| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Carol |
Posted - Apr 14 2008 : 1:05:03 PM
In our latest magazine, "She's a Keeper" (on newsstands nationwide on April 29; subscribers will be getting their copies any day), you'll find the following "Brown Bag Challenge" in our HomeSafeHome section:
With everyone becoming increasingly skittish about the origins of the food they eat, it’s time to go down as brown. In fact, brown is very much green, especially if you pack your lunch in a reusable bag each time.
And don’t forget the kiddos. 143 millions pounds of beef from some very unhappy, tortured, sick cows was fed to schoolchildren last year before they got around to issuing a recall. (Hmmm, how do you recall beef that’s been eaten?)
Going down as brown has its rewards when you get on board today for the MaryJanesFarm “Brown Bag Challenge.” Create the best lunch you can dream up (extra points for homemade, double-extra points for organic) and get to work stuffing those sacks! Post pics along with recipes on our website, and if your rendition of a bag lunch is chosen, you’ll win a reusable cloth lunch bag, hand embroidered by my daughter, who, by the way, grew up on sack lunches. – MaryJane
So come on and bag it! ... Post your favorite recipes and pics here (please save your pics about 6" wide and 72 dpi) by June 1 and be a part of the challenge! Winner will be featured in our Aug/Sept 08 magazine, "Raising Jane."
|
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Tammyb |
Posted - Aug 05 2009 : 12:51:01 PM
I have several bags from the happy sacks folks and love them.
Tammyb
Live to leave a legacy
|
| City Chick |
Posted - Aug 04 2009 : 04:46:28 AM
I've been thinking about this topic for a few days now. Mostly because school is starting up in a few weeks and I need some ideas.
Then last night they ran a segment about hot dogs causing cancer. My dh is sometimes slow to get on the bandwagon -but this caught his eye. He eats lunch meat sandwiches just about every day. There's nitrates in lunch meat too!
I need some healthy alternatives for him. He packs everyday - does not have access to a microwave most days. I know he'd grow tired of salads. (I have to pack something for break & lunch).
I'm going to look through this post to see what else I can come up with for everyone.
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
| SDPogue |
Posted - Dec 02 2008 : 12:45:06 PM
We purchased a stacking lunch box at an asian market for about $5 and we love it. It keeps foods seperated and gives us something new to use. My son likes it when I make him noodle salads and mock sushi.
Recently we found a little book on Lunches (something like lunch boxes and snacks) and they had some great ideas for wraps and sandwiches.
We are going to have the added challenge of having to remove gluten from our son's diet so lunches from home will have to be all he gets.
See what I have been up to in my community. www.geocities.com/sdpogue |
| jinia |
Posted - Nov 27 2008 : 7:23:02 PM
I know there are several tutorials online about making your own HappySac-ish thing...I am not sure about the oil cloth. |
| City Chick |
Posted - Nov 25 2008 : 03:56:55 AM
I'm thinking of sewing my own now. Is that a silly idea? I was wondering if I could use oil cloth? I really want to use something that is reusable. I love those happy-sacks. Very cute. Why can't I make my own?
Is oil cloth safe? Is there an alternative?
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
| jinia |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 8:16:58 PM
I can't believe this is what yall are talking about! Yesterday I was thinking about this for my son. He takes a lunch box everyday with plastic containers and his thermos. But those containers take up a lot of room in the box and my cabinet...Thought of the wax paper, but also saw the problem with petroleum..Found thesehttp://www.happy-sacks.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=138 I like the idea of these. I was also wondering about using just butcher paper. I know it is not reusable, but very biodegradable! Always on the quest of the perfect containers/storage things!!! |
| barnagainkristin |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 6:23:36 PM
I did a little research once on waxed paper bags since we were trying to be more environmentally conscious and found out they are a petroleum product so we decided that wasn't the route we wanted to take. I still love them and the way they seem old fashioned since my grandma used to use them. Any input on if you think they are a good idea or not, let me know.
barnagainkristin |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Nov 17 2008 : 07:01:56 AM
if you do use waxed paper for sandwiches there is no reason to tape it. just folr the top over 2 or 3 times and smooth down, rold ends under. place sandwich folded side down. there is "eco friendly" waxed paper but it is very pricey! i wouldnt reccomend glass containers for kids. heck i dont reccomend them for husbands! peace connie in alaska |
| City Chick |
Posted - Nov 17 2008 : 06:46:09 AM
I suppose I could use wax paper. I'd like something reusable though. I need something bigger than those sandwich boxes. We use buns & sub rolls a lot for lunches.
I'm going over to Kiwi's site to have a look-see.
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
| Alee |
Posted - Nov 17 2008 : 05:48:11 AM
What about waxed paper? You could cut a square of waxed paper and fold around the sandwich like a present and then tape in the center. I wonder if that would be more ecofriendly than a plastic box?
