20 EASY & Tasty Lunch Ideas Your Kids Will Love This School Year

Blog post by Tamarea Parker Rushdan

My kiddos LOVE to eat. They enjoy eating school cafeteria lunch, but if they could have it their way it would be a packed lunch from home every single day. Demand is high and I do what I can to keep up. The challenge is that it’s hard to think of ideas for what to send. Planning ahead alleviates some of the pressure, so this year I’ve made a list. Take a look at 20 easy to make, delicious lunch options that your kids will love this school year. These options are so good, you’ll probably want to pack a lunch box for yourself, too!

1. Tuna + Crackers - A tasty and simple classic quick bite. Add sliced boiled egg for some extra protein and make sure to package crackers separately so they don't get wet. I like to use the Ritz Fresh Stacks or Triscuit Wheat Crackers.

2. DIY Sandwiches/Subs/Mini Sliders - Make them as basic or as loaded as your kid likes. Pre-make them for smaller kids, or for bigger kids make them “build your own” style with the bread, fixings, and add-ons boxed separately.

3. Classic PB+J - Choose between the endless options of jam flavors to make them different EVERY TIME! Think orange marmalade, peach jam, raspberry jam, etc. in addition to the strawberry and grape flavors everyone loves.

4. Kidcutterie Box - That’s right. Make it look fancy and give them what you know they’ll love. Pack that bento box full of assorted meats, cheeses, veggies, and treats. One of my fav things to use are pretzels or crunchy Italian style bread sticks too!

5. Spinwheels - Stack them onto a kid friendly skewer or line them up tightly in a bento box to make sure they don’t become an unwrapped mess. Use flour tortillas, spinach veggie wraps, or go without and simply use meat or lettuce as the outer part of your spinwheels.

6. Pasta Salad - From macaroni salad to seafood or veggie pasta salad the possibilities are endless! Be sure to add in reusable ice packs for temp control, especially if using mayo as the dressing base.

7. Nachos - One of the yummiest options of them all; nachos are a fun and healthy kid friendly lunch that can never miss. Switch up the protein and load up the fresh veggies.

8. Chicken Salad Sandwich - This tastes delicious on sweet Hawaiian bread. Use the mini rolls to make cute kid friendly sliders.

9. Wings Your Way! - What I love most about wings is that they taste delicious any time of day, even when served at room temperature. They can be baked, fried, plain, or sauced. Pair with cheese sticks, roasted or fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery and carrots.

10. Thermos Mac + Cheese - The thermos will be your best friend. Anytime I make baked mac and cheese, I always prepare extra to use for lunch boxes that week. Add in some veggies like carrots or broccoli and this mac will make a meal.

11. Thermos Cup of Soup - Soup is perfect for the fall and winter seasons. The options for flavors and add-ins are endless, from chicken noodle to cheddar and broccoli. The thermos is bound to return empty.

12. Build Your Own Burger - Turkey, veggie, beef, or beyond, the build your own burger simply can’t go wrong. Add in the works on the side (lettuce, cheese, onions, bacon strips, etc.) if your little one likes, or simply place in ketchup and mustard condiment packets if they prefer the simpler things.

13. Salad Jars (or Skewers) - I know that all children probably don’t like salad as much as mine do, but if it's made with all of their favorite colorful veggies, topped with a cool ranch or sweet citrusy dressing how could they resist? Use plastic mason jars to display the array of colors or even stack your veggies onto a kid friendly kebab skewer.

14. Mediterranean Veggie Pita - I had never tried these before, and when my husband introduced them to us I didn’t know I would love this lunch dish as much as I do.

15. Wrap It Your Way! - Chicken wraps, lettuce wraps, sandwich wraps, breakfast wraps, tuna wraps; honey, I would put EVERYTHING into a wrap if I could. This handheld option can be very filling on its own, but I like to pair it with veggie sticks and fruit.

16. Sushi Rolls - Sushi is awesome because it’s a healthy option and can be made in so many different variations. I would recommend staying away from the raw fish/meat options, unless refrigeration is available.

17. Old Fashioned Potato Cakes - Potato cakes are delicious and OH SOOOO filling! If you’ve never tried them before, they’re definitely a must have. Check out this easy recipe for old fashioned potato cakes on TasteOfLizzyT.com. Make them loaded, or pair with a small piece of fish or a few shrimp and viola!

