Before you even begin.....

I've been making bentos for almost 7 years, since I moved to Okinawa. About 4 years ago the bento made its way into the homes of the people across the States. Since I couldn't read or speak Japanese it was really hard for me to create the lunches I wanted for my kids. When I returned to the States I was so excited and happy that many blogs and websites about bento making popped up. The thing I disliked and still do, is hardly anyone explains how they made the bento or the recipe(s) they used. As you may have noticed from previous posts mine are simple. I really don't do extravagant bentos even though I would love to learn. I saw this amazing Kiki's Delivery Service bento where Kiki was holding her broom and Jiji was walking along some fruit. What did they use? How did they do it? Was it an edible print out? Did they draw it on some American cheese? Don't know. The caption stated something like my awesome Kiki. It took awhile but it was worth it. I especially love the cherries!...... How oh, bento master, did you make this masterpiece? No response. Anyways.... I've been asked by a couple of family members and a few friends exactly what you need to do before you get started.

Before you even open a bento box there are somethings you need to know.

• Cleanliness is the key. Most bentos are kept at room temperature until eaten. If you were touching your face while packing your food you have a greater risk of bacteria and germs growing. As a rule I gather EVERYTHING I need before I start cooking or cutting. To avoid contamination I usually have 3 cutting boards, 1 for fruits/veges, 1 for meats, and 1 for the cooked food. Any pots, pans, cooking utensils, cups, picks, I mean everything I need, I'll have set out.
• Wash your hands. I can not stress that enough. Touch your face; wash your hands. Move the hair out of your face; wash you hands. Touch the trash can; wash your hands. I think you get the drift.
• Make sure your food is completely cooled before placing food into the box or putting on the lid. 
• In Japan once the food has been prepped they touch it as little as possible. If they need to move something they use chopsticks or another utensil.
• When you are done with your lunch wash the bento. Maybe not the second you are done but don't leave it in your car, let it sit in the sink for a day, don't leave it on the counter. When you come home wash it and dry it with a paper towel to ensure it is cleaned quickly. Most bento boxes are plastic and plastic is porous. 
• I usually plan all my bentos on Sunday. I do a quick sketch and write what I would like to put in each one and go shopping if I need too. I do plan a completely different lunch menu from my dinner menu because I don't want the girls to get "worn out" with their food. J and I will eat leftovers and be perfectly happy with that. Once I have them planned and my shopping is done, I do what cutting I can that evening to minimize what work I'll have to do the each day. Make sure to cut one thing at a time and store it in the refrigerator quickly. Don't have all your vegetables sitting on the counter with the meat just waiting to be cut. If you need 2 carrots, cut them, put them in a container, and return them to the fridge before you start on another item. 
• If my bentos have rice or onigiri, rice balls, I usually make what I need for the week on Sunday and freeze the ones for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday's lunches. Just tightly wrap each one with plastic wrap. I will pull them out the night before and let them defrost in the fridge. 
• Before I start my box I'll wash my hands and place whatever liners or cups I need. 

Now that you know the basic handling of bento lunches you can start making fun lunches. As I said previously, start off small. Buy some cute cupcake liners or some shaped silicone cups. Buy a pack or two of cookie cutters and some little food picks. Once you get the hang of it branch out. If you haven't read my blog before, I posted a Wal-mart bento when I first started this blog to show how simple it can be. Both of my girls were about to hit a growth spurt and during this time they eat A LOT. There was a lot of food inside but you know yourself and/or your child well enough to know how much you should or shouldn't pack. Once again please take the time to leave a comment about what you would like to see about bentos and if you are interested in a bento supply giveaway. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. If you enjoyed my blog please feel free to share it. Here are some pics  from my fb of lunches that weren't too fancy or detailed. Happy Bento-ing! 

Bento!

