lunchtime essentials

ONE OF my very favorite days of the year when I was little was the day my sis and I got to go to Target to pick out our shiny new school supplies and lunchboxes. While my sister leaned toward Donny and Marie or Shaun Cassidy, my hands-down favorite of all time was a Dukes of Hazzard lunchbox with a matching plastic thermos [which I’ve just learned could be mine again for just $385]. Man I LOVED that thing [and Bo Duke] despite the fact that the thermos absolutely always leaked, leaving a soupy mess of my lunch. We jammed that lunchbox with bologna sandwiches wrapped in tin foil and probably wasted 10,000 plastic bags for whatever else we packed inside.

IT’S A LITTLE sad for today’s kiddos that those clunky metal lunchboxes are a thing of the past, but they’ve been replaced with sooo many clever, eco-friendly, super stylish options instead that can be customized a thousand ways to keep everyone’s lunch tidy and just to their liking. No leaking or waste necessary. I’ve rounded up a bunch of awesome options for kids, teens and adults for every component from the lunchbox itself to lunchbox jokes that may garner a giggle or an eye roll. We own and have tested many of the containers that I’ve included [the W&P Seal Tight Glass Bowl is an everyday favorite for salad, soup and leftovers and has truly never leaked], so reach out if you have any questions about them or want to share others you love. Have fun putting together the perfect kit for the new school year, office, travel or work, it’s an easy way to express a little of your own style with something you need anyway. And check out the post on Backpacks + Accessories for something cute to carry your lunch in. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Lunchtime Essentials

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water bottles

I’VE SEEN a lot of memes about how when we were growing up in the 80s we never drank water [or wore helmets or seatbelts or sunscreen]. And it’s true that I definitely don’t remember there being any sort of real focus on hydration. If I was thirsty, I’d probably have grabbed an icy Diet Coke and called it good. But I think it’s awesome how conscious kids + teens are now of their water intake [and of their health and wellness in general] in a way that I wasn’t aware of until I was like 35. Now I don’t leave the house without at least 2-3 bottles at a pass for water, tea, electrolytes and a back-up bottle to refill my first water bottle when it’s empty. They’ve really become ‘essential’ to our daily routines.

AS A RESULT, there is an entire giant industry built around hydrating us in the prettiest, coldest, coolest, most functional and trendiest way. Water bottles are an important accessory and real form of self expression and there are A TON of cool ones to choose from. We own and love a number of the ones I’ve included [we have accumulated a LOT for school, adventures, sports, workouts and one that’s just right for sneaking into the movie theater…] and each one is perfect in its own way depending on how you use it and whether you care most about volume, temperature, size, etc. If you have questions about any of them, feel free to reach out, I’d be happy to give you my two cents. But chances are, your teen will choose largely based on how pretty it is and what it ‘says’ about them and that’s totally ok, too. Now go take a couple sips so you can keep your hydration on track. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Awesome water bottles

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warm-weather adventure gear i love

OUR LITTLE family loves to adventure ALL year-round. We camp and raft and hit the beach in the warmer months and ski in the winter. Our older son was 6 months old when he camped for the first time. Our younger son was 8 weeks. We would set up the little portable crib in the tent or in our pop-up and let the fresh cool mountain air and sounds of nature lull our babies to sleep. It was awesome. And as they’ve gotten older, we’ve been able to get back on the river. We bought a raft a few years ago and have been lucky to have some incredible adventures, paddling our way through stunning country that’s only accessible by boat. The kids [there are usually like 10 of them] are outside all day, paddling their own duckies, chasing frogs, engineering elaborate aqueducts on shore, stargazing and playing games until they snuggle into the tent and pass out hard with the sound of the river creating the best natural white noise. There are no screens. No phones. No plans. No stuff. Nothing to do but whatever they can imagine. And then they wake up the next day and do it all again. It’s 100% pure priceless magic.