18. Grilled Chicken Tossed Salad - Use grilled or even rotisserie chicken breasts, lettuce, feta or cheddar cheese, eggs, croutons, cucumbers, and a side of their favorite dressing!? I don’t know about you but my kiddos LOVE a good salad. This one’s always a win-win in our house.

19. BBQ Meatballs - Bite sized and extra saucy. Feel free to place these in a Thermos Cup or use a separate storage container to make sure it doesn’t get all over other things. Pair with carrots, celery, and a Hawaiian roll or croissant. Swap out the BBQ sauce for something different like tomato sauce, sweet Thai, brown sugar bourbon glaze, gravy, or leave them naked.

20. DIY Shrimp Tacos - Shrimp tacos are so yummy and make a delicious packed lunch. They pair well with sweet potato fries or tortilla chips. Stack all the ingredients separately so that your little eater can feel independent by doing it themselves.

Sides and Snack Options

Here's a list of some of my favorite go-to side and snack options to throw in with lunch:

Fresh or roasted veggies Tossed salad Roasted potatoes Corn on the cob Hard Boiled Eggs Kettle Cooked Chips Bread/Rolls Veggie Fried Rice

Nuts, Raisins, Trail Mix Cheese Sticks/String Cheese Fresh or Dried Fruits Potato or Pasta Salad Muffins or Croissants Nutella and Pretzels Sweet Potato Fries Squash, Zucchini, or Brussel Sprouts

Graham Crackers Ritz Crackers Animal Crackers Fruit Snacks or Roll Ups

Eco-Friendly Supplies to make the Best Packed School Lunch

Reusable Condiment Cups - Wooden or Reusable Plastic Utensils - Kid Safe Skewers and Toothpicks - Filtered Water Bottles - Refillable Ice Packs - Washable Napkin/Handkerchief - Eco Friendly Bento Boxes

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PRINTABLE PDF VERSION TO DOWNLOAD AND SAVE!

20 EASY & Tasty Lunch Ideas Your Kids Will Love .pdf

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Seborrheic Dermatitis plagued my skin and shattered my self esteem: How I combat this skin condition

As school aged children, many of us were picked on for various reasons, such as our clothes or hair, some may have had facial acne or other physical plights. The list of horrible things children can think of (and actually say) goes on and on. Aside from being “giant status” in the height department, my skin was one other thing that kids would taunt me about. When I was 12 years old, I was faced with one of the most stressful things I’d ever experienced: the death of my mother. I had reached my pubescent peak, and had the skin to prove it.

The doctors believed that the skin condition was triggered by this tragic life event. I began to see blotches of flaky, itchy skin around my nose and through my eyebrows. At first I thought that it was just dry skin, but nothing seemed to work for it. The more oils and creams I tried to use it just continued to get worse. After failed attempts to calm what I thought was no big deal, I mentioned the itchy patches to my doctor and she referred me to a specialist. I was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis: a common skin condition that is defined by having “dandruff and sometimes scaling around the eyebrows, nose, and external ear, behind the ears, in the axilla, and on the sternum.” It is caused by having over productive sebaceous glands which leads to a number of varying symptoms, including oily, greasy skin, yellow crusted lesions on the face or scalp, redness, itching, and sometimes pustules can even form at the site of a lesion due to infection. Over time, I eventually began to experience all of the above.

Initially, I was prescribed ketoconazole 2% (cream) and hydrocortisone 2.5% (ointment); the doctor stressed that I did not use hydrocortisone for an extended time period because it would cause my skin to “thin”; I didn’t really understand what that meant, but, I followed the instructions, using it only as needed to reduce inflammation and itchiness. Fast forward from the age of 13 to 23: it had taken over my scalp, face, chest, ears, I mean EVERYWHERE. I became pregnant with my second child after undergoing a rough first pregnancy categorized by extreme dehydration and endless vomiting. The second time was even further from a cake walk, and my skin was suffering tremendously as a result of becoming a mother. I was using ketoconazole shampoo and even tried changing my diet and eating habits, decreasing sugar yeast and dairy intake, increasing water and healthy foods. The dermatitis expanded as I continued using prescribed creams and ointments, almost as if the yeast and sebum were being fueled, not treated. Although there would be small bouts of clarity, each time the flare ups returned they would be worse and more widespread, attacking areas where lesions hadn’t been previously. I was broken down.

Given that all of my professions involve being in the public eye, one can imagine how my self esteem would be affected by looking in the mirror to see my once “glowy” clear-skinned face covered in dark spots of hyperpigmentation, redness, and inflammation. Makeup couldn’t hide it-- it just showed through. I didn’t want to try any new over the counter products due to fear that it would just get worse. I mean, if the doctors couldn’t heal me then surely there was no hope. Right?

