The Lunchbox World Blog: Inspiration for your lunch box

Where Do You Wish You Were?

2012-01-28T23:39:00.000Z

School holidays are fast approaching, yep term is just whizzing past! There's lots of talk in the playground, at the school gate, about who's going where, doing what and so on...

For us, it's all up in the air... no holiday days left to take, so maybe we'll just potter, catch up with friends and most likely stay close to home...

I know where I wish I'll be...

Up high in the mountains, in the tranquil hush of deep fresh snow...

So where do you wish you were or where do you wish you'll be?

The Lunchbox World Team x

The One Where I Helped On A School Trip...

2012-01-27T20:01:00.001Z

From questioning if I'm a bad mother a couple of weeks ago, I then volunteered to help out on a school trip for Spike, who's just started secondary school.

There were about 8 helpers, each with 6 kids each, to guide on and off the coach with their kit, tickets, then collect them with all their kit after, herd them back onto the coach and back into the care of their parents all waiting back at school...

Fairly straight forward I thought, when I'd signed up to volunteer.

Well, I started with 6 kids, all aged around 11-12 years old, all fairly confident, kind of knew what they were doing. I was relieved I didnot have the teenie wheenie group aged 4-5. They had no clue what was their kit, nor where they were going, or doing. And being in a new town, new school, new kids, I had no clue either.

My group all had their kit, their tickets, got on the bus, and off we went, once the statutory headcount was complete. We all safely got off the bus the other end, tickets were distributed and off they went to their activities.

Several hours and cups of coffee later, as home time fast approached, it was time to reassemble at the coach. I first noticed one of my group was missing. I went off in search of her, and was told she was in first aid, waiting...

For what I wondered. I gingerly popped my head round the door to find her lying flat on one of those hospital type skinny beds.
"Come on! Let's go!" I called.
She could not move.
She'd twisted her knees.
Just then the door opened and in came the ambulance men to transfer her onto the stretcher and off in the ambulance down to A and E.
It felt like I was on the TV show, Casualty.

I still have that vivid image in my mind, stuck in time, with the speech bubbles hanging in the air. In came the PTA Chair to see where I'd got to.
This was my first time helping. Would it be my last?
I nervously (therefore quickly) explained to her, and suggested maybe someone should accompany her to hospital.
No she was fine, I was told firmly.
Her parents would meet her at the hospital. Not to worry.
That put me in my place.

I then ran back to the rest of the group that was nearly assembled. Two of my group were still missing. Where were they?
A girl and a boy.
I checked the coach. Not there.
Another headcount was being taken. Other helpers started to search, and ask about. 10 minutes passed.
Everyone waiting, the PTA Chair making calls to mobiles that didn't pick up, re-dialling, leaving message after message. They just went straight to voicemail.
What are you supposed to do?
Missing kids. No information. Mobile numbers to contact parents but no immediate communication...
The coach needed to get back. We needed to get back.

I checked the group I had, and asked them again.
Some shrugged, not a clue.
I'd started with 6 and was down to 3 kids. The only helper that had lost half her group.
One volunteered the girl had been picked up by her parents. They'd come to collect her and were making a day of it.
Well, no-one told me.

And the boy? Again I asked. Another helper piped up. His parents had picked him up too.

Why was I the last to know?

Surely is it not the responsibility of the parents to let us helpers know if they are coming to collect their kids?
If the table was turned:
How could we have pitched up at school without these said kids to be greeted by the parents saying hey? Where's my girl? Where's my boy?

Maybe I worry too much, but the communication has to flow both ways...

Has something like this happened to you?
What would you do or did you do?

The Lunchbox World Team x

The Challenge - 365 Lunch Box Ideas in 365 Days

2012-01-26T13:33:00.003Z

yes, you read it right. 365 lunch box ideas in 365 days, that's the challenge.

Let's just say we're a little crazy but we figured, the seasons will change, and so the foods we eat, so if we start now, obviously 365 days will take us right through the seasons... Of course it will, that is a year, isn't it!

We know it's tough to come up with fresh lunch box ideas day in and day out, so that's where we come in, we're here to help!

Now we've set up a separate place to stash all our 365 lunch box ideas, so why not hop on over to grab the first lunch box idea... Please tell your friends, follow the blogs, we would hate you to miss an idea, it's all FREE!

And you never know, we may just help you to put the fun back into packed lunches!

So who's with me?

You can follow us on twitter @lunchboxworld, as we are sure to tweet every new lunch box idea

You can like our facebook page, all the updates will be there too

You can follow the Lunchbox World Challenge - 365 Lunch Box Ideas in 365 Days

and if you haven't already, you can follow this blog!

(Help: Just look down the column on the right hand side and either subscribe with your email - you'll receive an email every time a new post goes live, or you can follow the blog, just select the one you want)

And if you have some favourite lunch box ideas you want to share with us, be sure to email us the photo at hello{at}lunchboxworld{dot}co{dot}uk and the full details or just post it on the facebook page.

We love to hear from you and we appreciate every comment

So what is your favourite lunch box idea?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - R for Retro Lunch Boxes

2012-01-25T09:23:00.001Z

As we skip through the lunch box A-Z, we arrive at the letter R. Now there are so many lovely retro ideas out there, and I have to wonder is it this time of year, when we all get a little nostalgic, thinking of what's gone by, speculating on what this year will bring, where we're heading, our goals and aspirations or is it a trend?
Whatever, we just love these retro designs, and the thing is, you'll use these over and over again.... so you can be fashionably frugal too!

From the retro designs from Norway with the lovely Blafre, to the soft cream flasks of Cabanaz, we're sure to have the kit you need so you can prepare that tasty lunch for on-the-go...

Retro Elephants

Retro Brown Elephant Lunch Boxes, and bottles

We stock them in red too...

Retro Red Elephant Lunch box, flask and bottles

And if you fancy taking in an elephant flask, why not look at these...

And do you know what they say about elephants with their trunk up? It brings loads of luck...

Or if you're looking for slightly more grown up retro, check out the Cabanaz range or the green flowers...

Small tins - for lunch or just for fun

These are sure to bring a smile to your face each time you use them...

Or if you're yearning for the summer and nostalgic for those warm hazy days, check out the rest of the range we stock... It costs nothing to take a peak...

Now what retro sandwich would you do? We love hearing all your lovely comments, so what would you do for lunch?

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed a post in this series, here's the Lunch Box A-Z so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear
Lunch Box A-Z - K For Kit Bags
Lunch Box A-Z - L For LEGO
Lunch Box A-Z - M For Men
Lunch Box A-Z - N For Navigate, New!
Lunch Box A-Z - O For Owls
Lunch Box A-Z - P For Penguins and Pirates
Lunch Box A-Z - Q For Quick Lunch Box Ideas

Hearty Lunch With Minimum Fuss

2012-01-24T14:49:00.002Z

We're all feeling it, those January blues, not sure what to eat, maybe lacking in energy, cupboard's bare, or just don't fancy what's in the fridge, but we need to watch what we're eating too.
Have you discovered Tasty Little Numbers yet? We were lucky to receive a box stuffed full of their goodies just before Christmas, and we talked about their snacks here, and yes, we're still munching our way through the microwave options...

Now we are not ones to really go for ready meals. Maybe it's just how my mother brought me up. Baking, and cooking from scratch are a big tick, ready meals a big NO!

So what did I have for lunch today? Mushroom stroganoff, just 200 calories, and totally heart-warming too. I just pulled off the cardboard outer, pierced the plastic lid, popped it in the microwave for 1min 40sec exactly and voila...

I carefully digested the instructions and these little numbers can be kept in your drawer, just watch the best before date. So if your office has a microwave, or indeed if you're working from home, I would highly recommend keeping a stash of these in your cupboard for dreary days such as today. (No need to store in the fridge!)
I wolfed it all down with a chunk of fresh bread, and mopped up all the juices, and all this was in the guilt-free knowledge that this meal was no more than 200 calories.

For more information on their range, check out tasty little numbers.
They are well worth a try. You can even take them to work in one of these cool and zany lunch bags...

So what do you eat for lunch on a dreary January day?

The Lunchbox World Team x

PS Don't miss our sale - some lunch box bargains to be had.
Sale ends midnight this Friday 27 January 2012.

Lunch Box Ideas - Dragon Sandwich

2012-01-23T13:11:00.004Z

It's the Chinese New Year and what better way to celebrate than with a dragon sandwich!
We've scoured the internet and have come up with two, quick and easy lunch box makes. The first could be any monster... but we love it all the same...

The Dragon Sandwich

Can you tell the ingredients? Toasted bagel, cucumber for the spikes and other scrumminess. Here's the link so you can make one yourself...

The second is the Baby Dragon sandwich

You'll need bread, cheddar and mozzarella cheese for this one, plus a dollop of patience.
Here's the link to the recipe.

Both totally delicious and sure to be a winner!

Now my middle one, Spike was born in the year of the Dragon, and he is a rather special character, who always knows the right thing to say, which does annoy his older sister to the nth degree... However the converse is also true. He knows how to say the right thing that'll really hit the spot and totally annoy...
So you see, with anything, there are good points and bad points!

If you're looking for more quick and easy recipes for lunch, your lunch box, or when you're out and about and on-the-go, do hop over to our recipe section at Lunchbox World.

Also if you're keen to grab a bargain, hop over to our Mid-Season Sale section in the Lunchbox World shop. These great offers are ending this Friday, so do hurry to avoid disappointment!

Happy Chinese New Year!

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - Q For Quick Lunch Box Ideas

2012-01-20T14:30:00.002Z

Another week has passed and we are nearly 3/4 through January. So how are all your resolutions going? Managing to stick to them?
I am just at the beginning, still formulating plans and ideas for the year ahead.
Alot of you, I am sure though, are focusing on healthier eating this month. Not necessarily as a diet but just to eat more healthily, to make sure you're getting the right foods, getting the energy levels right and so on... It's so easy to slip into bad habits...
So with this in mind, here are some quick lunch box ideas to help you on your way...

Tuscan Style Bread Salad

Tuscan Style Bread Salad - quick and easy lunch box ideas

Club Sandwich Wrap

Club Sandwich Wrap - quick and easy lunch box ideas

Check out our recipe section for quick and easy salad recipes, or sandwiches. These don't have to be popped in a lunch box. If you're working from home, or just fancy something different for lunch, then just take a look.
Beware though, the images just might make you hungry!

And don't forget to check out the Lunchbox World shop to see some quirky lunch gear. For instance, did you know we have salad lunch boxes?
Salad To Go lunch boxes, so you can keep that dressing away from the salad until lunchtime, so you really can keep your salad looking its best...?
So gone are the days of having lots of little plastic containers, each with a salad ingredient, now you can have a salad to go, pop all the items in separately, the sauce in the pot... and just assemble before eating. You really can enjoy that perfectly just-dressed salad whilst on-the-go.

Salad To Go - Available at Lunchbox World - complete with cutlery!

These even come with their own cutlery that tidies away afterwards. And they won't break the bank either!
Another quick and easy, maybe quirky way for you to keep to your New Year's Resolutions...

Have you a quick and easy or quirky lunch idea you'd like to share?
We love hearing from you - on twitter @lunchboxworld, on our facebook page or here on the blog...

Have a great weekend and try and plan ahead for the coming week!

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed a post in this series, here's the Lunch Box A-Z so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear
Lunch Box A-Z - K For Kit Bags
Lunch Box A-Z - L For LEGO
Lunch Box A-Z - M For Men
Lunch Box A-Z - N For Navigate, New!
Lunch Box A-Z - O For Owls
Lunch Box A-Z - P For Penguins and Pirates

Does This Make Me a Bad Mother...?

2012-01-13T11:53:00.000Z

Nits is going round the class again (rolls eyes). Yep, with regularity we get the note home... We deal with it, we move on...
Unlike other mums, who've actually decided best not to send their kids in to school today, we just deal with it. In my mind, nits is not quite the same as an outbreak of mumps, measles or other illnesses. But maybe I am wrong...
Or do some people see nits as "an illness" now?

So last night, the bath was run, the boys plonked in it and the "cleaning process" began.

King Julien first, he mucks around the least. Spike was steering clear, having submersed himself in the bath like a submarine (luckily they are good swimmers and have perfected the art of holding their breath for considerable lengths of time).

Now on the way home I had hurriedly purchased more sweet smelling shampoo, and I am certain I picked up conditioner. But, as I say, I was in a rush as King Julien was so worn out, he just wanted to get home. All I know is it was camomile for sure, anything to promote prompt sleep.
(What is it with back to school and that fatigue that sets in within week one?)

Shampooed, rinsed, and second shampoo was already completed. Now for the conditioner. Out with the nit comb, but what?
Yank, pull, what is it with this conditioner?
Why's the hair not silky?
Yank, pull.
I thought nothing more and continued, pulling and yanking assuming it was all down to the unfamiliar brand I had picked up... This hair will straighten out and will be silky, preventing those little beasties from hanging on in the hair...

Tears promptly flowed as the yanking and knots continued to form in his hair. Right, that's it, nothing in there anyway.
All clear.
OK child number two, Spike.
Your turn.
He gingerly moved forwards in the bath, as King Julien's moved quickly away, sobbing eventually abated.
Shampooed, not just once but twice, I then commenced again with the "conditioner" I had purchased. Again, it frothed and knotted the hair. The nit comb just wasn't sliding through the hair like on numerous previous occasions. "What is it with this shampoo?" I screamed.

What?!
I checked the label again.
Oh, it's just creamy looking shampoo, not conditioner at all.

