And the garden begins..

This past weekend was CRAZY. We filled the sandbox around the swing set with six yards of sand, had my parents over to help, and about four of our friends over to help as well. So we put the all guys on sand patrol, and my mom and I started the garden. We decided on planting; Plum Tomatoes, Big Boy Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash. ALL of my favorites!

A frog decided to make its way in to the planter box as soon as it was set up to welcome the garden, so our little man was fascinated, he loves frogs!

Within the next few days, we added some small fences for the vines to grow up.

Since then I've also planted marigolds around the border (another compliment to my mom for the idea, and the flowers) to deter bugs away. I'll get a photo of that soon, because it looks crazy pretty. 

The cucumber plant has grown the most, and is already starting to sprout flowers! I can't believe how fast those showed up..

I think one of the biggest reasons I'm excited about this, is the time that little man and I will have this summer taking care of the garden. He's the best little helper. I remember, growing up in New York, my grandfather ALWAYS had a vegetable garden (much bigger than mine of course, I'm just a rookie). That would be one of my favorite parts of summer, helping him in the garden, and of course, the first tomato sandwich of the season. I've already promised him the first tomato that I grow on my own. I can't wait to sit with him and make a sandwich with it. Now I get to enjoy the time in the garden with my son, like grandpa and I got to enjoy it when I was younger.

Here's my big boy helper watering the plants.

..and look.. there's even a rainbow.

Today, in Bento Land..

Todays Bento lunch box!

The Breakdown:

Turkey Sandwich Sushi: 180 Calories (two rolls, I will blog this recipe next)

Hummus: 60 Calories (2 tbs)

Baby Carrots: 17 Calories (12 Pieces)

Snap Peas: 14 Calories (10 Pieces)

Grapes: 21 Calories (1/3 cup)

Roasted Chick peas: 105 Calories (3/4 serving)

Total: 397 Calories!

Sick of the same old lunch..

I'm currently on the hunt for some quick/easy/low calorie lunch options that I can take to work. I feel like I'm falling back into the "soup or lean cuisine lunches every day" cycle that I fell into a year and a half ago. I've been asking around and here are some of the suggestions I've gotten so far:
 

American Bento Boxes (I will absolutely post as I make these, should be fun!)
 

My best friend gave her favorite: "I always make this sandwich: 2 hard boiled eggs, raw baby spinach, cheese and hummus on whole wheat bread... delicious and high protein!" (I'll be trying this)

Another friend suggested: "Pita, humus, bag 'o baby carrots, some walnuts"

Of course, the ever popular salad. As long as I partner it with some carbs or protein, my stomach can handle it. 

Lean Cuisines have been a long standing favorite of mine, (specifically the Panini's). Quick, easy, pop it in the microwave and it already has the calories counted out for you. However, they are definitely loaded with sodium, which can leave you bloated feeling and retaining a bit of water. They're great if I didn't have the time the night before to pack a lunch, or don't have time to run out to grab something. I always make sure theres a Lean Cuisine in the work freezer, just in case. But eating a Lean Cusine every day gets boring, and isn't always the healthiest option. Homemade lunches, and fresh foods, definitely give you more nutrients and if done right, can either be just as low calorie or lower.

What's your favorite low calorie work lunch?