tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177942509757828182024-03-12T23:02:51.779-07:00Cute Lunch : Make it SpecialWords of Wisdom from My Mother: "I have often noticed that just a little bit of effort can make someone feel very, very special."Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-12464203956203151762012-09-27T08:55:00.000-07:002012-09-27T10:51:51.985-07:00Guest Post: Bento Boxes Make Fun Lunches Easy!Hello to the followers of Making Lunch Special! I am an old friend of Amanda's and your guest author today! It makes me feel kinda famous and cool but I promise you I'm not. You can follow my blog over at <a href="http://babybennington.blospot.com/">http://babybennington.blospot.com</a> . I've been blogging since long before it was cool.<br />
<br />
So I know the Leahys from when they were young pups in love at Purdue. We're all grown up now with kids of our own too and thanks to the wonder of Facebook, have still kept in touch. Like the Leahys, my husband and I are navigating the seas of parenthood. We have a 3 year old and 5 year old. Your prayers are appreciated.<br />
<br />
This past August, our 5 year old started full day Kindergarten and I cried for about a week. The good news, though, is that she loves it and is very happy with her school and teacher.
While mourning her transition into school, I realized that there are some things a mom of an elementary schooler needs to do each day. Help with homework, make sure they are wearing the right shoes on PE day, sort through office paperwork, drop off, pick up and make lunch!<br />
<br />
Tessa's school has a really great hot lunch menu (which even includes Little Caesar pizza on Fridays) but I decided to pack her lunch for a handful of reason. First, it's way cheaper. At her school the lunches are $4 a day, which adds up pretty quickly. Second is that it's probably healthier (although you will notice some delicious cold pizza and giant marshmallows make our regular menu).<br />
<br />
But lastly, I wanted to show her my love through her lunchbox. I know that sounds a little cheesy but it's true. I'm not used to being away from her this many hours a day, and I miss knowing what she's doing at all times. Those other things are somewhat out of my control as we 'cut the cord' a bit, but I do have control over what surprises she finds in her lunchbox each day.<br />
<br />
The best decision I made was to buy a bento style lunchbox. Bento just means little containers. You know when you eat Japanese food and they sometimes have bento meals with lots of of little compartments of little things to try? You don't?....really you should, it's delicious.<br />
<br />
I bought her and her brother both a basic bento kit with insulated bag to fit at <a href="http://www.laptoplunches.com/">www.laptoplunches.com</a>
Best purchase ever!<br />
<br />
I've dabbled a little bit in making cute shapes and faces on food like Amanda does, but I'm nowhere near her level of awesome. Partially because I'm too lazy. But nothing make food cute like a quickly added candy eyeball, and my kids have really enjoyed that part. <br />
<br />
Here is a smattering of pictures of some lunches I've made since school started....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAf4MNKqnUMBrJitec5gKvxsNLWiqxGICjaG2MJYrHAhlLH3KLY01r_tbjSyzM-Zw3nvqekRwFsRCBTJzMQdLZLLMUIz-KUgvu1K7CTPrf4GG-TqPj_RNyoVYNq3bYygs_npqSyYpcZQ/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAf4MNKqnUMBrJitec5gKvxsNLWiqxGICjaG2MJYrHAhlLH3KLY01r_tbjSyzM-Zw3nvqekRwFsRCBTJzMQdLZLLMUIz-KUgvu1K7CTPrf4GG-TqPj_RNyoVYNq3bYygs_npqSyYpcZQ/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here I made cheese and PB&Js into star shapes along with some carrots and ranch (in the tiny container), pudding with candy sunflower seeds and a banna applesauce. They 'apple sauce squirts' as my kids call them, are a great portable snack! We like the Trader Joes brand because they come in lots of flavor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNH-8NmBmK9Uk7jy7xwcYK73Igx3PrT0n8PK8us-9Y1MlPqylQcE_2HESOcr8vajQdjoDic2KTLODTtCN_rmQ6hRFMgp6EI9Sf17_QvxQh_W36E3RzytPQd5FW8ACW_A_37cZBgplM8M/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNH-8NmBmK9Uk7jy7xwcYK73Igx3PrT0n8PK8us-9Y1MlPqylQcE_2HESOcr8vajQdjoDic2KTLODTtCN_rmQ6hRFMgp6EI9Sf17_QvxQh_W36E3RzytPQd5FW8ACW_A_37cZBgplM8M/s320/IMG_1729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Excuse the nuclear color here. I went through a short obsession with the 'super vivid' setting on my camera. Those are not nuclear yellow worms, but cheetos. Also ham and cheese pinwheels, grapes, yogurt with honey and a pickle pack.<br />
<br />
With the packaged things, I've found that part of the trick is to find things that fit into the box, otherwise it won't close. For instance, most yogurts are too tall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM-p46gmtdhwQFqDoZsL8w_tTmisyRP4K0iE_5RVFBKuniRT_yeAy7eaArOkpYFxAa9Bb4YXHV9dP8d13aKJwsuMrSSTn7D5QtFAMgsgepoK9_LyyQ3jBOkCTu8zdrPUjmUWTAUO8KkQ/s1600/greek2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM-p46gmtdhwQFqDoZsL8w_tTmisyRP4K0iE_5RVFBKuniRT_yeAy7eaArOkpYFxAa9Bb4YXHV9dP8d13aKJwsuMrSSTn7D5QtFAMgsgepoK9_LyyQ3jBOkCTu8zdrPUjmUWTAUO8KkQ/s320/greek2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of Tessa's favorites...her Greek lunch. Those are pita chips with olives, carrot and a big vat of hummus for dipping. Plus an applesauce and giant marshmallow. Because it's giant, and cool. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6T1WoKxQzq4Rxkjaygc2JXTx9SVfsmBPisDTr866E2206CIi8In6cJ2eO-5e-njOHQvppKRTe6OKi1htCLiPYQB6azz4O33tl-7mLz6AmWro784xBmrGRpXmDBwLTVE7lstLKsv0PyE/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6T1WoKxQzq4Rxkjaygc2JXTx9SVfsmBPisDTr866E2206CIi8In6cJ2eO-5e-njOHQvppKRTe6OKi1htCLiPYQB6azz4O33tl-7mLz6AmWro784xBmrGRpXmDBwLTVE7lstLKsv0PyE/s320/IMG_1966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Mini bagels are a perfect fit. I really need to buy some more of these cause the kids really dug them. This is a pretzel mini bagel with cream cheese, veggie chips, raspberries and yogurt. The kids Dannon with Micky Mouse on it is the perfect height!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUZ8zBUQd6gWWBnLUmmO7nTufaGHYNip-A-eqwNb0FqOVCbHqwptQIfLk37zCZGoguB0gGsDc172vdEr53SxgNmTG6UbXE7tZLzogdlNOjoJic5hMM82oMcjRjOG4bpNBhkJRAa7jN50/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUZ8zBUQd6gWWBnLUmmO7nTufaGHYNip-A-eqwNb0FqOVCbHqwptQIfLk37zCZGoguB0gGsDc172vdEr53SxgNmTG6UbXE7tZLzogdlNOjoJic5hMM82oMcjRjOG4bpNBhkJRAa7jN50/s320/IMG_1747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So the only tricky thing about the box can be fitting things in just right. For instance, traditionally cut leftover pizza doesn't fit...but square cut pizza does! All the more reason to eat at Arni's.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvolfgf_7WdeAqkm6E4EYo3f36ASJJJ7JH0SoUQrLn1GaHmQTa-KLg9ckyRZKXZH_rx29PX-HxjsnYroecQR2WT12d_183ByMlnm4cjEsRQSVWJWlxUNZfs8uEj5I3Usvr3aZC3wD1wq8/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvolfgf_7WdeAqkm6E4EYo3f36ASJJJ7JH0SoUQrLn1GaHmQTa-KLg9ckyRZKXZH_rx29PX-HxjsnYroecQR2WT12d_183ByMlnm4cjEsRQSVWJWlxUNZfs8uEj5I3Usvr3aZC3wD1wq8/s320/IMG_1928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I used a little melted chocolate to adhere eyeballs to their plums one day. Freaked the 3 year old out, though. He wouldn't eat it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZbKsUdrEqDJSFJ_AwLddAs-UB0iI-kt-mUzzfQrf7hQEIgQ-8V36G0t82xAaK9D1WuAQTVRcmkN2zIthgHb0AMyal0WCV7qOeMh_zTMgBMUA4JU1vHpXP9ti8iyJX48tyk7BYiemXWo/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZbKsUdrEqDJSFJ_AwLddAs-UB0iI-kt-mUzzfQrf7hQEIgQ-8V36G0t82xAaK9D1WuAQTVRcmkN2zIthgHb0AMyal0WCV7qOeMh_zTMgBMUA4JU1vHpXP9ti8iyJX48tyk7BYiemXWo/s320/IMG_1843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