So I've noticed I really don't like bento blogs. I'm realizing that most bento-ers have read books on the subject and don't give any directions or recipes on the blog. I, myself, have been guilty of posting pictures and just telling you what is in it. Today will be one of those posts. I have spent HOURS looking online for inspiration, recipes, or some kind of guidance to create better and more creative lunches. Mine are usually basic and self explanatory. I'm not doing it anymore. I will start posting recipe, giving directions, and taking requests. Tomorrow  I plan on posting about how to start bento making. I think I may do a give away too. Once I figure out how to do so on blogspot. So here are the girls' lunches for today. 

Boo has rice, carrots, and spam in the bottom tier. 

On the top tier she has stir fried bok choy, a chicken nugget, watermelon, and pineapple.

Lily had watermelon and kiwi in her snack container.

For lunch she had asparagus, pork stuffed bell peppers, ranch, an egg flower, carrots, and rice.

Please leave a comment on your thoughts about having more details about bento making, a give away, and please share my blog if you enjoy it. Thanks again, V. 

Apologies

So my many viewers   For my faithful few viewers I would like to apologize for not posting in quite sometime. Shortly after my last post we received orders to move to Japan. Not knowing how long it would be before I could see my family again, we decided to take a trip to visit my mommy, daddy, and the rest of my large family. We enjoyed the beach, rock Disneyland until my children passed out on Main Street, ate as much Mexican food as humanly possible, and made some AWESOME memories. For anyone who has moved with the military knows the process varies from company to company. Since we were on recruiting and not located on or near a base this was an annoying, difficult, pain staking, educational experience. We have been in Japan since January and in our house since February. Our stuff arrived in March and we have been slowing unpacking. Taking all of this into account our lives have been a little upside down. So to make it up to you, I am posting pictures of the lunches I have made out here and a recipe for broccoli beef my neighbor shared with me. I tweaked it a little... Her recipe called for what I thought was a lot of wine.

I have two versions of this recipe. One recipe has to marinade overnight and the other just needs to marinade for a couple of hours.

Overnight marinade: 

4 tsp cooking oil
4 Tbsp of Japanese soy sauce 
2 Tbsp of dry white wine or sake 
1-4 tsp sugar or more. Taste after each tsp to make sure it isn't to sour. Depending on the wine or sake it may be a little sour.  

Couple of hours marinade:

4 tsp cooking oil
4 Tbsp of Japanese soy sauce 
2 Tbsp of lemon juice or any other acidic juice 
1-4 tsp sugar or more. Taste before adding the meat if it is really sour add some more sugar. 

The differences between marinades is lemon juice or any other acidic juices will cause the meat to become tough after a couple of hours. I don't like using the white wine because I don't use the bottle before it goes bad. If you like wine or plan to make a variety of recipes using white wine it may work for you. Being overseas I can't find small bottles of wine.

The remaining ingredients are

2 tsp cornstarch
4 Tbsp oyster sauce
 2 Tbsp cooking sake or cooking wine

4 tsp cooking oil
4 tsp garlic
2 tsp ginger

3/4 lb flank steak
As much broccoli as you would like we use about 1 1/2 lbs


1) Cut the flank steak diagonally against the grain about 1/2 inch thick.

2) Mix all the marinade ingredients together and place in a glass or plastic dish. Add the sliced meat and toss. Cover and marinade overnight or for 2 hours. Take out of the refrigerator and mix with cornstarch. Let the mixture rest on the counter while you finish the next steps. 

3) My preferred method to bring a small amount of water to boil and steam the broccoli. If you prefer to blanch the broccoli then you may do so. Here in our house we prefer crunchy broccoli. My neighbor likes it  noodle limp. Cut broccoli florets and place aside while the water heats up.  Cook according to your preference and set aside. 

4) Mince the garlic and ginger. I grate the ginger using a ginger grater like this one.

5)  Heat a skillet or wok with cooking oil. Stir fry the garlic and ginger for 45 seconds before adding the sliced beef, stirring frequently until just cooked. I like mine medium well. 