OVER THE years I have tested, rejected and curated some adventure gear that I love. This list doesn’t include the super practical stuff like tents and coolers, but the ‘extra’ stuff that just makes everything more comfortable. After all, I don’t want to be distracted from the scenery or the sound of the kids’ laughter because I’m wrestling with subpar gear. If you’re looking for stuff for more ‘refined’ travel, check out my Gift Guide to Travel for favorites. And if you have any questions, reach out, I’m always here for you. xo

some of my favorite warm-weather adventure gear

~~ This Cotopaxi 60L Gear Hauler Tote is one of THE best gifts I’ve ever received and the best pieces of gear I’ve ever owned. I use it constantly to drag food to the mountains when we travel and all the extra loose gear on road trips; you know, shoes, hairdryer, hats… stuff you NEED, but doesn’t fit anywhere else. It’s indestructible, holds SO much stuff, is actually easy to carry and wipes clean. I love it so much that my husband bought me the 30L size, too. If your travels are often by car, near or far, this is your new BFF. ~~ $125

~~ A pair of good sandals is essential for any warm weather adventure and I looked for nearly a decade before I discovered the very best ones for me. I have tried on like 200 pairs of Chacos, Keens, Tevas and every other sandal that people love, but none of them were a good fit for me. My foot would always sit sort of awkwardly sideways in the footbed. And then I discovered Bedrock Cairn Adventure Sandals and the clouds parted and the sunshine came through. Dramatic? That’s how much I love them. They fit perfectly, had almost zero break-in period, are actually cute [they come in 8 colors] and are totally bomber. I wear them camping, in the river and ocean, on hikes, to the grocery store and everywhere else in between and just love them. My son was about to steal mine, so I bought him a pair, too. ~~ $115

~~ Ok forget adventuring, they should just issue a Leatherman Micra to every mom out there. It’s teeny tiny and has actually useful tools in it, like the clipper that I use all the time, even if just to open a Smoked Salmon Strip for my son [why is it sooo hard?]. I keep it in my car or bag during normal times, then stash it in either my hip pack or PFD when adventuring. It’s just a super useful thing to have around. ~~ $49.95

~~ I bought these stainless steel cups a few years ago for juice, drinks, oatmeal or anything else while we’re camping. They’re super durable, haven’t rusted and are easy to clean out [they don’t hold on to grease like plastic]. I love the colored silicone sleeves that keep track of who’s is who’s. They’re simple and just work. ~~ $19.99

~~ My Cotopaxi Daypack fits all the stuff I need for a mid-sized adventure [plus it’s so so cute], including rain jackets, water bottles and snacks for the kids [and for me]. They have lots of style and size choices depending on your preferences. I LOVE their bright Del Dia collection, which empowers the artisan who makes each pack to choose the colors they want to combine from leftover industry fabric. Each one is unique and super fun. For most styles, you can decide to be ‘surprised’ by the color or choose your own from their stash. LOVE their Hip Packs, too. ~~

~~ If I’m leaving the house for more than 2 hours, I’m leaving with at least a few Stasher Bags [or a huge pile if we’re traveling]. They are ENDLESSLY useful, especially when you’re out and about. I use them for everything from snacks to cosmetics to meds to games to stowing trash [like the core from the apple you had in there]. I have every size they make and I use them all for different things. I LOVE them. Really. Buy a bunch, you won’t believe how useful they are. Plus they’re virtually indestructible, leak-proof and can be chucked in the dishwasher when you get back [and find that week-old apple core]. ~~ from $7.99

~~ You guys already know how much I love my Aloha Hip Packs, which I bring on every adventure big + small. But I also adore their Pouches. When I travel, I bring two Small or Mid Pouches, one filled with clean undies and one empty that I use to keep track of the dirty ones. It works brilliantly to separate them and you never have random pairs of skivvies flailing around. ~~ from $36

~~ You also need a good baseball hat, I almost never leave home without one, especially in the summer. I love this Sunny Daze Trucker, it’s so sunny and cute. Check out my collection of cute Sun Hats for lots more ideas. ~~ $40

~~ I love my Nomadix Original Towel so much that everyone in my family now has one. They’re awesome for travel [we brought ours to Hawaii], camping, rafting or the neighborhood pool. These quick-dry beauties are made from recycled bottles, resist odor, sand + pet hair AND pack down super small and light. There are a ton of really cool prints to choose from and they come in an Ultralight version if space is really an issue. I also have a Hand Towel that I keep in my car for post-sweaty runs and hikes. They’re awesome and a fantastic gift if you’re looking. ~~ from $27.95

