#AWOL

People, I haven't been blogging. I took a break from everything. As in everything. Even BentoMommas took a back seat, and I closed my kitchen for three whole months. Imagine that! I needed a breather. And yet, a breather I did not get.

Took two wrong turns in life, and found myself drowning in self-pity and what-not. But you know, God is good. His grace is forever sufficient, and today, I know exactly why those events had to happen.

So anyway, I am was AWOL. But you are hearing from me today, because I miss writing. I took an almost two-week trip to Sydney last month. Attended the Hillsong Conference and nursed a bad back. Came home with a cold, and a very bad case of acid reflux and IBS. Ouch.

Hillsong Church!

Day 2 of Conference!

Baking at home with my honorary godson, Marcus. Thanks, Maris, for this photo.

Obviously unwell, but loved bonding with KY.

But all is well and yes, I am eating well again. Oops. Today, I got back to BentoMomma duties, and I must say I am a tad rustyyyyy.

Back to bento-making. This one is a Pinkie Pie party for Katniss!

It's been pretty busy at work, and I need to prioritize. Unfortunately, the blog has been on the receiving end of time deprivation. :(

I hope you check back from time to time. And while you're at it, I hope you take time to follow my page on Facebook (and stay updated!).


See you around, Mate!

#RILEYunboxes | MAMON-IT-YOURSELF WITH MONDE!

Two weeks ago, Monde launched their second Mamon-It-Yourself six-pack, this time with the Kung Fu Panda theme. The BentoMommas are quick to sniff out anything bento-related. BentoMomma Monet first spied the packs when she went grocery shopping right before anyone announced it on social media. Cool beans!

A photo posted by BentoMommas (@bentomommas) on Feb 12, 2016 at 6:49pm PST

RL loves Mamon, so we quickly went searching for this. We didn't get to take a video of the previous Minion ones, because A would scarf the stuff down. This time, we made sure to film an unboxing video before his big sister got her hands on everything (although she did manage to eat a whole pack, good thing we bought two! Yes, she is a growing teenager with a huge appetite, LOL!). We filmed this at 11PM, hence the PJs. Excuse the cat meowing in the background. Louis has been very DQ lately. He is getting neutered next weekend. Hehehe.

Get a pack of Monde Mamon from leading supermarkets and Mamon-It-Yourself! The Kung Fu Panda theme is extra special for us because A especially loves pandas! So RL made sure we got these more for his big sister than for himself. I know, he's a thoughtful little boy. I love these kids!

Hurry and Mamon-It-Yourself while they're out!

Follow RL on social media:

FB | facebook.com/RileyCatral

#Bentomommas | LUNCH KITS WE LOVE!

At BentoMommas, we get asked a lot about lunchboxes. True enough, we've tried a lot in the years we've been bento-making. There isn't a fast rule in choosing a box, except maybe making sure it is spill-proof, as you wouldn't want your child to get to school with a spilled lunch. Through the years, however, we've come up with a few tips in choosing the perfect lunchbox, and these are as follows:

CHOOSING THE PERFECT LUNCHBOX

1. CHOOSE A BOX THAT CORRESPONDS TO THE SIZE OF YOUR CHILD'S APPETITE. If your child is a preschooler, it makes no sense to have him bring a huge box. Some moms like to send a lot of food (I am guilty here), but when you realize that recess or lunch is just 30 minutes long, the extra food might go untouched. So send something you're sure your child will eat and finish. Then pack a few snacks on the side as extra grub.

2. CHOOSE A BOX THAT YOU CAN FILL TO THE BRIM. In Bento-making, it is important to pack the box full. So make sure you have a box that you can actually fill. Why? Well, you want whatever design or character you make to stay intact until lunch. A lot of moms tell us that they end up taking a photo of their work in the morning to show their kids, because they are sure their little ones won't see the outcome of their bento-making when they get to school. Turns out, their boxes aren't full. So in order for your Olaf, Pooh, Mickey, etc to make it to school intact, make sure you pack your box well. So choose a box that will be easier for you to fill. You can always pack a second box without the deco for extras.

3. LEAK-RESISTANT VS LEAK-PROOF. There are a number of leak-resistant boxes, but they aren't exactly leak-proof. Leak-resistant means it has a system in place that makes it resistant to leaks but can eventually leak when its locking system is compromised. To test for leak-resistance, fill a box with water then seal. Take the box, invert it. If it doesn't leak, then it is leak-resistant. Now, shake the box. If water starts to leak out, then your box isn't leak proof. A leak-resistant box, however, will still work well for older kids who can be a little more careful when it comes to carrying their things. We prefer a leak-proof box with locks for the younger kids, especially since preschoolers love swinging their lunchboxes. My son RL is now in 1st grade, and can be a little more responsible with his lunch box. So I've started packing his lunch in fancier boxes, sans the locks, as these boxes are also easier to open. Of course, I choose the leak-proof ones when packing food with soup or sauce. The preference is really up to you.

