Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Lunchsense lunch system review: Kitty and Jell-O goldfish bowl


It's almost time for back to school. So why not send you kids with a whole new lunch system from Lunchsense.

Lunchsense lunch system


This medium lunchsense lunch box is a great lunch container for grade school kids, and many adults will find it just right size to get them through the day. Here is what you will find in your fold-out, washable lunch box The price for the Medium Lunchsense box is $35.99 (they also sell a small box and large kit)





Now for the details of the Box:


It measures about 8" wide, 6" tall, and 5.75" deep you can choose from a handle or shoulder strap as pictured. It comes in 8 different colors.

Whats inside the Lunchsense kit


Inside you will find:
    • One 19 ounce lock and lock food container. It has two separate, removable trays that hold about 9 ounces each. Remove the two trays, and this container is perfect for a typical kid's sandwich
    • Two 6 ounce lock and lock containers. Perfect for yogurt and granola, or crackers and cheese
    • One 1 ounce screw top container. Good for salad dressing or dipping sauce
    • One 8 ounce drink bottle. Choose from screw-on top (shown) or sippy style
    • One ice pack. Rigid, puncture-proof




The box itself folds out either just the front or completely flat as a placemat.



Lunchsense front folded down
Lunchsense Medium folded flat as a place mat.
Here is the Lunch I packed a CuteZCute Kitty sandwich and Jello and Swedish Fish Dessert

In the Lunchsense box I packed a cheese sandwich cut into a cute kitty on a bed of salad greens and tomatoes. The other side has dessert of Jello with Swedish Fish swimming in it. In the Snack boxes I packed Grapes and blueberries and Crackers.


Pros:

  • The Lunchsense Box is Washable and easily wipe clean and is a study quality product
  • The Lock and Lock boxes are very high quality, BPA free, easy to open for kids and can be microwaved, dish washed and frozen. I love the removal dividers and that they do not leak.
  • The Box folds flat into a place mat so you don't have to worry about dirty tables.
  • It is all inclusive so you get your boxes, your carrier, water bottle and ice pack all in one kit (you can also buy sets separately)
  • The packing configuration is very versatile.

Cons:
  • Some Younger Kids may find the box a little difficult to open fully into the place mat and refasten. Although it is much easier with a bit of practice and after you have read the instructions (the fasteners are special Lift the dots and are designed to open one way and not come undone otherwise) and its super easy to open and close the front flap.
  • It may be a bit big folded out in some school lunch situations but it works great in the partially open configuration for those occasions.
  • Some people may find the price high at $35.99 but you have to take into consideration that you are getting everything you need for lunch packing and it is a quality set that will last a long time.

Conclusion: This a great quality lunch system which has everything you need to start packing non disposable lunches.

I was sent this set to Review and was not compensated in any other way. all opinions are my own.
Products Used in this Review Lunchsense Medium


Sunday, July 28, 2013

EasyLunchboxes review

I was kindly sent a set of Classic EasyLunchboxes and a cooler bag from EasyLunchboxes.com





Let me start by saying these are a quality product not to be confused with your standard disposable containers.

I will show you more on that later, but for now at little about EasyLunchboxes.

They are the number #1 lunchbox product on Amazon
  • A pack of 4 Classic or Brights sells for $13.95 from the EasyLunchboxes site or Amazon and its eligible for amazon prime (so if you have that free shipping)
  • Safe for microwave, freezer, dishwasher FDA-approved. 
  • No BPA, PVC, or phthalates 
  • 9.38" x 6.1" x 2" 
  • They are easy open (so kids can open without help) 
  • They are not leakproof but if you are sending a dip in you can get some of the mini dippers 
  • They have three divided compartments Large section - 2.5 Cups, Smaller section - 3/4 cup, Smallest section- 1/2 cup. Inside of the largest compartment is approx 4.5" x 5" inches and 1.75" deep. 

It's these divided compartments that make lunch packing a breeze for me. The food doesn't touch so the fruit doesn't make the sandwich mushy and the crackers aren't shook all over the place.

The insulated lunch box can carry up to 3 of the boxes whilst keeping them flat.

I sent three packed up for my kids karate tournament and the lunches looked great after all the pushing through the crowds.

Here are a few lunches I have packed in the EasyLunchboxes

Easylunchbox lunches


Now to compare EasyLunchboxes with the ziploc divided containers which look similar but are a completely different beast.

I originally bought the ziploc ones because they were cheap and I figured they were good for field trips when lunch boxes may or may not come back. So I packed lunch in and put both the Ziploc and the EasyLunchboxes through the dishwasher a few times. This shows the difference.

Ziploc on left Easyluncboxes on the right.