WRONG. I am a person who is big on research, so, naturally, over the years I have read many articles, blog posts, and research studies about atopic seborrheic dermatitis. I have also covered the topic of hyperpigmentation in melanated skin and how to get rid of it. There was always underlying commonalities in everything I read about the condition; medical journals or websites would steer readers to be treated by a physician and to use their prescribed ointments, creams, shampoos, etc. The majority of my info sources failed to mention the major impact that improved eating and sleeping habits, stress management, and natural herbs with healing properties could have on the skin.

I had heard a lot about turmeric being good. I did some more digging and learned that turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. I steered away from the mask because I was afraid it would turn my skin orange, which is what many people said who gave reviews about this method. One day while in TJ Maxx, I came across a tumeric oil product from Advanced Clinicals that was on sale for only $4. It was literally too cheap not to try. I picked up a bottle of rose water (which I had already been introduced to by a few of my friends in the makeup artist community) and headed to check out. That night, I began my newfound skincare routine.

THE DEETS: 10 steps that helped me to clear up my skin

1. Wash your face or other areas of your skin with mild facial cleanser right before bedtime, preferably something with soft microbeads to exfoliate away any dead skin cells. *Exfoliating is a major key to reduce the appearance dryness and flakiness.

2. Dry your skin with a cotton pad or a clean soft towel.

3. Spray (or drip) the rose water on the affected areas and massage it all the way in. Be sure not to leave any wetness on the surface of your skin.

4. Next, apply a generous amount of turmeric oil to your face or any other affected areas on your skin. Be sure not to get any in your eyes! I made that mistake for you already.

5. Go to sleep with the tumeric on your face. Allow it to work it’s magic while you get your beauty rest.

6. Wash your face again when you wake up in the morning repeating steps 1-3.

7. Follow this nightly routine for about a week or so and you will begin to see results. *Once your skin is more clear and you begin to feel the glow, you can reduce the amount of times per week you use the turmeric oil. I recommend continued daily use of rose water for hydration.

8. Drink LOTS OF WATER every single day. This is usually a given, it’s the golden rule of skincare/healthy living 101.

9. Take note of triggers. What things are happening in your life (and within your body) when flare ups occur. Do certain foods trigger you more than others? How does stress play a part in your skin’s appearance? Are flare ups linked to seasonal changes? Assessing your triggers will help you to be able to recognize them, and prevent future flare ups from happening.

10. Take good care of your skin! No matter how bad things may appear on the surface, continue to practice healthy skincare habits. (Inserts random “water drinking” campaign LOL). Make sure that you are washing your face well, especially if you wear makeup or work out often. Give your skin breaks from makeup and harsh chemicals. Invest in facials from time to time, when you can

Below you will find direct links to the products that I use at home. There may be others on the market, but I cannot personally vouch for them. Also, it's important to remember that every BODY is different. If this skincare routine does not work for you (and I hope it does), please don't give up hope. Continue to research other remedy options, and try to network and share ideas with others who may be experiencing similar problems.

Cheers to beautiful, healthy skin! xoxo

- Tamarea

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Product Links: Advanced Clinicals Turmeric Oil - Click Here

Rose Water - Click Here* *I use various brands of rose water. Just make sure there are no added chemical ingredients, or simply look on youtube to make your own from scratch

Orchids That Bloom After Winter: 5 Tips for Coping with Grief and Loss

          Last night while making dinner, I cut the cheese. No, silly, not the “flatulence” kind. The extra sharp cheddar that my mom would use whenever she made baked spaghetti or mac and cheese. I cut a portion off of the block, then sliced it into two before passing a piece to both of my boys for them to have a taste. I was triggered almost instantaneously as I bit into my own slice. My teeth clenched, my jaws locked, and I was bombarded by a sea of memories of her. In moments like this, my mother’s death is like a deep surgical wound that ruptures repeatedly without warning.

          There is no time limit on the emotions tied to the grief we experience. It’s been over 13 years since my mom died, but I still find myself depressed, enraged, regretful, abandoned, and frustrated at times as a result of her absence. I try to be conscious of the things that trigger these emotions. I recognize that becoming aware of your triggers can be tough, as remnants of your loved ones may lie in the smallest detail of your day to day life. Make a mental note of the settings and situations you’re in when you start to feel the detrimental emotions that can be to your loss. One thing that helps me is my own belief that these remnants of the deceased are merely reminders of their presence and the ever transcending energy that gave them that spark we call life. I am starting to notice that practicing healthier coping strategies helps me to feel more at peace. It definitely empowers me to be most effective with the other aspects of my life.

