Lunch Time…Crunch Time!

Just when I thought my life would be a tad easier while the kids were at school and hubby was at work…

Alas, I realized that truth could really be stranger (and more hectic!) than fiction – especially the “temporary-freedom-enjoyed-by-mom-while-the-brood’s-away”  kind  – hahaha!

Translation: I had to step up my “diva duties” in the kitchen to make sure that my brood was well-fed (yes, including dear hubby!) even when away from home.  This meant doubling my usual kitchen prep work and churn rate, so to speak, to ensure that packed lunches and snacks were good-to-go before 7 am every weekday.  What’s more, since it would be the first time that diva-lette would be eating away from home without me, I had to also make sure to be creative in presenting her food so she would be enticed to eat it.  

Hmmmm… quite a tall order for a certified “un-morning” person like me! What’s a girl to do?

Answer: Apart from a quick trip to the friendly neighborhood Japanese store for my supplies and  preparing the food the night before (post-dinner and dish duty) and letting it chill in the fridge overnight, I found my much-needed packed-lunch inspiration and ideas from….(drum roll please)

My proclaimed bento gurus – Kitchen Cow and Munchkin Mommy! (Oh, the joys of technology and the internet!)

And though I’m admittedly still a looooong way off  in mastering their “art”, I am nonetheless pleased with what I’ve been able to do for the past two weeks of my ”packed lunch-making” life.   

Allow me to share with you some of my favorite (wannabe) bentos…

For my “honeybunny Papa Bear” …

 

 

Thanks to Kaoko for this wonderful idea! Had to make do with nori strips though since I forgot to buy nori sheets!

For our two “ tween-agers” …

And, finally, for our pre-school princess…

 

Pretty neat, huh? I thought so too More bento lovin’ soon!