Bentobloggy

Coconut-Lavender Wipes Solution

2013-05-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

So, I don't know if I mentioned it, but I'm cloth diapering my newest little lady. I'm loving it. Weird, considering normal people want to have as little to do with changing baby diapers as possible. But I totally love my babe's fluffy bottom, and diaper laundry is my favourite. I find stuffing diapers very zen.

Anyway, I also use cloth wipes which are way, way better than disposable wipes, size-wise and also in sheer clean-ability. I wanted to use a cleansing solution that would be healthy for her skin and smell delicious when in the wipes warmer. I came up with this coconut-lavender concoction and have been using it for the last few months with great results. ZERO diaper rash so far, and the coconut oil really moisturizes. (You could also use this solution to make your own disposable wipes with Viva paper towels!)

I have a pretty glass bottle that I mix and store it in, and each batch is enough for three one-cup portions (each portion is enough for 12 or so single-ply wipes). You could also use a large mason jar.

You'll need:

2 tbs unrefined organic coconut oil, melted

15 drops lavender essential oil (I've also used other EOs, including Medieval Mix which apparently wards off The Plague...)

1 drop GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract for anti-yeast properties!)

squirt of Burt's Bees baby wash

3 cups distilled water

Mix all ingredients together in your container.

Shake well and pour on and around wipes in warmer (I just eyeball it.) I'm OCD and inter-fold all my wipes in quantities of 12 so that they will pop-up from the warmer like 'sposie wipes.

The coconut oil does solidify on top of the solution after several hours if the ambient temperature is below 75 degrees. I have a Scentsy full-sized warmer that I mainly use as a nightlight, but does double duty for the wipes solution! I just set it on top of the warmer bowl for a few hours and it melts it again. Voila!

Oh, one more thing - I was using one of those anti-microbial pillows that are supposed to keep the wipes in the warmer fresh, but I still had a problem with the wipes getting musty really fast. Baby bottoms should not smell like mildew. I finally discovered that it was the pillow itself that was causing the mustiness. (Really?!) I chucked it and my wipes have been fresh as a daisy ever since!

Coco-Crack (aka Coconut Bark)

2013-05-07T17:33:00.001-04:00

These yummy bites look and taste just like chocolate candies! They are high in good fat, low carb and low sugar alternative. They are so good! I'll have to add pictures later, I'm mobile and they are at home.

1 cup unrefined coconut oil

4 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbs milk powder

1 scoop whey protein powder (opt)

1 tbs heavy whipping cream

1 tbs vanilla (unsweetened)

1-2 tbs stevia or xylitol (or reg sugar)

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 cup your favorite nuts or unsweetened coconut (opt)

Flat baking sheet or silicone molds

Wax paper

Get your silicone molds or cookie sheet ready...you can use cupcake liners in a cupcake pan...a plain cookie sheet or baking dish...or even ice cube trays. If you use a large flat surface, line it with waxed paper.

Make sure the coconut oil is warm enough to be liquid, (do not heat in the microwave - try putting the jar in warm water) then mix in the dry ingredients with a mixer.

Add the liquids last and mix until it is well blended.

Taste your mixture for sweetness, add sweetener a little at a time.

Add your nuts by hand to the molds if using and pour liquid mixture into your molds. Or pour onto waxed paper lined baking sheet.

Place in freezer for at least one hour and - VOILA! You have just made coco-crack.

Keep refrigerated. For variety try layering with fresh peanut butter in the middle.

Happy Pi{e} Day!

2013-03-14T23:00:00.000-04:00

Squeaking in juuuust under the wire for 3.14 - Pi{e} Day! I have been trying to get this post together all day, but a little certain someone has been especially clingy. Today I have Piggy Pies! They are chicken jalapeno popper pies! They are super delish. In the ones above I used a CuteZcute deco cutter from AllThingsForSale.

I don't have measurements, but it's cubed cooked chicken breast, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapenos, green onions, bacon and cream cheese. I made them in my awesome new mini pie maker!

