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With back-to-school in full swing (whether we like it or not!), that means, so is packing lunches. *womp womp* But it doesn't have to be like that, friends! Packing your own lunch, whether for yourself or the kids, has many benefits. The benefits of packing a lunch or bringing your lunch from home include:
 Now, unless your packing all non-perishables for lunch -- like a PB&J, fruit cup, and bottled water -- the ol' brown bag lunch just ain't gonna fly these days. And as avid lunch packers, we've tested a variety of accessories (many fails) to make the lunch packing habit happen. We want you to make this important mid-day meal exciting again by arming you with the 8 best lunch box accessories so you can win at packing lunch each day. Keep scrolling to check 'em all out! DISCLOSURE: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and purchase.  8 BEST LUNCH BOX ASSESSORIES FOR ADULTS:(1) TOTE-STYLE INSULATED LUNCH BOX You gotta have a insulated lunch sack to keep foods fresh, y'all! Considering that 1 in 6 Americans get food poisoning each year, according to the CDC, keeping your food safe is no joke. But no need to shell out big bucks for a functional and affordable insulated lunch box. We love these tote-style options at at Target as they allow you to pack almost anything (even the weirdest shaped Tupperware)...
(2) REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE Hydration isn't just something athletes need to think about. Each day we should aim to drink ample fluids (from water and other beverages)...
(3) PORTIONED SNACK BAGS I love these bags! They're perfect for any & and all snacks or sides, plus make portioning out quantities super simple since the measurements are right there - from 1/4 cup to 1 cup. Get you some Up & Up Portion Pack Bags for just $1.79! (You might also like to check out our pro tip on how-to portion out high-calorie dips & spreads.) (4) ICY COOLS REUSABLE ICE CUBES Instead of storing awkward, bulky ice packs in your lunch bag, keep everything cool with reusable ice cubes like these Icy Cools Reusable Ice Cubes from the Container Store. It's recommended that you use at least 2 cold sources to keep lunches cold so this type of alternative can help keep your food safe. (5) PLASTIC MASON JAR WITH SALAD DRESSING LID Homemade salads have never been so simple. Layer your favorite salad in this non-glass to-go container from Aladdin ($12.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond) and keep everything crisp and fresh until lunchtime by storing your salad dressing in the built-in dressing compartment! (6) DIPPING CUPS WITH LIDS These durable Stainless Steel Dippings Cups from Bed Bath & Beyond ($6.99 for a 6-pack) are ideal for those delicious dips, spreads, and sauces that you don't want to get all over your other food. Must have! (7) GLASS STORAGE CONTAINERS The truth is that not all Tupperware's are created equal. And as many as I've tried over the years, they just don't get any better than Pyrex. Buy an assortment of sizes of food containers and they'll keep for years. Years I tell you! They're great for storing food prep, leftovers, and reheating items safely. This 18-Piece Pyrex Set from Target is under $45 and is a great starter set. (8) STAINLESS STEEL TUMBLER WITH REUSABLE STRAW Keeping drinks at their desired temp is critical for enjoyment so I love this stainless steel and acrylic tumbler combo from Sun Squad ($8.00 at Target) to keep my beverages cool or hot, hot, hot. Unfortunately, not everything can be kept in your refillable water bottle. :P What are your favorite lunchbox essentials? Tell us in the comments below! (Pst! If you're scratching your head about what to bring for lunch to work, visit our Pinterest Board for some ideas.) lindsey DISCLOSURE: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you,
we will earn a commission if you click through and purchase.
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DISCLOSURE: Basic Invite sponsored this post. All opinions are my own. Hey friends! Can you believe it's mid-July already!? My brain (and body) are having a hard time digesting this, but it's a good reminder to follow-up on those tasks and to-do's that may have fallen off your priority list! It seems that every summer, I make some intention to revamp and reorganize some aspect of my life -- redo the living room wall, plant a herb garden, refresh the pantry, update our meal planning binder, etc. Do you get like this at the start of summer? Well I'm so excited that Basic Invite reached out to me recently to share about their adorable custom invitation, announcement, and stationary line. And I was delighted to find that they not only have an amazing selection and variety of correspondence to fit any occasion or event, but they also have FREE RECIPE RESOURCES!!!  Basic Invite has several recipe cards you can choose from and even editable recipe binder kits!! I'm completely nerding out y'all. 🤓 Here are a few of my favorites that I can't wait to order and refresh our meal planning binder with! Summer project complete. ✔️
 P.S. Did I mention that these particular picks are instant downloads so that means no downtime waiting on a delivery... you can start upgrading your meal planning resources stat! Oh, and they're FREE. If you're looking for some new recipe ideas, please check out our curated collections on our Pinterest or blog! And go take a peak around Basic Invite before the holidays roll around. I think you'll be really pleased with your ability to choose almost any color invitation you like (including colorful envelopes); receive a sample of your invite before you place an actual order; utilize a super handy feature that allows you to capture the most up-to-date mailing address of your loved ones; and enjoy fabulous FOIL designs! You can start planning your holiday picture cards, cheap Christmas cards, and Christmas party invitations now at 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51.  Happy holidays in July friends! Hope you enjoy Basic Invite as much as we do :) lindsey DISCLOSURE: Basic Invite sponsored this post. All opinions are my own.
Hey friends! Since launching The Meal Planning Method a few years ago, we've certainly had our fair share of grocery lists. And as you get really consistent with the habit of meal planning each week, you start to notice the same foods popping up on your grocery list week after week - such as bread, milk, and bananas. If you've gotten to this point, and are becoming a regular meal planner, you might find a "MASTER GROCERY LIST" helpful each week. A Master Grocery List is designed to encompass foods you frequently buy at the grocery store, allowing for you to meal plan even quicker and lessen the chance of you forgetting common fridge/pantry staples each week. Sounds pretty sweet, right?  Now the exact foods that YOU should include in YOUR Master Grocery List are 100% based off of what YOU and YOUR household frequently needs. For example, my household eats oats daily, whereas yours may never touch them but every once in a while. There is no right or wrong type of "Master Grocery List". Your Master Grocery List should ultimately be a reflection of what ends up in your fridge, pantry, and freezer week after week because you eat those foods often. And it's no surprise to hear that this can only happen if you're truly sticking to The Meal Planning Method and making that grocery list before you go to the store each week! Here's an example of what our Master Grocery List looks like...  What you see here is 2 copies of my Master Grocery List on one standard-sized letter paper.
PRO TIP: For grocery list making, in general... it's good practice to include a food item and cross it off if not needed, rather than trying to remember to add it and forgetting, or worse, thinking you have enough of an item and turns out you don't. :/ Download this Microsoft Word version of the Master Grocery List template to start yours today!  
Not proficient in Microsoft Word? You may want to try this simple blank version of our MASTER GROCERY LIST template that you can add to and photo copy. Download a PDF copy below! 
What foods would make it onto your Master Grocery List? Tell us in the comments below, or tag us on Instagram at @themealplanningmethod!
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