6) Turn off the heat and quickly mix in the oyster sauce and cooking sake. Toss in the broccoli and you're done. It is a really easy recipe that as become a regular dish in our house. I like the version with lemon juice better. You will have to taste the marinade before you add the meat. I have had some lemons that weren't too sour and 4 tsp of sugar was too much. Other times I've had lemons so sour it strips the enamel off my teeth. For my foodie friends you'll notice this isn't flank steak. My HD bought the wrong one and I didn't notice until I went to make dinner. 

Can't WAIT!!!

I have had a LOT of ideas running about my head and I can not WAIT until I get some of them blogged! I'm taking a men's shirt and turning it into a skirt, I may be turning ties into a dress, I want to transfer photos onto a canvas, make a Peter Pan light for the girls, and much more. I do have several dresses I'm going to sew this weekend, so expect some posts people!!!!

More teacher gifts.

So we reached the end of the school year. I've noticed most parents don't give end of the year gifts or letters of appreciation. I think it has become common for us to under estimate the extent of drama and just "crap" that our teachers go through from students, from parents or from the administration. One of the moms in Lily's class had the day off to attend the kindergarten graduation (don't get me started on that) which I thought was nice so she could support her child. It ended much sooner then she expected, when she got ready to leave, I asked if she was going to take her child. Her response shocked me. She said, "I didn't take the day off to deal with his/her bull s*** and drama. I'm going home to enjoy myself. He/she can stay here." Really? You don't want to be around your child on your day off? What makes you think it is the teacher's job to deal with their crap? I believe teachers deserve some kind of recognition to tell them, "I appreciate you. I appreciate that you go above and beyond to teach my child and every other child on good days and bad days. I understand we are a team to educate and enrich my child. Here is just a token for doing such an excellent job on your part." A letter, a flower, a little box of chocolates, photos, anything just to says thanks.

I had a hard time this year coming up with an idea. While eating my lunch and correcting children in the cafeteria, one of the lunch attendants said, "I would love to sit in the bath and relax right now. Thank goodness we only have 5 days left." That's it!!!! A relaxation themed gift basket! So the search for baskets was on! It quickly died. I couldn't find small baskets anywhere. Normally when I go to thrift stores like Goodwill I can find something. Nope. Na-da. None. Eight thrift stores and not one basket that would fit my purpose. What are you going to do now, oh Wise One? Enter the Mason jar. Dang I thought she wouldn't figure it out...

Let me see what to put inside my Mason jar of relaxation?

I put inside small tubes of foot exfoliant, foot soak, foot cream, bath salts, pumice stone, nail kit, face mask,and last but not least chocolates. Well you can't relax without chocolates!!! 

It goes without saying just arrange the items inside the jar so that everything fits. You may have to try a couple of times. Really, you don't say?

Add some ribbon and a tag, if you'd like, and you have a perfect little gift for a friend, teacher, co-worker, just about anyone. Wow you expect me to afford that? It looks a little price-y for a gift.

Think you can't afford it? Think again. 

Mason Jar:  $0.91

Foot products $3.12

Pumice stone $1.08

Nail supplies $1.09

Face mask $1.62

Candy $0.76

Bag of bath salt $0.27

Ribbons and tag $0.33

Total price $9.18 which includes tax. 

I made a total of 20 of these. I had a great buy from Sally's Beauty Supplies. I got 3 bath fizzes for $0.98, 3 pumice stones for $1.07, body wash and lotion combo packs $0.50 each, and manicure sets with nail file, cuticle scissors, tweezers, and nail clippers $0.60 each. I had enough to make 8 of those jars. If you find a great buy like I did you could possibly make a jar packed full of goodies for $5.68. Anything you gift to someone is appreciated. I was told yesterday by most of the teachers and staff that they loved the goodies and were looking forward to using it on their official last day of school. 

Please don't think this is limited to bath supplies. I made one today (which now I'm beating myself up for not getting a picture before I gave it) with a first aid supplies, one with kitchen goodies, one with office supplies, and with just yum-yums.

