Bento Junkie

Homesick??

2011-04-15T13:33:00.007+01:00

I was looking at the cast iron skillet my Daddy gave me and was missing home badly. I remember the shock when I was home visiting and my Daddy said I could have it. :) So I decided to make an upside down peach cake. It sure does an awesome job. I went to cut me a piece and my thoughts completely changed.

The kids and I made 'gourmet' pizzas last night. (Everything is gourmet when they get their aprons on ha ha) This is a refrigerator dump pizza. I'm trying to clear out the fridge for our trip to Ireland. Garlic stuffed olives, artichokes, asparagus from the garden, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella. It was mega tasty too and super fun to make!

When I first moved here I saw a woman covered in mehndi. It was one of the most beautiful things I ever saw. Through the powers of ebay I've finally bought some henna and decided to have a play myself. I'm going to have a lot of fun decorating my skin .

What it all boils down to is, I guess, I'm not as homesick as I always think I am. Yes, I miss my Daddy something terrible and Hobby Lobby :) There is no way I could grow asparagus for a session of pizza making. Let alone the thought of clearing out the fridge to go to another country. I don't believe I would have ever saw the beauty of that woman. I have had so many experiences and adventures that home could never give me. An extra bonus is that lovely frying pan.

I just love when something kind of sad or negative turns into a happy moment with just a little look around yourself. I hope ya'll have a spectacular Spring break and I'll see ya'll when I get back from Leprechaun hunting!!!

Orzo Salad

2011-04-12T18:38:00.002+01:00

I've been in a super bummed mood lately. I've left my roller derby team and took it worse then I thought I would. I'll spare ya'll the drama of it all but I really look forward to whatever happens next in that department.

Does anyone Bhangra dance? I find it absolutely fascinating and amazing but can't find any sort of class or video how to anywhere. It's definitely on my 'to do' list. Looks like I'll have to learn by way of You Tube!!

Hope everyone has had a lovely day :D

Orzo salad, pickled egg, chorizo, ruby red orange slices, and melba toast

Eggs in Purgatory

2011-04-07T09:10:00.004+01:00

I had to make this not only because it sounded tasty but because the name cracks me up! I did start to cut into the Eggs in Purgatory *snicker* to serve before I remembered to take a picture. It was interesting and tasty.

This is the start of my new project. I have a serious glutton of yarn and no real plans for it. I see it on sale or a color will take me so I get it with no idea of what to use it for. So, I'm starting to make lots of grannie squares to construct a blanket. I've managed to use up quite a bit of scraps so far too so that's a bonus. Can't wait to snuggle up even though it is coming to summer.

On an awesome note my boy asked me the other day to start using bento boxes for his lunch again. As long as I don't use the smiley frog box. That makes me happy!

I'm quite interested in funtainers. Does anyone have one? Do they work well? Do they keep the contents cold/warm?

Here's hoping ya'll have a fantastic weekend

Treasure Hunt!

2011-04-04T20:10:00.002+01:00

We did the funnest thing ever tonight! We went geocaching !!!!!!!!!!! It's like a treasure hunt!! I'm sure I'm behind the times and everyone knows about this already.

Basic idea is to log on to the page and pick a box. Get the clues and follow them using gps. Man Wonder used some application on his phone. Don't let anyone see you find the box or see you put it back in it's hiding place. If you take anything then make sure you leave something of equal or greater value and sign the log book.

My kiddos are 11 and 3 and they loved loved loved it. It was really good family fun. I did find it amusing that I had walked by this location a dozen times over and had no clue.

All I can say is check it out. There are tons all over the world. Maybe I'll have to start and hide a bento cache box :D

Some new things :)

2011-03-30T15:29:00.005+01:00

**************There is a picture at the bottom that is a bit provocative (I don't think so)
but fair warning it could possibly offend someone.**************

I've been thinking about going back vegetarian for awhile now. I don't eat much meat anyways so it wouldn't be a hard thing. I made this recipe the other day and my word was it some kind of tasty!! I served it with brown lentils and chunked up, baked, sweet potatos... nom nom nom
Must remember to start taking food pictures again!

If ya'll remember Hattie our newest chicken to the clan..well she finally laid her pretty blue/green egg in December! We are getting one almost every day now. So that's pretty exciting. On a sad note, the brown chicken with no name has passed but on a positive... hopefully this Spring we'll be looking at getting a white egg layer add to our gang.

I finally found the problem with my Vandals. I had the wrong size!

These beauties are my new love! Oh these Vanilla's are super comfy and just lovely all around. Not to mention they skate as amazing as they look!

FABULOUS!!!!
I love Miss Piggy! She is my absolute favorite. I had been looking for a long time to get a new piece of work and although she's not finished I'm so in love with her.

Just plain SLACK!!

2011-03-29T10:42:00.002+01:00

Hello Lovlies!!!

The title says it all! I've been wrapped up in Roller Derby, have refound my love for crafty stuff, burlesque, and belly dancing. While I'm jigglin' my bootie and trying to race around the track I keep longingly looking at my bento gear.

It's been mad crazy with the youngins in school this year. I'm really looking forward to next September when Girl Wonder starts full time school. I have all this super cute girlie stuff and now finally someone who will use it!

Since I miss my bento and blogging. I wonder if somehow I could incorporate all my other interests along with bento into this blog or if I should just scratch this and start again. What do ya'll think?

Much love and have missed ya'll!!!!!

Cheese and crackers

2010-09-21T16:23:00.002+01:00

My boy asked for a picnicy cheese and cracker type lunch. My girl isn't feeling too well the last few days. She started school on Monday and came home Friday with a fever and a cough so it's been a bit hectic. Here's to the rest of the week looking brighter :)

Cheddar, gouda, cranberry wensleydale, crackers, pastrami, salami, skillet corn, cucumber, plum and green olive tapenade.

stuff

2010-09-20T11:44:00.001+01:00

Mini Cheeseburgers

2010-09-14T19:49:00.003+01:00

Mini cheeseburgers, ketchup *in the carrot*, cake, tomatos, cucumber, melon

HA HA!!! No bread!

2010-09-13T17:52:00.002+01:00

I'm so pleased there is no bread so no stinkin sandwiches :)

Little Girl Wonder has made and packed lunches today. She started nursery today but doesn't have lunch at school. She wanted to make herself a bento and told me she 'needs loads' in her box. I know she won't eat half of it but she was loving picking out all the stuff and what to put in.

Tuna pasta salad, olives, jello, trail mix, satsuma

Just another sandwich

2010-09-13T11:06:00.005+01:00

One of Boy Wonder's friends was over this summer and saw all my bento gear. He starting talking about the boy's lunch and how he would love for his mom just to even make him a pasta dish for lunch. Now ain't it funny, my boy wants nothing but a sandwich.

Didn't notice the bracelet in the picture until just now. It was an art project for Girl Wonder. You take a bunch of safety pins and put different beads on them and close them up. Then you take two little bits of elastic and string one through one side and the other string through the other end of the pin. Tie it off and you got a nifty little bracelet.

Egg mayo sandwich, grapes, cheese, chips

Check this baby out!

