the extra time just to "be" home. We didn't have to rush around to a variety of places. As a matter of fact, even if we wanted to, we couldn't. The plows didn't have our street cleared until the middle of this afternoon! It was fun to bake, cook, play dollhouse, read, watch Cinderella, play dress-up...I could do that every day! I'm secretly hoping for a delay tomorrow morning also. Well, I guess it isn't a secret anymore, but I'll still keep my fingers crossed.

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow:

Soynut butter on celery (she asked for three of these....I'll see if she actually eats them since they came home last time!), a diced cheese stick, strawberries, Pirate's Booty, yogurt, and yogurt covered pretzels

Two More Bentos :)

2011-01-10T20:20:00.000-05:00

I did take a picture yesterday, but forgot to post. It is looking like I won't post again until Wednesday night....big snowstorm predicted for Wednesday!!!!!! YAY!

Hailey's lunch today:

Two mini heart sandwiches (turkey, cheese, and mayo), yogurt pretzels, broccoli and ranch, blueberries, a couple caramel rice cake minis (those came home though...guess she didn't like them!), and a truffle.

Lunch for tommorrow:

Yogurt, Pirate's Booty, cheese (with a festive little snowman pick - I'm SO excited for this big storm!!), yogurt pretzels, strawberries, and a mini candy.

Two Bentos

2011-01-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

Cailyn and Hailey both have "cool lunches" for tomorrow. I don't think they are cool, but if it makes Hailey happy (Cailyn could obviously care less), then I'm happy. :)

Cailyn is having diced chicken, diced cheddar cheese, cinnamon goldfish, and yogurt melts. She is kind of throwing me for a loop lately, so we'll see if she appreciates any of these options!

Hailey will eat cheddar and leftover chicken on white bread, cheeze-its, yogurt, cinnamon goldfish, and peaches. No, I couldn't even bother to remove the peaches from the package.

Is anyone looking at this?

2011-01-03T21:48:00.001-05:00

To an extent, I'm doing this for myself. I like getting some ideas when Hailey says "I don't know what I want..." or just putting this bookmark down as a time when I was somewhat creative (well, in this manner anyways!). I figure, Hailey won't like these lunches forever. Quite honestly, she may decide that she hates them as soon as she enters kindergarten. But, for now, she loves them, and I'm going to continue making these bentos, taking pictures of them, and posting for the whole world (umm....me?) to see.

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: Cheese and crackers, grape tomatoes on a bed of baby carrots with a container of ranch (the carrots can't really be seen in this picture), vanilla yogurt, pineapple cubes (frozen...will thaw in time for lunch, of course), a small container of raisins, and a mini candy for a treat.

A New Year!

2011-01-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how quickly the past week has come and gone. We had a fantastic holiday and a wonderful, relaxing break. I'm sad to see my loves go back to school tomorrow - they were so much fun to hang out with this week!! It pulls at my heart to see how close they are....I truly hope they maintain this bond forever.

I didn't take a picture of Cailyn's lunch, but I did snap one of Hailey's.

Two mini heart sandwiches (soynut butter and jelly), pomegranate Craisins, a cheese stick, strawberry yogurt, "Scrabble" cheeze-its, and a couple shortbread cookies.

Crazy week

2010-12-20T21:58:00.000-05:00

So THIS will be a crazy busy week due to Hailey's 4th birthday and the shortened holiday week. I'm SO excited!! Truly, this week can take its sweet time. I'm going to savor every moment.

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: ham and cheese Santa crackers, mini pretzels, peach yogurt, blueberries with a Santa pick, carrots and a container of ranch, and a rice krispie Rudolph resting on a red of snow (mini marshmallows).

Too tired...nothing to say!

2010-12-15T20:20:00.000-05:00

Hailey's lunch: cream cheese and jelly Christmas tree, cheddar cheese presents, raisins, blueberries, applesauce, mini marshmallows, and a Rudolph rice krispie treat.

Cailyn's lunch: cream cheese and jelly on wheat, applesauce, cheddar cheese, and blueberries

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-12-14T20:27:00.000-05:00

I love the cold weather. I don't mind walking to my car when it is cold, the wind whipping against my cheeks and ears, my girls don't cry or complain about the weather (as a matter of fact, Hailey loves it!). It gives me the perfect opportunity to crank the heat on our ride to work/school, wear lots of layers, or snuggle with my girls under a blanket at home. I can't do anything about the freezing temperatures, so I may as well look at the positives!!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: ham and cheese with present skewers, grape tomatoes and ranch, cinnamon goldfish, diced pineapple, and marshmallows (REALLY hoping for a snowy weekend....maybe this is just as good as doing a snow dance??) under a Christmas tree. :)

I cannot get enough Christmas right now.

