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Lunch Boxes – A Reality Check :-)

15 Sep

I hope you all had fun with Lunch Box Week at Happy Home Fairy!

But it’s not over…yet.

While you saw a lot of neat and inspiring lunch box ideas last week, I wanted you all to know the reality of my own Happy Home’s lunch box.As you can see, nothing super fancy.Just a peanut butter sandwich (with the crusts cut off) in a regular ole’ random, mismatching Rubbermaid container.

Veggie Straws (in a super exciting Ziplock bag).

Vegetable Puree (because even if I put broccoli in a cute little Bento box, the Happy Buddy still wouldn’t eat it. :-) ).

Larabar.

That’s it, Happy Home Friends!

Is the pressure off?? :-)

I also try to include a love note, joke, or special surprise each day.

This is what the Happy Buddy discovered in his lunch box a few days ago…I found a whole pack of transportation-themed erasers at the Dollar Tree the other day, so I snatched them up and have been sneaking a few in with his lunches.

When the Happy Buddy saw me after school he held up his eraser shouting, “Big Surprise!  Big Surprise!”

His joy made it all worth it!

****

And one last thought on Lunch Boxes before our little celebration ends…

Many years ago, a mom (quite like you and me) packed her son’s lunch.

It was a simple lunch.  Just some loaves of bread and 2 small fish.

But that lunch crossed the path of Jesus -

Who took that lunch and used it to feed over 5,000 people.

Want to read about it for yourself?  Go HERE.

Your Happy Buddy’s lunches don’t have to look museum-ready.

They don’t even need a lot of expensive accessories.

What they need is your love and faithfulness to prepare them.

Because you never know how God is going to use that lunch for His glory.

Happy Lunch Box Make-ing! :-)

Lunch Box Surprises – Junk Mail

10 Sep

Here is a clever way to bless your Happy Buddy’s Lunch Box with a special treat.

Send them to school with a piece of Junk Mail!

What you need:An envelope

Your Happy Buddy’s favorite candy bar or candy (aka Junk)Slip the candy bar into the envelope.Write the special message on the envelope.Seal it up and place in your Happy Buddy’s lunch box!

Now that is one piece of Junk Mail I think anyone would love to receive!

Happy Lunch Box Junk Mail-ing! :-)

Lunch Boxes – Beating the Blahs

8 Sep

After awhile, packing the same ole’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich on regular bread may get a little boring.

Every once in awhile, why not spice things up?

All I am talking about is a simple switcher-oo of the kind of bread being used!

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How about using pita bread?

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Or a wrap?

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You must check out these adorable PB&J sushi sandwiches!

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Mix it up by using waffles.

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Mini bagels are super fun.

Happy Buddies like small things.

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And then there are hot dog buns.

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I am always up for an English Muffin.

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Crackers just make me happy.

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You could also use a piece of whole wheat and a piece of white bread to make this jazzed up sandwich.

So cute.  So simple.

Go ahead and add some pizzazz to the PB&J!

Happy Beating the Blahs-ing! :-)

Lunch Box Accessorizing

7 Sep

I am all about accessorizing.

I don’t leave home without wearing glitter – that is my accessory of utmost priority.

But did you know that you can accessorize food?

Sometimes it’s the shape of a sandwich or the fact that the grapes are skewered with a magical toothpick that makes all the difference to a lunch box.

You might even get your Happy Buddy to eat his broccoli with some of these accessorizing ideas!

First, let me introduce to my latest obsession.

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Food picks!

Just nestling a few of these cuties into your Happy Buddy’s lunch box is sure to put a smile on their face as they get ready to dig in!

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Cookie Cutter Lunch knows how to work the food pick.

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Another Lunch also uses food picks to make the lunch box presentation a little more glamorous.

You can find adorable food picks to buy HERE.

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Or, if you don’t want to spend the money, you could totally make your own food picks (using toothpicks and leftover dot stickers – so clever) like Frugal Family Fun did.

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Cookie Cutters are a MUST for making sandwiches magical.

The cookie cutter above is from a fabulous new line of sandwich-cutting accessories called Lunch Punches.

There are dinosaur ones and whimsical fairy ones and even ones that turn your sandwich into a puzzle!

