I "Like" Mondays with 'Anna the Red's Bento & Plush Factory'

When I encourage my friends or acquaintances to do what they love and love what they do, this is a great place to use as an example.  'Anna' was born in Japan and moved to the U.S. in 1994.  This former art student loves to use her talent towards the most fantastic bento box meals (as well as plush art).  What child wouldn't love opening up his lunch to reveal such a playful meal?  This is nutrition well disguised.  To see her amazing food art, "Like" her facebook page or blog.

As we begin to think of back to school, give thought to a bento box this year.  I used an egg mold and some other clever side accompaniments last year and the result was a group of lunch ladies (as well as many students) finding much entertainment with each bite my little boy took.  Anna's site is well designed with many pictures and 'how-to' lessons.  She has given me much inspiration for a new school year of lovingly prepared and healthy meals.

For many choices in Bento Boxes and tools you may want to check out: 

GoGo SqueeZ: Applesauce on the Go by Materne

I love the story behind this applesauce.  Created by a grandfather in southern France who used his apples to produce a healthy, loving snack for his grandson.  Applesauce is always a favorite accompaniment to a lunchbox, and all my children have been enjoying GoGo Squeez immensely.  I love it because it's a spoon-less and natural nutritional snack.  100% fruit with no sugar added.  Materne brought this to the U.S. in 2008 in an effort to help American families feed their children healthy foods when on the go.

This is certainly for Jack's Lunch Pail.  Materne's GoGo Squeez is sold in Whole Food shops (if not, ask them to)  I buy mine in bulk from Amazon and other Amazon sellers.

Wye River Crab Seasoned Crabbers Give Away

This contest is open to U.S. Residents 18+  through July 25

This contest is for 1-8 oz box Wye River Crab Seasoned Crackers Cheddar Cheese Flavor, 1-8 oz box White Cheddar Flavor  and 1-8 oz box Crabbers Cornbread Crackers combined together for one winner.

I sometimes frequent The Fresh Market in a nearby town.  I love walking in and seeing their exquisite selection of fresh produce, accompanied by the sound of classical music in the background.  It's a 'cream of the crop' type shopping experience.  The best of the best.  As I pushed myself away from the freshly roasted chicken with it's aroma penetrating through most of my senses, I had to shove myself through the display of ornately packaged sweets and nut section.  I rounded a corner of safety and was quite pleased that I hadn't shoved my shopping list aside and abandoned all sense of discipline (which is what I do 9 times out of 10 when shopping here). 

Checking down my short little list I suddenly heard my son's voice saying,  "Mommy Look!  Little crabs!  Can we try them?  Pleeeese?"

Well, why not?  I had been a good girl today -- one little box of the cutest looking little crab crackers is an ample way to reward myself...right?  While waiting in line and calculating the next set of errands, I heard another little voice and gazed up to find a young mother saying to her son, "Yes, they like 'Crabber's' too." 

"Are they good?"  I asked hopefully. 

"We LOVE them!"  Was her reply.  And I can say it is our family's reply as well now!

Wye River Crab Seasoned Crabbers are a baked cheddar cheese cracker with Wye River's special seasoning.  If I had to describe it to someone who has never tasted them (which is probably a good portion of fans at the moment) it's like a 'Chicken Biscuit meets Gold Fish' type flavoring.  It's different, it's unique and good grief, they are so adorable I can't stand it.

As Just for Jack Facebook Fans have reached over 100 and our Review Blog is nearing 200 in just the short time we've been up -- I thought I'd give a threesome of these crackers to a lucky Just for Jack fan.

To Enter:

1)  If you haven't done so yet, become a Just for Jack "Follower".  (click on 'Follow Me' to the right) -- then follow publicly.

2)  Leave a comment about this post.

That's it!  

You can earn up to two (2) extra entries by leaving a comment on Just for Jack Facebook Fan Page or by Tweeting something to justforjack on Twitter. 

Enter Squib Himalayan Salt Air Inhaler and Nasaline Nasal Rinsing System Give Away
Enter Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

What's in Your Fish Bowl?

A Just for Jack Snack

How about some Goldfish Crackers?  Even my teens can't help but smile when I set this snack out in it's appropriate dish.  I use a bigger fishbowl (and a bigger box of Goldfish Crackers) for larger parties and get togethers...It's one of those traits in my life that my family refers to as my 'Martha Stewart Syndrome'.  But no one's complaining. ;-)

Have you got a thoughtful way of serving?  Let us know at Just for Jack.

Clif Kid Organic Z Bar - 1 Case of 18 New Blueberry - Give Away Contest/Review

This contest is now closed.  Thank you for participating!  The winner has been contacted, and will be announced soon.

This contest runs from May 7 -14 and is open to U.S. Residents Only.  This is one case containing 18 Z Bars.

I climbed for a few years back in the 90s.  If you've ever found yourself on the face of a cliff, expending every last drop of determination to reach the end of a pitch, then you comprehend how important 'vigor' replacement is.  During this time, energy bars were a big rage -- but I couldn't understand why -- most of them were AWFUL.  While in California's Yosemite Valley, I began to see "Clif Bars" tucked away in climbers packs, or on the dash of their cars.  It seemed to me that if it involved muscles, sweat and endurance, it also involved Clif Bars.  It looked like someone finally made a good tasting energy food.