Momocon 2013

2013-03-11T17:34:00.000-04:00

I punctuated my coming-out-of-hibernation with a big BANG! Momocon 2013! "Momo" is Japanese for "peach" signifying The Peach State of Georgia. Several months ago, Jessica the director of the Momocon family events planning asked me if I would be interested in hosting a panel and and workshop. Would I? Of course! So, I invited three of my bento-bloggery friends and we led a panel discussion on American-style bento on Friday evening, and then a make-your-own bento on Saturday morning. SOO much fun! We also had a TON of help from my wonderful husband Ian on both days. He actually moderated the panel on Friday night and kept everything going!

Left to right: Beth from A Boy and His Lunch, Kandice from We Aren't Scared of Sugar, yours truly, and Erin from Feeling A Little Lunchy

During the panel, we had about 300 people come through!

After the panel discussion we let con-goers come up to the stage and check out our loot! On the left side of the picture is someone checking out my Cooking With Trader Joe's: EasyLunchboxes book!

We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant after our panel was over.

Morning of the workshop. I wore baby Clara in my Beco Gemini carrier the entire time (and she slept right through!)

Ian and a unicorn staffer helping to prep food for the workshop. Isn't everything better with a unicorn?

The line for the workshop was out the door and around the corner! We only had seats for 120, and it ended up being standing room only!

My Angry Birds in an EasyLunchbox. I made three before I got up and started walking around the room to see how everyone was getting on.

Our awesome workshoppers!

Introducing Our Newest Member

2013-03-08T12:45:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends! I've gotten so many inquiries about my whereabouts the last couple of months - I'm here! I'm alive and well and adjusting to life as a family of four - our daughter Clara was born on January 7th, 2013!

Now I'm going to be a huge sap and post some pictures of my gorgeous girls (and one of a disheveled me after my 24 hour labor and 100% med-free birth!) These first two were taken by my friend Alisha at AGR Photography - she's amazing!

So there she is! We've just been taking the time to get to know each other. =)

Bento #273 - Breakfast for Lunch

2012-11-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

Ella asked for scrambled eggs for lunch, and I obliged her with a full breakfast accompaniment. Thick center cut applewood smoked bacon, mini organic blueberry waffles, and organic berries, when thawed can be eaten syrup-like with the waffles.

However, what I'm most excited about is the new lunchbag I found on Amazon. Ella's super-cute owl backpack started falling apart, which forced me into a search for a new one. The one I purchased by Wildkin had a matching top-carry style insulated lunchbox (which is essential for bento) and I was THRILLED when it arrived and I discovered it fit perfectly accommodated my beloved EasyLunchBoxes. Check it out.

The top is nice and roomy too.

We have used this bag almost exclusively since we got it!

Bento #273 - Scrambled eggs with cheese, applewood smoked bacon, organic blueberry waffles and organic berry mix.

Bento #272 - Cucumber Dill Finger Sandwiches

2012-11-13T16:59:00.001-05:00

Am I the only one who just LOVES cucumber sandwiches? I have been craving them a lot lately. I made this one for Ella with a mix of cream cheese, mayo, dill and cracked pepper.

Isn't this Yubo lunch box completely adorable? This is the custom one that I won from Cristi at Bent On Better Lunches!

Bento #272 - Organic cucumber, cream cheese & dill on whole wheat, Goldfish crackers and organic pear.

Psst...I'm so excited to be Food Blog of the Day over at Foodista for my Zuppa Toscana recipe!!

Support for Sandy Victims

2012-11-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

JennCuisine.com has encouraged food bloggers to post a comfort food recipe, and promote awareness and help for victims of Superstorm Sandy. She says, "Food brings people together in good times and bad, and food can bring us together this time, to help those in need. We decided to create this event to bring the food blogging community together, so that we can join hands, and meals, and support for the victims of Sandy."

My chosen comfort dish is Zuppa Toscana (which I happened to make just Monday evening!) Definitely comfort food.

Please donate to help those in need. Who to donate to? Several organizations are dedicating themselves to helping the victims of hurricane Sandy. Some of the larger ones include:

Red Cross is providing food, shelter, and other forms of support to hurricane victims. You can donate directly to the Red Cross, you can also text the word “Redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Salvation Army is also focused on providing food, shelter, and support to victims, and takes donations to storm relief.
Feeding America is providing food, water and supplies to those who need it as part of their disaster relief program.

