3 Kids and Us

Easy School Lunch Ideas Your Child Will Actually Eat

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Packing your child’s lunch shouldn’t be stressful, but for many busy moms, it is just one more task that needs to be done on a busy morning. While adults can easily prepare lunch for the week using a meal prep service like Lean Kitchen, little ones are usually pickier and require smaller, fresh options for each day of the week. Whether you’re packing a lunch for school, daycare, camp, or anywhere else your child might be headed for the day, it is important to pack enough food that will keep them full, while also preventing food waste by only packing what they will eat. If you’re looking for some new ideas for school lunches that your child will actually eat, keep reading!

1. Sandwiches

You are likely already packing some kind of sandwich for your child’s lunch since they are a relatively quick and inexpensive meal option. The great thing about sandwiches is that they are often kid-friendly, with ingredients that even the pickiest eaters like or can easily modify. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic, but if your child is tired of eating them, you could also try:

  • Hummus and veggies
  • Cream Cheese (add salmon for protein if your child likes it)
  • Cold cuts – ham, roasted chicken, and turkey sandwiches are all high in protein and will keep your child full for the rest of the school day!

2. Filling Sides

In addition to a sandwich or other “entree,” be sure to give your child a filling side dish. This could include some kind of rice or pasta dish depending on the entree, or a cheese and meat spread. You could also try:

  • Chips and salsa
  • Salad
  • Veggies (broccoli, miniature corn cobs, carrots, and cauliflower are all filling options that most children like, and can be eaten cold)

3. Snacks

Once your child has been given a filling and healthy entree and side dish, it is time to pack snacks that they will enjoy. Popular and filling snacks include:

  • Pretzels – try a soft pretzel cut into bite-sized pieces for a fun take on this classic snack
  • Apples and peanut butter (or chocolate/hazelnut spread)
  • Fruit Slices
  • Crackers

4. Dessert

Reward your child for eating a healthy lunch and give them a fun snack to look forward to with dessert. This could include:

  • Cookies
  • A slice of cake or pie
  • Fruit salad
  • Mini chocolate bars

5 Underrated Rides at Disneyland

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When planning a family vacation to Disneyland, making your itinerary can feel overwhelming. With countless activities including rides, games, and world-famous restaurants, there is more than enough to do at Disneyland throughout the duration of a short trip. While you’ll want to be sure not to miss famous attractions like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, there are also countless underrated attractions that many travelers miss during a busy day at the park. Whether you’re planning your children’s first Disneyland vacation or jetting off on an Access Global flight to the park for the 5th time, here are a few underrated rides that many people miss.

1. Storybook Land Canal Boats

If you are a fan of classic Disney movies, this lesser-known attraction was made for you. Hop on an open-air boat and visit miniature homes and villages from your favorite classic Disney films, such as Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella.

2. Mark Twain Riverboat

If you are searching for some much-needed peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy day at Disneyland, the Mark Twain Riverboat is just the ride for you. Take a slow and relaxing journey through the Rivers of America on a replica of a Missippi Riverboat.

3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Located near Splash Mountain, this ride rarely has a long wait due to its close proximity to one of the park’s most popular (and frequently busy) attractions. This classic dark ride is family-friendly and is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day.

4. Tarzan’s Treehouse

This interactive playground is the perfect place for kids to release some energy while parents rest. Due to its slightly hidden location in the park, it is rarely busy, making it another great spot to cool off and decompress during a busy day while still allowing your kiddos to have fun playing alongside one of their favorite Disney characters.

5. Snow White’s Scary Adventures

This classic dark ride lives up to its name and is actually quite scary for young children. Dark rooms, loud noises, and scary imagery make this attraction creepy for riders of all ages, yet are often overlooked in favor of more notable or traditionally thrilling rides. If you want a quick thrill without a long wait, be sure to check out this ride.

3 Amusement Parks You May Not Have Visited

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Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to visit a thrilling theme park with your family! But which one should you go to? While some of the heavy-hitters like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags would be a blast, wouldn’t it be nice to try something completely new? There are tons of different theme park options available, and you may find that they have their own charm completely unique from the popular staples. So take some time off work, whether that’s working construction or at a company like HSI, grab the family, and hit the road!

Dollywood, TN

Tennessee is known for its love of country music, and that is expressly represented in Dollywood. Located in the Smokey Mountains of Pigeon Forge, this quaint amusement park has been owned and operated by the legend herself since 1986. The park is full of rides for all ages, a steam locomotive that takes you through the hills, plenty of shows, shops, and, of course, music.

This park is unique in the sense that it brings forth some southern charm along with the thrill rides that we’ve all come to expect when visiting.

Hershey Park, PA

Chocolate, anyone?

Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this famous land of wonder and treats has been around since the early 1900s, but it has gone through some major upgrades since then. Just like Disneyland was named after Walt, so to was Hershey Park named after Mr. Hershey himself, and his park is perfect for guests of all ages.

There’s a mountain of activities to explore here, with over 70 rides consisting of coasters, a waterpark, kiddie rides, and even a zoo! Plus, seasonal additions take place depending on the time of year, such as the Hershey Park After Dark event in the fall and the Hershey Park Christmas Candyland in the winter. Once you get hungry from all the fun, you’ll have a slew of different dining options to choose from, along with the best Hershey treats you could imagine.

