Sarah Hearts

This weeks posts are going to have a similar theme– back to school. Many people are going to hitting the books by the end of the month so I wanted to share some of my favorite school supplies. I was always the kid who couldn’t wait for back to school shopping. The new school year meant the possibility of a new a lunch box, book bag, folders, pencils boxes and more. Today’s post highlights one of my favorite supplies, lunch boxes. I love to pack my lunch because I can eat healthier and safe a few bucks.

Lunch boxes aren’t just for students, the few featured above are handy for anyone who dines away from home. Do you bring your lunch to work or school? If so, what’s your favorite lunch box food? A particular sandwich or wrap?

1. Alexander Girard Lunch Purse (I love the small “love” charm)
2. Thermos Raya Flower Print Lunch Duffle
3. Lunchskins reusable snack and sandwich bags (I have these, they are great! They are even dishwasher safe)
4. Klip-It Lunch Cube (a simplified bento box that keeps everything separate)
5. 16oz. Glass bowl with Lid (5% of the purchase goes to the Food Bank of New York City)
6. Zojirushi Mini Bento Stainless Lunch Jar Set (It even includes a cute little chop stick contianer)
7. Owl Lunch Bag by Skip Hop (They have many more animals on their site, perfect for kids or the kid in us)

I try to save a few bucks every week and take my lunch to work (also know as “the fruit stand”). My lunch usually consists of some type of sandwich, fruit, and grain crackers. I’m getting tired of this combination so I’ve been on the lookout for new lunch ideas. I stumbled across this a recipe for mango, avocado, and goat cheese quesadillas in Everyday Food. I love grilled sandwiches and quesadillas but they are impossible if you’re packing a lunch. So I adapted there recipe into a wrap. It’s delicious!

Here what I put in my wrap. It was so good! The cilantro and onions added a lot of flavor. And the mango and goat cheese was excellent. You should try it!

I’m always looking for new things to pack for lunch. I usually make sandwiches, but I get tired of them after a couple days! Here is my new favorite easy lunch recipe via Everyday Food. It’s packed with protein (chickpeas) and delicious. It keeps well so you can make it the night before. Delish!

Photo by Sarah.

Yesterday we had an amazing Thanksgiving meal with our family. My parents drove up from Miami, my brother was in town from Birmingham and my in-laws came down from Baltimore. It was the first time we were all together since our wedding. It was so much fun. I made the menu I posted Tuesday with a few additions – we added a ham and rice pilaf (Kevin’s all time favorite Armenian side dish). Thanks to my brother, Nick, for snapping these photos!

L – Dressing, toasted walnuts and navel oranges for the salad.
R – I’m taking the turkey out of the oven. To simplify, we bought it already cooked from the Fresh Market.

Almond stuffed, bacon wrapped dates. I had them at the Light Horse Restaurant in Alexandria, D.C. when I was visiting Jen. I loved them so much, I had to make them for Thanksgiving. Trust me, they are amazing.

L – Green beans with blue cheese, roasted red peppers and bacon.
R – Stuffing, Vhe’s corn bread, and  sweet potato casserole.

We used our new dishes my parents got us for our anniversary!

L – My mom’s pumpkin, pecan, ginger snap pie.
R – My mom-in-law’s chocolate chess pie and chess pies.

The meal was great and the company of our family was even better. I’m so so blessed.

I’m taking a break from art and design Tuesdays to share our Thanksgiving day menu. Any suggestions on things to add? What does your menu look like?

I absolutely love lunch boxes. I’m a big fan of bringing my lunch to school/work. It’s usually healthier and cheaper to BYO lunch. And with this season’s lunch box selections, what’s not to love? Below are my favorites. It was hard just to pick a few!

1. RuMe JR! Reusable Bags available at Delight.
2. Gypsy Girl Soft Kit from Thermos.
3. ClassMate StudyHaul Lunch Box from Land’s End.
4. Built NY Munchlers Insulated Lunch Bag from Built NY available at Delight.
5. Jane Jenni – custom fit lunch bags by jane jenni available at Unica Home.
6. Printed Lunch Box from L.L. Bean.
7. Fugu Lunch Tote from Built NY. I have this one and I absolutely love it! It keeps food hot/cold for up to 4 hours.
8. Extra Relish Lunch Tote from Built NY.
9. The Lunch Box by Oots available at Delight.