It's Box Day!

It’s Box Day!   

 

At least once a month, a cardboard box appears in our hallway.

This oh-so-ordinary box serves an extraordinary purpose. This box is dedicated to my happiness.  It preserves my sanity.  It makes unwanted items disappear from my home, while simultaneously helping someone else at the same time.  It’s practically magic!

Okay, so it’s my donation box, but seriously.  There are times in every persons life when the occasion calls for a good old session of “out with the old”.  I know most people would continue “and in with the new”, but as a family, we are doing our best to keep unneeded items from entering our home.  We have dedicated so much time and energy to "staging” our home for living, that bringing in new things we don't need will just slow us down and keep us from our end goal.

That’s a new focus for us, the idea that we don’t need stuff to be happy.  In fact, our journey to “less” is to give us a new found appreciation for the few special things we do have.   In the past we have found that too much stuff fuels a desire for more and more stuff.  It clutters, it distracts.  It prevents us from enjoying hobbies and pastimes that bring joy into our lives.  It pulls us away from what we consider the important thing in life: relationships.  

The box will sit in the hallway for a few days, maybe a week.  During that time, outgrown clothing, toys, some books, and who knows what else, will find its way into the box.  Over the weekend the box will make it’s way to the Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe.  I’m hoping that either it or the money it brings will make its way into the life of someone who truly needs it.  

Giving your home a good clean-out, and helping someone else at the same time?  Everybody wins! When is the last time you were able to go through your closets and storage, fill a box, and donate it to a good cause?

Lunchboxes, Making Food Fun

Lunchboxes

I have a few… (cue my husband laughing at me in the background).  I just cannot bring myself to do away with one of them!  They are among my top prized possessions.

Contrary to what some may believe after viewing my collection, I am actually not a foodie.  When it comes down to it, I do not enjoy the cooking process.  I would rather continue cleaning the house, pursuing a hobby, or working outdoors, than stop to put together lunch.  This could also explain my eating habits.  I generally keep it simple, and lean towards whole foods that will fill me up and feed my body.  Quick, easy, and back to work.  Keeping it simple.

With the start of my first teaching job, I found myself faced with the challenge of preparing food for a day away from home.  Looking in the fridge each morning, it was difficult for me to find items that would pack well and keep my tummy satisfied for the length of the work day.  As you can imagine, this did not work out so well for me once lunchtime rolled around.  Peanut butter crackers got old quickly.  I kept a stash of microwave macaroni ‘n cheese in my coat closet.  Not the healthiest stuff to eat, I know, but keep in mind I was fresh out of college.  I knew I wanted to make a change to eating better food, and while you do not need a lunch box to do that, it sure has helped me.

So I began researching my options.  As I was packing everyday, I wanted something reusable and sturdy, to cut back on the amount of trash I was producing.  This lead me towards lunchboxes with partitioning. This turned out to be even more beneficial than I realized, as I would brainstorm during dinner how to fill each compartment for my lunch the next day.  I could also pack my box as I was cleaning up dinner, saving myself time before work the next morning.  These lunch boxes work great as “doggy” bags after eating out too- who knew!  Doing away with the paper bags and plastic baggies has simplified our lunch packing routine, and eased the decision-making process at the same time.

If you are looking to pack lunch every day, searching for a way to cut back on trash, trying to save some money on eating out, or just trying to eat more clean, I highly recommend checking out some of the links below.  In addition to products, many of these sites offer ideas for what sorts of food to pack in their product and recipes to try.

1. Bentology (Formerly known as  Laptop LunchBox)

http://bentology.net/

After doing some research, the Laptop LunchBox was my first choice, so I did want to mention it here. They have since changed their name and I see some additional products on their site.  If you cannot tell from the photo’s, their product is plastic (claiming BPA free).  Being my first box, I was quite pleased with it, but my happiness with this product faded over time, as the negatives began to outweigh the positives.  I have since recycled this product.  

Things I liked:

• Versatile.  Different sized containers allow for more options when packing food.  
• Plastic, so you may easily reheat foods in the microwave.
• Containers were airtight, so I could easily pack soups, stews, and other wet foods like applesauce and yogurt.  
• Can purchase additional add-ons or replacement pieces via their website.  

Things I did not like:

• It is plastic, so I did note some food stains early on, especially from red sauce.
• So many pieces to clean and to lose!  (This was the killer for me.)
• Some of the containers began to develop a white residue, even though washed regularly.

2. Tiffin

Check them out on Amazon.

I had never seen anything like this before, so when I came across the “Eat Drink Live” tiffin at Ten Thousand Villages, I had to have it. The shape of the containers makes it difficult to pack some things, say, a whole sandwich (even Arnolds Sandwich Rounds do not fit this model), but luckily I am not one for sandwiches.  Super-durable, I fill this one with snacks and let my kids carry it around.  It is perfect for my favorite snack-like lunches: Babybell cheese, crackers, raw vegetables, and fruit.  As it is metal, it makes it difficult to pack hot foods, unless you bring along a microwaveable plate to transfer your food to for reheating.  I did find a model that comes with what looks like a hot/cold carrier (see below), but not sure how long with would keep foods at the right temperature for.  Make sure you keep it upright, if you chose to pack any “wet” foods.  I would not recommend packing soup or liquids in this lunch box, as my model isn’t sealed.  There are a few pieces to clean, depending on the model you would select, but nothing like the Bentology.         

