tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76439501447219648012024-02-07T00:22:52.618-05:00Licious LunchesLiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-71297742292619776772016-04-02T17:05:00.001-04:002016-04-02T17:05:05.410-04:00LiciousLunches is Moving All new posts are now located at <a href="http://www.liciouslunches.com/">www.liciouslunches.com</a>.LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-68781215808909204972016-03-07T15:12:00.000-05:002016-03-07T15:12:14.350-05:00Lunch Inspired by My Friend is Sad - An Elephant and Piggie Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-wgN5IWrHo/Vtn2He2E-3I/AAAAAAAAd0c/OKSEfh-jQjQ/s1600/20160303_204943-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-wgN5IWrHo/Vtn2He2E-3I/AAAAAAAAd0c/OKSEfh-jQjQ/s200/20160303_204943-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>For our third lunch inspired by Mo Willems's books, we chose <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423102975/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423102975&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=OXCGFATBPQVHRFRT">My Friend Is Sad</a> from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423167074/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423167074&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=EDVNY3HCVY6KUKGK">Elephant & Piggie </a>Collection. This is a sweet story about one friend trying to cheer up another. Like other Elephant and Piggie books, the outcome involves a little twist of the story.</div>
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I packed this lunch in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JHRIF6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003JHRIF6&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=P6G7VGC6UDHESUCY">blue Sassy box</a>. I selected picks to represent the various costumes Piggie wears throughout the story. I included <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00523LB30/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00523LB30&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NN3M3IHCND4CIVNP">cowboy boot and cowboy hat skewers</a> holding grapes and tomatoes representing Piggie's cowboy costume, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTMTMXS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CTMTMXS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=GUT3UCQY6XXTFLCK">clown pick</a> on a strawberry for when Piggie dresses up as a funny clown, and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LXCOA9Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LXCOA9Q&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=VQHOAAUPSS4542I3">robot ring</a> for Piggie's final attempt to cheer-up Elephant Gerald by dressing up as a robot. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_eSAPgGIhU/Vtn2HVaIWlI/AAAAAAAAd0k/sPsFKplmuzo/s1600/20160303_205013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_eSAPgGIhU/Vtn2HVaIWlI/AAAAAAAAd0k/sPsFKplmuzo/s640/20160303_205013-1.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9H4OxVd1YI/Vtn2JeiBwxI/AAAAAAAAd00/IRORJeTYJQM/s1600/20160303_205138-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9H4OxVd1YI/Vtn2JeiBwxI/AAAAAAAAd00/IRORJeTYJQM/s200/20160303_205138-1.jpg" width="145" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7SvV-UuAdE/Vtn2JjXvPSI/AAAAAAAAd04/_Lbz7vF5fSg/s1600/20160303_205207-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7SvV-UuAdE/Vtn2JjXvPSI/AAAAAAAAd04/_Lbz7vF5fSg/s200/20160303_205207-1.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCJDrFoMFfQ/Vtn2J-Z8CuI/AAAAAAAAd08/A_xicw6Gy4A/s1600/20160303_205236-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCJDrFoMFfQ/Vtn2J-Z8CuI/AAAAAAAAd08/A_xicw6Gy4A/s320/20160303_205236-1.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
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Above those picks, I placed a sad and happy face to represent the emotions that Gerald cycles through during the story. I also included a little blue <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005037DDO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005037DDO&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=6RT7LF3J5D45FSXU">elephant pick</a> as Gerald, and if you look closely, you will see my <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/2016/03/a-lunch-inspired-by-mo-willems-dont-let.html">homemade pigeon pick</a> that is <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/2016/03/lunch-inspired-by-can-i-play-too.html">showing up</a> in our Mo Willems' inspired lunches. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfdIXUeGOfo/Vtn2JJYDbXI/AAAAAAAAd0w/8BcNMT60XQk/s1600/20160303_205112-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfdIXUeGOfo/Vtn2JJYDbXI/AAAAAAAAd0w/8BcNMT60XQk/s320/20160303_205112-1.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnlZg4QBrs4/Vtn2KCi5FXI/AAAAAAAAd1E/D9W1S_VCDis/s1600/20160303_205300-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnlZg4QBrs4/Vtn2KCi5FXI/AAAAAAAAd1E/D9W1S_VCDis/s320/20160303_205300-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JHRIF6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003JHRIF6&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=P6G7VGC6UDHESUCY">Sassy box</a> comes with three inner boxes. I used two to create sections within the box as you see above and I used the larger inner box to hold the "Piggie" peanut butter sandwich you see below. Since Piggie dresses up throughout this story, my daughter and I thought featuring her in the sandwich would be appropriate. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJvgbVRDIAk/Vtn2HT1vt4I/AAAAAAAAd0g/kuCPNwqxZJ8/s1600/20160303_205028-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJvgbVRDIAk/Vtn2HT1vt4I/AAAAAAAAd0g/kuCPNwqxZJ8/s400/20160303_205028-1.jpg" width="400" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lm0D5iQ-dkM/Vtn2Kft8N6I/AAAAAAAAd1A/KFXyVskJaRo/s1600/20160303_205335-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lm0D5iQ-dkM/Vtn2Kft8N6I/AAAAAAAAd1A/KFXyVskJaRo/s200/20160303_205335-1.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwZDmQktWG8/Vtn2Kp0nHnI/AAAAAAAAd1I/oE5Lc2KdlnQ/s1600/20160303_205529-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwZDmQktWG8/Vtn2Kp0nHnI/AAAAAAAAd1I/oE5Lc2KdlnQ/s200/20160303_205529-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>I used my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CDPNA70/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CDPNA70&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=CUVYG7W4NDSGIFBS">Cute-Z-Cute cutter</a> and press to make the sandwich in this shape and then accented it with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DMI1S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012DMI1S&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=RZK37ZTP5OSYAICL">food safe markers</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETBQjlB2XVG3nQ0KXH-ajdQZ0yz7qW9YunCCYev4GfA3al0tHzwUVt8KQ5aszIXbekmSVo279WfmCxgvdIUVaWA-T07hAa-o1uO1gWELvr2jkcCmgps6rMTerjyojzXPeZ9yr7iMKkyvq/s1600/20160303_205042-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETBQjlB2XVG3nQ0KXH-ajdQZ0yz7qW9YunCCYev4GfA3al0tHzwUVt8KQ5aszIXbekmSVo279WfmCxgvdIUVaWA-T07hAa-o1uO1gWELvr2jkcCmgps6rMTerjyojzXPeZ9yr7iMKkyvq/s320/20160303_205042-2.jpg" width="247" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423102975/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423102975&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=OXCGFATBPQVHRFRT">My Friend Is Sad</a> is a sweet book from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423167074/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423167074&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=EDVNY3HCVY6KUKGK">Elephant & Piggie </a>Collection. It has a nice message about how we can enjoy our happy experiences the most when we are with a friend with love. My kids have always enjoyed the illustrations in this book, especially my son who loves costumes and dress-up.<br />
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-72065314729351208822016-03-04T15:45:00.000-05:002016-03-04T15:45:33.910-05:00Lunch Inspired by Can I Play Too? - An Elephant and Piggie Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mUa_rFQWAc/VtntgkDjILI/AAAAAAAAdzk/r8pJk3K9Bq0/s1600/20160302_222655-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mUa_rFQWAc/VtntgkDjILI/AAAAAAAAdzk/r8pJk3K9Bq0/s200/20160302_222655-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Today, I will feature my second lunch inspired by books by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMJ2TFW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QMJ2TFW&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=L6VUANUFR4RP5YQP">Mo Willems</a>. I decided to choose an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423167074/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423167074&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DMKH4CY4LFHK6JMT">Elephant & Piggie book</a> for my second in lunch in this series and picked <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423119916/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423119916&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=JOKE36NRBXUMRCXN">Can I Play Too?</a> partly because I always liked the twist at the end in this one and partly because my kids have always liked snakes. </div>
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This story is about a snake who wants to join Elephant and Piggie in a game of catch, but finds his lack of arms makes things difficult.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrgsXlF52gQ/VtntjUWg2JI/AAAAAAAAdz8/02MFJV64168/s1600/20160302_223820-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrgsXlF52gQ/VtntjUWg2JI/AAAAAAAAdz8/02MFJV64168/s320/20160302_223820-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBsQF7jQ-YHAGl4efbg1Q6KlaJVxWJ_MGW1b6oyWmDfZ_EItfVixy2_U-ayzbgwa_q2-Cmo7aG96k-kddbXqJYLuJAeR9IrDwzGgqQr95anP-ba-bXvSYuvupD7mp2UcaRcSIIK8SwXM/s1600/20160302_223736-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBsQF7jQ-YHAGl4efbg1Q6KlaJVxWJ_MGW1b6oyWmDfZ_EItfVixy2_U-ayzbgwa_q2-Cmo7aG96k-kddbXqJYLuJAeR9IrDwzGgqQr95anP-ba-bXvSYuvupD7mp2UcaRcSIIK8SwXM/s200/20160302_223736-1.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9WOPXsyao4/Vtntgl9xC6I/AAAAAAAAdzo/oA9O_YVF3gg/s1600/20160302_222723-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9WOPXsyao4/Vtntgl9xC6I/AAAAAAAAdzo/oA9O_YVF3gg/s640/20160302_222723-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCEm8ZlOVpA/VtntjQYAHtI/AAAAAAAAd0A/lRo5yVc33Mk/s1600/20160302_223904-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCEm8ZlOVpA/VtntjQYAHtI/AAAAAAAAd0A/lRo5yVc33Mk/s320/20160302_223904-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>I used a two tier blue bento box for this lunch. One tier held veggies and strawberries. I added an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0108LQPOU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0108LQPOU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=YZTYVREXPSUOJH5E">elephant pick</a> to represent Elephant Gerald and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0108LQPOU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0108LQPOU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=YZTYVREXPSUOJH5E">pig pick</a> to represent Piggie. Between them, I placed a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VYOUJ0W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VYOUJ0W&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DW6ZUDS6MXYPIMVK">little blue snake</a> to represent one of the early scenes of the book where Snake is preparing to try to play catch. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CI_VcjjnbY0/Vtntj-6MOOI/AAAAAAAAd0E/URzuI1MAyLE/s1600/20160302_223928-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CI_VcjjnbY0/Vtntj-6MOOI/AAAAAAAAd0E/URzuI1MAyLE/s320/20160302_223928-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>I used little soccer balls all around him to represent the part where they decide to try more balls. I also used letter picks to spell BONK.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51Zebut-Qpw/VtntkPihaJI/AAAAAAAAd0I/B5g99DrwNMU/s1600/20160302_223954-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51Zebut-Qpw/VtntkPihaJI/AAAAAAAAd0I/B5g99DrwNMU/s320/20160302_223954-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the other tier of the box, I featured catcher's mitts since the story is about playing catch. I used my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018HGLRIW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018HGLRIW&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=R5XQYLLDFQHTOVPU">Sports Lunch Punch (currently on sale on Amazon for $4.99 - a great deal!)</a> to make a peanut butter sandwich shaped like a catcher's mitt with a baseball inside. I used food safe markers to accent the features. I also included two <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000VZW5W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000VZW5W&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=Q6HVPQ2BOEYPLKZY">catcher's mitt icing candies</a> on the side. I was lucky to have these on hand! My husband bought them for me a while ago and remembered they were in the cabinet when I was packing this. They were perfect. Behind the candies, you can see my pigeon pick peeking out; check out <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/2016/03/a-lunch-inspired-by-mo-willems-dont-let.html">the first post in my series to read about him</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFGu2gXXVY8/VtntiJeZg0I/AAAAAAAAdzs/bi8TnsXACtU/s1600/20160302_223222-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFGu2gXXVY8/VtntiJeZg0I/AAAAAAAAdzs/bi8TnsXACtU/s320/20160302_223222-1.jpg" width="233" /></a>I highly recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LKS21WQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LKS21WQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=S4ZMGUZAEKOC2KWS">Elephant & Piggie books</a>. Each <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMJ2TFW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QMJ2TFW&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=L6VUANUFR4RP5YQP">one </a>has a good message, but the messages come across through the illustrations and words in a casual way as the reader relates to the characters. In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423119916/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423119916&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=JOKE36NRBXUMRCXN">Can I Play Too?</a>, including others, trying, keeping a positive outlook, and finding a solution are all all modeled for children. Plus, the twists at the ends of the books are always fun. I suggest you check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423119916/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423119916&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=JOKE36NRBXUMRCXN">Can I Play Too?</a> so you can see how Elephant Gerald and Piggie figure out a way to allow Snake to join the game of catch.<br />
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Please check back soon, I have already packed a third <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMJ2TFW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QMJ2TFW&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=L6VUANUFR4RP5YQP">Mo Willems</a> Inspired lunch and I will post it soon.<br />
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-78839430323316807172016-03-02T14:55:00.001-05:002016-03-02T14:56:51.335-05:00A Lunch Inspired by Mo Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemrOcy2rkAL_xyCKf7ZJOp4REuF2V8IhvsOrrP4W3MKiDmUFmGyLzpd7VZuGmeV-o9ej4xr9_lYi9-zcKQUE0BCuXFpNk7omjNrN7H_YU9Mo7k1oh0N-P7RPlColxbz9btVTfWeHhNheh/s1600/20160301_205305-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemrOcy2rkAL_xyCKf7ZJOp4REuF2V8IhvsOrrP4W3MKiDmUFmGyLzpd7VZuGmeV-o9ej4xr9_lYi9-zcKQUE0BCuXFpNk7omjNrN7H_YU9Mo7k1oh0N-P7RPlColxbz9btVTfWeHhNheh/s200/20160301_205305-1.jpg" width="123" /></a>My kids love all the books by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/054531836X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=054531836X&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=Y6HYK7B2URJ2ADO7">Mo Willems</a>. In fact our collection of his books take up an entire section of our bookshelf! Since they love his books, especially the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423167074/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423167074&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=7OPCKAQX2BA7YB2X">Gerald and Piggie books</a>, and they have been such a part of their childhood, I have been planning a series of lunches featuring the books as inspiration for the lunch theme. Over the weekend we read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786837462/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0786837462&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DYV53C47AMMFAILW">Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!</a> </i>again and my daughter was excited to have a lunch featuring this book this week. So, since today is National Read Across America day, I decided this was the perfect time to initiate our Mo Willems Book Inspired Lunch Series. </div>
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I selected our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PKNO7LK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00PKNO7LK&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=YLFNKQDUKQGQUFBI">blue Bentgo Kids box</a> for this lunch because I wanted a blue box to coordinate with the pigeon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAIwrtkqhp4YlWQWKInMoAvsXWuWMnAuMqGwDrx1rXncfuFNfhp2i3F2s5gWKXJPLzZqX89lkqyhXB3gFqxVxOGIVKcF90Kdzk8QcyNX3-etY76c4lTUbjG0pC6LWvTQAytjzit7MEeUJ/s1600/20160301_205007-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAIwrtkqhp4YlWQWKInMoAvsXWuWMnAuMqGwDrx1rXncfuFNfhp2i3F2s5gWKXJPLzZqX89lkqyhXB3gFqxVxOGIVKcF90Kdzk8QcyNX3-etY76c4lTUbjG0pC6LWvTQAytjzit7MEeUJ/s640/20160301_205007-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In it, I packed a peanut butter sandwich, apple slices, crackers, fruit, veggies, and a peppermint.<br />