So does this make me a bad mother?
Trying to "clean" the kids heads but only ends up pulling their hair out instead?

Both sobbed whilst I dried their hair, muttering apologies under my breath, bending and kissing their cheeks as I attempted to make amends...

I must need glasses or something... How can anyone read "conditioner" when it blatantly said "shampoo"?
What a nutter...

Please tell me this is just a blip and not a New Me that's arrived?!

Caroline x
The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - P For Penguins and Pirates

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000Z

Back to the Lunch Box A-Z, up to the letter P and yes, we've loads of pink for all you pink-lovers out there, young or less young (I will try not to use the word "old" this year!)

But we just love our penguins and of course the pirates too.

I've a friend that has always hunted out the penguins for her brood and the thing about penguins, they are unisex, girls and boys just love them!

So here's some amazing penguin lunch box ideas for you to try...

and for the sweet version, the Penguin Cookies...

Penguin Cookies

But for more penguin cookies and cupcakes, hop over to Cutest Food... Who says making lunch boxes can't be fun?

Now, if you love pirates, then these are a must...
These cookies look just delicious...

and are sure to light up any little person's face!
These pirate cookies are based on the bauble cookie cutter. To see more of these amazing cookie designs, hop over to Sugarbelles site

Now for the lunch box kit, we've the penguin bottle buddies and the pirate lunch bags and GoGo rucksacks.

Pirate Bottle Buddie

Penguin Bottle Buddie

Pirate Go Go Back Pack

Pirate Lunch Bag

So hop on over to browse the shop. You might find a bargain too!

So what's your favourite?

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed a post in this series, here's the Lunch Box A-Z so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear
Lunch Box A-Z - K For Kit Bags
Lunch Box A-Z - L For LEGO
Lunch Box A-Z - M For Men
Lunch Box A-Z - N For Navigate, New!
Lunch Box A-Z - O For Owls

The Sweetest Thing...

2012-01-11T07:38:00.002Z

As you know yesterday was my birthday, just another one, no major milestone. I encouraged the kids the day before to do something, I wasn't expecting them to buy me anything, far from it. With Hubbie away, I just encouraged them to create something : make something, draw something, write a poem, just do something for me. They expect their birthdays to be recognised and celebrated, and I do too!
It's the thought that counts and it's important to show you care, to give something of yourself.

King Julien scurried off, after demanding coloured card, crayons and so on to create his little masterpiece. Demanding first my favourite colours, he then requested I not follow him and knock first, if I went in his bedroom. Sometime later, he returned, pride oozing from every pore, he had finished. He had hidden it under his pillow until morning.
Tuna (the Teenager) however just carried on reading her book, yes, she'd do something later...

Spike however rushed over to the plastic boxes stuffed full of knitting wool, all recently re-organised by colour, found the chunkiest needles, and started casting on. You could see his mind whirr into acion as the needles clicked as he knitted the stitches, the plan being created as he clicked away.

Yesterday morning started off and you know the sweetest thing, it's the smallest things that speak volumes. The older two went off on the school bus, not having finished their creations, they would come back later. It was still my birthday later...
But King Julien asked if I'd like toast for breakfast. He disappeared into the kitchen and popped the bread in the toaster. I then heard drawers being opened, rummaging going on. He was definitely searching for something. "Where's the loveheart cutter?" he called.

Moments later, in came a plate full of tiny toast lovehearts, smeared in strawberry jam, his masterpiece stuffed under his arm.
"Happy Birthday Mummy!"

As for the masterpiece, it was full of "I love you" written in red, purple, and pink.
My heart was bursting. It was the sweetest thing...

What's the sweetest thing that's happened to you?
The Lunchbox World Team x

ps will have to add images later... Techie issues.

Did I Mention It's My Birthday?

2012-01-10T10:45:00.001Z

Yes, today it's my birthday, not a significant one, just another year older, I mean wiser... groans.
So today has to be all about birthday lunch boxes and what would you put in yours...
Well, this sandwich would be perfect, and I am happy to stick with the number on the top...

Special Birthday Sandwich from Funky Lunch

... thirty something sounds good...

This is courtesy of Funky Lunch, always coming up with fun ideas with sandwiches, bread, and other tasty treats...

Now in addition to this tasty sandwich, there has to be a delicious mini birthday cupcake...

The perfect birthday cupcake...

And to top it off, I'd also pop in a little pressie, just a little something, all wrapped up with a birthday message...

Now I did just drool for a few moments over on the Waitrose website, and if only I could dash out, order up their birthday tea selection, that would just be perfect... all those perfect afternoon tea cookies, the cupcakes, the perfectly crust-less sandwiches... oh what bliss... Just noticed in the small print *needs at least 7 days notice... grrr...! So I'd have to wind back the clock 10 days, invite the girls round, get the log fire going, pop the kettle on, and then bring out the trays of afternoon tea delights!

What treats would you pop in your lunch box on your birthday?

Hope you have a great day wherever you are!
Caroline x
The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - O for Owls

2012-01-09T21:21:00.000Z

I feel I've turned in to an owl these past few days, having been up half the night tending to poorly kiddlies, eyes out on storks, peering out into the dark dark night, trying to settle them back down, making those hushing sounds hoping to encourage instant sleep...
Oh if someone would stroke my brow...

Sorry back to the lunch boxes. These are for sure my favourite designs in the lunch bags and lunch boxes we stock - the lovely lovely owls. So, in the Lunch Box Alphabet, O has to be for Owls.
We've quite a few different owls really.
I wonder why?!

We've the Blafre owls
- the purple,

Blafre Purple Owl Lunch Box

Blafre - Owls on branch small tin

the two owls together on the branch - in the lunch boxes, some in the drinking bottles

AND the thermal flasks too, so if you do have to watch that rugby match, you can take your cuppa with you...

Blafre Purple Owl Thermos Flask

We've also the Stephen Joseph owl lunch bags,

Stephen Joseph Owl Lunch Bag

the GoGo Rucksacks, just perfect for sleepovers, or after school activities...

Stephen Joseph Go Go Rucksack - Owl

So if you love owls, you know where to come - the Lunchbox World Shop...

And isn't this the cutest owl sandwich ever seen?

If you want to find out how to do it, just hop over to "Cute Food For Kids" to find out how... Wouldn't that just make the perfect lunch ... all the owl kit and an owl inside! What a treat!

Yes, I think it's official. We just love owls!
So what's your favourite? Have you found a favourite sandwich you'd love to share?

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed a post in this series, here's the Lunch Box A-Z so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear
Lunch Box A-Z - K For Kit Bags
Lunch Box A-Z - L For LEGO
Lunch Box A-Z - M For Men
Lunch Box A-Z - N For Navigate, New!

Lunch Box A-Z - N for Navigate, New!

2012-01-06T20:29:00.000Z

Before Christmas we were working our way through the Lunch Box Alphabet, and we're just about half way through. The letter N is for nut, usually in a kiddie alphabet, but for today being New Year and all, it's for New and for Navigate...

Navigate Picnic Range

Yes, maybe a little early, but no harm in thinking ahead to those warm hazy days, those lazy summer days, with the warm gentle breeze running through your hair, the warm sun dancing across your skin, eating outside, grazing on the food, laughing, joking, having fun...
The kids playing happily whilst you get a few precious moments listening to the sea lapping at the shore...
Bliss...
So check out the Navigate range we have in stock, and grab yourself a bargain...

With everything to look forward to...

Wishing you a brill weekend!

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed a post in this series, here's the Lunch Box A-Z so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear
Lunch Box A-Z - K For Kit Bags
Lunch Box A-Z - L For LEGO
Lunch Box A-Z - M For Men

Blogboost Challenge Here We Come!

2012-01-05T21:55:00.001Z

Blogathon last May was our first introduction into blogging every day and being part of a community. Then NaBloPoMo came along in November which totally changed the Lunchbox World Blog, and we've been blogging each day ever since.
Yep, right through November and December, through Christmas, coupled with a house move, and with lots of lunch box ideas along the way!

Now needing to kick start 2012, we've signed up to Blogboost, the ultimate blog challenge, a 31 day challenge, so we'll see how we go!
So hope you enjoy the ride / journey and see you back here tomorrow!
The Lunchbox World Team x

New Year's Resolutions - Focus, Consolidate, Organise

2012-01-04T21:47:00.004Z

Well, I've had 4 days to think about New Year's Resolutions and I've got my final list down to three key areas: Focus, Consolidate, Organise.

Magpies Illustration by Jenny Robins

I'm sure you've all made your resolutions already.
Every year the plan is to do everything better, be more organised, slicker, quicker, healthier, fitter, more confident, more self-assured, more knowledgeable, just better at everything - you get the picture. All those superlatives, and yeap, I want one of each of them in the list... I mean, the older you get, you just assume you'll get better and more accomplished at everything.

This year, however, I'm being more realistic. I mean, life is just getting busier and busier, so let's just focus on the key things and get those right, rather than a whole host... and then perhaps not even scratch the surface...

The key one: Focus
To focus on the important things, those things that'll make the difference. Hopefully some will be the easy wins, that have a huge impact, but then at other times, maybe there'll be tough ones to do, but once done, and yes, they'll be harder to crack, the satisfaction will be huge.

The second one: Consolidate
To consolidate, do fewer things, but do those key things really well for maximum effect.
To consolidate materialistically too, have fewer things, off-load. The aim of hanging onto the things we cherish, and we love, that give us pleasure, but off-load those things that just make you feel tied down and weary, giving you that feeling of paralysis and constant fatigue.

Organise
This is always one on my list. Planning is the best way forward. Without a plan, yes, you can be open to more opportunities, but you could end up getting so distracted, you go totally off course. There has to be an element of a plan in there too: Is this what you want to be doing. Where do you want to be going. What's going to make you happy, fulfilled, satisfied. I've always had this belief that you can get so much more done if you're organised.

If you get the key things timetabled in to your schedule, I've found you can get so much more done too.
Now the kids are back at school, with early morning wake-up, and with the New Year still lingering in the air, there's lots of new found optimism, so the plan is to get lots ticked off each and every day! Yes, I've raised the bar again, but well, it just has to... So there'll be lots more blogging, lots more tips and hints, lots more lunch box ideas, wider range of lunch boxes, picnic gear, flasks, and everything to make eating on the go that easy in 2012! Both here and over on the Lunchbox World website, and keep an eye on the online shop too...

Plus, to top everything today, I saw not just 6 magpies all in one tree, all squawking loudly, flapping about, but a good dozen of them, so that's got to be a huge sign...

So what are your plans for 2012?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box Dilemmas - What Tasty Treat for January?

2012-01-03T16:59:00.001Z

Perhaps some kids are heading back to school today after the Christmas break and for those preparing packed lunches, our thoughts return to those lunch boxes...
Ours go back tomorrow, but that's soon enough.
So the big question: how to keep them going until home time?

In the winter months, we always think of Soreen and the delicious malt loaf, as we head for those winter comforts and what's great is they've recently introduced their brand new Snackers - a new way to ensure lunch boxes and treat drawers are bursting with squidgy energy!

A perfect treat for the lunch box this January

Available in two flavours - the Original Malt Load and Fruity Five, they contain five handy individually wrapped slices, so they can be enjoyed on the go as a snack, or as a tasty safisfying lunch time treat - for both adults and kids alike.
The Fruity Five Snackers are packed full of five types of fruit: raisins, sultanas, cherries, orange and lemon rind, while the Original Snackers feature the unity malty taste and are full to the brim with raisins.

With under 90 calories per slice, and low in fat, as well as being high in energy, means they are a perfect kick start to the New Year, and they provide a healthier alternative snack to keep those on the go full of energy all day long!

Available exclusively from Asda stores nationwide, so you'll need to find the closest one to you, if you're keen to try these out.

What's your favourite winter treat for your lunch box?

The Lunchbox World Team x

We Love Snow, But It Always Melts...

2012-01-02T22:34:00.000Z

We love snow in our household.
The white, the crispness, the silence it brings.
The way it magically muffles any noise.
The way it covers everything with its light fluffiness.
It's the one thing we wish for each Christmas and New Year.
We got our wish, but not for long...

The trouble is.
Then the rain comes.
And lots of it.
And melts the lot...

Wishing you lots of magic in 2012.
Back to work tomorrow.
Back to lots of lunch box ideas to get you back in the swing...

What do you love about the snow?

The Lunchbox World Team x

New Year Lanterns Full of Hope...

2012-01-01T22:17:00.000Z

Launching the Lanterns on New Year's Eve...

Full of hope, with special messages written on the sides, wondering what good luck and what wishes will come true, we launched the lanterns last night.

Perhaps the weather was the first sign: the light drizzle, the pitter patter of the raindrops, dripping down onto the lanterns, as we patiently waited to launch these beauties.
It took some time to light each lantern, lighting was the easy bit, we then had to wait for the lanterns to be swollen enough with hot air to then launch up, up and away, and off to who knows where...

The anticipation mounted with each moment we waited, and the kids became more and more tense the longer it took.
Off went the first with a hurried woosh.
Up and up it went.
Heading straight for the nearest obstruction.
Up up into the first tree.
The neighbours tree.

Then the second, off it launched.
Up up and away.
Closely following the path of the first lantern.
Again, straight into the same neighbour's tree.

The third launched, then the fourth. These steered clear of the tree. The wind had already changed or maybe it was just the angle they were launched up into the midnight sky.
Already sobs could be heard from the children whose lanterns were trapped in the trees.
What would happen to their wishes?
Was that it? All over in a flash, all those hopes for the year dashed in the neighbour's tree?

