Bring a Picnic Ready for Lunch!
Ever had one of those days...rush through the grocery shopping, return the overdue library books, drop into the bank to cash a check, pay a couple bills, forgot something you need for supper, go to a different grocery store.... all with the kids in tow? YIKES! And when they get hungry and tired - LOOK OUT!
Here's the trick to saving the day and being the hero mom/dad all at the same time. Before you leave the house - PACK A PICNIC! You will be amazed at the cheers when you pull into a park (with a playground), and announce - LUNCH TIME!
One of the best purchases I made was a collapsible/foldable picnic hamper on wheels. It looks like one of those suitcases you see at the airport.
During the spring, summer and fall, I keep a half-dozen ice packs ready to go in the freezer. When I know we are going to be out all day, out comes the picnic hamper on wheels, and in goes the food. It doesn't matter if it is a planned trip to the beach, the Saturday morning stop at the Farmer's Market, or a day of shopping, when it is time for lunch, we head to one of the local parks and have a picnic. No more fast food substitute. It has paid for itself off many times over! Even my littlest one can pull the hamper on wheels!
I timed myself. I can stuff that hamper in less than five minutes! Here's what goes in...
- Ice packs.
- Plastic plates (medium sized).
- Plastic forks, knives, and spoons.
- Plastic drinking cups.
- Cutting board and cutting knife.
- Plastic bag for trash.
- Tea towel for messes.
- Fruit - watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, peaches - whatever is in season.
- Veggies - carrots, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, mushrooms - whatever is in the fridge.
- Dip - 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt), 1 tablespoon dried dill - mix together (the kids love it!)
- Whole-wheat buns and/or bread (I don't bother making the sandwiches ahead of time. That is part of the fun while taking a break at the park).
- Sandwich fixings - cheese, lettuce, sliced meat (I often slice leftover chicken or beef to put in the sandwiches - add sliced cucumber and some pepper - mmmmmmmm!)
- Mustard and mayonnaise (put it into a small dish).
- Jug of water with ice.
Remember the picnic blanket!
