Bento #54 and 54 1/2

Hello!  I know it's been a while since I've posted a bento.  I've been making some, but not as often as I would like to.  So, I've decided to try to make a bento a least 3 times a week.  (My eating choices are always so much better when I pack my lunch!)
Below are bentos for me and my daughter.  (Hence, the 54 1/2!)  Almost the same thing...see below!

 

We both have turkey and ham roll ups with lettuce, veggie cream cheese and green onions.  

I have celery and carrots with blue cheese dressing for dipping.

She has broccoli, carrots, and green peppers with ranch for dipping. 

I have sliced apples and low fat caramel sauce

She has mandarin oranges with a palm tree pic (we just got back from Florida)

So, here's my first one for the week!  I'll post another tomorrow!  Enjoy! 

Bentos #52 and #53

That's right!  It's two...Two...TWO for the price of one!  One for me and one for my daughter!  Here's mine:

It's a really simple bento for work tomorrow.

Bottom:  Turkey and cheese lettuce wrap
Top:  Celery sticks and Cheddar Cheese
On the side:  Fiber 1 bar and bleu cheese dip for dipping

After I packed this, and started putting it away, I found 1/2 a cucumber that was wanting to travel tomorrow!  (HA!) So, I sliced him up and put him in with the celery.

Now, for my daughter's bento:

This bento idea came from Momables.  I subscribed to it in the beginning of the year for about 6 months.  I felt like I was fixing the same bentos all the time, so I purchased a subscription for myself for Christmas last year.  Each week I'd print off my weekly menus and kept them in a binder.  Tonight, I had her pick out several things from the binder that she would eat.  Then, I fixed one of them to surprise her tomorrow.  Here's what she's having:

Bottom tier:  Watermelon, carrots
Top Tier:  Asian Chicken skewers, cheddar cheese
Outside bento:  Garden vegetable dip for carrots, bbq sauce for chicken, thermos of chocolate milk

And!  A bonus bento!  Remember my post from yesterday?  Showing you my best friend's very first bento?  Well, she sent me their bento for tomorrow!  Here it goes:

A Hamburger bento!  I have one of these!  See it here!

On to what's in her bento:

Left:  Cucumbers and carrots
Middle:  Slim Jim and Cheese stick
Right:  Grapes and Strawberries
On the side:  PB&J and gummies

Hope everyone is off to a great start to their school year!

Enjoy!

Bento #51

Here is Rosemary's Bento for lunch tomorrow.  It's simple, but what she wanted.

Top left corner:  Ham, Turkey, and Cheese roll up
Top right corner:  Carrots
Bottom left corner:  Watermelon and Cantaloupe (fresh from our garden!)
Bottom right corner:  Pudding and ranch dip for the carrots

And shout out to my best friend and her kiddo in Florida!  They made their very first bento EVER for their first day of school tomorrow!  Here it is!

Top tier:  Grapes and a Bunny egg
Bottom tier:  Cucumber slices and string cheese
On the side:  PB&J and gummies

I am so proud of them!

Enjoy! 

School's Back in Session!

School started again, and we are getting back into our school routine...which means BENTOS!  Be on the look out for some lunches posted soon! 

Bento #50!!

I made it to Bento #50!  And this bento is, again, made for my daughter.  She wanted the roll-ups again, so it isn't as exciting as I wanted it to be.  (She isn't up for branching out her taste buds...yet!)  Here is her lunch for tomorrow:

She picked out my Hamburger Bento to use for tomorrow. 

Top:  In the green cup are mixed berries; pears

Bottom:  Carrot sticks and dip, turkey, ham, and cheese roll-ups

Go-gurt on the side

She really like today's lunch, and was excited about tomorrow's lunch.  She told me what to make for the main part (protein part), but then wanted to leave the room so I could assemble it all together.  She said she likes to go to lunch and be surprised by the picks!  LOL! 

Enjoy!

Bento #49

Look at me!  Almost to Bento #50!  I'll have to think of something special for #50!