4. AIR-TIGHT! An air-tight box makes your food last longer. Check to see if the lids of your boxes are equipped with a silicone seal or rubber gasket. This seals in the food and prevents air from entering. It is the air that promotes bacteria to form. If you aren't sure about your box being air-tight, add an anti-bacterial sheet (available in most Japanese stores) for good measure.

5. BPA-FREE! Lastly, since there are a lot of plastic lunchboxes in the market, make sure you choose a BPA-free box, especially if you intend to pack hot food. To be sure, purchase products marked as BPA-free. Also, avoid microwaving your food in your lunchboxes (even if it says it is microwaveable) as BPA is known to leak over time. You can also use alternatives instead - like glass, stainless steel and food-grade silicone.

We've also come up with our first-ever list of lunch kits we love! A few months ago, we got together to test out some boxes, and used them for bento. Here's a rundown of some of the best lunch kits in the market, in no particular order.  

BUILT BAG LUNCH BOX SET

The Built Bag Lunch Kit is so pretty, I want one for myself! It comes with a free Biokips Lunch Box that is leak-proof and dishwasher-safe. I love that it fits snugly inside the neoprene Built Bag, which keeps the food warm for four hours!

Photo and bento by BentoMomma Moneigh | @bentogehl.

| www.quirksmarketingph.com

| IG: @quirksph

GOODBYN BYNTO

The Goodbyn is perfect for the child who prefers a variety of snacks to the usual rice meal. I would pack sandwiches and fruits in this box, and yes, I love the fact that you can also pack a small juice box in it! 

Photo and bento by BentoMomma Moneigh | @bentogehl.

| www.babiestooddlers.com

| IG: @babiestotoddlers

LEX N GO SMALL SNACK BOX

Now, the Lex N Go we love because it is so far the only lunch box available in the market that is made out of food-grade silicone. I know there are other brands available, but you need to get them overseas. The main feature of this box that I love is that its height is perfect for the bulky charaben. Also, it is collapsible for easy storage.

Photo and bento by BentoMomma Kaye | @momma_makes_imbento

| IG: @lexngo

LOCK N LOCK LUNCH SET

Here's a trustworthy brand that has built its reputation and popularity with moms throughout the years. We love that they have come up with lunch kits, and that you can buy most on sale in time for each school year. They also have the new Hello Kitty boxes which makes me wish I still have a little girl!

Photo and bento by BentoMomma Moneigh | @bentogehl.

| FB: /LocknLockPhilippines

| IG: @lockandlockph

SKIPHOP ZOO LUNCH SET

I was actually surprised that these SkipHop products are pretty affordable. Available locally at all Mothercare stores, we are loving the animal-themed products! The boxes can be purchased with matching utensils, bibs, lunchbags and backpacks! 

Photo and bento by BentoMomma Moneigh | @bentogehl.

| FB: /MothercarePhils

| IG: @mothercareph

STENLOCK GREENKEEPS

I have been obsessed with everything stainless since coming home from a trip to Seoul a few years ago. So discovering Stenlock Greenkeeps was actaully a big thrill! The Greenkeeps is double-wall insulated and keeps the food warm. Also, stainless steel lasts longer than plastic, so you are making a great investment.

Photo and bento by BentoMomma Moneigh | @bentogehl.

| FB: /stenlockph

| IG: @stenlock_greenkeeps_ph

YUMBOX PANINO

The Yumbox is a current fave of most Bento Moms around the world. Its compartments make bento-making a breeze, and packing it is never a chore! We love the fact that it is also lightweight in spite of its size, and is available in different colors!

Photo and bento by BentoMomma Moneigh | @bentogehl.

| yumboxlunch.com

| IG: @yumboxlunch

So there you have it - some of our fave lunch kits. A lot of people ask us as well if they can bento without the box. Well, Mommas, in Japan, the word bento or obento means BOX. So technically, you can't really call it bento if you aren't using a box, right? Maybe you can call it plate art instead, hehe. But then bento-making has already evolved through the years, so we can't really limit it to just one thing. Besides, one's creativity and imagination goes a long way, so let it lead you instead - even if it takes you outside of the usual box.