2010-09-08T19:30:00.002+01:00

Oh yeah! Ya like that don't ya! HAHAHHAHA

It's our biggest cauli yet!

Chicken lettuce and chive cream cheese sandwich, potato salad, cheese stick, half a cucumber, satsuma, and a slice of cake

First day of 6th grade!!!

2010-09-08T10:20:00.002+01:00

Goodbye sleeping in. Farewell lazy days. We meet again school uniform ironing . Hello early morning rush. It's been a few weeks since I've seen you.

Over all, it was quite a chilled, relaxed morning. Everything just fell back in to place of our normal routine. I was quite pleased!

Egg salad sandwiches, cheese stick, grapes, satsuma, chips

Girl Geek Dinner

2010-09-06T11:01:00.004+01:00

I know this isn't exactly bento related but it's still pretty dang cool and wanted to share with

ya'll. If anyone is in Nottingham or traveling to the area on September 20th the

Nottingham Girl Geeks

are having a dinner and a couple of speakers.

Tickets are still on sale! Guys are invited but must have a lady with them. Here is another page of info to read. Check it out. I'm positive it'll be a great evening!

Feel free to repost and share the info or spread the word if you know someone that might be interested in attending.

Slack!!!

2010-09-05T15:41:00.002+01:00

Just a little quickie and an apology for being so slack. School starts back next week so I'll be back full time! Can't wait!

Roasted red peper and chiver cream cheese sandwiches, oatmeal chocolate cupcake with whipped chocolate ganache,

My garden and a new toy

2010-08-14T16:37:00.011+01:00

Thought I'd share a few pictures of some of my garden. People look at me and never expect that I get in to gardening. Some of my friends even think it's funny but it's all good :) I grow quite a variety of things from figs, olives, grapes, goji berries, all sorts of fruit and veg really. I've even got seed for purple cauliflower although we didn't get it in the ground in time :( Maybe next year.

There are 13 raised beds and we grow in some of the extra ground around the greenhouse and in the front of the first two beds. All sorts of stuff in this year.... asparagus peas, fire tongue beans, two types of green beans, peas, three types of carrots, two types of beets, three types of potatos, cauli, broccoli, brussels, onions, squash, pumpkin, and can't remember what else. There are also a few permanent beds for strawberries, rhubarb, and asparagus. A lot is in pots too because we just don't have the room or it has to be moved in the greenhouse for winter.

Grapes. I love my grapes. It's so awesome to go outside, pick and eat your own grapes!

Three types of tomatos in this picture. I love growing tomatos the most and we end up growing usually 6 different kinds. If there are too many then they get planted in my flower beds :D

CRANBERRIES!!!

This is the Hattie. The baby chicken we hatched from ebay. She's 10 weeks old now :)

One of my flower beds. Ignore the weeds LOL

My new toy!!!! Ain't it awesome!!!

It keeps your fruit from getting bruised!!!

Diggin in my garden

2010-08-12T11:17:00.002+01:00

I was outside this morning picking stuff out of my garden and got to thinking about bentos. I've grown the purple carrots that Sheri uses. Let me tell you ... they are awesome! And yes Bento Bird, there is my beloved squash!!!!!!! I've been picking and eating them suckers as fast as they can grow. I hope everyone is well and enjoying their summer holidays!

More decorating

2010-07-19T07:42:00.003+01:00

I've finished the bathroom as ya'll have seen and have decided it's time to start the rest of the upstairs. Every single inch of this house is covered in wallpaper from the previous owners. So I've been busy scraping. The worst bit is the ceilings!!! It felt sooo good to completely strip one room and rip out the carpet..... two more to go!

This is also the last week of school :) Yippee!!!!

Hattie

2010-07-11T21:23:00.002+01:00

Awhile back I posted a picture of a chick that we hatched. Well this is her 6 weeks later :) Her name is Hattie and she's such a cutie. I love her little cheeps.

One is gone and the other leaves tomorrow on their trips. If I don't see ya'll none this week I hope it's lovely for all ya'll!

Egg mayo sandwich, strawberries, string cheese, pretzels, and chocolate filled marshmallows

Boring lunch

2010-07-08T12:10:00.002+01:00

It's crazy busy still but the boys are almost ready to go on their trips. It'll be awesome for them and I'm sure they'll have a good time although I'll miss them like crazy. Little Girl Wonder and I might just have to have a few of our own adventures :)

Peanutbutter sandwich, chips, cherries, and cheese stuck up underneath

GGGRRRRRRR

2010-07-06T19:42:00.002+01:00

I thought I missed out on the 4th of July being in August. Who needs fireworks when you have a @!$*~# Mother in Law..... they been flying here!!!!

Missing all ya'll

2010-07-05T21:32:00.004+01:00

The boy isn't even on summer vacation yet and it's almost come to a halt with bento around here. I hate to see what it is like when he does go on summer vacation. There will be no bentos next week as Man Wonder is going on a 'mancation' and the boy is going on a school residential trip for the week. It'll be only me and Girl Wonder. We'll be having a nice girlie week and hopefully do some neat stuff.

I had so much to tell ya'll and done forgot. I'm going to start writing a list so I don't blank!

It's 12:30 a.m.

2010-06-28T00:28:00.003+01:00

It's 12:30 a.m. and I can't sleep. There has been so much going on and I've gotten quite caught up in the world of roller derby. I'm loving every second of it too. Although, I am missing all ya'll and blogging!

Hope everyone is happy and enjoying all this sunshine :)

Lettuce, tuna, crackers, carrots, cucumber, cherries, and chocolate

One point for me!

2010-06-15T19:14:00.003+01:00

I just don't have it in me to take a picture of the boy's 'normal' lunch. On a plus note he told me tonight he is ready for my kind of lunch cause he misses it!!! SCORE!!!!!!!!

I'm off to the grocery store to get fruit and veg. I've made non stop threats till I get some strawberries LOL!!!!

Rice, Chicken, pepper with cottage cheese, carrots, and beets

Grocery store

2010-06-14T19:26:00.003+01:00

Dude, never ever send your husband to the grocery store with a list and expect him to come back with the right stuff. For as long as we have been together we always stop at the fresh fruit and veg first. Since I didn't write specific fruit and veg on the list he didn't get any. I have used up that last few stragglers from last week. I think I'll ask him to pack their lunch tomorrow just to see what he can come up with LOL!!!

Didn't even bother with the boy's 'normal' lunch. It's just a sandwich, bag of chips, and some fruit.

The other is some weird crustless quiche thing I made, tomatos, chicken, half an orange, and pickled onions.

Busy Busy

2010-06-14T09:12:00.003+01:00

I feel like I haven't been blogging at all lately. Man Wonder has been having a lot of business lunches and Boy Wonder keeps asking for 'normal' lunches. Hopefully things will calm down with summer coming.

Sliced pears, carrots, red pepper, pickle, tuna, boiled egg, and corn

I sure have missed my egg moulds but it is really hard to get fresh eggs to hard boil nicely!