The first aid one had:

band aides

alcohol wipes

small tube of antibacterial cream

small tube of Ibuprofen

tweezers

small tube of Benedryl cream 

small tube of hydrocortisone cream 

The kitchen gift jar had:

Thermometer 

melon baller

vegetable peeler

small bottles of spices and extracts from a local farmers market

The office supply one had:

small bags filled with paper clips, thumb tacks, and the like

post it notes

letter opener

tape 

high lighters

pens

mechanical pencils

Hope to see you again. Same Ronnie place, same Ronnie channel, same Ronnie-ness

Easter week

DISCLAIMER: This will be long but if you will stick with me to the end I would really appreciate it.

Holy Thursday, in the Catholic church the Thursday before Easter is known as Holy Thursday. Being raised in the church I remember every year being the same story over and over. Jesus celebrates the last supper with His disciples, washes the disciples' feet, goes to Mount Olive to pray, is betrayed and denied by His followers, beaten and broken before His crucifixion. It was said every year and each year it lost meaning and the story lost it's gravity each time I heard it. Which I don't know if that happens to most, if it is the Devil hardening my heart, or if it is a sign of young rebellion.

Whatever it was it worked. By the time I was almost 17 years old I hated God for making my grandma suffer with cancer, my parents for making, guilt-ing, or insisting I go and myself for reasons I can't even begin to list. One night in a teary fit I truly denounced God. Not a childish statement of rebellion, or out of status, or just pure arrogance. I truly meant it with all my heart, with my entire being. If there was a God why would He force hardship on His followers? Why the heart ache? The sadness? Why would such a loving, forgiving, generous God make so much hurt? I didn't receive my answer for almost 2 years. In the grand scheme of my life and the power of God, that was only a blink.

I remember having several conversations with my dad, who I always viewed as a Christian of convenience, not a true believer or follower of God. My mom was a great example of a strong Catholic woman but my Dad seemed to be the type that did it to make my mom happy. It wasn't until during these many conversations I found out I was wrong. My dad knew things about the Bible, more about the Catholic faith and the teaching of the church then I thought. I ignored him and all it did was strengthen my resolve.

During my lost time I did things I was not proud of, things that any Christian would be ashamed of. I did whatever I wanted without conscious or consequence. Everything I did to find some fulfillment something to stop the all consuming darkness that had taken over me. It is so hard to describe the emptiness, the gut wrenching loneliness. Every step felt like I was falling, every breath felt like someone was squeezing it out of me. Nothing I did made me happy nor did it fill the hole inside me. 

It was just a few months before my 20th birthday and once again it was Easter. Again I felt like I was being forced to do something that would make my parents happy. I know it wasn't that but they truly had no idea how to help me except by doing what they were. My "lost sheep" journey started when I was 14 and was about to start my journey toward God again. I remember dreading that night because I was going to have to go to our church, St. Mary-Magdalene, and pretend that I was the good Catholic girl. I once again volunteered to wash the feet of those in the church. As I was washing the feet of someone I've never seen in our small church, I felt humbled to be doing so. This man placed his hand on me and said very gently, "Thank you. Small deeds like this will bring you closer to God." I shrugged it off because I didn't want to hear that there was anything redeeming about me.

That Sunday I remember talking to the priest of our church and I was very vague about what I believed and how I felt. After a few minutes he told me just to say, "I don't believe in God." When I opened my mouth to yell from the roof tops "there was no God," "He didn't exist," "my parents are liars," my knees became weak and I know I felt the presence of my Lord pushing me. Suddenly answers to my questions and my doubts were revealed. The pain in my chest and heart suddenly was lifted. It happened so slowly I didn't noticed until then how much pain I was in. I felt whole like I never had. I knew that I had been a fool and all that I had done all I need to do was ask and I forgiven.