The ziploc lid has warped the EasyLunchboxes is still perfect


Ziploc cracked and warped

Here is the Ziploc note it no longer sits flat and the lid doesn't fit

EasyLunchbox perfect flat and no warping


As you can see compared to the EasyLunchbox it just doesn't hold up to repeated opening and closing and dishwashing. One of the ziplocs I had bit the dust entirely and the other is cracked, warped and the lid no longer seals. The EasyLunchbox looks as good as new. The ziplocs have their place as disposable lunch boxes but Easylunchboxes will last a long long time and are a quality product that will last a long time.

This post contains affiliate links
I was not compensated for this post other than recieving the  product for review. All views expressed are my own.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Star Wars Bento Cookie Cutters GIVEAWAY

It doesn't take much to brighten up a sandwich box (This lunch I made is served in an EasyLunchbox)
One of my favorite ways is cookie cutters.

As you can see they can be used for mini sandwiches, cutting fruit like melon, cutting tortilla etc.

Star Wars bento giveaway

Oh and you can also make cookies if you like!

So I wanted to do my first giveaway.

Star Wars cookie cutters giveaway

The giveaway is open to US only. The prize is One set of Star Wars cookie cutters as pictured. Please enter via the rafflecopter below
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a link to where you can purchase similar cutters.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Butterflies bento lunch

A Butterflies bento:

I wanted to try out this Mini Flower and Butterfly Cookie Cutter Set I got, mine has 2 flowers and 9 different butterflies they are tiny for cookies but perfect for bento. I used them to cut purple sweet pepper, red sweet pepper, melon and cheese on top of the flower.

Butterflies bento lunch

The rest of the salad has mixed spinach and greens and carrots. Then a cheese sandwich cut in a flower shape with a larger flower cutter and then grapes and cherries.
All in an EasyLunchbox

This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Pork Tenderloin and fried rice lunch

This was a Mommy lunch made mostly from leftovers.


Pork Tenderloin and Fried Rice Lunch

A couple of slices of Panko breaded pork tenderloin. This was last nights dinner I just added herbs and seasoning and olive oil and stuck it to the pork, it keeps it nice and tender. My daughter also had some and agreed this was yummy cold.

Some leftover sushi rice which I added broccoli, onions, leeks and soy sauce.

A banana bread chocolate chip muffin.  I added a cup of chocolate chips to this Banana Bread Recipe but put it into muffin pans and cooked it for around 30 minutes. It was a success with everyone thanks to Keitha at Keithas Chaos for introducing me to the recipe.

Raspberries and Blackberries.

This was a very filling lunch.

All in a PlanetBox Rover


This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Simple dolphins lunch

Just a simple lunch today. I picked up this Dolphins and heart cutter in the bread aisle at the supermarket.

So a cheese sandwich with white and cinnamon swirl bread. On lettuce and tomato salad. Fruit and banana bread.
Dolphin lunch

All in an EasyLunchbox

This post contains affiliate links.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Adventure Time Bento Lunch

A Few of My Bento Bloggers  & Friends are Adventure Time Fans so we thought we would do an Adventure Time Link up.

So here is my attempt.

Lumpy Space Princess (Who apparently my kids thought was a boy!) and Gunter the Penguin "The Most Evil Thing I Have Ever Seen"

Adventure Time Bento Lunch


Lumpy Space Princess is made of Purple mashed potatoes from the farmers market (Yes they are really purple inside) with sesame seeds and cheese star on bed of organic spinach and mixed greens.


Gunter is Provolone and Spinach with a Cheddar beak on top of popcorn chicken.

Also in this lunch mixed fruit Raspberries, Grapes, Cherries and Blackberries.

All Served up in an EasyLunchbox


If you have made Adventure Time Food. Please link up below.







This Post Contains Affiliate Links.

 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Alien Bento Lunch

It was World UFO day earlier this week. So here is a alien lunch.

Alien bento lunch

A cheese sandwich with a a Kale Alien, tortilla UFO And stars on tomatoes, jicama, red peppers and raspberries.

All in a Lunchbots Duo.

This post contains affiliate links.
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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Safari lunch

I've joined a cult! Really, I am now the proud owner of the only lunchbox with a cult following EasyLunchboxes.

A proper review will be up after the weekend but honestly I couldn't wait to use these. I was kindly sent a set of boxes and insulated carrier by EasyLunchboxes.

So here is my first of many lunches in this box (it is so easy to pack).

A Safari lunch Rhino and Alligator cheese sandwiches on a salad of mixed greens and carrot. Dried fruit including mixed berries and pineapple and tomatoes and red pepper.

The Safari Cutters are from Good Cook and also feature an Elephant.



Safari lunch

I was kindly sent this product for review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this post. This post contains affiliate links.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Salmon roll ups lunch

Today is an adult lunch for me in the PlanetBox Rover Lunchbox. It's really great for portion control and trying to remember to get your different food groups represented.