I'm so pleased to announce this Give Away by Clif Bar and Company:  Clif Bar has sent me one case (18 bars) of their Clif Kid, new Blueberry Organic Z Bar.  This nutritional bar has combined flavor, texture, 12 vitamins and minerals and baked it to energetic perfection.   I find the Z Bar leaves me feeling replenished, but not weighed down.  It is organic and made with whole grains, natural flavors and NO high fructose corn syrup. No junk as it's put.  Great added to your child's lunch for that 'power' relacement.

To Enter:

1)  Become a Just for Jack "Follower"  (click on 'Follow Me' to the right) -- then follow publicly.

2)  Leave a comment to this post.

That's it!  

You can earn up to two (2) extra entries by leaving a comment on Just for Jack Facebook Fan Page or by Tweeting something to ...justforjack on Twitter.

Note:  Here is a link to Clif Bar and their "Healthy Food Tips for Kids".   You'll also find detailed information on the ingredients.

See Other Giveaways:

Bamboo Clothing
Bamboo Cleaning Cloth with Organic All Purpose Cleaner
Read:  Keen Shoes H2 - "Gotta Have Some Red"

What's In Your Bento? - Bento Box Review

  

Many, many years ago, schools did not serve lunches as they do today.  During this time, children in Japan would bring their meals to school in a bento box.  A bento box, is basically a Japanese lunch box.  It normally consists of 4 parts rice, 3 parts meat, 2 vegetables and a side of something pickled.  My first experience with bento left me almost too afraid to eat the food -- it looked so lovingly prepared.  Perhaps that is why I love Bento Boxes so much. 

Preparing a meal, is an expression of love with me.  My husband has learned to very carefully tell me when he doesn't like something I've cooked.  Though I do not have the time to prepare as many elaborate pieces as others might, our son still enjoys the little Americanized ways with his bento.  I've found that cutting vegetables into shapes entices children to try them.  I have a little neighbor boy who at first turned his nose up to starfruit.  After I cut it into its natural occurring star shape and explained that it tasted like an apple, he tried it...and loved it.

You can purchase many kinds of different shaped cutters and accessories for your box if you wish, or you can be as simple as you like.  I have a lot of different sized cookie cutters, and I just get resourceful with them.  But you can buy actual vegetable cutters from Asian shops.  Bento boxes come in dozens of options; dishwasher safe, microwaveable, 1-tier, 2-tier, etc.  I love that I never have to use plastic bags.  They are very fun for children and I think the popularity with bento is quickly growing.

If you happen to have an Asian market of some kind near you, take a look around.  You will probably be pleasantly surprised at what you find there.  I found these perfect sized bowls -- small and medium.  I loved them so much that I had to go back and get a second set of each.  (I also found my son's bento box at the Asian market.)

see:  Back to School with Goodbyn Lunchbox (Americanized Bento)
see:  Japanese Egg Molds

Clif Kid - Organic Twisted Fruit

"It's twisted, it's tart-y, it's sweet and it's heart-y...."   Clif Kid definitely has something here.  I threw a box of these in the car on the way to my son's annual physical, and I was glad I did as it was a surprising treat for us in the middle of our day.  I thought I was going to bite into something exceedingly sweet or disappointingly bland -- but instead, I got a burst of zingy tartness with a perfect drop of natural sweetness.  The several strands of fruit puree are twisted into rope-like fashion, giving the product a chewy, yet tender texture.  At the stop light I started peering at the ingredients and was once again, pleasantly pleased to see fruit and concentrate are basically all it is.  As I started vocalizing my sentiments, the above jingle just sprang into life -- I don't know, maybe it's muse infused...oops!  There I go again.  After all the adjectives (and fruit) left my tongue, I heard my son speak 4 words; "  Mmmm....This is good."   Perhaps that's all that needs to be said.  It's not just organic, it's also gluten-free and has a good amount of c and b vitamins.  This one goes in the lunch pail.  


Organic Twisted Fruit can be purchased in singles, a 6 piece box or 18-24 piece bulk orders.  They come in various flavors -- we tried tropical and have pineapple on order.  Check the Health Food Section of your local grocer.  They vary in price depending on where you purchase them.  Purchase from:  Clif Bar & Company

Tartex Vegetarian Pate Review

This is a taste-y way to provide a bit of veggies.  I discovered this while living in England and am so happy to finally find it offered in the U.S.  My children enjoy this pate on a wholegrain cracker or tortilla.  It spreads smoothly.  I order it by the case and find myself labeling the cans so there are no hoarders.  I recommend the 'Herb Meadow' for first timers.

Produced by:  Tartex
Size Available:  4.4 oz can

Main Ingredients:  Nutritional yeast, vegetables, spices

Cost:  around $5.49

Where to buy:  I found mine at Vegan Essentials

Notes:  Refrigerate after opening (if there's any left.)