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It's that time again...setting alarm clocks, making quick breakfasts, packing healthy lunches, and getting out the door on time. Welcome to schedules and schooltime. Some of me will miss summer and the lazy "camp mom" days, but another part is looking forward to some routine, structure and alone time.
If your children are heading to daycare or school for the first time, we've got some tips for you to get it all done as the morning speeds by. For parent with kids already in school, read about some helpful tips and products to work into your routine.
If you need to hit the (parenting and baby) books yourself, check out a local book fair event in San Francisco.
For those just looking forward to Labor Day, see an idea and recipe for an easy, healthy cookout.
Welcome back,
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*Lunch Packing Tips* |
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I receive many questions from parents who have never packed a lunch before. Or are confused by new school policies such as "waste" or "nut free". Here are the top three tips for packing school lunches...
1. First find out the school rules. Food allergies affect millions of children, and keeping lunches safe is important.
2. Be sure to engage your child in the process. Ask him what kind of lunchbox he would be excited to carry and what choices of healthy foods he'd like to eat.
3. Next get organized so all the food and drink packing containers are together. And organize the fridge for quick picks and pre-prepped foods such as washed and cut carrots.
See entire article and all 10 Tips for Quickly Creating a Healthy Lunch Your Child Will Eat at EcoMom.com.
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*Smart Packing Products* |
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I wrote about packing a healthy and waste free lunch last year. Surprisingly there are many more product offerings, but my favorites remain those I tested (and still use) from last year. The added bonus is that some are local Bay Area companies.
My kids will not be getting new lunchboxes this year, as their PlanetBoxes have held up perfectly. They are easy to pack with appropriate compartments for everything. The bag can be washed and new magnets can be purchased if your PlanetBox is needing something fresh.
We also still love and are using our Kids Konserve freezer packs (fits well in the PlanetBox pocket). I am never without one of their stainless steel containers for snacks in my purse. They now offer more colors and sizes than ever. Hurry to their online sale thru August.
As far as drink bottles go, we are not as satisfied with the longevity and rotate quite a bit. My kids have just discovered the new Thermos/Threadless stainless bottles with spouts, which are easy to open and close tightly. (I can't stand the leaky straw designs of some bottles). We also use EarthLust's nature inspired stainless steel designs. I'm enjoying my Lifefactory 22 oz large glass bottle and have ordered the new lunchbox ready 9 oz size for my kids. Note: I only pack water in these. I find it is the easiest to clean, the bottle lasts longer and healthiest for my kids and self.
Finally, our organic cotton napkins by Fabkins are holding up from school lunches, picnics, camps and home use. They continue to introduce new patterns to make lunch fun and less messy.
To find more information on these companies and products, see the quick links and resources section, below.
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*Book Fair in SF* |
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Yes, it's time to hit the books. Of course this can mean for any and every age. Carmel Blue, pregnancy and parenting resource and boutique in San Francisco's North Beach, is hosting an all day book fair at their store this Friday.
- Carmel Blue
- Grant Ave, San Francisco
- Friday, August 26th
- 10 am - 4 pm
There will be author visits and storytelling, as well as snacks, music and foot massages (yes, really). Stop by between 11 and 12:30 and meet me and my daughter for book signing and activities.
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*Go Veggie for Labor Day* |
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Just back from summer vacation, but already need a break? Look no further than upcoming Labor Day. The weather is still warm and fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful.
Besides the fact that Labor Day is on Meatless Monday, my family learned something recently on a summer camping trip, I'd like to share...
Cooking and eating vegetarian is easier for camping, and dining outdoors
Why?
No bees and bugs!
So simple right? Nothing ruins eating and cooking outdoors more than bees swarming your plate of grilled meat. While fellow campers and friends eating grilled chicken, were running from yellow jackets (not to mention scared kids screaming "bees!"), my family was enjoying vegan sausages and grilled veggies. Yes, I did feel guilty. This was planned because my sister organized the camping trip (thanks again, sis) - if you read my blog, you know she's vegan. The no pests was an added "ah ha" moment that my husband and I will remember when entertaining campside or anytime outside.
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*Petit Appetit in Schools* |
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Lisa Barnes is available to speak at schools and parent education events to get the message out about packing healthy lunches. If your school is interested in hosting an event, and is located in the Bay Area, please let us know.
| Quick Links and Resources |
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