Monday, August 12, 2013

Simplify Breakfast With A Self-Serve Breakfast Bar

Glass jars
IKEA |left|, WalMart |right|



Carpet in the kitchen. Don't let it happen to you!

As a mom to two boys under the age of four, I rarely set a morning alarm. I hear their first little songs and footsteps as early as 6:30 AM, and always before 8 AM. I lie in bed with my eyes closed and listen for the sounds of a doorknob turning, and a door creaking open. Once little feet hit the hall with a thump-thump-thump-thump I know it's time for Breakfast.

I was motivated by an approaching Morning preschool schedule to create a Breakfast Bar for my 4-year-old Leap.

Hubby and I help the boys with cereal. I don't mind minimizing milk spills on a carpeted kitchen floor. Who carpets a kitchen floor?! No one with toddlers, I say. Admittedly, I'd opt for a milk spill over yogurt spill.

For perishables, I dedicated a pair of refrigerator door bins to Leap's Breakfast Bar. I prepare his bar once for the week, and refill it as needed. I find that washing/slicing fruit and veggies as soon as I get them home makes it quick and easy.

It would appear the current value of a cheese stick is two Duplos!





Glass jars + yellow plastic lids
Tai Pan Trading |under $2 each|

Leap can reach, handle, and open everything here which is exciting for himTake your preschooler with you to find containers he/she can easily and safely hold and open. I love these glass jars from Tai Pan Trading. I love that the plastic lids come off, and that I can put the glass jar in the dishwasher. If our glass containers have you feeling unsettled, rest assured glass wasn't a concern for us on account of our fabulous brown carpet!

As a preschooler, he won't eat lunch at school. But, I'm hoping his self-serve Breakfast bar continues to be a great opportunity to
• eat [healthy] when he's hungry
• choose, and combine his meal
• exercise a bit of independence
• learn about balance and moderation

The shopping list
     Dairy | Protein bin
     • Organic whole milk yogurt
     • Low-fat yogurt
     • Organic lowfat strawberry milk
     • Cheddar cheese sticks
     • Hard-boiled eggs

     Fruit | Veggie bin
     • Raspberries
     • Blueberries
     • Strawberries, sliced
     • 100% apple juice


What would you add to our breakfast bar?

2 comments:

  1. I think this is a fabulous idea. Seriously. It's genius really. I love the idea too for not only toddlers, but I think it's a great idea for adults too :) It would be fun to do on a Saturday or Sunday morning for that "hotel" feel. Prep it the night before and when you get up the next morning all of your options are there waiting for you. Maybe too because I'm always on the run in the mornings this seems like the perfect way to grab and go!

    Yvonne @ TriedandTasty.com

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    Replies
    1. That is a fabulous idea Yvonee. I like that. I think I'll add a Breakfast bar for Hubby and I too.

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