Bento #271 - Forgotten Lunch Non-Bento

2012-10-25T11:41:00.000-04:00

Do you want to know what to do when your child forgets their lunch, lovingly prepared by you, when you can't get home and go get it?

This morning, I wanted to know too! The moment before the carpool attendant opened my daughter's door, I heard a forlorn, "Mommy, where's my lunchbox?" With quick promises to bring her lunch and not to worry, I headed to the closest grocery store that was open at 7am. Walmart. You see, it's not really practical for me to go all the way home, since it's an hour round trip with morning traffic and carpool lines. Plus, I'm pregnant and exhausted. So, Walmart.

The other day I posted a homemade version of a "Lunchable". Today I was SO tempted to grab an actual Lunchable and call it a day. But...I couldn't do it. Could not. I stood in the aisle for about 10 minutes looking over what pre-made lunches exist today. Plastic bread, meat loaded with nitrates, preservatives, HFCS. tons of sodium and everything else artificial. Even the so-called "healthy" brand option "Active Pack" had added corn syrup and lots of preservatives.

I seriously considered grabbing a pre-made salad bowl, but they all had cubed meat in it which is basically the same as Lunchable meat. I don't trust it. That meant it was up to me to piece-meal it. Literally.

So, here's what I ended up with.

Produce aisle: Snack Fresh fruit/veggie pack. Includes sliced apples, cubes of cheddar cheese, carrots and a pack of crackers. - $1.98

Deli aisle: Double pack of hard boiled eggs. - $.98

Dairy aisle: Activia strawberry yogurt smoothie drink. - $.88

Total cost: $3.84

Interestingly enough, this is just a little less than hot school lunch costs at E's school. We attend a public charter school, but we don't get the same government subsidies as other public schools, so all food is ordered in advance and costs $4 per DAY. And unfortunately, it's not all that great for the price.

This is also the first time in probably two years I've purchased paper lunch bags! We ran out a few weeks ago when I packed the last disposable field trip lunch, so I did actually need a new package.

So there you have it. This was a much better collection of foods for lunch than grabbing one of those pre-made lunches. Though convenient, they will do your body no favors! And now that I know exactly what to buy and where to get these lunch components, I'll be in and out in 5 minutes, instead of reading labels for 45 minutes!

[non] Bento #271 - Apples, cheese, carrots, crackers, hard boiled eggs and strawberry yogurt smoothie.

Bento #270 - Croissant & Meatballs

2012-10-23T10:51:00.000-04:00

This is a really quick and easy lunch. I included half a buttery, flaky croissant and steamed a few Kirkland (Costco) brand Italian meatballs.

Ella LOVES these golden tomatoes! They are very sweet.

We have a ton of apples on hand since we went apple picking in North Georgia last weekend!

Bento #270 - Italian meatballs, croissant, golden grape tomatoes, and apple slices.

Bento #269 - Piggy "Lunchable"

2012-10-22T11:09:00.000-04:00

First of all, have you noticed my FABULOUS new blog design?! Shalon Estrada over at Pretty Lovely Design just completed it for me, and I'm super excited to show it to you all.

So today's lunch is in a Planetbox, and I've done it in the style of a Lunchable, but way lower in sodium and all that stuff, and no throwaway waste!

Here we have some Columbus roasted turkey with a piggie sauce container full of dip for the veggies.

The crackers are melba toasts, a couple of mini crispy oatmeal raisin cookies from Trader Joe's.

A couple slices of cheddar cheese cut into a piggie face using a Cutezcute cutter and a bunch of fresh broccoli, and organic green and red seedless grapes.

Bento #269 - Roasted turkey, cheddar cheese, broccoli florets, dip, melba toast, grapes and oatmeal raisin cookies.

World Health Day and Cookbook

2012-10-16T12:30:00.000-04:00

Today is World Health Day, and Future Fortified has published a The Right Start Cookbook, which has some great recipe ideas. Here are 24 healthy recipe ideas for the kids, including one from yours truly as well as from some of my BBF friends! Check it out, it's a free download!

"Future Fortified is a public awareness campaign of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). We enable individuals, businesses, and organizations to help millions of women and children around the world access to the essential nutrients they need to lead healthy, enriched lives."