Tomorrow's bento is for my daughter, again.  She liked the one so much last week that she asked for another for this week.  (And has requested another one for Friday!)  So, the other bento I fixed for her must have been a hit!  Here's what she's having for lunch tomorrow:

 

She walked around the grocery store with me and picked out what she wanted in her meal, and left it up to me to put/design it in her bento.

In the blue container on the left:  Turkey, Ham, and Swiss pinwheels.  I cut them and put them on a pick to hold the 3 together.

In the green container:  Tropical Fruit Salad

Purple container:  Carrots and ranch dressing.

I was trying to get her to be more adventurous with her veggie and fruit choices, but she wasn't biting.  (Ha-Ha!)   I guess baby steps.  Hey!  The bento I fix for her tomorrow will be my 50th one!  So, SHE'LL get the special bento!  Hmmm...gotta think of something gooooooooodddddd.

Enjoy!

Bento #48

Tomorrow's bento isn't made for me, but for my 10 year old daughter.  Sadly, this is a last minute, thrown together, bento.  Had she given me a little notice that she wanted me to make her a bento (this is THE FIRST I've ever made her!), it would have been an extra special one.  I am short all kinds of things and need to get to the grocery desperately, but won't be able to get there until Thursday.  So, I had to work with what we had.  I, at least, made her leave the kitchen, so the bento would be some sort of surprise for her when she opens it up tomorrow.   Here goes:

 

On the left:  I made turkey and cheese kabobs. I used turkey luncheon meat, string cheese, and cheddar cheese.  I cut the string cheese into "coins" and wrapped the turkey around them.  Then, I cut cheddar cheese into hearts ('cause I love her!).  Put them on my picks and....ta-da! 

On the right:  Fresh mixed berries, carrots, and Bacon Ranch dip

In the lunch bag:  Cherry jello and vanilla pudding.  (Not together!  HA!)

Like I said, I was running low on fun things to put in here.  (One reason why I wasn't making myself one.)  But, she saw me making the boys lunches and decided she wanted one, too.  Hope she likes it! 

Enjoy!

Bento #47

Here is lunch for tomorrow:

 

Top left container:  Tossed salad with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing

Top right container:  Fresh strawberries, cucumbers, and a new Buffalo Chicken Sour Cream dip I found (I'm going to use it for the veggies)

Bottom container:  Egg Salad and fresh carrots

I used 2 bentos for tomorrow's lunch.  Ran out of room, thanks to my salad.  

I took a picture of my bentos closed and one with my hand in the picture, so my sister could see how small some of my bentos are.  Here they are: 

 

The giraffe one is as big as my hand and only one layer.  Honestly, it's just a tad bit smaller than my hand, but it's one of my favorite ones!  I love the compactness of it and, surprisingly, it can hold a lot of food.  Doesn't look like it from the picture above with the strawberries and stuff, but I didn't pack the food in. 

Have a great Monday, everyone!  Enjoy!

Bento #46

This bento is inspired by a friend of mine who had shrimp for a snack tonight.  It sounded so good, I made some for my lunch tomorrow!  Today's bento is also dedicated to my sister, whose birthday is in a week.  For her birthday, I bought her a new Thirty One lunch tote from my friend, Deidre who is a Thirty One Consultant.  (Want to see what Thirty One is?  Click here for more info!)  I filled my sister's lunch tote with all things BENTO!  I bought her a new bento, picks,  and some divider/muffin cups, and I gave her TONS of picks and divider cups that I had extra of, and a bento book.  I wanted to do this bento for her because she was curious what those things were used for (has she not even READ my blog?!).  So, here goes!

On the left:  Garlic Grilled Shrimp Wrap (wrapped in a cabbage leaf, topped with shredded carrots and purple cabbage); in the blue container is Orange Balsamic Vinagrette (for the wrap or the carrots); a Babybel Cheese (with the heart, since it's for my SISTER!!!!  Love ya, Heath!)

On the right:  Trader Joe's Trail Mix, Blackberries, Carrots

On the side (not pictured):  Greek Yogurt

Hope this helps you out, Heather!  (Or anyone else out there experimenting with bento making!)