God accepts you as you are. If He only accepted those that have never strayed, those who have known Him forever too many of us would be unworthy. As my mom said, He takes us as we are because He sees us like no human can. Why do we have heart ache? Why do we have lose? To make us into the person He needs us to be. You can blame Him for things that have happened or you can learn from them. You can shut God out or you can let Him reveal to you His true intentions. For those who have lost someone they love, the lesson my be to appreciate the ones still here. My mom lost both of her parents. One at such a young age and another while we were young. She is truly someone I admire because she knew He was taking them home for a reason. She still stood tall and was/is a wonderful example of how for every sadness there is happiness brought into your life.

This was the starting point of my journey and the Devil tempted me and tried to turn me against my Lord, my Savior and my Forgiver. Easter has been an emotional time for me since 2003. A gift beyond measure was placed in my heart. I have been asked how I can do the things I need to do so far from family with a husband who is gone more times than he is here and it is because I know He will get me through it. My second daughter was named, "my God's pure promise." The promise He will never leave me, He will always love me, He will carry me when I feel like falling. She is a reminder everyday He will hold me up. I hope you have a Happy and Blessed Easter.

Lord, you have searched my heart,
and you know when I sit and when I stand.
Your hand is upon me protecting me from death,
keeping me from harm.

Where can I run from Your love?
If I climb to the heavens You are there;
If I fly to the sunrise or sail beyond the sea,
still I'd find You there.

You know my heart and its ways,
you who formed me before I was born
in the secret of darkness before I saw the sun
in my mother's womb.
Author - Dan Schutte

Fred the shirt of red.

Before I tell you about Fred I would like to say a few things about my mom. She is an amazing woman that can look at things (crafts, decorations, clothes) and make them. My whole life I remember her sewing and making crafts. Looking at things in magazines or books and just knowing how to make them. She is an incredibly fast learning and a talented woman. I have yet to meet one like her. To this day the sound of a sewing machine makes me sleepy, the distinct smell of the machine lubricant reminds me of that serious yet beautiful concentrated face, and the soft glow of it's light brings me anticipation for the finish product.

Mom, thank you for letting me be apart of your "craft room," watching and eagerly awaiting the newest treasure you made. I wish I had more of the dresses you so lovingly created for me, I show them off often, waiting for the day my daughters can wear them. My fondest childhood memories, that suddenly bring a smile to my face when I so desperately miss you and my family, are filled with hot glue guns, the smell of rose popuri, the scratchiness of tulle, the warmth of fresh press fabric, the constant drumming of a sewing machine and you. Your beauty, your voice, and your infectious smile that makes me smile, I can remember as clear as day. (Yes even when I was pouting I was smiling on the inside.) Thank you for being patient, kind, hopeful, loving, and believing I can do anything I think of. This dress was one of those few times I had your talent to look at something and make it. Thank you with all my heart.


Onto Fred, today Lily is suppose to wear something red for her Dr. Suess read across America week. Her teacher has chosen "Fox in Socks." A wonderful children's book (very hard to read though). Lily doesn't really have very much red things. I showed her the 3 shirts she has and told her she could wear one for Friday. Her reply was she wish she had a red dress but that was okay she would wear one of the shirts. I asked if she wanted me to buy her a dress and she said, "No mommy, that's okay. I don't need a red dress for just one Friday. You can buy something for you." *Heart-breakingly sweet* While I was running my errands I drove past a thrift store called Value Village. I LOVE this thrift store. It couldn't hurt to look, right? As I approached the door I notice a sign "half off all items except new ones." Now being the bargain huntress that I am HOW can I not look now? After carefully examining most of the girls clothes I did not found a red dress in Lily's size. I would not be despaired. I'll just take a men's shirt and turn it into a dress. I have seen plenty of upcycled things on etsy and pinterest. This is where I met Fred. An extra-large, Puritan, long sleeved, button down shirt for $4.50 because of the sale he was $2.25. He will become Lily's new dress.

You will need:
a shirt that fits your child as a template
a men's button down shirt (I went with a XL)
1/2 yard of contrast fabric (this is optional)
2 elastic pieces 3/4 in wide by 11 in long. More or less might be needed. Measure the length from right above armpit front to right above the armpit in the back.
measuring tape
scissors
sewing machine
matching thread
iron
water (stay hydrated!)