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I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DMI1S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012DMI1S&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=M4OTCFY7EICNYEQ4">food safe markers</a> to draw a picture of the pigeon and I added a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MVMA4BK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MVMA4BK&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=2Y65664EFHCZ6QHR">red megaphone</a> inspired by one of the images of the book.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xuu3whUOb54/Vtc8QEo28VI/AAAAAAAAdnI/zAHOnFVBvOY/s1600/20160301_205135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xuu3whUOb54/Vtc8QEo28VI/AAAAAAAAdnI/zAHOnFVBvOY/s320/20160301_205135.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMXsjKaKynI/Vtc8R_s1JjI/AAAAAAAAdnc/UGbFfzmXRUg/s1600/20160301_205549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMXsjKaKynI/Vtc8R_s1JjI/AAAAAAAAdnc/UGbFfzmXRUg/s320/20160301_205549.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I cut yellow bell pepper in the shape of stars and included a star pick for the part where the pigeon suggests they can stay up and count the stars instead of going to bed. I also included a little cup pick with a small straw for the part where the pigeon asks for a drink of water. (Asking for another drink of water is a classic move my kids use when they want to avoid settling into bed. At the end of a long day the seven words in that request can drive me nearly batty. My kids find it amusing that I react to such a simple request so they think this part of the book is hilarious!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNOV6TotKHdfsfqjRWmn236Cstw_GDLkhiGxbgJtH9I5eLWCAYrSDLeyU7gNDIaRZwki5n8_SJA5vSJ1vnYIzE31YroVkJBnnKhR9WpsJUuMsvId6sbVzZyNQ-aE4FPlWXFT1Z6SAxR7i/s1600/20160301_205431-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNOV6TotKHdfsfqjRWmn236Cstw_GDLkhiGxbgJtH9I5eLWCAYrSDLeyU7gNDIaRZwki5n8_SJA5vSJ1vnYIzE31YroVkJBnnKhR9WpsJUuMsvId6sbVzZyNQ-aE4FPlWXFT1Z6SAxR7i/s320/20160301_205431-1.jpg" width="210" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGLEcCNAXycIXAwIum5gQzdsblIFg61CwR6uyGheSMUEj82glhgJ8I9VP3TuP2lyB5M7ZNpdaLzfvdodlycTD2C5fgGRSjjyU2B1qgbs0ArEpIBCU_lb-oAvtHF7WeLePzdRBcs50LxVs/s1600/20160301_205655-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGLEcCNAXycIXAwIum5gQzdsblIFg61CwR6uyGheSMUEj82glhgJ8I9VP3TuP2lyB5M7ZNpdaLzfvdodlycTD2C5fgGRSjjyU2B1qgbs0ArEpIBCU_lb-oAvtHF7WeLePzdRBcs50LxVs/s320/20160301_205655-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXpcLGMgQyw/Vtc8QRDbp0I/AAAAAAAAdnQ/7wlfWQ8OBi4/s1600/20160301_205141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXpcLGMgQyw/Vtc8QRDbp0I/AAAAAAAAdnQ/7wlfWQ8OBi4/s320/20160301_205141.jpg" width="180" /></a>I was lucky to have this cute little bunny pick on hand from a set of bento picks. It is a really close match to the super cute images of the pigeon's stuffed animal included throughout the book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircRr3xNmx4dD8Z3Spn43kR_9Mrw2Fc5XS4RKUV0_BLNf0ytDhmraWN0OuVyUi3LDwrPoI_EWGXazcavznSzI5DOCLd_ILBEtW9CeUqfdBueZ8ciAvUocVGLqyuYtiyIvDfSOPn68_uYfH/s1600/20160301_205713-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircRr3xNmx4dD8Z3Spn43kR_9Mrw2Fc5XS4RKUV0_BLNf0ytDhmraWN0OuVyUi3LDwrPoI_EWGXazcavznSzI5DOCLd_ILBEtW9CeUqfdBueZ8ciAvUocVGLqyuYtiyIvDfSOPn68_uYfH/s320/20160301_205713-1.jpg" width="264" /></a><br />
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I love how the illustrations in this book show the increasing exhaustion that the pigeon is experiencing as he tries to stay up late and the way the tiredness is reflected in his little bunny as well.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2rM10INfyE/Vtc8TZSWSeI/AAAAAAAAdns/axOfq1ueX3Q/s1600/20160301_205739-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2rM10INfyE/Vtc8TZSWSeI/AAAAAAAAdns/axOfq1ueX3Q/s320/20160301_205739-1.jpg" width="231" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPd5pkwnAS0/Vtc8Tv_BxSI/AAAAAAAAdnw/EIi7nVpCuAg/s1600/20160301_205757-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPd5pkwnAS0/Vtc8Tv_BxSI/AAAAAAAAdnw/EIi7nVpCuAg/s320/20160301_205757-1.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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I added this cute little hot dog pick to represent the end of the book where the pigeon dreams of a hot dog party.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZW8nvjbGFFI/VtdB58tqfnI/AAAAAAAAdoI/g5oUQJcnIJU/s1600/20160301_205519-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZW8nvjbGFFI/VtdB58tqfnI/AAAAAAAAdoI/g5oUQJcnIJU/s320/20160301_205519-1-1.jpg" width="218" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblQzIWb60XBWi5xziYYIf8NhOz7KPjA_zyiFFqEoI-1BqEGdEhg7FAkJOnvHzSN1XFLE6y3cmlwGs75B4lnjUw-q38FLRtUnxVehgO-1ufrdMk6xD7QyvJDCkZwOcARqy78kGBC3WtfnE/s1600/20160301_205818-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblQzIWb60XBWi5xziYYIf8NhOz7KPjA_zyiFFqEoI-1BqEGdEhg7FAkJOnvHzSN1XFLE6y3cmlwGs75B4lnjUw-q38FLRtUnxVehgO-1ufrdMk6xD7QyvJDCkZwOcARqy78kGBC3WtfnE/s320/20160301_205818-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXpcLGMgQyw/Vtc8QRDbp0I/AAAAAAAAdnQ/7wlfWQ8OBi4/s1600/20160301_205141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXpcLGMgQyw/Vtc8QRDbp0I/AAAAAAAAdnQ/7wlfWQ8OBi4/s320/20160301_205141.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786837462/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0786837462&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DYV53C47AMMFAILW"><i>Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!</i></a> is such as fun book and I hope my daughter enjoyed recalling it today during lunch. She and I had fun planning the lunch to see what features we could represent. And, if you noticed the little pigeon in the treat section of the lunchbox, he was the suggestion of my husband. Since the pigeon shows up in other books by Mo Willems and because I hope to do a whole series of lunches based on Mo Willems' books, my husband thought it would be fun to make a pigeon that can be included in all the lunches to come. I thought this was a fun idea, so I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002H9RS66/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002H9RS66&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=TSADEAX6A4I6YI5U">Shrinky Dink paper</a> to created a food pick, like I have done before <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/2016/02/lunches-in-celebration-of-groundhog-day.html">here </a>and <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/2013/12/santa-comes-to-lunch-and-is-featured-in.html">here</a>. The little pigeon pick is sitting on top of a couple of peppermints. My daughter loves those!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea2Ww3AffoE/Vtc8UO9-qXI/AAAAAAAAdn4/gbWMWGI385w/s1600/20160301_205851-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea2Ww3AffoE/Vtc8UO9-qXI/AAAAAAAAdn4/gbWMWGI385w/s320/20160301_205851-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you haven't read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786837462/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0786837462&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DYV53C47AMMFAILW"><i>Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!</i></a> yet, I suggest you try it with your kids. It's fun and does a wonderful job of illustrating the bedtime struggle through both works and images.</div>
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I hope you will check back in the future and follow my Mo Willems Inspired Lunch Series as it grows. Thanks for reading today's post. Have a happy <a href="http://www.readacrossamerica.org/">National Read Across America Day</a>.</div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-47745446358399454482016-03-01T05:00:00.000-05:002016-03-01T05:00:08.834-05:00His and Hers Lunches for Adults and Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When packing lunches, I often find that the process will go faster if I prepare lunches in pairs such that I make nearly the same thing for my two kids and nearly matching lunches for me and my husband. This way, I can get four lunches (or sometimes more) packed efficiently. In demonstration of this, I will share six lunches in today's post.</div>
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The first two lunches (shown above and below) were for me and my husband. Both are packed in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VW7I9V2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VW7I9V2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=IBOPEFRX7CJ6EIDU">Planetbox Launches</a>. Each contains a salad in the large section to the right, grapes, blueberries, Asian pear slices, and half a Cutie in the top left compartment, along with half a sandwich, a small amount of Chex mix, and a few <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SKON6U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004SKON6U&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=AWYPHF6O55FINZM5">peanut butter M&Ms</a>. Mine contains a pink <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUIWK36/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BUIWK36&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=K6GAJUZHSG7LQSLP">Light My Fire</a> fork as well as balsamic dressing in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BG4DHLS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BG4DHLS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=OWR62LKVT7WM4J67">Sistema container</a>. I have had these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BG4DHLS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BG4DHLS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=OWR62LKVT7WM4J67">salad dressing containers</a> for nearly two years and used them often. They are very handy for sending salad dressing along with lunch and they are durable. Mine are still like new even though they have been used frequently.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0X8H5bQxuSQ/VtUDZ7BhPYI/AAAAAAAAdew/zq5X7lAx8Vk/s1600/20160228_181156-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0X8H5bQxuSQ/VtUDZ7BhPYI/AAAAAAAAdew/zq5X7lAx8Vk/s640/20160228_181156-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next two lunches are also for the adults in our family. These are packed in Goodbyn Bynto boxes. We have had these boxes for three years now and they have also held up very well. We have used them about once a week. I like using these for times when I want to place salad in a separate section from other foods as you see below. In this lunch, we have one section with fruit, one with half a sandwich, crackers, and a cookie, and the last section with the salad and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLO0JM2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HLO0JM2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=H2B6BLFJBS4CRGDN">small container of salad dressing</a>. The Goodbyn Bynto is no longer available, but if you like the layout of this box, you might try the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KUTDNCI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KUTDNCI&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=AYLWZHCLI2NYIKRV">Goodbyn Hero</a>. I also stuck a couple of monster picks into these lunches simply because they are cute and matched the colors of the boxes so closely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvSLhQnlXhHJhoy9P9eyr7vTK1TfkkcPEXIxQJuUnfoSD04FLcn_7Yj4mBrUfITbtniP1Zexx1REZjCXIEEMHw5yipR-_9iIIVxT3U2SBfN3F3IOewQHDgfaT2zu8MFWFueHGjg-XwbRP/s1600/20160228_181341-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvSLhQnlXhHJhoy9P9eyr7vTK1TfkkcPEXIxQJuUnfoSD04FLcn_7Yj4mBrUfITbtniP1Zexx1REZjCXIEEMHw5yipR-_9iIIVxT3U2SBfN3F3IOewQHDgfaT2zu8MFWFueHGjg-XwbRP/s640/20160228_181341-1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The last two lunches are for my kids. Tuesday is "Wear Green" day at my daughter's school. She is wearing a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017WP4IIA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B017WP4IIA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=VMAI6IAFTQILJLUH">green shirt with lizards on the front</a>. She has always liked reptiles, <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results">especially lizards as I have shared before</a>, so they are appropriate for her on green day. To coordinate with "Wear Green" day, I decided to use our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RKO6SBE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00RKO6SBE&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=4NIRPYMMWCCNQDIN">green Yumbox</a> for her lunch. In it, I packed tomatoes, carrots, celery, apple slices, a Babybel, green grapes, crackers, blueberries, and two cookies. I added a few green picks including an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MUSRDIC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MUSRDIC&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=YRKNS7G75SDPTZ7Z">ABC pick</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LCSFVMQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LCSFVMQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LT2343F2YWR6G2OF">green crayons</a>, a computer, a turtle, a frog, and a lizard. My friend Amy, from <a href="http://yummybitesbyamy.blogspot.com/">Yummy Bites by Amy</a> shared the turtle, frog, and lizard picks with me.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TniwILrNasA/VtUD1GMleqI/AAAAAAAAde8/UaR2bGLk-m4/s1600/20160228_195858-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TniwILrNasA/VtUD1GMleqI/AAAAAAAAde8/UaR2bGLk-m4/s640/20160228_195858-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make the lunch packing process easier and faster, I packed many of the same foods for my son in a different color Yumbox. Then, I added <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NX0M5P2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NX0M5P2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=VIYIXHKMDHEK2SVD">Paw Patrol rings</a> since he is a big fan of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I0VTPYI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I0VTPYI&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=PLALRTQLQOT26FFJ">Paw Patrol</a> and enjoys getting those featured in his lunches. I have my friend Perry, at <a href="http://dreamsschemesandbentothemes.com/">Dreams, Schemes, and Bento Themes</a>, to thank for this set of Paw Patrol rings.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2c0iFIMIlfc/VtUD1Md4tqI/AAAAAAAAde4/WLfDBeiZI7s/s1600/20160228_200041-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2c0iFIMIlfc/VtUD1Md4tqI/AAAAAAAAde4/WLfDBeiZI7s/s640/20160228_200041-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-39886052985519158222016-02-29T06:00:00.000-05:002016-02-29T06:00:14.493-05:00A Sandwich You Can Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week my daughter's school is having a spirit week in celebration of reading. Each day they are encouraged to wear something specific. Monday was designated as "Wear a T-Shirt You Can Read Day". I decided to have have a little fun with this in her lunch. I stamped her peanut butter sandwich with "A Sandwich You Can Read". She saw me preparing this and seemed to think it was funny and cool. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENI9mVHdR8Q/VtO0vHyfDQI/AAAAAAAAdd8/hL5fb6Jc0dE/s1600/20160228_200922-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENI9mVHdR8Q/VtO0vHyfDQI/AAAAAAAAdd8/hL5fb6Jc0dE/s640/20160228_200922-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I packed the sandwich in one tier of our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007H2SCEA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007H2SCEA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NQLMEBSZVINPODZL">pink Lego like bento box</a>. I like to use two tier boxes when I pack peanut butter sandwiches for her because it's easy to keep one tier at room temperature overnight while the other tier is stored in the refrigerator. The second tier here contains slices of Asian pear, green grapes, carrots, celery, apple slices, and tomatoes. I added an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTMTIHI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CTMTIHI&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=APQGUTIB6ZIT55KW">ABC pick</a> and a notepad pick to go along with the reading theme. I packed crackers and a cookie in a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01860IYV2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01860IYV2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=2Y3AJHITC3LATKCI"> small red Lego container</a> and in the smaller red container, I added a few Tic Tacs with words for "Candy You Can Read". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6TxzgQwxSYmdhBD9lOjXsV3gnEyljTqEJ3CP9FlRgqfd9oGxgmjAT7eydJdQTtYp34sYaw2iPuYUpHej3WSGbDO4KdzHPzDPVIlk-lc3JsCtMjdkfzJKJiGiKXsBBBtHZLeFIAiRkTvq/s1600/20160228_193827-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6TxzgQwxSYmdhBD9lOjXsV3gnEyljTqEJ3CP9FlRgqfd9oGxgmjAT7eydJdQTtYp34sYaw2iPuYUpHej3WSGbDO4KdzHPzDPVIlk-lc3JsCtMjdkfzJKJiGiKXsBBBtHZLeFIAiRkTvq/s200/20160228_193827-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>I stamped the sandwich with letters from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MBPOKFS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MBPOKFS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ZPAYSZ7TU5QZ34E2">this Cookie Notes Cookie Cutter set</a>. It comes with three different cookie cutters and each has tracks for holding letters. You can see the tracks and the letters in the image to the side. This allows you to create any kind of message you like. My daughter really likes the individual, unique nature of the idea that it can be used to create any kind of sandwich message.</div>
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Since my son attends daycare at a different school, he is not celebrating the same days this week. But, I still wanted to pack a themed lunch matched to his interests, so I decided to use our special <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CAQRH2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006CAQRH2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=RO52INCBN2CLF6HL">firetruck bento box</a>. He has fruits and veggies accented with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UCFN1ZY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UCFN1ZY&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=OU2OKAG2FZL62SFI">flame picks</a>, a fireman's ax, and a firefighter hat. In the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NKU1YXY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NKU1YXY&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=B5OQMGCWS3FI6CF6">little box to the side</a>, he has crackers and I will include a tube of yogurt too when I place this in his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HG0TXI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002HG0TXI&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=REAK4OS2DPVCKZNC">firetruck lunch bag</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ANai_BengU/VtO0u4ksKzI/AAAAAAAAdd4/Yy5nnfFww_M/s1600/20160228_195457-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ANai_BengU/VtO0u4ksKzI/AAAAAAAAdd4/Yy5nnfFww_M/s640/20160228_195457-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you know a child who loves firetrucks, be sure to visit my post on our recent <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/2016/02/planning-firetruck-themed-birthday-party.html">firetruck birthday party</a>. You'll find lots of ideas for food, decorations, activities, and favors.</div>