2010-12-13T19:44:00.000-05:00

Hailey is starting to get SO excited about her upcoming birthday and Christmas. I figured I'd play into it. Well, let's face it. I'm super excited too. :) I know of some coworkers who wouldn't mind getting this lunch tomorrow either. :) Let's see if they are reading tonight!!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow is:

A cream cheese and jelly gingerbread man, grape tomatoes and ranch, cheddar cheese cubes with a Santa Claus pick, blueberries, vanilla pudding with holiday sprinkles, and two marshmallows on a present pick.

Last full week of work!!

2010-12-12T19:40:00.000-05:00

Last week was beyond crazy. I was out too many late nights due to work events and my birthday (happy birthday to me!!). I was lucky I even had time, or the desire, to make lunch. I did have bentos for Hailey each day, but didn't have the energy to take a photo or blog. Anyways, I'm back for (hopefully!) another full week this week. Hey, December is crazy for most, right?? :)

This week is another "full week" of work. Next week will be only 3.5 days before the long Christmas break. Can't wait.

Hailey's lunch for Monday:

Ham and cheese on homemade bread (in the shape of a present, under a Christmas tree pick), blueberries, peach yogurt, a clementine (I tried to get another present cutout, but it didn't quite work....), mini shortbread cookies, and scooby fruit snacks.

Cailyn's lunch for tomorrow:

Blueberries (sliced in half), cheddar cheese cubes, garden tomato snacks, peach yogurt, and cinnamon goldfish

Snow!

2010-12-06T21:22:00.000-05:00

There was no snow on the ground when I left my house, so I was shocked when I saw snow on the ground in the town where I work! I loved seeing all the flurries outside my classroom window today, and it made me really want to get hit with a BIG storm right about now. I will keep my fingers crossed. :)

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow:

Ham and cheese on sandwich thins, with an extra cheese santa on top, grape tomatoes and a container of ranch, a clementine, mini pretzels, and a marshmallow snowman.

Cailyn's lunch isn't colorful, but I know she'll think it is yummy! She is having homemade mac and cheese, applesauce, clementine, cheese, and some animal crackers. I'm sending some yogurt also.

It's the holiday season!

2010-12-05T19:37:00.000-05:00

This week will be a busy one. A full week of work, my 29th birthday (ok 31, but is anyone actually reading this?), my Winter Concert with school, and a night out with my bestie. Too bad the weekend couldn't have lasted an extra day. We ended up cutting down our tree for the 1st time this year (fun!), decorating with the girls, finished up most of the holiday shopping, got Cailyn's 1st birthday pictures/family pictures done (finally!), and more. Seems like the weekend FLEW by, and I'm just plan exhausted. I wish I could just go to bed right now, but it is only 7:30.

Anyways, here are Monday lunches for my cuties!

Hailey has two candy cane sandwiches (cream cheese and jelly), a babybel with a candy cane cutout, goldfish, yogurt, and two mini sugar cookie presents under a Christmas tree. I also sent reindeer snacks with ranch (think she will eat them if I refer to them as reindeer snacks? We will see!)

Cailyn will have cream cheese and jelly, cheddar cheese, peaches, and yogurt. I may send her some vanilla pudding also. Hopefully, I will remember!

Oh Christmas Tree.....

2010-12-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for this weekend. We are going to get our Christmas tree, decorate the house, maybe even get the lights up outside (Paul...yes??). I absolutely love this time of the year - from the cold weather, to the smells of festive candles, to the hustle and bustle of the shops....so much more. I'm loving making holiday themed lunches for Hailey. I hope she doesn't get sick of them by the time Christmas is actually here!!!

Hailey's lunch:

A ham and cheese Christmas tree with a cheese star on top, cheddar cheese gifts, cherry yogurt, strawberries and blueberries, cinnamon goldfish, mini marshmallows, a teddy bear of raisins, and some chocolate candy treats.

Hailey asked for blueberries and strawberries when I went grocery shopping last weekend. Those two items cost over nine dollars!!! Hence, the reason Hailey has had strawberries and blueberries this week....every.single.day.

Cailyn's lunch for tomorrow:

Chicken and peas, cherry yogurt, cheddar cheese, blueberries, and some animal crackers.

December is almost here!!

2010-11-30T19:55:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to the Christmas music for a few days, the nativity, stockings, and advent wreath are in their special places, and my shopping is just about finished. I feel like I'm actually a bit late starting to get into the holidays this year! Well, my husband said we weren't going to "get into Christmas" until December 1st. Well, you can bet that my girls will be up later than normal tomorrow so we can start putting more Christmas in this house!!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow:

A cream cheese and jelly santa, a babybel cheese with a star cut out, some strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and carrots (I told her these were reindeer snacks!), a rudolph shaped rice krispie treat (even stuck on a little red "nose"), and some vanilla yogurt with holiday sprinkles. There are some mini marshmallows for an extra treat.

