urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie ATTN! The new Lunch in a Box website is at http://www.lunchinabox.net lunchinabox@gmail.com Biggie 2008-07-05T20:51:45Z urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:95932 2008-07-05T20:45:13Z 2008-07-05T20:51:45Z <div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/05/double-decker-microwaving-for-a-donburi-thermal-jar-lunch/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2637719590_76f0a87a50_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2637719590/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Double-decker microwaving saves time and energy. Full lunch details, reviews of microwave stands and plate/bowl covers, and how to fake your own thermal donburi bento box are <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/05/double-decker-microwaving-for-a-donburi-thermal-jar-lunch/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/05/double-decker-microwaving-for-a-donburi-thermal-jar-lunch/" title="Japanese curry bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr"><img height="87" width="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2636771419_654d510789_t.jpg" alt="Japanese curry bento lunch for preschooler" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/05/double-decker-microwaving-for-a-donburi-thermal-jar-lunch/" title="Microwave stand for double-decker heating by Biggie*, on Flickr"><img height="172" width="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2636893681_fe4b259fe7_m.jpg" alt="Microwave stand for double-decker heating" /></a><br /><br clear="all" /><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/05/double-decker-microwaving-for-a-donburi-thermal-jar-lunch/" title="Reusable bowl covers for double-decker microwaving by Biggie*, on Flickr"><img height="163" width="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2639765224_21ec5ceccc_m.jpg" alt="Reusable bowl covers for double-decker microwaving" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/05/double-decker-microwaving-for-a-donburi-thermal-jar-lunch/" title="Reusable plate cover for double-decker microwaving by Biggie*, on Flickr"><img height="207" width="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2638934663_cf296f70c4_m.jpg" alt="Reusable plate cover for double-decker microwaving" /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:95509 2008-07-02T17:51:52Z 2008-07-02T22:30:37Z <div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/02/book-review-the-manga-cookbook/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2629703319_35464c25bd_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2629703319/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>I wrote a review of The Manga Cookbook <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/07/02/book-review-the-manga-cookbook/">here on Lunch in a Box.</a> It's a Japanese cookbook with bento content done in manga comic style, aimed at children. <br clear="all" /> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:95416 2008-06-30T09:27:13Z 2008-07-03T05:18:22Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/30/toned-down-spicy-bento-lunches-for-kids/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2623953624_6d36199802_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/30/toned-down-spicy-bento-lunches-for-kids/">Kalbi rice ball bento lunch for preschooler</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 12 &amp; 10 minutes. Full details with additional lunch <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/30/toned-down-spicy-bento-lunches-for-kids/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Rinsed Thai curry bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/30/toned-down-spicy-bento-lunches-for-kids/"><img height="181" width="240" alt="Rinsed Thai curry bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2624164232_6b30a12f1a_m.jpg" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Kalbi rice ball bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/30/toned-down-spicy-bento-lunches-for-kids/"><img height="169" width="240" alt="Kalbi rice ball bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2623953548_1276575792_m.jpg" /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:95162 2008-06-26T23:01:07Z 2008-07-03T05:17:55Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/26/speed-tip-frozen-corn-in-plastic-drink-bottles/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2613620143_b320b0b2ef_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/26/speed-tip-frozen-corn-in-plastic-drink-bottles/">Frozen corn in plastic water bottle</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Keep frozen corn (peas, chopped green onions, etc.) in plastic water bottles in the freezer for speedy bento prep. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/26/speed-tip-frozen-corn-in-plastic-drink-bottles/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Frozen corn &amp; green onions in plastic water bottles by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/26/speed-tip-frozen-corn-in-plastic-drink-bottles/"><img height="176" width="240" alt="Frozen corn &amp; green onions in plastic water bottles" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2613677267_dc3798e312_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /><br /><br /><a title="Frozen corn &amp; green onions in plastic water bottles by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2613677267/"><br /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:94957 2008-06-20T14:54:04Z 2008-07-03T05:17:31Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/20/inarizushi-with-toppings/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2591220224_65e3289746_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 13 &amp; 7 minutes. Full details with inarizushi cooking tips and a review of containers for freezing and microwaving rice are<a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"> </a><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/20/inarizushi-with-toppings/">here at Lunch in a Box</a><br /><br /><a title="Reusable plastic container for freezing rice by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/20/inarizushi-with-toppings/"><img height="183" width="240" alt="Reusable plastic container for freezing rice" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/2591220152_ee2db811ca_m.jpg" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Reusable plastic container for freezing rice by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/20/inarizushi-with-toppings/"><img height="240" width="171" alt="Reusable plastic container for freezing rice" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2591220104_935eb5e006_m.jpg" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Mushroom pizza bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/20/inarizushi-with-toppings/"><img height="181" width="240" alt="Mushroom pizza bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2591220052_b1b5c323ee_m.jpg" /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:94633 2008-06-17T00:32:46Z 2008-07-03T05:17:03Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/16/speed-tip-frypan-defrosting/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2584414235_9faff4617c_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/16/speed-tip-frypan-defrosting/">Speedy defrosting in a heavy pan</a><br /></span></div>Speed up defrosting by putting meat or fish on a heavy, conductive frying pan lined with aluminum foil. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/16/speed-tip-frypan-defrosting/">here at Lunch in a Box</a><br clear="all" /> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:94272 2008-06-15T11:02:48Z 2008-06-17T05:02:44Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/15/ravioli-spray-pancake-bento-lunches/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2576860709_688c83a8a0_m.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 10 &amp; 14 minutes. Full details with a review of the spray batter <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/15/ravioli-spray-pancake-bento-lunches/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Pancake &amp; scrapple bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/15/ravioli-spray-pancake-bento-lunches/"><img width="183" height="240" alt="Pancake &amp; scrapple bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2576505468_71a311569b_m.jpg" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Batter Blaster by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/15/ravioli-spray-pancake-bento-lunches/"><img width="137" height="240" alt="Batter Blaster" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2576850191_c9532fa55c_m.jpg" /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:93957 2008-06-11T18:41:34Z 2008-06-17T05:02:05Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/11/newsweek-are-bento-lunches-a-trend/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2348594901_1f09999ecf_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/11/newsweek-are-bento-lunches-a-trend/">Egg-wrapped onigiri lunch for preschooler</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Are bento lunches officially a trend in the U.S.? I think we might be starting to see indications of that, as shown by an article in this week's Newsweek magazine about bento boxes for the preschool set. What do you think? <br /><br />Newsweek also ran this photo of my son's bento lunch; full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/11/newsweek-are-bento-lunches-a-trend/">here at Lunch in a Box</a> .<br clear="all" /> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:93833 2008-06-09T09:13:02Z 2008-06-17T05:01:31Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p>I put together a list of online stores that carry bento boxes, accessories and tools, to complement the international <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/bento-store-locator/">Bento Store Locator</a> (BSL) tool with Google Maps and user-generated store feedback. The updated <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/09/online-stores-for-bento-gear/">list of online stores is here at Lunch in a Box</a>; let me know if I've missed any big ones! urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:93575 2008-06-05T19:30:09Z 2008-06-17T04:59:21Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/05/freezer-stash-bento-lunches/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2551767598_46a4331d9b_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/05/freezer-stash-bento-lunches/">Burger &amp; fries bento lunch</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 7 minutes. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/05/freezer-stash-bento-lunches/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Spanakopita bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/05/freezer-stash-bento-lunches/"><img width="240" height="184" alt="Spanakopita bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2551767660_bedc8ea043_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /><br /><a title="Spanakopita bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2551767660/"><br /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:93343 2008-06-02T18:33:53Z 2008-06-05T19:35:53Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p>To mark the one-year anniversary of lunchinabox.net, I just launched the <a title="Bento Store Locator" href="http://lunchinabox.net/bento-store-locator/">Bento Store Locator</a> with Google Maps to make it easier for the lunch-packing community to share their knowledge of local stores in a common location. This interactive map should help readers quickly find nearby stores that sell bento boxes and accessories, check out feedback from other readers, input new stores, and leave their own comments on individual store entries. (Like a very basic version of Yelp.com, but focused only on bento gear.)&nbsp; Full details and posting guidelines <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/06/02/new-bento-store-locator-with-google-maps/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:92976 2008-05-29T21:14:19Z 2008-06-05T19:35:27Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/29/japanese-fried-chicken-bento-lunch/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/2534579264_1302101efc_m.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2534579264/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 7 minutes. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/29/japanese-fried-chicken-bento-lunch/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Mini quiche bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/29/japanese-fried-chicken-bento-lunch/"><img width="240" height="219" alt="Mini quiche bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2533764519_0792ff1963_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /><br /><br /><a title="Mini quiche bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2533764519/"><br /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:92716 2008-05-29T02:16:18Z 2008-06-05T19:34:59Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/28/bento-contest/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2532792612_3e0a7e1c9c_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/28/bento-contest/">Got Bento wall clock</a></span></div>Adventures in Bentomaking is running a bento contest and will give the winner a goodie bag with a bento box and bento accessories. <br /><br />I also gave a reader a Got Bento? wall clock for the most clever lyrics to the SNL song "D**k in a Box" using "Lunch in a Box" instead. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/28/bento-contest/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br clear="all" /> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:92663 2008-05-27T08:06:29Z 2008-05-29T02:48:35Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p>For easier navigation, I put together an <a title="Product reviews on Lunch in a Box" mce_href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/reviews/" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/reviews/">ordered list of lunch gear, packaged foods, books and stores that I've reviewed</a> on Lunch in a Box so far, augmenting the <a title="Top Speed Tips on Lunch in a Box" mce_href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/">Top Tips page</a>. The Reviews page also sets out a product review policy for the site; see the <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/26/site-review-policy-links/">full post on Lunch in a Box</a> for details.&nbsp; urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:92277 2008-05-24T23:02:10Z 2008-05-29T02:48:12Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/24/pasta-bento-lunches/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2518102458_0625ca6b27_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/24/pasta-bento-lunches/">Tarako spaghetti bento</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 5 minutes. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/24/pasta-bento-lunches/">here at Lunch in a Box</a>.<br /><br /><a title="Sausage &amp; broccoli rabe pasta lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/24/pasta-bento-lunches/"><img width="234" height="240" alt="Sausage &amp; broccoli rabe pasta lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/2517283455_63d6dabf3a_m.jpg" /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:92146 2008-05-21T19:17:43Z 2008-05-24T23:58:26Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/21/korean-mandu-bento-lunch/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2504716396_7e9c731321_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 12 minutes. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/21/korean-mandu-bento-lunch/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br clear="all" /> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:91767 2008-05-20T09:31:30Z 2008-05-24T23:58:04Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/20/my-hashi-personal-travel-chopsticks/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2504716622_4db3fc5f88_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>The "My Hashi" trend in Japan encourages packing your own reusable chopsticks instead of using disposable "waribashi" chopsticks when eating out. Full post <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/20/my-hashi-personal-travel-chopsticks/">here on Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Urara dragonfly blue chopsticks and case by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/20/my-hashi-personal-travel-chopsticks/"><img width="240" height="150" alt="Urara dragonfly blue chopsticks and case" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2504716542_22be8b1058_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /><br /><br /><a title="Urara dragonfly blue chopsticks and case by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2504716542/"><br /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:91528 2008-05-13T08:30:28Z 2008-05-24T23:57:38Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p>My mentally disabled, epileptic relative who went missing has been found in a hospital in San Francisco; thank you all so much for your kind wishes and help in locating him! See my <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/13/missing-relative-found/">follow-up article at Lunch in a Box</a> for the family comment. urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:91365 2008-05-12T08:25:12Z 2008-05-24T23:56:55Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-style: italic;">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/" style="font-style: italic;">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div align="center"><i><b>UPDATE:</b> Bobby Joe has been found in a hospital in San Francisco; thank you all so much for your kind wishes and help in locating him!&nbsp; Read my <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/13/missing-relative-found/">follow-up post</a>, and the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/12/BARA10KV7T.DTL" mce_href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/12/BARA10KV7T.DTL" target="_blank" title="SF Chronicle article on Bobby Joe Lamascus">SF Chronicle</a> and the <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9233952?source=rss" mce_href="http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9233952?source=rss" target="_blank" title="San Jose Mercury News article on Bobby Joe Lamascus">San Jose Mercury News</a> both have updated articles. </i></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/11/urgent-my-relative-missing-in-sf-japantown/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2484989471_1690857181_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/11/urgent-my-relative-missing-in-sf-japantown/">Missing Person: Bobby Joe Lamascus</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div><br /><br />My relative Bobby Joe Lamascus went missing Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 1:30pm in San Francisco's Japantown. He is mentally disabled and takes epilepsy medication to control seizures. He is 50 years old, 6 feet tall and 150 pounds, probably wearing a brown jacket and Levi's blue jeans. <br /><br />If you have seen him, please call the San Bruno Police Department at 650-616-7100. My post with additional details is <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/11/urgent-my-relative-missing-in-sf-japantown/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br />If you are able to forward this to your friends in the area, local online forums or mailing lists, I'd certainly appreciate it. We're crossing our fingers that Bobby gets home quickly and safely. Thank you for spreading the word. urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:91061 2008-05-11T21:52:05Z 2008-05-13T08:34:54Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/11/ma-po-tofu-and-sloppy-joe-lunches/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2395/2479284127_2b4bf27e11_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2479284127/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"></a></span></div>Morning prep time: 10 minutes. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/11/ma-po-tofu-and-sloppy-joe-lunches/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Sloppy Joe filling bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/11/ma-po-tofu-and-sloppy-joe-lunches/"><img width="240" height="206" alt="Sloppy Joe filling bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2480099136_f168baa35a_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:90878 2008-05-07T06:18:47Z 2008-05-13T08:33:18Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="Decorative food picks for packed lunches by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/06/childrens-day-bento-lunch/"><img width="240" height="236" alt="Decorative food picks for packed lunches" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2009/2469382193_70a2ede5da_m.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2471692692/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"> </a></span></div>Morning prep time: 30+ minutes (not speedy, but it was a special occasion for the Children's Day holiday). <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/">Full details </a><a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/06/childrens-day-bento-lunch/">here at Lunch in a Box</a> with notes on equipment, decoration technique, and lyrics to Koinobori (the classic Children's Day song).<br /><br /><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/06/childrens-day-bento-lunch/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/2471692692_f59471b52f_m.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br clear="all" /><br /><a title="Decorative food picks for packed lunches by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2469382193/"><br /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:90489 2008-05-05T20:29:00Z 2008-05-13T08:32:48Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="Lunch containers at Target by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/05/review-cheap-lunch-containers-at-target/"><img width="180" height="240" alt="Lunch containers at Target" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2468627770_ceba04b52d_m.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"> </a></span></div>Whim by Cynthia Rowley 1250ml salad set and 1000ml divided lunch set from Target, US$2.99 each in their seasonal section in the front of the store. Lids are not watertight. <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/05/review-cheap-lunch-containers-at-target/">Full review here</a> at the Lunch in a Box website.<br /><br /><a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/05/review-cheap-lunch-containers-at-target/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/2466535967_9b4bdf671f_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /><br /><br /><a title="Lunch containers at Target by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2468627770/"><br /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:90316 2008-05-02T21:25:09Z 2008-05-13T08:32:14Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/02/corn-on-the-cob-bento-lunch/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2455642349_5e66079193_m.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2455642349/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"> </a></span></div>Morning prep time: 12 minutes. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/02/corn-on-the-cob-bento-lunch/">here at the Lunch in a Box website.</a><br /><br /><a title="Anpanman oshibori hand towel and case by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/05/02/corn-on-the-cob-bento-lunch/"><img width="240" height="157" alt="Anpanman oshibori hand towel and case" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/2456469234_d825673a65_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /><a title="Anpanman oshibori hand towel and case by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2456469234/"><br /></a> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:90092 2008-04-30T19:12:55Z 2008-05-13T08:31:49Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/04/30/shopping-and-conference-odds-and-ends/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/420502172_5c6dbad7d0_m.jpg" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/04/30/shopping-and-conference-odds-and-ends/">Insulated bento set -- Ichiban Kan's online poll</a> </span></div>A few updates today on online bento shopping (Ichiban Kan), bento gear in Europe (Daiso stuff via Japan Centre), conferences I’ll be attending (BlogHer &amp; Anime Milwaukee), and something that annoyed me this week.<br /><br />Full details are <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/04/30/shopping-and-conference-odds-and-ends/">here at Lunch in a Box</a>: <br clear="all" /> urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:ss_biggie:89735 2008-04-29T09:03:10Z 2008-05-02T01:36:56Z <p style="border: 1px solid orange; padding: 3px;"><font size="2"><a href="http://lunchinabox.net" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch in a Box</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has moved to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net">lunchinabox.net</a><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Come join us over there for the full entries, and be sure to check out the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lunchinabox.net/top-tips/">Top Speed Tips</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> page for tips, tutorials and equipment reviews!</span> </font></p><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a title="photo sharing" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/04/29/zarusoba-noodle-nest-bento/"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2450531693_0e6f3874eb_m.jpg" /></a><br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/04/29/zarusoba-noodle-nest-bento/">Green tea &amp; spinach zarusoba bento lunch</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchinabox/"> </a></span></div>Morning prep time: 15 minutes, with my 3-year-old's "help" making the noodle nests. Full details <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/04/29/zarusoba-noodle-nest-bento/">here at Lunch in a Box.</a><br /><br /><a title="Fried fish bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://lunchinabox.net/2008/04/29/zarusoba-noodle-nest-bento/"><img width="240" height="153" alt="Fried fish bento lunch for preschooler" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2450764402_df690720f0_m.jpg" /></a><br clear="all" /><br /><a title="Fried fish bento lunch for preschooler by Biggie*, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchinabox/2450764402/"><br /></a>