But he sure does love a dinosaur ham or PB sandwhich. This was just done with a cookie cutter and some candy eyeballs.<br />
<br />
So I get questions on how things all stay in place without jumbling around. Well, several of the contatiners inside have lids, so anything that is liquidy or sticky gets a lid. (Look there are the nuclear yellow worms again)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzawM1-blZntrGxALZopbdjqgbTM_1pjIJAMW6D16GSnWA-NNBoiGwMHWJ38eLH6OeYc45mpl02E-0z2MUD-kdWGGnFULwuj9J2zbhOKjchLnwGxrXQhgOHEqhaNZsu15czQK0S9qDLEk/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzawM1-blZntrGxALZopbdjqgbTM_1pjIJAMW6D16GSnWA-NNBoiGwMHWJ38eLH6OeYc45mpl02E-0z2MUD-kdWGGnFULwuj9J2zbhOKjchLnwGxrXQhgOHEqhaNZsu15czQK0S9qDLEk/s320/IMG_1731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then the big box closes very tightly over the little ones, so there's no room for things to jumble around and intermingle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjS8zKADPF1OttdApX6LdXDBH33l3__7EjVsqoiG2_z2sgF1wJKD13LFh56Tj_O1RoPPVn4hZdyR7f-QFsYI7FX0d3AWFT8zj1ebJHJe8NgL7AqfAv7YAFt3utPQY71pV-7W2l1HMEcA/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjS8zKADPF1OttdApX6LdXDBH33l3__7EjVsqoiG2_z2sgF1wJKD13LFh56Tj_O1RoPPVn4hZdyR7f-QFsYI7FX0d3AWFT8zj1ebJHJe8NgL7AqfAv7YAFt3utPQY71pV-7W2l1HMEcA/s320/IMG_1728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Inside the bag is a spot for an ice pack to keep it all cold. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77yMxggRAbT2aF5Dq8rbBe-tVfD61JPep8gmgmipjDPgl-Uw7M2x8jd-1We9LVSYZbJZQFjfzbAD9l-b-VgJPztDjmEZxfOmvg6rKpamhOC60U5XztjGE7_F3lXw6K4ZYVpZR50FAh-Y/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77yMxggRAbT2aF5Dq8rbBe-tVfD61JPep8gmgmipjDPgl-Uw7M2x8jd-1We9LVSYZbJZQFjfzbAD9l-b-VgJPztDjmEZxfOmvg6rKpamhOC60U5XztjGE7_F3lXw6K4ZYVpZR50FAh-Y/s320/IMG_1733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then it all zips up in an insulated bag with a spot for a juice box on the outside. Unfortunately the juice doesn't stay cold but nobody at my house has complained about that.<br />
<br />
<br />
I've really enjoyed making her lunch and I think seeing the containers makes it easier to pictures both balanced choices and correct portions. I know for sure it make it easier for her to eat as well, because she can see her whole meal laid out in front of her. Last year she took her lunch to preschool and was notorious for not eating it. I think because there were so many little items packed in ziploc bags that were hard for her to open, plus hard for her little brain to think of as a complete meal. So she would eat the crackers and ditch the rest.<br />
<br />
She also loves how 'cool' her lunchbox is and showing her shapes and eyeballs to her friends. She's happy, I'm happy...and I feel like I'm giving her something important every day. Lunchbox love. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00938716427322888477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-17855367118796744562012-09-04T17:17:00.003-07:002012-09-04T17:17:52.506-07:00Long time, no post.Well, the bad news is that I haven't posted on here because we haven't been serving a lot of "cute lunches" lately. School is back in full swing and I am busy grading math tests instead of decorating sandwiches. I promise to be back soon with some new cute lunches...<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the meantime... the good news is that my friend Laura is experimenting with some adorable Bento-style lunches as has agreed to share some of her ideas. So please welcome my dear friend Laura!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">---Mandy---</span></i></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-66818987917554453032012-07-17T19:30:00.000-07:002012-07-17T19:30:12.747-07:00A Trio of PBJ Sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Here are three little peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches I made for my son in the past few weeks. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">First we have a slightly crazy looking bunny rabbit. I used a cookie cutter from Easter to make the bunny shape. My bread wasn't quite big enough, so I took my rolling pin to flatten it just enough for the cutter to fit. You can still see a little bit of the crust on his chin. The crazy look comes from two Wilton's candy eyes that didn't quite match. A heart sprinkle for a nose and a few teeth carved from a few white chocolate candy melts complete the face. I drew a mouth on using an edible food marker.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDOex8WLbUQA2vZ_UKXkvP_6zqZdykqfcjXGqkCZC1Y9cpacQwMP0tuLTOxmxuRP-CGhE1QJVnFsjmsjmuRkiEI-MfbOK_Ag_68mI3vOHnMm7mLVdfZZORW5oz4niXRtMu-lNkQ7tDQOr/s1600/cute+lunch+crazy+bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDOex8WLbUQA2vZ_UKXkvP_6zqZdykqfcjXGqkCZC1Y9cpacQwMP0tuLTOxmxuRP-CGhE1QJVnFsjmsjmuRkiEI-MfbOK_Ag_68mI3vOHnMm7mLVdfZZORW5oz4niXRtMu-lNkQ7tDQOr/s400/cute+lunch+crazy+bunny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next we blast off with a rocket ship. I made the sandwich and just started cutting away pieces with a knife to get the body of the ship. I used left over sandwich pieces to lengthen the "fins" and add "wings" (I guess) to the sides. It looked a little messy, but my son still loved it. I used cheese and my tiny star cutter to set the scene and added some "cheese fire" to make the rocket blast off. I added some candy coated sunflower seeds for decoration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMvAnd7GbWS7Cwq6wPIyIOCbFYvBvTAl3STCrH7n74XbaiB6UKAtssddizcqpTG6XnhmYVwtDsJmKck-yZNyzsrLBmWd8tb5esdDQeMuRr7Sa053WALzp7jg-U4VKOAWs7J6fDH46b5B_/s1600/cute+lunch+rocket+ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMvAnd7GbWS7Cwq6wPIyIOCbFYvBvTAl3STCrH7n74XbaiB6UKAtssddizcqpTG6XnhmYVwtDsJmKck-yZNyzsrLBmWd8tb5esdDQeMuRr7Sa053WALzp7jg-U4VKOAWs7J6fDH46b5B_/s400/cute+lunch+rocket+ship.