A Refrigerator Basket
This is the most genius lunch packing idea! I saw this on the Nester's site last year. When we decided to send the girls to school, I knew that I wanted to pack their lunches & that I was definitely going to use this idea. It's just a plastic basket that you can store anything you'll need for making lunches. Ours is stocked with sandwich meats, cheese, jelly, ranch, grapes, hotdogs, oranges, etc. There are some things in the basket that are not just lunch items {ie: ranch, jelly} but I do use them for lunches several times a week, so it's just easier to store them in that basket rather than the fridge door. This way, when it's time to make lunches, you can just grab this basket & everything you'll need will be right at hand.
Pantry Shelf
Lucky, for me, we live in an older house that has a large pantry closet in our dining room. I was able to make one of the shelves a "Sophie & Ella's lunch supplies" only shelf. I keep anything that doesn't need to be refidgerated here: bags, crackers, chips, fruit in containers, water bottles, etc. I also keep a plastic container in there for any leftover lunch items. {ie: several times the girls haven't eaten their chips or popcorn, so I just keep it in it's baggie, put it in that container & resend it within the next few days.}
re-useables
I do use Ziploc bags for chips & some fruits, but for the most part {to save $ and the planet} I use re-useable containers. Sandwiches, fruits/veggies with dip & h2o bottles are all reused. The girls buy milk to drink with their lunch, but I also send them a water bottle because I want to make sure they are well hydrated. I've also used the girls thermos several times already- they have really like this! I've used it for beanie weines {Tharpe style: turkey dogs & vegatarian baked beans}, broccoli noodle and homemade chicken soup. {recipe coming soon!}
keep records & reminders
I'm a stickler for variety when it comes to our meals. So, I keep a record throughout the week of what I packed for the girls. I'm hoping {for easiness sakes} to get a good 2 1/2 or 3 weeks of meals & just keep that routine. This way, it makes it easier for me, as far as packing goes, but mixes it up a little bit so that they aren't eating the same lunch everyday.
Well, there you have it. Just a few of my lunch packing fyi's. You got any to share? Please do!
Pantry Shelf
Lucky, for me, we live in an older house that has a large pantry closet in our dining room. I was able to make one of the shelves a "Sophie & Ella's lunch supplies" only shelf. I keep anything that doesn't need to be refidgerated here: bags, crackers, chips, fruit in containers, water bottles, etc. I also keep a plastic container in there for any leftover lunch items. {ie: several times the girls haven't eaten their chips or popcorn, so I just keep it in it's baggie, put it in that container & resend it within the next few days.}
re-useables
I do use Ziploc bags for chips & some fruits, but for the most part {to save $ and the planet} I use re-useable containers. Sandwiches, fruits/veggies with dip & h2o bottles are all reused. The girls buy milk to drink with their lunch, but I also send them a water bottle because I want to make sure they are well hydrated. I've also used the girls thermos several times already- they have really like this! I've used it for beanie weines {Tharpe style: turkey dogs & vegatarian baked beans}, broccoli noodle and homemade chicken soup. {recipe coming soon!}
keep records & reminders
I'm a stickler for variety when it comes to our meals. So, I keep a record throughout the week of what I packed for the girls. I'm hoping {for easiness sakes} to get a good 2 1/2 or 3 weeks of meals & just keep that routine. This way, it makes it easier for me, as far as packing goes, but mixes it up a little bit so that they aren't eating the same lunch everyday.
Well, there you have it. Just a few of my lunch packing fyi's. You got any to share? Please do!
