It's been a long time since Girlawhirl's headed back to school in the fall, but she's still nostalgic about the excitement – wondering which of her friends would be in her class, the shopping for new clothes and supplies – that she always felt as a new school year started. These days, she still shops for new clothes, shoes, handbags and makeup, but until recently, there was one back to school accessory she hadn't considered revisiting…
The lunch box. While she has wonderful memories of decisions (Brady Bunch vs. Partridge Family), she's seen the souped-up insulated packs kids carry today, and she realizes they've come a long way since her grade school days. In her typical rush to get out the door in the morning, Girlawhirl, who likes to bring a sensible lunch to work a few days a week, has ended up with cherry tomatoes in the bottom of her handbag – found days later, luckily un-squashed – and more recently, a lovely green cucumber stain on the inside of a new canvas tote. So this year, in honor of her back to school memories, she's out to find the perfect lunch tote that won't make her look like a kid.
• Girlawhirl likes that the bottom of this insulated black tote lays flat so she can make a salad or carry some soup and the container will stay upright in the bag so she doesn't have to worry about it leaking. There's plenty of space for her lunch, a drink and even a couple of snacks.
Metro Insulated Tote
$9.99
thecontainerstore.com
• There's a strap to hold a bottle of water or other drink container secure in this insulated rectangular tote, and when Girlawhirl puts it over her shoulder the drink is on the bottom, so it won't flatten her sandwich or crumble a cookie. And the mesh pocket on the top makes a good place to stash napkins, cutlery or even condiments.
Nylon Lunch Tote
$12.99
thecontainerstore.com
• This cutie from Land's End actually is a child's lunch tote, but Girlawhirl loves it just the same. Its interior is waterproof and leak resistant and if there's ever a spill, Girlawhirl can just pull the lining to the outside and wipe it clean. The handles are short, and her lunch fits snugly inside so there's very little jostling during her commute.
Mini Lunch Tote
$19.50
landsend.com or 800 356 4444
• The sleek neoprene that's used for this Gourmet Getaway isn't just smooth, it provides both protection – for bottles – and insulation. It's also stain resistant and machine washable. And it opens wide across the bottom to accommodate a lunch that's not just a sandwich.
Gourmet Getaway 
$25.00
uncommongoods.com
related articles:
| Jul 17, 2007: | A Workplace Dish set makes eating at her desk a little more bearable for Girlawhirl . read full entry |
| Jul 13, 2007: | Reusable straws have girlawhirl sipping all summer. read full entry |
| Jun 21, 2007: | To-Go Ware is Girlawhirl's favorite new accessory. read full entry |
| Jun 26, 2007: | Mercury Free Tuna brings back Girlawhirl's favorite lunch. read full entry |