Magical Post Partum Pads (Warning: Girly Stuff!)

2012-10-15T12:57:00.000-04:00

If you are a male, you may want to look away - girly stuff ahead!

These "Magical Post Partum Pads" help reduce swelling and ease discomfort after you have your baby.  

You'll need the following:

Overnight maxi pad of your choice with wings (with wrapper attached and sticky tab closure, I like Always brand:http://amzn.to/SRoJmm )
Witch hazel (pharmacy dept) AND lavender essential oil (not perfume, health food store)
OR buy Thayer's brand witch hazel which offers a variety of natural scents like Lavender, Rose, Peach, etc. (Whole Foods, health food store or Amazon: http://amzn.to/T91bsK )
Aloe vera gelly (health food store or Amazon: http://amzn.to/Xc9qnO )
Scissors

Directions: 

Set out supplies. If using plain witch hazel and essential oil, add a few drops of oil to the bottle of witch hazel
Unwrap pad, but do not detach from adhesive paper (do not discard wrapper)
If the wings are held together with one piece of paper, cut straight up the middle with scissors so they are separated, but still covered with the paper (don't cut through the wings)
On each pad, squirt about 1 tablespoon of witch hazel from end to end
Squirt a 3" line of aloe vera gelly in the middle of each pad
Fold each end of the pad over, leaving the cut wings OUT so that they don't touch the gelly
Secure each pad back in it's original wrapper with sticky tab and store in freezer until ready to use as needed.

Notes: One 12oz bottle of Thayers witch hazel was enough for me to make 60 pads exactly.  One 12 oz bottle of aloe vera gelly is enough for all, with at least 1/4 bottle left over.

Even though I had a C/S, I found these especially soothing in the first few days home from the hospital when I had my first after a failed vaginal delivery and I was very swollen.  The cold feels amazing!  Though I didn't come up with the original recipe, I made a several tweaks to it, as seen here.  I've made these for my friends for years.  Hope you ladies try them!

Directions in pictures:

"Mommy Milk"

2012-10-11T09:08:00.000-04:00

*sigh* Pregnancy makes me so sappy! While I was writing my stained glass window post last night, hubby and I spent a bunch of time tripping down memory lane on my private blog that I started when I was pregnant 7 years ago with Ella. I stumbled across this short post about when Ella decided on her own that she was finished with "Mommy Milk." I'm so glad we got the opportunity for her to wean from the breast on her own timetable, and so serenely. It was just such a natural transition for both of us. No regrets.

November 23, 2008

I credit a lot of her current great eating habits to our extended breastfeeding. Ella still looks back fondly on our nursing relationship. I know she probably won't remember any of this, sooner than soon, so I cherish when she puts those sweet thoughts into words. And in her own words, "Mommy Milk is good for babies. And little girls too."

I can't believe I get to do this all over again with brand-new baby girl in just a couple of short months!

Since this is October, national Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are a couple of links to articles that show evidence that breastfeeding can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.

Breast-Feeding Linked to Lower Cancer Risk

Breastfeeding Helps Prevent Breast Cancer, Lowers Your Risk

Stained Glass Project Flashback

2012-10-10T23:30:00.000-04:00

This is almost as far off-topic as this blog can get, but I was reminiscing about our stained glass project we undertook a few years ago when I was taking some 27 week belly pictures today in our bathroom. I'm still so proud of the glass that I take guests in to take a gander! So, I'm going to pretend you're my guests, and show you our master bathroom glass.

This project was two years in the planning. It hangs in our master bath picture window. It was a collaboration between my husband, (design) my mother-in-law K and my sister-in-law C (and I helped a bit, by doing the running around, and mostly being bossy, as I tend to be, and not in the least bit crafty.) I did actually do some of the cutting and grinding, coppering, and helping to place the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle, so anything that's wrong with it is generally my fault (haha.)

We ran into so many problems with the blue glass. Originally I had bought two full sheets, but we quickly figured out that that was only going to be enough for half the window, which measures 5' by 4'. We went back to Armstrong Glass for more, but they didn't have any more of that exact glass due to the production being moved to China. They had old sheets of glass, but they didn't totally match up, and it was extremely brittle and very hard to cut. We ruined so many pieces. Eventually we had to go back and buy smaller sheets for individual pieces because they just didn't look right color and pattern-wise.