      

3. LunchBots

http://www.lunchbots.com/

 

(estimated $20-$30 price range, depending on model)

The great things about LunchBots is that they come in various sizes with various partition designs.  One box is enough for a snack or a small lunch, perfect for a morning at the park or a break between running errands.  If you like to eat a lot or need more food, I would suggest purchasing more than one, perhaps an UNO for a salad/sandwich and a DUO for veggies and fruit.  Durable, only two pieces (a lid and a base), and easy to clean!  

4. ECOLunchBox

http://ecolunchboxes.com/

ECOLunchBox 3-in-1 (starting price $26.00)

This lunch box follows a tiffin design, but the shape allows for much more versatility.  A typical size sandwich will fit in the bottom.  The top container can hold fruits, veggies, nuts… If you prefer to keep your foods separate, the smallest container can “nest” in the top container.  The smallest container comes with its own lid, so you can pack a snack separately as well.  Very durable.  When I first purchased the 3-in-1, I noticed the fit of the containers was not perfect.  If I was having trouble fitting them together, I would rotate a container around to help solve that. I also noticed the side clamps that hold the containers together would slip off the lid when all the pieces were together.  I used a needle-nose pliers to create a little more bend on the clamp and -voila!- no more slipping.  No sealing; not the best container for wet foods.

This company sells bags and other accessories to accompany your lunchbox.  I purchased an artisan bag to carry my 3-in-1.  I selected the versatile adjustable backpack, which can actually be worn as a backpack, over the shoulder, or across the body.  It comes with three napkins/placemats.  I use this bag to carry my ECOlunchbox, my tiffin, or my LunchBot.

5. PlanetBox

http://planetbox.com

Shuttle Starting Price ($34.95)

Rover Starting Price ($49.95)

Launch Starting Price ($55.95)

The most expensive, but by far, my favorite choice for the kids.  The tray design is easy to clean, there are few pieces to keep track of, it can be put in the dishwasher, and did I mention customizable magnets that attach to the outside?  There are so many more magnet options available since I purchased mine.  For kids, this totally ups the coolness factor. The company also sells lunch bags to hold the box and keep food cool.  

The PlanetBox comes in three sizes: Shuttle, Rover, and Launch.  I do not have a Shuttle, but understand that it is the right size for a snack or lunch for a little tummy.  I would probably go with a LunchBot DUO before a Shuttle and save the money.  

I want to order a Rover (middle size) for my oldest child who will be starting pre-school this year and will need to pack a lunch. The five compartments allow for lots of variety. If you visit their site, they follow the choosemyplate.gov recommendations for food groups and servings.  I know this will help me when I am brainstorming what to pack her for the next day.  

I own a Launch (largest) for myself, and I love it.  The Launch came with a dipper (small round container) for sauces, condiments, or dressing.  If I felt the need for something sweet I would fill mine with chocolate chips :)  When I purchased my Launch, I also purchased a “satellite”.  This container is glass with a (silicone?) lid, which allows me to pack and easily reheat food in a microwave. The lid seals when the lunch box is closed, so it holds wet food well.  

* * * * *

I had to keep stopping myself from writing “I LOVE this box!” for lunchboxes #2-5.  They are seriously useful and I use them on a daily basis.  They help me eat cleaner, rather than going out and purchasing food wherever I am at.  They save me money, as it much cheaper for me to bring food from home than eating out. They have eased my effort to put together meals for my family on the go.  

If you have any questions about any of the above products, comment below.  I would love to hear from you!

Mandy

Finding My Mary

Me on a darker day.

Mary’s and Martha’s.  That’s what it all comes down to.  Honestly.  I had a beautiful, and in my opinion, well writen entry on things that I’ve changed around my home in order to make cleaning easier.  Tips, tricks, cheap but effective products… the works.  

But... (Yes, I will begin my sentences with the word but, because in life there are and will continue to be but’s)

But… I feel like the Spirit has another plan.

If you have heard something like this before, I hope that this is a good reminder for you.  If you have not, I am praying this speaks to you in a positive and uplifting way.

Remember the story of Jesus meeting the sisters Mary and Martha?  (If not, check out Luke 10:38-42) Well, I am a Martha.  God made me that way.  I see a mess, I clean it up.  I see a problem, I try to fix it.   If the problem is clearly none of my business, you can bet I am waging an internal war to be respectful of others space.  I am content to be out of the spotlight and in the background, doing what needs to be done.

Let us be real; the world needs Martha’s, just as it needs Mary’s.  I’m proud to be a Martha, but now that I am a mother, I feel like God is calling me to be more of a Mary.  Here’s why.

