Back to school and PlanetBox

Dun dun duuun!

  The back to school countdown has officially begun for our family. I have one headed to the 4th grade and my baby is going to be starting kindergarten.  They really do grow up so fast, don't they? 

✅  New school clothes that cost a fortune even with coupons and sales.

✅ School supplies

✅ New backpacks

✅ Awesome new lunch kit from PlanetBox

 My daughter prefers to bring her lunch to school because well let's just face it school lunches are not always desirable. But last year I really slacked on getting things ready and put into containers that fit into her lunchbox leaving little room for variety. You see, I'm not the most organized person by nature. I really do try but I tend to loose track of things. I always have lids and containers but never the right lids. It's like matching socks after you wash them, I never have a matching pair. So this time I am determined to start with a plan to ultimately make life easier. I scoured the internet for the perfect lunch box that would provide both simplicity and versatility. I found lots of solutions but most included different plastic containers with removable lids. That just won't work for me. Then I came across the PlanetBox Container. It is essentially a stainless steel lunch tray that latches closed. 

  I have the Rover Planet Box and I will soon be purchasing the smaller shuttle box that will fit in the current lunch bag that my youngest loves. My kids love that they can customize their box with magnets. I love how easy it is to fit into the dishwasher. I will admit that it is a little on the pricey side but I have researched the reviews and since I have received ours it really is sturdy and worth it and will last for years to come. When you fix a meal the night before and put it into the fridge the whole container gets really cold because of the steel and keeps the food nice and fresh. No more messy zip-lock bags or containers without lids.
  Because I like to be inspired, my favorite part is that they have a website http://planetbox.com/pages/meals?u=/ that you can signup for and find inspiring meal ideas and also post your pictures and meal ideas of your own.

Tacos in a bag

We went camping up in the mountains last weekend in our new "to us" overcab truck camper and for one of our camp meals I made Walkin Tacos or Tacos in a Bag which I had found on Pinterest. My family was skeptical at first but couldn't get enough. It was so easy and cheap to make I don't know why I haven't made it sooner. I bought a variety pack of single pack of small bags of chips so everyone could choose whether they wanted Doritos or Fritos. Before you open the bag push in the bottom corners, this makes the bag able to stand upright, then fold down the top a little after you open it.

Then just add your taco meat and whatever toppings each person likes. So delicious, easy to make, and even easier to clean up. 

DIY Uncrustables

  This year my husband and I have been trying to make healthier and cost efficient eating habits a reality for our family's daily life. We have started making our own foods more with real ingredients. And with the new school year looming in front of us I am starting a plan for my girls school lunches that will be cheaper healthier and still fun for them to eat. I always want to make their lunches but last year I just kept getting busy and never had a plan so that is why I am putting this together early this time around so it doesn't get put off plus I'll have a chance this last month of summer to test them out when we go camping and on picnics.  One item I just tested out is freezing our own pb&j Uncrustables sandwiches. I think I picked up this  wonder bread sandwich sealer from the dollar store

You can find it on amazon for about 6 bucks. This is my kids favorite sandwich cutter ever. It really is easy to make a bunch of these in one night then just grab one and go. 

I used the Fred Meyer brand natural peanut butter. It had the best ingredients for the price. Containing only peanuts and salt. And the Smuckers natural fruit spread. Simply spread peanut butter on each slice of bread and put jelly on one slice then close sandwich. Place sandwich cutter and sealer inside of crust area and press down on outer square first to cut off the crust then press down on center to seal. Place on a cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes then pace them in a ziplock bag for eating later.

Easier than pie and the kids couldn't care less if it didn't come from a box.