Back To School Lunches With Aldi UK
It's finally here or at least almost for some of you. The first day of term! I hope you made it through without any tears (yours I mean and not your child's).
We made it through the summer it's now time for those perfect school days. I'm joking of course. No doubt after 1 week its back to fights over getting the uniform on, finding shoes, socks and finishing breakfast.
Mr. Mann and I have always been pretty good at getting out the door in the mornings. It's not perfect but we do it. Now with another little one in the mix, there's a whole lot more to consider. Especially when he's so inconsiderate and demands a feed mid getting ready.
I'm determined for our routine to be like a well-oiled machine. Allowing time for Mikey melt downs, feeding frenzies, and a cold cup of tea. The biggest challenge for us is packed lunches.
Mikey is starting nursery full time now so I can't get away with thrown together lunches for a couple of days anymore. Also, Now I'm on maternity leave I have to be frugal, especially when you have a hungry little boy about (When I say hungry I mean ravenous). I now understand the say "Eating me out of house and home.
I have in the past struggled with Aldi because of the service and frustration of not finding what I want. I have been giving it a go though and I've been pleasantly surprised. The service is still speedy (give me a chance mate) but I don't feel under as much pressure. The cashiers are friendly and willing to share pleasantries. Even if they are super keen to ask if I'm paying by cash or card saving them like 1 second.
Yes that is a breast milk tub and no I don't know where the lids are....
I chose to do the packed lunch shop here because I was hoping for great value and that's exactly what I got. I went in with a list but also an open mind as to what we might buy.
I managed to get the whole shop done In less than 30 minutes at a cost of just over £20. I was shocked at how far the items I bought went when I split them up. I separated it into handy bags to be thrown in his lunch box each morning saving lots of faffing time. Its easy for either of us to do. Even Mikey can get involved and choose what he wants.
There were plenty of items to last 2 weeks at least. There was even enough left over so I was able to freeze some bits. Also enough for after school snacks. I know I'm pushing my luck but maybe even enough for those 8 am requests for a snack and 9.30 am requests for lunch on the weekends.
Absolute torture not being able to eat it all up!
Sometimes I find being healthy expensive but I managed to get a good mix of food with plenty of options. I'm inspired to mix up the options for each week to keep it interesting. Pinterest has been perfect for more ideas to make lunches easier and interesting.
It did take me quite a while to organise it in this way. I can't imagine I will be so keen to do this when I go back to work, but if it makes my life easier I will try to keep it up. It was a nice excuse to be in the kitchen listening to the radio and not boy stuff. Maybe next time if I have enough patience I might include Mikey and make it a new sorting game!
With a bit of time and help from Aldi UK, you can be lunch time ready. Jelly and pasta pots next on the menu. Fueling the boy to learn (Well mostly just play but learning through play!). I will be organised. Lets see how long it lasts for a Mum in a Mann's world.
