Shmoo picked and packed his own lunch again today. My little boy is growing up! He even went with me to the store and hand-picked the Brussels sprouts, so today this was all him.First, he fried some Smart Bacon and made a BL without the T (he still doesn't care much for fresh tomatoes, but lettuce is now okay). We packed it in a Lunch Skin from 3greenmoms. These washable bags are made to take the place of disposable bags in the lunch box. Shmoo complained that the pattern was "too girly", but it's the only one they sell right now.
Next, I helped him cook some Brussels sprouts and pack them in a little Gel-Cool Bento Box. (Brussels sprouts are still his favorite vegetable.)
Finally, although he thought that was enough, I insisted on some fresh fruit, so he added two darlin' clementines for dessert.
Here's the Lunch Skin folded up and ready to go. Look, it even has a place to write your name -- handy when you have a kind who tends to misplace things at school.Verdict: He ate it all up and (what a relief!) remembered to bring the bag home. The bag was easy to turn inside-out and wash; now it's hanging on my plastic bag drier, waiting to be used again. 4 stars.
That's a really cool idea for a sandwich bag! I'll have to check out the link.
ReplyDeleteI bought some sandwich bags from The Rick Rack Queen on Etsy recently. She'll let you choose your own fabrics; some of them are not girly at all.
ReplyDeleteWhat is this plastic bag drier you speak of? I feel like it's something I should own. Did you buy it or make it? :-) I'm thinking I could make something that would do the trick, but if it's an actual product that someone sells, I'm curious to see the design.
ReplyDeleteI don't like fruit either =)
ReplyDelete>>What is this plastic bag drier you speak of?
ReplyDeleteIt's this:
http://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Countertop-Bag-Dryer/dp/B0009L8DG8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1231897119&sr=8-2
They call it a "countertop" dryer, but I took the wooden base of mine and hung it up next to my sink.
>>I don't like fruit either =)
ReplyDeleteOh, no, he *loves* fruit, he just thought he would be full with just the sandwich and sprouts. (It's hard to imagine being hungry when you've just had breakfast!)
Rozmin -- a jar with some chopsticks or wooden spoons stuck in it works fine. Or your utensils drying in your dish drainer. No need to buy or make something unless you really want to.
ReplyDeleteAwww does he make his own lunch when he goes to the group of homeschool kids to meet up every week? It's really adorable... I remember when he would dip his brussels in the lunch box fondue, I even like doing that! What type of material are the lunch skins and do you think they'll last long? Thanks! =)
ReplyDeleteI've often thought about the lunch skins and similar products. Do you or Shmoo find that they dry the sandwich out?
ReplyDeleteOh your kid is so great....loving brussels sprouts...he rules!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I didn't like Brussels sprouts when I was a kid--and my vegan dog loves them too!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I would give to like Brussel sprouts. I can't find a way to eat them. However, I'll eat anything else green. As a matter of fact, my son ate asparagus for breakfast this morning. He had to have them.
ReplyDeletehttp://omnidudemeandthebean.wordpress.com
Hi Jennifershmoo!
ReplyDelete(long time reader, first time commentor ;-)
I just wanted to say congrats on being a great mom. By setting such a wonderful example for you son, he's able to pick a healthy and diverse lunch all on his own. I remember when I reached this point as a kid, and I still remind my dad of the wonderful lunches he used to pack and how healthy they were (I still love celery filled with peanut butter. And I still lick out the the pb first, and then eat the celery!)
Anyway, I'm still a couple of years away from have kids of my own, but it's really nice and inspirational to see your success!
xo
Carolyn
What if you gave him some fabric markers to decorate it? Or overdyed it with onion skins?
ReplyDeleteAlso a first time commenter- for brussel sprouts: what I do is slice them in half, drizzle them with good olive oil, sprinkle with a little sea salt and fresh ground pepper, and roast them in the oven until the edges just barely get crispy (some may prefer them not crispy). We then eat them as snacks or main dishes... but hey, can't complain about living in a house where the biggest morning complaint is often, "Honey, where did those dang brussel sprouts go? did you eat them in the middle of the night AGAIN!?"
ReplyDeleteB
>>What type of material are the lunch skins and do you think they'll last long?
ReplyDeleteThe website says they are "made from a cotton fabric that is coated with a food-safe, moisture-proof liner. This unique high-quality fabric is manufactured in Germany by a family-owned business and has been used for many years in bakeries and restaurants."
I like that the fabric is made in Germany, not China. And yes, I think they seem very durable. Only time will tell...
>>Do you or Shmoo find that they dry the sandwich out?
No, not at all. The sandwich stayed very fresh, he says.
>>I bought some sandwich bags from The Rick Rack Queen on Etsy recently.
ReplyDeleteOooh, those are adorable! I love the fabrics. I think I like the design of the Lunch Skins better, though -- they have a fold-over top, so I think they're more well-sealed.
And the makers of Lunch Skins contacted me -- they're working on patterns for boys!
yeah, the lunch skins are cool! what a great idea.
ReplyDeletealso, I think I've been reading your blog since just about the very beginning... and it's so cool to see that Shmoo is turning into such a big kid - making his own lunch, and picking such healthy options (especially that last post... but this ones not so bad either!). It's great to see that kids really can have healthy and adventurous eating habits.
very cool!
(long time reader, etc)
ReplyDeleteOn the brussels sprouts note, in some larger supermarkets (I live in the midwest) you can get dill-pickle brussels sprouts which are delish. They're like regular dill pickles, of course, just extra crunchy. They're in the aisle right next to pickles and pickled cauliflower and all that.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteFirst time on your blog, love it!
You should check out http://www.thetickletrunk.com
they carry all kinds of great stainless steel products, at wonderful prices.
Dill-pickle brussel sprouts, yum!
Hey those smart bacon sandwich look yummi, I love eating breakfast and always try new breakfast food recipes. it's a really cool idea for a sandwich bag! i think i will be do it for my kids breakfast. thank you for shearing your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Rumela
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