Mason Fruit Jars

Ever since I have had Charlotte, I have needed MORE time. All of my time is spent smooching/hugging/smelling and cuddling. But when January came around it was time for me to go back to school... I dreaded leaving my baby. I am fortunate enough to have my mom, Charlotte's Mimi keep her during the week, which takes away ALL anxiety, but I still hated leaving her.

With going back to school comes the dreaded packing lunch/remembering to take lunch/20 minutes to scarf a lunch/remember to bring back your lunch kit- routine. I needed something easier, that would take LESS time. That is when I came up with my Mason Jar Idea.... well... Pinterest beaconed to me the Mason Jar idea... I just modified it to fit my family.

So I went to the grocery store one Sunday, bought some jars and some veggies. I started out with the One Quart Jars, added EVERY color of vegetable I could find, and layered it super pretty inside the jars. I used Spinach, baby carrots, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, grape tomatoes, sugar snap peas, broccoli, zucchini, squash, banana peppers, and I also added a boiled egg, cubed cheese, almonds and sunflower seeds. It seriously looked like the produce department exploded inside a jar... very prettily of course : ) I made 5 of these. (One for every school day lunch) Then in the mornings I would just grab a jar, squirt a little dressing in, close the lid and off I go!

This was for the most part a success. I would recommend anyone who LOVES veggies and fresh lunches to consider it. The only downside was Sunday prep took a bit of time. I had to wash, dry and create the jars. It was a lot of work for just 5 jars. (My husband will not eat most salad veggies) The upside, I did not have to make a lunch AT ALL the rest of the week, I had a FRESH lunch that I looked forward to, and all of the veggies stayed crisp in the jar in the fridge (I was worried about Friday's salad) I kept up this salad jar lunch for a month.... then I decided Progresso soup was just as fast : )

However, I am currently obsessed with our Breakfast Fruit mason Jars.... this one my husband loves, and is a TON easier to create. I bought the smaller mason jars, and layered grapes, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries and chocolate chips. I make about 10 of these on Sunday afternoon, and they stay fresh in my fridge all week : )

I LOVE these jars.... I love them so much that I am continuing to make them throughout the summer, even though I am home to have breakfast. In the mornings before school I would open one up, put a couple of spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt on top, close up the lid and throw it in my purse. I would usually eat mine around 9:30... right at the start of my 2nd block.

I felt so fancy eating my "yogurt parfait" while walking around checking homework/going over a warm up. My students even became interested (as students do ) with what I was eating. Before I knew it I had parent notes coming back in folders, thanking me for getting their children to eat FRUIT at school : )

Also, I love the way these jars make my fridge look.... Because they are in the mason jars I can see all of the fruit, and colors. ( I kinda feel like a Martha Stewart in training)

Oh... Best part?? Without the yogurt, these fruit cups are ZERO weight watchers points.... with the yogurt.... 2 points...!!!!!

Emily and Charlotte