This is Girl Wonder's birthday cake :) There shouldn't be any gaps in the kitkats but there was a little girl that pinched a few...lol

Monday Monday

2010-06-07T18:02:00.003+01:00

Funny, I looked to see the day and now the song is stuck in my head :)

I got to get some chores done so I'm outta here!!!

Wishing all ya'll a lovely evening!

Ham and spinach on oatmeal bread, strawberries, grapes, kiwi, green beans, and a yogurt

Where to begin?

2010-06-06T18:11:00.004+01:00

There is so much been going on I don't know where to start! First of all, many thanks for all the birthday wishes. That was really cool. Man Wonder and I had a couple of days in The Cotswolds and it was amazing! It is a beautiful part of the country and we saw so much. One of my favourites was riding around trying to find these chalk white horses that are engraved into hillsides. I don't quite understand why they are they but they are still awesome.

I've finally got to go to roller derby and I loved loved loved it! I'm going to fill in the membership and pay the dues this week. Now all I need is a cool derby name!

I'm starting to feel like a tater hog lately so I'm going to try eat more veg and fruit and lay off my beloved cake. Here's hoping to feel better for it!

I've also got a perforated ear drum. That ain't no joke! Feels like some one is drilling in the side of my head. OUCH!

As you can see below, this is the other thing we've been up to. We bought some fertilized eggs off of ebay for our broody hen. The babe is a cream crested legbar and they lay blue to green eggs. If you look right beside her head you can see one of the eggs. There have been two born so far but one has died :( and we aren't seeing any results from the other eggs yet.

Isn't she just darling :)

Chicken leg on top of 'rainbow salad', Italian dressing in the kinder egg, cottage cheese, kiwi and blueberries

CAKE!!!!

2010-05-25T15:51:00.003+01:00

I've not had a birthday cake in years ..... well, a home-made not store bought cake. I knew no one else was going to do it so I set out to make one. I picked all the things I really like... flowers, butterflies, hearts, stars, and Hello Kitty. If only I could have found a way to put a Miss Piggy on too! I tried lots of new things with this cake. I even made the roses! I like to decorate with fondant but don't care for the taste of it. I used butter cream and tried to smooth it out using paper and a visa card. LOL! It worked really well but with all butter butter cream I found it doesn't get really stiff and if you barely touch it you get marks all over. Not to mention.. little Girl Wonder was crazy about the Hello Kitties and got a hold of them a few times while they were wet so they got smudges and cracks. Other then that man I'm pretty pleased with myself!

It's not my birthday until tomorrow but I get so excited I had to make it today.

*HEHEHEHE* I'll probably have a piece tonight too!!

Hardwick Hall

2010-05-23T18:56:00.004+01:00

We had a pretty good weekend. We visited Hardwick Hall. I've never seen so many tapestries in one place! The gardens weren't all that but the rest of it was pretty cool.

It's actually 27c in England today! I had a nice snooze on the lawn... trying to get some warmth in these Southern bones!

Boy Wonder came home from music school and was able to play the first half of 'Smoke on the water' by Deep Purple. I was impressed with him!!!

Hardwick Hall

Salad stuff, with sliced beef, and pork pie

Field trip

2010-05-20T19:45:00.002+01:00

Man Wonder has a business lunch tomorrow so he's out the picture. The boy has a field trip! I use to love field trips!!! He is quite freaking out about a meatloaf sandwich. I've reassured him he's gonna love it. I don't eat much meat but even I'll have a meatloaf sandwich.

Here's hoping for another warm sunny day tomorrow. C'mon summer!! I know you can do it!

Meatloaf sandwich, mini cupcake, watermelon in the foil, chips

Another sandwich

2010-05-19T22:21:00.002+01:00

Both guys were so pleased with sandwiches yesterday that they asked for it again today.

By the way, they said the wrapping the pickle in foil worked great!

Tuna sandwiches, marble cake, carrot, cucumber, tomatos, grapes, half an orange each

Tree peony

2010-05-18T21:20:00.005+01:00

I've tried for three years now to nurture this tree peony and it has given me nothing. I first planted it in the ground and found it near death. I dug it up, stuck it in a pot, and found it a lovely place on the patio. No luck. It spent a long time in the green house. No joy. I got ill with it and left it outside all winter and cussed it for all it's worth. I've been rewarded with my first flower! Well worth the wait too I might add.

I was bored today and made some rolls. I forgot how much fun it is to make bread. I need to put that on the must do again soon list! I've also just got back from skating and got some good tips on sticky skating. It's been such an awesome day. I just love days like these!!

Chicken and cheese on sunflower roll, grapes, cherries, carrots, chips, yogurt, and a bunch of stuff I threw in a cup :)

Noodles

2010-05-17T17:45:00.001+01:00

Sesame noodles, pork steak, carrot kinpira

More tuna

2010-05-16T16:46:00.003+01:00

This is one of the guys favourite lunches. They always moan that the pickle makes everything else taste like pickles or that is makes their crackers soggy. I'm hoping that by wrapping it in foil that will solve any issues.

I'm gonna go tear up the sidewalks now and try not to bust my tail ;) It's a lot harder to skate out side then I remember and well I'm not 7 anymore either!

Hope all ya'll had a lovely weekend!

Tuna, crackers, pickle, carrots, cheese, pickled egg, apple, and tomatos

Cooler bag winner

2010-05-15T07:52:00.003+01:00

My handsome assistant drew the name.....

TOKEN!!!

Congratulations on winning and I hope you enjoy.

I've left a message on your blog.

Thank you to the everyone for taking part :)

Grass

2010-05-13T18:08:00.002+01:00

I don't know what it is about cutting grass but I really enjoy it.

I even cut my elderly neighbors grass.

I don't like the smell of it though!

Remember the giveaway ends Friday so get in while ya'll can.

We will be drawing a winner Saturday morning.

Good luck ya'll :)

Chicken meatballs, mash taters with a hole of gravy, and mix veggies

New pretties for me

2010-05-11T16:35:00.003+01:00

I must be cold or something because I've noticed a trend the last few days. Everything I've made for bento reminds me of somewhere warm or at least warm when I was there!

These are another must share. I can't wait to give em a good lap at the skating rink tonight!!

Remember there is a giveaway going on if ya'll are interested :)

Falafels, pita bread, carrots, plain yogurt, feta, cucumber,tomato, olives

Easy lunch

2010-05-10T18:37:00.002+01:00

Still don't take pictures very well..that egg is almost blinding LOL

Oranges, strawberry, half a boiled egg, pickle, sausage and cheese, and french fries

Give away

2010-05-09T18:50:00.003+01:00

Picnic cooler bag, three plastic boxes, a stripey mat thing to sit on, and I have no idea what the other green thing is ?

Alright ya'll the truth of it.. I got one of these with a mail order and since I have two bags already I'd like to give this to one of ya'll. Take your bentos on a picnic!!

The rules:

I'll let ya'll make them up. Just stop by and say hello, post about it, tell me a joke or useless information...

you decide I'm not fussed.

