Disclosure: I have a partnership with Absopure water, but all opinions are my own.

Now that we are more than halfway through kindergarten, I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of the whole lunchbox routine with the twins.  Since they only have 20 minutes to eat, it was a bit of a battle at first! Some days I would pack too little and they would be starving by the time school was done and others I would go overboard, with food wasted.

Another issue we had was thirst.  At home, they drink tons of water and would end up being so parched by the end of the school day.  We tried sending a thermos to school, but they would misplace them (no idea how!) or end up forgotten at school.  When the flu bugs started going around, the ick factor of having a germy thermos grossed me out.  Enter: the Abspoure packable water.  Super convenient size: 6.5 oz and easy for them to open.  Every morning, we throw one bottle with their initial in their backpack and one in the lunchbox.  Hydration problem solved!

To keep lunchtime interesting, I've been trying to stray away from the most requested PB&J.  I have found wraps go over better than regular bread--it seems like they are quicker to eat.  Main staples include frozen yogurt tubes, fruit and veggies.  Olivia is a bit strange with her requests: hard boiled eggs, bread & butter pickles and she even asked for leftover salmon (I said no).  I swear she is an old soul!

Here are some inexpensive and quick ideas we've been loving this month:

Banana Sushi

Just spread PB or sunflower butter on a warm tortilla, sprinkle with honey, coconut or mini chocolate chips and wrap around a banana.  Super simple and very versatile.  Nutella is super tasty too!

Pizza Bites

Maddie LOVES this, especially since she always asking for those pre-packaged lunches.  So simple to make: chopped up cheese sticks, turkey pepperoni and fiber crackers.  You can also add ham cubes, peppers, olives or sausage sticks.

Cheesy Wraps

Olivia actually came up with this one a few weekends ago.  The Happy Farms wedges from Aldi make for a perfect binder for wraps! Just add your favorite meats and wrap it up!  This is also tasty with pepperoni and peppers, like a pizza wrap.

You can find the Absopure Packables at Meijer and Spartan stores here in Michigan.  I love that they are a local company!  They have a super convenient delivery system, also.  If interested, mention the code BLOGGER and get $2 off monthly deliveries AND a free 30-day trial!

What are your go-to lunchbox staples? Have you seen Absopure Packables in your grocery store?

Mmmm Monday: Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad

I have been trying to do a little meal prep on Sundays so I'm set for lunches during the week.  Otherwise, it'll be 2:00 and I realize I've only had coffee.  Even with just Gabby home, I get stuck on Pinterest busy and forget to eat!

Favorite make-ahead items: hard boiled eggs, tuna salad, chopped veggies and shredded chicken. During the summer, I loved wraps with regular chicken salad--but that can get boring.  Enter: buffalo ranch chicken salad!!  Aside from wraps, this chicken is tasty for nachos, buffalo chicken pizza or simply on a cracker.  This is a bit healthier than regular chicken salad since there is Greek yogurt dressing used instead of mayo.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
What You Need:

• 3-4 Chicken Breasts
• 1/4-1/2 cup Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Ranch Dressing (Opa! is great too)
• Frank's Buffalo Sauce (or your favorite!), to taste- start with 1 tablespoon
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• Optional: chopped celery, chopped green onion

1. In a pan, add chicken and water, just enough to cover the chicken.  Boil on medium heat until fully cooked.  Remove from pan and let chill.
2. Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred with a fork.  Toss in buffalo sauce, then add ranch until it's the consistency you want.  
3. Refrigerate until ready to use. Will last 2-3 days in the fridge.

• For Wraps: heat tortilla, add shredded lettuce, carrots, green onion, blue cheese and extra  dressing.  Fold and cut in half.  We LOVE Alexia waffle fries on the side.  They bake up super crispy
• For Nachos: top chips and cheese with buffalo chicken, blue cheese, green onions and drizzle with more buffalo sauce. 

What's your go-to quick lunch?