Enjoy!

Bento #45

Back to school after Christmas break tomorrow.  Back on the wagon of eating smarter.  Below is my lunch for tomorrow.

 

I'm using my Laptop Lunchbox!  Haven't used it in a LOOOOONG time!  Here goes:

In the container on the left:  A B.A.S.  (Big Azzzzz Salad!)  with mixed veggies and grilled chicken.  In the small green container is a homemade vinaigrette...THAT I MADE MYSELF!  (Yeah, I did!) 

Bottom green container:  Fresh blackberries and raspberries

Top purple container:  Almond trail mix

On the side:  Greek Yogurt

I made the vinaigrette with some vinegar I bought at Trader Joe's.  Here's a picture:

I mixed it with Honey, Garlic Olive Oil, Rosemary, and a little garlic.  It was SO GOOD when I tasted it, that I had to make me a salad for dinner!!  Ha!  This is a keeper!  Going to have to keep a look out for some more flavored vinegars.  This was so good!

Have a great day!  Enjoy!

Bento #44

Thanks for the great response to my post yesterday!  I really do enjoy posting my lunches and am glad you all enjoy it, too.

Here's my lunch for tomorrow.

On the top:  Greek Yogurt with fruit on the bottom (I know it's not technically IN my bento, but I'm still having it with my lunch.) and Colby Jack cheese

Under that:  Lobster meat with cocktail sauce to dip it in

On the right:  Celery with blue cheese dressing

On the bottom:  More watermelon.  (You'll see that the next couple of days.  I bought 4 slices.  Unless my youngest gets to it!)

My goal is to get a little more creative with my bentos.  I have found a store in Nashville that sells bentos and supplies.  I'm planning on heading down there during Christmas break and checking it out.  (I'm really excited about doing so!)   It's called Happy Japan and they have a Facebook page.  If you all Google "bentos", you will see how elaborate and beautiful they really can be.  I'd like to get into making them more decorative, but I'd like to do LOTS of stuff that I'm not doing right now.  That's why we have goals, right?!  Gives us something to work towards!  HA!

Enjoy!

Bento #43

In the words of Eminem aka Slim Shady..."Guess who's back. Back again..." Ha! Got to get back on the Bento Wagon! Here's what I'm having for lunch tomorrow:

Top:  Bar-b-que chicken salad (canned chicken mixed with bbq sauce and pickles - I love it!)

Bottom:  Fresh watermelon and Sesame and Honey roasted almonds.

On the side:  String Cheese

I used the Snowman/snowflake decorations because we have hit a cold snap and it's going to be cold and rainy tomorrow!

Have a great Tuesday!  Enjoy!

Bento #42

Tueday's Basic Bento.

On the left: My favorite new recipe! Tuna mixed with fresh banana peppers (from the Farmer's Market) and a tablespoon of Bleu Cheese dressing (and a little black pepper). In the words of Rachael Ray...YUM-O! More cucumbers and onions and a few baby carrots to munch on.

On the right: More fresh watermelon. Boy, were the watermelons the thing this week at the Farmer's Market. EVERYONE was selling them! You'll be seeing watermelon in my lunch all this week! I got a HUGE one for only $2.00 at the Farmer's Market. And it's so sweet and juicy! Mmmm....

Have a great Tuesday! Enjoy!

Beat the Heat Challenge, Week 7

Beat the Heat Challenge

Starting Weight:  212.8

Today's Weight:  203.2 (LOWEST to date!!)

Total Lost:  9.6 pounds

My personal goals for the challenge: 

1.  Journal my food everyday

2.  Exercise for at least 5 days a week; minimum of 30 minutes

3.  6 glasses of water a day

4.  Be in ONEderland by the end of the challenge

 

 

1.  What did you do this week to work towards your goals?  Worked on each and every one of them!  I achieved all of them this week, except for number 4.  BUT, look at the scale!!  I am at the lowest I've ever been!  AND 2 weeks until this challenge is over?!  I hope to make the last goal.  