Open until Friday, May 14, 2010

***** We are going to rock it old school and draw a name manually*****

Disclaimer:

Everyone else usually has one so I want one too! I'm happy to pay for postage to wherever but in the unfortunate event please don't get all crazy on me if it gets caught up in customs or damaged en route.

A good weekend

2010-05-09T18:38:00.003+01:00

It's been an awesome weekend. I made my rounds at the Asian, Indian, and Polish shops. Got all kinds of yummies. Then off to the country show and picked up some new plants.

WOW, I had all kinds of stuff to chatter about but my mind has suddenly drawn blank.

LOL must have been thinking too hard ;)

Cous cous, feta, olives, egg, cucumber, carrots, strawberry, pickled cauliflower & onion

Bummed

2010-05-07T08:05:00.002+01:00

!!Roller Derby!!

I was all set. I bought some really crap roller skates from ebay. The lady described them as 'perfect'. They arrived and I could see right away they were far from it. I hate when pictures and people are deceiving!

To begin with they were filthy! The boot was coming away from the sole and you can see where someone had tried to glue it together. When you stand up in them the plates are so wank that you can bend your foot/ankle completely to one side or the other. I know some people like their trucks loose but these were ridiculous. Don't get me started on the state of the bearings!

So I took all the wheels off and gave them a good scrub. Got the bearings out and cleaned them up with some wd40 and new grease. Tightened up everything I could.

I was hopeful that they would work and I wanted it so badly that I went to fresh meat. As soon as I put them on and stepped on the floor I knew I was going to eat concrete. I left pouting cause I didn't get to join and I have to wait another month before I can try again.

The only positive is I will now have a few weeks to get decent skates!

Deer burger, pease pudding, crackers, grapes, tomatos, jello

Dug myself a hole

2010-05-05T19:40:00.003+01:00

I had stuffed a lot of boxes into the dining room hutch and Man Wonder caught me HAHAHAHAHA!

He started laughing and said he had no idea there were so many and I stuck my foot in it by showing him the picture I had taken.

Yep, you guessed it! I'm not to be looking for any goodies now for awhile :(

Little does he know I just found this cutie!

Quite fond of the corn on the cob box too :D

Leftover chicken calzone, cottage cheese, strawberry, and grapes

Bento Junkie

2010-05-05T10:01:00.004+01:00

The name says it all. This stuff is like crack to me.

I keep it stored in large containers in my dining room and anywhere else it'll fit. This isn't even all of it. I dare not bring down all the bags, drink bottles, and other various pieces that I have stowed elsewhere. I even keep things inside the boxes like picks, dividers, chopsticks, and other boxes.

Looking at the picture I feel a bit of guilt because I have all this stuff and don't use it. But it was a matter of strop or death if I didn't have it. Also, a good chunk of it is for when Girl Wonder starts school. There are quite a few pieces for me too whenever I get the chance to use them. I had no idea that I had that many silicon cups!

Now that I have confessed... I'm off to go look on ebay and other various online shops to see what other goodies I can find ;)

Soup and a side

2010-05-04T15:43:00.002+01:00

Sorry I can't stay and chat... Man Wonder's parents have just rolled up!

Boy Wonder has an egg mayo sandwich and grapes

Many Wonder has steak and tomatos with some vinegar in the fish

They both will be having a thermos of chicpea and pasta soup as well.

Lambs

2010-05-03T17:43:00.004+01:00

Had problems uploading so it's all wonky on here tonight!

Feta, tomatos, cucmber, onion, olives, artichokes, egg, strawberry, carrot raisin salad

Anyways, saw these cute little guys frolicking in a field this weekend. I love Spring with all the baby lambs running around playing. Man Wonder sees them running around with mint sauce and new potatos chasing after them.

Pure junk lunch

2010-04-30T08:17:00.003+01:00

You know it's junk when the entire box is variants of the same color. BEIGE!

I just tell myself, it's Friday and the boy loves this stuff. So it's not so bad all the time except the fact that I gave him something similar just the other day.

Shame on me but it tastes pretty darn good.

Peanut butter & cranberry banana jam sandwich, hula hoops, cheese stick, and one of Grannie's cookies.

Corned beef

2010-04-27T17:18:00.003+01:00

Again, I couldn't do it to the Boy Wonder so I packed him a chicken sandwich, chips, grapes, and a yogurt... the other is boiled potatos, corned beef, and cabbage *YUM*

Flowers

2010-04-26T18:38:00.009+01:00

I do love my flowers! I have such a bad memory that I can't remember what I've planted. It's always a nice surprise to see what springs up! Before you say, yes I have tagged them all but I have this lovely 2 year old that has single handed removed every single tag. She thought they'd be of better use in her kitchen ouside in the playhouse. Oh well... I like surprises :)

Pasta, chicken, broccoli, carrots, jello, tomatos, blueberries

My fav primrose 'Francesca'

100 Posts

2010-04-25T21:29:00.003+01:00

If I had realized that this was my 100th post I think I would have tried to be more creative then a tuna sandwich.

Tuna sandwich, strawberries, carrots, hula hoops

Girl Wonder

2010-04-23T10:14:00.002+01:00

I have a secret stash of bento boxes in preparation for when Girl Wonder gets to start school. Well guess who went snooping today and found them?

She was so impressed with this box that she begged and pleaded for one to made for her. Of course I'll make you one, I told her but it'd have to be tomorrow. First thing this morning she's hounding me for it. She cracks me up.

Cottage cheese, apple, grape, orange, peanut butter and cranberry banana jam sandwich

cucumber

Random thoughts

2010-04-22T18:31:00.003+01:00

My brain is whirling with thoughts at the moment and I can't focus on any one thing.

I want a cookie!

I'm very disappointed with my tulips/daffs this year.

Can't understand why bad things happen to good people.

Crook neck squash has germinated!!!!!!!

Need to paint Girl Wonder's play house.

Wish summer was here or at least it was warmer.

hhmmmm I still want that cookie!!!!

Sauerkraut, sausages, potato & zucchini gratin, beets, veggie pancakes

beans, grapes, jello

*had to make subs for Boy Wonder as he freaked at the thought of kraut in his lunch*

Dirty Rice

2010-04-21T19:43:00.002+01:00

Leftover dirty rice from dinner.... I did chuck some pinto beans in it afterwards. Cottage cheese, salad, and pineapple

No time to chat ;)

2010-04-20T18:21:00.001+01:00

Orzo, salad leaves, cheese, chicken, pineapple, boiled egg, olives, carrots, pepper, hummus

and a little tiny white chocolate mouse in the lid

Garden Show

2010-04-18T19:27:00.004+01:00

Today was a marvelous, spectacular day! We got the rare opportunity to go to the county garden show by ourselves! No children screaming, touching the most expensive breakable items, no hearing 'I'm bored' ten quadrillion times. It was bliss! Grandparents ROCK!

Then we went to a haberdashery and I loaded up with all kinds of goodies! I'm so excited to have so many projects I can work on now.

Now I've ended my evening with some gardening and bento making. I'm so ecstatic you'd thing I have rainbows and butterflies shooting out my butt!

Hey, check out the WHITE hosta!

