{Lunch Box Jokes}

My 6 year old is about to finish his first term of year one.
Recently his teacher has unfortunately had a few weeks off to have an operation. Whilst my son is normally well adjusted, this change has been a somewhat difficult one for us to adjust to.

So, to help him get through the day I have started occasionally (about every second day) popping a handwritten joke in his lunchbox with his sandwich. For him, having this surprise pop up half way through the day "reminds me of you mum...and it's really funny too".


It doesn't take much time, costs nothing and is a great way to touch base with your kids during the day, even when your not there. Simply google some kids knock knock jokes and you'll find a whole bunch that you can choose from. Above are some examples of how I themed the jokes for Easter last week. Even if your kids aren't having any 'settling issues' per say, What kid wouldn't love to open their lunch box to a funny lunchbox joke?! 

Submit your best kids joke ideas here in the comments section or on the homemade facebook page. 
Lauren x

{The Lunch Box Life :: Menu Ideas}

So, we have almost reached the end of term one for kindergarten. WOW! I know I had two days a week at prep last year with my 'big' boy to practice this new 'lunchbox life' idea. But the five days a week was definitely a new idea. And I am LOVING it!

Each day I have to pack lunch and what his school calls "Fruit Break". This has to be fresh fruit/ veg as a snack at 9:30. It has helped students attention and healthy intake also.
This is a typical example:

{The Life of a School Mum}

Well, the last week or so has been busy and focused here. I have been shopping, labeling, cooking, baking, packing & organising. All in anticipation of our eldest son's first day of school on Wednesday this week.
He has been looking forward to this for AGES, counting down the days each morning on his chart he made. He bounced into Kindy blue on day one like he had been there for ages already.
I am so proud of him and how clever he is, he constantly teaches me, challenges me, stretches me and inspires me. He made us a family and I can't believe we are at primary school already. There are many adventures ahead and I can't wait!

I have been having fun with lunchboxes and all the bits and pieces that come with being a new school mum. I will definitely be sharing some of these ideas (especially the zucchini and bacon slice "stars" that are decorating his lunchbox in the fridge ready for tomorrow - yum!)

However I wanted to take a quick moment to suggest you read this if YOU ARE A SCHOOL MUM. Sunny Mummy is an incredible Aussie Mum who encourages mums to fight the (unattainable and potentially harmful) yummy mummy status. Even if you don't have kids or they are grown up, I Guarantee you will get something from this post of hers: "An open letter to school Mums" {click here}

{The Lunch Box Life}

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A discussion with a friend the other night had us thinking about lunch boxes. As both of us have an "L-Plates" on with this, it was nice to share ideas and as with everthing, I love learning from others.
I thought I would share the fillings that so far have been winners here. The way that the lunchbox is set out has 3 little sections in the lid and a bigger section underneath. So, I usually put 3 (small portions) of the morning tea choices in the top lid, 1 for after lunch, and a lunchtime choice with his water bottle.

Morning Tea Options so far:
- Air popped corn
- Berries (when in season)
- Carrot and celery sticks (often with a little pot of homemade hommous)
- Cheese and crackers
- Grapes
- Melons cut into pieces
- Mandarins (I peel and segment to make it easier)
- Mini homemade muffins
- Cherry tomatoes
- Yoghurt
- Fruit puree
- Sometimes homemade biscuits or slices that are somewhat healthy like these

Lunch Ideas So Far:
- Wraps (avocado spread with cheese, turkey and baby spinach)
- Sandwhiches (cheese sandwhiches have always been a plus. I don't use tomato as it goes soggy)
- Cold Pizza (wholemeal english muffin with tomato puree, slice of turkey, basil, couple of pineapple slices and a cheese slice/ grated cheese. Grill and cut into quarters)
- Healthy pasta salad in container
- Little thermos with chicken nuggets (heat it up with hot water and then dry. place warm chicken nuggets inside to keep warm. Help them practise using at home first).


When I asked what his favourite thing in his lunchbox and he said "when you write me letters mum" (awwwww). I would love to hear what you use and what are your favourites, comment below or even on facebook).

Lauren x

{School Mum In Training} Lessons Learned So Far

Well, this year our family eased into 'school life' with Joshua (4.5 years) has started prep school two days a week. It is a wonderful way to get used to the world of big school for mother and child alike.

TOP 5 LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR!
1. Always have a sharpie and a labeller handy!
2. Make lunchboxes fun as well as healthy. I have made very good friends with my cookie cutters and often cut sandwhiches and cheese slices into different shapes. He loves finding the surprises at lunch time.
3. For the first few weeks, talk through the lunch box with them and make sure they know what youve given them for morning tea and lunch. It helps them keep their day somewhat predictable and have something to look forward to.
4. There is A LOT of paper work that comes home each week. So I have made a folder that sits in my kitchen with sections for newsletters, general school info, awards, notes, term dates and office phone numbers etc.... This has been wonderful and makes it easy to know what's happening and organise what comes home.
5. Keep morning routine simple and predictable. Our morning goes breakfast, uniform, make bed and brush teeth.

But on thing has made these (potentially crazy) mornings very easy.For his first morning at prep I made a yoghurt parfait the night before and it was a hit on more than one level.

Firstly I layered a clear glass with:
2 spoonfuls of yoghurt
2 spoonfuls of strawberry fruit puree
2 spoonfuls of berries fresh or frozen
2 spoonfuls of yoghurt

Then out it into the fridge that night. At breakfast time take out of fridge and top with a sprinkling of meuseli or crushed cereal for a crunchy texture. This is a great way to use up the 'dregs' in the bottom of the cereal packets too! You can also chop some banana or other fruit on top. That's the beauty of this thing, personalise it to tastes and what you have on hand.

Cheap, easy, quick and healthy!!!

Enjoy;
Lauren x