What's for Lunch?

Hey Everyone! Molly from Lucky to Be in First here! I hope you've settled into 2016 okay! 

If you know me, you know I'm not so into cooking.  So, you can imagine it bums me out pretty hard to need to pack a lunch, too! Years ago, I hated leftovers. But recently, I've realized that leftovers actually provide lunch the next day. So, my dislike of leftovers was quickly overcome!

All I can say is thank goodness for Pinterest! My lunches {and dinners for that matter!} have definitely improved thanks to all those amazing mommy and lifestyle blogs out there showing me that cooking is actually not that difficult! {I hope JB isn't reading - I don't want him getting any ideas that I'm starting to enjoy cooking!}

Here's my list of favorite lunches {and some I plan to try this school year!}

I'm obsessed with mason jars and the salads you can create using these versatile jars! I love to set up an assembly line on Sunday and make all of my salads for the week! Now, keep in mind...there is a total process to this so that your ingredients don't get gross during the week!  Make sure you follow the guides to ensure your salads will be great all week. Click on the picture to learn more.

When I have the Sunday blues {or I'm too lazy to make my week of salads!} I sometimes just buy all of the ingredients for the week and leave it in the fridge in the staff room! Then, I just take out what I need and whip up a salad right in the break room!

This tortellini salad is BIG in my lunch rotation. You can find the original recipe by clicking on the picture below.  My only variation is that I use a vinaigrette dressing to perk up the flavor a little bit! If I make a big package of this on Sunday night, I can stretch this out through the week. {My mouth is watering just thinking about it!}

Follow my Savory Salads on Pinterest for more yummy ideas!

When the weather cools down, I am a big fan of soups! You make 'em once during the week and then you've got lunch and dinner for days!

This chicken noodle soup is sooooo easy to make! To make it even easier, I will break up a rotisserie chicken we've already eaten most of for dinner earlier in the week! 

I am obsessed with Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Tomato Soup.  Throw in a few croutons and shaved parmesan cheese and you've got a hearty meal! If you're into cooking soups from scratch, this is a great recipe! I'm just far too lazy for that!

 

Now for this next soup, I don't have a fancy picture, but I can promise you...it will be a favorite! My friend Aubrey {who is an amazing cook and baker!} shared this deliciousness with me! Click the picture to grab the recipe!

 

Follow my Mmmm Mmmm Soup Board on Pinterest for more ideas! 

By October, I'm pretty much over sandwiches!  One can only eat so many Pepper Jack & Turkey or peanut butter {I don't like jelly!} sandwiches!

To mix it up, I use a panini press to liven up my boring old sandwich!

My absolute favorite panini is a Caprese.  Super easy and so delicious!

 

Another fave is just a plain 'ol grilled cheese! I get some yummy sourdough bread {the bonus for living in the Bay Area!} and cheese and throw it on the panini. So simple!

Follow my Yummy Board on Pinterest for even more ideas!

As we run around the classroom, it's great to have snacks to fuel snacks.  This granola is delightful! A batch of this will last me a few weeks!

And I haven't tried this yet...but oh. my. word.  These look incredible! I'll definitely be adding these to my back to school treats!

In addition to the panini grill, I also have an electric tea pot {to make tea or oatmeal}, a microwave, and a toaster!

Don't worry - it's all hidden away from kids!

Need a little help planning your weekly meals? 

Snag this Meal Planner FREEBIE. Just click on the picture!

 

What are some of your favorite School Lunches?