I send Doug to work with a bag lunch almost every day. We do use the reusable plastic containers for now, but I am hoping to get away from them too. Supposedly he should be responsible enough to take glass... supposedly. LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Nov 17 2008 : 05:13:14 AM
Ok I seen the wrap n mats in Kiwi Magazine in the May/june issue, it seems like they had some cuter ones too that looked like lady bugs and things. But, my issue is in the car.
Also I have been using for years Wonder Bread's little plastic box for sandwiches. The only thing is....the sandwich really can't have much in it, or the lid won't fit.
So I was going to get some of the cute ones from Kiwi's mag soon. (I liked the lady bugs!)
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| City Chick |
Posted - Nov 17 2008 : 03:41:58 AM
My girls both use a re-usable lunchbox (insulated) most days they take a thermos. Some days a sandwich. What can I use to put the sandwich in that is recyclable? I hate using the plastic. How about snacks? Pretzels & such?
I was looking at this site: http://www.reusablebags.com/store/lunch-bags-sandwich-snack-bags-c-4_13.html Does anyone use those?
I started putting snacks in reusable plastic containers, but once I have some apple sauce in the lunchbox, the sandwich a cold pack.... I start to run out of room. LOL! A bag works much better.
Any ideas?
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
| K-Falls Farmgirl |
Posted - Nov 05 2008 : 8:01:43 PM
My question is why are there no Brownbags in the produce section of the grocery store.. Sometimes I need to purchase from the store ... I hate those plastic things on a roll. We use our carry bag and fill it then unload it at the checkout when we cannot find brown paper bags in that dept.
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Cheryl #309
Farm girl sister
Enjoy the little things in life....someday you'll look back and realize they were the big things. |
| JoyIowa |
Posted - Oct 03 2008 : 7:23:52 PM
I have a 7 yo dd and when I send some gladware containers to school with dip in them - they come home without the lids attached and it makes for a very messy lunchbag. She just can't get the lids back on by herself.
I teach elementary kids. Believe me the BEST container for dips are the tupperware midgets. They are like tiny glasses with round lids. I believe they hold 2-4 tablespoons of dressing. They are the only container I have consistently seen kids be able to open without spilling , and close independently.
If it's not illegal, unsafe, or immoral, why not try anything once? Who knows? You may come back for a second helping! |
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Sep 28 2008 : 1:46:48 PM
Thanks for sharing, Kristin. I just looked at them and am surprised how reasonably priced they are!
My son has been using the Laptop lunchbox for about 6 weeks now and so far so good. He's able to get the tops back on and off. However, I find that we are using the thermos more than anything. I have been packing some soup and leftovers with some fruit or celery with milk in the kleankanteen bottle. So far so good!
Thanks ladies for your help, recipes, and advice!
Blessings!
~Farrah
http://homesteadblogger.com/keeperofthehome/
http://oldfashionedhomekeeper.blogspot.com
|
| barnagainkristin |
Posted - Sep 27 2008 : 9:41:50 PM
For all of you who want to know where Diane got her lunch container they can be found at reusablebags.com. My daughter bought me one a while back and I love it. We are hooked on taking our lunch in the stainless steel containers since they are the perfect size and so easy to clean. The web site has several options for brown baggers and the prices seem quite good. I was happy to see another farmgirl had found one of these cute and functional containers.
Happy Brown Bagging
barnagainkristin
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir |
| dutchy |
Posted - Sep 22 2008 : 11:45:49 AM
It is kinda "normal" to bring your own lunch to work/school here. I remember when I went to school mom always gave me my lunch in a bread box, a small one.
And when I worked I also took my lunch with me. It is cheaper, better and you know what you get, lol. Instead of going to a burger place or whatever, bring your own.
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
http://princess-of-pink-creations.blogspot.com/
my new BLOG.
I have added "new" creations, take a look :)
|
| jinia |
Posted - Sep 21 2008 : 3:11:17 PM
Okay kindacrunchymom I love the bucket!! Where did you get that? |
| prairie_princess |
Posted - Sep 21 2008 : 2:56:44 PM
i rarely eat lunch out anyway. but i know alot of people do. there are so many advantages to packing your own lunch. everytime i eat lunch at college, i notice all the processed foods the students come out of the cafateria with.... and the other half eats lunch out of a snack machine! every once and awhile i'll forget to bring a drink and have to resort to drink machines... i rarely find a good, healthy choice! so, i think this is a great idea... keep giving out new lunch ideas cause i need them! i get tired of sandwhiches... |
| msjocee |
Posted - Aug 19 2008 : 3:29:27 PM
I use to use the laptoplunches to. The lid on both cracked down the "hinge" after 4months of use on both (I have 2 Boys). The company was great they replaced them no promblem. After 2 years the fork finally broke! I was not inmpressed with the beverage thermos the lid never stayed on right and teneded to leak. I try to still use them but the 10 yr. does not like carrying it this year! I use the conatiners in there soft lunchboxes and freeze the juice bags. I also use a small thermos for hot foods. Like left overs or chicken nuggets or mac/cheese . It stays warm till lunch and my boys eat hot food better!