<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-25430523878038438462016-02-28T21:57:00.003-05:002016-02-28T21:57:53.984-05:00Breakfast for National Tooth Fairy Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3pCbKJFm0w/VtOxAagkhsI/AAAAAAAAddo/sRHvwHTR9g8/s1600/20160228_094020-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3pCbKJFm0w/VtOxAagkhsI/AAAAAAAAddo/sRHvwHTR9g8/s640/20160228_094020-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today was <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/February/toothfairyday.htm">National Tooth Fairy Day</a> and we celebrated with a simple, but fun breakfast. My kids had berry muffins with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016RJL1U0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B016RJL1U0&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=5OO6OTNFAXN5BAPA">little fairy picks</a>, blueberries and green grapes on tooth picks, and apple slices cut to look like teeth. I have wanted to get my hands on some of these tooth picks since I saw them a few years back on <a href="http://www.bentonbetterlunches.com/2012/08/tooth-fairy-lunches.html">this post over on Bent on Better Lunches</a>. But, for a long time I never saw them for sale anywhere. Recently, my friend, Amanda, at <a href="http://www.bentoninja.net/">Bento Ninja</a> found some and she was nice enough to let me share an order with her. </div>
<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-63248933272896084552016-02-27T18:56:00.000-05:002016-02-27T18:56:56.882-05:00Lunches for National Carnival Day<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i><br />
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Friday was <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/February/carnivalday.htm">National Carnival Day</a>, so I took the opportunity to use a few of the <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mothergoose-Collectibles-and-More?rmvSB=true">vintage picks</a> I had purchased last year. I also selected the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0161GLP32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0161GLP32&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=AZJ552RU62T6NCAL">Yumboxes </a>with the trays shown below because the pictures went really well with the carnival theme.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrappSgou7o/VtIzSkpb34I/AAAAAAAAdYU/bOhsQfPoing/s1600/20160224_195523-1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrappSgou7o/VtIzSkpb34I/AAAAAAAAdYU/bOhsQfPoing/s640/20160224_195523-1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son's lunch is below. He had veggies, fruit, frosted mini wheats, baby Goldfish, and peanuts in the little circle section. I added clown and animal picks for the carnival theme.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY4yIjXPY2E/VtIzTR6RusI/AAAAAAAAdYc/A2qIjA0SCoA/s1600/20160224_211816-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY4yIjXPY2E/VtIzTR6RusI/AAAAAAAAdYc/A2qIjA0SCoA/s640/20160224_211816-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughter's is similar with a few different picks and cheese in place of cucumbers. Lately, she has been liking shredded mozzarella. So, I placed some of that below a slice of Colby cheese cut in the shape of a giraffe. I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K2S2AEE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00K2S2AEE&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DHLVTHYASTBR7C7E">giraffe cutter from this set</a> to cut the cheese and press the image. I think these monkey picks are really cute. I got all these vintage carnival/circus themed picks from the <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mothergoose-Collectibles-and-More?rmvSB=true">Mother Goose Collectibles store on eBay</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSII_nJbLj3ylHm_1t4iKZwWpZtxFFrJ9VCVGQNwUPnL1gWL4D9XI0O5oE4rxVWRNDb7cotTkKQJqIMGUm8dt-3kFbzuZzUcf3sEfZ2oSf5zNoxz9yplWvDQBInJ4npBFE5DuKRFLkNia/s1600/20160224_211915-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSII_nJbLj3ylHm_1t4iKZwWpZtxFFrJ9VCVGQNwUPnL1gWL4D9XI0O5oE4rxVWRNDb7cotTkKQJqIMGUm8dt-3kFbzuZzUcf3sEfZ2oSf5zNoxz9yplWvDQBInJ4npBFE5DuKRFLkNia/s640/20160224_211915-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A side note about these lunches. I packed them on Wednesday night and my kids ate them on Friday. The leak proof seal on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0161GLP32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0161GLP32&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=AZJ552RU62T6NCAL">Yumboxes </a>is perfect for packing lunches ahead. It keeps each section completely separate from the others. This means all the foods stay just like you want them. In this case, the cheese did not dry out, the apples did not brown, the crackers and mini wheats stayed crunchy, and the veggies stayed crisp. Also, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0161H3IOA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0161H3IOA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=HKH3P4PFJHRDAPQ4">Yumboxes </a>stack well in the refrigerator so it is really easy to pack ahead for times when I will be away for work or home late.LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-56214617807765130992016-02-24T23:30:00.001-05:002016-02-24T23:30:26.144-05:00Umbrella Themed Lunches for Rainy Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been VERY rainy the last few days here. So, rainy that our pond is full, our neighbors' yards are filled with water, and our driveway is incredibly soft. We are beginning to feel quite stuck in the muck with all the soggy clay around here. The continued rain led me to decide on umbrella themed lunches for this Thursday.</div>
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First, I'll share my daughter's lunch. She has an umbrella shaped peanut butter sandwich colored with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DMI1S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012DMI1S&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=HMAR76B462QB2TRS">food safe markers</a> in one tier of the blue <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K1JQHU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007K1JQHU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LK5KKL2YTN6KSZAE">bento box</a>. The other tier holds slices of Colby cheese, tomatoes, and cauliflower along with chunks of plum cut and arranged on an pick to resemble an umbrella. Halves of sugar snap peas are also on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QESL90/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002QESL90&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=MXBEIAHG4S6RBTGW">umbrella picks</a>. In the smaller silicone cups, she has a few mini saltine crackers and a few pieces of muddy buddies. I saved the white umbrella handles from chocolates we had a few years ago. I also have green handles saved from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B96KLCQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B96KLCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=R6JBLUQTD6YAHWIV">Lindt chocolate carrots</a> that I have used in bentos for umbrellas before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfi82eIT9kBCU2RztWCZ7uGsEy4kWXk5SXcvcmL2qQAzi9fq4nw9dR18dcLC6n-RN9zZudw35bEYE2vNusGPpOAjwarHedae7XTdMLymo6KX6MBsPzCPSLAkoMqyR5MCZDcjxF65LySNX/s1600/20160224_214413-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfi82eIT9kBCU2RztWCZ7uGsEy4kWXk5SXcvcmL2qQAzi9fq4nw9dR18dcLC6n-RN9zZudw35bEYE2vNusGPpOAjwarHedae7XTdMLymo6KX6MBsPzCPSLAkoMqyR5MCZDcjxF65LySNX/s640/20160224_214413-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WT47JYpYknk/Vs550oztTrI/AAAAAAAAdUk/6Lv9lHHAxyA/s1600/20160224_214513-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WT47JYpYknk/Vs550oztTrI/AAAAAAAAdUk/6Lv9lHHAxyA/s200/20160224_214513-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Since I <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DMI1S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012DMI1S&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=HMAR76B462QB2TRS">colored</a> the sandwich in pink, purple, and blue stripes, I decided to mix and match my bento box tops and bottoms to coordinate. This also allowed me to use two bigger sections as bottoms so that one was large enough to fit the sandwich and umbrella handle while still having a deep enough box to fit the umbrella made from plum pieces. I think the pink and blue combination will brighten my daughter's day tomorrow even if the rain continues.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOylmz-urFr3obkAL7B8KvveLhp0e7Q8PtJMbdeHpAP6u6bMCKpI6EywHxZ2GkWGPyNDP7pdmvpcFdzWYlCC8TDTxJGeFaTWCZvt104EqpcFzXLQrx5DbBhmVhORtpAakkx7yT-Ktim-Ax/s1600/20160224_214635-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOylmz-urFr3obkAL7B8KvveLhp0e7Q8PtJMbdeHpAP6u6bMCKpI6EywHxZ2GkWGPyNDP7pdmvpcFdzWYlCC8TDTxJGeFaTWCZvt104EqpcFzXLQrx5DbBhmVhORtpAakkx7yT-Ktim-Ax/s640/20160224_214635-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son doesn't eat sandwiches so his version of the umbrella lunch is much more simple. He has slices of apple, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumber slices, a cup of blueberries, and some sugar snap peas. A couple of the sugar snap peas are cut and added to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QESL90/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002QESL90&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=MXBEIAHG4S6RBTGW">umbrella handle picks</a> to look like umbrellas like I did in his sister's lunch. In the small red box, he has a few mini crackers and a few roasted chick peas. I will also include a tube of yogurt in his lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GAx5Y-N2is/Vs55miOcFSI/AAAAAAAAdUc/YiV8iV8e_Gs/s1600/20160224_213108-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GAx5Y-N2is/Vs55miOcFSI/AAAAAAAAdUc/YiV8iV8e_Gs/s640/20160224_213108-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I packed my husband's lunch in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B78T8U2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B78T8U2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NC4O4FB5IOKK5NKL">Bentgo box</a>. He has a turkey and provolone sandwich cut and colored to look like an umbrella. To the side, he has two more "umbrellas" made out of plum and apple. These were very easy to make. I just cut the side off of the apple or plum, cut the side in half, arranged the two pieces back to back so that the skin was to the outside, and stuck a piece of toothpick through the back to hold them together above the white handles.<br />
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The other tier of my husband's lunch contains veggies, and a Babybel cheese. The small square container holds homemade Ranch dip to go with the veggies.<br />
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While you are visiting my blog, you can click over to see another umbrella lunch I packed a few years ago when my daughter was in kindergarten and her class was covering the letter U. I posted my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B78T8U2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B78T8U2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NC4O4FB5IOKK5NKL">U </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B78T8U2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B78T8U2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NC4O4FB5IOKK5NKL">is for Umbrella lunch along with other lunches for Q, R, S, and T in this post</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B78T8U2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B78T8U2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NC4O4FB5IOKK5NKL"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9JmzwFqgIw/Vs6CED_OQQI/AAAAAAAAdVA/acsf55ZW6OE/s320/DSC00320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-3950496600287316362016-02-23T22:33:00.000-05:002016-02-24T23:38:42.651-05:00Lunches for National Tortilla Chip Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i><br />
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February 24 is <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=national%20tortilla%20chip%20day">National Tortilla Chip Da</a>y. Since my kids love tortilla chips and my daughter sometimes requests chips and salsa for lunch, I decided this would be perfect for Wednesday lunches this week.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUUqYB-yoh0/Vs0elKo137I/AAAAAAAAdOI/ZsAxUdBHWr0/s1600/20160223_195722-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUUqYB-yoh0/Vs0elKo137I/AAAAAAAAdOI/ZsAxUdBHWr0/s640/20160223_195722-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In our blue two tiered bento box, my daughter has tortilla chips with a couple of Nestle chocolates, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, apple slices, and plum slices. On the side, she has a string cheese, and a small container of salsa. Over the last year, she has developed a taste for some spicy food items and salsa is one of the things she likes "hot".<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-409a1V-FO8M/Vs0e3wUT6NI/AAAAAAAAdOM/tpIG0z6l2jI/s1600/20160223_195826-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-409a1V-FO8M/Vs0e3wUT6NI/AAAAAAAAdOM/tpIG0z6l2jI/s200/20160223_195826-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>In this picture, you can see the tiered box all assembled. This box is great for a lunch like this because I can keep the chips sealed in one section of the box so they stay very crispy while the foods with moisture, like the apple and plum slices, are separate in another section. </div>
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The next lunch is for my son. It is packed in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HSTSWQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005HSTSWQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=7SUZXBX5I24TEECQ">three tiered round hamburger box</a>. My son has tortilla chips, roasted chick peas, and a birthday cake Oreo in the bottom "bun" tier of the box. In the "lettuce" layer, he has veggies, and the "burger" layer contains four types of fruit alongside slices of cucumber.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjWdLy4KdQaqvurmZyhLx6yCrkwx-Aq-UnyTvmy01q3ji2Y9_UyE_wwf8ME1iTntL6o4ostU4zJkqGXGLACWm58n0Sfu3NufjPCehxD5j5CWpjp_mNXOaDHvlLoZwPOBe7EFuyTqcIgkQ/s1600/20160223_200019-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjWdLy4KdQaqvurmZyhLx6yCrkwx-Aq-UnyTvmy01q3ji2Y9_UyE_wwf8ME1iTntL6o4ostU4zJkqGXGLACWm58n0Sfu3NufjPCehxD5j5CWpjp_mNXOaDHvlLoZwPOBe7EFuyTqcIgkQ/s640/20160223_200019-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIApNZoK8kiEmY3dxyltlSB0Z0qGkbIif-I2u7v_a19KdkOD4B3V8pGnodLcglX3oDVZj1e4yv2kld8Tn29swt1XMprZRK4OQyKtF7tBoeucRZcA7C9HpTJQ5WSmXiXN2NcSGQinlqrtE/s1600/20160223_200207-1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIApNZoK8kiEmY3dxyltlSB0Z0qGkbIif-I2u7v_a19KdkOD4B3V8pGnodLcglX3oDVZj1e4yv2kld8Tn29swt1XMprZRK4OQyKtF7tBoeucRZcA7C9HpTJQ5WSmXiXN2NcSGQinlqrtE/s200/20160223_200207-1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HSTSWQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005HSTSWQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=7SUZXBX5I24TEECQ">box </a>is a little tricky to pack because the tiers that reassemble the lettuce and burger layers of the hamburger are quite thin, requiring that the food placed in them be arranged in a thin layer so that the box will stack properly allowing the clips on the sides to attach. My son LOVES this box and gets excited every time I use it. The struggle of getting everything to fit feels worth it when I see his happiness over getting to take this box to daycare for lunch. And, as far as cute, novelty style bento boxes go, this one is inexpensive. It is usually available for around $5.00 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HSTSWQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005HSTSWQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=7SUZXBX5I24TEECQ">Amazon</a>.</div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-6052635951105451442016-02-22T21:34:00.002-05:002016-02-24T23:38:54.501-05:00Lunches for National Play Tennis Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2lVlTxoMbM/Vsu9mqqJJxI/AAAAAAAAdJ4/QAYnYfv711M/s1600/20160222_191410-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2lVlTxoMbM/Vsu9mqqJJxI/AAAAAAAAdJ4/QAYnYfv711M/s640/20160222_191410-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes when deciding what to pack for lunch, I check out what National Days are coming up. Looking at the list sometimes sparks an idea or reminds me of some supplies I have around. This was one of those nights. I looked and saw that Tuesday is <a href="http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/February/tennisday.htm">National Play Tennis Day</a>. Then, I remembered that a friend had sent me a cookie cutter shaped tennis racket and that I had a couple of vintage tennis racket picks from the <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mothergoose-Collectibles-and-More?rmvSB=true">Mother Goose store on eBay</a>. Then, lunches came together and the process was fun.<br />
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The lunch above is for my husband. He has a turkey and pepperjack sandwich on a baguette alongside some veggies with one of the tennis racket picks. I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BHHHUQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002BHHHUQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ZJL2YO6JBOULKWWN">letter picks</a> to spell out Play Tennis Day. The other sections hold Chex mix, a chocolate, blueberries in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CVJM3E4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CVJM3E4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DIARSBFOO5URSHFI">star shaped cup</a> and a couple of slices of nectarine. This is packed in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013VOBVOK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013VOBVOK&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=S25Y2N7X7UU3HY52">Fit and Fresh three section box</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FolaUkCj3lg/Vsu-EjuV3EI/AAAAAAAAdKI/uQ4YvYIvuxA/s1600/20160222_192149-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FolaUkCj3lg/Vsu-EjuV3EI/AAAAAAAAdKI/uQ4YvYIvuxA/s640/20160222_192149-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next lunch is for my daughter. It is packed in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0161H3IOA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0161H3IOA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NGWQHQZYDNWMLHEE">Yumbox</a>. She has a Babybel cheese, Muddy Buddies, fruit, veggies, and a tennis racket shaped peanut butter sandwich lying on a few Goldfish crackers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eM3Es7o5yCSqoOWdW_zXqE_yUWGxhAmrXLL0_5RPB9NmobChA2ffkfUDRGHKXMvkHjnfKLZU5SuQ099N6PpJBSO7njxNjDBXu6w8sm6RMFeR1SwjZB9XPzXSgHKhwe98oyxwQphRxic-/s1600/20160222_192222-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eM3Es7o5yCSqoOWdW_zXqE_yUWGxhAmrXLL0_5RPB9NmobChA2ffkfUDRGHKXMvkHjnfKLZU5SuQ099N6PpJBSO7njxNjDBXu6w8sm6RMFeR1SwjZB9XPzXSgHKhwe98oyxwQphRxic-/s640/20160222_192222-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpqFQe3ldHdFcAHO3AuD1qAr3h2dhO3vvvqDK9Iu-u1wEjOxck93ASaU21makxF4Tn74p68zocnYdrq9fLY6L73WhrExdQ0f10y2S8YeF7AuLvcmEy26g5azIw2Oh88j8TF3leURtNUCw/s1600/20160222_192248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpqFQe3ldHdFcAHO3AuD1qAr3h2dhO3vvvqDK9Iu-u1wEjOxck93ASaU21makxF4Tn74p68zocnYdrq9fLY6L73WhrExdQ0f10y2S8YeF7AuLvcmEy26g5azIw2Oh88j8TF3leURtNUCw/s640/20160222_192248.jpg" width="360" /></a>I used the cookie cutter above to make the sandwich. My daughter liked the idea of the mini sandwich in this shape. This is a closeup of the tennis racket pick. I think it is pretty cute. Check out the <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mothergoose-Collectibles-and-More?rmvSB=true">Mother Goose eBay store</a> for more cute picks.</div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-2389954198862529942016-02-21T23:20:00.000-05:002016-02-24T23:39:22.742-05:00Working Car Themed Lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlqoA3XyOS0GNux7Q8youA-CXsVJ0U1LTrnvf10I-rf7umXNwWQq-ErnD5YRBUrriRaxIpyO8YMou5I7DqoynN4MZfyyvBkaiX2pfqWiqzOcEC3JCp90Y8slN7NHq2fT7XUo8Mgn7DrFc/s1600/20160221_215229-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlqoA3XyOS0GNux7Q8youA-CXsVJ0U1LTrnvf10I-rf7umXNwWQq-ErnD5YRBUrriRaxIpyO8YMou5I7DqoynN4MZfyyvBkaiX2pfqWiqzOcEC3JCp90Y8slN7NHq2fT7XUo8Mgn7DrFc/s640/20160221_215229-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To start off this week, my son will have a transportation themed lunch. In our<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFCGKJ0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NFCGKJ0&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=VP62ZNOQIK7O7KZ2"> Working Car bento box</a>, he has carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, apple slices, plum slices, raspberries, blueberries on vehicle picks, cauliflower, broccoli, mini round tortilla chips, and two Nestle chocolates. In the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NKU1YXY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NKU1YXY&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=GWBT7XYA4Z2Y2BL4">smaller Working Car box</a>, he has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MU8NXLS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MU8NXLS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=IZCSPGNCVLSIZSBT">roasted chickpeas</a>. He tried a sample of these in a store and liked them. I am always searching for additional sources of protein for him since he mostly prefers fruits and veggies, rarely eats meat, and doesn't eat cheese, so I jumped at the chance to buy the chickpeas. He requested more later during the day that we bought them so I am hoping that he will also eat them in his lunch.<br />