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, a little Toy Story Alien. Ever since we returned from Walt Disney World, little man has been almost constantly playing with his Bucket O' Aliens and Bucket O' Army men. I decided to surprise him with a little alien lunch tomorrow. The head, mouth, and ears were cut using some strategic slicing with an oval cutter. The antenna is a piece of bread just sorta twisted up on the end. An Alien needed (of course) three eyes and a light dusting of green sugar sprinkles. Healthy? Well... no... not really.... so I'll make sure he gets some carrots and celery in his lunch as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ_8bs0svZ_Gk_smc2bGjpSm8czUSy85xBqRETd_kUTr3MUJNzzO7yoyzguC1E2Q2L1u5yTncv84wZtHlEzXxtfGbHk8x5BT3C4R9Pcljcjv7SjoEpjE7D_Hc2uVFTS336indcRodfr4j/s1600/cute+lunch+toy+story+alien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ_8bs0svZ_Gk_smc2bGjpSm8czUSy85xBqRETd_kUTr3MUJNzzO7yoyzguC1E2Q2L1u5yTncv84wZtHlEzXxtfGbHk8x5BT3C4R9Pcljcjv7SjoEpjE7D_Hc2uVFTS336indcRodfr4j/s400/cute+lunch+toy+story+alien.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you enjoy reading this blog, please follow and share with your friends!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Mandy--</i></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-82244996454950527422012-07-09T18:21:00.000-07:002012-07-09T18:21:07.020-07:00Keep 'em Busy! Dino Lingo - Influenster Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUS1JEa26SNPCdkt0KV6jOwpJCyx-_P7VXNDINOP2jTLSDjBfMKKYCinNwqSqBByJFboGpry0VeQraHQ8c9o6WiS6V8-7RZPUTlRI5SedacQzDP05aFiSM2GjmqQgtWjSE4jaXr5nZBUv/s1600/dino+lingo+logo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUS1JEa26SNPCdkt0KV6jOwpJCyx-_P7VXNDINOP2jTLSDjBfMKKYCinNwqSqBByJFboGpry0VeQraHQ8c9o6WiS6V8-7RZPUTlRI5SedacQzDP05aFiSM2GjmqQgtWjSE4jaXr5nZBUv/s1600/dino+lingo+logo+2.jpg" /></a></div>
I have watched Dora the Explorer so many times that I thought my head might explode... <i>I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm THE MAP! </i> I think that despite the annoyances of the program, it is awesome that my 3-year-old can count to ten in Spanish and occasionally yells, "Ayudame, mama!" when he tumbles off the bed he was bouncing on. I took many years of Spanish in high school and college and it has been very useful to me in my job as a school teacher.<br />
<br />
When <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a> provided a link to try out a kids language learning program called Dino Lingo, I was very excited. <i>I received this sample FREE from Influenster for testing and review.</i> Although the program is available in <a href="http://dinolingo.com/languages/free_lesson.html" target="_blank">MANY languages</a>, I chose to preview the Spanish one since that would be the one I would most likely buy. This program is marketed to children ages 2 to 7 years old and is available through <a href="http://www.dinolingo.com/">www.dinolingo.com</a> . The cost is $99.95 + SH with a 30 day money-back guarantee. To see what's actually included for that price click <a href="http://dinolingo.com/languages/spanish.html#whats_in" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
My first reaction to this program was a little negative due to the quality of the animation (this is not Pixar), but I soon got over it. You and your child are guided through the program by cute little animated dinosaurs. Real video footage is alternated with digital & traditional animation to provide "in context" ways to observe the vocabulary and phrases. Also, the program uses just the right amount of repetition to really help you "get" what they are saying. For example, you are shown several pictures/animated birds. Each time you see the bird, the Spanish word for <i>bird</i> pops up on the screen and it is said aloud. This is repeated several times. Then you see <i>two birds</i>.... then many birds which are counted in Spanish: <i>FOUR birds: 1, 2, 3, 4</i>... then a <i>blue bird</i>... and finally an in context sentence: <i>There are seven birds!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
In the first disk, animals, numbers, and colors were intertwined. The program was about 22 minutes long. In between "learning" parts there are mixed interludes with dinosaurs and other characters dancing, counting, playing and more. There were lots of silly parts that your child will laugh at, I think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE0u3Jv2XSvOxYCifPIFZlYxUq0k3UVPeZNc_931ooYwd-j6DuAww0C4XZmIVhd5FLSXp7pSQJBX3WUjpsLl3OGuSpuyOiYNwd4Kmynlq_cNfpmjYdXpBTDkwdqlXRGP7m85diMpMZ_Tb/s1600/Dino+Lingo+DVDs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE0u3Jv2XSvOxYCifPIFZlYxUq0k3UVPeZNc_931ooYwd-j6DuAww0C4XZmIVhd5FLSXp7pSQJBX3WUjpsLl3OGuSpuyOiYNwd4Kmynlq_cNfpmjYdXpBTDkwdqlXRGP7m85diMpMZ_Tb/s400/Dino+Lingo+DVDs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
So, would I buy this entire program? Someday, maybe, when I have an extra $100 to spend. This is a reasonable price for this program and less than I have paid for other educational videos purchased via infomercials. (You know the ones! I want my baby to read, too!) I think that if you are serious about your child learning a language, this program could be very successful and fun for children and their parents. In the meantime, we will still be watching a lot of Dora. I think this would be a great gift to buy and provide your child's daycare provider or for your family video library. It would give you a "non-junk" TV alternative while you are cooking dinner or folding laundry and your kiddo will learn so much.<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-14941414337552219462012-06-27T19:03:00.001-07:002012-06-27T19:03:23.615-07:00DenTek Floss Pics - Influenster Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ladies and Gentlemen, line up your pearly whites and let's talk flossers. You may recall from my previous post that I recently received a box of items for free from <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">influenster</a> to test and review. The products were complimentary, but the opinions are my own.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I received two sample packs of DenTek brand flossers. One for adults, the Comfort Clean Floss Picks, and one for kiddos, the DenTek Fun Flossers. You can read all about DenTek's flossing products <a href="http://www.dentek.com/flossing/" target="_blank">here</a> if you wish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUMznI7rVU9H_FjYJQrnLRWJSvoYcmd1BuW3Zbw3qgxozsYKAq3z9ftny4hjLa3FWZ_FQRp0h9HcH0ldK0d7io7r_G30NF4TAcWMJs3lE1bvFW3vJBpl-MBQMOG8Na8t-5UIDeMBQK7IR/s1600/DSCN0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUMznI7rVU9H_FjYJQrnLRWJSvoYcmd1BuW3Zbw3qgxozsYKAq3z9ftny4hjLa3FWZ_FQRp0h9HcH0ldK0d7io7r_G30NF4TAcWMJs3lE1bvFW3vJBpl-MBQMOG8Na8t-5UIDeMBQK7IR/s400/DSCN0373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have never purchased kid's flossers, but we buy this type of product frequently. My husband and I keep floss picks in our vehicles because you just never know when you are going to need to battle something stuck in your teeth at the red light. We are not very brand loyal and usually pick up whatever is cheapest. Here is a picture of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DenTek-Comfort-Clean-Picks-Cool-Mint-90/dp/B000FVEKYG/ref=sr_1_8?