When we finally were ready to install it, it didn't quite fit. So that required K to have to take it down on the floor of the bathroom and take the outer rails off and try to cut it down. She didn't have all the tools right then and there, so we were forced to put it back up for safety. I had about 12 inches of space between the glass window on the floor and the closed door/wall behind me. As we were getting ready to maneouver the window back into a safe place, I lost my balance and put my heel through the bottom! And as I was trying to get my balance back, I stepped onto it again, breaking another panel. In all, five pieces were broken and needed replacing. I wanted to pull my hair in frustration, but at least I didn't hurt myself.

We had to go back to the glass store yet again and search for pieces that not only matched in color, but were large enough to cut. We found some, though not 100% perfect in color, and got the pieces cut, ground and leaded...again. So, now for some in-progress pictures, in case you've never seen stained glass making before.

The original, bare window (before we painted the casing and the walls):

Original design line drawing taken from a design book (I have since lost the source, if anyone knows where it comes from, I'll link credit here):

My husband's Photoshop rendering of how we would eventually build the window:

Raw cut glass before grinding for smooth fitting:

Glass after grinding and leading:

Where I put my heel through and broke it!

Fixed and installed (nighttime picture)

Morning picture with overcast sky lighting:

Picture taken in stronger light:

Just look how closely the finished piece matches the rendering!

We have since painted all the walls in the master bathroom Behr Premium Plus Ultra in Deep Garnet, which complements the red in the glass beautifully. I absolutely love this glass! The colors change all day long depending on the weather and light, and stronger light coming through casts color onto our tiled floors. Simply gorgeous and such a pleasure to look at every day. I'm so grateful to have such generous and talented family!

Thanks for looking!

Bento #268 - Froggie World Animal Day Blog Hop

2012-10-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

We're hopping again! ;) Today is World Animal Day and my bento friends and I are each doing a different animal-themed lunch today. I selected the noble frog.

The past few days we have been enjoying some delicious deli meats courtesy of Columbus Salame. Today we're using their applewood smoked ham, which has this really savory, smokey taste. It's great quality and flavor! I've been having it grilled with melty cheddar and a smidge of deli mustard. Delish! I've prepared it today in E's lunch as ham spirals with cute froggie picks, with a side of carrots.

We have another CuteZCute cheddar sandwich, and this time I used the adorable froggie plate for the face. I was able to emboss the bread as well with the tool, which is such a nifty feature!

Bento #267 - Columbus applewood smoked ham spirals, carrots, cheddar on whole wheat, mini bananas and Willamette Valley Granola chips.

Pssst...I have a Willamette Valley Granola giveaway going on, click here to enter!

Now, check out what Astrid has for WAD at Lunch Fit For a Kid! Click below.

Bento #267 - Egg Salad Stuffed Heart Sandwich and Giveaway!

2012-10-02T16:22:00.000-04:00

Yum, yum! We have crossed over the boiled egg mountain and now Miss E just loves them! She'll eat an entire boiled egg plain now. I made several yesterday afternoon and whipped them up into a simple, kid-friendly egg salad. Just eggs, mayo, deli mustard and some minced celery. I made a stuffed sandwich with my new heart-shaped sandwich press. So cute! I also have a collection of new picks, one of which is a sweets collection.

We also have some super delicious and addictive Willamette Valley granola chips! They sent me a sample kit to try out and the whole family gobbled them down in record time. In fact, we ate them so fast that they had to send me a few more packs so that I could actually blog with them! Here we have a mixture of the Berry flavor and the Honey Nut.

Check out the snack-sized bags! Butter Pecan...my personal fave. That flavor doesn't last long at all in this place! Not only is it great-tasting and totally satisfying, but it's filled with fiber such as oats, barley, amaranth and quinoa. They also use no GMOs in their ingredients (call me impressed!)

Best of all, Willamette Valley Granola is giving a nice big sample kit away to one of my readers! One person will receive a kit with Butter Pecan, Wild Berry, Honey Nut and Vanilla Bean. I'm trying out Rafflecopter this go-round, so let me know if it works (or not) for you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received Granola Chips from Willamette Valley Granola Company. I was not compensated for this review, and all opinions expressed are exclusively mine. Winner will be notified via email, and has 48 hours to claim their prize. Contest ends at midnight EST on 10/13/12.