To which I replied, "What are the chances of the lanterns being caught in the tree?
That's really really lucky.
Just wait until Spring when the buds appear, followed swiftly by the leaves, and new life... That's when your wishes and good luck will blossom and bloom!"

Happy New Year to everyone and hope all your wishes and dreams come true!

Lots of New Year ideas to help get you back into your swing coming over the next few days! So let us know if there's something you wish us to focus on! Or an idea you wish to share. We love hearing from you!

The Lunchbox World Team x

The Ultimate New Year's Eve for Foodie Lovers...

2011-12-31T11:19:00.003Z

If you love stilton you'll love this stinky cheese with edible gold leaf...
Are you keen to wow your friends this New Year? Then why not try this Clawson White Stilton Gold, possibly the most expensive cheese out there this festive season in the UK. And this doesn't have to be just for the rich and famous. You can have your share too...

At perhaps £6 a chunk to top your favourite cheesy biscuit, this is definitely for those ultimate foodie lovers out there.
This premium white stilton has edible gold leaf and gold liquer flowing through it.
So totally the must-have-item this festive period.

So could this be the blingiest cheese you'd put in your lunch box? That is, if there's any left over after this New Year...

Have a great New Year's Eve...
From all the team at Lunchbox World x

For more info, hop on over to Clawson's website

The Night Before New Year...

2011-12-30T23:31:00.000Z

Are you all ready for the New Year?
Is it all planned?
Are you all doing something special?
Or just letting the New Year slip in, un-noticed?

This year we're popping round to friends,
new friends,
taking the evening as it comes,
the brood included...

We hope it'll be fun
When you least expect things
Things turn out to be huge fun!

In previous years we've had a quiet one,
sometimes watching the neighbours' fireworks,
but always different
and always wondering what the New Year will bring...

Hope you all have a magical New Year!

The Lunchbox World Team x

How Instore Promotions Turn Sour...

2011-12-29T15:09:00.002Z

Have you ever saved the coupons for that one thing the kids have been nagging you for? And that becomes the main reason for shopping at a particular supermarket, just to get those coupons...

Well, some friends of ours have been saving and saving all their coupons at their local supermarket for a Tin Tin character.

King Julien and I were tempted to collect them too, but sat down and read the small print. We worked out a small fortune had to be spent in order to actually get one of these ornaments. So we didn't bother. We weren't that fussed about the collection anyway...
But our friends were adament.
They wanted the set.

The day came, the mum had saved enough to get the first ornament in the collection.
It was handed over in excitement in the playground and the son eagerly ripped open the packaging, then oops...

It smashed into pieces...

What a shame...

Have you saved for an item and then in one fateful moment, the item's finished...?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-27T22:29:00.001Z

This year more than ever has been about Christmas Traditions.

Singing the Christmas Carols, drinking mulled wine, baking mince pies, sharing the fun with friends. And of course all the fun to be had from decorating Gingerbread Houses... In case you missed these posts, click here to catch up.

We've had our smattering of snow, so out came the sledges to scoot down the nearest hillside, down in a flash then trudge back up, and whizz down again... Why is it that going down is so much faster than the hike back up the hill?
We've had the turkey and all the trimmings... the crackers, and the jokes were actually funny this year.

And of course, Boxing Day we always have a twinkly tea, with Angel Chimes, all the candles lit, and a platter full of chocolate scrummy biscuits... Mmmm delicious!

It's also been a year about true values and simple family fun. No flash presents, but you know, the fewer presents, the more they've played with them... Weird that... Just like they say, the greatest gift is giving your time...

What's the best thing about Christmas for you?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Christmas Crackers - Best Joke So Far...

2011-12-26T22:43:00.002Z

This one really had us laughing today...

Q What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?

A A Stick!

Here's another favourite this Christmas...

Q What happened to the Hyena who swallowed a stock cube?

A He made a laughing stock of himself

What's your favourite joke?

Hope you're enjoying the holidays!
Happy Christmas!

The Lunchbox World Team x

Happy Christmas From Lunchbox World!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000Z

Merry Christmas Everyone from all of the Lunchbox World Team x

Here's the delicious Father Christmas sandwich from Cute Food For Kids

- incredibly clever, using a loveheart cutter upside down...
Full details over on the Cute Food For Kids website.

Please remember:
All orders placed between now and the New Year on the Lunchbox World Shop will ship on
3 January 2012.
We hope you have a fabulous Christmas and a Happy Prosperous New Year!

What's your favourite festive lunch box idea so far?

Merry Christmas!

The Lunchbox World Team x

Stockings for the Night Before...

2011-12-24T19:47:00.001Z

At last, it's the night before Christmas, so we can put up some exciting stocking ideas... and yes, these are the edible variety!

Inspiration from Cute Food For Kids - perfect bite sized morsels for that lunch box
and if you've leftovers to use up, here's the Insanewiches take on the Christmas stocking sandwich...

And for the sweet treat, it's got to be a stocking cookie or a Christmas stocking cupcake...

For full details on how to make these, hop over to the Cake Makery website

Hope you're having lots of festive fun!

Happy Christmas Eve Everyone!

The Lunchbox World Team x

The Night Before The Night Before...

2011-12-23T21:55:00.000Z

It's the night before the night before and the brood are getting very excited. Too excited some might say. Not behaving. Not listening. They've not been off school a week yet and nerves are wearing thin already...
Some might say that's normal.
The excitement can be too much.
Still, we love this time of year. The crisp fresh mornings... Jack Frost has paid us many visits and this is one crisp morning we managed to capture, whilst up bright and early, waiting for the school bus...

We're nearly there! Two more sleeps and the big day will be here... Who's hoping for a White Christmas?

Check back tomorrow for our edible stocking ideas ...

What's your favourite thing at this time of year?
The Lunchbox World Team x

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 12

2011-12-22T11:08:00.000Z

Day 12 already and just a couple of more sleeps until Christmas now!
Do you feel ready? Got your shopping all done?
Any last minute panics? I know I have...
Still, let's have some fun...

So Day 12 has to be all about Santa's Hat... We've found so many fun ways of creating that special hat but here are our favourites...
and yes, they're all edible, just perfect for popping in the lunch box...

Santa Hat Brownie Bites

These are over on Erica's Sweet Tooth website, with lots more mouth-watering juicy edible ideas

Or these delicious Santa Hat Pops...

Santa Hat Pops by CutestFood.com

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 11

2011-12-21T12:24:00.000Z

Day 21 of the month, just a few more sleeps until Christmas! And it's Day 11 in our Lunch Box Festive Fun. With our thoughts turning to gifts, and presents, we've been searching for gift ideas - the edible variety that are just perfect for popping in that lunch box...

So we've found the "Giftwich"...

You can pop in whatever layers you want, tie it with ribbon, and voila! For more insane sandwich ideas, hop over to insanewiches.com

Or why not try and recreate these amazing cupcakes... anything red and white just shouts Christmas to us!

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 10

2011-12-20T15:48:00.001Z

Day 10 of our Lunch Box Festive Fun and we've been putting the finishing touches to our Christmas Tree at home. So Day 10 has to be lunch box ideas with Baubles.
Now we stumbled across this amazing website with Bauble cupcakes and other festive delights...
just perfect for popping in that lunch box in these last few days run up to Christmas...

Bauble cupcakes from the Creative Cake Academy

They even run workshops, so you know what one of the team is going to be doing in the New Year!

And for the savoury idea, base it on the Christmas Puds ideas we posted at the weekend, and let your imagination flow...

Why not take a photo and pop it on our facebook page. We'd love to hear from you!
The Lunchbox World Team x

PS There's still time to buy that perfect gift... Check out our gift ideas on the Lunchbox World Shop. Just make sure we receive your order before 9am on 21 December to make sure you receive it before Christmas. (Assumes item in stock and for UK delivery).

In case you've missed some, here are all the posts in the 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun:

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 2 - Father Christmas
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 3 - Snowmen
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 4 - Christmas Trees
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 5 - Lovehearts
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 6 - Reindeers
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 7 - Christmas Puddings
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 8 - Stars
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 9 - Snowflakes

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 9

2011-12-19T11:52:00.000Z

Day 9 in our Lunch Box Festive Fun and as our brood love snow so much, and we've had a sprinkling over the weekend, we just had to share our latest festive fun ideas. So here are some delicious edible snowflake ideas for you to try...

A snowflake cupcake...

Snowflake Cupcake by Glorious Treats Blog

Wouldn't you just love to open up your lunch and find one of these treats...? I know I would. We'll definitely be baking up a batch of these...
Hop over to Glorious Treats blog for the full details...

And for the savoury option, a snowflake sandwich...

We found this on one of the bento lunch box blogs...

You can see it's all in the cutters. So you know what's on our Christmas list this year? Lots and lots of cutters... The other tip is in having a steady hand, particularly if you're going to pipe the snowflakes for the cupcakes...

So what festive fun idea can you come up with? Which is your favourite?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Remember, it's not too late for last minute orders over on the Lunchbox World shop... So hurry on over... You can still make it in time for Christmas!

In case you've missed some, here are all the posts in the 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun:

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 2 - Father Christmas
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 3 - Snowmen
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 4 - Christmas Trees
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 5 - Lovehearts
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 6 - Reindeers
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 7 - Christmas Puddings
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 8 - Stars

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 8

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000Z

Day 8 of our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun and today being Sunday, it's for stars...
Sometimes on an extra chilly night, all the stars come out, and twinkle from afar.

In our household we love the twinkly lights that winter brings, the dark evenings, the candles flickering, the sparkling lights on the tree, and if we're lucky, that roaring fire blazing...

So a delicious recipe for you to try and perfect for a lunch box is the star shaped mince pies. Even if you don't have the cutters for the circle or the star, you can make a star template and use a jar or cup for the circle, then cut them out with a sharp knife.

Ingredients:

225g (8oz) plain flour
¼ tsp salt
85g (3 ½oz) TREX, plus a little extra, for greasing
1 tbsp icing sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 orange and 2 tbsp of the juice
1 small egg, beaten with 1 tbsp cold water

Filling:

4 heaped tbsp luxury mincemeat
50g (2oz) cream cheese
Icing sugar, for sprinkling

Method

1. Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and rub in the TREX with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the icing sugar, orange zest, orange juice and 2 tbsp of the beaten egg mixture. Mix together with a round-bladed knife until the pastry clings together. Form the dough into a ball, then wrap in cling film and chill for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan oven 180°C/Gas Mark 6.
3. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until 5mm (¼in) thick. Stamp out 12 rounds with a 7.5mm (3in) cutter, then 12 rounds with a 6mm (2 ½in) cutter, re-rolling the pastry as necessary. Alternatively, use a star-shaped cutter to stamp out the tops.

4. Place the larger rounds of pastry into patty tins and add 1 level tsp of mincemeat, then 1 level tsp of cream cheese. Brush the pastry rims with the beaten egg, then place the lids on top, sealing the edges together. Brush with beaten egg, to glaze.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool for a few minutes, then serve, sprinkled with icing sugar.

Homemade do taste best, but if you're really short of time, try the frozen or fresh ready made pastry available in the chiller in your local supermarket...

For a savoury idea, why not try these turkey star shaped sandwich bites....

Lunch Box A-Z - M for Men!

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000Z

Just 5 online shopping days left to go before Christmas and we're only half way through the alphabet!
Today we thought it's high time to focus a little on the men...
Why? Well, in the world of lunch boxes, they're often forgotten and let's face it, at times they need lunch-on-the-go too.

So here's our men's bestsellers:

The Messenger Bag by Valira, a stylish Spanish range, just perfect for the man on the go...

Valira Messenger Bag - doubles up as a takeaway bag too!

Built NY Spicy Relish Lunch Bag
- available in city grid, black, nolita stripe, or scatter dot

City grid design in the Spicy Relish Lunch Bag by Built NY

The Valira Hard Case or Soft
- in black, grey, red

Valira Nomad Lunch Bag, black comes with lunch boxes, and silver tray

Or these handy executive lunch bags that pop perfectly into any briefcase...

Navigate Executive Lunch Bag

Now if they are real LEGO fans, why not get them one of these lunch boxes...

Lego Lunch Box in Black

We've also the thermal mugs, handy for the office ...

Sagaform Thermal Mug - Pix

or these sports bottles by Sagaform in matt black or silver...

Sagaform Sports Bottle 60cl - matt black

And lastly, if they're often out and about, and find their phone battery is nearly dead, why not get them one of these powapatches...

Apatchy Solar Charged Power Pack

What will you buy your man this Christmas?

Remember the last date to place your orders at Lunchbox World, with guaranteed delivery before Christmas is 9am on 21 December, so please get your orders in to avoid disappointment.

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed a post in this series, here's the Lunch Box A-Z so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear
Lunch Box A-Z - K For Kit Bags
Lunch Box A-Z - L For LEGO

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 7

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000Z

Friday already and staying with the festive fun theme, we're thinking Christmas Puds. Yes, we're up to Day 7 in our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun.
Now you either love Christmas pudding or you hate it, but I just think the shape of them is just so cute...

Christmas Pudding Sandwich from CraftGossip.com

Grab the recipe for this delicious sandwich over at Craftgossip.com - a deliciously edible craft idea!

Or for a sweeter option, why not try these...

Nigella's Christmas Pud Treats

Now these do come with a slight health warning: coming from Nigella, these are likely to be incredibly rich! But you know, it's Christmas! So why not... These are actually made with leftover Christmas pud, so if you want them before Christmas, you'll have to plan accordingly!

These are totally portable and ideal for popping in your lunch box. And if you're in need of new lunch box kit, why not browse our online shop. There is still time to order before Christmas: our cut off date is 21 December!