You can find them on Amazon.

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Meet the Dubiens features a Fun Food idea every Friday – you’ll be so inspired by what she can do with a cookie cutter!

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Lisa Storms is also very skilled with cookie cutters.

You can find an extensive collection of affordable and adorable cookie cutters on Amazon, too!

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Does anyone else think this stack of silicone muffin cups are just the happiest sight to behold?

Now let’s see them in action in a Happy Buddy’s lunch!

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What a colorful display of snacks!

And we all know how most Happy Buddies feel if one of their foods happens to be touching another, so not only do they look cute, they provide necessary boundaries, too.

Buy these multi-functional beauties HERE.

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And then, my friends, there are these edible colored food writers!

Look at all of the creative things you can Picasso on your Happy Buddy’s lunch!

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You can give string cheese some personality.You can make merry little snowmen at Christmastime.

I can't remember where I found this pic - sorry!

Or, simply decorate your Happy Buddy’s sandwich with a love note!

Whatever you choose, just remember, it’s those little Lunch Box touches that communicate heaps and mounds of Happy Home love!

Happy Lunch Box Accessorize-ing! :-)

Lunch Box Tools of the Trade

6 Sep

As I have been searching for THE BEST Lunch Box Ideas, the one thing that seems to be the most important is the hardware.

What are you using to store your Happy Buddy’s lunch?

Here is a round-up of some of the greatest tools you can use to make your Happy Buddy’s lunch stay well preserved and look awesome at the same time.

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Would you like your Happy Buddy’s lunch to look like this?

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Then buy this.

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Would you like your Happy Buddy’s lunch to look like this?

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Then buy this.

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Would you like your Happy Buddy’s lunch to look like this?

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Then buy this.

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Would you like your Happy Buddy’s lunch to look like this?

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Then buy this.

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 Would you like your Happy Buddy’s lunch to look like this?

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Then buy this.

There are so many great options out there to help you pack the best lunch for your Happy Buddy!

My favorite sites that use the fabulous products above are…

Another LunchThis Lunch Rox

Happy Lunch Box Tools of the Trade-ing! :-)

*Tomorrow is all about Lunch Box Accessorizing!*

Lunch Box Week!

5 Sep

One of the most difficult things about going Back to School is…

Packing your Happy Buddy’s lunch every day!!!!

Dear Happy Home Friends, I really, really want to help you!

So, this week at Happy Home Fairy you will find a compilation of THE BEST Lunch Box Ideas from around the web.

Whether it’s the hardware, the accessories, the actual food, or even the love, Happy Home Fairy’s going to have it all.

To start things off, I can’t think of a better thing to put in your Happy Buddy’s lunch box than God’s Word.

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Holy Experience has an amazing FREE printable for you!

8 Bible Verse Sandwich Wrappers that speak the Truth!

Who knew a sandwich could be so inspiring? :-)

Happy Lunch Box Week-ing! :-)

*Come back tomorrow for Lunch Box Tools of the Trade!*

Lunch Box Love Notes – FREE Printables!

15 Aug

One of the best things my mom did for me as a kid was put little notes in my lunch box.

I didn’t care if it was written on a scrap of paper, a napkin, or the bag that my sandwich was packaged in – I cherished every word that she took the time to write.

I thought it would be fun to design some FREE Printable Lunch Box Love Notes for your Happy Buddy’s lunch box.

All you have to do is print and cut out.

Your Happy Buddies (and all of their friends in the cafeteria) will love them!

Especially the corny hilarious jokes.

This is quality material, people. :-)

ENJOY!Click HERE for your FREE Printable Lunch Box Love Notes!

And if you haven’t already, if you download these FREE Printable Lunch Box Love Notes, please ‘LIKE’ the Fairy on Facebook and stay up-to-date on all of the Happy Home Magic!

Happy Lunch Box Love Note-ing! :-)

*Please see the sidebar for a list of fabulous sites where this post will be partying!*

Lunchbox BONANZA – Day 5! And a GIVEAWAY!

11 Sep

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Welcome to the final day of Lunchbox BONANZA!

We’ve had many exciting posts about how to make a healthy and fun lunchbox (see Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4)!  Today is all about packaging!  How to read the packaging of products you purchase for your child’s lunchbox as well as the way you package the goodies you put in your child’s lunchbox!