Bento #266 - Panda PB&J

2012-09-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

This panda face is sooo adorable! It's a CuteZCute deco cutter from AllThingsForSale. It's got four different plates for decorating!

Snap peas and dip round it out.

Bento #266 - Organic peanut butter and organic strawberry preserves, sugar snap peas, cheddar cheese, mini bananas and ranch dip.

Bento #265 - Butterfly Ham & Cheese

2012-09-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

Lunch today is in a Lego lunchbox with some butterflies. It's ham and cheddar on whole wheat, and in the butterfly shape with a LunchPunch. You can't really see the butterfly sandwich very well, but next to it is a cute silicone butterfly cup filled with organic cucumber wedges, and a mini banana.

Bento #265 - Columbus ham and cheddar cheese on whole wheat, organic cucumber, mini banana and an apple strawberry Crusher.

Princess Bride Party

2012-09-26T19:35:00.000-04:00

I'm continuing with the pirate theme today, since yesterday was the 25th anniversary of my all-time favourite movie, The Princess Bride! This party happened a couple of weeks ago, hosted by my good friend R, and it was so much fun she wants to make it an annual thing. All guests were encouraged to dress in character, (my friend E as The Abino, above) and bring a themed food item. I have to say, we have some amazingly imaginative friends!

First of all, my own offering. I made Skewered R.O.U.S. Meatballs, which were Aidell's teriyaki pineapple chicken.

Next was R.O.U.S. Thighs and [pretzel] Turds

And what Princess Bride party would be complete without MLTs?? That is, Mutton [ham] Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches!

We also had Count Rugen Six-Finger Tuna Rolls

Fire-Swamp Chili and Screeching Eel Cutlets (bacon-wrapped mini sausages with a brown sugar glaze!)

We had a wide array of themed desserts.

And of course quenched our thirst with sparkling punch (with or without Iocaine Powder)

Ella won her very own copy of The Princess Bride book.

We made our own t-shirts for the party, check out Ella's!

Hubs'

The Westleys.

My friend S as our very own Inigo Montoya!

The whole fam! My shirt says "Keep Calm and Carry Iocaine" (I had to buy a white maternity shirt to fit my 6 month belly.)

Such a fun evening! We watched the movie, quoted lines, had some yummy food, and great company!

Bento #264 - Talk Like a Pirate Day Shipwreck & Bento Booty Blog Hop Giveaway!

2012-09-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yaarr there mateys! Today be talk like a pirate day! All ye scallywags be in fer a real treat! There be TREASURE at the end of this blog hop, so grab yer quill and parchment and use yer letterin' skills to record in yer captain's log the clues on the treasure map that lead to the booty! Persevere me hearties, the treasure rivals ol' Blue Beard's!

(Translation: Grab a pen to write down the puzzle pieces in each blog in the hop! It'll reveal where the treasure is located. Every blog in the hop has a piece of the map to the bento booty treasure - a giveaway! As you go through the hop, collect the pieces and put them in the right order to find out where to enter! You'll probably need something to write with, because there are 39 blogs to visit, so 39 pieces to collect! (OR print out our handy dandy worksheet! Click here.) 37 pieces will spell the URL, and 2 bonus pieces with words on them will get you 2 entries to win! Stick with it, the prizes are AMAZING and sponsored by AllThingsForSale!!)

So, today's bento lunch is a pirate shipwreck in a Planetbox! Fresh green grapes are on palm tree stirrer skewers.

Next are our inside-out starfish pirates, yaaar! They are having an altercation amid the palm trees. With pretend plastic swords, of course!

The buzzword of the day in cucumber.

A treasure map hard boiled egg! With the obligatory dagger thrust through the X on the map.

Details on my most awesome pirate ship centerpiece. With a sneaky monkey and a Siren mermaid in the waves!

A tropical banana snack in a festive pirate sack.

Isn't it fun with the pirate parrot napkin and mermaid Sigg water bottle??