So what festive fun ideas would you make?
The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you've missed some, here are all the posts in the 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun:

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 2 - Father Christmas
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 3 - Snowmen
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 4 - Christmas Trees
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 5 - Lovehearts
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 6 - Reindeers

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 6

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000Z

Gosh, it's already the 15th and many online companies have already past their cut off date to guarantee the delivery before Christmas... (Not so with Lunchbox World, you have up to 21st to get your orders in! But you do need to hurry!)
However, I think we'll all agree - time is definitely galloping by...

So in case your school is breaking up this week, or you just felt like popping one of these in your lunch box and showing them off at work, we're having some reindeer fun!

Yep, we're back to our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun, otherwise, we'll not get through it!

This cute adorable reindeer sandwich comes from Cute Food For Kids, always a huge source of inspiration...

Reindeer Sandwich from Cute Food For Kids

and as if luck would have it, she's also done her top 30 reindeer ideas from around the web, so you could really go to town and have a huge bake-up! There's sweet and savoury and craft ideas in between...

But we just had to mention these cute reindeer cookies...I mean, who wouldn't want one of these in their lunch box?

Baker Girl's Reindeer Cookies

The full recipe is over on the Baker Girl blog. Here she used peanut butter cookie recipes, but you can make the recipe with shortbread or gingerbread, whatever suits you, but the key is finding either the pretzels for the antler or these amazing chocolate coated ones!

So what festive fun idea are you going to pop in your lunch?

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you've missed some, here are all the posts in the 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun:

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 2 - Father Christmas
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 3 - Snowmen
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 4 - Christmas Trees
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 5 - Lovehearts

Munching Through Tasty Little Numbers...

2011-12-14T20:56:00.000Z

Look what I found on my desk...

a box packed full of Tasty Little Numbers...

I've just munched my way through a couple of bags. I know what you're thinking, I shouldn't have, but you see, they've only got 100 calories in a bag. And what's more, they are REAL food, not diet food. They actually tasted pretty flavoursome too.

So I happily munched my way through a bag of the salty malty chip sticks, swiftly followed by the sizzlin and smokin bacon rashers (in between shooing the kids out of the room and off to bed, you understand. No, these are not for sharing. Off you go!)

These are perfect for a lunchtime snack and remember, with just 100 calories in every snack bag or 200 calories in the snack pots, there's no need for those pangs of guilt. You can even order them online from amazon.co.uk without even leaving your desk!

Now, to top it off, here's some interesting statistics for you:

41% women in the UK watch what they eat constantly
22% of the adult population begins a diet every month
15 million is the number of people on a diet at any one time in the UK

So it looks like it is possible to watch what you eat, but have the real food too!

What secret treat do you like?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - L for LEGO!

2011-12-13T13:48:00.001Z

In case it's skipped your notice we stock the LEGO lunch boxes! And as we're up to the letter L in the Lunch Box A-Z, it has to be L for LEGO!

We've the lunch boxes...

The Drinking Bottles...

The snack boxes... (in a four brick)
and the larger snack boxes... (in an eight brick)

And just think, if you've a lego fan in your family, young or old, they would love one of these, so hop on over to the shop and see what's in stock. They make great pressies all year round...

We've black, yellow, green, red, blue or pink, so whatever your favourite colour...

And to top it, we've even discovered folks are making LEGO sandwiches out there, or even cupcakes with LEGO chocolates on top... Take a look at these over on the blog Dukes and Duchesses....

And it all starts with the LEGO icecube mould...

So what would you come up with for the letter L? Ladybird maybe?

We love hearing from you, so hope to see you here or on our facebook page...

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear
Lunch Box A-Z - K For Kit Bags

12 Days Of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 5

2011-12-12T17:57:00.003Z

Day 5, and we're back to the Lunch Box Festive Fun ideas... Love hearts are never far from our thoughts, and across Europe at this time of year, are abundant in all the Christmas markets. So, if you're lucky enough to escape to a Christmas market, you'll see hearts everywhere... If not, just take a look at IKEA, and you'll find them there too! But in case you've no time to spare, then scroll on down and see our top 3 ideas...

We've some delicious recipes that use love heart cutters, are simple to make, and will brighten up any lunch box.

The Love Heart Cookies, will always be one of our favourites - you can decorate them however you like... Here they're in a subtle pink, but why not do white ones, red ones, or red and white striped ones, like a candy cane. Ever popular with our brood, they never stay in the jar long...

Hop over to the Lunchbox World Recipe section for full details...

Then there's the family favourites, the Peppermint Creams, beautifully simple, and icy white...

Homemade Icy White Peppermint Creams

Or if you stumble across a French Market or Christmas Market, keep your eyes peeled.
They make lovely gifts...

So what would be your festive treat?
The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you've missed some, here are all the posts in the 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun:

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 2 - Father Christmas
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 3 - Snowmen
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 4 - Christmas Trees

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 4

2011-12-11T20:48:00.001Z

It's Day 4, the turn of the Christmas Tree in our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun. And already we are well into December!

We hope you've got your Christmas tree up already too! But regardless of whether you have or not, you can always make up these delicious festive ideas and pop them in your lunch box...

Thanks again to Funky Lunch, they've come up with their delicious Christmas Tree sandwich, which does look scrummy!

Christmas Tree Sandwich from Funky Lunch Gallery

Hop on over to Funky Lunch for the full recipe but I am sure you can see the main ingredient is cucumber!

Or here's a rather lovely sweet treat...

These delicious Christmas Tree Cookies...

Hotel Chocolat Recipe for Christmas Tree Cookies

For the full recipe, hop on over to Hotel Chocolat, as these Christmas Tree Cookies are just magical...

So what kind of Christmas Tree foodie idea can you come up with?

We always love hearing from you!

The Lunchbox World Team x

So you can see all the posts so far in our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun, we've listed them all below:

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 2 - Father Christmas
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 3 - Snowmen

Lunch Box A-Z - K for Kit Bags

2011-12-10T08:21:00.001Z

Another week gone, and just two more shopping weeks to go until Christmas!
Today we're back to the Lunch Box A-Z and it's the letter K for kit bags and of course everything for kids...

We've owls, frogs, dart frogs, pirates, ladybirds, monkey girl and more...

These Go Go Backpacks are great practical gift ideas, they can make a great kit bag, over-night bag, sports bag, or school bag.

Dart Frog Go Go Backpack

Frogs Go Go Backpack

Owl Go Go Backpack

So to find out what else we've in stock in the Lunchbox World Shop, hop on over, take a cuppa with you, and browse the shop.

Some useful tips:

* If you set up an account on Lunchbox World, you can ship gifts to up to five different addresses other than your own and manage your orders

* You can pop items in your shopping basket, and if no time to check out immediately, when you next log back in, the items will still be saved in your basket, as a kind of wish list, making shopping that much easier

* We accept all types of credit and debit cards, as well as paypal, and the shop is totally secured by an SSL certificate. So you also get peace of mind

* Last order date to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas is 21 December for standard delivery. But we really recommend you order ASAP to avoid any disappointments...

What's the letter K for you?

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches
Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear

Who's Making Their Christmas Cake This Year?

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000Z

We've just received a parcel, a very welcome parcel. It's the brand new Classic Christmas Cake Kit from the lovely Delia, available only at Waitrose.

Now, erm, I am a Delia fan, I admit I do religiously follow her Christmas Day planner and work my way through all her tips and hints for a stress-free Christmas. And you know what, it does work.
So I was delighted when offered a chance to try out the new kit.

So you know exactly what's being baked up this weekend...

Now it may look like this...

But with three kids, I am sure some snowmen will feature, so do pop back and check the results. We will definitely share this with you, the highs, the lows...

So are you making your own cake this year? Will it be Christmas cake or something else?

Do share as we love to hear from you!

The Lunchbox World Team x

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 3

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000Z

"Will it snow on Christmas Day?" is a thought never far from our minds.
With some mountains already reminding us of rich puff pastry delights covered with an extra thick dusting of icing sugar, we're on to day 3 of our Lunch Box Festive Fun and it's the turn of the snowman!

Now if the only kind of snowman in your neighbourhood is standing by the Gingerbread House or the inflatable variety out in the garden, why not make your own smowman to pop in your festive lunch box.

All pretty easy to make, just needing a steady hand, here's the sweet and savoury ideas we've found on the internet:

1 Easy Snowman on a Stick:

from Cute Food For Kids

2 Oh No! My Snowman is Melting!

Another favourite from Cute Food For Kids...

3 Snowman Sandwich

if you've some circle cutters, and some carrot, and raisins, you can whip this one up in a jiffy! Thanks for the idea, for the full post hop over to Preserving Life's Moments

4 Frosty Snowmen Cupcakes
from Family Fun, the Disney website, they've transformed some simple cupcakes into some delicious snowmen creations, and you can watch their quick video too for a step by step guide...

Which one is your favourite?
If you've made some already, do send us the photo or pop it on our facebook page!
We always love to hear from you!

Snow Ho Ho!
The Lunchbox World Team x

As always thanks to Cute Food For Kids with supplying us with endless inspiration!

In case you missed any of the 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun, find them all below:
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!
12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun Day 2 - Father Christmas

Lunch Box A-Z - J For Jazzy Lunch Gear

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000Z

Today we're back to the alphabet, the Lunch Box A-Z and we're up to the letter J. J can be for jam, or just because. But we've such a fabulous range of jazzy lunch kit, it just has to be "J" for jazzy... both the jazzy sandwich you eat and the jazzy kit you carry.
From bottle slingers to camera cases to lunch bags, all to match or all to clash, whatever your style...

There's so much colour, these are sure to brighten any day!
We've price points for every budget, so go on and have a look...

Jazzy Sandwich Fun with the Tex Mex Wrap!

Now the FUN bit!
Here's a jazzy tex mex wrap that's simple to create and will undoubtedly wow whoever sees it or tastes it!

What jazzy sandwich would you create?
Send them in our post them up on our facebook page, we always love to hear from you!
The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts
Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials and Insanewiches

Are You Visiting Santa This Year?

2011-12-06T17:12:00.001Z

Happy St Nicholas Day!

Yes, today's 6th December, St Nicholas Day!

For many this is not a special day, but in some parts of Europe this is a very exciting day in the run-up to Christmas for little people. It's the day when Father Christmas visits and fills children's shoes or boots with sweeties and chocolates... scrummy!

Well, my brood left out their boots along with a delightful picture and letter, in anticipation of him leaving some sweeties, and goodies spilling out of their shoes this morning!

So the brood skipped off to school, all happy. Sometimes small things go a long way...

So who will be visiting the man in the big chair this year?

Will you be making a trip to see him?

Will it be at a school fair, in a shopping centre, or will it be venturing to Lapland or to the well-kept secret of Mont Sion, le hameau de Pere Noel close to Geneva, Switzerland?

Or will you be creating your own magic?

If you want lots of ideas, make sure you check out our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - lots of ideas, that can go in a lunch box or be given as a gift.

We always love to hear from you!

Have a lovely St Nicholas' Day!

The Lunchbox World Team x

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 2

2011-12-05T15:14:00.001Z

One weekend down, three weekends to go! We're well and truly on countdown now!
Today it's Day 2 in our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun! and we've chosen Father Christmas!
Why? Because in some European countries, St Nicholas visits small children tonight. The children leave their shoes out,with a note and in the morning come down to their shoes filled with sweeties and small gifts....

We do have the festive red or green lunch box kit in the Lunchbox World shop but we're focusing on the fun ideas today that you can pop in your lunch box...

Thanks to Cute Food For Kids, they've found some great ways with Babybel. Here we're sharing their Babybel Cheese Santa - a perfect savoury treat...

Imagine your little one's face opening up their lunch box to find this hiding in there!

For full details, hop over to Cute Food For Kids blog.

And here's a sweet treat...

A Father Christmas Whoopie Pie... delicious...

For full recipe, check out our recipe section on the Lunchbox World website. These are cupcake size and we'd recommend you parcel up carefully for that journey into the office or school!

Have you some Father Christmas or Santa ideas to share?

Ho Ho Ho!

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed one of the 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun, find them all below:

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1 - Gingerbread Men!

Festive Fun With Sweets...

2011-12-04T18:44:00.001Z

Have you ever wondered what you can do with a tub full of these...

A bit of icing...
And a wooden wreath?

Here's the finished item...

Have you ever made something like this?
It's our first attempt this Christmas but I'm sure it's something we'll do every year from now on. A new tradition!

The Lunchbox World Team x

ps It's NaBloPoMo and this is day 4 in December and we're blogging every day this month. Make sure you come back for some more festive fun ideas for your lunch box in the run up to Christmas!

12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun - Day 1

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000Z

We're all excited over at Lunchbox Towers! It's December, the first weekend and Christmas will be here before we know it! We just love this time, the anticipation, making things, the twinkly lights, cosy homemade treats...

Today we kick off with Gingerbread Men in our 12 Days of Lunch Box Festive Fun! For 12 Days we'll bring you some festive ideas for your lunch box.

Now we decided to start this at the weekend, so if you have got some time on your hands, you can grab all the ingredients and have a go... I mean, that's what weekends are for? Am I right?

So if you missed these already, we've made our Gingerbread Houses. Soon to be broken up and popped into lunch boxes but for now, they are proud centre pieces for all to enjoy!

Now to the Gingerbread Men

We've been finding some easy to make Gingerbread characters to share with you. Now, you can cheat and just decorate some ready made ones from your local baker or M and S, but for some really tasty morsels, why not get inspired over here, get some fun cookie cutters and make your own...