Bento on, Bento Mommas!

Have a lunch box or lunch kit you want us to review? Email us at bentomommas@gmail.com, and we'll be happy to feature it for you.

Back to the Daily Grind.

Hello folks, I am back. I have been away, and I will tell you why. 

OZ
I took a vacay. Well, not exactly since it was a working vacay. Flew to Australia for the Hillsong Conference and what a blessing it was to have been given this chance!

Harbour Bridge, Sydney. Taken from the Train Station at Circular Quay.

I wasn't prepared for the cold though. It is Winter in Australia, but the forecast all showed 13-18 degrees, only to find out it went down to even -3 degrees while I was there. Crazy!!! But what an experience it was!

Bondi Beach. Would you believe there were actual surfers and people in two piece bikinis that day?

The company I work for has been the exclusive distributors of the Hillsong brand since the 80s and this is the very first time we've attended their annual conference. Usually, during the June-July period, we fly to the US for a Christian Retailers Convention, but this year, after the Hillsong Worship concert, I had the desire to see and experience Hillsong for myself. Good thing my boss agreed and allowed me this opportunity. I am forever changed.

Hillsong Church has been holding conference for 30 years (it's their 30th next year). And wow. When over 20,000 people (plus a lot more online) come together to worship God in one place, it is more than amazing. I have no words, as words cannot fully grasp what my heart is trying to say. But it was awesome. It is awesome. I still have a hangover.

AllPhones Arena at Sydney's Olympic Park was full!! Amazing experience!!!

Imagine 5 whole days of worshiping with Hillsong? That's like attending 5 worship concerts - all day, everyday. 

Next year, the conference in Sydney is happening from July 5 to 8. If you seriously want to go, we are looking at forming a group. I have yet to confirm this, but do stay tuned.

SICK
I came home to a sick little boy. The first weekend I was home, RL didn't seem like his usual self. We even went to catch the Minions Movie, and he wasn't excited at all. Turns out, he had contracted Chicken Pox! Where? When? How? I have no idea. We called his school, his school bus, and no one recently had it. So we kept him home for the next two weeks. He is back in school now, and his blisters have all healed. He hardly has any on his face, thank goodness. He did miss a few vtrs. Boo, but we know God has something better planned for him.

My poor little boy with his babies. Hehe.

While RL was sick, I came down with the flu. Oh what perfect timing to get immunity down right when a highly contagious virus is present at home. But all is well, since I got the pox as an adult in college (I know, late). So I've been in and out of it since that Oz trip. But all is well now, and like I said... I am back to the daily grind.

Going through a ton of homework, tests and activity sheets he had missed! A TON!

RESPONSIBILITIES
Work has been crazy, and that is an understatement. We are planning something big at the office, and I have had to put the blog on standby. But I want to write! And all my blog drafts are in my head. Argh! But I can't quit my dayjob, nor can I sidestep my responsibilities at BentoMommas. Plus my momma duties are crazy! RL's daily homework and weekly tests have taken a big chunk out of my daily me-time. Sniff.

Seriously, someone find me a partner, I am drowning here.

#HoarderDiaries | A Lex N Go Bento Afternoon!

Right before the Easter holidays, I got a special invite from my good friend Janice to catch Kat Maderazo (also known to many Bento enthusiasts as @bentobykat) teach her very first Bento class. It was a special event for Lex N Go - Kat's bento box of choice. Being a BentoMomma myself, I was excited to see Kat and support her first endeavor in actually teaching the craft.

That Saturday, however, I was teaching a class as well at Global Culinary Academy. So after my portion of the class (thank you, Moneigh, for taking over!), I rushed to the Powerplant Mall to catch the Lex N Go event at Common Thread.

Kat was already teaching when I got there. Oops. But my dear friend Michelle sent me photos from earlier, and even briefed me through the steps I missed.

@bentobykat herself! I am such a fan! xx This Bento Mom has taken Bento-making to a whole new level!

My seatmates - Em and Rowena... Thank you, Row, for sharing your scraps with me! 

Each participant was given a Lex N Go Snack Box and a pack of Lexliving Silicone Cake cups. The goal was to fill the box with rice and a viand, then decorate it with sides of veggies and fruit.

This small Lex N Go Snack Box retails for P500.00 at Common Thread.

My Nori rice ball cat inside the Lex N Go silicone collapsible Snack Box!
Green! Perfect for RL!