Lamb with mint sauce, broccoli, potato, peas and carrots, pickled onions, tomatos, jello

Potato, peas and carrots, chicken, bakewell tart, grapes

SCORE!!!

silicon cups

2010-04-16T08:18:00.002+01:00

Have ya'll seen these silicon inserts? They look really good and I have quite a few boxes that shape. I never manage to find the boxes with the built in compartments so this might be a neat alternative. Have any of ya'll tried them?

Raviolis in the thermos, raisin bread and cheese

Inner-Redneck

2010-04-12T20:13:00.002+01:00

Yes, yes, it's true.... Deep down I have an inner-redneck. My son got WWE Smackdown tickets for his birthday and I'm am engulfed in jealousy that I didn't get to go. One thing that makes sitting at home easier to swallow is that Hulk Hogan is with TNA. If he was there I wouldn't be able to resist because not only do I harbor the redneck gene... I'm a pure blooded HULKAMANIAC!!!

You can guess why there are no pictures of lunch because hopefully they are snapping away at the arena. To ease the pain, I ordered pizza and threw that in a box with some greek salad, olives, and a few little pieces of white chocolate. Hopefully they are taking lots and lots of pictures!

Stubborn carrot!

2010-04-11T17:58:00.003+01:00

I got these plastic carrots at the Dollar Tree. They were full of like pixie stick sugar. I thought they would be pretty cool for a little sauce container.

Man, I was fighting to get some salad dressing in to that carrot! The hole looked to be a pretty good size until I went to fill it that's when I was ready to cuss it for all it's worth! I tried to just pour it in. Then I went and got my little flower sucker thing that fills my pigs with soy sauce and that didn't work. Then I had a brain wave! I know now don't laugh it's not often ;)

Ya'll know those little syringes you get with the baby cough syrup? It worked a dream! Take the plunger bit out, fill it, and then shoot the carrot *container* full!

I'm probably the last on the band wagon to know this but I was pretty impressed with myself and how well it worked. The carrots might not be worth the effort of trying to wash them out again but they were 8 for a buck.....possibly a better use for furikake.

Steak pie, spinach, cheese, tomatos, cucumbers, plastic carrot with salad dressing

Cottage cheese, grapes, and pineapple

Back across the pond

2010-04-10T19:23:00.008+01:00

Can ya'll say jet lag? Man I'm whooped! 23 hours of traveling from door to door. At least it was better then last time it was 26 hours!

Pops is doing great. He is showing people his wound and telling them it's a bear attack LOL!

I've also made it home in time for the tulips! I was scared I would miss them but my daffs have only just opened nicely so they'll be next.

I won't bore ya'll with too much tonight but here are my finds. It wasn't much but I was happy I got something! I bet the airport screening people thought I was a whacko bringing home all this stuff :)

Target

Dollar General

Hobby Lobby

Walmart

* You can't see but it's an awesome Wonder Bread box*

Dollar Tree

Ace Hardware

Sweet Tea

2010-03-28T11:28:00.002+01:00

Ain't it so good to be home! I've drank my weight in ice tea while sitting on the porch. Man how I miss a porch! Bojangles biscuits, Taco Bell, BBQ buffet, Claussen pickles, and SQUASH.... tore it up!!!!

One sad thing I found was they shut down the local Wednesday night drag racing. There use to be a copper 70' Chevelle that would make me drool when she hit the strip. Anyhow, these new cop cars roaming around look pretty sweet though!

Update on my Daddy: He is rocking his new cow valve! I saw him in the morning with tubes galore.... came back after lunch and there was only a few left. He was up, talking smack, and cracking jokes. If all is well he should be home next week. Thanks for sending all that healing energy his way!

Bento stuff???? I've been to the Dollar Tree, Walmart, Kmart, and Target. The best I got was the little Hello Kitty eggs. I would have thought to have found some picks or something! Where do ya'll shop for stuff?

Bathroom

2010-03-17T15:29:00.003Z

Meet the other half of my stress! It's still not finished but I'll post some pictures now and take a video later so ya'll can get all the ''ooooooohhhhhhhhs and aaaaaaahhhhhhs' with all the really neat features.

My Daddy has come through his tests with one dysfunctional valve but all the rest is clear and running smoothly. They will be preforming open heart surgery within the next week to replace the valve. I thank ya'll so much for keeping him in ya'lls thoughts.

My house is almost void of food so I've been sending them to work/school with pocket money for lunch. I don't reckon I'll be making anything more this week so on an absolutely fantastic note... I'll be seeing ya'll on the other side of the pond!

We've already established that I'm not a camera whiz. This picture does it no justice and it's no where near that dark in there.

Daddy

2010-03-14T17:46:00.002Z

I don't have any pictures today because they are just gonna get something chucked in a thermos for lunch.

Some of the stress in my life of late is my Dad is about to go in and have some tests done on his heart. They already know there are some serious issues but tomorrow they are going to find out the whole story. If it's as bad as they fear then they will crack him open then and there. If it's possible to delay then they will wake him to discuss further options at a later date. If I can be so bold to ask if ya'll got a spare moment please send out some good vibes for the man.

It's a good thing our vacation is happening around the same time.

One week to go!

Beanie Weenies

2010-03-11T16:48:00.002Z

Beanie weenies, corn, pickle, satsuma, jello, and dried fruit/nuts

Kinda breakfast

2010-03-10T17:51:00.003Z

Pancakes, honey, quorn sausage, grapes, apples, green beans, cucumber, and spanish omelet

Fish and peas

2010-03-09T18:32:00.004Z

Potato salad, peas, fish sticks, veg bake, jello, trail mix in the kinder egg, grapes, and a bit of chicken

2010-03-08T17:38:00.003Z

This photo is from a snowdrop walk we went on awhile back at Hodsock Priory. It is very beautiful walking through the woods with tons of these dainty white flowers covering the forest floor. Ya'll should look at their website as there are better pictures on there and I don't reckon I'm allowed to upload them. I can only hope that my snowdrops will spread over the years and be as gorgeous.

Pasta with a meatball in a red pepper sauce, yogurt with sprinkles, grapes, orange, wierdo gummy bears, chicken, and trail mix in the kinder egg shell

Snowdrops

2010-03-07T17:19:00.002Z

I love snowdrops. They always make a cold February more enjoyable.

Only two weeks left till we go to the states. We have to start trying to eat down the groceries from the freezer and pantry, so lunches could get really strange :)

Tortellini salad with cheese, chicken, grapes, carrots, pickled onion, and a jello

Snowdrops

Crocus

Killer poodles

2010-03-04T18:00:00.004Z

The girl and I were walking to town today to do a bit of shopping. She stopped, pointed and screamed at a miniature white poodle, 'You are going to kill me' then she ran.

The woman stood there horrified and I could only shrug my shoulders and smile.

I've no idea where it came from or what it was all about but the look on the woman's face was priceless.