Here are over 30 ways with Gingerbread Men from "Cute Food For Kids"
Just love them all.

Thanks to a quick and easy recipe from Savvy Chic Mums you can even make up the cookie mix, pop it in a jar and give as a home made gift this Christmas.

Gingerbread Cookie Mix In a Jar Recipe:

Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1 cup packed brown sugar

Directions

1. Mix 2 cups of the flour with the baking soda and baking powder. Mix the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour with the ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice. In a 1 quart, wide mouth canning jar, layer the ingredients starting with the flour and baking powder mixture, then the brown sugar, and finally the flour and spice mixture. Pack firmly between layers.
2. Attach a card to the jar with the following directions: Gingerbread Cookies 1. Empty contents of jar into a large mixing bowl. Stir to blend together. Mix in 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine, 3/4 cup molasses, and 1 slightly beaten egg. Dough will be very stiff, so you may need to use your hands. Cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour. 2. Preheat oven to 175 degrees C.
3. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Place cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven. Decorate as desired.

Image from Savvy Chic Mums - Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar

In case you were wondering, this is the criteria we set ourselves:

These festive ideas have to be:
* totally transportable, so will be happy in a lunch box and taken to work or school - come on, where's the kid in you!
* festive - colours, follow the festive theme
* Quick and easy to make and prepare
* Will guarantee you get into that spirit of Christmas!
* Edible treats so something you'll look forward to each day!

So what kind of Gingerbread Man would you make?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Thanks to Cute Food For Kids and Savvy Chic Mums in letting us share these ideas with you!

Lunch Box A-Z - I for Ice Essentials, Insanewiches

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000Z

Back to the Lunch Box A-Z and we're up to the letter I. Maybe it's the chilly weather, Jack Frost nipping at our toes, but the letter I makes us immediately think of igloos.

So the ice essentials, the ice packs. Don't forget even in school or at the office, it's handy (and safer for your lunch) to keep an ice pack in the lunch box. Buildings can get deceptively hot, and it's not ideal to store your lunch at room temperature for hours on end...
At the kids' school, all the lunch boxes used to be stacked up on those trolleys and then left in full sunshine... OK at this time of year, maybe the sun is not so hot, but still... It's worth thinking about. Even if you put an ice cold carton of drink in, or freeze it over night, it'll have thawed by lunch time, and you'll know it's done its job at keeping the lunch cool too.

For more handy lunch box tips, check out our Hints and Tips section.

Now the fun bit!

Insanewiches! Have you heard about them?
We stumbled across them a couple of weeks back. Insanewiches is a blog full of insane things you can do with a sandwich. One of our favourites are the dominoes...

But he's done the tough cookie too, and the great thing is, you can go and vote on your favourite insanewiches too! He's even published a book about it! We're hoping to receive a copy soon and share some more insane ideas with you!

So what insane ideas can you come up with for a sandwich?

Here are a few ideas to get you going in our recipe section, but I'm sure you can come up with something quite insane.

If you're feeling bold, why not pop it on our facebook page... We'd love to see what you come up with!

The Lunchbox World Team x

PS Yes, we've jumped on the next month for NaBloPoMo, which means we're going to be blogging each day in December too, bringing you lots of festive fun!

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets
Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts

Gingerbread House - The Results...

2011-12-01T10:51:00.001Z

At last! 30th November came and went. The Gingerbread House competition had closed and the entries from our brood hastily submitted. Here are just SOME of the photo's taken to capture the three we created...

King Julien's "Star Wars" themed Gingerbread House:

spot the guys climbing the roof, the solar panelled roof,
the residents out the front door with their hands up... the snowman outside, the icicles and his cobbled footpath...
Very imaginative.

Spike's "Snowed In" Gingerbread House:

Can you see the icicles, the snow drift by the front door, the cobbled footpath, the snowman with twig arms, the trees made out of star shaped cookies... the picket fence..., the garden gate, the logs piled up outside the front door. Even the swedish flag...

Tuna's "Ice Queen Residence"

The Ice Queen on her sledge, the cold blue icicles, turquoise and silver baubles, the cobbled path, the picket fence, the lollipop trees, the hedges...

All totally different, totally unique. Impossible to judge.

So if you are looking for a festive fun activity, consider this one. It provided a week's worth of entertainment and could make an amazing centre piece...

On reflection, the hardest part is assembling the house. Once the house is all set hard and waiting to be decorated, that is when the real FUN begins!
So why not have a go...

Keep our top tips and checklist to hand and do follow the IKEA instructions. As I explained to my brood, they will have tested these recipes numerous times to make sure they are fool proof!

So what theme would you pick for yours? And more importantly, will you be making one in the coming weeks?

The Lunchbox World Team x

PS keep checking back for more festive fun ideas for your lunch box and for family fun...

WOW! My Famous Kitchen!

2011-11-30T08:34:00.001Z

WOW!

Take a look at this. Now quickly, as you are unlikely to see the kitchen in its glory quite like this ever again...
The clever lighting, the sun streaming through the windows to the side and to the back, the volume of baking going on in one sitting... Amazing.

Yes, I did need a cuppa after this!

Tara over at Sticky Fingers theme this week on her Gallery is "The Kitchen", so here's ours and yes, it's famous too. We were chosen as one of the Jury to review the Finish Quantumatic gadget. To read all the Quantumatic posts, click here but to save you hunting, here's the first one below, full of Dishwasher Delight

Come on, we've shown you ours. So what's your kitchen like?

The Lunchbox World Team x

To see the others, grab a cuppa and hop over (just click on the lens cuppa below)

Lunch Box A-Z - H for Hippie Hearts and Home

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000Z

We're up to the letter H in the Lunch Box A-Z.
In school they teach us "H is for House" but in the world of lunch boxes, it has to be for Hearts and Hippie...

Hearts up first...

Heart Lunch Bag inc lunch boxes

All these lunch bags from Valira come with at least one lunch box included, which is microwave safe, freezer and oven safe too! The school nomad bags come with 2 lunch boxes and a cup, as shown in image above, so there is definitely more for your buck.

Nomad Basic Lunch Bag with Pink Heart

Hippie ones...

Nomad School Hippie Lunch Bag

Being devoted fans of shabby chic and love hearts at Lunchbox World, when we discovered the Valira range with its latin chic and lovehearts combined with hippie style, we just knew these had to feature in the Lunchbox World Shop!

What's not to love...?

For ideas to put the love back into lunch boxes, hop over here. And here's a love heart lunch we put together here

Home

It's Day 30 in the NaBloPoMo and yes, we made it! We're Home!
We've posted every day this month, and not missed a single slot!
Amazing work and we hope you liked the regular updates. We have absolutely loved it, and hope you have enjoyed the mix of posts. We plan to continue and post every day in December and beyond....

Please let us know what you like or don't like, we love to hear from you!

What does the letter H mean to you?

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!
Lunch Box A-Z - G for Gorgeous Green Gadgets

Gingerbread House Top Tips For Success

2011-11-29T02:00:00.000Z

Our thoughts at this time of year turn to Christmas crafts, and creativity. This year it's the turn of the Gingerbread House, fuelled largely by the fact it is a competition.

The Challenge: How to Make the Most Original or Prettiest Swedish Gingerbread House
The Deadline: 30 November 2011
Yes there are prizes on offer. But before you all dash off to purchase said kit,
we're not running the competition here.

No, no, this is all going on at the local school (sighs heavily with relief, so I won't be the one tasked to judge one house over another and suffer the potential kick back / scorn / looks could kill from miffed parents and their off-spring).
Having now helped assemble three said kits, we felt it necessary to share our top tips on ingredients required for the job. (And yes, each child insisted on doing their own house.)

Key ingredients you will need:

* An obscene amount of patience
* To complete one house, buy at least two kits to cover all enventualities including irreparable breakages, parts being "accidentally" eaten and so on
* 3 bags of sugar to get the "glue" right - be warned this is scorching hot and sets hard fast!
* 3 bags of icing sugar - you're never quite sure what the kids WON'T ice or how much icing they'll feel necessary they have to "taste test"
* Decorations and embellishments - put in shopping basket what you think is appropriate, then double it - the kids want to do way more decorating than you think

NEVER say less is more, it has to most definitely be more...

* 2 dozen eggs - separating the eggs to save the egg whites is way harder then the kids think!
* Make sure you've completed a de-stress course before embarking on such a project
* Assemble said kits close to an external door - easy exit for screaming moments is essential to vent pent-up tension

This is definitely a project NOT for the faint hearted!
You have been warned!

Now as this is a competition in the local school, we will NOT display final photos before the closing date. So here is a sample of one we assembled earlier...

This is a competition after all, and yes, we are extremely competitive...

So what goodies will you be baking up this festive period in the run up to Christmas?

The Lunchbox World Team x

PS Check out our shop for Christmas gift ideas.

PPS Keep checking back for our festive lunch box ideas...

Better still, why not subscribe so you get each post delivered to your inbox, or follow the blog so you never miss a post! (All the links are down the left hand side) See you soon!

Lunch Box A-Z - G For Gorgeous Green Gadgets

2011-11-28T08:52:00.001Z

Monday morning, bright and early and we're back to the Lunch Box A-Z theme.

Today it's G for Gorgeous, Green, Gadgets.

These beauties have to get the first mention. They are simply Gorgeous! I never leave home without mine... (check out my handbag here... )
Just take a look at these to-die-for lunch bag / hand bags by Alexander Girard, the famous pattern designer.

And if you're an ipod, iphone, digital camera, smart phone owner, you'll want one of these camera cases to match...

La Fonda Hoodie Case

And yes, we've got them in all three colour ways..

We've given you the links here too, so you can make heavy hints with your nearest and dearest...

You're sure to make heads turn with one of these on your person!

Green

Now Green can mean a number of things
- green lunch kit
- can be environmentally friendly
- the colour green,

Green Lunch Boxes and Lunch Bags...

- BPA free,
- recycled from materials or could be recycled,
- can help you create a waste free lunch
- or is it simply eating the greens and aiming for your 5-a-day?!

Well, we cover most of these and more...

Gadgets

Now you may not have seen these, but if you're often away from a power source, literally out in the field, on-the-go, then this Powapatch is just for you.

A brilliant gadget for staying connected. They are CE marked, and come with a guarantee, (that goes without saying), and the clever bit is, they are solar charged.
And as they come with an array of adaptors, you will pretty much be able to charge everything you need. Just velcro it to your bag or person and charge whilst on-the-go...

What's more you can top the Powapatch up from a power source or from the laptop before you head out, then top up with solar power as and when.

All these can make the perfect gift and will help keep your lunch-on-the-go FUN!

So what does G mean to you?

The Lunchbox World Team x

We are now on Day 28 of #NaBloPoMo where we post every day for the month of November. Let us know if you like catching up on our latest daily updates or not. We love to hear from you.

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants
Lunch Box A-Z - F for Fish, Frogs and FUN!

D'You Have the Love Bug or Bug Love?

2011-11-27T07:00:00.000Z

It's Sunday, the end of a week that seems to have been bursting full of situations perfect for snapping with the camera...

First off, let's meet the characters... One shiny yellow beetle car...
You might think nothing special about that then. Yes, I like its curves, and it's the newer model, but what are you getting at?

Now is it the love bug or bug love...?

Take a closer look...

That's right, take a really close look inside... right there on the dash board...

There you go, two little ones, yep, it's had babies...
Don't you just love it?

So is it the love bug or bug love?

Our bug love is over here, check out these ladybird or ladybug beauties...

Now over to you, what's your bug love or love bug?

The Lunchbox World Team x

and yes, we're now on Day #27 of the #NaBloPoMo where we post on the blog every day in the month of November

Something I'm Proud Of - The Gallery

2011-11-26T07:00:00.001Z

It could be my kids, so clever and smart
It could be the blog, it's becoming my kind of art

It could be THE car
that's driven me far

Or should it be Lunchbox World?
Now two years old?

No I must mention Theo - To be chosen by a Dragon
I thought I'd gone to Heaven

Oh dear, Oh my!
Another big sigh!

Oh Tara, you meanie, how cruel a test
Well there is no decision, I must do what's best...

Dare I say it, Day 26 #NaBloPoMo and we're nearly there! Just 4 more days to go in November!

To see what other folks are proud of, hop on over to sticky fingers, just click on the lens cup below. Why not take one of our cuppas with you!

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - F For Fish, Frogs and FUN!

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000Z

Day #25 of #NaBloPoMo and it's FUN Friday too!
As Lunchbox World is all about FUN, we're packing this post full of lunch box FUN!
We're up to the letter F in the Lunch Box A-Z, so we've got fish, frogs and you guessed it - FUN! So read on for some fun recipe ideas too...

Fish
We've the lovely shark fish or red fish in the lunch box

Red Fish Lunch Box

And the red fish small tin and the matching bottle, so you can grab the whole ensemble!

red fish small tin

red fish stainless steel bottle

Frogs

For girls, we've the frog lunch bag and matching Go Go Rucksack

frog lunch bag

frog Go Go Rucksack

For boys, we've the brand new dart frog designs:

the lunch bag and the matching Go Go Rucksack...

Dart Frog Lunch Bag

Dart frog Go Go Rucksack

Now for the FUN foodie bit...
We're always on the look out for FUN ideas for your lunch box and we recently discovered cute food for kids, a lovely blog full of lunch box ideas and making food well just FUN!

Now this doesn't have to be for kids, let's just say it's for the kid in you!

If you're wanting some other FUN recipe ideas, then maybe you need a touch of Funky Lunch - a book packed full of funky lunch ideas.
To take a sneak peak, hop over to the Funky Lunch website.

