Lunch box dilemma and some exciting comments!

I do apologise, but I am putting the ironing post on hold. Instead I am writing today about a subject I try to succeed at every year... packed lunches. It's not a real problem for us because we don't have kids, both of us have access to sandwiches and canteens to buy lunch from, and I actually go home at some lunchtimes to eat leftovers. But I really would like to do a packed lunch and snacks for both Mr Laundrybasketcase and I to help us maintain a healthy diet as well as cutting down on wasteful packaging.


My dilemma with packed lunches is always the packaging. I detest stuffing a plastic bag in my handbag only for my lunch to get crushed and squashed on the way to work. I have in the past used paper bags, but once again it requires lots of bags for snacks, sandwiches etc. So I am determined to find a good compartmented lunchbox to help me on my way. Not only that, I want a compartmented lunchbox that is big enough for an adult lunch, and with no silly pictures that will make mr Laundrybasketcase too embarrassed to take it into work.

Do you do packed lunches? Have you found a good system? Do let me know.

Here are the options I have found via the Internet so far. Have you tried any of these? Or any other suggestions are welcome.

Option 1
First off, there is the Bento lunchboxes that I keep reading about.
Bento is the Japanese version of a packed lunch, usually taken to work and school by adults and schoolchildren alike, as a convenient and nutritious meal.

There is the Zojirushi Mr Bento lunch jar.


At first glance it looks great, but where do you put a sandwich. I'm definitely not convinced by this product, because I'm not so sure about the plastic containers being safe, they aren't dishwasher safe and we don't really need our lunches kept warm because we have access to microwaves at work. So probably not an option.

There are also these very funky and good looking melamine Bento boxes...

...lovely as they are, they aren't microwaveable, nor dishwasher safe. I love pretty things, but practicality is more important to me. Also, I'm not sure they are leak proof, nor about the bottoms of the top stack I have yet to find a dishwasher safe Bento lunchbox (available in the UK may I add) that is big enough and without Little Kitty or other themes on the lids.

However, if you like the look of a Bento lunchbox for your little ones, you must see this site. http://www.bentobusiness.co.uk/





This takes a Bento lunchbox to an art form, inspirational.

Option 2
These nifty lunchboxes I am seriously considering.



They are Laptop Lunch Bento Boxes . They are made from safe plastics (IE no carcinogens), they are dishwasher safe and microwaveable, and look at the colour combos you can choose from. Brilliant! My only concern is that they look fairly bulky, only have one lidded tray, and most importantly look like they may be designed for children's appetites. It's okay for me, but Mr L would not cope with such a small amount of food, and would head for the canteen anyway. But this is still on my list of considerations. Does anyone know if this will be big enough to accommodate food for a man?
They are from:
http://www.beckyandlolo.co.uk/product/laptop_lunch_boxes

Option 3
Then I found these. Perfect!




They are just what I am after.... only, I cannot for the life of me find these in the UK!!! I really do envy my friends in the US who have access to all these lovely things. The whole range from 'Fit & Fresh' looks amazing and comes with ice packs to keep food fresh. And yes, they are dishwasher safe!
Maybe I should just move abroad to solve my problem? I mean, they even come in blue for mr L.

Option 4
Option four is to buy individual little plastic containers, and one big container to make my own compartmentalised lunchboxes. It will take more time and effort, and may take a while for me to fins all the bits. On the other hand, I can customise them depending on the lunch that is packed. But oh, the effort! And time? What time?

Have you, dear blogging friends, have any advice for me?


Now for some exciting news... I have recently had two comments from some brilliant Authors to thank me for mentioning their books/ linking to their websites. I never thought either of them would even ever be aware of my blog, never mind leaving me a comment! Blogging really does open up doors!



Firstly, I got a comment a while back from the author Stephanie Denton of the book The Organized Life. This is what she said:

I'm so glad to know that The Organized Life has been so helpful to you. Thanks
for including it in this post - and the previous one where you listed it as one
of your favorite organizing books! All best,Stephanie Denton

Wow! And how lovely of her to leave me a comment. I was so pleased to get a comment like that from an author I admire! Thanks Stephanie.

Then only yesterday, I got a lovely comment from THE Janey Lee Grace. I've always been a fan of her website http://www.imperfectlynatural.co.uk/ and her books Imperfectly Natural Woman, and Imperfectly Natural Home!






Janey promotes living an environmentally friendly life as well as using natural products, however, she's not at all preachy, nor does she believe in spending more to be green. Janey wrote:

Hiya

Fab blog !thanks for linking to my site http//www.imperfectlynatural.com I'm
sure theres lots we can link up on ! Are you a member of my lovely
forumHappy
n3w year

How excited was I to get another comment from another great author! I am so chuffed that both of these busy ladies have taken the time to write to me! Thank you both of you!

Have a great day!x