Cailyn's lunch is much less festive. Let's face it....she doesn't care. As long as she has her favorites, she is happy.

Cream cheese and jelly, blueberries, cheddar cheese, vanilla yogurt, and some animal crackers

A Gift for Hailey

2010-11-29T19:34:00.000-05:00

I bought some cute holiday cookie cutters (made by Wilton), and thought I would try them out (well, the present shape anyways) for tomorrow. I started to giggle as I made Hailey's "cheddar gifts". I thought back to the year that my mom, claiming she didn't have any Christmas ideas for me, presented me with a huge basket of cheese and crackers. A variety of different cheeses. I was in heaven. My mother certainly knew that this silly gift would make me smile. The cheese basket wasn't the only gift I received from my mom that year, but I absolutely loved it. My girls have inherited my love of dairy. Maybe one day, I will give them a cheese basket too.

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: Cheddar cheese presents, wheat thins, veggie sticks, applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon, strawberries and blueberries, and some marshmallows.

Nice holiday break with the family

2010-11-28T19:23:00.000-05:00

It was so nice to have the extra time home with my family over Thanksgiving break. I've decided the work stress just isn't worth getting worked up over. I was determined to have a relaxing 4 day weekend, and boy did I! It got to the point where I just sat in complete silence reading a magazine for a good hour and a half on Saturday. I can't remember the last time that happened!! I also did get some shopping done, visited with family, ate lots of yummy food, and spent quality time with the best little girls one could ask for. And, yes, I did manage to get a teeny bit of work done too. :)

Lunch for tomorrow:

Cailyn will have a half of a cream cheese and jelly sandwich, strawberries and blueberries, vanilla pudding, and some animal crackers.

Hailey's lunch is ham and cheese on a mini bagel, veggie sticks, a container of raisins, vanilla pudding with some heart sprinkles, strawberries and blueberries, and a couple of shortbread cookies.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

So this short week was super easy. Monday's lunches were simply leftovers (for the most part) from Cailyn's 1st birthday party on Sunday. Today's lunches were very simple, and tomorrow is the girls' Thanksgiving Feast at school. I'll get back to making "cool lunches" on Sunday evening, but for now, I'm going to try to relax, spend time with my family, and enjoy the extra long holiday weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

How is my baby going to be ONE tomorrow??

2010-11-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

Hailey is so incredibly excited for Cailyn's 1st birthday tomorrow. It totally makes my heart melt to see my two girls playing, laughing, and showing each other so much love. Hard to believe that one year ago, Cailyn was not even here yet!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow has a little love from mommy: Half a ham and cheese sandwich on Arnold's Sandwich Thins - with an extra cheese heart on top, blueberries with a little turtle pick, pirate's booty, vanilla yogurt with heart sprinkles, and a few fudge cookies for dessert.

I forgot to take a picture of Cailyn's lunch. It isn't anything "birthday" related, or anything "special" for that matter. I did manage to send her with her favorite (grilled cheese), diced blueberries, and yogurt. I also baked some sugar cookies (compliments of Betty Crocker - LOL) for her little playmates at daycare. Where does the time go?? I'm feeling so sad that she is already through her first year...but I'm so incredibly happy that this sweet little lady is in my life. I love her more than words can say. We are very blessed.

2010-11-16T21:17:00.000-05:00

I think this lunch looks yummy - and colorful! I'm hoping is brings a smile to my cutie's face tomorrow.

Hailey's lunch: Wheat Thins, a babybel cheese with an H cutout in the center, blueberries, pirate's booty, a few carrots and grape tomatoes (the ranch is in the little yellow container), marshmallow halves held in place by a little pick, and some vanilla pudding with "fairy dust."

One day down....

2010-11-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Four more to go! I'm pretty excited that Hailey liked the Arnold Honey Wheat sandwich thins. She hasn't really been eating the bread of her sammies anymore....regardless of the way they are cut (hence the regular "cheese and cracker" lunches!). These are pretty tasty though, if I do say so myself. She asked for another tomorrow. I'll be interested to see if she does indeed eat it, or if she picks the meat and cheese out of the middle.

Hailey's lunch is a half of Arnold's Sandwich Thins with ham and cheese (and a turtle pick for some fun), some pirate's booty, grape tomatoes (I did add a small container of ranch after the picture was taken), applesauce, and some cute little treats for dessert....mini twizzlers, two hershey squares, and rice krispie flowers (the stems are just green toothpicks).

Full week ahead...

2010-11-14T19:28:00.003-05:00

I'm beyond excited that we have a full week of school this week. Well, no, not really. But, it is the last full week of classes before Thanksgiving. That is certainly something to be excited about!! Also, this is the week my baby girl Cailyn is going to be ONE. Where did the time go?!?!? Friday (her birthday) can stay away for the time being....I'm not ready to have her turn one!

