Back to School Organization & Lunch Ideas with KTHV 11 The Vine

I can't believe today is back to school.  It doesn't seem right to start school in the severe heat.   The heat index are topping out in the low-mid 100's today in #littlerock.   It was already feeling like 90 degrees this morning at around 8:30 when I arrived at KTHV11's station for the morning show "The Vine."  


This is my third appearance and fifth segment.   It is getting a little easier each time.   Today, it was so hot and I had so much to tote, I thought I was going to pass out.   

Today's first segment was getting your "homework station" ready for your kids, young adults, and yourself!  I found an easy way to keep up with all the markers, colors, glue, scissors, etc.   I found an old box and I re-purposed and stained it.  It is like an old "coke box."   This box contained many compartments and was perfect for my large assortment of supplies and necessities.    P.S.  This would also work great for a craft box to keep up with craft supplies, jewelry supplies, etc.

This year I am trying to focus more on "sustainable" products.   We need to revert back to times when there wasn't so much plastic and paper bags, etc.   I found these great little bags that comes in all sizes, shapes and designs.  They are perfect to store your school snacks and lunch treats.  You can put them in the fridge overnight and they will help keep your food items cool through lunch.

My friends at Bizz have great "Bento" boxes that are also great for portion control and food storage.  These can be placed in the fridge, freezer or microwave.  You can also put them in the dishwasher.   You can purchase them on my #Amazon store at https://www.amazon.com/shop/sweetyellowcornbread

Be sure and try and use products that you can reuse or re purpose.     Anything we can do to help Earth and our environment around us is a #winwin.

If you have college daughters, they will love the beautiful #katespade boxes that you can pickup at your local TJMaxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods.   These beautiful boxes come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and designs.  They make great photo boxes or can be used for any type of storage.   They also make make your closet shelves look amazing!   I use them as gift boxes for Christmas, Bridal Showers, as well as, Birthdays.


Watch the Episode Here - on alternative sandwiches.   Use apples for bread.  Yes, apples!   They are great and your kids will love them!   I used green apples to make club sandwiches with them.   Slice the apples in rounds.   Load the middle with Canadian bacon, bacon, lettuce, tomato, etc.  Just like you would a traditional club.   Leave off the dressings.  The apple will give you the juice and sweet taste.   This will help cut down on calories and extra sugars.

I used red apples for the Peanut Butter sandwiches.   Who doesn't like apples & peanut butter?  YUM!  P.S.  Leave off the Sugary Jellies...........................................you don't need them.

Also, pack the peanut butter cups to be used for dippers.  Pretzels, Bananas, Apples, etc. are fun to dip in the peanut butter and are delicious!    The Peanut Butter is perfect to give you the protein energy boost to get you through the day.

Be sure and watch the episode to see how cute these turned out.

If you need some great decorations for your classroom or buy your teacher some gifts.  Lark & Jill is the perfect place to pick up custom door hangers, paintings and more!   My friend Larkin made the wonderful pencil door hanger for me.  Lark & Jill is located in Painted Tree West Little Rock on Chenal Parkway.  

Need custom cookies made for your teachers?   Birthdays?  Holidays? or just because?   Be sure and check out my friend Beth's Facebook Page - Extra Sweet.   Extra Sweet Bakery can customize cookies, pies, cakes and more.  

I hope each of you having a great upcoming school year.   Let it be less stressful by organizing & doing some meal planning upfront.   Get your kids involved and let them have fun making the apple & various alternate sandwiches.   They will love filling the little bags with treats and packing them.

Adults like fun bags of treats as well!   Set up your grazing board with a variety of meats, fruits, veggies, cheeses.   You will see how fun it is for the kids or adults to pick from the board.

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