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1340848367&sr=1-8&keywords=dentek" target="_blank">DenTek flosser</a> on the left and the store brand flosser (from the package in my glove box).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhfIFjUms2NYfIaOM0PeBP_woOTA5eJUnpJ9ekoGM_DyGj1WgP7c_Ge4kLZReEb3anJxuQ2ycIQ3q1GQ6joLRMjePvc4rUlPRkPh6C0tDnjNdFNEoLX13rFd52gnPw7XSfj5awBBfN087/s1600/DSCN0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhfIFjUms2NYfIaOM0PeBP_woOTA5eJUnpJ9ekoGM_DyGj1WgP7c_Ge4kLZReEb3anJxuQ2ycIQ3q1GQ6joLRMjePvc4rUlPRkPh6C0tDnjNdFNEoLX13rFd52gnPw7XSfj5awBBfN087/s400/DSCN0401.JPG" width="388" /></a></div>
<br />
My husband was a willing volunteer. He flossed one side of his mouth with DenTek and one side with the store brand. One major difference in the product was that the store brand only lasted for three teeth beofre the floss broke. He was able to use the Dentek flosser for all of his remaining teeth and the floss was still tight on the plastic. As far as flavor, both are "mint" but my husband preferred the store brand taste over the DenTek, but that the DenTek "wasn't bad." Finally, the pointy pick part at the end of the DenTek brand is a thinner plastic than the store brand. My husband said that he thought the DenTek was more effective as a toothpick.<br />
<br />
The DenTek flosser is high quality for its purpose and I would definitely buy them for my family to use.<br />
<br />
Influenster also send a sample of the kid's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DenTek-Kids-Flosser-Floss-Picks/dp/B004HGOLF8/ref=sr_1_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1340848529&sr=1-4&keywords=fun+flossers" target="_blank">Fun Flossers</a>. What struck me a fabulous about this product as soon as I took it out of the package was that there was no pointy toothpick end. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA8s_f3hhljblSIjLBW2pEt5UkV0NOxTrfnXCJnBQCbdb9jbdL8PHvDI7UdRY7FrrphUPEL8pZqkiNzqu8zQRK7ixWLp1r5DVZnU32fgRTJuzJWl0oR3c8mUFeNbW_Vp_v79BFt1n_7_j/s1600/DSCN0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA8s_f3hhljblSIjLBW2pEt5UkV0NOxTrfnXCJnBQCbdb9jbdL8PHvDI7UdRY7FrrphUPEL8pZqkiNzqu8zQRK7ixWLp1r5DVZnU32fgRTJuzJWl0oR3c8mUFeNbW_Vp_v79BFt1n_7_j/s400/DSCN0387.JPG" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Pointy End! Brilliant!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you have a little boy, you know good and well that anything with a sharp point immediately becomes a science experiment or a sword. (Where can I stick this? Who can I poke with this?) I gave these to little man to use at bedtime and I can say it was a success. If the point of a "Fun Flosser" is to make it fun for kids to floss, then this is a win for sure. And with that, I leave you with some pictures...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxRcHP1qAo6jdskvWV8RpDFrAt2VwFWg0qU8-40XbfUVHLhzK8IBJoqKe8Jilem_wdPjzxFVQiiJ8mbPCMNcd5xyCH9tm832Q0NdAY-ETD-wegBHSZpoGy2t_dtKOUxokouJvaCpYgaVC/s1600/INFLUENSTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxRcHP1qAo6jdskvWV8RpDFrAt2VwFWg0qU8-40XbfUVHLhzK8IBJoqKe8Jilem_wdPjzxFVQiiJ8mbPCMNcd5xyCH9tm832Q0NdAY-ETD-wegBHSZpoGy2t_dtKOUxokouJvaCpYgaVC/s640/INFLUENSTER.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Flossing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Mandy--</i></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-57509836898810874952012-06-26T11:10:00.002-07:002012-07-09T20:20:03.937-07:00Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies (Raisins) - Influenster Review<div style="text-align: left;">
Recently I joined <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a> , an exciting product testing group. They sent me a box of products. It's my job to test them and let you all know what I think. I received these free products from Influenster for product testing. The items were complementary, but the opinions are all my own. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>QUAKER SOFT BAKED COOKIES - RAISIN</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbaWDzAxws-64KokU8iSQFyS78szPZZFMdgvmJKJjRrMkXTBEHWEvVycccTmozjfCftMojnjCuI39uNp9qAw1-2sjXBTkNmF-YJhHPNMHhwojAcy0nFvl-WSX2DHDLuvE7Fdcs3Xbfy09/s1600/momvoxbox+quaker+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbaWDzAxws-64KokU8iSQFyS78szPZZFMdgvmJKJjRrMkXTBEHWEvVycccTmozjfCftMojnjCuI39uNp9qAw1-2sjXBTkNmF-YJhHPNMHhwojAcy0nFvl-WSX2DHDLuvE7Fdcs3Xbfy09/s400/momvoxbox+quaker+cookie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first product I decided to test was the <a href="http://www.quakeroats.com/products/other-products/Soft-Baked-Cookies/Raisins.aspx" target="_blank">Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookie from Quaker</a>... mostly because I was hungry. I was a little concerned about the raisins. I hate raisins... it's a texture thing. The first thing I noticed when I took the cookie out of the package is that it seemed really moist and was a really big cookie. This was no tiny, crunchy cookie, people. Quaker was serious about this. I broke the cookie into three pieces. My husband, my three-year-old, and I all tasted the cookie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Reactions:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Husband</b>: "Pretty good... Flavor is kind of like an Archway cookie... I'd definitely eat more."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Son:</b> "Mmmm...." <i>Do you like it?</i> "Yes." <i>Tell me about it</i>. "It's... weird... like a cookie, but a muffin... yeah... a muffin... can I have this for breakfast tomorrow, too?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Me:</b> Soft. Chewy. Hardly noticed the raisins except in flavor (a good thing for me)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Result: </b> I would buy these for my family. I order my groceries online through <a href="http://www.peapod.com/">www.peapod.com</a> and they run $2.69 or $2.79 for a package of 6. These have 170 calories per serving. I can see this as a nice little afternoon snack and it does seem like a "healthier" cookie option for my little kiddo than chips or some of the other cookie options on the market. This was super yummy and the other flavors look tasty as well: Chocolate & Almond, Cranberry & Yogurt, and Banana Nut are available from my grocer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After eating the cookie, I thought maybe I should have taken a picture of it... too late! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the image from the Quaker website:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5l-ySRYuptNo6ydIugaUW8xHnGGFfgZLolvXBt3nTFlUwr45gmEaSjX3plVUz7Ea21cCWMDB0wHPpbTTD9W7EvFSuRn_w6gkTR9epNyazitafztKG28jEOdWXvnvLwdxqzlddrwKGcDk/s1600/momvoxbox+quaker+cookie+web+photo.ashx" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5l-ySRYuptNo6ydIugaUW8xHnGGFfgZLolvXBt3nTFlUwr45gmEaSjX3plVUz7Ea21cCWMDB0wHPpbTTD9W7EvFSuRn_w6gkTR9epNyazitafztKG28jEOdWXvnvLwdxqzlddrwKGcDk/s400/momvoxbox+quaker+cookie+web+photo.ashx" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#nourishwhatcounts</span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-43562628199064292672012-06-25T07:59:00.005-07:002012-06-25T07:59:54.949-07:00No Clowning Around...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little Man requested "A clown sandwich with hot dogs too" for lunch today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used a plastic cup to cut the bread into two circles. Mr. Clown needed a pair of candy eyes and some popcorn hair. I used a "Captain Crunch crunchberry" for the nose and trimmed up a mouth from a fruit roll-up. A little line with a Wilton's food marker completed his smile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsgItWD1yf6ytwMTud-AhedzST4Z_iFFSxOHSCmXn1hBp7dogQGve-2Go1Jkh753oAMn89axUdPbkYLYodr5jUgAj4LtKbsnzaosgcd0ysk50EnQ8aah_vQO-qbg8OF9pj105h4h41RkV/s1600/cute+lunch+-+clown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsgItWD1yf6ytwMTud-AhedzST4Z_iFFSxOHSCmXn1hBp7dogQGve-2Go1Jkh753oAMn89axUdPbkYLYodr5jUgAj4LtKbsnzaosgcd0ysk50EnQ8aah_vQO-qbg8OF9pj105h4h41RkV/s400/cute+lunch+-+clown.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you know why cannibals won't eat clowns?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because they taste funny!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Ba-dump-ching!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Mandy--</i></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-70259274858413763942012-06-12T12:07:00.000-07:002012-06-12T12:07:09.732-07:00Keep 'em Busy: DIY Flannel Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wanna make a flannel board?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember how great those were growing up?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember how the pieces just "magically" stuck up there?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OK, then! Here's what you need:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Artist Canvas (whatever size you want)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Flannel fabric, about 4 inches longer and wider than your canvas</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Staple gun</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Pellon sew-in interfacing (NOT THE FUSIBLE kind!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkxl8dHkdCurDzkZTps6OET0TP8f5_M6R25LFnsTYyst8VhIsJ00QmoAONCq5wpibBBYdEEcDsyJFOzCy3mXsgbs4Abl4uKPwLgUVoSqWioZ23GaRJrf3kLh-x_GH7edB3i_x922hxYwr/s1600/DSCN0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkxl8dHkdCurDzkZTps6OET0TP8f5_M6R25LFnsTYyst8VhIsJ00QmoAONCq5wpibBBYdEEcDsyJFOzCy3mXsgbs4Abl4uKPwLgUVoSqWioZ23GaRJrf3kLh-x_GH7edB3i_x922hxYwr/s400/DSCN0250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Place your canvas on the flannel. I really wish now that I had ironed my flannel first. You may want to go do that. Fold up the edge on one side and staple into the wood frame of your canvas. Stretch and staple the opposite side. Repeat on the remaining two sides.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgzI9dajX2HaBxzk-4rckFQFzLgSydciixUZz0i771jBHxtqAAq7ixyg4OjR9pJy1NFuw7sxcyufIV-el9h2TnsnUcP3v6tGQS_YpvFmvxkZ6O6sBX1vzH4Rl3F9BBXeO9jUgaizvnNn2/s1600/DSCN0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgzI9dajX2HaBxzk-4rckFQFzLgSydciixUZz0i771jBHxtqAAq7ixyg4OjR9pJy1NFuw7sxcyufIV-el9h2TnsnUcP3v6tGQS_YpvFmvxkZ6O6sBX1vzH4Rl3F9BBXeO9jUgaizvnNn2/s400/DSCN0253.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I had some extra fabric hanging over. I debated gluing the edge or stapling. I chose to staple it down on the inside. Flannel board = done! Wasn't that easy? OK, ready for some pieces? You can order flannel board pieces online so if you really want a professional set of Jesus and the Disciples, go ahead and get your credit card out and zoom over to Amazon. I'm cheap, so I decided to make my own pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPyu_Kejrnq1Zu2hRE-XlxVRTk38RBA1limCTLflSbCDDU0rIVqDCqEDH19wOc_ByPXgEFGn97Pav90XLE9i7agIxXaKQ688y6AfmjvwSlAz3njWT9zkgjsGTrz69QQwz-SOdUUOBYv_o/s1600/DSCN0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPyu_Kejrnq1Zu2hRE-XlxVRTk38RBA1limCTLflSbCDDU0rIVqDCqEDH19wOc_ByPXgEFGn97Pav90XLE9i7agIxXaKQ688y6AfmjvwSlAz3njWT9zkgjsGTrz69QQwz-SOdUUOBYv_o/s400/DSCN0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I made pieces in two ways. First, using the Pellon interfacing, I drew and colored some letters using a sharpie and then cut them out. You can see through the facing, so you could trace coloring book pages or use stencils and let your kiddos color them as well. Secondly, I took some pictures I printed and had them laminated. I used rubber cement to paste the pictures to the interfacing and let them dry. Once they were dry, I trimmed around them. They looked really nice when they were done! I don't think you would even need to laminate them. Maybe you could cut out coloring book pages or comic book pages and use them as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOf5CALHhKa_kyYjto5FEmPvR8A_G-s9OzSFJ91sGDJqQ_ds70xvWE_dIBLvC-sIi7_CiWTGs_5hj4rAMGLhqs8iI23c0UAsXKVsicQuMd3uULP1BaOlAiIPxtiQYoVWS9YGK0oLEomWg/s1600/DSCN0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOf5CALHhKa_kyYjto5FEmPvR8A_G-s9OzSFJ91sGDJqQ_ds70xvWE_dIBLvC-sIi7_CiWTGs_5hj4rAMGLhqs8iI23c0UAsXKVsicQuMd3uULP1BaOlAiIPxtiQYoVWS9YGK0oLEomWg/s400/DSCN0259.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now wasn't that fun? And look how nice! Happy crafting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Mandy--</i></span></div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-63763398389935776682012-06-11T10:40:00.000-07:002012-06-11T10:40:18.144-07:00Cars! It's a Tow-Mater Sandwich.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little man has been on a "Cars" kick for a week or so now. We've watched both movies several times while playing racing and spies with every "Cars" and "Hot Wheels" car we own. So when he specifically requested, "A Peanut Butter and Jelly Mater," I went on a little web search for ideas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you Google: "mater sandwich" you actually get several hits. This is not an original idea by any means. Several are very professionally and artistically done. Several are not. Next I searched for a <a href="http://pixarplanet.com/blog/images/1361.jpg" target="_blank">picture of Mater</a> to keep beside me as I constructed the sandwich. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OK: So to make a "Mater Sandwich", start by making your actual sandwich and setting aside. Next, take the heel of the loaf of bread. Roll it as flat as you can with your rolling pin. Trim "design contrast" pieces and paste on with peanut butter. I used a piece at the top, two small on the sides, a piece across the middle, and a piece along the "bumper." Next trim a piece for his "nose" and his mirrors. I took two toothpicks, broke them in half, and pushed them through the mirror pieces. Then I stuck the ends into the sandwich crust to make them stick out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSPENFhugBZ1ZraLl56Hqb3-FMc8ACX1xsm1tGEjMFKExPprKt-KcGnM_L7ZtkOYPbKeOhxsqBP9WaJ4BmjoIVqoIc93y4o030MZbnweucDj_r8-tuAD8Eolgn2Ef19tpZ0g0RjSXsm7-/s1600/cute+lunch+-+mater+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSPENFhugBZ1ZraLl56Hqb3-FMc8ACX1xsm1tGEjMFKExPprKt-KcGnM_L7ZtkOYPbKeOhxsqBP9WaJ4BmjoIVqoIc93y4o030MZbnweucDj_r8-tuAD8Eolgn2Ef19tpZ0g0RjSXsm7-/s320/cute+lunch+-+mater+close+up.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, I added Wilton's candy eyes and two chocolate teddy grahams turned upside down for wheels. The headlights I'm particularly proud of (although no one seemed to notice but me) that one is a yellow fruit loop and one is a cheerio. The cheerio is his missing headlight! The teeth were the most challenging thing to figure out. I was out of white cheese and couldn't think of anything else that would work. Finally, I happened upon some white chocolate candy melts in the cabinet. A little trimming with a sharp knife and we have buck-teeth, people! A few lines drawn on with an edible food marker finished him off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little man was super excited and demanded I take a picture of him with the sandwich.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First he gave me this weird little smile. Then I told him to act natural and he gave me the second photo... which is actually pretty accurate for "natural." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GPvVU9rbPPw1D25FHiKtr01pnbhlDTW0NXyhH-OITdUO1mf1Yfrna4Mtbcu5EoqM55shhoZUoJCWR4Kf99VVFY1eZOWQUxFBVwonSRqZ8bmxl39w0hrrY_plvnuxoD_cN4GpbL-iwZBT/s1600/DSCN0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GPvVU9rbPPw1D25FHiKtr01pnbhlDTW0NXyhH-OITdUO1mf1Yfrna4Mtbcu5EoqM55shhoZUoJCWR4Kf99VVFY1eZOWQUxFBVwonSRqZ8bmxl39w0hrrY_plvnuxoD_cN4GpbL-iwZBT/s200/DSCN0226.JPG" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPAzOqoaFeq2wB4EQ3l8IwXtb-Qu4EVeZ4jcesHoA5s_Xq7ZvxpI8QTybrWbxVaSstafYysUTKXqY6j9UVhrn_B4iSxAg0XRDCBQ1c3IsPP2ABuytOTwEhop9OoqGIHJWq-ds4iZrn0jc/s1600/DSCN0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPAzOqoaFeq2wB4EQ3l8IwXtb-Qu4EVeZ4jcesHoA5s_Xq7ZvxpI8QTybrWbxVaSstafYysUTKXqY6j9UVhrn_B4iSxAg0XRDCBQ1c3IsPP2ABuytOTwEhop9OoqGIHJWq-ds4iZrn0jc/s200/DSCN0227.JPG" width="143" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I really think I could do better a second time, but my first attempt at Mater turned out pretty good, I think!<br />
<br />
Happy lunching!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--- Mandy ---</i></span><br />
<br />
(c) www.makinglunchspecial.blogspot.comAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-80018406000942864082012-05-25T18:31:00.000-07:002012-05-25T18:31:23.787-07:00Bear with me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok, any sandwich made to look like a bear calls for some obligatory bear puns.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So <i>bear</i> with me.... if it becomes un<i>bear</i>able, just grin and <i>bear</i> it...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm just <i>bear</i>ly getting started here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No really, just <i>bear</i> in mind that this <i>bear</i>y cute sandwich was easy to make and turned out pretty well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA1EMP_tBXvAil8xC3Lm4wTCMC3hZAzjw2RCETf7pg3xkBcb_RvHNdxQx5XBF7R26J34yQN1HVK_6n3R7b9I94qeihXlHazqKGz9z0lKzBhy1GxI_E2ctc-HRpNw6qH5HUpA_dQH5hA7x/s1600/cute+lunch+beary+sweet+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA1EMP_tBXvAil8xC3Lm4wTCMC3hZAzjw2RCETf7pg3xkBcb_RvHNdxQx5XBF7R26J34yQN1HVK_6n3R7b9I94qeihXlHazqKGz9z0lKzBhy1GxI_E2ctc-HRpNw6qH5HUpA_dQH5hA7x/s400/cute+lunch+beary+sweet+sandwich.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His crusty ears were pasted on with peanut butter. A little heart sprinkle for a nose, candy eyes, and a food writer to add details and before you've lost your <i>bear</i>ings... voila!... a little bear for my little man's lunch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Mandy--</i></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-86994323092190823192012-05-25T18:10:00.001-07:002012-05-25T18:10:21.094-07:00VRooom! It's race weekend, baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ladies and Gentlemen, START. YOUR. ENGINES! If you live in the Indianapolis area, you know that the world stops on Memorial Day weekend for the biggest race of the year, the Indianapolis 500. Adults turn into children again and even people who don't normally follow auto racing turn their radios on to listen to the blacked-out race. Robbie is nuts about cars, so I made this cute little "sub sandwich car" and have the DVR set to record the race!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GqKN1U3QhZcNw6GUgj_eR64wF-3lFeynWBZiXGvY9DKPpTpSAXmzwZduORJFzWB1Ruv0Ri-ee69RR4YBAZdjADkUEDOGAuUfVJIawTdLYl2qSRW80bEVd3iPKbWzWRaZuPPV8FaoAmWe/s1600/cute+lunch+sub+sandwich+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GqKN1U3QhZcNw6GUgj_eR64wF-3lFeynWBZiXGvY9DKPpTpSAXmzwZduORJFzWB1Ruv0Ri-ee69RR4YBAZdjADkUEDOGAuUfVJIawTdLYl2qSRW80bEVd3iPKbWzWRaZuPPV8FaoAmWe/s400/cute+lunch+sub+sandwich+car.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To make the car, I took a sub sandwich and carved out a little seat with a bread knife for my driver. I took some grapes, mini baby carrots, and some toothpick pieces and constructed a little body. I took my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Writer-Edible-Color-Markers/dp/B0000VM9EE" target="_blank">Wilton's food safe markers</a> and drew on a little face. Next, I took a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clif-Kid-Zbar-Variety-Chocolate/dp/B001TUZI2K/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1337994098&sr=1-3-catcorr" target="_blank">Clif Z-bar</a> and cut out a few wheels and a steering wheel and skewered those on too. I added some candy eyes and drew on a smile to complete my happy little car. Little man was THRILLED. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, I think you have to know your kiddo here when you are using things like toothpicks to decorate your food. Before I let little man eat the sandwich, I pointed out where all the toothpicks were and reminded them he needed to pull them out while he ate. Then I sat down and ate lunch with him, keeping an eye out that he didn't forget. He is three and he did just fine.</span></i></div>