I took pictures of our three bentos for tomorrow. Enjoy.

Cailyn's lunch: Diced ham and cheese, diced blueberries, yogurt, peas, and a few animal crackers.

Hailey's lunch: Ham and cheese on honey wheat sandwich bread, mayo in the little container with a spoon for spreading, Pirate's Booty, blueberries, yogurt, and some marshmallows and raisins.

My lunch: Ham and cheese on the honey wheat sandwich bread, celery and carrot sticks with a container of blue cheese, Pirate's Booty, and a mini Snickers bar for dessert. Hey...I should help get rid of the Halloween candy, right?? ;-)

I forgot to post Hailey's Friday lunch. Often, I take the picture, and then get sidetracked, forgetting to update my blog. Here was Friday....

Cheddar cheese with a little pick, wheat thins, grape tomatoes with a container of ranch, applesauce (I stuck a little blue spoon in there also), whole wheat goldfish, and a little fish container of M&Ms.

And This Makes Three!

2010-11-09T19:00:00.002-05:00

I'm SO happy tomorrow is Wednesday. One day closer to Thursday, which we happen to have off from school. Therefore, no bento photos tomorrow...but, three days in a row? I haven't done that in a while (ever??). Here is Hailey's lunch for tomorrow.

A bagel with cream cheese and jelly (her new favorite?!?!), mini pretzel sticks, raisins, tomatoes with a container of ranch, and chocolate pudding with flower sprinkles.

Two days in a row....

2010-11-08T19:54:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm pretty impressed with myself. I actually am remembering to post bento photos two days in a row! Cailyn's lunch for tomorrow is nothing interesting (unless you take into account the amount of food!), so I have pictures of Hailey's lunch and my lunch.

Hailey: Cheese on a mini potato roll (with mayo in a small container, and a little fork for her to spead it on), some whole grain goldfish, grape tomatoes, strawberry cheesecake yogurt, Disney princess snacks, and two mini rice krispie treat hearts.

My lunch: Cheddar cheese, a mini potato roll, grape tomatoes, carrots and celery sticks (I have a little container of blue cheese also), and some chips with salsa.

Snow?!?

2010-11-07T20:57:00.002-05:00

I'm sure it won't hit my section of CT, but it is kind of exciting to think snow (even just a little bit) is on its way! I love getting all bundled up and going to work. Well, I like the getting dressed in warm clothes, but I sure would prefer to cuddle with my little ladies at home. :)

Here are lunches for tomorrow.

For Cailyn: A 1/2 of a cream cheese and grape jelly sandwich (cut into bite sized pieces) on whole wheat bread, peach yogurt, and baby peas.

For Hailey: The other half of the cream cheese/jelly sandwich (just in triangles....but, I noticed I left the crusts on. Oops. I'll see if she notices....), a Babybel cheese (with a little heart carved into the top), grape tomatoes and a container of ranch, a little bear filled with raisins, whole grain goldfish, and two marshmallows and a mini kit-kat for dessert.

I also found this photo of Hailey's Friday lunch....

Cheese and wheat thins, slices of kiwi (...that also ended up coming home. She told me to send them to Cailyn instead). Heart shaped cucumber, and some grape tomatoes with a container of ranch, mini preztels, and some marshmallows.

Midweek!!!!!

2010-11-03T19:28:00.001-04:00

Not much to say today - it's been a looooooong one!!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow:

Soynut butter and jelly on a potato roll (her request.....), grape tomatoes (and I'm just realizing I forgot ranch. Maybe I'll add some later!!), mini pretzels, raisins, strawberry yogurt, and some mini fudge stripe cookies.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:01:00.001-04:00

The girls had a ton of fun trick-or-treating in our neighborhood this evening. I don't know what we are going to do with all this candy!!! Actually, I'm sure Paul will know exactly what to do with it. ;-)

I didn't take a picture of Cailyn's bento for tomorrow, but here is Hailey's lunch.

A cheese sandwich (on a mini potato roll), heart shaped cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, a container of ranch, mini pretzels, mango, and a cupcake that Hailey designed. :)

A Rainbow of Color!

2010-10-27T21:22:00.001-04:00

What a warm week it has been so far! I don't think I mind the rain that has come along with it either. After last weekend in NH and VT, the warmth as been so nice! I decided I would send Hailey as many colors as I could tomorrow....did I succeed?

Hailey's lunch: grape tomatoes, a container of fresh pumpkin seeds (...that Paul made today), heart shaped mango with a little pick, crackers and a cheese stick (cut into circles), raspberry yogurt, and s'mores goldfish.

For Cailyn: Diced cheese stick, peas and carrots, raspberry yogurt, a couple of crackers, and some fresh mango.

Busy weekend...back to the grind tomorrow!