~~ My husband and I both love our Stio Hylas Hooded Pullover. It’s UPF 50, super lightweight, not too tight and the hood keeps sun off your face either for protection or when you’re just feeling super crispy. ~~ $89

~~ I grabbed a Pelican Micro Case on a whim a few years ago when heading out for a big river trip and I love it. We have a big family box for all the major stuff, but I felt like mama ‘needed’ my own so I could easily access my phone and charger without having to disrupt the carefully-packed boat ecosystem. It’s super petite, so that’s mostly all that fits in there along with an extra pair of sunnies, chapstick, and my slender card case. It has a little carabiner to clip to a lash or wherever you need it and, most importantly, it works and is totally bomber. The fact that it’s kind of adorable is just a bonus. It’s perfect for any scenario where you need to keep your treasures dry and from getting crushed. ~~ $29.95

~~ I know everyone has a favorite water bottle or two [or 10], but this Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth is my go-to for adventures for one super specific [maybe super dorky] reason… the mouth of the bottle where you put your sweet lips is covered by the lid so that no dirt or sand or river water gets on there while it’s knocking around. You get a clean drinking surface every time. So there. Plus, it’s a Hydro Flask, so you know it’s indestructible and will keep your water cold for as long as possible. That’s worth the price to me. ~~ $44.95

~~ I’m a ‘just in case’ kind of gal and I like to feel prepared, especially out in the woods where there is very little else you can control. So I jam this Patagonia 6L Black Hole Cube with ALL the meds and drag it on our adventures. We have a legit first aid kit for serious emergencies, but this is the thing that’s going to keep everyone as comfortable as possible. Whether you have poison ivy,diarrhea or a sunburn, I have a thing for that and I stash it all in this awesome bag. It’s weatherproof, incredibly durable and has a big mesh pocket on either side of the zipper that opens wide to keep things organized, accessible and visible. I love it. ~~ $49

~~ Ok, lean in, I’m going to tell you a secret… these Eagle Creek Packing Cubes are the single greatest travel item we own. They look a bit dorky I know, but they are EVERYTHING for keeping it all together, especially when you’re living out of a tent, camper or boat [or a different hotel room every night for weeks]. Each family member gets a Cube or two for their clothes and then we chuck all the cubes into a duffle or dry bag for transport. When we get all set up at camp, the Cubes act as a neat little ‘drawer’ for each person and all the crazy stuff is contained. It’s MAGIC. ~~

~~ We use this Rumpl Stash Mat outside our tent to stow everything that doesn’t fit inside or is too wet or dirty to come in. The bottom is waterproof, it packs up super small and it has little loops in the corners so you can stake it down. It also repels sand and dog hair. Basically it’s awesome. You can also use it as a blanket at kiddo sporting events or picnics. It would make a truly fantastic gift. ~~ $89

~~ Every gal needs a good sun hat and this Outback Woven Sun Hat is [extremely similar to] mine. It’s hand woven in Mexico and has a little cotton band on the inside to protect your skin and to soak up the sweat. And it’s super cute no matter where you’re headed. ~~ $68

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kids books about art

THERE ARE two things that I’ve almost always said ‘yes’ to with my boys since they could talk; books and art supplies. I’m a total sucker for both, partly because I love them and partly because I sincerely believe there’s no greater gift than the opportunity for further creativity, imagination, wonder and expression. And while you most certainly don’t need ‘stuff’ to explore any of those things, the addition of open-ended supplies and books that inspire are extra fun tools on the journey. I love to watch my younger son when he gets a little spark and starts pulling out the bins of popsicle sticks, hot glue and pipe cleaners to create ALL kinds of ships, guys, secret bases and other things that pop into his mind. It’s awesome.

