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When I saw these adorable labels on Alpha Mom created by Cindy from Skip to My Lou, I thought they were adorable but knew if I wanted to use them I had to get better at organizing my lunch making system. Here is what I came up with.
I pre-printed the cute fruit labels and have them cut out and prepared to slip over the fruit. Cindy also provided some fun little notes to slip into your child’s lunch bag to remind them of how special they are. I also added some post-its and a pen to write my own personal notes when needed. You could even write them before hand and just grab one and drop it in the bag. I also thought some jokes would be fun too. They are some sites online that would have tons of appropriate jokes for your kids.
Then I took a basket and filled it with “mom-approved” lunch food.
We pull out the basket and while I am making the sandwiches the kids pick a couple of items to add to their lunch. I included things like nuts, granola bars, fruit leather, raisins, pretzels, etc.
Then we also have a tupperware in the fridge to hold the perishable items. We included carrots, soy beans aka Edamame (my kids LOVE these. We buy them in bulk at COSTCO.), grapes, apples, string cheese, and yogurt, etc.
I also let the kids have a dessert. Usually homemade cookies or rice crispy treats when we have them. A great way to do this is to make a large batch of cookies and then store them in the freezer and then pull a few out as needed.
My kids do not eat home lunch every day. There are certain school lunch options that they like so I usually let them pick one or two times a week to eat school lunch. We just look online at the school menu on Sundays (when we are planning our week) and write down who is eating school lunch when. Then I know who will need a home lunch on each day. Does that make sense?
I am really excited about this system and hope that it helps to keep the morning rush run a lot smoother! It also takes time to keep the system up. Fill bags when you are talking on the phone , or when you are unloading the new groceries, to save time so that everything is ready to go in the mornings. We also recycle our bags. The kids bring them home in their lunch bags and then I will wash a bunch of them at once and dry them for reuse. I used to NEVER do this…but from years of watching my hubs do this…I have finally been converted.
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Thank you so much Amy, those labels are ADORABLE! What a fun idea. I hope you will all head on over to The Idea Room to check out all of Amy’s ideas–she’s amazing!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Anonymous says
Great idea! My little man is not old enough for school lunch but I might even start doing this for myself and the mister!
Kristen @craftingwithtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/
Anonymous says
These labels are just the cutest thing! My toddlers would probably just try eating them at the moment but definitely something to remember for when they are a little older.
love the idea of the lunch basket, hubby will be leaving for work at 5:30 am so definitely needs a quick, easy and health lunch!
Anonymous says
Depending on the sandwich, you can make them ahead of time as well and freeze. Take it out of the freezer the night before (or even the morning of depending on the sandwich) and voila! It's all easy to grab.
Anonymous says
What a GREAT idea! I will be using this concept immediately.
Anonymous says
I like the frozen sandwich idea. That would sure be helpful sometimes.
~Kimberlee
www.TheSpunkyDiva.com
Anonymous says
Wonderful suggestions! Adorable, too, of course!
Anonymous says
Wow… I never would have thought of doing this. Just amazing! I know if I did this, my life would be SO much easier! Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [26 Mar 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria
Anonymous says
That is why you don't go crazy with 5 little ones–you are so incredibly organized.
Love the labels–so very cute. I loved putting little notes in my kids lunches (this would have been so cute)
BTW, do you still have anyone in the tournament???
Anonymous says
How fun.. even as a mom who's kids are home for lunch each day ( we homeschool) I still appreciate a fast and easy lunch on the day when we are out and about for lessons and such. We have our pantry set up for quick " grab bag" lunches … yours look adorable!
Maddie mom of 6 – the D.A.
Anonymous says
Awesome! My son always wants a "snacky-snacky" when we are out and about! We have about 1/2 dozen lunch bags that Subway gives with their kid's meal. I have them ready to grab and go!
I love the tags on the fruit! I'll bet the little notes make them more edible to the little ones!