 

 2.  What did you do this week to make yourself feel fabulous?  I dressed my best each day.  Well, except for the weekend, but that's okay.  Every day at work, I felt Hot-To-Trot!  ;)  I looked nice, which made me carry myself better - because I felt good in what I wore!   

3.  What has been your biggest challenge this week?  Snacking on crap.  My monthly visitor came this week.  It makes me HUNGRY!  I want to snack all the time.  Tried to make good choices and made sure I moved! 

4.  Do you need neatness and order to feel good, or does a bit of untidiness not bother you?  My family is getting a chuckle out of this question!  Untidiness does NOT bother me.  My house has 3 kids, 1 hubby, 2 dogs, and 1 cat.  It is LIVED in.  The only time it gets a GOOD cleaning is when people are coming over, or I get a wild hair.  When I do get a wild hair, someone in the house will ask, "Who's coming over?"  LOL! 

 

5.  Would you rather be attacked by 20 duck sized horses or 20 horse sized ducks?  Horses, for sure!  Have you ever been chased by ONE normal sized duck?!  Enough said! 

Positive picture for the week: 

 

I went bike riding with my daughter this week and was inspired to take a picture like Sheryl at Bitch Cakes.  Hers usually is of her face while she's riding, but I couldn't master that...yet!  I like this shot, though.  Look how slim my legs look!!  Nice! 

Have a great week, fellow Beat the Heaters! 

Bento #41

Back to the daily school grind.  We've been in school for a week and a half now.  Time to get back on track with the bentos!  I ordered this new bento online and it came this week.  It's my first 3 tier!

 

 It was smaller than I was expecting, but I still like it.  This shows you how wide it is.

 This shows you how tall it is.  (My fingers aren't even straight!  Not very tall.) 

So, it's not huge, but I like it.  It held my lunch nicely.  Here is what's for lunch:

From the far left:  My version of Cowboy Beans (Lean ground beef, browned.  Add a can of baked beans, bacon, bbq sauce and simmer.  Was really good.)

Top:  Watermelon

Bottom:  Cucumbers and Onions, Coleslaw

Have a great Monday, everyone!  Enjoy! 

Bento #40

Here is my lunch for today.  I thought since it was my 40th Bento, I should do something special.  So, I made a bear with my rice mold I won from Scrumptious Bento and even made eyes and a mouth!  So impressed with my bento basics!  Ha!

On the top:  A plout (combination fruit...plum and apricot), Breemer's Mad Woman Cheese (Got this at Whole Foods on my shopping trip the other day.), and Ham (Suppose to be ham flowers, but they look more like ham pom-pom's!)

On the bottom:  Edamame, Cucumbers, my rice bear, and a little soy sauce in the piggie.

That's what's for lunch Wednesday!  Enjoy!

Bento #39

Below is my lunch for today:

 

On the left:  Tuna Salad made with a fresh banana pepper that I purchased at our Farmer's Market, Celery, Bleu Cheese Dressing, and Hickory Smoked Tuna (YUM!)

On the right:  Bleu Cheese crumbles, Strawberries  (I know, a lot of bleu cheese.  But, I like it!)

On the side (but not pictured):  Donut Peach (also purchased at Whole Foods)

Remember yesterday I posted about a Mango Nectarine?  Well, it was just okay.  Not sweet at all.  Had the consistancy of a mango, but tasted a little green still.  I have 2 more to eat, so I am going to wait until they are a little more softer (riper) before I eat them.  Hopefully that will change my opinion of them, but right now I wouldn't buy another. 

Have a great Tuesday!  Enjoy!