2010-10-24T20:15:00.001-04:00

Paul surprised us with a trip to New Hampshire this weekend. We went to Santa's Village, and then traveled to VT to eat ice cream and lots of cheese on Sunday!! Needless to say, we are all so sleepy...and I'm certainly NOT wanting to go to work tomorrow! Hailey's lunch is just okay, but I am tired, and haven't been to the grocery store. Hopefully Paul goes for me tomorrow (hint hint!).

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow is heart shaped ham and cheese sandwich (with a penguin pick for fun), grape tomatoes with a container of ranch, grapes, vanilla yogurt with heart sprinkles, animal crackers, and some candy corn.

Catching Up

2010-10-20T21:58:00.001-04:00

I have been good about making the bento lunches, and even good about taking pictures. However, then I forget to update my blog! So, here are my lovelies lunches for Tuesday, Wednesday, and tomorrow.

Hailey Tuesday: Peach Yogurt, grapes, a cheese stick (cut up with a penquin pick), crackers, grape tomatoes and a container of ranch, two shortbread cookies, and a little container of raisins.

Hailey Wednesday: Soynut butter and jelly squares, heart shaped cheese, grapes, peaches, animal crackers, and a container of raisins.

Cailyn Wednesday: Grilled cheese, cheddar baby goldfish, vanilla yogurt, and grapes

Hailey Thursday: A cheese sandwich "ghost" with raisin eyes, black olives and grape tomatoes, some blueberry yogurt, grapes, half an orange jack-o-lantern, and a few indian corn.

I'll be honest, I have NO idea what happened to my photos of Cailyn's lunches from Tuesday and tomorrow. So, I'll post one more from a week or so ago that, of course, I uploaded and forgot to post on here.

Mini flower sandwiches, goldfish, raspberries, cucumber flowers with ranch, some dried apple, a homemade chocolate chip cookie, and a strawberry-apple fruit twist.

Determined to get back into this!

2010-10-17T19:19:00.001-04:00

going to try my best to post 5 bento lunches this week - for both girls. Let's see if I can do it! :)

For Cailyn:

Diced chicken nuggets, cheese stick - cut into little pieces, grapes - again diced, and some vanilla yogurt. Hopefully that is a decent lunch for her!

For Hailey:

Ham and cheese roll up, a few crackers, grape tomatoes and a little container of ranch, grapes, "s'mores" goldfish, and vanilla yogurt with a few heart sprinkles.

A Couple of Bentos

2010-10-16T13:56:00.001-04:00

I know I've been extremely lazy about posting. I realized just this past week that I had a 1st birthday party to plan - and what didn't seem like a lot of time to plan it!! I said I would be "as good" about planing/organizing/doing things for Cailyn as I was for Hailey. Well, that is obviously not true (seeing as how my pregnancy scrapbook for C isn't even halfway done!). Anyways....I digress.

Even though I haven't posted lunches, I have certainly been continuing my project....most of the time. At least one of the girls received a bento lunch each day since I've last posted. Unfortunately, I forgot to post the pics, and deleted a number of them from my phone. Oops!!!

Here are two from the past week (both Hailey's lunches) that I DID manage to save.

In this bento, a grilled cheese sandwich (no crusts), baby carrots w/ranch, mini pretzels, homemade cinnamon applesauce, strawberries, and a few mini fudge cookies.

This bento contains a cheese stick (cut into pieces), some crackers, cucumbers with a container of ranch, raspberries, peach pudding, and cinnamon goldfish.

Hopefully I'll be 5 for 5 in posting next week!!! :)

Another Day, Another Bento

2010-10-06T20:36:00.000-04:00

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: mozzarella cheese hearts, Wheat Thins, grapes with a turtle pick, Cheez-Its, strawberry-banana licorice, and mixed berry yogurt

Putting the puzzle together

2010-10-05T19:41:00.000-04:00

I saw sandwich cutters that form pieces of a puzzle. I tried to recreate with Hailey's sandwich, though I don't really think the soynut butter and jelly on wheat cam out like a puzzle!! Ah well. Along side that is mini pretzels, strawberry and banana licorice, vanilla yogurt, strawberries, and mini cookies for dessert.

Yay for Fall!!!!

2010-10-03T19:49:00.000-04:00

Finally, fall is here! I loved wearing sweats all day and snuggling with my girls. I didn't love that the house temperature was 59 degress for most of the day, but I did a lot of cooking and baking which warmed things up nicely. Looks like cold rain for the beginning of the week. I don't know how I feel about that...but, at least the heat is gone!

I'm noticing tomorrow's lunch isn't very colorful. I'll really need to start being more creative. I find that I can't send Hailey with *too* much because she is too busy looking at everything and then rushes to eat. I need to brainstorm a bit....

Lunch for Hailey is heart shaped ham and cheese on wheat bread (little picks holding the sammies together), mini pretzels, grapes and strawberries, peach yogurt, and mini fudge cookies.