Mom to wild boys: Miah(10), and Jakie(6)
"Everything is Possible for They who believe." |
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Aug 08 2008 : 12:59:51 PM
Peg,
Thank you so much for the ideas! We got the Laptop lunchbox today and it looks really neat. I haven't gotten the klean kanteen thermos, so hopefully that will come soon. I don't like him using a plastic water bottle, but oh well.
Blessings!
~Farrah
www.homesteadblogger.com/keeperofthehome/
|
| Peg Graham |
Posted - Aug 07 2008 : 06:30:11 AM
We bought LapTop Lunch boxes last year and my kids really like them...but you are right that they can get messy if the kids don't put a lid on the containers. One tip: My 7 and 10 yr old wash out their lunchboxes once home from school.
I also find myself sending them to school using Tupperware lunch containers....seals are easier to remove and reseal for them.
Here's some lunch ideas (forgot where I got these from):
Dipping Meals: (get some small containers at target for the dips and put other ingredients either in baggies or a square container. There are also containers with a center dipping ring and the items go around.
* Cheesy Ranch w/ Veggies - 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 2 Tbs Ranch dressing. Pack with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, red and yellow pepper slices, cherry tomates and breadsticks
* Nice & nutty (a fav in our house) - 1/4 cup peanut butter (for school I use cashew butter or almond butter or soy nut butter and just as yummy but peanut butter is the best), 1/4 cup apple juice or even water is ok. Mix until it makes a nice dip. Serve with celery sticks, apple slices, strawberry, multigrain crackers
* Portable pizza - 1/3 cup pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce. Service with cheese stick, whole grain crackers, pepperoni slices and broccoli florets
Hot lunches: get a nice soup thermos, these are also good for keeping items cold like fruit salads. Don't forget utensils
* Turkey Chili - serve with crackers, add veggies like carrots and red peppers to make it a complete meal
* Verry veggie mac and cheese - frozen mixed veggies with mac and cheese work great. I usually add the veggies in to cook with the noodles in the last few minutes
* soup - any soup - tomato soup and have a cheese sandwich for dipping, chicken and stars
Funky sandwiches: creativity tends to be the key here and can be done with any sandwich so all can be varied and done with whatever ingredients
* Stars, circles, hearts, cars - for some reason they are always better in silly shapes so get large cookie cutters. Also this is a great way to remove the crusts. =)
* Sushi sandwich - trim the crust from bread (should be a firmer bread). Place a cheese stick on the edge of the bread and roll up. Place two lunch meats on top of each other, if it is thicker you only need one. Then place bread roll on edge and roll up in the ham. Cut into 6 pieces.
* wacky waffle - put cheese and any other ingredients between 2 slices of bread, firmer better. Spray with cooking spray and place in waffle iron.
* fruit sandwiches - rather than jelly with pb (again for school the other nut butters) I will use fruit like cut up strawberries or bananas, a triple decker with bananas and strawberries with a dark whole-grain bread in between is cool.
* pinwheel sandwiches - wrap ingredients in flour tortillias, roll up and cut. I usually keep a bag of the pre-cooked chicken strips you can find with the lunch meats, they work great.
* cracker sandwiches - crackers with nut butter and jelly, or with lunch meat and cheese, cream cheese and avocado. About 5 made usually do it.
Make your own lunchables: take a look at them in the store and then make your own, generally including the following is a lunchable in itself. Keep seperate and kids can eat it how they want.
* crackers
* cheese slices - use smaller cookie cutters and make fun shapes
* chunkier slices of meat - ham, turkey, salami or get sausage sticks, etc
Treats:
* yogurt granola sundae - layer yogurt, granola and fruit pieces in tupperware
* banana treats - banana rolled in a nut butter of some variety and then rolled in granola, nut pieces or chopped fruit, put on a stick. - you can freeze it as well
* yogurt tubes - i place them in the freezer and then they stay really cold b/c they just start to melt
* trail mix - usually without peanuts
* freeze dried fruit - like the just tomatoes kind - like candy but not
miles of smiles~
Peg |
| City Chick |
Posted - Aug 06 2008 : 04:14:28 AM
Farrah - please let me know how you like the laptop. I've heard good and bad things about them. The bad being the tops don't stay on after washing. Also, how old is your son? Are the tops easy for him to remove?
I have a 7 yo dd and when I send some gladware containers to school with dip in them - they come home without the lids attached and it makes for a very messy lunchbag. She just can't get the lids back on by herself.
I'd like to know how easy it is for kids to use. Thanks! I'd love to purchase one of them for each of my girls, but not if they're not easy to use or stand up to wear/tear.
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Aug 01 2008 : 11:46:10 AM
I just ordered Mary Jane's suggestion of Laptop Lunches for my son for school. Let's hope he remembers it! It was $35+ shipping.
Blessings!
~Farrah
www.homesteadblogger.com/keeperofthehome/
|
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Jul 28 2008 : 07:37:44 AM
Thanks guys! I am placing an order today for Laptop lunches at www.urbanhomemaker.com. I just hope they remember!
Blessings!
~Farrah
www.homesteadblogger.com/keeperofthehome/
|
