After three months of loose schedules, late bedtimes, and long days at the pool, the day after Labor Day feels like a natural reset. To ease the transition, I always look to gear that makes mealtime (and life) fun and as stress-free as possible.
Related posts: My Fall Reading List | My Favorite Back-to-School Recipes
This post contains affiliate links, but opinions are all mine.
A sandwich with cold cuts and cheese is kinda sad. That same sandwich, pressed and toasted, is a panini! This panini press saved my ass so many times. Such a simple way to take an easy-but-boring dinner from a 4 to a 10.
Another culinary workhorse? A high-powered blender. Smoothies are a great way to introduce vegetables and whole food nutrition in a palatable way. You ever add a tablespoon of peanut butter to your smoothie? Awesome. You can also make soup, sauces and more in your blender. And the best part? Blending takes mere seconds, making a nearly instant breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I no longer “need” school supplies, but this time of year, I like investing in a few good life supplies, like this Solo Stove. Who said kids get to have all the fun? What about dad?! I want some fun fall stuff! Not only does this make for a great [mostly smokeless] bonfire, but you can cook over it, which I love. Creating a more comfortable outdoor space is crucial, especially if you live in a cooler climate, like me.
And speaking of grilling I’m eating less meat these days. So when I do, I want it to be the good stuff. This is why I love stocking the freezer with quality meats I can thaw and make as needed. Snake River Farms provides incredible proteins, shipped directly to your house. They often run sales and specials, so follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on offerings.
I haven’t had to pack a lunch in a few years, but if I did, I’d pick one of these Bentgo lunchboxes. Fun prints and patterns, five practical leak-proof compartments, easy to open and close, microwave and dishwasher safe. And if you’re a parent with lunchbox FOMO, Bentago makes adult lunchboxes, too.
I remember bringing lunch to school in a paper bag. This Yeti set would’ve been an awesome upgrade. Not only does it keep your hot food hot and cold food cold, you can personalize the water bottle, making it just a little harder for your kid to misplace it. Lots of colors available, too. I love this YETI backpack/cooler/bottle for a college freshman (or a high school senior). It’s the kind of thing that will last forever.
Bentago lunchbox: Kids | Adult
Yeti Lunch Set
Yeti Backpack/Cooler/Water Bottle Set
It’s not just about getting your kids to eat AT school. Meals at home are just as important. Have a picky eater? Make mealtime fun with these silicone placemats. We relied on these when my kid was little, and I swear turning fruits and vegetables into a silly face made all the difference.
Speaking of making mealtime fun, how great are these chopsticks? They not only encourage eating, but help kiddos with fine motor skills.