Or for a quick and easy fishy FUN lunch box recipe idea, hop on over to our recipe section

Tuna Tastic Sandwich!

So what FUN lunch ideas do you have?

Go on, please share...

The Lunchbox World Team x

PS Remember shipping is FREE on UK orders over £50 * on Lunchbox World Shop and we're happy to send gifts on your behalf - just tell us when you place the order and we'll make sure the invoice is not included!

PPS Last date to guarantee orders delivered before Christmas is 21 December 2011 (when choosing standard delivery)

* delivered to UK addresses.

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer
Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants

So How High Is OK?

2011-11-24T10:05:00.001Z

We keep being told our brood is sporty.
We've the sporty, go-getting kids, always out and about with the wind in their hair, whilst some of our friends have the stay-at-home types. Nothing wrong in that.
Ours at the weekends are usually found out on their bikes, up a tree, down a ditch, on their scooters, practising stunts, kicking a football on the local astro turf... or just investigating and learning, but always out in the fresh air...

Well, last night, whilst Tuna was at her lessons, the boys, King Julien and Spike spotted some rather tall trees in the village that were calling out "Climb me! Climb me!"

I could see the glint in their eyes. I just knew what would happen next. They looked at each other and nodded. Wrapped up in anoraks, caps, scarves, as the evening light was failing, up they climbed, up and up...

A much smaller boy, also from the local school, joined in. Up and up he went on the adjacent tree. Up and up he went until he must have been as high as at least 3 times his height...

He called down to his mother "Look at me!" but she just carried on, with her back to him, talking to her friends in the car park, totally unaware of what was going on.

My boys meanwhile had stopped, maybe half way up, quite happy with the height they had reached, and just sad there, munching on their snack, looking at us folk down below.

I meanwhile had hopped back in the car, whipped out the camera, snapped some photos ...

and sat in the warm car, with my flask of tea and biccies, and quietly planned some blog posts... (Well it is #NaBloPoMo and we are now on day 24 after all.)

But all the while pondering the question whilst keeping a beady eye on the boys... taking in the view, their moment on being way up high...

So how high is OK to climb?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - E for Elephants

2011-11-23T10:32:00.001Z

#NaBloPoMo continues and it is getting tougher by the day now, we've been blogging every day this month...

Today it's back to the Lunch Box A-Z, and we're on the letter E. Well everyone knows E has to be for Elephants.

We've red elephants, brown elephants, and they are just so cute... we've got them in a whole range of handy items for whenever you're out and about...
- whether it's for an Autumn walk, a day out, for school or just to have handy for when out in the car, we've got them all:

the bottles

the thermos flasks

the tin lunch boxes

and the cute little tins...

And we can't forget the bunting...

And you know in some countries, elephants are considered to bring you luck! So if the trunk is up, it's really lucky! These also make great gifts all year round...

But if it's Easy lunch box ideas you're after, then check out the Lunchbox World website for lots of hints, tips, inspiration and recipe ideas.

What does the letter E say to you?

The Lunchbox World Team x

In case you missed the Lunch Box A-Z list so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!
Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer

Who's Moved My Shoes?

2011-11-22T11:45:00.001Z

You know those days when things just aren't going well.
You're running late.
Kids won't do as they're told.
You're showered, dressed. Got your coat on, but where oh where are the shoes...
You know you took them off some place, but where...?

You trudge around, lifting odd shoes in the vain search for your own...
Hunt in the lounge, under the pile of coats, hats, scarves, gloves that were abandoned from the previous day when the brood burst in through the doors after school, dumping their school bags on their way in.
You hear yourself screaming at the kids to get ready for school, they'll miss the bus...
You know the drill...

Then you look to the skies for inspiration...
and...

Oh...
Really?
How on earth did they get there?

Do share any quirky anecdotes you have, would love to hear them!

The Lunchbox World Team x

And yes, we are still doing the #NaBloPoMo where we blog every day for the month of November.

Do keep coming back and let us know what you like, and well, if you must, what you don't. We need to know, really we do. *Shifts nervously in chair*

And to see our latest must have items, hop over to the shop, take a cuppa and have a good browse x

Lunchbox World Competition! Time To Get Organised! Hurry!

2011-11-21T10:10:00.001Z

A brand new competition starts today to help you get ready for the New Year!

"Yikes!" I hear you cry, "what already?"

But let's face it, the shops are already geared up for Christmas, there's talk on the radio, TV, wherever you look ... so this month over at Lunchbox World we've come up with a bundle of goodies to help give you a helping hand for planning, new years resolutions, and more...

Dairy Diary 2012

The Dairy Book Of Home Cookery

Packed with recipes, planners, gardening tips and more, the Dairy Diary 2012

and the Home Cookery Book will give you all you need to become that perfect domestic goddess!

And if you're anything like me, that's what we are all aspiring to be in 2012, right?

So why not hop on over to the competition page, answer the question and agree to sign up the newsletter! It's that simple!

And yes, it's still #NaBloPoMo, day #21 now and we're still blogging at least once a day!

So over to you, what kind of competitions would you like to see on Lunchbox World in 2012?

The Lunchbox World Team x

All the standard terms and conditions for the competition can be found on the Lunchbox World website.

PS good luck! and do share on twitter and facebook.

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Lunch Box A-Z - D for Dart Frog, Dinosaurs and Deer...

2011-11-20T08:37:00.001Z

Day #20 on #NaBloPoMo, back to the lunch box theme, the A to Z of lunch boxes, the letter D.

Now, this could be for drinking bottles, as the brand new TUM TUM drinking bottles have just arrived... so you can stock up on the matching set for your little people...

but we've lots more FUN designs for kids too..

... so what've we got?

Dart frog has just arrived... we've the matching back pack and the lunch bag...

Dart Frog Back Pack

Dart Frog Lunch Bag

We've got dinosaurs,

Dinosaur Drinking Bottle

Dinosaur Lunch Bag

Dino Lunch Bag

the lovely deer...

Deer Tin Lunch Box

Deer Drinking Bottle by Blafre

We've the matching set - the bottle, the lunch bags, the lunch boxes, the tins...

But if you're shopping for grown ups, we've the designer ranges too - check out Built NY with the designer range by the famous pattern designer Alexander Girard...
Cabanaz with the flasks and thermal mugs, Sagaform with the zany designs on thermal mugs and Valira, with the messenger bags and hard case lunch bags...

So hop on over to the shop. These make great gifts - unique yet totally practical!

What's your favourite?

The Lunchbox World Team x

ps Remember you can purchase any item as a gift, just let us know, and we'll make sure the invoice isn't included. Plus there's FREE shipping on UK orders over £50.

If you missed the Lunch Box A-Z posts so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers
Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!

Autumn Delights - Reasons To Be Cheerful

2011-11-19T12:28:00.001Z

Reasons to be Cheerful - Our top 5 have to be:

1 The laptop keyboard is fixed, and swanky and new! So now there's no excuse for those fingers to lightly dance across the keys as I write blog post after blog post... Yes! It's still NaBloPoMo and we're still hanging in there...

2 A cute little shop in the village has displays like this bang outside... that just capture Autumn for us

3 Jack Frost has paid a visit already... So now the song in my head is

"... Chestnuts roasting on the open fire...

Jack Frost nipping at your nose...!"

4 It's the time of year for winter warmers... hot steaming soup, being slurped outside with chunks of baguette underneath the heater, catching those rays of sunshine...

5 And we have to mention it, the Lunchbox World Blog has a new header so we're chirpy and cheerful about that...

as well as having lots of great new products ready for Christmas in the Lunchbox World Shop... so go on, what are you waiting for, hop on over and have a browse!

What are you cheerful about?

Would love to hear what you think!

The Lunchbox World Team x

Oooh... Do You Think They'll Notice?

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000Z

It's Day #19 on the #NaBloPoMo and being Saturday, we thought let's have a bit of fun!

There's been a couple of times over the last few days whilst out walking, where I've thought this caption would fit perfectly. The first one unfortunately was not captured on film... The one time I go for a walk without the camera. (I could have kicked myself... I vowed never to leave home without said charged camera again.) I digress..

Both times cars were involved and damage occurred to both.

The first, a brand new Fiat 500, you know the little bubble cars. A bright red shiny one sat parked up beneath some trees alongside a tall wall, minding its own business.
I first walked past the car on the way down to the sound of a chain saw sawing away at intervals in someone's garden. I thought nothing more of it and continued on my way.

Less than 1/2 an hour later I was back passing the car on my way up the hill. I don't know why or what made me glance over, but I did.
I glanced over at this shiny red Fiat 500 to see the entire windscreen shattered, but still intact. There was a perfectly formed indentation, a perfectly round indentation the size of a fallen branch in the top left hand corner of the windscreen and lots of tell-tale signs of remaining bits of wood chips, wood dust, pieces of bark, all scattered over the windscreen and bonnet.

No sign of the naughty branch though... I checked, I looked down the side of the car, close to the wall, nothing...

Oooh, do you think they'll notice...?

I didnot hang about to see that moment of consequences... (It's times like this I wish I was a fly on the wall...)

A few days later, I saw said bright red shiny Fiat 500 parked well away from the previously mentioned overhanging trees. Much further down the road, in a much quieter area, out of harm's way, parading its brand new shiny windscreen...

And here's the naughty tree...

The second time when the camera was to hand, was this...

You can picture the wife returning home, having backed into a tight corner, thinking... Ooh, if I just stick this silver duck tape here, here and here, I might just get away with it... Oh, here comes hubbie, tra la la la la... hands him a glass of wine, "There you go darling, how was your day?"

Have you ever tried to cover something up, in the hope that oooh... do you think they'll notice?

The Lunchbox World Team x

ps if you're in need of a cuppa, check out these new thermal mugs...

Winter's Coming...!

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000Z

Day #18 on the #NaBloPoMo, and it's almost the weekend...

A true sign that winter's on its way is the rare glimpse of wood being delivered. And I mean wooden logs being delivered, for that roaring fire...

The nights are drawing in, the days growing shorter. We all pull our collars, coats, and scarves tightly around us...

But rather than yearn for those summer days, those lazy days, the picnics, warm evenings, like so many of us tend to do, why not look forward to those cosy winter fires... What's not to love: wearing those thick chunky jumpers, drinking hot chocolate by the fire, eating wholesome winter warmers, toasting marshmallows on the open fire... The family together. And just watching those flames flicker and dance away...

I can't wait!

So what are you looking forward to?

The Lunchbox World Team x

How Rude...!

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000Z

Have you ever had the scenario where you're already moving on, yet someone is waiting for a response? You just didn't know it. You have delayed hearing, delayed reaction or just don't compute?
You think maybe they're not directing the comment at you?
You've already moved on, leaving their speech bubble unanswered, hanging in the air...?

Well it happened the other day.
My mind on other things, (well whose isn't?)
Driving through approaching a barrier.
Ticket in the slot, the right way round, check.
Up goes the barrier, into 1st gear, check.
Finger poised on the electric window, check.
Push the button, the window starts to go up...
The wheels turn slowly in motion...
You start to move away...

Out of the corner of my eye, I had spotted 3 uniformed men, arms crossed, legs slightly apart, you know that matcho stance. Standing all in a row, watching the cars through the barriers.
But your minds not on them.
You're thinking of not scratching the car, of not holding up the traffic behind, of not making a fool of yourself. Getting the ticket right.

"Hello! You alright?" I then heard them call...
Too late.
I'd moved on, the window at this stage nearly closed. Their words still lingered in the air...
The men were behind me now.
My daughter muttered, "They were talking to you, you know. Are you not going to answer them?"
"Oh dear!" I flustered, "How rude they must think!"

The moment had passed. I'd already moved on... Too late.
What would have happened if I'd turned and gestured?
It seemed to late even for that now.

Has that ever happened to you?
The Lunchbox World Team x

This is Day #17 of #NaBloPoMo and we're taking part in it all month! So do keep coming back for some more fun!

Lunch Box A-Z - C for Chic!

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000Z

Day #16 on #NaBloPoMo and we're back to the Lunch Box theme, the A-Z, now up to the letter C.

The Letter C has to be for chic lunch gear!

Whether it is the chic lunch bags from Valira,

the brand new trendy flasks and thermal mugs from Cabanaz

or these zany camera cases from Built NY -

they can even match your lunch bag perfectly -

that's if you're keen and you choose to parade with all matching on-the-go kit!

In case you've only just discovered Lunchbox World, we're here to help you put the fun back into packed lunches with chic lunch kit that's stylishly functional, plus a site that's packed full of inspiration, ideas, tips, hints and recipes to help you along the way. So why not hop on over and take a look.

What chic item would you choose?

The Lunchbox World Team x

If you missed the Lunch Box A-Z posts so far:

Lunch Box A-Z - A for Angry Birds
Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles and Bottle Slingers

#GEW : Do You Ever Feel Like the Odd One Out?

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000Z

I saw this little green leaf the other day, hanging on the tree amongst a mass of brown shrivelled up leaves, hanging on until the last...

It got me thinking...Do you ever feel like this?

All those around you swimming in the opposite direction, or all conforming? And you feel like you're going against the tide, against the grain? Doing your own thing?

They say to be a true entrepreneur you have to be the one that swims against the tide, setting yourself apart from the masses, being different. That's what it's all about.
(I think it was James Caan, one of the Dragons in the UK Dragon's Den that said that).

So maybe I am that little green leaf?

Do you ever feel like the odd one out?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Day #15 on #NaBloPoMo and it's Global Entrepreneur Week too! (GEW) so this post fits quite nicely.

