Fun Kid Lunch Ideas

Every morning, I'm faced with the challenge of making a lunch for Blaise that he will actually eat! He gets pretty picky so I can't sway too far from the good ole fashion classics. But, there is a way to mix up the typical lunches for a better, more nutritiuos kid meal!

Here are some of my lunch go-to's:

• Classic PB and J. And a great suggestion from one of my twitter followers: Mix it up by putting the peanut butter and jelly on banana bread. Or even slice a banana and put in between the bread. 
• Turkey meatballs
• Cream cheese and jam bagel
• Cheese quesadilla
• Pasta with parmesan cheese
• Sliced-up hot dogs or mini corn dogs
• Cereal with a side of milk
• Granola with yogurt and fruit
• Mini raviolis
• Mac and cheese
• Turkey wrap
• Turkey and cheese panini
• Rice with teriyaki chicken

Great sides to add to the above meals:

• Green beans
• Corn-on-the-cob or canned corn
• String cheese
• Cooked baby potatoes
• Fruit. Some of Blaise's favorites are: Grapes, raspberries, blueberries, sliced and peeled kiwis, sliced apple/pears and watermelon balls.
• Cooked broccoli with ranch side
• Cooked baby carrots
• Cooked sweet potato half
• Rice with corn and peas

Hope some of these ideas help you pack more creative lunches in the morning! Let me know what your go-to lunches are for your kids.

My Exclusive Interview with Sponsor Softcup

As you all probably know, I have been the spokesperson for Softcup since 2011. Today, Softcup debuted my exclusive interview with them in a blog as part of their "Fun Fridays" feature. I talk about my training, being a mom, my new book "In The Water They Can't See You Cry" and much more.

Check out part one of my interview with Softcup here.

Here we go!

This is it, folks! It’s a “make it or break it” kind of week – Olympic trials in Omaha, Nebraska. What better way to ease my jitters than to check in with all the awesome moms out there? Anything to get my mind off of the pressure and nerves is 100% welcome (don’t you worry – I’m still focused as ever – simply channeling my high energy elsewhere!). The competition is high and I’m feeling more ready than ever. Here is to hoping for a fast, impressive performance. But, enough about the meet!

Getting a chance to leave the house for any kind of trip is always an adventure with my two boys – it comes along with some good, bad, stress and most importantly, fun! While this week is not a typical trip for the family, it still involved running too close to our departure times and searching around the house to grab those last-minute, forgotten items (only to find that youactually did stuff them in your suitcase). Not to mention, this trip did not have days of relaxation to follow the hectic day of traveling! 

I’ll tell you what the rushed packing did give me, though: an even bigger appreciation for my Maytag washer and dryer. I realized before leaving for the airport that a load of laundry was sitting, still untouched and dirty, in the washer. Yes, like most of you have often done, I forgot to press the “start” button! Thank goodness those machines run so quickly and efficiently. My clothes were washed and dried in no time! For any moms out there searching the market for a new set, I highly suggest any Maytag appliances – they proved to be a lifesaver this week. 

I want to hear about all of your traveling experiences with your family – the good and the bad. How do you maintain your sanity when you’re running late to catch the flight or a suitcase goes missing? Share your stories with me!