When you’re grocery shopping, follow these guidelines for The Good and Not-So-Good of Lunchbox Food and you will get you on the right track to packing healthy lunches for your precious kiddos!

The Good

  • Bread and grain products – look for whole grains, whole wheat flour, and flour that hasn’t been enriched or bleached
  • Fruits and Veggies – organic is always a good choice, but if money is an issue, stick to the Dirty Dozen
  • Dried Fruits – look for ones labeled “unsulphured” and “unsweetened”
  • Dairy – lowfat and organic
  • Protein – try to choose nitrite-free lunch meats and low-mercury tuna
  • Stick with canola or olive oil for dressings or in your cooking and look for substitutions like applesauce for oil in baking as well as using plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise

The Not-So-Good (avoid these ingredients when you can, but every once and awhile is okay :-) )

  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Partially hydrogenated oils
  • Trans fat
  • Nitrite (an additive in lunch meats and most hot dogs)
  • Artificial sweeteners (often found in products marked as “light” or “sugar free.”  May also be listed in the ingredients as aspartame, Splenda, sucralose, or saccharin)
  • Added MSG (may be listed as glutamic acid or glutamate in the ingredients)
  • Artificial colors and flavorings

Once you’ve got your food ready, focus on presentation factor.  The retail world knows how to entice a child with packaging!  Unfortunately, though, what’s inside their packaging is not always the most nutritious.  Follow these tips for jazzing up your own fun packaging for your kids!!

Stock up on…

  1. Stickers, stickers, and more stickers!  Target recently had packages of 550 stickers in their dollar bins!  You can add stickers to everything from Ziplock sandwich and snack bags to the surface of the regular ole’ brown bag!  I like to find stickers smooshed in with the greeting cards at WalMart!
  2. Fun party napkins!  After a holiday, hit the clearance shelves at party stores to find lots of exciting napkins to slip into your child’s lunchbox for a fun surprise!  Who wouldn’t love getting a napkin with a big orange pumpkin on it in the month of October??
  3. Colorful reusable containers!  I just discovered these Lunchskins for sandwiches and snacks!  Not only do they cut the amount of Ziplocks you purchase but also they help in the quest to go “green.” :-)

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4.  Lunchboxes of cuteness!  Found these on Amazon and just had to share!  I think I might ask for one for Christmas!

Since this is the last day of Lunchbox BONANZA and I love helping Mommies build happy homes and happy lunchboxes, I thought I’d do a GIVEAWAY!

I just happened to pick up an extra set of 550 glittery smiley face stickers when I was at Target the other day!  If you’d like to win a set to add some magic to your child’s lunchbox, leave a comment on my blog (see below) with your name and email address!  Giveaway ends on Sunday at midnight!!  Winners will be notified by email!

Happy Lunchbox Bonanza-ing! :-)

Lunchbox BONANZA – Day 4!

10 Sep

Welcome to Day 4 of the Happy Home Fairy’s Lunchbox BONANZA!

You’ve been provided with a list of healthy lunchbox food options (Day 1), tips to get your child to eat the healthy food options (Day 2), and a bunch of magical ideas to put some love surprises in your child’s lunchbox (Day 3).  I hope that you are feeling less overwhelmed at the idea of making lunches!  The Happy Home Fairy’s job is to make your life easier and your home happier!

Today’s post should really make you out-of-your-minds happy!!  Below you will find TWO whole WEEK’S worth of lunchbox menu ideas!

ENJOY!