Silver Dollar City, MO

Feeling a bit rustic? Silver Dollar City has you covered.

This cozy park can be found in Stone County, Missouri, right next to Branson, and has been around since the 60s. Here you’ll find a variety of trade shops, such as glassblowing, smithing, homemade candies, quilts, and much more. There are also loads of rides that give off “old-timey” feels straight out of the 1880s, like traveling through goal mines on coasters, flying through the air on a barn ride, being shot off on rails via powder keg, boarding a train with bandits, and much more.

There are lots of entertaining shows and delicious places to eat as well, and if you decide to go at Christmas time you’ll be in for a real treat. Parades, a million lights around every corner, and other festive themes are waiting for you!

Get Your Tickets!

Sure, you could go to one of the popular amusement park options like Universal Studios or Disneyland, but if you’re looking for something different, these parks are certainly worth a look. Get your tickets now and prepare for the time of your life!

5 Fashion Tips That Will Keep You Cool All Summer Long

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As the summer finally approaches, it’s getting warm enough to ditch your heavy jackets and oversized sweaters in favor of shorts and lightweight t-shirts. Summer is many people’s favorite season for fashion, with the most playful and stylish clothing often being designed for the warmer months. Although trends vary each year, summer is the time for classic staples that never go out of style. If you’re looking for a new wardrobe this summer or just want some style inspiration after months of leggings and bulky sweatshirts, here are a few tips that will have you looking and feeling cool all summer long.

Cotton Shorts

Ditch uncomfortable denim shorts and opt for lightweight, breathable cotton shorts. These come in a variety of lengths, styles, and colors, and are sure to keep you comfortable on even the hottest summer day.

Chacos

While many sandals or flip flops can be uncomfortable, Chacos are designed with maximum comfort in mind and can be worn on long walks or even hikes, while keeping your feet cool and being stylish enough to wear with any casual outfit. Plus, they are waterproof, making them perfect for an afternoon at the beach or pool.

Scrunchies

Throw your hair up on a hot summer day without causing damage and while staying stylish with a scrunchie. These hair accessories have come back in style in a big way over the last few years, and are available in a variety of colors so they can match any outfit.

Crop Tops

One of the most stylish and comfortable pieces of clothing for the summer is crop tops. These will keep you cool while showing a little skin, perfect for those wanting to show off a new tattoo from Certified Tattoo Studios. Pair this style with a pair of high-waisted shorts and you’ll be looking and feeling good all summer.

Sundresses

Beat the heat this summer while looking extra put together with a classic sundress. This light and airy style will help you stay cool on a hot day, and will help tie your look together with minimal effort. Pair with a cute pair of sandals and a scrunchie, and this will be your new go-to look of the season.

Taking the Family to Disneyland? Here are a Few Things to Keep You Busy Besides Rides

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You might be thinking, “why would anyone go to Disneyland and not ride the rides?” and you’ve got a point. Disney is home to some of the most incredible rides in the world, but there is so much more to the park than that. Like what? We’re glad you asked. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation at Walt Disneyland!

Eat at The Golden Horseshoe

There is no shortage of Disney-themed dining locations to choose from if you’re stomach is rumbling, and one of the most entertaining is The Golden Horseshoe. Here you’ll be able to fill up on tasty food and watch a fun show at the same time. If you’re lucky, you might even get called up on stage to participate!

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

This tiki-themed show features over 300 taking birds that sing and dance various songs and crack a few jokes in the process. Along with plenty of flowers, tiki drummers, totem poles, and other similarly inspired additions. It’s a great way to kick back and take in the island feels of Disney park.

Visit the Fantasy Faire Royal Theater

This show is great for young children, as it lets them see live performances from some of their favorite Disney movies, like Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. Each show is typically shown three times a day every hour and fifteen minutes before switching to a different production.

Fantasyland Theater

If you’re looking for a high-quality show, look no further than Fantasyland Theater. These showing are a little more specific due to the work that goes into production, so you’ll want to check times before going. The shows themselves incorporate a variety of different Disney elements and characters that come together for an entertaining display.

The Shooting Exposition

Do you consider yourself an expert marksman? Then go test your skills out at the Shooting Exposition, where you’ll get to fire your rifle at nearly one hundred different targets in order to get the high score. If your aim’s a little rusty, you might want to check out Outdoor Solutions shooting school if you ever want to leave the park with a prize—and your dignity.

Watch Fantasmic

Fantasmic is hands-down the best thing to do in the park if you’re wanting a break from the rides. The show happens twice a night, and at nearly thirty minutes long, you know you’re in for a real treat. The show has been recently revamped and features a host of many different characters, featuring dancing, lights, music, fireworks, and much more. This is an absolute must!

The Magic Never Ends

Disney is an amazing place to hop aboard thrilling and interactive attractions, but you might find that the real magic lies in other areas of the park. Whether you’re watching a fantastic show, observing a passing parade, or dining at one of many Disney-themed restaurants, Disneyland is a place where the magic never ends.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!