Albeit coming late, I managed to catch up with the class. Hehe. I haven't tried using Lex N Go boxes before their official launch, but already, I am loving their boxes!

My fave feature of the Lex N Go, aside from it being BPA-free, is that it is flexible and collapsible. I love that I can shrink or expand the box to size. Yes! According to how big and bulging my bentos are! Take the cat I made for Kat's class as an example. I made it round and plump. There is no way that would fit in a regular bento box! But look, it fits perfectly inside the Lex N Go. No squishy mess!

Mish captures a photo of me - taking a photo of my work.
Using my old iPhone here, because the screen of my new one cracked the day before.

Lex N Go boxes come in different shapes, sizes, and functions. There is the Small Snack Box, the Medium Snack Box, the Lunch Box, the Sandwich Case, and the Cake Case. They also carry other collapsible silicone items such as the Silicone Mugs, the Espresso Cup, the Snack Pockets, and the Silicone Cake cups.

From Top Left, clockwise: Lex N Go Espresso Cup, Silicone Mug, Lunch Box (in the Gouache Lunch Bag), and a stack of Small Snack Boxes.

Lex N Go products are exclusively available at Common Thread Philippines - with branches at Greenbelt 5 and at the Powerplant Mall.

Common Thread also carries the classy Gouache Lunch Bag! Gouache Bags are made out of waxed canvas and are individually crafted by Marikina Bag Makers! Yes, proudly Philippine-made! The Lunch Bags are water-repellent, and are available in asphalt grey, olive green, navy blue and aqua. I love how this is a sling bag, too!

I am loving my new Gouache Navy Blue Lunch Bag! The Lex N Go Snack Box fits perfectly!
The Gouache Lunch Bag retails for P750.

Kat, distributor of Lex N Go products, details the features of the box.

We take a photo with adorable little Maximus! (L-R) With Rowena, Mish and Em!

Mish and I with the two Kats who made this event happen!

| instagram.com/lexngoph/
| instagram.com/gouachebags/
| instagram.com/commonthreadph/

I Went To London To Visit The Queen!

Hardly true. But I did make 60 detailed bento boxes for a London-themed party over the weekend!

Took me the whole evening to get all these bread done! But it was worth all the hard work. My client was pleased. Love how she took time to text me about my apple carving. Yes, I love carving apples. It relaxes me - haha, even if I have to carve 60+ slices (I actually did over 80 because I had another order before this one)!

Anyway, here's a closer look for your viewing pleasure. Each bento comes with my best-selling tri-noodle spaghetti, chicken nuggets, bread deco, and an apple treat.

And yes, this is why I am extra tired, and why I have been absent from the blog. But it pays for A's tuition and gives us extra savings for that rainy day. So I am not complaining. But I do hope to find time (and make time) for blogging. Lord, please give me strength.

Interested in Bento Catering? Send us an email today at bentomommas@gmail.com!

| facebook.com/bentomommas

Ouch! Hot Oil Burns!

I know I said I was back, and I do have a couple of blog posts that need a little fine-tuning, and should be out this week. BUT, I am interrupting regular programming with this post, because it is a game changer for many, many things. 

Yesterday, while at the shoot for a brand we are currently endorsing, I got up to help BM A cook something on the stove. While she handed me the tongs, and I proceeded to get whatever was cooking  from the pan, the tongs sprung open and scooped hot, burning oil - splashing me (and a little on BM A) in the process. So yes, I burned my arms, and a bit of my chest. When I say a bit, I mean not-my-whole-body-kinda-bit, but yes, it is bad.

This was taken approximately an hour and a half after the accident.

So when it first happened, my first instinct was to head on over to the sink and wash off the oil. I literally scooped water and wet my neck, blouse et al. I was washing out the oil from my arms when the helper at the studio told me not to wet myself as it would cause the burnt parts to bubble. But I remember reading somewhere that you should wash out the hot oil to stop it from cooking more into your skin.

I was right. But I stopped washing after a few minutes because I was scared she was right.

I normally bring a tube of Neosporin in my bag, since the kids are always with me, and I want first aid handy (Long story, but one time we were at an amusement park, and A fell and scraped her knee. The emergency people at the park had no antibiotic ointment, just some wash that ate up her flesh. What was once a scratch led to an infected wound that had us at the hospital after two weeks). So yeah, Neosporin. But A had gone to Boracay a few weeks ago, and I took it out of my bag to put in her toiletry pouch. So no first aid ointment. :( I did have a tube of Hydro-cortisone for my eczema, and read upon checking first aid burn sites that it was an alternative, I smothered myself with it to keep my skin hydrated and cool. I opted to rush home (about an hour away, thank goodness, no traffic on a Sunday in spite the UPCAT) and applied burn ointment immediately - only an hour or so too late.