Bento #264 - Cheddar on whole wheat, organic cucumber, hard boiled egg, green grapes and yogurt star. Snack - Banana.

Okay mateys! This here's my piece o' the map! Hurry and collect them all, the treasure hunt ends on Sunday, 9/23 at the stroke of midnight!

If you liked this lunch, please follow my blog here, and Like Bentobloggy on Facebook!

To find your next map piece, click here to visit Myra at Mommy and Me Lunchbox! Happy huntin' mateys!

Print out the treasure hunt worksheet here.

Publix FamilyStyle Fall 2012 Magazine

2012-09-12T18:09:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned on my Facebook page, I am so honored to have been included in the Publix Fall 2012 FamilyStyle magazine! I was interviewed several months ago, and I'm so excited that the issue is finally out! If you live in the Southeast, you can pick up your own free copy at any Publix supermarket.

Bento #263 - Salami Sandwich & Grapes

2012-09-11T10:36:00.002-04:00

Hellooo there! I'm finally getting back to the land of the living! I've been battling a severe chest cold, and I'm finally starting to feel better. Of course I never stopped packing lunch for Miss E, but I just didn't have the energy to document. We've also been really busy getting new furniture and moving all sorts of stuff around, getting the nursery ready for baby's arrival in a few months, so it's been rather hectic.

Today I made a hard salami and cheddar pocket sandwich with The Pampered Chef Cut-N-Seal tool.

Ella asked if she could have salami every day. I replied that I didn't think her doctor would approve of her cholesterol levels if I did. Funny story - last year at her 5 year check up she had to have the obligatory cholesterol blood test. The nurse came back and told me that her cholesterol was really high, and was rather concerned. It struck me suddenly that on the way to her appointment she had grabbed a container of sliced salami and had eaten all of it moments before arriving. I swore that it was just an anomaly and she didn't actually eat cured meats all day long! They had me bring her back in a week for a re-test, and naturally her levels were completely normal, but how embarrassing!

In the small container we have fresh green grapes and sliced orange bell pepper served with ranch dip. I'm giddy with excitement over my new EasyLunchboxes Mini Dippers that just arrived in the mail! They are the perfect size for dips and sauces, and have a leak-resistant top. Yay! They come in a package of 8, so lots of bang for your buck.

With tops affixed. It's a princess-y kind of day.

Bento #263 - Salami and cheddar sandwich on wheat, Goldfish crackers, bell pepper, grapes and ranch dip.

11 years, never forget.

Bento #262 - Gyoza & Bell Peppers and Trader Joe's cookbook news!

2012-08-24T10:45:00.023-04:00

First of all, I am so incredibly excited to announce that the cookbook I am featured in - Cooking With Trader Joe's Cookbook: Easy Lunch Boxes - is now available for pre-order on Amazon! In fact, if you click "Look Inside" and check out the table of contents, Bentobloggy is listed on pages 157-162!!

Next, today is the very LAST day to enter for your chance to win the bento box starter pack I'm giving away, so enter here!

As for today's lunch, gyoza is the perennial favorite around these parts. The brand we normally buy is Ling Ling all-natural chicken potstickers. The sauce is in those cute flower sauce containers.

We also have sliced red bell pepper with ranch dip and frozen organic mixed berries.

The newly decorated Goodbyn Bynto! Ella went all-out!

Bento #262 - Chicken gyoza with sauce, red bell pepper, ranch dip and organic mixed berries.

Bento #261 - Turkey & Cheese Sammy

2012-08-23T11:17:00.004-04:00

Ella caught a glimpse of this lunch before I packed it away and she said "COOOL! Except, I'm going to pretend that's a cat and not a dog." What can I say? The girl loves cats.

Quite a blurry picture of the sides - fresh fruit salad and broccoli.

Sandwich is cheddar and smoked turkey on whole wheat, and a side of ranch for the broccoli.

Easy Lunchbox all packed up!

Bento #261 - Turkey & cheddar on whole wheat, fruit salad and broccoli with ranch dressing.

Tomorrow is the LAST day to enter my bento starter pack giveaway! I'm also throwing in extras not listed in the description, so if you haven't put your name in by now, what are you waiting for?! Click here. (If you have problems entering, try logging out of Facebook and then back in again.)