With the word “recession” dominating the news, it seems criminal spending $40 on a hotel buffet or $20 on a lunch out with friends. I still have those days when I’d happily swipe the husband’s debit card, but I’d rather be Little Miss Self-Control.:P

Something happened in the past few months, and it’s the fact that I’ve joined the legions who bring their lunch boxes to work. I found out that this is the greatest money-saver ever, plus you’re spared the trouble of lining up in the crowded cafeteria. It’s an added bonus if you have a microwave oven in the office pantry to have piping-hot “baon” but in case you don’t, those insulated lunch boxes will do the trick.

Just a note: making bento with all those cute characters is painstaking and simply won’t work with me most days, as I always wake up late and only have time to shower. Here are some pics of my baon when it was me who prepared, and not our dear househelp (who also cooks well) :

Spaghetti, ham pinwheel sandwiches, Babybel cheese and crackers. A snack you’d love to keep, and great for kids!
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