          My 5 tips for coping with grief and loss took me some time to develop. With the help of one-on-one counseling, group therapy targeting grief and loss, and a few years of self analysis I have finally been able to pen-point what things help me to feel better when dealing with the loss of my mother, as well as others close to me who have passed away.

Tip #1 Don’t be afraid to talk to (or about) your loved ones who’ve passed.

          It’s perfectly fine, and recommended by mental health professionals, to talk to your loved one as if they’re still there with you. Their physical being may not be present, but their essence certainly remains. It may help to send a message via Facebook or a text, make a post on their wall, or write a letter that you address to them but never mail off. This has helped me in the past to get out things that were left unsaid, or to share major milestones in my life with my deceased loved ones. Don’t let talking about them become awkward or taboo. Talk about them amongst mutual friends, and make sure to spread their memory amongst the younger generations.

Tip #2 Celebrate their life.

          Plan to host memorial celebrations on their birthday to honor their birth and existence. Put together a playlist of their favorite songs and maybe even a slideshow with photos of the deceased. These types of celebrations can be held on birth dates, but also on death dates to bring people together in joy instead of despair. Start an organization in the name of your loved one or the social cause most related to their life (or death), or if you don’t feel that impelled, you could donate to one that already exists. Find little ways throughout the year to celebrate their life and be grateful that they did in fact grace the world with their presence.

Tip #3 Don’t dwell on the "what ifs" and "whys".

          It does no one any good for us to sit around and mope, wondering what we could have done differently or how we could have changed the situation. We must have faith in the fact that all things have purpose. Sometimes we don’t see the reason why until years down the line. It’s very common for people to never recognize the purpose or “silver lining” that comes from the tragedy of loss. Everyone takes their own amount of time to come to terms with the circumstances surrounding the grief, and that's okay. Give yourself some time, but not too much of it. Most importantly, don't be afraid to seek help and counseling if you feel it's necessary.

Tip #4 Keep yourself occupied by healthy, positive things (and thoughts).

          You know what they say; “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” We’ve got to constantly feed ourselves reaffirming thoughts to fight off the negative emotions. They have a tendency of creeping in when we allow our minds wander. We sometimes even fuel these “bad vibes” by turning to outlets that are a reflection of the unpleasant aspects in life. Focusing on bad news in the media, listening to melodramatic songs, and even depressing television can keep us wallowing in sadness, and that’s not what we want. Our goal is to find coping mechanisms that help us to feel better, not worse. This could be picking up a new hobby or craft, going out with friends and family more, and even small things like reading or cleaning your home. Whatever you do, just stay active and think good thoughts!

Tip #5 Replace the bad memories with happy ones.

          It’s completely normal to feel bad about a fight that you had with your deceased loved one, or to feel regretful for that time you weren’t able to show up. What’s not okay is dwelling on these things and allowing them to cloud your brain and be the bulk of your memories surrounding the person you love. At these moments when you are feeling flooded with memories of the bad stuff, flush them out with happier, more positive memories that will be reassuring of the love shared between you and the person you’ve lost.

Bonus tip! Live on and thrive FOR your loved one.

          Now that your loved one has passed, I implore you to honor their memory in the greatest way by being the best YOU that you can be. Every day that you wake up and breathe air is a day that you are favored. We must live on and do the many great things our beloved deceased is no longer here to do. Spread love, be compassionate, and make a difference in the world around you. Take advantage of every moment and opportunity placed before you. Be strategic in the advancement of your life so that you will be able to live on in their name; and no I don’t mean just breathe air and be here, I mean LIVE!

Growing up I wondered what I would do if my mom ever died. I had no clue that it would happen as soon as it did. I used to imagine myself in a crazy house, completely shut down, closed off from the world and wilting away if I lost my mother. I couldn’t imagine life without her. After over a decade, I am finally able to see the silver lining in the dark cloud that swooped over my life that cold, somber morning in October. I know that I would not be the woman I am today, fortified by tenacity and poise, if the circumstances of my life were any different. My hope is that these tips will help you see the orchids that bloom after winter when positively coping with the grief and loss of a loved one.

Peace and blessings.

With love,

Tenacious T