Since my Lily is at school I will use one of her shirts as a template. Measure the shirt just under the sleeves. My measurement was 26. Now I want to add a 1 1/2 inches for seam allowances and just a little wiggle room. Lily's total dress length from her underarm is 21 inches long this should hit her right at the knee.

1) Remove any pockets. Turn the shirt over along the back of men's button shirts there is a seam along the top running horizontally, cut the shirt close to this seam. Cut the sleeves off. Remove the collar. I do keep the shirt buttoned up the whole time. (You can barely see the seam in this photo)

2)  The back of the shirt will become the front of the dress. Remember that top of the shirt with the horizontal seam that I told you to cut? From that piece cut the front part of the bodice. My piece is 13 3/4 inches long by 3 inches high. I use this as a template to cut the back piece of the bodice. I use a total of  3/4 inch when I make my finished edges. So I when I cut the back part of the bodice I want to make sure I leave enough room above the button to make a finished seam. Sew this finished edge now.

3) I am going to make a flutter sleeve for my dress. So I am going to make a straight cut and keep the curved edge. I can't really tell you how wide the strap needs to be but my measurement along the white line was 2 inches.

4) Take the remaining body of the shirt and cut it into a rectangle, this will be the skirt portion of the dress. Mine was 16 inches long. If you like the curved bottom that most shirts have it is okay to keep it. I wanted to add a ruffle on the bottom so I made the bottom straight.

5) Optional piece #1: Cut a 8 inch X 2 inch piece of fabric. You can use part of the sleeve but I used some of my contrast fabric. This I used in between the sleeves along the bodice.
Option piece #2: Cut 2 rectangles that measure 4 inches by 45 inches. This will be the ruffles on the bottom
Option piece #3:  Use any pockets from the men's shirt as a template. now I wasn't planning on making pockets so I didn't take any photos of them.
These pieces can be made out of a contrast material.

Sewing:

1) Drink some water. Go to the bathroom. Eat before you start. Make sure any children are occupied, feed, and or sleeping. Just all the little things that might stop your progress.

2) Cut out all pieces and if you have a Serger sewing machine serge all edges. If you don't have a Serger you can sew a zig zag stitch along all edges (or leave them raw it is really up to you)

3) If you are adding the ruffle on the bodice make a finished seam along the top and gather the bottom edge.

4) Find the middle of the bodice and the middle of the ruffle. Sew the ruffle to the bodice.

5) Sew the back of the bodice and the front of the bodice at side seams. 

6) Press the curved edge of the sleeve and sew to make a seam. On the straight edge make a 1 inch casing for the elastic. 

7) Pull the elastic through the casing. Place the bodice on top of the shirt you are using for a template. Pin the sleeves in place. Mark where the sleeves will go. 

8) Make a men along the bottom of the ruffle, if you are making one and attach it to the bottom of the skirt portion of the dress.

9) Gather the top of the skirt and pin it to the bodice. I normally refuse the gather and just use my Serger but on this step I suggest gathering. Sew skirt to bodice. 

10) Since I only took one picture of the pockets it will be a little hard to visualize. I cut 2 pockets using the shirt pocket as a template. I also cut 2 pieces of fabric the same width of the pockets and about 2 inches tall. I attached this to the top of the pocket and finished all sides before I sewed it to the dress. At this point I suggest trying the dress on and making sure the sleeves and pockets are where you want them to be. Pin pockets and sleeves in place. 

Carefully take off the dress and attach the sleeves and pockets to the dress. Ta-dah! It is FINISHED!!!! I really think since I forget to take pictures I should just do videos but I don't know how to edit videos.... Wow total fail. I hope you were able to follow along. Hopefully my next sewing project will be easier to understand and follow. 

If there is anything you would like to see made leave me a comment. If I can make it I'll post a tutorial. Tune in next time same Ronnie place!

......Again so serious and no humor..... What's happened to Ronnie?