Creative Lunch Packing
Last year I asked my friend Kelly (mom of 4 in photo to the right) to take photos of her packed lunches so we could all see her creative lunch packing! Here is what she had to say to go along with her pictures:This is actually an art form in Japan called “Bento” but I’m not that creative so I just call it “Creative Lunch Packing”. I started doing this last Fall when we began eliminating High Fructose Corn Syrup from our diet and I needed some ideas for my kids lunches. Since pretty much all prepackaged foods contain corn syrup I wanted something that could compete with the lure of Little Debbie’s but be a bit healthier. I was also trying to eliminate the amount of plastic and waste that comes from the prepackaged food. 
I found silicone muffin liners and use them as dividers in reusable containers. I have found lots of fun little containers at the Dollar Store and the Target Dollar Spot. Typically, I make a sandwich and then cut it into a shape with a large cookie cutter, like a pumpkin or maple leaf for Fall. They usually take fruit or veggies and dip, this one is made with peanut butter and maple syrup. I make little fruit skewers with berries, grapes, melon, or kiwi on toothpicks and you can use small cookie cutters for cucumbers or cheese slices.Yogurt covered raisins and natural applesauce with sprinkles are popular too. 
About once a week I send along a special little note about something they have been doing good or just about how much I love them. Recently I was cleaning out my daughter’s closet and found ALL the notes I had sent in her lunch last year so I know they treasure those. They also tell me how the other kids at school talk about their lunch and how fun it is. It does take some extra time and planning but it is worth the smile on their faces!
-written by Kelly
I found silicone muffin liners and use them as dividers in reusable containers. I have found lots of fun little containers at the Dollar Store and the Target Dollar Spot. Typically, I make a sandwich and then cut it into a shape with a large cookie cutter, like a pumpkin or maple leaf for Fall. They usually take fruit or veggies and dip, this one is made with peanut butter and maple syrup. I make little fruit skewers with berries, grapes, melon, or kiwi on toothpicks and you can use small cookie cutters for cucumbers or cheese slices.Yogurt covered raisins and natural applesauce with sprinkles are popular too. About once a week I send along a special little note about something they have been doing good or just about how much I love them. Recently I was cleaning out my daughter’s closet and found ALL the notes I had sent in her lunch last year so I know they treasure those. They also tell me how the other kids at school talk about their lunch and how fun it is. It does take some extra time and planning but it is worth the smile on their faces!-written by Kelly
Maybe this will give you a few ideas of fun things you can do special for your children! My kids LOVE it when I use a cookie cutter for their sandwiches or cut small shapes in their slices of cheese – I haven’t tried to cut my cucumbers in shapes yet – but this post is inspiring me! It’s hard to find the time to do this daily – but it’s fun every now and then to spice things up a little!
Walk with the King!
Courtney
Makes vegies yummy enough to eat with a smile on your face!
I started packing bento-style lunches for my kidlet who started Kindergarten this year. I really enjoy it a lot, and so does he. Lots of inspiration over at flickr.
Beginner Bento
and Kid Eats
If you google bento you'll find a lot of ideas! If you don't know… bento is a Japanese tradition of packing luches for your children and spouses. It is a way to show your love for them. I live in Japan and have seen some super cute ones!
Great post, Courtney! I have such a hard time coming up with variety for my kids' lunches. Fun and healthy is a tall order. I actually feel inspired by this! ;0)
Great post! What a creative Mom….my kids stay home for schooling but on the days I work outside the home, I'd love a bento-style lunch 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
Those are great ideas for all those mommies packing lunches. I am not there… yet. Thanks for sharing with everyone! Happy TMTT.
Those are some great ideas!
Great ideas that I need to share with my parents on my school blog. I may link your blog to that if you don't mind. Come join me for Crock Pot Wednesday at diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com and share your favorite slow cooker recipes and tips. Thanks.
I love the cutouts! Great idea!!!
Jes
http://findingtrueserenity.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/homemade-pineapple-zucchini-bread/
I wanted to tell you a absolutely love your blog. You are the kind of person I strive to be.
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I love that this mom is taking notice of the ingredients labels on food packaging. Along with High Fructose Corn Syrup here's a list of the top 12 food additives to remove from your diet for optimal health (and why you should remove them):
http://www.healthnews.com/nutrition-diet/healthnews-dozen-top-12-food-additives-remove-from-your-diet-3374.html
Thanks for the link Tammy!
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