No "bento" for Cailyn tomorrow. She is having broccoli-cheddar soup, diced strawberries, yogurt, and baby goldfish.

Almost Friday!

2010-09-30T19:49:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure why, but I do not have a photo of Hailey's lunch tonight. Maybe I'm still tired from my alarm going off at 12am??? That, I can assure you, will NOT happen this evening.

I do have a picture of Cailyn's lunch for tomorrow. Her fabulous teachers have said that she is loving feeding herself, so I send a bunch of finger foods (and some vanilla yogurt). I hope Cailyn doesn't give them a hard time with her teachers feeding her off the spoon!! I know it is a matter of time before she will be able to do it all by herself. :)

Tomorrow's lunch for Cailyn: an open faced grilled cheese, diced strawberries, sweet potato puffs, and vanilla yogurt.

Summertime.....

2010-09-29T19:45:00.000-04:00

I know it isn't, but it sure felt like it today! I'm sick of the heat and ready for the changing leaves and cooler temps. It sure doesn't feel like the end of September!!!

Tomorrow's lunch is boring, but I'm sticking with my "project."

Wheat Thins, mozzarella cheese hearts, grape tomatoes, vanilla yogurt with heart sprinkles, grapes, and a small handful of fudge cookies.

2010-09-28T19:32:00.001-04:00

So I have officially taught 94 students how to play an instrument this week....and it is only Tuesday!!! I'm exhausted!!! Between the excited students, the squeaky sounds, and the constant chatter and laughter, I'm just about ready for bed at 7:30 tonight. I made an awesome broccoli-cheddar soup for dinner (that will probably be a part of Cailyn's bento on Thursday), and took time to make "cool lunches" for tomorrow.

Hailey's lunch: Ham and cheese roll-ups, mini pretzels, grape tomatoes, peach yogurt, strawberries and grapes, and two mini Lorna Doone cookies.

For Cailyn, some peach yogurt, diced strawberries, cheese, and baby goldfish.

Rain rain go away!

2010-09-27T21:38:00.000-04:00

What a week this will be if the rain keeps up. How exhausting! Cailyn has a cold or something again. After listening to her scream from the moment we got home until the minute she went to bed (6:08 to be exact!), I just needed some quiet mommy/Hailey time. Hailey helped me get together her lunch for tomorrow so we could "do something together without Cailyn's mouth" (HAHA!).

Lunch for Hailey: Half a Soynut Butter and Jelly (cut into rectangles), a Babybel cheese, grapes on some sea creature picks, Cheez-Its, grape tomatoes and baby carrots with a fishie container of ranch, and vnilla pudding with "Fairy Dust." No Bento for Cailyn tomorrow.....daddy is taking her to the doctor yet again. When will we have a healthy household??

Another weekend gone too quickly!!

2010-09-26T21:28:00.000-04:00

This was a busy and tiring weekend! I hope the week moves just as fast. I want to spend next weekend at home with my kiddos and not run around so much!!

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: Mini mozzerella cheese flowers, Wheat Thins, cucumber hearts (with a teddy bear container of ranch), strawberries and grapes (with a little fish pick), yogurt, and chocolate goldfish.

I bought some new mealtime items for Cailyn today - including this "sassy" container. Perfect for "some" of her lunch! ;-) Cailyn will have some mozzerella cheese, strawberries, applesauce and yogurt. I'll see how this container works out for tomorrow!!

Bouquet of Flowers

2010-09-23T21:20:00.000-04:00

Every day, I arrive at pre-school to find a flower Hailey has selected from the play-yard, just for me. Sometimes the flower is purple because "that's your favorite color." Often, it is some kind of weed. I know Hailey is taking the time to choose something special for me because she loves me. :) For tomorrow, I'm sending her some flowers too.

Hailey's lunch: mini flower grilled cheeses (open face) with a ham center and pretzel stems, a bed of raisins, fruit snacks, yogurt with mini flower sprinkles, grape tomatoes (halved) and black olives with a container of ranch. I even stuck in a little turtle pick just for fun.

The lunch really looked yummy in person. I need to take better pictures with my camera phone!!!

Halfway through the week!

2010-09-22T19:04:00.000-04:00

Things have been busy, busy, busy! I'm finally caught up at work, and we are now figuring out Halloween costumes for this year (already!). Looks like the leading contenders have gone from a horse (for the past 10.5 months) to Dorothy or a bubble bath!!! Calgon....take me away!

Lunch for Hailey: half a soynut butter and jelly sandwich (minus crusts) cut into squares, whole grain goldfish, heart shaped cheese, carrots, olives, and grape tomatoes with a container of ranch, and chocolate pudding with flower sprinkles. I should have made this lunch for myself as well!!