Rice, chicken veggie stir fry, strawberry, quail eggs, cheese, and ham

Peanut butter and ham sandwiches *not mixed together*, strawberry, cheese, quail eggs, and a cookie

I'm at the limit

2010-03-03T18:37:00.003Z

S T R E S S

Hotdog, chili beans, cauliflower, cucumber, jello, grapes, and cheese

Bento Bird's squash

2010-03-02T19:29:00.003Z

Man... I should know better then to read blogs before I post my own. I just finished through all the new posts and there it was on Bento Birds blog. It has made me lose all train of thought. Scroll down 9 pictures... just there.... you see it? Oh it's there in all it's yellow deliciousness... the almighty crook neck squash. I can't get them off my mind now.

I've been lost in my own imagination for the last few minutes of all things squash. My own little montage going through my head of being in a serene waterfall backdrop and it starts raining squashes ... walking through woodlands and there on the forest floor little dainty squash flowers... laying on a beach watching waves of squash...going to a stage play with squash characters singing, dancing and acting out their little parts...... Yeah you get the idea.

When I get home and go grocery shopping, that is the first thing I'm gonna make!

I just had a thought... I'd look pretty stupid if them weren't squash in that picture! LOL!!!!!!

Fish, mash taters, peas, french fancy, carrots, satsuma, and a yogurt

Tortellinis

2010-03-01T17:32:00.003Z

I've not really done anything today so I don't really have anything to talk about unless you want to hear about my wonderful world of vacuuming.

Mixed veggies with tortellinis, spam, cheese, trail mix, oranges, grapes, mini chocolate bars, and a lone pierogi left over from dinner.

Chores

2010-02-28T17:40:00.003Z

Lots of chores to do tonight so I must be off to get things done.

Only 3 weeks till we are in the States!!!

Hope everyone has had a fantabulous weekend.

Chicken and jarlsberg sandwich, blueberries, peanutbutter apple, carrots, cucumber, tomato, and a crunchie

A Third Bag

2010-02-27T22:27:00.003Z

Arkonite posted a link on her blog on how to make a different kind of bento bag. I again didn't follow the pattern or use anything that was suggested for materials. I looked at the design and went for it. I spent the day in town looking for pillowcases and then gave up on it. There is no significance in using a pillowcase other then it has the right amount of material and recycling an old item. I also didn't use all the latex or make a quilted liner because A. wasn't sure if I could make the bag B. didn't have any of the stuff and didn't want to buy it and C. I'm just not that patient :).

I admit it'd be super cute if I could have it stand up alone like hers does. I have storage issues so that was another reason to leave it flimsy. When there is a bento in it and room for some more stuff it stands up fine.

It was easy to make, required minimal stuff, and didn't take long to sew. I reckon the material was about a £1 and I paid a £1 for the flower pin. Next time I think it'd be cute with a big ribbon and a bow instead of a flower.

Overall this bag rocks! I thank you for posting the link and plan on making quite a few more!

Japanese Knot Bag

2010-02-24T20:00:00.004Z

Sorry! I'm so excited I had to come back again tonight and post this reversible bag! I had to freehand the pattern and it came out lovely! It was so quick and easy to make and I love it love it love it!

Reversed and knotted

Makin a bag!

2010-02-24T17:33:00.003Z

The new toilet has arrived and is installed. We'll find out tomorrow if it is all good!

Tuna mayo onion flower with a olive center, grapes, blueberries, satsuma, jello, pickle, and crackers

I'm so pleased with myself. I made a bento bag! The guys are always complaining that they have nothing to carry their lunch in. I begrudge paying the prices and shipping for a bag. So I thought I'll have a crack at it myself with some scraps. Now that I know I can do it ... I can't wait to hit the material store!!!

Cracked toilet :(

2010-02-21T18:52:00.004Z

I could scream! I'm so frustrated with this bathroom installation. Now the toilet has a crack in it and leaks everywhere. The company can't source one till mid week.

Broad beans, carrots, potato, honey mustard, ham, chicken

Tea egg, chicken flowers, ham, carrots, strawberry, potatos, cucumber, fudge

Old Bathroom

2010-02-20T08:07:00.003Z

This is the only before picture I'll show of the bathroom because it was so hideous and I was beyond embarrassed of it. This is mid progress of being ripped out. The previous owners chose a 'lovely' palate of cream, pink, and sea green. You can still see some remnants of it in the picture.

English bathrooms I have found, are unbelievably small. This one measures roughly 6' x 6'. Not to mention no storage space! My hopes are high but all of it should be finished this weekend minus the finishing touches. I haven't found any towels, plants, or little baskets.... you know all the extra little bits.

Yummy buns

2010-02-18T18:46:00.002Z

WWWWWOOOOOWEEEEEEE Now let me tell ya'll! I've never had or even seen a steamed bun before. I was reading Bento for Beginners blog and thought that looks easy, tasty, and best of all I got pancake mix. I had a crack at these bad boys tonight and they are soooo good! I don't know if they are right or how they are suppose to be but man I can tell ya'll I'll be making these again. One question though, is the middle suppose to be dry or saucy?

We took the boy for his roller skating party this past weekend. Guess what?!? I still got it baby! They were all taking bets that I'd fall. Nope not once! Once I showed them how and got the kiddies skating, I was off speeding around the rink....can even still skate backwards. It was sooo much fun! It's such a pity that the closest rink is 45 minutes away.

By the way, the tiles were put in the bathroom today. If all is lucky I should have pictures by Monday!! It's all coming together beautifully.

Last but not least, only 4 weeks and 4 days till we are stateside! Would you believe I did a search and the closest bento shop is a 5 to 6 hour drive away! I'll be hitting Target and the Dollar store with high hopes after reading what other bloggers have found there :)

Rice w/ snoopy furikake, zucchini, tea egg, pickled onion, strawberries, chicken, and a bun

Happy Birthday Boy Wonder

2010-02-10T18:50:00.004Z

My sweet Boy Wonder has finally hit double digits.

The bit 1 0 BABY!!

Rice with Snoopy furikake, pickled ginger, chili garlic zucchini, gyoza, tamagoyaki, cherries, pineapple, and a edible wafer balloon :)

WWOOOHHOOOO!!!!

2010-02-09T18:36:00.002Z

Guess what?!?!?!?!

I'M GOING HOME!!!!!!

We booked tickets today for almost three glorious weeks in the States. I'm just beside myself. Now if only there was bento shops there too. LOL

Mustard glazed chicken, lettuce, fried cabbage, mushrooms, and onions, plum, potato, peperami, cucumber, tomato with pickle, and mixed nuts and gum drops

One of them weekends

2010-02-07T18:01:00.005Z

Man, have ya'll ever had one of those weekends where EVERYTHING was jacked up? I decided I wanted a change so I went to the beauty salon with a picture. I came home in tears! I looked like Velma strung out on meth! So I consoled myself and thought that I could make it all better by changing the colour. I've been sporting a deep purple colour lately and it doesn't suit me so I thought yep ... let's go platinum. We all know how hard it is when bleaching one's hair to get the red out. When my time was up I washed and dried and I looked like Grape Ape smacked Ronald McDonald.

There isn't much I can do about the cut but got to see what I can do about the colour. Boy Wonder has already told me he'll be embarrassed at school :)

On a positive note... I could wear liberty spikes again... Talk about taking me back to

yester years.

