First Bentos

So, we've been testing the bento idea out for maybe 2.5 weeks now.  I basically use Lock&Lock lunch boxes for all my bentos.  I haven't yet picked up anything very exciting.  Here's what I've been getting by on so far...
Lock & Lock boxes (a few sizes)
Silicone muffin cups (Large and Regular size)  I've picked these up at the local Home Sense or President's Choice store.
"Nail" cocktail skewers.  Picked up at Home Sense.  I love them!
Cookie cutters & fondant cutters.  Picked up at Michaels or anywhere I can find them!


And, aside from a couple of disposible "dip" cups from the dollar store, that's about it.  Nothing exciting.  So, on to the pictures.

My first Bento for the girls - Aug 17, 2010.  Left:  Pepperettes, Honeydew melon, fish crackers, champagne grapes, cheese stars, bologne and cheese wraps, & yogurt.
Right:  pretty much the same. 

August 18:

Top:  for my son:  Bologne and cheese on flax bread (supposed to be a broomstick and bat), pepperettes, cheese stars, grapes, honeydew melon, fruit strips
Bottom:  for the girls (they had identical ones): bologne and cheese wrap cut in 2, fruit strips, cheese stars, honeydew melon, grapes, yogurt in center.

Verdict:  The girls love them.  Although Youngest girlie didn't want to eat the wrap, just everything else.  May have to send "main meal" in a separate baggie, or just tell the daycare lady to pull out the wraps so she will eat them.  Both older ones loved it!

Guess we can keep going.  I'll post more pictures tomorrow.

The beginning

... and in the beginning God created food... Well, that's not exactly how it goes, but there is food, and there is lunch, and that's where my problem comes in.  My little skinny 8yr old comes home with a lunch that is barely eaten.  It's not the food - no, he'll eat mostly anything.  I figure it's the sociability of said child.  Yep, he's a social butterfly.  So, who wants to concentrate on opening containers and baggies and stuff when you are busy talking? 
What do I do?  *insert drumroll here*  I start researching and found bento (well, re-found I guess).  I've been looking at the idea of bentos for about a year now.  I've decided to jump into the bento world this year with my (count 'em, yes) -3- kids, and start making them bentos for their lunches.  We've been practicing for about 2 weeks now, and things are looking good.  I don't make japanese food (well, not yet), I'm not japanese, and I'm not doing anything that you couldn't find in your regular pantry/fridge supply.  The idea is to send my son (and the 2 others) to school with a lunch that he will eat, and doesn't have to open too many containers.

So, welcome if I don't know you.  Hello! if someone sent you here.  And WOW, if you just stumbled onto my blog.  I'll post pictures, and get people thinking about things including bentos... and my basement. :)

Oh, and BTW, I don't live in a big city - I don't have any special things (not yet), but I do intend to make some well balanced lunches for my kids that all fits into a cute little box.  (lets hope).  Thanks for reading!

-Rella