2010-09-21T19:25:00.000-04:00

I don't even have any words today. I'm tired, cranky, and wish it were Friday. The weather was gorgeous today though....definite plus.

Tomorrow's lunch is a ham and cheese roll up (sliced in half), grape tomatoes and a container of ranch, peaches, cherry yogurt, and a Zebra cake (sliced in halves).

Gingerbread Daddy

2010-09-20T20:22:00.000-04:00

Hailey was sad because she coulnd't see Paul tonight or tomorrow morning due to his work schedule. I told her I'd make daddy in her lunch for tomorrow so she wouldn't be sad anymore. I know this "daddy" looks nothing like Paul, but I know it will make Hailey smile tomorrow afternoon. :)

I know the photo quality is really poor. I really need to find a better way to photograph these lunches!!!

Tomorrow's lunch is a "daddy" sandwich (an open face ham and cheese sammy) with a raisin face and buttons, Wheat Thin Stix, mixed berry yogurt, half an apple with a star cutout (I put lemon jiuce on to keep the paple from browning), a container of raisins, and chocolate goldfish.

Monday Bentos

2010-09-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

This weekend was spent playing "catch up." Catching up on housework, laundry, spending time with my girls (and husband for that matter!), and sleep! Cailyn caught a nasty cold earlier in the week, and sent it right over to me. I'm hoping tonight will be relaxing and I'll turn in early. As it is - Cailyn was in bed by 6:45 tonight, and Hailey by 7! :)

Tomorrow, Hailey will have string cheese, wheat thins, a container of raisins, and half an orange (already started to peel it for her), raspberry yogurt, grape tomatoes and baby carrots with a container of ranch.

Some people have been asking if I create a bento for myself also. Here is my lunch for tomorrow: pepper jack cheese and wheat thin stix (the fire roasted tomato are yummy!!), a container of peaches, baby carrots and celery with some blue cheese, and mini fudge cookies for dessert.

Paul made lunch for the girls while I was shopping today. I came home to find his version of a bento lunch (he was very proud of himself!!): A sandwich cut into four triangles with pretzel sticks sticking out of the shapes. At least he made lunch, right??

Friday's Lunch

2010-09-17T20:50:00.000-04:00

I didn't get a chance to post this on Thursday night because I went to see Lady Gaga at the XL Center. AMAZING show!!!!

Also, on Paul made lunches for the girls on Wednesday night. No pics for those lunches!

Here was Hailey's lunch from today.

Ham and cheese roll-up, wheat thins, grape tomatoes, pretzel sticks, a container of raisins, half an orange, and blackberry-pomegranate yogurt.

Beautiful Fall Weather!

2010-09-14T21:04:00.000-04:00

No, that title has nothing to do with my Bento for today, but it still needed to be said! :)

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow:

Mini ham and cheese heart sandwiches, pretzel sticks, grapes, apple sauce, grape tomatoes and olives with a container of ranch, and two little chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Tomorrow is "Open House" at work - Paul is going to be making lunches!!! I'm not sure if they will be bento-style, but if they are, I will be sure to post!!!

Just Another Manic Monday!

2010-09-13T19:44:00.000-04:00

Back to work - I think the girls are getting colds, I'm tired....two Open Houses this week, and a concert. Is it Friday yet???

Hailey's lunch for tomorrow: heart shaped cheese minis, Wheat Thins, garden grape tomatoes, a container of raisins, French vanilla pudding with pixie dust (some red sprinkles), diced peaches, and some mini fudge stripe cookies.

Long week ahead!

2010-09-12T19:22:00.000-04:00

I already don't know how I'm going to handle our 1st five day work week - with two open houses and a concert thrown in there? I'm sure we will ALL be exhausted in this house by the time Friday rolls around!!

Here is Hailey's lunch for tomorrow:

Ham and cheese "sushi", pretzel sticks, grapes, strawberry-banana yogurt with butterfly sprinkles, grape tomatoes, olives, and carrots with a small container of ranch dressing, and a chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

Flower Power

2010-09-09T19:42:00.000-04:00

Hailey asked for something with flowers in tomorrow's lunch. Here is what I came up with...

She has flowers (wheat bread, american cheese, and ham centers) with carrot stems and broccoli leaves, half an apple (I used lemon juice to prevent browning) sliced and ready to eat, strawberry-banana yogurt, 2 cookies, and grape tomatoes.

I have to say, the grape tomatoes are DELISH, and fresh out of the garden of one of my sweet neighbors. Hailey actually said she didn't want ranch with these tomatoes - they "are too yummy all alone." Haha!

I did want to include Cailyn's lunch for tomorrow. It is NOT artistic in any way, shape, or form. However, some people have been asking what I send for her each day.