<br />
If you are interested in making cute food, I suggest you buy some candy eyes and food writers. They are a really easy way to make a big impact on what you are making. Adding eyes and a smile to any food is enough to bring a big grin to my son's face... and that is what this is really about.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuktyPQtARd-ahwG9HOBsO_iO0m_K9-a1MCgHeUwZ3sn4-zFdoEsStRPWhmZuL8RSNULNNETL3F7R1aEsIrFA9ACEDTgJrmdGPEdAqxMBefIf62RpVTezbUBQWLT167DF4nD3hLw45uvL/s1600/cute+lunch+sub+eyes+and+food+writer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuktyPQtARd-ahwG9HOBsO_iO0m_K9-a1MCgHeUwZ3sn4-zFdoEsStRPWhmZuL8RSNULNNETL3F7R1aEsIrFA9ACEDTgJrmdGPEdAqxMBefIf62RpVTezbUBQWLT167DF4nD3hLw45uvL/s400/cute+lunch+sub+eyes+and+food+writer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">--Mandy--</span></i></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-30619753018104438272012-04-22T16:09:00.000-07:002012-04-22T16:09:22.968-07:00Keep 'em Busy: Mad ScientistThis idea has been going around Pinterest for quite a while, but I can remember watching the magic of baking soda & vinegar reactions even when I was a little kid. My three-year-old was entertained for a good half-hour not including set-up and clean-up. He could have kept going, I think, but I ran out of vinegar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN2Bi6S8INasbow8XebTgRM-ZvIkBpIadZj3Km4A-hTaEPx6-gz2Mzph1WIwMWVgi93vYLUxaTndGvbpV5BqAc5LCnt4p4mf8bH7ogoVSAoV2edW13GPDXdDOXvdiMy5TwE2EJKJcxHtW/s1600/DSCN0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN2Bi6S8INasbow8XebTgRM-ZvIkBpIadZj3Km4A-hTaEPx6-gz2Mzph1WIwMWVgi93vYLUxaTndGvbpV5BqAc5LCnt4p4mf8bH7ogoVSAoV2edW13GPDXdDOXvdiMy5TwE2EJKJcxHtW/s400/DSCN0186.JPG" width="343" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All you need is a tray full of baking soda and several small container full of white vinegar that have been colored with food coloring. Take a medicine dropper and squirt the vinegar onto the soda and watch the colorful little chemical reactions. I played along too for a while, showing off my 'mad skills' of being able to put my thumb over the end of the straw to 'magically' move liquid from the container to the tray. I would also suggest covering your surface with wax paper or newsprint to keep any drips from staining your countertops. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Mandy--</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-86025495562387465422012-04-21T09:22:00.001-07:002012-04-21T09:23:08.313-07:00Silly Saturday - An Easy Face<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday is my favorite day of the week.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. I don't have to go to work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. I can spend the whole day with my son.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. My husband's work schedule is crazy, but regardless shift, I get to see him for a little while.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. I can wear pajamas all day if I want to...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today's Silly Saturday Lunch is a super easy face. I took a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich and added a few of the Wilton's candy eyes, an almond nose, and a "Space adventures" goldfish cracker for a mouth. A little string cheese made excellent hair and a little star cracker made a nice barrette. This was really simple to do and only took a few minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjEiKdnjoYNg0lnKVVZ3tDVFxWQ0vNzh-CputgERzLz4TnRoO9JG-K27YM1LewtvR0u06ZaNQMJ0w4lxss2o0kUUSvh6_-wgIEQeE0g_tSVqWne8iReHv9BTZLyu-pulyOdHpUg1CZWn8/s1600/cute+lunch+silly+girl+sandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjEiKdnjoYNg0lnKVVZ3tDVFxWQ0vNzh-CputgERzLz4TnRoO9JG-K27YM1LewtvR0u06ZaNQMJ0w4lxss2o0kUUSvh6_-wgIEQeE0g_tSVqWne8iReHv9BTZLyu-pulyOdHpUg1CZWn8/s400/cute+lunch+silly+girl+sandwich.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Little man's favorite part of this was pulling off the various parts and in a fake voice shouting what was happening. "No, don't eat my eyes! My hair - I'm bald! I'm bald! I need my nose to smell! Nooooo!" It was a little disturbing and hysterical at the same time. Happy lunching!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-67085365242006151512012-04-15T19:03:00.000-07:002012-04-15T19:03:52.518-07:00Holy Ham Sandwich, Batman!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXq81-jpUe95NURPmgXgBLEC9TtcFIEFzjE3jNPaJquTYYaltvOLp90_vo2CoXlV8Ppyli03MbGlCxUk94vagghhhO2bhmgWTbGi7wFrhMAlZJ8TDGndikoAZody7gCVPSHflxiIk8SGE/s1600/cute+lunch+batman+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXq81-jpUe95NURPmgXgBLEC9TtcFIEFzjE3jNPaJquTYYaltvOLp90_vo2CoXlV8Ppyli03MbGlCxUk94vagghhhO2bhmgWTbGi7wFrhMAlZJ8TDGndikoAZody7gCVPSHflxiIk8SGE/s320/cute+lunch+batman+(3).JPG" width="244" /></a> I saw a neat idea for making character sandwiches on the <a href="http://susanyuen.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/by-request-how-to-make-agent-p/" target="_blank">Hawaii Bento Box Cookbook blog</a> and decided to give it a try. Little man got a sneak peak as I was packing his lunch and is very excited for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
As you know we are a little "superhero" crazy in this house. If you read my family blog, you know that we redid little man's bedroom in a superhero theme for his 3rd birthday. Although the Boy Wonder is his favorite character, I decided to give Batman a try:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To Make "Holy Ham Sandwich, Batman!":</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Start by printing out a coloring book page or image from a Google search.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTkxAmlpp65PxRJrs4H3AXh3lnfqCsmbXbh6xi3TZywt6RavKqIOAQlihRd5pQSS7MlxBREqpW9PSaOe1u3V1yUVSZg1q5l7Fi5CtexEhf3X4bevqHZbMYPU_DuLUBZzyoH7Tze8IWrKN/s1600/cute+lunch+batman+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTkxAmlpp65PxRJrs4H3AXh3lnfqCsmbXbh6xi3TZywt6RavKqIOAQlihRd5pQSS7MlxBREqpW9PSaOe1u3V1yUVSZg1q5l7Fi5CtexEhf3X4bevqHZbMYPU_DuLUBZzyoH7Tze8IWrKN/s320/cute+lunch+batman+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took two pieces of white bread and cut off the crusts. I sliced off the bottom right corner for Batman's jawline. Next, I took the heel of the loaf of bread and used a rolling pin to flatten it down. I trimmed the "cowl" off of the Batman page with a pair of scissors and placed my pattern over the flattened heel. With a sharp kitchen knife, I trimmed around the pattern.