11-11-11 The Gallery

2011-11-14T08:37:00.001Z

The Gallery from Sticky Fingers really got us thinking this time. The theme: 11.11.11 and what you were doing on this day.
We try and take part in this whenever the theme strikes a cord and we feel we have something to add.

We tried to be clever and capture 11.11.11 at 11.11am with this receipt at the supermarket.
I mean you can't fudge this can you? With a clock, you can cheat...

Well the queue was so long and the check-out girl sooooo slow, we managed to get 11/11/11 at 11.35am - close...

We then walked passed the local memorials to look at the flowers and the local graveyards too. And wondered about poppies, and other flowers...

Then I found this lovely Remembrance Day poem that sums up why the poppy for those inquisitive children.... and gently explains what the poppy symbolises and why... Beautiful. (We found it on the Anzac Day website)

What were you doing on 11.11.11?

To see what others got up to, hop on over to Sticky Fingers...
This is day #14 of the #NaBloPoMo and we'll be blogging all month, well I mean, posting every day this month so do keep popping back or get the updates emailed straight to your inbox - simply "subscribe!"

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - B for Bottles

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000Z

NaBloPoMo Day 13, and today it's the letter B. We thought about the butterflies, the drinking bottles, the bags, but we thought what've we got that's different? Don't get me wrong, we love the butterflies, ladybirds...

But what's new? ...then we remembered...

What is it that you need when you're hiking up here...

and no, they're not photo-shopped in ...

Then B has to be for these bottles, and these bottle slingers and some other handy stuff to help busy folk wanting to refuel whilst on the go... and we really mean when you're on the go, all year round, whether it's up a mountain, on the school run, at the office, on a picnic, whenever, and wherever...

Sagaform Stainless Steel Bottles, 60cl inc clasp to hook on anything... Matt black or silver

This bottle is made of stainless steel and can hold up to 60cl of liquid. What makes it a perfect gift is that it comes in its own gift box, plus it fits perfectly inside our bottle slingers...

Built NY Bottle Slingers - fit perfectly inside the Sagaform bottles

And what's more these bottle slingers can both protect the bottle and keep contents insulated for up to 4 hours.
Not only that, being made of neoprene, the wet suit fabric, these can be washed at 30C, so if you have that accidental spill, and let's face it, it does happen, then no worries, just pop in the machine, allow to drip dry and they're as good as new...

Available in FUN colours, they're ever practical as they can be hooked onto belt loops, rucksacks, school bags, you name it... So if you've outdoors-y types in your clan, then take a look at these...

We've an array of bottles here at varying prices, so what do you think?

The Lunchbox World Team x

What's Your Wordle... Say what?

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000Z

Gee, it's the weekend, and also Day 12 of NaBloPoMo ...

Now, have you heard about Wordle?
Every now and again we do a Wordle.... Here's the last one we did.

I love it as it's all words, jumbled up and you can add your own colours to it, or change the layout, mix it all up a bit and every time you change it, it does look different!
... you can do it on your blog, your website or you can just choose certain words and basically have a bit of fun. Create your own piece of ART or even pop it in the Wordle Gallery.

We do it every now and again to see what is being captured for Lunchbox World, so here's our latest Wordle...

Please have a magnifying glass handy - no it's not your eyes playing up...

How does your Wordle look?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Have you Discovered Sagaform Yet?

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000Z

Day 11 of the NaBloPoMo, National Blog Posting Month, (where you blog every day for the month) and yes, it's a challenge, and yes, we are still hanging on in there *coughs* well, just about.
Now desperately trying to plan the whole month, so we can bring to you lots of well, er... stuff...

So today it's Sagaform, now we decided to play a little game and come up with all the "S" words to describe it, in case you've not yet discovered this amazing brand...

And following on from yesterday when we talked about breakfast, here we can focus on those times when you're well, just on the go ... and need a cuppa ...

Another pretty picture to tempt you with...

Sagaform is:

Scandinavian Chic

Swedish Design

Stylishly Simple

Solid Quality

now Stocked by Lunchbox World

Silicone lids on the thermal mugs to stop liquids spilling

Stainless Steel bottles preventing smells lingering

Striking Designs

Surely a Perfect Gift this Season?

Comes in its own gift box too...

Why not share the love, I mean link and

Send to Your Friends!

So what would you say?

The Lunchbox World Team x

To find out more, just click here

What Makes A Perfect Breakfast?

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000Z

Day 10 of NaBloPoMo and yes folks, we are still here, bright and early...

So what does make a perfect breakfast?

Is it the food?
Is it the place?
Or is it the company?
Or all three?

This for me made a perfect breakfast this summer...

Key ingredients included:

A welcome portion of solitude (school holidays were at this stage wearing a bit thin)

A piping hot pain au chocolat, you know the croissant filled with dark rich dreamy chocolate...
Confiture (jam) - I just love that word!
A teeny cup of strong freshly brewed cafe au lait that'll wake you up to the core!
Lashings of early morning sun, whilst waiting for the shops to open...
A welcome 5 minutes peace to myself

Then you're definitely ready for the day ahead...
That moment abruptly came to an end as the brood returned... their voices preceding them...

So do you make time for breakfast or do you take it on the run?

If you're one to take it on the run, then check out this breakfast gear... oh and these mugs here... great for minimising the spills...

The Lunchbox World Team x

Lunch Box A-Z - The Letter A

2011-11-09T06:30:00.000Z

Day 9 in #NaBloPoMo, for those of you just checking in, this is the National Blog Post for the month of November challenge that we signed up to at the start of the month...

Now the team came up with this idea a while back, let's work through the alphabet, A to Z around Back to School time (oops, yes, I know a little late on that one...clears throat quickly) and let's come up with something topical for each letter of the alphabet.

It can be fresh ideas for the lunch box, it can be some new piece of kit from the shop, a whizzy recipe, but something to do with the "Lunch Box"...

So today kicks of with the letter A...
Now who isn't a fan of Angry Birds?

Well if you fancy making one of these...

and popping them in your lunch box, then hop over here at Babble for the full details...

Or if you're partial to Babybel, and you'll slowly see as the weeks unfold why these are just FUN things to play with, I mean eat, then why not try these Babybel Angry Birds...

You can even make little Angry Bird cakes too, so you could totally theme the whole lunch, I mean, why not... So to all you dedicated people out there, let's see what you can come up with!

What would you come up with for the letter A? Do you make FUN sandwiches in your lunch box?

To browse all our aqua coloured lunch box kit, visit shop here

The Lunchbox World Team x

NB Please note all these Angry Bird lunch box ideas and images are all from Babble

Love in a Lunch Box - revisited...

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000Z

We're now onto Day 8 of the NaBloPoMo, just 22 more to go...

You may remember earlier this year we put together our top ideas around Valentine's Day for putting some LOVE in your lunch box. Well, in case you missed it, here is the link :

Why are we doing this now? you might be wondering. Well, we could call it Thoughtful Tuesday...

Or it could just be that it's my Wedding Anniversary today!

So when you need to show someone you care, why not use some of these tips yourselves for putting some LOVE into their lunch box...

Please feel free to substitute some of the items for things they LOVE but you get the general idea.

Now being a genuine lover of all things LOVE HEART shaped, I just couldn't resist these love heart sandwich cutters that work on both bread and toast and we even used a small cutter for the lemon biscuits, which are delicious.... Recipe can be found on the Recipe section

So how do you celebrate your Wedding Anniversary or show someone you care?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Keen to Make Perhaps the World's Healthiest Sandwich?

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000Z

Right, come on! Monday morning, so let's kick this week off as we mean to go on!

Now the clocks have gone back, the days are rapidly getting shorter...

The darker it gets, the colder it gets, the easier it is to grab for that comfort food, those quick fixes, that bar of chocolate, snap I hear it crack, stop it!
but sometimes the thrill is so short lived... as within a short space of time you feel hungry all over again, it just does not satisfy...

So why not try out this healthy sandwich? You never know, you might just like it!

Filled with easy to find ingredients including salmon, avocado, soft cheese, pepper, strawberries, watercress and a sprinkling of herbs all on fresh wholemeal bread. Sounds delicious, right?
Or feel free to bookmark the page and hop back in the New Year and add this to your New Year's Resolutions list!

(I know, you're thinking, we haven't even had Christmas let alone Thanksgiving yet, but well, let's just plan ahead).

Hop over to the Lunchbox World recipe section for full details...

Let me know how you get on!
Back tomorrow - you know, we're blogging every day in November - NaBloPoMo and all that jazz

The Lunchbox World Team x

So What Does Your Dishwasher Say About You?

2011-11-06T07:00:00.000Z

If you are a member of BritMums you will know that a while back they chose the theme "What Does Your Handbag say about you?" They encouraged folk to post up photos of the contents of their hand bag.

Well, as you can see, mine normally is like this, bulging at the seams, barely able to do the zip up. It normally contains:

* the blackberry keeping me connected ( although at times reception is sooo patchy, I miss a chunk of data, so am not as connected as I would like). This explains why sometimes tweets are replied to a day later ... oops!

* keys on red key fob ( I never lose them you see, I just fumble for the red leather fob and pull...),

* the sunglass case to keep my sunglasses in perfect condition, (yes, I admit it's big and bulky, but does the job of keeping them safe, scratch-free! Yes I am precious about my sunglasses, I admit it)

* Camera case ( that I just LOVE) obviously with my charged-up, ready-to-snap-away- at-any-moment camera - you just never know when that perfect shot, that perfect moment will present itself...

* Dictionary (it can come in handy, you just never know...)

* And Loads and loads of receipts... (OK I need to address this affliction...)

Anyway, I digress, the point I am trying to get to is that I don't really see my handbag as being representative of me and what I am like... My best friends might disagree with me here, and if you are reading this, please keep quiet a moment...

So, my question is, what does your dishwasher say about you?

I have friends that are really really neat and tidy when it comes to their dishwasher, rinsing every thing off first, practically washing it before loading it in the dishwasher, then they use kitchen towels and I mean paper kitchen towels to then polish everything up when it comes out, so it literally winks at you, as you put it away...

Then I have other friends that literally sling it in, where it lands, that's where it stays, slam the door shut, willy nilly, doesn't really matter, then once the cycle has finished chuck everything in the cupboard, kick the door shut with their foot, and well, job done.

So I feel my dishwasher is much more reflective of me and how I present myself to the world than my handbag...

So how do you stack your dishwasher, and what does it say about you?

This is a snapshot of mine - the cycle finished and already to be put away...

You see, everything in its place. We have rules you see, glasses, mugs, cups ONLY go top deck. They never EVER go below. Pans as a rule ONLY go below, in the bottom drawer, and everything is well, pretty neat and organised...

So what does this say about you? Are you a chuck-it-all-in-and-hope-it-comes-out-clean-kind-of-a-person or do you have all these unspoken rules like me, and prefer it all to be in its rightful place?

The Lunchbox World Team x

Has Puffle Mania Hit Your Home Yet?

2011-11-05T07:00:00.000Z

This was a familiar site on the table outside whilst the good weather held over the holidays....

The Puffles all lined up in a row!

Now they are all lined up along one edge of the bed, securely wedged against the wall.

Some were supposed to be birthday presents for other kids, but well, ahem, they never made it out the door, but were hidden in cupboards, under beds instead, so are still with us ...

So has a Puffle hit your home yet?

What is a Puffle you may ask?

Well, not only are they cute cuddly toys to snuggle up to in bed at night, but they have a token that can unlock stuff in the world of Club Penguin. Not sure why but the kids do gasp if they find the token (remember my brood are now 9, nearly 11 and 13!)

What you haven't heard of Club Penguin either? Well, it's a computer game originally from Canada but now owned by Disney. And as you know, Disney are really good at behaviour, language and all that's appropriate for kids.

Now originally I was really quite dismissive about it, I mean, who wants their kids to be on the computer all the time, and these games can be addictive...

So when I agreed to get them a membership, my heart did sink a little. Yes, I did need some time to get some work done, and thought, why not, let's give it a try. But I am all for traditional values, love of outdoors, nature, creativity, craft and so on, and hopefully you will have picked that up if you have been following this blog...

But when the kids play in harmony like this...

and then start drawing like this...

then you have to do a re-think and think maybe this is a good thing...

If they hadn't got involved with Puffles, then maybe they wouldn't have started expressing themselves like this.

And then they create a booklet like this...

For my brood it has definitely inspired them, particularly with their cartoon sketches, drawing skills, the importance of colour, of light and dark, perspective, the calming effect drawing has etc etc

It has literally helped their creativity blossom...

They are even getting asked in the playground to do a drawing for their friends... Now that would be a nice little earner...!

So you see, there are new ways all the time of doing things, and if you are open to them, you never know where they may lead.

So what were you scathing about at first, but then changed your mind?

The Lunchbox World Team x

The Gallery - T For Trees or Should it be Terracotta?

2011-11-04T08:35:00.000Z

Hi again! Day 4, another day, another post. (In case you've just stopped by, we're taking part in NaBloPoMo, so we're blogging every day this month or attempting to, at least. So far so good! Please stick with us!)

I don't know about where you are, but round our way, the colours are just amazing this Autumn... perhaps because we have had some warmer days, so the leaves have hung around longer, not too much wind to blow the leaves down, not to much rain either, or perhaps I'm just seeing things differently this year...

Every window I look out of, it's yellows, browns, rusts, reds, greens... A M A Z I N G!
So this week's theme on the Gallery over at Sticky Fingers was easy... The letter T - well it just has be be for trees...