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My son really liked the napkins I recently purchased from Sew Chic, Geek Boutique and asked that I include them in his lunch more often. So, I pulled out this car and truck napkin which goes really well with this lunch. I hope it makes him smile during Monday's lunch.LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-23481219961390096382016-02-17T21:48:00.004-05:002016-02-17T22:51:47.109-05:00Planning a Firetruck Themed Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq6k22FtKtY/VsU-qJlzF4I/AAAAAAAAc90/O30WysTydZY/s1600/Firetruck_party_idea_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq6k22FtKtY/VsU-qJlzF4I/AAAAAAAAc90/O30WysTydZY/s640/Firetruck_party_idea_collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This post is a little different from my usual posts about packed lunches. It will focus on the recent firetruck themed birthday party we had for our son who just turned five. Before I get into the details of the party, let me say that as far as kids birthday parties go ours are a little more involved than some might expect. But, by no means do I think all kids parties need to be like this. I'm simply sharing what we do in case others are interested.<br />
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For us, the process of planning and preparing for a party is fun for both kids and adults. Our kids usually start contemplating their next theme months in advance and then we (mom and dad) help find ways to expand on their ideas. We enjoy searching for or making the decorations. Our kids delight in finding themed party favors to share with their friends. I look forward to planning a menu that coordinates with the party theme. My husband takes on the challenge of preparing a creative cake. And, we all love working as a team to pull everything together the day of the party.</div>
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Having this type of party also offers us a chance to get our extended family members together outside of just Thanksgiving and Christmas. We appreciate the effort our family members make in taking time to come to our kids' parities and we like having the chance to share good food and fun times with them. </div>
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My son has collected firetrucks since he was two. He loves all styles of them and knows lots of details about firetrucks from watching several videos about fire departments. So, when picking a theme for his fifth birthday party, he was happy to settle on firetrucks.</div>
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I collected ideas on this <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/liciouslunches/firetrucks-birthday/">Pinterest Board</a> and we made plans together as a family.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi0eK7k3m8g/VsUy_ULMRII/AAAAAAAAc8w/UrZ4BaDsPj8/s1600/Invitation_fireman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi0eK7k3m8g/VsUy_ULMRII/AAAAAAAAc8w/UrZ4BaDsPj8/s320/Invitation_fireman.jpg" width="320" /></a>For the invitation, I wanted to incorporate ideas from a few others I had seen online and I wanted to include a photo of my son in one of his firefighter costumes. So, I started with the basics from this <a href="http://howtonestforless.com/2012/06/01/firetruck-themed-birthday-party-with-free-printables/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+HowToNestForLessMyLifeAsADiyWannabe+(How+to+Nest+for+Less+%7C+My+Life+as+a+DIY+Wannabe)">free invitation template from How to Nest for Less</a>. I then modified it to include the details for our party and my son's picture.</div>
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Since the party was firetruck themed and ended up falling on a day with record low windchill values, I selected several spicy recipes for the food. I purchased these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U939U4A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U939U4A&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=WUW477UU6LMDKVXH">fiery tablecloths</a> and really liked how the flames looked when the tables were filled.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QzlKheg5VQ/VsKfyA_lCwI/AAAAAAAAcyM/I05btnIdooQ/s1600/20160213_155531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QzlKheg5VQ/VsKfyA_lCwI/AAAAAAAAcyM/I05btnIdooQ/s640/20160213_155531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The menu included the following. You can click each link to see the recipe I followed.</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-style-loaded-baked-potato-soup-301754">Hot Potato Soup</a> (This soup is always a crowd pleaser. I have made it many time over the last several years and it is nearly always all gone no matter how big the pot of soup is.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/buffet-meatballs">Mighty Meatballs</a> (I use grape jelly instead of grape juice.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.spendwithpennies.com/jalapeo-popper-dip/">Jalapeno Popper Dip with Pita Crackers</a> (I skipped the cracker topping since I was serving this from a crockpot with pita crackers on the side.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.momontimeout.com/2015/12/slow-cooker-queso-blanco/">Queso and Chips</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lifeasastrawberry.com/spicy-macaroni-and-cheese/">Spicy Mac & Cheese</a> (Don't fret over the title of this one; it really wasn't spicy.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/crunchy-taco-cups.html">Wonton Taco Cups</a> (These were easy and popular.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/jalapeno-pillows/9bcc7588-fdb6-4f81-bfd8-c121497d6652/?nicam4=SocialMedia&nichn4=Pinterest&niseg4=Tablespoon&nicreatID4=Post&crlt.pid=camp.j8mVfEwjFCAn">Jalapeno Pillows</a> (Party guests liked these. They looked fancy, but they were not difficult to make.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-crescent-ring/572dc7ae-85ff-414c-83d4-454a51cdf33f?crlt.pid=camp.ytto7jXHgxJD">Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring</a> (All of this was eaten. I made it ahead of time and baked it onsite at the party.)</li>
<li>Cool Down Cheese Cubes (just cheddar and colby cheeses cut into cubes)</li>
<li><a href="http://thehonoursystem.com/2015/02/16/alabama-firecrackers-best-picture-oscar-themed-recipes/">Red Hot Crackers</a> (I made these the day before and the leftovers were still good days later.)</li>
<li>Doritos "Flames" (on request from my son)</li>
<li>Cheetos "Firesticks" (Based on an idea I saw on <a href="http://catchmyparty.com/photos/1149201">Catch My Party</a>.)</li>
<li><a href="http://chefsavvy.com/recipes/5-minute-spicy-chili-almonds/">Chili Spiced Almonds</a> (These were tasty and very easy to make ahead of time.)</li>
<li>Flaming Fruit Trio (I used strawberries, mango, and pineapple because they were available as red, orange-ish, and yellow fruits in season at the time.)</li>
<li>Scorching Pepper Flames (I used red, orange, and yellow bell peppers. These were easy to prepare ahead of time and my kids love crunching on pepper strips.)</li>
<li>Sizzling Veggies (I used cherry tomatoes, carrots, and sunburst tomatoes because I wanted the tray to be red, orange, and yellow).</li>
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Below you can see the trays of fruit, and veggies alongside the crescent ring. I ordered these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013DIOIDU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013DIOIDU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NPFNHRPCDDP3CX6G">plate and napkin sets</a> because I wanted the look of a real firetruck rather than cartoonish trucks I saw on other sets. I also ordered orange plastic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UPY4T4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004UPY4T4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=5GW4LEYDYNDUOUAT">forks and spoons in the 100 piece sets</a> to ensure we had enough on hand. I was pleased with the quality of plates, napkins, and silverware.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py9KDhcpzIU/VsKjv4J_DFI/AAAAAAAAczI/2xoGbdR9XZQ/s1600/20160213_154942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py9KDhcpzIU/VsKjv4J_DFI/AAAAAAAAczI/2xoGbdR9XZQ/s640/20160213_154942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Many years ago (close to ten now) I started making food signs when we had Halloween parties. They started out as a simple way to label the food so guests would know what was in the crockpot and wouldn't be afraid to try something new. I soon realized that adding clipart to these is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to carry through with the party theme and add decoration to the food tables. Sometimes, I use the same images on all of the signs and other times I use a different image on each sign. My daughter wanted to provide input for these and suggested a firetruck spraying water on the flames. We had trouble finding a truck spraying water at the right angle and eventually settled on a fireman instead.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3T0NxLG01k/VsKmzlQLAlI/AAAAAAAAczc/MQYfh9Wc2e4/s1600/20160213_153026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3T0NxLG01k/VsKmzlQLAlI/AAAAAAAAczc/MQYfh9Wc2e4/s640/20160213_153026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ordered these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F2JJABY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F2JJABY&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=TTQ5DFX2WNXEZOTM">plastic bowls for the soup</a>. Sometimes when we have parties, we forget that we need bowls and then have to make a last minute trip to the store. Ordering ahead helped me avoid forgetting and allowed me to pick a color that matched the theme.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1WU6wc3Mks/VsKg35GrOXI/AAAAAAAAcyk/fzv3RJtYVKY/s1600/20160213_155513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1WU6wc3Mks/VsKg35GrOXI/AAAAAAAAcyk/fzv3RJtYVKY/s640/20160213_155513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, because I'm crazy over the theme :) you might have noticed that I served most of the food in red orange, black, or white containers. Years ago, we bought a white porcelain bowl and platter set for $20 at a local price club. It has been so useful for parties and packs away easily. Our is similar to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AMR3EP4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AMR3EP4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=EV4JHD7QHU2IDX5I">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MT8CYTG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MT8CYTG&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=2WTQD2ZBFJYBCDPT">this one</a>. I also have these stacking containers in pink, orange, and yellow in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CSO73K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001CSO73K&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=D5WXLAXIHIO7DCV7">small round</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CSMJ9E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001CSMJ9E&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=FYYB4QF6SX7G6MQZ">large round</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CSMJ7Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001CSMJ7Q&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ZG72YYX2ZCN76D5H">square shapes</a>. I find that I can use sets like these and crockpots for most of the food and then just look through my cabinets for containers or bowls that match the other main colors of the party.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iiQ_Ockr_xc/VsK3q6DEW5I/AAAAAAAAc3E/xji_MrHFDng/s1600/20160213_150405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iiQ_Ockr_xc/VsK3q6DEW5I/AAAAAAAAc3E/xji_MrHFDng/s640/20160213_150405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ITU8QOA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ITU8QOA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=HVEY6SX3FBBLZTQS">this tablecloth</a> for the dessert tables and cut it into two pieces.</div>
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We had this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OYWIWK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005OYWIWK&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=IQ32YGUH4MPTSHAZ">number five shaped pan</a> from my daughter's fifth birthday a few years ago so we used it for my son's cake. I baked a chocolate marble cake in it and then froze the cake before "dirty icing" it with white icing and then placing it back in the freezer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd_eR8OMThyjK-lzttfBb3JI1v1MUEOxkQbYD8DFxClB4SmANhRzbsNo5uDkq2bIMlhqienFcFxJn6X1rD6YzFQnYFyc-C-6sNKYc40xIPOWAigIOPhClCp0Uhezkq6ODeLNxelwlU3R7/s1600/20160211_203631-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd_eR8OMThyjK-lzttfBb3JI1v1MUEOxkQbYD8DFxClB4SmANhRzbsNo5uDkq2bIMlhqienFcFxJn6X1rD6YzFQnYFyc-C-6sNKYc40xIPOWAigIOPhClCp0Uhezkq6ODeLNxelwlU3R7/s320/20160211_203631-1.jpg" width="251" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Noyy7CU1WY/VsK49ThH2MI/AAAAAAAAc3c/w3rREy8XfEA/s1600/20160213_090647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Noyy7CU1WY/VsK49ThH2MI/AAAAAAAAc3c/w3rREy8XfEA/s320/20160213_090647.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We then covered it in red icing and cut out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IE72JT6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IE72JT6&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LFICHTWQF3IPLDVJ">black fondant</a> in the shape of a number five to simulate a road. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FAiQ3BJ16A/VsKZjqpGjII/AAAAAAAAcw0/LbdfrrJgQ7U/s1600/20160213_155953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FAiQ3BJ16A/VsKZjqpGjII/AAAAAAAAcw0/LbdfrrJgQ7U/s640/20160213_155953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We made cereal treats in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034KYB30/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0034KYB30&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=3PTNGH7FKEPBOEUH">square pan similar to this</a> and then my husband cut these into various shapes for the burning buildings. He then accessorized with a few of my son's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IF1VS2K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IF1VS2K&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=MVDSB642PWY2YSVU">Playmobil firefighters</a> and firetrucks.</div>
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The dessert table included the cake along with the following items:</div>
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<ul><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAL2z6DxzB4/VsKtZro_zJI/AAAAAAAAc0g/Dom0uN7Q3JI/s1600/20160213_152910-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAL2z6DxzB4/VsKtZro_zJI/AAAAAAAAc0g/Dom0uN7Q3JI/s320/20160213_152910-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>Fiery Cupcakes </li>
<li>"Fire Hoses" - AKA Twizzlers (An idea I saw on <a href="http://www.journeyofparenthood.com/2013/04/firetruck-party-decorations.html#.UWxEMr9OSJU">The Journey of Parenthood</a>.)</li>
<li>Burning Jello (An idea I saw on <a href="http://www.paperandcake.com/2012/09/03/pc-real-life-party-jacks-firetruck-birthday/">Paper and Cake</a>.)</li>
<li>Blazing Cookies (I made these following <a href="http://salttree.net/2012/10/swirled-sugar-cookies.html/">this method on the blog Salt Tree</a>. I have made different colored variations of these for other parties and they always make an impression.) </li>
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Closeups of the cookies and Jello are below.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agSHbHunQxI/VsK35kFJ-kI/AAAAAAAAc3E/boFUsjCw-Vk/s1600/20160212_170658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agSHbHunQxI/VsK35kFJ-kI/AAAAAAAAc3E/boFUsjCw-Vk/s320/20160212_170658.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5w65YNqodo/VsKrmixZf-I/AAAAAAAAc0A/uB3TFcl-bTo/s1600/20160213_152918-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5w65YNqodo/VsKrmixZf-I/AAAAAAAAc0A/uB3TFcl-bTo/s320/20160213_152918-1.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHTMMPxLZUY/VsK0Waj-HiI/AAAAAAAAc10/gtbCpCct4t8/s1600/20160213_152306_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHTMMPxLZUY/VsK0Waj-HiI/AAAAAAAAc10/gtbCpCct4t8/s320/20160213_152306_002.jpg" width="179" /></a>The price on this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008I3R8JW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008I3R8JW&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=5MI2SKZRHY7GGRVU">fire hydrant cupcake stand</a> dropped on Amazon the week of the party so we bought it and ended up being happy we had it to add to the table. We also ordered these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UCFN1ZY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UCFN1ZY&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=E5FWWGBWSADZ34DT">flame cupcake picks</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VTQ0A5E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VTQ0A5E&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=FF2TPPHU6BSVF7S7">edible rice paper firetrucks</a> (Order ahead if you want these. Ours shipped from Germany.). I attempted to follow <a href="http://bekicookscakesblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-make-multi-colored-swirled.html?m=1">this method from Beki Cook's Cake Blog</a> to swirl red, orange, and yellow icing on the cupcakes, but I now realize I need to invest in real piping tips and bags to really pull it off properly.) </div>