Beat the Heat Challenge, Week 5

I know, I know.  The last post regarding the Beat the Heat challenge was for Week 2.  I was in and out of town for work the past couple of weeks, and just didn't get a chance to post.  But, I've been doing well.  Here's the update for Week 5:

Starting Weight:  212.8

Today's Weight:  207.2

Total Lost:  5.6 pounds

My personal goals for the challenge: 

1.  Journal my food everyday

2.  Exercise for at least 5 days a week; minimum of 30 minutes

3.  6 glasses of water a day

4.  Be in ONEderland by the end of the challenge

Not to bad.  In five weeks, I've lost 5.6 pounds.  That's a tad over a pound a week.  I'll take it!  Now, on to the questions for the week:

1.  What have you done this week to work towards your goals?  I joined a gym!!!  A new one in town.  It is one of those open all night gyms, so I have NO EXCUSE not to go!  AND it is only $17.50 a month to join!!  NO CONTRACT!  Going tonight for the first time to learn how to use them machines.   

I've been journaling my food and exercising, but haven't done so hot on the water.  Still working on it, but not up to 6 consistently.  

2.  What have you done to make yourself feel fabulous?  Hmmm...did I mention I joined a gym?!  Ha!  I am so excited about that.  My hopes is that they hire a trainer (they are working on that) and I get to work with them to set up a plan.  

3.  How are you finding the goals with this challenge?  Do you still think you can achieve them?  Yes!  I think I can achieve them!  I'm REALLLLYYYY hoping I make it to ONEderland!  THAT would be AWESOME! 

4.  Freebie!  If you want to change one goal, change it!  Explain your decision either way.  I'm not changing any of them.  I like to have a challenge to work toward.  (I also like the "High" you feel when you accomplish them!)

5.  Fun Question!  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Your funds are unlimited!  Well, I would live in one of two places:  Wilmington, NC or New Orleans, LA.  Heck!  If funds are unlimited, I might just live in both!  Summer in Wilmington and winter in New Orleans!   I love both places.  I've never lived in Wilmington, but we lived about 45 minutes from it. We would go there at least twice a month to go to the beach.   The town is great!  It's not so big, but it's not so small.  They have everything you need!  Mall, GREAT food, and THE BEACH!   For all you older peeps...it's where Dawson's Creek was filmed.  

Now, New Orleans...Man, I love that town!  My parents have lived there for about 6 years now, so I get to go and visit them.  I love the music, art, people, and FOOD!  The first time I went to visit my parents,  I think I ate my way through the city!  Now, I just get my favorites...crawfish etouffee, broiled oysters, and red beans and rice!  I would love to live near Jackson Square in one of the flats down there.  Anywhere near Cafe Du'Monde and the French Market.  I could just sit and watch people all day.  Listen to the musicians who stop on the sidewalk and just start playing their various instruments.  I LOVE that city!  (Makes my heart excited just to talk about it with you all!)  People think New Orleans is just Bourbon Street, but, gosh...there's SO MUCH more to that city!  However, my positive picture is of me and my Dad at Mardi Gras this year!  

Have a great week, everyone!  Keep to your goals and you can do whatever you dream! 

Bento #38

Here is my Bento for Monday morning.  I'm using my Laptop Lunchbox.  I haven't used it in a long time!  But, I'm making something that needs to be warmed up, and I like to use it when I have to microwave.  I know that several of my bentos are microwave safe, but honestly, I don't remember which ones are and which ones aren't!  Ha!  Call it old age, but I'll play it safe with my Laptop Lunchbox! 

So, here's tomorrow's lunch:

Light Blue container:  Fruit Salad - Yummy, Yummy!  (For all you Wiggles fans!  Can't say "Fruit Salad" without the "Yummy, Yummy!"  LOL!)

Light Green container:  Cucumbers and Onions (my summer time favorite)

Dark Blue container:  Chicken Enchilada casserole

Bottom corner:  Babybel cheese and a Mango Nectarine!  Yes!!  A MANGO NECTARINE!  I've never tried one before, but I found it at Whole Foods and thought I'd give it a try!  I'll let you know what I think of it tomorrow evening!

Have a great Monday!  Enjoy!

Bento #37

Simple Bento from Friday.  It was a repeat lunch from a few posts before, but here you go!

On the left:  Sauerkraut, Turkey and Swiss rolled up, Cucumbers and Onions, and Dijon Mustard in the yellow container

On the right:  Strawberries and Cherries.

Simple and Yummy!  Enjoy!