On the left is and apple-banana combo, and she will have that with a blueberry muffin (or two!) for breakfast. On the right is her lunch. She has carrots, a Take n' Toss bowl of applesauce, and on the bottom, is a Corningware dish filled with homemade Mac N' Cheese from tonight's dinner. Most likely this will not be enough for her, so she will also have snacks of Cheerios ad/or goldfish in addition to her 2 bottles. I cannot believe she is only 17 lbs!!!!! I don't know where she puts it all!!

Another Day Off

2010-09-09T13:26:00.000-04:00

So we are off from school yet again. This time, for Rosh Hashanah. When will we actually have a full week of school???

Today's lunch for Hailey was two heart-shaped mini grilled cheese sandwiches, red grapes, blueberry yogurt, broccoli with a small container of ranch dressing, and one of my homemade chocolate chip cookies.

I'll post again tonight with lunch for tomorrow!

Too Tired Today!

2010-09-07T19:21:00.000-04:00

So I think this first day (again!) of school really took a toll on the girls....and me! Cailyn was asleep by 6:15 (and it was a struggle to keep her awake that long!), and Hailey was asleep by 6:45. I'm thinking my bedtime will be within the hour!!

I was just too tired to think tonight when it came to making lunches. For tomorrow, Hailey has mini soy-nut butter and jelly sandwiches (that didn't really take to the flower shape), a cheese stick cut into little circles, olives and grape tomatoes with a fishie container of ranch, diced peaches, and a homemade chocolate chip cookie.

I should start posting what Cailyn's lunch looks like. Not because it necessarily looks interesting in the artistic sense, but because of the sheer amount this teeny person consumes during her day at school. It boggles my mind, and makes Hailey's lunch look like a snack!

Back to School.....Again

2010-09-06T19:43:00.000-04:00

After an unexpected extention to summer vacation, we are finally going back to work/school tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it, and so is Hailey. She can't wait to see her teachers and friends, play outside, and do homework (her words - not mine!). And, no, she does NOT get homework at pre-school!

For tomorrow, Hailey will have ham and cheese "skewers", cheez-its, grapes (she cannot eat enough red grapes lately!!!!), strawberry-banana yogurt, and grape tomatoes and baby carrots with a little container of ranch dressing.

Hope you all had a great (and relaxing!) Labor Day weekend!!

Waiting for Earl....

2010-09-03T12:10:00.000-04:00

Well, yesterday's "bugs on a log" bento = FAIL. Hailey decided that she no longer likes celery. Instead, she ate the yogurt raisins and licked the peanut butter right off the celery sticks. Ah well, at least I'm honest, right?

A woman on one of my message boards asked me to try to think of a "less girly" bento. So in preparation for the rain coming in later today, I figured I'd do a "water themed" bento....that hopefully boys would love, too. :)

Today, Hailey will have a peanut butter and jelly "sailboat" with a carrot mast. The boat is surrounded by goldfish crackers and two "octopus" string cheese halves. There are black olives, grape tomato halves, and baby carrots with a green fish container of ranch, applesauce, and (in the blue cup) Nemo fruit snacks with a blue fish pick.

I have a feeling she will get a kick out of this one! :)

Bento from Home

2010-09-02T12:07:00.001-04:00

Well, the girls and I remain home while the water damage is being cleaned up at my school. We took advantage of lunch at "Mimi's House" yesterday, but I'm back to making Hailey's "cool lunch" again today.

Today's lunch is "bugs on a log" (celery and peanut butter topped with yogurt raisins), flower shaped cheese, mandarin oranges, and vanilla pudding with flower sprinkles.

More tomorrow!!! :)

First Day of School Bento

2010-09-01T15:45:00.003-04:00

So here it is: my first blog entry. I've decided to begin to document the beginning of my Bento making. I started trying experimenting with Bentos a bit this summer so Hailey would eat more of a variety during lunch. She now asks for "cool lunches" each day, and gobbles them right up. Boring? Maybe to some. A waste of time? I've gotten that also. However, Hailey LOVES them. Let's face it. If I'm putting a big smile on my little girl's face as she eats her lunch during her day at pre-school, then this little "experiment" is totally worth it.

This summer, I bought food containers and lunch bags from Easy Lunch Boxes. So convenient, easy to pack, and big enough without being too bulky for my 3 year old.

I'll have to take some better pictures (the first two are taken with my cell phone), and of course will have to update on a regular basis, but here is Hailey's 1st Bento of the school year.

Hailey's lunch: turkey, and cheese on wheat bread (cut into heart shapes), baby carrots with a container of ranch dressing, strawberries and grapes, vanilla yogurt, and a few animal crackers for dessert.

Day #2

Hailey's Bento today is mozzerella cheese in mini heart shapes with wheat crackers, grapes, applesauce, grape tomatoes and baby carrots with a container of ranch dressing, and two mini chocolate chip cookies.

The rest of the week I'll be on a bit of a hiatus! Pipe leak at work = no school until after Labor Day!!