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We also had water, Capri Sun, and soda available as "Fire Extinguishers".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl-LIZ5dFU_SJo8sJ27wNEyrsdBa7_MmOZtUyq5JBp2Gt0P5H2SdTlFGiREs8KYooIMhnrpNLGZB8xTBq8d5B9ok5n8mjTVKH4lWMvJleYNcR5vTBUWXlhHmRWeZxXvIgNBSWDsU1KJsr/s1600/20160213_155836-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl-LIZ5dFU_SJo8sJ27wNEyrsdBa7_MmOZtUyq5JBp2Gt0P5H2SdTlFGiREs8KYooIMhnrpNLGZB8xTBq8d5B9ok5n8mjTVKH4lWMvJleYNcR5vTBUWXlhHmRWeZxXvIgNBSWDsU1KJsr/s640/20160213_155836-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We kept the decorations pretty simple at this party since we had a lot going on at work and school in the weeks before the party. Sometime we make decorations for our parties, but this time most were purchased. I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LFWY1VQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LFWY1VQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=IZMA4IOHUENBJ5PP">yellow </a>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K6EIYIA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00K6EIYIA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ZWY4HKSSVLPVKDJT">red </a>tablecloths and alternated these on the tables where guests would sit. We taped yellow, orange and balloons at the center of these tables. And, we also had these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013Y2DH9Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013Y2DH9Q&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=SE5OOU3MJ33DKJDP">firetruck themed balloons</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89rZN-4lJ6w/VsKdgySKeSI/AAAAAAAAcxw/nB1cWCg6UiA/s1600/20160213_155801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89rZN-4lJ6w/VsKdgySKeSI/AAAAAAAAcxw/nB1cWCg6UiA/s640/20160213_155801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We brought my son's firetruck collection for kids to play with. We have found that bringing along toys coordinated with the party theme provides an easy, no cost activity for younger party guests. They can play when they first arrive, while adults are eating, or during gift opening. The toys offer unstructured, flexible fun for kids.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-veBpx9xVbJs/VsKSh2hfzuI/AAAAAAAAcvk/7Sdt7e0EtS0/s1600/20160213_170928-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-veBpx9xVbJs/VsKSh2hfzuI/AAAAAAAAcvk/7Sdt7e0EtS0/s640/20160213_170928-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MEJ44OS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MEJ44OS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=2URJJQPFCVH4DXT5">firetruck Happy Birthday Banne</a>r since it matched the plates and I didn't think I was going to have spare time to make one like I sometimes do. We used it on the gift table with an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C54VY7C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C54VY7C&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=6YXPCBEQECCUU3BA">orange tablecloth</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NiNvRyt1C8/VsKKlNUgy7I/AAAAAAAAcuo/O36rg6tbuf8/s1600/20160215_132536-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NiNvRyt1C8/VsKKlNUgy7I/AAAAAAAAcuo/O36rg6tbuf8/s640/20160215_132536-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Guests who wanted to had the option of painting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KDMSDKY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KDMSDKY&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NSLXMONKYANO2YXZ">firetruck themed suncatchers</a> or making a firehouse sticker scene.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gro3vdrywyA/VsKJAgevjeI/AAAAAAAAcuY/mZ_xpxj-lT0/s1600/20160215_132638-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gro3vdrywyA/VsKJAgevjeI/AAAAAAAAcuY/mZ_xpxj-lT0/s640/20160215_132638-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since we invite family members and our kids' classmates to their parties, we usually have a wide range of ages present. Therefore, we usually try to offer party favors tailored somewhat to both younger and older kids. This time, we bought these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ULKEFY6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ULKEFY6&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LSTD7S3JR4BYZHPJ">favor boxes</a> and these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016L0WNM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0016L0WNM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=SKPWYD4EPZNFSJIP">firefighter hats</a>. The boxes to the left were for one age group and those to the right were for another.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-37pqhw0Pa7Y/VsKddzQLjiI/AAAAAAAAcxs/dNGfRiRafOo/s1600/20160213_155746-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-37pqhw0Pa7Y/VsKddzQLjiI/AAAAAAAAcxs/dNGfRiRafOo/s640/20160213_155746-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8W0Hp8KNWA/VsKRHtcTpvI/AAAAAAAAcvM/v-yq5pHHLis/s1600/20160215_132325-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8W0Hp8KNWA/VsKRHtcTpvI/AAAAAAAAcvM/v-yq5pHHLis/s320/20160215_132325-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The boxes for the younger kids contained these items along with some candy. Kids seem to enjoy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UCFS3W0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UCFS3W0&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ZVSMCUSYBWZ2MRZF">temporary tattoos</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KUYHRFM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KUYHRFM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=QTYJ4BSZTMZPUTXQ">rubber duckies</a> or any kind of water toy usually work well as favors because kids get to swim in the indoor pool after the food, games, cake, and gift part of the party is over. And usually it's easy to find <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JRG1P20/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JRG1P20&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=XQXA4RBZD4TCGKWT">little coloring books</a> or sticker books that match with the theme of the party. The boxes for the older kids had some of these same items and some different, such as mechanical pencils in place of crayons.</div>
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Like I said at the beginning of the post, I don't think a party has to be this involved to be great. Our kids often attend more low key parties that are just as much fun. I think everyone should celebrate birthdays in a style of their own choosing. Birthdays are great opportunities to celebrate with loved ones!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqWL4ibq3i0/VsKUEJng5CI/AAAAAAAAcv4/y2Dk3alzHR4/s1600/20160213_165955-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqWL4ibq3i0/VsKUEJng5CI/AAAAAAAAcv4/y2Dk3alzHR4/s640/20160213_165955-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-86419770015094652016-02-12T13:19:00.000-05:002016-02-12T13:19:24.721-05:00Food Prepared with Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></div>
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This post features two lunches and one breakfast prepared with hearts for Valentine's Day. First is a lunch for my husband in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VW7I9V2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VW7I9V2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=KOMXGWTM4VRVITQ7">Planetbox Launch</a>. In the top left section, he has a mini orange, and a slice of nectarine with a heart-shaped piece <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000VMIZ4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000VMIZ4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ZIUVZU6QQAIMFOMS">cut out</a> and inserted the opposite direction so the heart is more visible. Below that he has veggies in a pink cup, blueberries in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NBNHKQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NBNHKQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=4UIU7O2PSRADCDRM">heart-shaped cup</a>, and mini tortilla chips. In the larger section to the right, he has macaroni salad with an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VG8TGE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006VG8TGE&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=TEXTUZJ322WAS2JV">"I love you" ring</a> and a mini turkey and pepper-jack cheese <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVES6Z0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AVES6Z0&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LM3RTWK5RF7WMUWA">sandwich stamped "Be Mine"</a>. I also included a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024M8WRA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0024M8WRA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=I4MJA36MFORRRSW7">pink fork</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNfMl4pcOMU/Vr4c9Q3kNII/AAAAAAAAchc/pEXroaOuL0k/s1600/20160211_121814-1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNfMl4pcOMU/Vr4c9Q3kNII/AAAAAAAAchc/pEXroaOuL0k/s640/20160211_121814-1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next lunch, for my daughter, is packed in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007H2SCEA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007H2SCEA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=4PTU6DY2HGZV3AVG">pink, square Lego like box</a>. In one tier she has a mini peanut butter sandwich <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVES6Z0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AVES6Z0&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LM3RTWK5RF7WMUWA">stamped "hugs</a>", mini tortilla chips, and a mini red red box holding <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AEAWMZG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AEAWMZG&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=2BG6S6GECRFEQUPN">TicTacs with Valentine's messages</a>. In the other tier, she has nectarine slices, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, Cutie slices, a heart-shaped piece of plum, and blueberries in a heart-shaped cup.<br />
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Last for this post, is a breakfast of very tiny strawberry muffins decorated with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BHHHUQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002BHHHUQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=4VPMOI33CHMQ3LF3">letter picks</a> to say "I Love You". These were for my daughter and the box she decorated for collecting Valentines from classmates is in the background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QGsi52rCz_yc5MVgO1wF9IshnMLpEpVmz4urbqs_xjecIcgm5WeIpdE8ntEevKQ3St-MrvQIrgzTs4U2M1-HQArPOQAZdGNT3iN7phAuMAJughxfawXwq7M1Lmu3NoBnZTbxZoaTHxvy/s1600/20160209_091515-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QGsi52rCz_yc5MVgO1wF9IshnMLpEpVmz4urbqs_xjecIcgm5WeIpdE8ntEevKQ3St-MrvQIrgzTs4U2M1-HQArPOQAZdGNT3iN7phAuMAJughxfawXwq7M1Lmu3NoBnZTbxZoaTHxvy/s640/20160209_091515-1.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-91488716145587519112016-02-09T12:44:00.000-05:002016-02-24T23:40:01.338-05:00Mardi Gras Themed Lunches<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i><br />
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For the first time since starting to pack bentos about five years ago, I actually remembered Mardi Gras on time. For some reason, I always think it is in March and then realize too late that it is in February. But, this year I looked it up ahead of time and used my Mardi Gras themed picks (like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8EDPJG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F8EDPJG&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=CV3HNGKW5IZPMXEB">these </a>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I0VX0DU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I0VX0DU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=OQ3RHCUWQ4IN4UOC">these</a>) to create these simple, cute purple, green, and gold lunches.<br />
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First up are the adult lunches packed in our green <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006T5BLQM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006T5BLQM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=4C7PIL7RII55AIR5">Lunchbots Quad boxes</a>. We have green veggie chips, a couple of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BDSGSOU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BDSGSOU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ENC7KLTPTNCXNUF4">Girl Scout cookies</a>, veggies, apple slices, and blueberries. This food went along with a chicken salad wrap (not pictured). The little containers below held almonds and green and purple candies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOLx-XAdolP4n3izDkZrKAxf7PxoMeJJty3gXNAr9UJO0EsEVfARAZniIdKuo6344ANxuypEzpnS5IiojOvoYennr8eKVp29IetIPUJ9l-tMnxHFQzj_XuiwKseWhLP7Ycs7Z8OONgFEA/s1600/20160207_162103-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOLx-XAdolP4n3izDkZrKAxf7PxoMeJJty3gXNAr9UJO0EsEVfARAZniIdKuo6344ANxuypEzpnS5IiojOvoYennr8eKVp29IetIPUJ9l-tMnxHFQzj_XuiwKseWhLP7Ycs7Z8OONgFEA/s640/20160207_162103-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughter's lunch is packed in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0161H3IOA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0161H3IOA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=RO724342JLXQ3T5P">purple Yumbox</a> and my son's is in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RKO6SBE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00RKO6SBE&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=HY6BLJW5F7ELTCUW">green Yumbox. </a>They have pretzel dipping sticks, berries, veggies, and apple slices. My daughter has cubed cheese and my son has a granola bar. They also have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AX7Y6J0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AX7Y6J0&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NNMLFSROMLQ6UXU2">green and purple candy hearts</a> in the treat section.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQeC17gcv9CusM_JcIVmPnFDI6yfT8zrhJughtnCe-LJ1mpW32JLg4c3A7-ewDudcQvXOCqsj2LKxEfAk28dmMg9c2Zgbz7N-Y-JbmjYhELVS8D4GEoyPW9w7QDmZknbkKTJWWfM_D1zg/s1600/20160207_162135-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQeC17gcv9CusM_JcIVmPnFDI6yfT8zrhJughtnCe-LJ1mpW32JLg4c3A7-ewDudcQvXOCqsj2LKxEfAk28dmMg9c2Zgbz7N-Y-JbmjYhELVS8D4GEoyPW9w7QDmZknbkKTJWWfM_D1zg/s640/20160207_162135-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the end, this turned out to be a snow day so they had these while picnicking in the living room at home.<br />
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LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-47539707946473562882016-02-03T22:18:00.001-05:002016-02-24T23:40:40.287-05:00Lunches with a Touch of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My daughter said she really enjoyed the peanut butter sandwich from her last lunch and asked if she could have another one the next day. I said sure and decided to use one of the cutters from my heart set. These cutters are from Willams Sonoma. They have a heart shaped cutter on one side and phrases on the other. I selected the XOXO press and then used food safe markers to accentuate the letters. Sticking with hugs and kisses them, I included a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTMXICO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CTMXICO&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ROK32F5IA2GOV5OW">lip pick</a>, heart picks, and an XOXO pick. I chose this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K1JQHU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007K1JQHU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DQNPWQVHYQO752V4">pink two tier box</a> for this lunch partly because it was pink, but also because the style allows me to pack the sandwich in one section for storage at room temperature overnight while the other foods can be placed in a separate tier in the refrigerator. My daughter likes the peanut butter sandwiches better this way.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK3NvBvS6eA/VrK1t9J1fNI/AAAAAAAAcTs/D1C8UKbzIu8/s1600/20160203_193147-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK3NvBvS6eA/VrK1t9J1fNI/AAAAAAAAcTs/D1C8UKbzIu8/s640/20160203_193147-1.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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I used hearts for my son's lunch in a different <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009I2DFX0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009I2DFX0&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=CMIHBQL56EE2J2M5">pink two tier box</a>. He has mini heart-shaped silicone cups filled with Goldfish and peanuts. He has a lot of blackberries because he loves berries, and then several veggies. I added <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTMXJV4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CTMXJV4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=FIEMP5KNYMFMWR7U">two different</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JNQUF2K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JNQUF2K&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DFETF6DRZK2WETP3">heart picks</a> to those to keep with the love theme. He will have yogurt along with this food for lunch.</div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-40952241548705304012016-02-02T21:56:00.000-05:002016-02-24T23:40:58.840-05:00Lunches in Celebration of Elmo's Birthday<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i><br />
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Did you know? - February 3rd is Elmo's Birthday! Our family has had two very enjoyable family vacations to <a href="https://sesameplace.com/langhorne?&gclid=Cj0KEQiAxMG1BRDFmu3P3qjwmeMBEiQAEzSDLoSgiOHqGWSW8lmx71BeeyyIGYOyDrdTiF71Qvh62zgaAlqn8P8HAQ&dclid=CMqnuJzJ2soCFYRADAodzdoELg">Sesame Place</a> and Elmo was one of the first characters that my son ever showed interest in as a very young toddler. So, when I heard that Elmo's birthday is this month, I decided to create lunches to celebrate.<br />
