The back-to-school season means it’s also time to plan for
school lunches. Plenty of children and teens carry their lunches to school each
day. At the same time, far
too many food-borne infections in youngsters may be attributed to
improperly prepared or handled school lunches.
Select a suitable school
lunch package. An insulated lunch box or bag is better than a disposable
brown paper bag, unless you are packing non-perishable foods.
Choose fresh foods for
preparing school lunches. Examine fruits, vegetables, and dairy products
carefully to ensure they are still good for eating.
Check expiration dates on
all lunch contents. Toss all outdated items.
Place freezer packets in
the freezer overnight to make sure they are fully frozen by morning.
Freeze a juice box or
bottle to include in the school lunch. It will help to chill the food and likely
fully thaw before lunchtime.
Practice safe food
preparation hygiene techniques. Wash hands before making the lunch. Clean
cutting boards, utensils, and other tools are a must.
Assemble the school lunch
strategically, placing perishables near the frozen drink and freezer pack.
Chill the insulated lunch sack
(perhaps already filled) in the refrigerator overnight with its lid
propped open to cool it through and through.
Pick an insulated container
with a tight seal to keep soup or other hot foods sufficiently steamy.
These vessels may serve nicely for cool foods (such as yogurt or deli
salads) as well.
Collect and wash all used
school lunch containers promptly, so they will be ready for safe reuse the
next day.
Even if parents practice safe preparation and packaging of
school lunches, children may still face risk of food-related illness, if they
do not wash their hands before eating or if they place their lunch food items
directly on non-sterile surfaces at school. Cafeteria tables or classroom desks
may be frequent culprits, when it comes to sharing germs. Smart practice is
safe practice.
Moving into a new home or rearranging furniture in your existing one? How can you eliminate those pesky
carpet dents from heavy items? You know those dips that show up under sofa or
armchair feet, headboard pegs, or piano legs?
What if you move
stuff around and don’t want to leave those craters in the carpets?
Here’s a simple way to fluff up rug fibers, making them
smooth again.
Just grab a bunch of ice cubes. Toss one into each hollow
spot. Leave them there overnight.
The next day, just spruce up the textile fibers in each
former furniture dent. Pull out the vacuum, if you wish.
Whoosh! The dents are gone, and the carpet looks smooth
again.
Whew. August is flying by, and I have nearly missed doing a Simple
Woman’s Daybook post. Better late than never.
Looking out my window
…
Wow. Glad I did that! I’ve been tapping away at my desk for
hours and missing all that beautiful summer sunshine.
I am thinking …
I’d better put down the mouse and get out there! (My sneakers
aren’t gonna run themselves.)
I am thankful …
Being self-employed can bring unique challenges. Everyone
seems to think the work-at-homer is constantly available to run errands, complete
others’ chores or projects, chat endlessly on the phone, or simply drop
everything at a moment’s notice (even for trivial interruptions).
Gee, did I just type
that out loud?
Still, freelancing offers freedoms that merit celebration. Sometimes we can
load up our proverbial plates at our own discretion and clear chunks of time when
we want or need it. So I am thankful.
One of my favorite things …
With summer winding down, I have to join the chorus of
autumn-lovers. I absolutely love the cooler, but still pleasant, temperatures.
I enjoy slipping on a cozy oversized hooded sweatshirt and strolling through miles of colorful
fall leaves.
Photo by this author - all rights reserved.
I am wearing …
You guessed it. I’m sitting at my desk, wearing a tech tee
and a pair of stretch running capris. And they’re going to have to stretch a
lot more, if I don’t actually step outside and run today.
I am creating …
I’m not exactly sewing or crafting much this summer. Sure, I
have a bin of fabric that beckons me to cut out a pattern or two.
On the other hand, I’ve had a few new Kindle books hit the
market this summer. Does that count?
I am watching …
Having recently joined Netflix (Sorry, I may have mentioned
that in an earlier post.), I am sort of night-binging on TV series I have
missed. Right now, I am watching Mad Men.
As a former advertising executive, who often hammered on the proverbial glass
ceiling, I find this intriguing and humorous and even maddening.
I am reading …
This summer has been a weird sort of reading journey for me.
For maybe the first time in my entire life (as a literature lover – no less), I
have started and quit FOUR novels. Honestly, that has never happened to me. I
have never had so much trouble finding fiction to love. I tend to be a
determined sort of person, and I hate quitting. So this has been a rather
significant frustration for me.
It’s been awhile since I read something that really grabbed
me. And I am hungry.
I am listening to …
I’m cranking a series of oldies on YouTube. Right now, this
is playing:
I am hoping …
For the past month or so, I’ve been dealing with a medical
process in which the solution seems to be worse than the initial problem. It’s
not life-threatening or anything, but it’s uncomfortable. In a nutshell, it
involves awakening old injuries, in an effort to bring more complete healing. But
it’s not exactly a party.
I am hoping this resolves pretty soon. Pain gets old – even a
dull ache grows tiresome.
One of the things I continue to learn is the importance of
having a few fun and faithful friends. Sure, we can have tons of acquaintances,
colleagues, and contacts. But the best kind are the ones who stick around in
the best and worst of times. I just spent a weekend with a wonderful group that
fits that description better than most.
Photo by this author - all rights reserved.
In my kitchen …
I have a bunch of bananas that have turned to a color that
means it’s time to bake banana muffins or bread. Peeling them for immediate eating
would be a messy endeavor.
In the school room …
I don’t have any students at home anymore. But, as I seem to
say each month, I consider my life a school room of sorts. Sometimes I pick
things up quickly, but lately I think I’ve spent time standing in the cloakroom
as well. I have a friend who calls this God’s waiting room. But often I think
He waits more for us than we do for Him. What patience He has.
In my garden …
My perennials are
looking sort of spent. Maybe it’s time for some mums.
Board room …
Whoa. I have 77
Pinterest boards. How did that happen? OK, several of them originally tied
in with subjects related to columns I wrote for various publications. Here’s a pin from
one of my horsey boards. The notecard pictured is
from CafePress.
Product photo - fair use
Post script …
C’mon, you knew there would be a horse somewhere in this
monthly roundup. At least, if you are a returning guest, you knew!
Shared Quote …
“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a
misprint.” – Mark Twain (1835-1910)
This is my third
consecutive month of doing an entry for My Simple Woman's Daybook. I’ve enjoyed the process. Even more, I have
been pleased to visit participating bloggers and receive new visitors as well.
Here’s to September!