Week 1

Monday -

  • Turkey on multigrain bread (cut into triangles, a puzzle, or star shape)
  • Apple slices
  • Strawberry yogurt
  • Honey Wheat Pretzels
  • Water

Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday -

  • Roast beef, cheese, shredded veggies like zucchini or carrots, and lettuce on a whole wheat wrap
  • Baked chips with salsa
  • Strawberries
  • Water

Friday -

  • Tuna salad in a whole wheat pita
  • Grapes
  • Graham crackers
  • Milk

Week 2

Monday -

Tuesday -

  • Carrots, peppers, and cucumbers with Hummus for dipping
  • Whole grain crackers or pita chips
  • Banana
  • 100% fruit juice

Wednesday -

Thursday -

  • Macaroni and Cheese (with veggies like peas or broccoli pieces thrown in)
  • Orange
  • Clif Peanut Butter ZBar
  • Water

Friday -

  • Pizza-dilla
  • Cucumber and carrot coins with lowfat dressing
  • fruit leather bar
  • Chocolate milk

Join me tomorrow for our last day of Lunchbox BONANZA!  You’ll find lots of ideas on “The Good” and “The Bad” of Lunchboxes as well as packaging ideas that will make your child HAPPY! :-)

Lunchbox BONANZA – Day 3!

9 Sep

Packing a healthy and fun lunch is important (see Lunchbox BONANZA – Day 1 and Day 2), but sometimes all a lunchbox needs is a little lovin’ from Mom or Dad’s heart!

Here are SEVEN ways that you can add a little Love Surprise to your child’s lunchbox…

1.  Riddle Surprises – What kid doesn’t enjoy a good riddle or joke?  Add one to their lunchbox by jotting a riddle’s question down on a piece of paper.  Write the question in BIG letters and then on the back of the paper write the answer in smaller print.  Silly riddles like, “Why was the car embarrassed?  Because it had gas!” and, “What word has the most letters in it?  A mailbox!” are sure to bring some giggles to your child’s lunch table!  Check out this site for more fun and clean riddles and jokes!

2.  Picture Surprises – Slip a fun family photo in an envelope and tape the envelope to the inside of your child’s lunchbox.  Write a sweet message on the back of the photo such as, “Do you remember when we ate all that ice cream?  I had so much fun with you on our ice cream shop adventure!”  Or include a picture of your child or pet doing something silly – it’ll be fun for them to show it off to their friends!  To add even more surprise, if you have an I Phone there is an app where you can add cartoon features to pictures!  Check it out here, jazz up your child’s pic and then send it in their lunchbox!  Hilarious!  Another fun idea would be to cut out a pictures of individual family members’ faces.  Tape a flat toothpick to the back of the pic and then stick the pictured toothpick into your child’s pinwheel sandwich!  People Picks!  What a clever surprise!

3.  Entertainment Surprises – In January when all of the “page-a-day” desk calendars with funny cartoons, puzzles, and trivia go on sale – STOCK UP!  On random days throughout the year you can just tear off a page and tuck it into your child’s lunchbox.  They’ll have fun sharing it with other kids during lunch.

4.  Coupon Surprises – Create simple coupons using the ones found here to fill your child’s lunchbox with some blessings!  The chance to stay up late, have a sleepover, get a bear hug, or pick the movie for Family Movie Night…  All you have to do is print them out, cut them out, and stick them in your child’s lunchbox!  (When I was teaching 2nd grade, a mom of one of my students did this.  Words cannot express the absolute JOY and ELATION this little girl had whenever she found a coupon in her lunchbox.  You would have thought she had been given lifetime tickets to Disney World!  Such a simple gesture that left a HUGE stamp of happiness in this child’s life.)

5.  Food Surprises (that are noteworthy) – Wilton came out with a fabulous pack of Food Writers!  You can use these markers to write sweet messages on your child’s food (like bananas, apples, etc.).  Fun things to write would be:  On a banana write, “I love you bunches!”  On an apple write, “You are the apple of my eye!”  Or on anything, “EAT ME!”

6.  Junk Surprises – Here’s a super clever idea if candy is a rare treat in your home.  Stick your child’s favorite candy bar in an envelope and label the envelope Junk Mail.  They will be sure to get a kick out of it!

7.  Love Note Surprises – When it all comes down to it, a simple note is your best way to communicate love to your child.  Check out these fabulous sites for printable love notes…

AlphaMom has adorable printable tags for fruits as well as custom lunchbox notes!
KidPrintables is perfect for sending cute little messages!
Frugal Families has great ones for building your child’s self-esteem!
And at Disney Stationary you can find Disney-themed lunchbox notes!  They have everything from Wall-E to Hannah Montana!

Or just write a sweet personal message on a napkin and make your child’s day! :-)

Happy Lunchbox Bonanza-ing! :-)

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