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My husband and I have Elmo lunches in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VW7I9V2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VW7I9V2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=KMHIWKYKUFTVPVXV">Planetbox Launches</a>. We have apple slices, blackberries, a side salad with balsamic dressing and sunflower seeds, a sandwich shaped like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BH7AFNM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BH7AFNM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=GMPOME4C55B4EW7Z">Elmo's head</a>, and a little container of veggie chips. The lunches are accessorized with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FQ95UOG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FQ95UOG&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=C4TULFU6UO55BQSD">Elmo picks</a> and a Happy Birthday sign. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CjIvMuY3VM/VrFmzx5ECPI/AAAAAAAAcSE/XAOKQxWZYug/s1600/20160202_202154-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CjIvMuY3VM/VrFmzx5ECPI/AAAAAAAAcSE/XAOKQxWZYug/s640/20160202_202154-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My kids have Elmo themed lunches packed in two tiered boxes. One tier holds crackers, a slice of cheddar cheese, apple slices, celery, yellow pepper slices, and cherry tomatoes all decorated with a birthday hat, Happy Birthday sign, and Elmo pick. The bottom tier holds a peanut butter sandwich and mini wheats. I made the sandwich with an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MG3PN4C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MG3PN4C&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=VRPE34DDJTPOHSO3">Elmo sandwich press</a> and colored it with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DMI1S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012DMI1S&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=7PC5FK2DC3T34LX4">food safe markers</a>. The little cup to the side contains sunflower seeds.<br />
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LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-59176381603547055182016-02-01T23:45:00.000-05:002016-02-01T23:45:05.094-05:00Lunches in Celebration of Groundhog Day<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i><br />
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This year I really had the urge to pack lunches themed for Groundhog Day. I hadn't ever packed a lunch designed for this day and it seemed like a fun idea. I had been tossing around a few ideas in my head, but tonight my daughter asked me if I knew why groundhogs really came out of their burrows. I said I didn't know the real explanation and she went on to explain that males come out to look for mates. She mentioned that people say they are coming out to check if winter will be longer, but really they emerge to search for mates. She then added that they lose a lot of fat during their hibernation and are much thinner in the spring. I asked her how she knew about this thinking that it might have been discussed at school today. She told me she <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M4JIUQQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00M4JIUQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=SAAI4H2TP2AW32RS">learned it watching Wild Kratts</a>, which makes perfect sense because she really likes that show and seems to retain everything she learns from it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-fgh9Eo-ug/VrAyTQ5FAbI/AAAAAAAAcQA/-ArLJhn2E2w/s1600/20160201_221806-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-fgh9Eo-ug/VrAyTQ5FAbI/AAAAAAAAcQA/-ArLJhn2E2w/s200/20160201_221806-1.jpg" width="161" /></a>So, after our conversation, I developed the idea for her lunch. I decided to make my own picks out of Shrinky Dinks <a href="http://liciouslunches.blogspot.com/2013/12/santa-comes-to-lunch-and-is-featured-in.html">(like I did before)</a> and to feature her explanation in Tuesday's lunch.<br />
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I drew a few images and word bubbles on plain <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002H9RS66/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002H9RS66&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=PAG3H5GG4SLETD6B">Shrinky Dink sheets</a>, cut them out with rounded edges, baked at 350 degrees F for a few minutes, and taped my newly made pieces to toothpicks.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-set_lZ7Vy10/VrAtmAXrAoI/AAAAAAAAcPY/Ru1eQ2B9I9o/s1600/20160201_225757-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-set_lZ7Vy10/VrAtmAXrAoI/AAAAAAAAcPY/Ru1eQ2B9I9o/s640/20160201_225757-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made one groundhog with two word bubbles. One says, "Six more weeks?", and is marked out with a red X to show that he is <i>not </i>out of his burrow to check the length of winter. The second word bubble, "Where's my mate?", shows the real reason he is out and it is marked in green to indicate it is correct. In the background, I placed the Wild Kratts logo along with a groundhog drawn in a similar style to the one featured on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M4JIUQQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00M4JIUQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=SAAI4H2TP2AW32RS">episode </a>my daughter was telling me about. I hope she opens this lunch on Groundhog Day, sees that I pay attention to the things she shares with me and that I think it is wonderful that she enjoys learning about nature.<br />
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My husband's lunch also features a groundhog. This one is positioned over his barbecue sandwich to look like he is peering up out of his hole wondering whether or not there will be six more weeks of winter. This lunch is packed in an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S129AQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004S129AQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=P5D346RBKXO65FWW">EasyLunchbox</a>. I use these often for adult lunches and find the three sections useful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp6iY3mn2Md_bxBF_gD7rzixbJK9XRraS_e5I1-PuoI20zIFcAR-eTHmVc7zxR3eNrMd8rNsoFhi2NFiUjUCG10eYkJ8QtS1AhLXAbA_PJ9JPlIhhOUJIeCZUjdlT4SwD84nfPhFRllxo/s1600/20160201_225417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp6iY3mn2Md_bxBF_gD7rzixbJK9XRraS_e5I1-PuoI20zIFcAR-eTHmVc7zxR3eNrMd8rNsoFhi2NFiUjUCG10eYkJ8QtS1AhLXAbA_PJ9JPlIhhOUJIeCZUjdlT4SwD84nfPhFRllxo/s640/20160201_225417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since my son can't read sentences yet and might not really recognize the idea of a groundhog in his lunch, I decided to skip the theme for him and just pack a brightly colored lunch full of things he loves. His lunch is packed in a Skip Hop Zoo lunch box similar to the one I used for his sister's lunch above. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LMV9M32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LMV9M32&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=UAT42RIFM4IJ3YDK">blue box features an owl</a> and the red box has a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LMV9PCA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LMV9PCA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=KJOA33PF5BXOD3I5">monkey on the lid</a>. Both are very cute, inexpensive boxes and are well-sized for little kid appetites.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kldRsw1H8f0/VrAtmIMIeBI/AAAAAAAAcPY/jgijgNcWYfQ/s1600/20160201_225924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kldRsw1H8f0/VrAtmIMIeBI/AAAAAAAAcPY/jgijgNcWYfQ/s640/20160201_225924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope to have some more fun lunches to share throughout February.</div>
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LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-79914192799594688352016-01-31T21:49:00.000-05:002016-01-31T21:49:29.039-05:00Yumbox Lunches for Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are starting out February lunches with our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L8BLTNM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L8BLTNM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LZGYFJJVY7ZLSL55">Yumboxes</a>. Tomorrow, my husband, two kids, and I will each have lunches in Yumboxes.</div>
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First up, is my daughter's lunch. It is packed in our light <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0161H3IOA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0161H3IOA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=5Y3DEFCFGQNQTAGH">purple Yumbox</a> with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01739Y2FY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01739Y2FY&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=G77VYFH36ZNTITPN">Shopkins </a>theme. Like many eight year old girls, she really loves these toys. I found a simple and no cost way to make quick shopkins picks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6PNg3AplvCLKGT_X_Na5k3QdHvJw3fWiuSIXpFehQOunWg3OrKg9IJTlRGBx-IhGM9W3e9C6igyBoLXH6KGzdiEm-G9PlGSL8RxbtUOOos2pmedjn4GuJBggrIruujne9vUgHJi1qDsM/s1600/20160131_160916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6PNg3AplvCLKGT_X_Na5k3QdHvJw3fWiuSIXpFehQOunWg3OrKg9IJTlRGBx-IhGM9W3e9C6igyBoLXH6KGzdiEm-G9PlGSL8RxbtUOOos2pmedjn4GuJBggrIruujne9vUgHJi1qDsM/s640/20160131_160916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKYeuoNgKGE/Vq7AUnXQDaI/AAAAAAAAcMk/JcYxepZdC1Q/s1600/20160131_143125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKYeuoNgKGE/Vq7AUnXQDaI/AAAAAAAAcMk/JcYxepZdC1Q/s640/20160131_143125.jpg" width="360" /></a>I cut a few of the pictures out from the plastic sheet that came with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01739XZMA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01739XZMA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=5FJ2L4AMLZUEEEMR">Shopkins organizer</a> that she got this weekend. After cutting out the pictures and rounding off the edges, I simply taped a toothpick to the back and Voila - instant, free, cute, Shopkins picks. She didn't see me doing this so I think she will be surprised when she opens her lunch Monday. I hope it makes her smile!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWmPmynwg8Q/Vq7AUrVnBnI/AAAAAAAAcMk/SJXMr21SqeI/s1600/20160131_153034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWmPmynwg8Q/Vq7AUrVnBnI/AAAAAAAAcMk/SJXMr21SqeI/s640/20160131_153034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since I was packing one of my daughter's favorite toys in her lunch, I decided to do something similar for my son. I packed his lunch in our yellow <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RKO6SBE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00RKO6SBE&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=XYI6J7LEERG6FAGP">Yumbox </a>and added in several <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TFZDA4E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TFZDA4E&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=WE4LHFBE4AD276B2">Paw Patrol characters</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMVkJj-gx-CUZlOOW6_CwvTCPi95tOjzUPanT1mHWQ2u5VKRhkCrxUpUS56fbxNr_69ELPaIoWaeVD3VT6mJmDHsCcoAhNiWVR6vLQZjQ-4-D_ZxyR_MZf8h_qp2sCETiXSApGxsbJMGW/s1600/20160131_160815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMVkJj-gx-CUZlOOW6_CwvTCPi95tOjzUPanT1mHWQ2u5VKRhkCrxUpUS56fbxNr_69ELPaIoWaeVD3VT6mJmDHsCcoAhNiWVR6vLQZjQ-4-D_ZxyR_MZf8h_qp2sCETiXSApGxsbJMGW/s640/20160131_160815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since, Monday is the first lunch of February, I decided to go with a love theme in my husband's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L8BLTNM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L8BLTNM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=LZGYFJJVY7ZLSL55">blue Yumbox</a>. He has chicken salad on a croissant with a love pick (sent from my friend Amy at <a href="http://yummybitesbyamy.blogspot.com/">Yummy Bites by Amy</a>). He also has sides of fruit, macaroni salad, celery, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAE6PWA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IAE6PWA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=ZZVO3ILAHSKBZGQT">Milano cookie</a>, and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AF82MPW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AF82MPW&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=DNB6U5P7ZP7GMYZF">Nestle Crunch heart</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS3TPAP34AJX8YKtdzJoFQQcYkimG3zMVql5fzzUrwqM2DAMRuoLbCq7tYoWS8vvhAK1ZQuYsM2Jk7vMZQh-7sQ6WFWkFPuYC2fWlhVDUBZ_4Ua47yjv2o4qiA89cWFevIJsSylq7tSdl/s1600/20160131_161106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS3TPAP34AJX8YKtdzJoFQQcYkimG3zMVql5fzzUrwqM2DAMRuoLbCq7tYoWS8vvhAK1ZQuYsM2Jk7vMZQh-7sQ6WFWkFPuYC2fWlhVDUBZ_4Ua47yjv2o4qiA89cWFevIJsSylq7tSdl/s640/20160131_161106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The leakproof lid on the Yumboxes does a great job of keeping wet, runny food like the macaroni salad separate from other foods like the croissant and fruits. Since it works so well, there's no need to worry about holding the lunchbox in a special position. Good news for my husband since he needs to be responsible for three lunch bags every morning!</div>
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My lunch is nearly the same, except packed in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0161PL4YS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0161PL4YS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=AAZ25XPQODKHEEFI">red Yumbox</a>. Packing the adult lunches in a nearly identical fashion saves me time :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CiHUYUE76g/Vq7AUlDg8_I/AAAAAAAAcMk/FItYEfC81nQ/s1600/20160131_161015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CiHUYUE76g/Vq7AUlDg8_I/AAAAAAAAcMk/FItYEfC81nQ/s640/20160131_161015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-8326651097409931922016-01-28T21:05:00.001-05:002016-01-28T21:05:15.232-05:00Snowman Themed Lunches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Thanks for visiting Licious Lunches! I was so pleased with the lunch I packed for my daughter for tomorrow that I am even managing to make the time to blog about it. That's a big deal considering my most recent post was in October of </span><i style="text-align: left;">2014</i><span style="text-align: left;">!</span></div>
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Haha! Anyway, my inspiration for this lunch came from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZN0TNA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FZN0TNA&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=4L6WVJUZKDEYTKU3">silicone snowman shaped cups</a> I was lucky enough to win in a Fred and Friends giveaway a couple of months ago. When thinking about what to pack tonight, I decided to use the snowman and then I came up with the idea of trying to find three kinds of white foods to fill each of the three snowman sections. I ended up using cucumber, apple slices cut into circles, and a snowman icing candy for the head (on top of a small blue container filled with sunflower seeds). </div>
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After I had my plan for the snowman, I filled in the remaining space in the large section with fruits and veggies that my daughter likes. Then in the smaller section to the left, I placed some Club cracker sticks with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GUJPXKM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GUJPXKM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=AD7CPKXMYMGCCQYR">snowman cupcake ring</a> and a freshly baked brownie. My daughter LOVES brownies so I think this lunch will be a hit for Friday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WDSE9G9o4AHrfgy12PpFTLUNPTP4s1nCiW8cfoaQDcbs1MwFJsVkw8lFvtpbOTJOqc_LM_qUsOP_G6QdT586_yPBqLHoGAqhahdzDSFMQy2II0swvByihreYuW5iUECJa1AIoRitgEJX/s1600/20160128_192516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WDSE9G9o4AHrfgy12PpFTLUNPTP4s1nCiW8cfoaQDcbs1MwFJsVkw8lFvtpbOTJOqc_LM_qUsOP_G6QdT586_yPBqLHoGAqhahdzDSFMQy2II0swvByihreYuW5iUECJa1AIoRitgEJX/s640/20160128_192516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son's lunch is very similar. He has more blueberries and blackberries than his sister along with a few chunks of cantaloupe. He loves berries and all fruit and will prefer it over the brownie that his sister has. He has become quite particular about the temperature of his foods lately and usually leaves brownies uneaten unless they are fresh from the oven - crazy boy :) Also, his is missing the snowman face because he swiped it and ate it while I was taking the picture of his sister's lunch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgofltRREps_FF__kvDgiXBOuDi-Pnod6Jhw3opGrnnhVdyHQNMPm8osijgbmFFsQXRieSLg18szVr4Qo2cYB7U8kS7yKfSHZKdlNrwRPPO6VbDtXNQLpKhioJto7wZLfi-M1vCA0qVnJQ/s1600/20160128_204302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgofltRREps_FF__kvDgiXBOuDi-Pnod6Jhw3opGrnnhVdyHQNMPm8osijgbmFFsQXRieSLg18szVr4Qo2cYB7U8kS7yKfSHZKdlNrwRPPO6VbDtXNQLpKhioJto7wZLfi-M1vCA0qVnJQ/s640/20160128_204302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Both lunches are packed in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F6CI9TQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F6CI9TQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=NSLNA5Y4MDIA3IK">Planetbox Shuttles</a>. These boxes work well for the amount of food my third grade daughter and almost five year old son usually eat at lunch.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am planning to post here more during 2016. In the meantime, you can check out some of the lunches I have shared on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/liciouslunches/">Instagram</a>.</div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-48071503354245460232014-10-29T10:30:00.000-04:002016-02-24T23:42:00.360-05:00Halloween Hop 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the 2014 Bento Bloggers and Friends Halloween Hop. I am happy to be taking time to post some of the lunches I have packed during the month of October and excited to join another Bento Blogger Hop. Since I have literally hundreds of unshared, never blogged lunch photos, I decided to include quite a few in this post. More shared means there are fewer trapped forever on a camera, phone, or in the cloud! Please be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom so your can find the link to the next stop in the Halloween Hop over at <a href="http://www.bentosonthebayou.com/2014/10/boo-bbf-halloween-hop.html">Bentos on the Bayou</a>.</div>