AND BOOKS about visual art, artists and creativity are like a double bonus because the expose kids to all the different mediums and types of art that they could never have even dreamed up. They learn about how the individual artists see the world and their journeys to becoming the people we know them as today. There are SO many amazing books out there about artists, art, creativity and art appreciation written specifically for kids and they’re super inspiring. What better way to learn not only about different types of mediums and methods, but about different types of people, too. Who knows, maybe it’ll be the spark that inspires your own new future artist. Or at the very least may just fill a kiddo’s heart with wonder and curiosity and there’s no greater gift than that. For more on amazing art supplies, check out the Gift Guide to Art Supplies for Kids + Teens, it’s FULL of beautiful things that are sure to get those creative juices flowing. And if you love a kid whose creative expression comes out in food, check out the Gift Guide to Baking Stuff for Kids + Teens and you may get a sweet treat in return. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Kids Books About Artists

>> Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire >>

>> Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos >>

>> A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa >>

>> Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat >>

>> Fausto Gilberti has a whole series of ‘Wasn’t Sorry’ biographies about very cool artists, including Banksy Graffitied Walls and Wasn’t Sorry >>

>> Sandy’s Circus: A Story About Alexander Calder >>

>> If Monet Painted a Monster is part of The Reimagined Masterpiece Series that takes a ‘mundane’ object and shows it through the eyes of a ton of different artists’ unique styles >>

>> Laurence Anholt’s Series of books feature unique stories about famous artists, including Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail >>

>> Hokusai: He Saw the World in a Wave is part of the 8-book What the Artist Saw Series >>

>> Women Artists A to Z >>

>> Cloth Lullaby: The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois >>

>> Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the artists featured in the massive, awesome Little People, Big Dreams collection of books about influential people who have shaped our culture >>

>> Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas >>

>> A Flash of Color & Light: A Biography of Dale Chihuly >>

>> Great Lives in Graphics: Frida Kahlo >>

>> Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing >>

>> There are a whopping 30 artists featured in the ‘Meet the Artist’ series of books, from Mary Cassatt to Piet Mondrian to miniaturist Reza Abbasi >>

>> There are 8 books in the ‘Smart About Art’ series that feature artists through the eyes of fictional students studying them for a class project, including Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors >>

>> Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art >>

>> Kid Artists: True Tales of Childhood from Creative Legends >>

Kids Books About Creativity + Art Appreciation

>> The Artist >>

>> What Do You Do With an Idea? >>

>> The Artist’s Promise >>

>> I’m NOT Just a Scribble >>

>> Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color >>

>> Miss Edmonia’s Class of Wildfires won the Creative Magazine 2024 Book of the Year Award >>

>> The Dot >>

>> What Type of Artist are You? >>

>> Maybe Something Beautiful: How Aer Transformed a Neighborhood >>

>> The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse >>

Board Books About Artists + Art

>> 123s of Art is one of 6 books in Sabrina Hahn’s Art & Concepts for Kids Series >>

>> 100 First Words for Little Artists >>

>> Pantone Colors: A Board Book >>

>> This Little Artist: An Art History Primer >>

>> Andy Warhol Colors >>

>> Artists is part of the awesome Little People, Big Dreams Series >>

>> Art for Baby >>

>> Sunday with Seurat is one of the 9 books in the Mini Masters Series >>

>> Little Artist Board Book Set >>

>> Mix It Up >>

>> Pop Art Baby! is in English, Spanish, French and German >>

>> Opposites with Frank Lloyd Wright >>

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things i love: stasher bags

I LOVE MY Stasher Bags for sooo many reasons besides 'just' lunch, they're awesome for organizing all kinds of things at home and on-the-go. They're earth-friendly, super pretty and make perfect gifts for teachers, teens, moms, minimalists, neighbors, yoga teachers and just about everyone else. So while I do use them for lunch on a daily basis, I rely on them for SO much more. Now you can stay super organized, too. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

STASHERS ARE endlessly useful reusable bags made from super durable food-grade platinum silicone, so there are no nasty chemicals to leach into your food. They’re super easy to clean [you can even dump them in the dishwasher] and come in a bunch super useful sizes. Plus they’re pretty and come in so many fun colors, making it easy to keep track of stuff. I couldn’t count how many plastic bags I’ve saved by using my Stashers instead [but the company can and it’s 5.5 BILLION so far]. And they’re so crazy durable, I’ve never had a single one damaged, stained or extra stinky [and you can totally recycle them if they do eventually get that way].