So in case this happens to you, here's first-aid treatment for hot oil burns:

1) Rinse out the oil. Get your skin under flowing cool water. This will stop the hot oil from causing further damage. Sites recommend a good 15-30 minute soak, depends on how hot that oil was. Remove clothing, jewelry and other accessories. Do not use ice directly on your burn. You can, however, ice the water a bit to get temperature of the water down, if you are opting to soak your burn in a cold bath.

2) Assess your injury. Check and see if you suffered a minor burn or a serious burn. My burns from yesterday's accident range from first-degree to second-degree burns. Thankfully, on the arms, back of hands and lower neck only, and not on the face nor the eyes. Second-degree burns are the ones that cause the burnt part to swell and bubble, destroying just the first layer and sometimes, exposing the second layer of your dermis.

3) Apply antibacterial cream or ointment on your burns. If your burns are first-degree burns (red, but without blisters), you just have to wait and let your burns heal. I prefer however to err on the side of caution and apply that antibacterial cream anyway. No need to worry about it scarring or getting an infection. I got a tube of Flamazine cream or Silver Sulfadiazine and lathered a thick paste on my burns. Yes, Yaya, forget the toothpaste! Also, I learned from friends that aloe vera gel is ideal in keeping your burns cool. Must buy a plant.

4) Keep burns moist. This one I learned from reading a ton of material online last night. The key to nice healing of burns is to keep it from drying out. I bet you didn't know that, eh? A friend of mine suggested wrapping with cling wrap to keep your antibacterial cream from getting wiped off or drying up, and to protect your wounds from getting scraped. Picture my arms wrapped in cling wrap. Thank you, GladKitchen! LOL!

5) Take that bath. I know that the old folks usually say you shouldn't wet your wounds. But take that bath. Don't scrub your wounds. Best to keep them clean to prevent infection.

6) See a doctor. When you think it's bad, it must be bad. So go see a doctor. And forget about home remedies that could do you more harm. Thankful my neighbor's a doctor, so I'm having him check my wounds tonight.

So yes, see how it is a game changer for my daily list of things-to-do? Although my burns no longer hurt, I cannot imagine being the demo person for the next few workshops. LOL! Already, I am commissioning BM M to do the demo, while I stand on the sideline as workshop commentator. I don't want to ruin the photos with my blistered, ugly hands! Also, I already told BM A that I will be in charge of the bentos for the next shoot and that there is absolutely no way she can get me near that stove. I've never really been afraid of getting a few splashes of oil from cooking. But yesterday? Yesterday was nothing short of traumatic. Here's hoping my wounds heal in a few weeks, and that I'll be good as new when my brother's wedding comes along.

Take care, people. 

I'm Back!

And hopefully, I can get back on the blog for good. When the year started, one of the things I promised myself was to make sure I blogged regularly.

And yet, once again, life got in the way. Mostly not my choice. RL got hospitalized for dengue, then right when we thought he was fine, he catches another bug - a viral exanthem that gave him a bad, bad rash. Last week, the skin on one of his palms started peeling, and we thought it was something bad. Good thing, he didn't get a fever, or I'll be worried sick again. And broke. Haha!

This was just the onset of the bad rash. Two days later, his earlobes and cheeks were so swollen.

Swollen cheeks. Sigh.

Then BentoMommas. Ohhhhh, BentoMommas. The girls and I see each other at least once a week, every week. Talk to each other every single, freakin' day. Pwede na kami magpalit ng mukha. Just yesterday, while talking to BM A, I asked her, "will there be a day that I don't call you at least once?" LOL. Because I do call her everyday. At least once. Seriously, give me a life!

With BM M, right before a Bento Demo... 

So yes, the past month or two, this has been keeping me extra busy. I work after office hours. I work even on weekends. And if I'm not working, I am in bed, trying to catch some shut-eye.

Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow's pretty light. That is, if the kids and I decide to stay home. So if we do, I am blogging. Have a lot (and I mean a lot - that's such an understatement) of pending posts, and I seriously need to get those published.

Let's keep those fingers crossed.

#BentoGiveaway Winner!

Congratulations to... (drumroll, please)

DIANNE RARELA OCAMPO

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You just won a Big Bento Start-Up kit. Please expect an email from me in a few. Again, congratulations!

Thank you, everyone, for joining this giveaway!

Yay!