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First up is a lunch I packed for myself. It was packed in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044R7VUC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0044R7VUC&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=VRDQV7VWF77OEEX4">LunchBots Trio</a>. I like packing lunches in this box with a little of this and that. This one included pumpkin shaped pretzels, a cheddar cheese stick, almonds, carrots, red pepper strips, peas, grapes, a couple of candy corn gummy candies, and a turkey wrap cut in half and secured with bat and pumpkin picks. The little skeleton girl at the top is a candy icing decoration. My husband and kids bought those for me for my birthday.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V887Woqbwwo/VE-iMOuuEyI/AAAAAAAAP_0/OInE4qjXR_k/s1600/20141026_151849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V887Woqbwwo/VE-iMOuuEyI/AAAAAAAAP_0/OInE4qjXR_k/s1600/20141026_151849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next are lunches packed for my seven year old (in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVOCE0E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KVOCE0E&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=5MK7ZCSVHOWGCBA2%22%3EYumbox%20Leakproof%20Bento%20Lunch%20Box%20Container%20(New%20Design%20Pomme%20Green)%20for%20Kids%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=">green Yumbox</a>) and three year old (in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVOSNJU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KVOSNJU&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=EXL52RLCW5436RMR%22%3EYumbox%20Leakproof%20Bento%20Lunch%20Box%20Container%20(New%20Design%20Framboise%20Pink)%20for%20Kids%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=">pink Yumbox</a>). These really are high quality lunch boxes and I have been using these multiple times a week as you will see below. My daughter had a slice of cheese, pieces of an orange, apple slices, pickles, Muddy Buddies, veggies, and a few pieces of candy corn in the center treat section. At a fall festival, my daughter won cupcakes decorated with these candy corn themed rings. She said she picked this set specifically because she knew I would be happy to collect those rings. She is sweet!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbcfrobQ-Hk/VE-iMP88uAI/AAAAAAAAP_0/Ht34jqa5Tq0/s1600/20141026_145801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbcfrobQ-Hk/VE-iMP88uAI/AAAAAAAAP_0/Ht34jqa5Tq0/s1600/20141026_145801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son had peach yogurt and bone shaped snacks in place of the cheese and Muddy Buddies.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KLgmjQ1hxM/VE-iMEfXswI/AAAAAAAAP_0/9oVnDQmKqlE/s1600/20141026_145725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KLgmjQ1hxM/VE-iMEfXswI/AAAAAAAAP_0/9oVnDQmKqlE/s1600/20141026_145725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next lunches were packed quickly on a Friday morning in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DS56AS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005DS56AS&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=WGPV2Q3TYUPM5O7E%22%3ESassy%20On%20the%20Go%20Feeding%20Set,%20Pink/Purple%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=">Sassy boxes</a>. My kids had a Cutie, pepper strips, sugar snap peas, carrots, mini cheese balls, and jello in a pumpkin shaped silicone cup. My daughter had cubes of ham and my son had yogurt.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FS03AQh9nC4/VE-iMN2u1kI/AAAAAAAAP_0/47f0h1lKZK0/s1600/20141023_201105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FS03AQh9nC4/VE-iMN2u1kI/AAAAAAAAP_0/47f0h1lKZK0/s1600/20141023_201105.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next lunches for my kids were packed in the new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L8BLTNM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L8BLTNM&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=M7PGNL3IXK23TPQ4">Panino style Yumboxes</a>. My kids had asked to get some of the tiny Cheez-Its in the little bags. Neither one of my children can reliably open packages like that at school, nor do they need to eat a whole pack at a time. So, I had the idea to transfer the little crackers into the clear RIP coffin shaped containers that I had saved. The containers once held sprinkles and had a large enough opening to easily let the crackers in and out.<br />
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Sticking with the RIP theme, my daughter had a shaped sandwich and RIP gummy. She also had veggies, green grapes with a black cat crawling on top and an orange with a Boo! pick.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BacwVi_VVZA/VE-iMGvOGpI/AAAAAAAAP_0/CicnCO2KBY8/s1600/20141014_055741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BacwVi_VVZA/VE-iMGvOGpI/AAAAAAAAP_0/CicnCO2KBY8/s1600/20141014_055741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son's lunch was similar with a granola bar in place of the sandwich and blackberries along with his grapes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKys_lbc37RZc6bBH-lKgxLPIQuyYq0JONYDv0Syqf9p6OoZaxpTCmYPxsbeXC0ZkILeLC-TaaCDS9Z4084Ww4fzDG_b0tFuHNKbpnEOjZt5j7FSDr1cRHC77kj66d-dWHQeKY-i0HPtS/s1600/20141014_055734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKys_lbc37RZc6bBH-lKgxLPIQuyYq0JONYDv0Syqf9p6OoZaxpTCmYPxsbeXC0ZkILeLC-TaaCDS9Z4084Ww4fzDG_b0tFuHNKbpnEOjZt5j7FSDr1cRHC77kj66d-dWHQeKY-i0HPtS/s1600/20141014_055734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Both kids were happy with the cracker container and my daughter said she had lots of compliments on her lunch. So I reran that idea several days later with slightly different foods and decorations. The second time, my daughter had string cheese, apple slices, a candy corn colored rice cereal treat, peanuts, blueberries, and an eye gummy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwOhsZ4WWns/VE-iMG9uBRI/AAAAAAAAP_0/zUGqnRqbU10/s1600/20141021_210510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwOhsZ4WWns/VE-iMG9uBRI/AAAAAAAAP_0/zUGqnRqbU10/s1600/20141021_210510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son's lunch was similar minus the cheese.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ_49lMx1Ho/VE-iMLuNPII/AAAAAAAAP_0/0crrFA1PkH0/s1600/20141021_210503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ_49lMx1Ho/VE-iMLuNPII/AAAAAAAAP_0/0crrFA1PkH0/s1600/20141021_210503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A nice lady at a local grocery store bakery gave me a couple of candy corn picks so I themed the following lunches using those as inspiration. My daughter had cucumber slices, carrots, blueberries, pear slices, and grapes in one layer with a candy corn shaped peanut butter sandwich, candy corn, half a Cutie, and a candy corn colored cereal treat in the other layer. Please excuse the crooked, blurry photo taken at five AM :).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiQrk07aE1I/VE-lHT6HmzI/AAAAAAAAQA0/ii0KhCgK6iY/s1600/20141021_054724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiQrk07aE1I/VE-lHT6HmzI/AAAAAAAAQA0/ii0KhCgK6iY/s1600/20141021_054724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son's candy corn themed lunch included blueberries, grapes, blackberries, pear slices with a pirate candy corn ring, cereal treat, Cheez-It mix, cucumber slices, carrots, and candy corn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOQ7LD2RBizlyYymbkkInVHApvhAQC8FGrUUuSLRGve18Z7Vw1F3gRu6HV8KVzqE4xM7NnTZjsE_RMhnvsJl74dvw0XoILN5dR4r3_jK3QGzfEauDp0u8mbw48jOsP1Dz11b6ppKJ83gd/s1600/20141021_054706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOQ7LD2RBizlyYymbkkInVHApvhAQC8FGrUUuSLRGve18Z7Vw1F3gRu6HV8KVzqE4xM7NnTZjsE_RMhnvsJl74dvw0XoILN5dR4r3_jK3QGzfEauDp0u8mbw48jOsP1Dz11b6ppKJ83gd/s1600/20141021_054706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll end with a mummy themed lunch I packed for my husband. He had a turkey wrap decorated with food safe marker to look like a mummy. I also cut a green apple, treated it with Fruit Fresh, and topped it with icing eyes to be similar to a mummy. In the fruit section, there were purple grapes and blackberries topped with a mummy candy corn ring. The lower section held pasta salad. The treat section had a gummy mummy and I included Muddy Buddies because I thought they fit the theme and could pass as little mummies.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2870uejtBs/VE-iMOjzSfI/AAAAAAAAP_0/hVlTTYYP494/s1600/20141020_000131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2870uejtBs/VE-iMOjzSfI/AAAAAAAAP_0/hVlTTYYP494/s1600/20141020_000131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found a little clothespin with a mummy on top and used it to hold a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M0297V4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00M0297V4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20&linkId=7KAVLKBUMR5KXZWW%22%3EBRAND%20NEW%20for%202014:%20Lunchbox%20Love%20Notes%20for%20Kids%20by%20Say%20Please.%2096%20positive%20lunch%20notes,%20fun%20trivia%20AND%20jokes%20for%20your%20child%27s%20school%20lunchbox,%20backpack,%20or%20binder.%20(Volumes%2065-72)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=">Lunchbox Love note</a> as a special surprise in the middle of the day.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-466H9WB6rOw/VE-iMKsvWII/AAAAAAAAP_0/66FpyWndVjs/s1600/20141020_000157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-466H9WB6rOw/VE-iMKsvWII/AAAAAAAAP_0/66FpyWndVjs/s1600/20141020_000157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking through my Halloween Themed lunches. Please make sure to click the link below so you can visit the <a href="http://www.bentosonthebayou.com/2014/10/boo-bbf-halloween-hop.html">next stop on the hop at Bentos on the Bayou</a>.</div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-64710768317870464702014-06-11T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-11T08:00:57.492-04:00Transportation Themed Yumbox Lunches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></div>
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For the lunches in this post, I used transportation cutters, food markers, and Yumboxes as part of the <a href="http://wendolonia.com/blog/2014/06/11/3-tools-4-lunches-yumbox-transportation-cutters-and-food-safe-markers">3 Tools, 4 Bloggers</a> series over at <a href="http://wendolonia.com/">Wendolonia</a>. I have enjoyed reading all of the other posts in this series and was happy to have a chance to participate.</div>
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I was a little low on produce when packing these lunches, but still pleased with how they turned out. Using the transportation cutters helped me to turn some of the ordinary items I had on hand into something more special.</div>
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This lunch in the pink <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DE34P3I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DE34P3I&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yumbox </a>was prepared for my daughter. I used the cutter shaped like a ship to cut colby cheese, apple slices, and to make shaped tortilla chips (details on those are at the end of the post). I decorated the cheese slices with food safe markers and paired them with round saltines. I pressed the imprint of the cutter into the apple slices and placed those in a silicone ship-shaped cup along with some grapes in the fruit section of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DE34P3I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DE34P3I&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yumbox</a>. In the veggie section, I packed carrots, asparagus, and cucumber slices on a pick. The homemade ship-themed tortilla chips were in the grains section and the protein section held ham rollups on nautical picks. The treat section held some colorful fish candies.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpXLpRRRZfM/U5UveESve_I/AAAAAAAAKps/pYkUKQ0m6ok/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpXLpRRRZfM/U5UveESve_I/AAAAAAAAKps/pYkUKQ0m6ok/s1600/14+-+1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used a blank <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JJ12QQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007JJ12QQ&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Lunchbox Love note</a> to write a message that said, "Time to set sail on a fun summer!" to go along with the ship theme. My daughter took this lunch to a birthday party where pizza was being served. She isn't a big pizza fan so she was happy to have this and enjoyed all the ships.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhkxylEB-urVI5SXAPB9nkOw0PP2OUWDJIiNBDCvdohJ_ct4VPUDP72ceYictR-58k756VjGPqKvxDFZ_25PTGAo2Lrulrw4nHwNWm1lH3XL44JMTRxOTBu0ZQwqGOqQjH4_WPk3Nu0aA/s1600/20140608_111540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhkxylEB-urVI5SXAPB9nkOw0PP2OUWDJIiNBDCvdohJ_ct4VPUDP72ceYictR-58k756VjGPqKvxDFZ_25PTGAo2Lrulrw4nHwNWm1lH3XL44JMTRxOTBu0ZQwqGOqQjH4_WPk3Nu0aA/s1600/20140608_111540.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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My three year old son also took a transportation-themed lunch in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DE34P3I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DE34P3I&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yumbox </a>to that party with similar foods, but a granola bar instead of ham.. For his, I used the car-shaped cutter and some cute road sign picks that my friend over at <a href="http://eclecticlamb.com/">eclecticlamb.com</a> picked up for me on her recent trip to Japan. He was really intrigued by the cheese decorated to look like cars. He usually isn't a big fan of cheese, but he did try it this day. He did like the crackers, chips, fruits, and veggies. And, all of the star candies were eaten. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vhc9uAEFYQA/U5g6GtvfEII/AAAAAAAAK1A/L05xQ9uTnE0/s1600/20140608_110922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vhc9uAEFYQA/U5g6GtvfEII/AAAAAAAAK1A/L05xQ9uTnE0/s1600/20140608_110922.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I waited for a long time before buying a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DE34P3I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DE34P3I&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yumbox</a>. After I first used it, it quickly became one of my favorites. It is easy for my kids to open and close and keeps everything separate even if turned upside down. I also love the fact that these boxes lie flat in our new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D6GT7MC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D6GT7MC&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Gabby Kids' Chiller lunch bags by Fit & Fresh</a> with plenty of remaining room for a drink and ice packs.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DquFJCDb5c/U5g6GoJqvGI/AAAAAAAAK1A/UBa9hiHvtWE/s1600/20140608_111646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DquFJCDb5c/U5g6GoJqvGI/AAAAAAAAK1A/UBa9hiHvtWE/s1600/20140608_111646.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ16roE-T_0/U5g6GoVD35I/AAAAAAAAK1A/7uiULqt-8O4/s1600/20140608_111610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ16roE-T_0/U5g6GoVD35I/AAAAAAAAK1A/7uiULqt-8O4/s1600/20140608_111610.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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My daughter has the version of the bag and my son has the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D6GT7MC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D6GT7MC&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">glasses version</a>. Both have washed and dryed easily. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlM7GUOQX8yFochL0W_Z2oYVdqAndj7FkJjACJ1QV1MmJ8MGPswlgLpXV5PhXb11u4L3vhqrox_QuOVghjAUrq1YO5AM-sUl2DpQu6iQhgi0eZiVbHF247s0HRxK6FlejMX5N6nZpLfHY/s1600/20140608_111728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlM7GUOQX8yFochL0W_Z2oYVdqAndj7FkJjACJ1QV1MmJ8MGPswlgLpXV5PhXb11u4L3vhqrox_QuOVghjAUrq1YO5AM-sUl2DpQu6iQhgi0eZiVbHF247s0HRxK6FlejMX5N6nZpLfHY/s1600/20140608_111728.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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For tips on how I made the shaped tortilla chips, you can continue to read below, or you can click to move on to check out lunches created by the three other bloggers in <a href="http://wendolonia.com/blog/2014/06/11/3-tools-4-lunches-yumbox-transportation-cutters-and-food-safe-markers">this week's post of the 3 Tools, 4 Bloggers series</a> over at <a href="http://wendolonia.com/">Wendolonia</a>.<br />
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For the tortilla chips, I first I brushed a couple of tortillas with olive oil and lightly salted.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ1dcx_pxVA/U5e2dTEnZ-I/AAAAAAAAK1w/yui_p2sAWAc/s1600/20140608_100720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ1dcx_pxVA/U5e2dTEnZ-I/AAAAAAAAK1w/yui_p2sAWAc/s1600/20140608_100720.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, I cut out the shapes using the cutters.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ZbdUGnIh4/U5e2qmHjtPI/AAAAAAAAK1o/sK83pV7Yy5I/s1600/20140608_101531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ZbdUGnIh4/U5e2qmHjtPI/AAAAAAAAK1o/sK83pV7Yy5I/s1600/20140608_101531.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, I placed them on a pan and baked for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</div>
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You can faintly see the imprint of the ship and car shape on some of the pieces before baking, but it was more faded after baking as you see below.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7P4gHbdOkqQ/U5g6Gk9JEsI/AAAAAAAAK1A/ELiSfWvVm18/s1600/20140608_104050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7P4gHbdOkqQ/U5g6Gk9JEsI/AAAAAAAAK1A/ELiSfWvVm18/s1600/20140608_104050.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the shaped apples, I first sliced thin sections of apple and then used the cutters.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_gNJHP24j8/U5e3NIhpMoI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/MpYSCnFg_KQ/s1600/20140608_102246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_gNJHP24j8/U5e3NIhpMoI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/MpYSCnFg_KQ/s1600/20140608_102246.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I soaked the pieces in some a water and Fruit Fresh mixture before packing so they wouldn't brown.</div>
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Thanks for visiting my blog and please remember to check out all of the other cute ideas over at <a href="http://wendolonia.com/">Wendolonia </a>in the <a href="http://wendolonia.com/blog/2014/06/11/3-tools-4-lunches-yumbox-transportation-cutters-and-food-safe-markers">3 Tools, 4 Bloggers series</a>.<br />