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next I made the ham and cheese sandwich and "pasted" on the cowl with a little bit of mayo. As I was putting it in the lunch container, I decided to secure the cowl with a little toothpick and wrote a little note to the daycare folks that that needed to be pulled out before biting into Batman. A couple of miniature chocolate chips for eyes and a little bit of fruit roll-up for a mouth and we have a caped crusader sandwich any tiny superhero would be thrilled to have for lunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbufJZFcImxBlYY__GO3t3CaW589YXREFtHQ-XjOeY_5iA80Gbx3yATJZtNAOM-lkUogHovcxAkdnscJTpd9AABE2_bh29H0WUPhpcq7-4bKfhWYh7L-alSsaX2PerH1-j8D4JZ3Qq0VcE/s1600/cute+lunch+batman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbufJZFcImxBlYY__GO3t3CaW589YXREFtHQ-XjOeY_5iA80Gbx3yATJZtNAOM-lkUogHovcxAkdnscJTpd9AABE2_bh29H0WUPhpcq7-4bKfhWYh7L-alSsaX2PerH1-j8D4JZ3Qq0VcE/s400/cute+lunch+batman.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">I </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: 15px;">do nothing that a man of</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"> unlimited funds, superb physical endurance, and maximum scientific knowledge could not do. —</span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: 15px;">Batman</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Mandy --</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><i>(c) copyright text and pictures by Amanda Leahy, 2012</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-36595647076713298302012-04-15T13:42:00.001-07:002012-04-15T13:42:20.360-07:00Meet the Dubiens: Giveaway!One of my favorite bloggers is having an AWESOME giveaway on her blog: Meet the Dubiens.<br />
<br />
If you have kids, you really need to go check out her site for fabulous ideas and instructions. And while you're there, enter the giveaway! Who knows!?! You might win!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meetthedubiens.com/2012/04/bento-giveaway.html?showComment=1334522348402#c3122681288542287915">http://www.meetthedubiens.com/2012/04/bento-giveaway.html?showComment=1334522348402#c3122681288542287915</a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">--<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Mandy--</i></span></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617794250975782818.post-82734807952330688972012-04-14T21:52:00.002-07:002012-04-14T21:52:28.216-07:00The Easter Bunny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am not supermom. My husband and I work full time jobs and our 3-year-old son spends more time in daycare than I would like. Most days he has a boring, uninspired lunch. Some days when I have a little extra time, I try to do something special with his lunch. This blog is my attempt to share these ideas so maybe you can do this too! Most of these take VERY little time and my son is absolutely thrilled when he discovers that mommy packed a "cute lunch" for him to enjoy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Easter Bunny</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AToX_n09y0qE0GYlSuNm0VCA7qUgvAfh9wH32a6VaoPHK7qzLfcxcCBdO5Qhr6uXs_-F8w5t2pNUzN_QWLtpwkJSrWd0r5WSNWNPaokINlz29CcZ-L9o8OTx6a2LIbK_H91zaPsuQTjI/s1600/2012-04-02_08-05-15_62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AToX_n09y0qE0GYlSuNm0VCA7qUgvAfh9wH32a6VaoPHK7qzLfcxcCBdO5Qhr6uXs_-F8w5t2pNUzN_QWLtpwkJSrWd0r5WSNWNPaokINlz29CcZ-L9o8OTx6a2LIbK_H91zaPsuQTjI/s400/2012-04-02_08-05-15_62.jpg" title="(c) Amanda Leahy" width="300" /></a><br />A bunny sandwich with favorite sides of crunchy carrots and sweet strawberries.<br /><br />To make the bunny:<br />I made a peanut-butter & jelly sandwich and cut into an oval using my nut chopper (since I have no oval cookie-cutter). I used the leftover sandwich and a pair of kitchen shears to cut "ears." I took the heel of the piece of bread and the kitchen shears again to trim up his nose/mouth area and use a little peanut butter to "paste" it to the bunny's face. A pair of Wilton's candy eyes were added the same way. Finally, I used a fruit roll-up and my kitchen shears to cut out pieces for the ears, nose, and a little bit of a mouth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Easter Sweet-Treats</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My son's daycare was having an Easter party, so I volunteered to make some sweet treats. I saw this adorable rabbit & carrot cookie cutter set at Target and couldn't wait to make some sugar cookies. Sugar cookies are a very simple recipe, but can be a disaster if you don't know what you are doing. I will make a post soon about how to make perfect sugar cookies. To decorate these, I use candy sprinkles and eyes for the bunnies and green m&m's for the carrots. A little store-bought white icing (colored orange for the carrots) made the decorating fast and fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvjWIFWAYYRAl_ePOsrhFltWIvgA_bf31jOtP-UNHdrCs85C0cTgSJ1BITNfDbvXqxsbi79VYEfBEpES9LPw1_brZQm2XnaHgr9dnPD_gShkce41fwslC5fgX1z0uh-JkgZ-3sgBxttHo/s1600/2012-04-04_22-28-55_892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvjWIFWAYYRAl_ePOsrhFltWIvgA_bf31jOtP-UNHdrCs85C0cTgSJ1BITNfDbvXqxsbi79VYEfBEpES9LPw1_brZQm2XnaHgr9dnPD_gShkce41fwslC5fgX1z0uh-JkgZ-3sgBxttHo/s400/2012-04-04_22-28-55_892.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also made these hysterical little "Peeps in Nests" that were trending on Pinterest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The nest is a marshmallow treats recipe using chow mein noodles instead of krispies. My son helped decorate the nests with Reese's pieces peanut butter eyes and a mama Peep. We snipped the Peeps apart using a set of kitchen shears.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuB7-O68in9avz-zJNBtAQxlVOQwXomiDmSwabhGelJLEPRpz3U9pRjTE3RMM36LRr_2zipkp2SYhvSSbKBpt_iesWQ2YkruDlXKDHeDfVK47JeQxr3Oee5Cp-iRMYxF0pcSEVbvRyVpd/s1600/Peep!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuB7-O68in9avz-zJNBtAQxlVOQwXomiDmSwabhGelJLEPRpz3U9pRjTE3RMM36LRr_2zipkp2SYhvSSbKBpt_iesWQ2YkruDlXKDHeDfVK47JeQxr3Oee5Cp-iRMYxF0pcSEVbvRyVpd/s320/Peep!.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you will enjoy following this new blog! I am looking forward to writing it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">--Mandy--</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(c) text and photos copyright Amanda Leahy, 2012</i></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13716480032250297684noreply@blogger.com1