Some stuff I chucked in a box because it went all wrong too!

3 liters of water

2010-02-04T18:40:00.002Z

I'm not a thirsty person. I probably drink two to three glasses of any beverage during the day. I got the bright idea that I should drink more water after reading all the marvelous benefits. I drank 3 liters today. I feel like my eyeballs are floating and even a bit queasy. I've read that some people actually drink up to 2 gallons a day. I couldn't imagine!

I think I'll try and drink an extra glass a day and instead of jumping in head first. I'll save myself a fortune on toilet paper.

P.S. The bathroom is looking awesome!!

Orzo salad with feta, olives, cucumber, grapes, plum, and a lonely chicken nugget each

Excited

2010-02-03T20:29:00.003Z

Man Wonder and I have very different tastes in all sorts of things... music, food, decor, etc. Last night while shopping for more bathroom stuff I finally blew his mind. He has been humming and hawing over things not being able to make his mind up about what he likes. I was so fed up with him that I threw another idea at him. Guess what?!?! He went for it! I can't tell ya'll what it is you'll just have to wait and see when I post pictures. I'm so pleased with him that I made him some of his favourites for lunch.

I ain't gonna lie I'm so tickled about it.

Baked sweet potato, pepper steak, asparagus, onion wedge, lychees, and a tomato filled with pineapple cottage cheese

Light shopping

2010-02-02T17:02:00.002Z

Can't stay and chat to ya'll tonight. We must go and find a light for the bathroom!

Pesto & garlic cream cheese pasta, broccoli, strawberry, lychees, grapes, cherries, and carrots

Potatos

2010-01-31T20:07:00.004Z

I've finally used all my potatos from this past season. I was hoping I'd be able to go a whole year without buying any. I've acheived that with onions but nothing else yet. I'm having so much fun picking out all the seeds for things I want to grow this year. I can't wait... I hope Spring hurries!

I got my bath tub put in today and it is AMAZING! I'll take pictures when my bathroom is complete. It looks like the guy we hired to do the tiling won't be available until Feb 10 so it'll be a while yet but all worth it.

Leftover turkey sausage casserole, blue potatos, lychees, jello, and cheese strip

Chicken sandwich, grapes, cheese strip, fish crackers, and a carrot

Tuna moose casserole

2010-01-27T20:03:00.004Z

Sorry ya'll! It's been crazy around here. I'm trying to get my bathroom installed and the schedule has gone all wrong. If Man Wonder and I can ever agree on tiles and light fixtures it'll be a miracle!

Tuna moose casserole, cheese, carrots, peas, blackberries, lychee jello

Pate and tuna

2010-01-20T17:49:00.002Z

Pate, tuna, crackers, lychee, pickle, egg, and pineapple

Crazy day

2010-01-19T18:55:00.002Z

Today has just been plain crazy. First thing I shattered the plate that goes in the microwave making it now invalid and have ended my day figuring that my new bath tub might not fit in the house. So I'm going to go soak in the tub I have now and let the bubbles work their magic on my mood!

Carrots, asparagus wrapped in chicken, plum, grape, peanut noodles, and cucumber

Mexican

2010-01-18T19:19:00.004Z

I sit daydreaming of a band of Mexican chefs moving to England. Then I snap to it as I see my face on the BBC morning news main headlines. 'Crazed woman holds chefs hostage'. I love Mexican food and only wish there was a decent restaurant within reach. I've been to a few that consist of college kids and packets of old el paso. It just doesn't do it for me.

I know the pieces of burritos look very unappetizing but I promise they are pretty tasty. I found this recipe using lentils and it rocks! Lentils make a mean mock sloppy joe too!

Lentil, guacamole, and sour cream burrito, carrots, spanish rice, cucumber, plum, amaretto cookie. The boy has chicken and cream cheese instead.

BENTOSTEIN!!

2010-01-17T20:16:00.007Z

Chapter 1

As I stood in the kitchen arranging cherries there came a terrible shriek. From nowhere there was a streak of blonde and pink running through the dining room. I didn't know to run or to stay but my curiosity had taken hold. In seconds there upon me a tear streaked girl holding a red bento with pleading eyes. I could feel the jealousy thick in the atmosphere. She placed the heart shaped box on the counter with expectancy. I asked her what she wanted and her tiny 2 year old voice said 'I want one too'. Trying to explain I would gladly grant her wish tomorrow she fell to the ground with an ear shattering scream. You could see the injustice in her eyes as she laid there wailing with discontent. Fearing a scene from a scary movie, I quickly ran and grabbed the heart cutters. Working fast to concoct an assortment of bento goodness the mood in the room was starting to lighten. Her bright blue eyes were starting to clear and a smile started to curl on her lips. All was at peace and her inner bento monster had been appeased.

I guess my baby girl felt left out tonight and was desperate to have her own box filling. Seems like everything is back on track now. The snow has melted, all children are healthy, and the boy is back at school. It will be nice to have some sort of schedule restored after the holidays.

Boy Wonder cracked me up on Friday. He was upset because he wasn't able to take his burger box to school and had to settle for school lunch instead. I had never heard such things come out of his mouth as he spat out ideas to fill it. SALAD!! I had to feel his forehead because I was positive he done lost his mind. We've finally gone grocery shopping so he's ready for school to show his buddies his burger box.
I love this box. I wish I could find more like it! Man Wonder gets a chuckle out of the well hhmmm 'phallic' monkey pick.

Bacon and egg bagel, potato salad, fish shape crackers, chorizo, cherries

I know this has nothing to do with bento but I have this weird love for printed band aids. I got these today and they are just wicked! Had to share :)

WOOHOOO!!! This was my other find today. It matches my thermal lunch bag

Happy 101 Award

2010-01-14T21:40:00.002Z

Lia you ROCK! Thank you for thinking of me and giving me this treat.

I'm pretty sure everyone knows Lia at Bentolicious but just in case you don't... her site is a must have on your blog list. Even if you aren't into bento her page alone with the rainbow, birdies, and polka dots will brighten your day. She is very talented and I'm sure you'll enjoy a visit.

The rules
Copy the award image into a post. List 10 things that make you happy. Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day. Put in a link to their blog. Notify the award receivers. Recipients should link back to the sender's blog.

Ten things that make me happy in no particular order

My youngins
Greg
Pops
Greece
Flowers
Sunshine
Pretty bridges
My friends
Chocolate
Pink fluffy things

10 Bloggers :)

An American in Bento
Bento for Beginners
Bento Lunch Blog
Bento Bird
Food for the Boys
Honey she is twisted
Lunches fit for a Kid
New2Bento
Obento Obsession
Diary of a delinquent housewife

Grits or Polenta

2010-01-13T17:44:00.003Z

I've been reading a lot about polenta lately. The coarse ground reminds me of yellow grits. It seems that there isn't much difference between the two mainly how it's ground. Now being a woman of the South and adoring grits, it took all I had to put stock and basil into perfectly good grits....especially since you have to pay an arm and a leg to have them mailed over. I had a go at it tonight and I don't think it's something I can break. It's like a Northerner putting sugar in grits or how you can only buy unsweetened tea up north *but that's another story*... it's just not right. If I ever make it to Italy then I'll have a taste... until then it's just plain ol grits for me!