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-78429962786152050842014-04-16T20:45:00.001-04:002014-04-16T20:45:32.049-04:00A Round-up of Rabbit and Easter Lunches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post has some recently packed lunches with general bunny or Easter decorations. This first bento was packed in our new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NNUE2O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004NNUE2O&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yubo lunchbox</a>. It was for my son's lunch at daycare. He had strawberry <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6VKP92/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C6VKP92&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">bunny-shaped</a> Jello, yellow pepper strips, carrots, celery, tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, a piece of rice krispie treat, a fruit punch Oreo, and strawberry yogurt.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7GWE9ytM2c/U08MCtnARHI/AAAAAAAAI48/6EQ02JpV0cc/s1600/20140416_190023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7GWE9ytM2c/U08MCtnARHI/AAAAAAAAI48/6EQ02JpV0cc/s1600/20140416_190023.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next was a breakfast bento for my son in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003819TPK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003819TPK&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">two section Sistema box</a>. He has strawberries, slices of yellow pepper, grapes, a piece of rice krispie treat, watermelon, and graham crackers.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkXR39EKIpo/U08Lkhc7ADI/AAAAAAAAI5w/jeL1b4jns3w/s1600/20140416_185938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkXR39EKIpo/U08Lkhc7ADI/AAAAAAAAI5w/jeL1b4jns3w/s1600/20140416_185938.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next was a lunch for me packed in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050O92G4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0050O92G4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Goodbyn Bynto</a>. I had a salad, string cheese, strawberries, grapes, apple slices, watermelon, and cookie. The small containers held sunflower seeds and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BG4DH90/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BG4DH90&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">balsalmic dressin</a>g for the salad.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bI4qoQE2DfI/U08LVlcVxAI/AAAAAAAAI54/1y8jtnVu80Y/s1600/20140416_185851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bI4qoQE2DfI/U08LVlcVxAI/AAAAAAAAI54/1y8jtnVu80Y/s1600/20140416_185851.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next was a lunch for my daughter packed in a pink <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DE2PVTG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DE2PVTG&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yumbox</a>. She had a slice of cheddar cheese, grapes, ham pieces, carrots, celery, red pepper, a grape tomato, "bunny tail" white cheddar cheese balls, strawberry flavored <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6VKP92/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C6VKP92&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">bunny-shaped</a> Jello, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GFG5F8A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GFG5F8A&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">small bunny and carrot shaped sprinkles</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upvgEWc9liQ/U0288nEJZ5I/AAAAAAAAI6I/My5VjLqmefU/s1600/20140415_190904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upvgEWc9liQ/U0288nEJZ5I/AAAAAAAAI6I/My5VjLqmefU/s1600/20140415_190904.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son's lunch was in a green <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DE2PVTG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DE2PVTG&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yumbox</a>. It was similar, but contained a granola bar in place of ham and had strawberries.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmNSbp8wvl8/U028uGjc_wI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/_NwuNKyCoAU/s1600/20140415_190838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmNSbp8wvl8/U028uGjc_wI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/_NwuNKyCoAU/s1600/20140415_190838.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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For small morning snack, my daughter had mini pretzels in a bunny-shaped silicone cup, sunflower seeds in the pink polka dotted container, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6VKP92/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C6VKP92&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">bunny shaped</a> Jello.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnMbKoG9xL8/U028dm5cgGI/AAAAAAAAI6o/eiMiDb8ZOfM/s1600/20140415_190754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnMbKoG9xL8/U028dm5cgGI/AAAAAAAAI6o/eiMiDb8ZOfM/s1600/20140415_190754.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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In this plum <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Y1A8FW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005Y1A8FW&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Baeba</a> tray, my son had a breakfast bento containing watermelon, strawberries, green grapes, sunflower seeds, and pretzels. Along with this he also had a yogurt tube.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCSuvOuEKio/U028XFM1bOI/AAAAAAAAI60/NUeDLWlwS7U/s1600/20140415_190746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCSuvOuEKio/U028XFM1bOI/AAAAAAAAI60/NUeDLWlwS7U/s1600/20140415_190746.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The following are matching lunches my husband and I took to work in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006IW5I8S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006IW5I8S&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Planetbox Rovers</a>. We had Jello, a slice of cheddar, strawberries, grapes, a salad, Sunchips, and bunny sprinkles. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLO0JM2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HLO0JM2&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">small containers with white lids</a> held a cranberry and walnut mix to add to the salad and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BG4DH90/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BG4DH90&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">small Sistema tub</a> held salad dressing.<br />
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The lunch above was mine and the one below was my husband's.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rr_ty59_8kM/U0275FKQd8I/AAAAAAAAI1k/2vpXCrD5p8w/s1600/20140415_190633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rr_ty59_8kM/U0275FKQd8I/AAAAAAAAI1k/2vpXCrD5p8w/s1600/20140415_190633.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, below are two more matching work lunches. These were packed in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AD67KN6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AD67KN6&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">EasyLunchboxes</a>. The bread for the turkey sandwiches was stamped with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BGR7H48/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BGR7H48&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">chick and egg presses</a>. We also had a string cheese, strawberries, grapes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and small bunny containers with sunflower seeds. The fruit was decorated with hatching chick, lamb, and bunny picks.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1R2EoPf_54M/U0ybK3soSKI/AAAAAAAAIzI/HN4-pwtBxLo/s1600/20140414_223537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1R2EoPf_54M/U0ybK3soSKI/AAAAAAAAIzI/HN4-pwtBxLo/s1600/20140414_223537.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-52933273191564008912014-03-28T14:00:00.000-04:002014-03-28T14:00:04.166-04:00Make Lunch Not War BBF Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwFhzaIhgLk/UzSsR0eJmPI/AAAAAAAAID0/uz5-MQ4CaQs/s1600/20140322_173450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwFhzaIhgLk/UzSsR0eJmPI/AAAAAAAAID0/uz5-MQ4CaQs/s1600/20140322_173450.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>My post for the Make Lunch - Not War BBF Blog Hop was inspired by my children in many different ways. For one, neither my daughter nor my son have been drawn exclusively to toys or colors associated with gender "norms". Before attending preschool and kindergarten and experiencing social expectations and pressures of peers, my daughter always said her favorite color was blue and she loved reptiles. She had a strong interest in everything related to dinosaurs, snakes, lizards, etc. She didn't select dolls for toys; instead she preferred Legos, collections of animal related toys, and "scary things" like pirates and snakes. My son on the other hand has enjoyed playing house, caring for dolls, and playing dress up. At age three, pink is his favorite color and Disney Princesses are just as fun to him as construction vehicles (which he calls "mighty machines") and fire trucks.</div>
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Another inspiration for this post occurred on a recent afternoon when my children were outside singing to each other. They often watch <a href="http://pbskids.org/daniel/">Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood </a>together and they were singing a song from an episode which emphasizes the importance of simply liking one another. My daughter had her arm around my son and she was singing, "I like you. I like you just the way you are." My son then repeated the song to her. It was a sweet, genuine moment, and thanks to the convenience of cell phone cameras, I was able to get the quick snapshot above to save the memory.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BArrJwC1Mk/UzSr46zC-bI/AAAAAAAAIDk/myDazaaQJ2I/s1600/20140320_195926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BArrJwC1Mk/UzSr46zC-bI/AAAAAAAAIDk/myDazaaQJ2I/s1600/20140320_195926.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>That evening I packed a fairly ordinary lunch for my daughter in a single tier <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009WRUZ70/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009WRUZ70&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">MyBentoMeal box</a>. It held ham, pretzels, crackers, grapes, orange pepper slices, chocolate covered sunflower seeds, and lettuce. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEIb9XOqf68/UzSr44VvqpI/AAAAAAAAIDk/Vl_IgyzlIhc/s1600/20140320_195950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEIb9XOqf68/UzSr44VvqpI/AAAAAAAAIDk/Vl_IgyzlIhc/s1600/20140320_195950.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>Along with the lunch, I included a piece of string cheese and a blank <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JJP3V6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007JJP3V6&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Lunchbox Love note</a> on which I wrote the line she and my son had been singing. </div>
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For the breakfast my son took to daycare the next morning, I tried to convey the same message, but without words since he does not read yet. In a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JHREL4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003JHREL4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">pink Sassy box</a>, he had orange slices, chocolate covered sunflower seeds and spring colored yogurt covered raisins in a pink cherry silicone cup. He also had Frosted Mini Wheats, orange pepper slices, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, raspberries, and blackberries, with a heart ring nestled in. He <i>loves</i> berries; it is fun to shop for produce with him because he gets so excited!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJwJK9Oq-Bg/UzSr44q7zcI/AAAAAAAAIDk/sp9IG1QkHAI/s1600/20140320_193643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJwJK9Oq-Bg/UzSr44q7zcI/AAAAAAAAIDk/sp9IG1QkHAI/s1600/20140320_193643.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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In honor of the topic for this hop and my pirate loving girl, I packed a pirate themed lunch in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JHREL4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003JHREL4&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">blue Sassy box</a> for my daughter. She has a sealed peanut butter sandwich decorated with food safe markers to look like a pirate map (two hershey kisses in blue wrappers are near the X on the map for her own little "treasure"). Blueberries are placed on blue spears and a pirate hat sits atop her celery, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, peas, and carrots. Apple slices and spinach leaves are also included along with a little alligator pick that is "biting" a cucumber slice.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A78GuXTA3XE/UzT3uzzCthI/AAAAAAAAIE0/aGS57hjcwek/s1600/14+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A78GuXTA3XE/UzT3uzzCthI/AAAAAAAAIE0/aGS57hjcwek/s1600/14+-+5" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And, in honor of my preschooler who currently thinks "sparkle shoes" and "princess hats" (crowns) are beautiful and fun, I packed the following lunch in our new pink <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DE2PVTG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DE2PVTG&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20">Yumbox</a>. He has pink yogurt, blueberries on sparklly slipper picks sitting above apple slices, carrots radishes, snap peas, cucumber slices on a crown pick, mini Triscuits, red pepper slices, a small orange pepper piece, and a granola bar with a pink, glittery heart pick.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgWF4NNK8RQ/UzT3u2nkrNI/AAAAAAAAIFI/VT3-1KV67M4/s1600/14+-+15" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgWF4NNK8RQ/UzT3u2nkrNI/AAAAAAAAIFI/VT3-1KV67M4/s1600/14+-+15" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lyxkHvSdVo/UzT3u39_zbI/AAAAAAAAIEc/ulLlSlBhK9k/s1600/14+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lyxkHvSdVo/UzT3u39_zbI/AAAAAAAAIEc/ulLlSlBhK9k/s1600/14+-+4" height="150" width="200" /></a>I included the following LunchBox Joke with my daughter's lunch. It asks "Why is U the happiest letter?" and the answer is "Because it's in the middle of FUN. I think this little joke fits this hop because when children say that they like various topics, things, or colors, they are simply trying to have fun while pursuing an interest and learning about the world. There should be no harm in exploring or enjoying areas outside the gender norms of our particular times and society. </div>
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After all, as illustrated in this book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1469902176/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1469902176&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20"><span style="color: #20124d;">Pink</span> is Just a Color and So is <span style="color: magenta;">Blue</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1469902176/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1469902176&linkCode=as2&tag=liciolunch-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3WnLagir4QY/UzT3u6e7UDI/AAAAAAAAIEc/XmgJLqhE2VE/s1600/14+-+1" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading. Please click on the button below to <a href="http://bebento-kids.blogspot.com/2014/03/say-no-to-bullying.html">visit Bebento-Kids</a> and continue on the Make Lunch - Not War Blog Hop.</div>
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<br />LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7643950144721964801.post-53530997313474227852014-02-12T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-12T07:05:04.738-05:00Valentine's Hop 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This post contains a small collection of lunches featuring hearts that I packed on dates in January or February of this year. The post is part of a Bento Bloggers and Friends Blog hop so be sure to click the button at the end of the post to visit the next site.</div>
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The first lunch is one my daughter had Monday of this week. Packed in a two tier pink bento box, she had cucumber slices on a white heart pick, carrots, cheddar cheese cut in heart shapes, grapes on heart picks, a Milano cookie, a few Cheez-Its in a narrow pink silicone oval, a small container of sunflower seeds, and a peanut butter sandwich stamped with a Love You conversation heart press.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJjzfbrlnQ/UvoK-bPbbII/AAAAAAAAHCo/Iu315DRZRBw/s1600/20140211_063447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJjzfbrlnQ/UvoK-bPbbII/AAAAAAAAHCo/Iu315DRZRBw/s1600/20140211_063447.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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On Tuesday, I used a different two-tier pink box for her lunch. She had carrots, apple slices, Cutie slices, orange pepper cut into hearts, ham pieces in a pink heart silicone container, sunflower seeds in the small white container, a few mint white chocolate chips, strawberry heart-shaped Jello, and Goldfish in a plastic heart container that I saved from a Valentine last year. </div>
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I added a heart die-cut to the lid of the bento box. This was packed with a Valentine's napkin and a small little fork for the ham.<br />
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Earlier this year, my husband and I had matching lunches for work packed in Easy Lunchboxes. We had turkey on whole wheat pitas, blueberries on heart picks, a Milano cookie, Cheez-Its and sunflower seeds in the heart-shaped containers, with veggies and fruit in the two side compartments.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_TcWiftHwA/UtZ5fMLtTHI/AAAAAAAAHDI/RNybo06db_0/s1600/20140114_232944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_TcWiftHwA/UtZ5fMLtTHI/AAAAAAAAHDI/RNybo06db_0/s1600/20140114_232944.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next bento was from earlier in the month. My daughter had cucumber, carrot, and pepper slices along with grapes, blueberries, and cherries on a long red, heart pick in the bottom tier. The top tier held crackers, a small heart-shaped Dove chocolate, almonds in the small container, and a stamped peanut butter sandwich. I included a "Love" decoration on the top of the box.<br />
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The last bento for this post was packed in our pink Sassy box. She had carrots, pepper slices, snap peas, Goldfish, a Dove chocolate, sunflower seeds in the small pink container, a Babybel, blueberries on a "so sweet" pick, Cutie slices, and small heart-shaped, sealed peanut butter sandwiches.<br />
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To try to keep the little sandwiches from drying out, I placed them in a small inner container and closed it with a lid. I was glad to find one that fit the sandwiches and allowed the box to close easily. I also tucked a little note under the bento band.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix5WGKAsn-8/UsqaUswWJfI/AAAAAAAAHDc/q_4TjbC3cR4/s1600/20140105_183208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix5WGKAsn-8/UsqaUswWJfI/AAAAAAAAHDc/q_4TjbC3cR4/s1600/20140105_183208.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pptynl4F6ds/UsqaXY3KD_I/AAAAAAAAHDY/YsOteFM3Tf8/s1600/20140105_183257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pptynl4F6ds/UsqaXY3KD_I/AAAAAAAAHDY/YsOteFM3Tf8/s1600/20140105_183257.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Thanks for viewing my Valentine's lunches. Please click the button below to move to the next lovely lunch blog, <a href="http://lunchfitforakid.blogspot.com/2014/02/kid-made-lunches-and-lunches-with-love.html">Lunches Fit for a Kid</a>, in this hop.</div>
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LiciousLuncheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316492378107493551noreply@blogger.com14