Laptop Lunchbox

I love my Laptop Lunchbox.  Packing a lunch can save you lots of money, ZenHabits posits as much as $3,000 per year.  Although I understand why some folks need to go out to purchase lunch (socialization, anti-socialization, lunch meetings, etc) I prefer packing my own when I can.

The Laptop Lunchbox system is sort of American Bento.  It's a box with interchangeable compartments, that divide the space up into 1 large and 2 small or 2 medium and 2 small spaces (although you can get creative about that).  There is also a designated spot for utensils, and it comes with a fork and spoon.  It also fits neatly in a desk drawer (or under my desk drawers).  With a system like this you could make ahead several lunches and store them in the fridge (or just components) to save time.  You're also helping the environment by not using single-use containers, like plastic bags

I have a nightly habit of packing my lunch as I make dinner.  Although sometimes I can't help it, I try not to pack the same thing every day, so I don't get bored.  Favorites are salad, leftovers or sandwiches as a main component, with apples, pears, mandarin oranges or grapes as one side and goldfish crackers or gummy fruit as a second side (OK, I do sort of eat like a kid).  I also like this lunchbox because it is very helpful for portion control.  On salad days I sometimes wish it was a little bigger, however, usually I pack the right amount of food for me.  Since I am not my ideal weight, every little trick that helps me eat better is good!

Bagel Chips

Nom Nom Snack!

My spouse likes bagels for breakfasts.  And lunches.  And snacks.  He works out of state, so he's only home a few days a week.  As a result, I'm often left with stale bagels, which aren't so delicious.  He used to buy some pre-sliced ones that taste like bread, not bagels.  Since I've been taking over the grocery shopping, I've been getting ones from the bakery, but they go stale even faster.  I don't like throwing stuff out.

Solution?  Bagel Chips!  These are wicked easy to make and kind of fun!

1) Heat up your oven to 425-450 Fahrenheit.  These are not an exact sort of thing, but you want the oven hot.

2) Slice up bagels about 1/4 of an inch.  If you want thinner, do it!

3) Apply Olive Oil, or butter, or any sort of oil you enjoy to each side of the slices.  You want a thin coat so that any spices you apply will stick and things won't just burn in the oven.

4) Add some spices!  You probably want to go with whatever flavor bagel you're using, but there are no rules. I did more cinnamon and maple sugar on cinnamon raisin bagel and a pre-made garlic-kick spice mix (garlic, onion salt, and pepper) on a wheat bagel.  Next time I think I'll do some more mild garlicy ones, maybe even with a little cheese.

5) Put them on a cookie sheet in the oven for a few minutes.  I use Sil-Pat sheets, so things don't stick, but you may want to use tin foil if you don't want to clean up much.  I kept mine in the oven for about 15 minutes total, flipping over halfway through.

6) Enjoy warm or store in a dry container.