Yellow ones, red ones, brown ones, green ones, small ones, tall ones, fat ones, skinny ones, and the different leaf shapes this year...wow is all I can say...

Or should I? (Oh dear, that moment of doubt is creeping in. Will lots of other bloggers have done this? )

Too easy I say.
I know, let's go for Terracotta.

Here are some amazing terracotta figures we spotted lurking in a really sweet French village this summer...
We nicknamed this one "Terracotta Tuna" as she reminds us of Tuna, our oldest!

To find out how other bloggers got on, hop on over to Sticky Fingers to find out...

So what would your spin on the theme be?

The Lunchbox World Teamx

So How Was October Half Term For You?

2011-11-03T08:26:00.002Z

Well, we had a bit of this...

And a bit of that...

Now before we go any further, I just have to say, it's taken weeks to achieve this jump! So this was a proud moment for Spike and I managed to capture it before he whizzed past, out of camera range!
And then we found this, absolutely great for older kids, which amused them for hours...

And of course, we couldn't have survived without a bit of R and R on Club Penguin... For those moments when I just had to get some work done!

Sounds idyllic? Well, we had our moments, doesn't everyone, but these are the highlights!
And it's best to remember the good times and cherish the good memories, the bad bits just fade in time...
Maybe I am too forgiving, but I mean, we still have to live together, until they are old enough to leave home that is. And they will leave home - won't they? At some stage?

So for now, we try and make the best of things and enjoy each day as it comes. Yes, we had a stack of homework to shoe horn into each day to get it all done, and my! do they seem to get a lot these days, when there are three of them, but it all gets done in the end... eventually...!

So what did you get up to? What were your highlights?

The Lunchbox World Team x

The Best Lunch In a Long Time...

2011-11-02T21:16:00.000Z

I've been holding this one back, but just have to share it with you. It's not strictly lunch box material but it could easily be packaged up and eaten on-the-go.
It all happened by chance. I wasn't asked to review the food, nor the restaurant, no nothing like that.
I just happened to be going to a rather nice restaurant with a couple of girlfriends the other week.

It could have gone either way, as there were just 3 of us going, and you know how that can be. But luckily no real sticky moments...
Yes, I really should get out more, but it was absolutely delicious food.

The sun was shining, so we could eat outside, some burners were going, the place was really filling up, I had (for once) a couple of hours to spare, so as with all last minute things, it ended up being the best lunch in a long time...

I decided to try something different. My friends went for quiche and salad, but I just wanted to try something that little bit risky.
I went for the set menu, which I rarely do. Sometimes set menu's can mean not fresh, they do have a bit of a stigma attached to them. What were the portion sizes? Would it be too much? All these thoughts were dashing through my mind... Should I? Shouldn't I? Decisions...

It seemed really good value, the set menu included:

chilled tomato and basil soup
bruschetta with mediterranean vegetables and parmesan shavings
green salad
selection of french cheeses
profiteroles for dessert

All polished off with a rather risque bottle of evian - Live Young, as the TV ad says. You must have seen it, it's my absolute favourite, and I really need to "Live Young"

So if that was my last lunchtime meal, that would have to be it. The best part for me was the fact it came all together on a tray, so you could just graze and natter with your friends, totally uninterrupted. The perfect lunch time treat.
Which reminds me, I really should head back there again soon and see if the set menu's changed now that winter's drawing in...

So what would your best lunch be?

The Lunchbox World Team x

ps photo to be uploaded shortly - camera playing up... sorry x will make sure I get your mouth watering shortly!

Just signed up to NaBloPoMo... let the writing commence!

2011-11-02T09:59:00.002Z

Let the NaBloPoMo Challenge begin!

Yikes what have I done? (gulps nervously)

The challenge has now been accepted. It is to write a blog post every day in the month of November...

Well, we took part in the Wordcount Blogathon back in May, and managed 29 posts that month, so the Lunchbox World team thought, yeah, why not, let's give it a whirl.... How hard can it be?

So here goes.
We've signed up to the blog roll. Now the tricky bit.
The first post.
The big question : Why blog and why write? That is the prompt for yesterday, I guess to get us started.

For me, blogging is fun, you get things off your chest, record things (events, crazy moments, anecdotes, newsy stuff) in real time (each blog post is dated, so it kind of stands still in time), it acts as a kind of book mark, blogging allows you to get creative and well, gives you a chance to just chat...

So over to you, if you blog, why do you do it? And one more thing, if you are blogging, you'd better sign up fast as the blog roll closes 5 November 2011... so hurry on over here

The Lunchbox World Team x

A Happy Halloween with no pumpkin nor tea lights...

2011-10-31T22:10:00.000Z

So how can you do a jack o'lantern without a pumpkin and the essential tea lights?

Well, we hunted high and low for a pumpkin. Of course, the kids wanted to do one each. That would mean three pumpkins then. There were no pumpkins to be seen anywhere in our area. Some wierd shaped squash which we promptly ruled out, just oranges, satsumas, the usual orange coloured fruit. A weekend of searching and we came home empty handed...

Then the light bulb moment today, and just in time, why not just use apples instead. Big ones, as red as we could find.

So with a spring in our step, the kids on their bikes, me on foot, we sauntered down the steep hill to the local corner shop to see what fruit or veg they had on offer, that could possibly double up as a mini pumpkin.

We walked around the fruit and veg section, severeal times to make sure we had not missed any potential contender. Melon, no, wrong colour. Mango, no, a stone in the middle, might be tricky to carve.
Tomatoes too soft. Oranges too tricky as they have all the fleshy segments, that might be really difficult to carve. Marrow, a bit too skinny.
Then we saw the apples, hidden down below in big wooden crates, big shiny, red, rustic coloured apples.
Not being happy to buy just one each, the kids chose two, one for each hand. Luckily they weren't that pricey, so after a quick walk and a bit of fresh air, we headed back home to start the project.
Quick cup of tea then down to work.
Spike and King Julien headed straight into the kitchen, found some not-too-sharp knives and started with their creativity, having watched some You Tube videos for inspiration earlier in the day... Tuna was a little more reluctant, pretending to read her book on the bed hidden away in her bedroom...
Very quickly the mini pumpkin look-alikes appeared.
Whilst the boys carved, I searched for tea lights. Oh dear... We had just been at the shops, and now there were no tea lights anywhere. "Well, we will just have to make do with the birthday candles!" I said. They were still lurking by the sink after King Julien's birthday cake saga. They obviously knew they would be needed again...

Once the boys moved onto their second creations, Tuna arrived to carefully sculpt her own.
Here are the results on a bed of amazing Autumn leaves we found on the way home...

So you see, even if you can't find a pumpkin, nor find any tea lights, there is always another option, another way of creating those magical moments...

Hope you're having a Happy Halloween!

We've been sent some truly lovely Halloween recipes which we still want to put on to the website, as they are such fun ideas, so do keep stopping by to look. They will be up soon!

What did you do for Halloween?

The Lunchbox World Teamx

New Competition: 5 "Handy" Prizes To Encourage Positive Play

2011-10-17T13:26:00.001+01:00

Hi there everyone! Wow this last month has just zoomed by.

Just wanted to let you all know - A brand new competition has just started over on the Lunchbox World website - 5 bundles of "handy" antibacterial wipes and gels up for grabs this month, thanks to Cuticura and Lunchbox World teaming up this month.

So when you're next out and about, there'll be no need to panic or worry if hands get grubby. These products dry in moments and are proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria and FAST!

Our most "handy" tips this month when enjoying those walks this Autumn:

Take a clean tea towel, (preferably gingham if you have one, for that vintage picnic touch), and place it on that log or picnic table to create a barrier between the germs and beasties on the table and the delicious food and snacks you'll be eating.

Fill one flask of hot water and another of hot chocolate, take extra mugs, some sliced up malt loaf, cake and biscuits and head off out into the woods...

If you're in need of a new flask, have you checked out our latest arrivals over on the online shop?

To enter the competition, simply agree to sign up to the newsletter, and answer the question, it's that simple.
Feel free to tweet us @lunchboxworld on twitter and like our Lunchbox World facebook page too, every little helps!

Thanks and if you've "handy" tips to share, we'd love to hear them!

The Lunchbox World Teamx

National Cupcake Week : A birthday cake, candles but no matches...

2011-09-14T12:33:00.000+01:00

This week it's National Cupcake Week so we thought, let's bake a cake. A big cupcake! A big cake for a birthday..
But have you ever tried to light candles on a birthday cake with no matches? Want to hear our summer tale...?

We were staying in an appartment over the summer holidays and thought we'd bought in all the ingredients - the flour, eggs, baking powder, cocoa powder, and so on. Ooops forgot the icing sugar, that's ok, quick rush to the shops before they shut, yep, got the icing sugar.
Now it's a microwave cake, so it can be whipped up in 10 minutes. Please don't gasp, I know, not baked, but sometimes convenience must over-rule!
So cake made, tick, now the icing... no scales. OK let's just sprinkle the icing sugar then. It's getting late, but we must sing Happy Birthday.
Candles, yep, let's put those on, candle holders, yep. So on they all went. Now it's 9pm Sunday night. Shops are shut.
No-one is about.
Matches.... Where are the matches...?
Who's got the matches?
We turned the appartment upside down. There are candles in the lounge, dining room, dotted all over the appartment, but no matches anywhere.
We looked in all the logical places: kitchen, dining room, sideboard, on the shelves, inside pots. Nothing. Not a match anywhere.

Lightbulb Moment No 1:

"I know", I suggested, "let's use the hob, and light one of those wooden skewers you use for the BBQ."

Hubbie muttered something under his breath, far from convinced... So into the kitchen we went, wooden skewer in one hand. Turned the hob on full, you know those induction ones, that immediately heat up. Nothing. Tried again. No heat, nothing. Some safety aspect or something.
The ring only heats up if a pan is on it, so we placed the pan on the ring, and waited. Nothing. Hubbie is too impatient.
We quickly abandoned that idea.

Lightbulb Moment No 2:

I had already another suggestion waiting in the wings - what about the cigarette lighter in the hire car, let's try that.
So this time, we all went down to the car, King Julien with the cake in one hand, me with the wooden skewer in the other, Tuna, Spike and hubbie too. By this time, all in jarmies and it was pitch black too.
So you can imagine, the photos are just total darkness...
The cigarette lighter pinged out, ready to light...
Hubbie impatiently tried to get any kind of paper to light... Nothing...
OK bigger piece of paper... Ping, the cigarette lighter pinged out.
Seconds past, we waited holding our breath, will it light?
No-one said a word, just hubbie broke the silence... "It's not hot enough..." he growled.

Another stupid idea...
So I am afraid it is not possible to light a birthday cake without matches... We couldnot find flint either, otherwise we would have tried that...

Lightbulb Moment No 3:

Ask the neighbour in your best french...

So what cupcake disaster have you had?

Can't wait to hear your tales...
The Lunchbox World Team x

Totally Versatile Lunch Box - Back To School Competition!

2011-09-14T12:07:00.000+01:00

MyDaddyCooks Recipe book full of inspiration

Back To School is upon us, and we know it's hard to constantly come up with fresh lunch box ideas for those daily packed lunches.

So to help you all out, we've teamed up with Total Yoghurt and MyDaddyCooks and have come up with some brilliant competition prizes!
So who wants to win a month's supply of Total Yoghurt and their own copy of MyDaddyCooks Recipe book?
Go on I know you want to! Hop on over to the competition page and enter. Full details are on the Lunchbox World website.

Good luck!

The Lunchbox World Team x

ps you can find all our competitions on prizefinder

New Chedds Launched in Time For Back To School - Perfect for Lunch Boxes...

2011-08-13T17:56:00.001+01:00

If you're looking for some new healthy snacks that are perfect in your lunch box, try Chedds, made by Cathedral City, just launched in the supermarkets.

There are 3 to choose from in this range, all 100% cheddar cheese, just cut in different ways:

Nibbles - 6 mini bags in a pack

Cheese & Toasties = 3 packs, ready for grazing

Bricks - 8 bricks in a pack, each individually wrapped

We've been lucky enough to try some and the kids wolfed them down, not really aware they were eating protein!

They just saw them as a tasty snack, that's bite-sized, comes in its own pack and just easy to graze on...

For more information, and latest stockists, nutritional information, and more, visit their website - click here

Chedds, designed for kids but don't be surprised that adults'll love them too, particularly the Cheese & Toasties, slabs of cheese, perfectly cut to top mini melba toasts...

Perfect for picnics, lunch boxes and just a quick satisfying, yet nutritional snack!

Back soon!

The Lunchbox World Team x

New Valira Lunch Bag Range Arrives at Lunchbox World Shop

2011-08-13T17:47:00.000+01:00

Just ready for Back To School, the Valira range of zany lunch bags, full of latin style and chic arrives exclusively at the Lunchbox World Shop.

They come in an array of cool colours and designs so are refreshingly different, helping you break away from the norm. We've plain colours including black, copper and bronze, if you're wanting the latest metallic colours this season in the hard case lunch bags, plus we've a range of bright, vibrant colours for the girls whatever their age!

Each lunch bag comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, so it's easy to carry when your hands are full!

What's more, each lunch bag comes with at least one lunch box, that's dishwasher proof, freezer safe, microwave safe, leak proof and can go in the oven up to 200C. (Check the small print for full details).

So, don't look like everyone else this September, get yourself some Valira chic from Lunchbox World!

Click here to find out more about the Valira Lunch Bag range on the Lunchbox World Shop...

Coming soon, more tips and hints to help you prepare for Back To School

So we'll see you back here soon!

The Lunchbox World Team x