Since the arrival of my first child, my house has not been the example of clean I would like it to be.  The rationale that kept me sane was that I had a young child, and people would understand that I was tired, both physically and mentally.  It got me by, but with the arrivals of #2 and #3 and no real end of the mess in sight, stress levels were high. When it came to my home, I simply could not be at rest when there was a sink full of dirty dishes, toys scattered to the four corners of the house, and a small mountain of dirty clothes to be dealt with.  (Do not worry, your messy home has no effect on my stress levels :)

 

I would use what energy I had in the morning to tackle a task like deep-cleaning the bathroom (because boy, did it need it!), only to discover the kids had destroyed their bedroom. I would take time to straighten up their room, while the baby took his time to remove all the books from the shelf in the living room.  By the end of most mornings, I was tired, stressed and still seeing messes everywhere. The children were feeling ignored and hungry.

No one was happy.  Stress levels were high. Something had to change.  Being a Martha, there was no way I was going to make my peace with the mess.  

Around this time, my husband and I stumbled across the concept of tiny houses. However, what with having a large-wardrobe-clothes-loving husband, 3 children, and a large dog - none of whom I am willing to part with - you can probably agree that the tiny home concept is not for me at this stage in my life.  

Then a thought occurred to me.  While a smaller house was not in our immediate future, what about cutting back on the amount of stuff in ours?  Matthew 6:21 reads: “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.  My mistake was putting my focus into the state of my house, rather than the state of my children.  I was allowing a surplus of stuff (the mess) get in the way of spending time with my family; God being the head of my family.  

I managed to get the hubs on board, and since the arrival of #3, we have been working together to clean out our house of distractions; the mess; the items that are getting in our way of developing relationships as a family.  We have not gone what some would define as minimal, but I can definitely imagine us getting to that point some day.  We still have a television which we use for watching movies and cartoons for the kids that often support the development of strong character (Got to love me some Daniel Tiger!)  We have full size couches and collections of books and DVD’s.  I have a china cabinet full of family heirlooms I cannot bring myself to get rid of.  But :) we did get rid of a lot of items that held little importance to us, were not useful, or that we had unnecessary multiples of.  

Truly, this has made the biggest difference in my Martha ways, because less stuff means less time straightening up the home.  Most rooms take one minute to “straighten up”, 5 minutes to vacuum, and occasionally five minutes of dusting.  Bathrooms and kitchens still take some scrubbing time, obviously, but that is ok.  

Most helpful, is knowing that God does not care about the clean-state of this house.  This has allowed the Mary to come out in me.  I am blessed to be home with my children all day.  He wants to see me developing relationships with my family.  Praise God I am able to relax, and spend time with my children without distractions calling out to me from every room.  I am even able to leave a sink of dirty dishes be for a good part of the day, because I know that everything else is as it should be.  I am reminded of Matthew 6:28-29, which is quickly becoming a favorite verse: “and why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that no even Solomon in all his glory clothes himself like one of these”. Clothing, shelter, just have faith that God's got it covered.

If you find yourself sighing as you look around the room, unhappy with the clutter that has worked its way into your home, maybe it’s time for a change.  This is a subject that is dear to my heart, so if you find yourself wanting to talk about it, I would feel blessed to listen and share some ideas with you.  

In Him,

Mandy

Lost in the Fog

It is easy to get lost in the moment.  

It is just as easy to get lost in the "moment of young motherhood".  I've discovered this is one of those moments that seemingly knows no boundaries.  It can potentially stretch out from weeks to years, sometimes to the point where your life prior to children seems dreamlike… to think that you once operated on a schedule free from Daniel Tiger, afternoon naps, 8:00 bedtimes, and midnight feedings!  

Unfortunately, along with this beautiful moment, I’m also fully submerged in the "mommy fog", which is seriously impacting my quality of life! It keeps me from seeing and enjoying what’s around me, and prevents me from seeing what’s ahead. Occasionally, I will stumble across a clearing and manage to get a glimpse of things, marveling at the blessing that life is; but those moments are all too short and sure don’t happen often enough.

In his short story The Three Questions, Leo Tolstoy says “Remember that there is only one important time, and that time is now”.  For me, this is an especially precious time; one that is going to fly by so quickly that I'll probably spend the rest of my life wondering where the time went. My children are young, beautiful, forgiving, playful, curious, animated, and kindhearted.  They can also be messy, selfish, bossy, and downright mean.  Regardless, these are years that are worth remembering and enjoying! 

The truth is, I don’t think young mothers are the only ones to suffer from the “fog”.  If you aren’t sleeping long enough or well enough at night, you may find yourself in a fog for the better part of your day.  Being stressed and occupied by the events of work today or tomorrow may be taking a toll on your leisure time.  Perhaps you have not achieved all you wished  by this point of your life and this knowledge keeps your from enjoying your current situation. Whatever the cause, the fog is stealing away the quality of our life.

So I’m challenging you to come to this table. Begin a journey with me to escape the fog- whether you’re a mother, overwhelmed with distractions in life, or a workaholic - to maximize and enjoy the time you have with your family and friends, and maybe even learn something new about yourself.  Let’s make a commitment to get out of this fog and begin living a life where we can truly enjoy the present and the relationships around us.