Man Wonder cracked me up tonight. In mid stream of doing everything he stopped and said 'you know there are some things you have done to really change my thoughts and improve things'. This naturally piqued my interest and I said 'like?'. Then he goes on to tell me the direction I like to have the toilet paper and which way I face the dishes in the drainer really makes sense.

I still can't stop laughing about it. At least now I know if I die tomorrow I made a difference in someones life.

Super easy slung together bento because I don't think he'll be going to work tomorrow. The roads are treacherous. I also thought I'd be slick and throw in the blue hello kitty sauce cup. I've been dying to use it after having it for months ;)

Turkey nuggets, pinto beans and onions, carrots, chili sauce

Blinds

2010-01-12T19:38:00.003Z

Some of the drama in my life has been over the installation of new windows. It's been a total freakin nightmare! Anyways, the window people obviously sold our name on and we were contacted by a company selling blinds. I really want those chunky, white, slat blinds for the living room, and the two upstairs windows *to make sure the front of the house matches from the outside... I'm anal that way*. So Mr. Salesman comes over tonight trying to show us the demos and he brought out a remote control. I knew right then and there this man was going to blow my mind. I mean really who needs a remote to open their blinds? My kids are going psycho in the background swinging off the tops of doors and practicing all their favorite WWE wrestling moves. Then comes the quote. Are you sitting down? £2000!!! For three windows!! That isn't even the remote control ones! Not even the ones with the pretty material strip running down the front. £2000 for the basic manual ones. I laughed at the man! No.. wait.. you are going to love this... That is also at 50% off for their new year's sale.

Complete craziness.

Spaghetti & meatball, tuna mayo, crackers, pickle, and quail eggs

Chuck it all in the box box

2010-01-11T18:16:00.003Z

With the youngins being polka dotted, I've not been able to do any grocery shopping. I've nit picked things together with what I've got in the pantry. So it doesn't really go together but either I didn't have anything else to put in or it's got to get eat.

I've been really impressed with the artichoke spinach hummus. I can't keep out of the stuff and it tastes soooo good with beets! I didn't measure anything but started throwing what I thought looked a good amount in a bowl and blended

Marinated artichoke hearts about 10

Three big handfuls of spinach *lightly sauteed and drained*

Can of chick peas *juice reserved*

Garlic

Lemon juice

Sesame oil

I keep the juice and use it instead of oil mainly to cut calories. I also use sesame oil instead of tahini merely because I wouldn't know what to do with a whole jar of tahini.

Artichoke spinach hummus inside hollowed out tomatos, carrots, quail eggs, olives, pickled onions, crackers, and can of lobster meat.

Julienne Peeler is my new best friend

2010-01-10T18:10:00.002Z

With all the snow we've had that naturally meant a delay in the postal system. I finally got my new toy! I love it love it love it! I had my carrots shredded before I knew it. I really can't wait to try it out on other veggies!

It looks like it'll be at least another week of the boy being home. He is healing well so I'm grateful for that. It ain't no joke though... I'll be happy when he gets to go back to school. The kids are at each other's throats and I'm climbing the walls!

cashew chicken, rice, broccoli, tamagoyaki, carrot kinpira, and snoopy furikake

Chicken Pox

2010-01-08T07:13:00.002Z

Well the good times keep rolling so far this year!

Girl Wonder is healing from chicken pox and guess what? The boy has them now too. I was really hoping that since he was vaccinated that he would glide through with no issues. He came to me last night itching and looking like a polka dot attacked him. Luckily after a lot of reading he should only have a very mild case. I knew he'd find a way not to go back to school!

Man Wonder has been working from home because of the snow and when he has gone in this week he has lunch meetings. We have more snow scheduled for today and through the rest of this week. Hopefully it'll soon melt away and the boy will heal and I can get back to the business of bento!

Here's wishing all of ya'll are warm, safe, and healthy!

Snow

2010-01-05T18:13:00.003Z

How's the weather where ya'll are? It's been interesting here! I went for a dentist appointment this morning and the taxi was late. I had no idea the roads were so bad and at one point I had to actually get out and push the taxi because we were stuck! I walked 4 miles home due to they stopped running taxis and buses. Along the way I saw tractor trailers stuck, buses being dug out, cars skidding everywhere, and horrendous traffic jams. It's been crazy!

I'm not a gambling lady but I'm not going to make any bentos tonight because I don't think they'll be going to school/work tomorrow. I might have to eat my words but I'm going to chance it. I hope ya'll are safe and warm out there!

Bento Abuse!!!

2010-01-04T17:36:00.004Z

Now let me tell ya'll all about the man handling around my house! Man Wonder came to tell me that while washing my new two tier skull box that is just fell apart. He pleaded that he was gentle and swears he is not at fault but it is a manufacturer default. I think he should be banned just as Boy Wonder was! I had more fun watching him sweat and come up with as many adjectives as he could to describe how careful he was. I won't lie... he is so much fun to wind up! :) Can you believe today is our anniversary and he went and did something like that?!?

garlic chestnut mushrooms, spaghetti, zucchini, and a pickled onion

Frozen ducks

2010-01-03T18:22:00.002Z

We went out for a little walk today. Everything was frozen over and made it a bit hard going but the kiddos loved it. I'm ready for it to be warm again!

Man Wonder is back to work tomorrow and the boy goes back Wednesday.

Orzo chicken salad, peas, carrots, cucumber, hummus

So much going on!

2010-01-02T12:58:00.005Z

I trust everyone had a spectacular holiday season! Mine was just marvelous! Santa was super good to us this year. All the poking and prodding of those gifts left me no closer to guessing what they were. Man Wonder was slick this year when it came to wrapping everything so I couldn't guess! Inside that wonderful box that I was in such moral turmoil over was a raclette!

My little Girl Wonder has come down with chicken pox so we've been housebound for the last week. Boy Wonder had the vaccination shot in the States and he hasn't shown any symptoms so I guess he has escaped this one. She seemed quite pleased with her 'polka dots' *lol*. Now she is on the upside and I'm looking forward to getting out of the house! Until then I'm just watching the snow and rocking out to Rancid.

With a quick look at the pictures you can tell what else Santa has brought to our house! Here is a newer picture of the gals as promised. I think Daisy Lou *left* looks quite fetching while striking a pose :) A possibility in the new year is to make a new run for smaller birds. I think I was quite persuasive in my bid to get some quail and lavender Pekins *I really really want the pekins!*. If nothing more I have implanted the idea into Man Wonder's head ;)

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Aren't these just the best boxes!

I have made a deal with Man Wonder that I will not buy any more bento boxes this year UNLESS they are skull boxes then it becomes a need not a want!

The Boy has been begging for months for the burger box and actually it's quite good.

Girl Wonder got a heart shaped one with pretty bows.

Strawberry jam and cream cheese sandwiches, quail eggs, mango jello