Easiest Back-To-School DIY: Chalkboard Sandwich Saver for Lunch Notes!

My goodness! Happy September, all. I can hardly believe we're back to school and (almost) back to fall. Doesn't it feel like a fresh start? I love this time of year! 

How-To Make The Perfect Martini

A clean gin martini with a twist, there's nothing better. Cheers to you, my lovely friends! See you back here on Monday.

Fancy Back-to-School Lunch Idea: Kiddie "Kanapés"

I was admiring this holiday finger food generator from Mark Bittman for the New York Times over the weekend. There are 504 potential combinations when you put together the different bases (crostini, celery stick, etc), spreads (hummus, soft cheese, etc) and toppings, which got me thinking: What a great idea for a mom whose looking for lunchbox inspiration! 

For super littles, I might pack these already assembled but just think about how fun it would be for an older kid to make these and eat these at the lunch table. Just pack the base, spread and toppings in different airtight containers (maybe with a sweet note explaining how to combine? Precious!). My mom used to do that for me with tuna salad and crackers so I could make my own mini crostini and I loved it. 

Which items would you put together? I could go for some cream cheese–roasted red pepper toasts!

[Photo by Yunhee Kim for the New York Times]

Back To School Shopping: Baked Good Packaging

I need to do a little "back to school" shopping to get ready for fall: new cupcake liners, new outfits I can wear from the kitchen out to dinner (tricky transition), new serving pieces and definitely new supplies for baked good packaging. What about you? Any change-of-season items you're hankering for? I'll post the highlights from my own list over the next few weeks. I'm loving these!

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