In this lunch is:

Salmon roll ups (see how to below)
Kale with garlic and shallots (how to below)
Banana bread (recipe link)
Greek yogurt in the PlanetBox tall dipper and raspberries


Salmon roll ups lunch

The Salmon roll ups:

1 egg
1/2 cup flour
90ml milk
Salt
Olive oil
Butter
Cream cheese
Smoked salmon

Mix egg add flour slowly whisking in add a little of the milk. Once all the flour is mixed in, add the rest of the milk, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Leave alone for an hour before using. Heat a non stick frying pan and add a little butter and melt.

Pour in a 1/4 cup of mixture at a time and swirl round leave a minute then flip and cook a further minute. Place on parchment paper between creeps and cool.

Once cool spread with cream cheese (I used Philadelphia with chives)

Add a layer of smoked salmon Roll up sushi style and place in fridge for an hour. Cut into 1/2 inch slices

Kale

Curly Kale About 10g remove stems and rip up into small pieces.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and some salt and pepper toss
Chop a clove of garlic and A few small shallots and fry in olive oil.
Toss in kale and 1/2 cup water cover and cook for 5 minutes until kale is soft.

Serve straight away or cool for next day lunch.


This post contains affiliate links. All views are my own I was not compensated in anyway for this post.
 
 

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Patriotic Surprise Cake

Today no Bento but being as its Independence Day in the USA a patriotic Surprise cake. Surprise at the bottom of post!

I saw the idea on pinterest for a Surprise cake to announce a Babys Gender here

So Here is the Cake before cutting. Standard cake with icing and 
Wilton Shape-N-Amaze Sugar dough stars.

Patriotic Surprise Cake
Patriotic Surprise Cake Before Cutting

and 


wait for it...


here is the cake after cutting....



Surprise!!!

Patriotic Surprise Cake
Here it is showing the Surprise!

The Red Velvet Cake is filled with Red White and Blue M&Ms and York Bits.

Its fairly easy to do just make two 9 inch round cakes I chose Red velvet Duncan Hines

Cool completely slice into four rounds. 

Cut a 4-5 inch circle out of two.

Assemble with Frosting with the two Center layers having holes. Add the Candy then the top layer and ice. 

This is just Store bought Duncan Hines Vanilla and the stars are Wilton Shape-N-Amaze. I rolled out and cut with Wilton Star Cut Outs.


Happy 4th of July!


This post contains affiliate links

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

4th of July Bento Lunch (& more) Linky Party!

Its Americas Birthday on Thursday and to celebrate I am joining the Bento Bloggers & Friends 4th of July Bento Lunch (& more) Linky Party!
So here is my lunch A Red, White and Blue Extravaganza in a PlanetBox Rover!

The Red White and Blue Star Four Cheese Ravioli has been sitting in my freezer waiting for July! I had to keep telling the kids no you can't have it yet. Tried some last night it was yummy. It came from Costco.

Patriotic Lunch

The ravioli is sprinkled with Parmesan. In the veggie section is red bell pepper strips and Jicama strips for dipping in the cream cheese served in a Monbento pot.

The fruit section has blueberries, raspberries and watermelon cut into stars. In the Planetbox tall dipper is some blue Greek yoghurt. All served in a PlanetBox Rover.

To see lots more independence day inspiration and patriotic ideas for food head on over to the linky party hosted by bentonbetterlunches.com by clicking the picture below.



 Disclosure this post contains affiliate links

Steampunk Bento: Cogs and Gent

I was kindly sent this lovely Copper bento box by Casabento.com

Copper Steampunk Bento Box

They have a very large selection of Bento gear and ship worldwide.

The first thing I thought was Steampunk Bento. This is my first attempt. I have plans for several more.

This lunch box is a slim bento box with two levels that has a total capacity of 780ml.  

It has two levels:

The top level is 330ml and has a plastic transparent cover with a small hole for microwave heating.

The second level has a capacity of 450ml.
 
Steampunk Gent Bento



The bottom layer has Brocoli, Carrots, Lettuce, Tomatoes. The Gentleman is made from Provolone with Nori and sugar eyes.

The Top Layer has Rice with Soy Sauce and cheddar and provolone cogs.

Steampunk Bento

Below you can see the lid that can be used for Microwaving.

Steampunk Bento Cover


Disclosure: I received a complimentary Casabento Copper Vintage Bento Box to review. No other compensation was given for this post. All descriptions, photographs & opinions are my own.
bento
Bento Lunch

Monday, July 1, 2013

Calcifer bento: Howls moving Castle

Calcifer is my favorite character from Howl's Moving Castle.

So for my lunch today I thought why not turn my egg into the mischievous fire demon.

Calcifer Bento

She likes my spark!

Calcifer is a fried egg the white shaped into flames and painted with red and orange with sugar eyes and nori mouth on a bed of rice.

Accompanied by kale and berries.

 All in a LunchBots Duo.



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