MY FAVORITE USES FOR STASHER BAGS BESIDES ‘JUST’ LUNCH…

SCHOOL: Ok, yes, I totally love them for school. I use a few Snack Bags each day in both boys’ lunches [sometimes a Sandwich Bag too]. They are sooo easy to clean and I feel great about not wasting a bunch of plastic bags. You can also use them for things that live in their backpacks all of the time like hand sanitizer, lip balm, braces wax or mints and they’ll be totally protected no matter what else is floating around in there [nope, don’t wanna know].

SUPPLEMENTS: I drag a Stand-Up Mini or Sandwich Stasher full of my morning necessities everywhere we travel. It’s a little ‘breakfast kit’ with my first-thing supplements + vitamins, tea bags and a few other things that I need to start my day right. Whether we wake up on the bank of a river or in a lux hotel, I just grab my little kit and I’m ready for brekkie.

ICE PACK: My son crashed his mountain bike on a trip a while back and I used a trusty Sandwich Bag as an ice pack to nurse his jacked-up knee. It doesn’t leak AT ALL as the ice melts and I just stuck it back into the freezer when he was done to re-freeze for the next session. Stasher to the rescue.

TOILETRIES: The Stand-Up Mid is THE perfect size, shape and volume for carry-on travel. It has a really nice wide opening and the gusseted bottom makes it super spacious for ALL the stuff. I use a Sandwich for my youngest because he basically just has a toothbrush and then I make him the designated mule for the meds we drag along when we travel by air.

L’IL COOLER: The Stand-Up Mid or Mega are perfect as mini coolers for keeping snacks, lunch or even just a cold drink nice and cool. Stashers aren’t insulated, so you can’t drag your makeshift cooler around for a long time if it’s hot, but it’s perfect for bringing to work or the pool or even to the trailhead so you can dream about that cold iced tea at the finish [um, yes, I have def done that]. Pop an ice pack in there and you’re set. You can also use it as an 'ice bucket’ for drinks while you’re entertaining.

BIG OL’ SNACK BAG: I use a Stand-Up Mega or 8-Cup Bowl for ALL the packaged snacks when we travel. I fill it up with bars, meat sticks, trail mix packs, fruit strips and anything else we might need to fuel up on-the-go. When we’re ready to gear up for skiing, hiking or biking, everyone just grabs what they need to jam in their pocket or pack and off we go. Being able to easily see what’s inside is huge. I also use Snack, Sandwich or smaller size Bowls for individual snacks on-the-go, like loose trail mix, fruit + veg, dry cereal, crackers, pretzels, etc. I love that the Bowls stand up on their own and open really wide, so they’re super easy to get into.

TRASH BAG: I mean, you always end up with empty wrappers, snotty tissues, dirty bandaids, orange peels + apple cores while you’re on the trail, in the car or at the beach. Just stuff it all into an empty Stasher and chuck it when you get to a trashcan. The bags can go right into the dishwasher, so don’t be shy.

FOOD PREP + STORAGE: Apparently you can cook ramen and pop popcorn in a Stasher, but I haven’t tried it yet. I DO know that they’re awesome for keeping veggies fresh, especially when we’re camping or traveling. I cut up carrots, wrap them in a damp paper towel and stuff them into a Sandwich or Half Gallon Bag.They’re all ready to eat and stay super fresh for days [no weird dry carrots here]. Same with greens, like Romaine, which I do even when I’m home.

DOG WATER: Stasher Bowls are perfect for doggie water on the go. Whether you bring an empty just for them or repurpose one when your snacks are devoured, the wide opening is perfect for hydrating your pup in a pinch. Then toss it in the dishwasher to get all that gooey slobber off.

RESTAURANT + TRAVEL TOYS: Throw a bunch of loose Plus Plus, Pix Brix or Legos into a Stasher and you’re ready for anything. Choose a size that’s manageable for you to carry around and that provides enough pieces to allow for creative play. You’ll always have instant entertainment on hand at restaurants, appointments or anywhere else you need to keep kids busy for a bit. Check out The Best Restaurant Toys for my other favorite toys to stuff in.

GIFTS, OF COURSE: I love gifting Stashers to teachers [or kiddos] for Back to School or any old time of the year. Seriously EVERYONE can use a Stasher [or like 40] so even if they already have one, you can’t go wrong. Stuff a few fun snacks, treats, mints or a fancy lip balm inside and you have an awesome little gift for just about anyone.

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