Your blog on Bento Box lunches inspired me to make some for my kids to take to school.  I made bento lunches with an American twist.  It was so much fun, and they looked so appetizing.  My son, who is a super picky eater, even ate everything I gave him.  I think the small portions, bright colors and creativity made the food more desirable.  Here is what I included in my "American Style" Bento:

For my daugher:

Small cubes of Colby Jack Cheese

small cubes of left over ham

tiny container with mustard for dipping the ham

baby carrots sliced thin and arranged into a star/sun burst

Apple slices (also star burst) with a tiny container of caramel dip

goldfish crackers

a reusable sippy-type cup of ice water

I used paper mufffin cups and extra small tupperware type containers to store the item inside a bigger sectioned plastic container (the kind you can find at Target type store).  

For my son:

goldfish crackers

Deli sliced ham, american cheese and mustard rolled up and cut into sushi style pieces (voila- American sushi)

sunflower seeds

baby carrots sliced thin and placed in starburst

juice box

That was my first attempt at Bento lunches.  I know there will be more to come, because it was fun and the kids loved it.  And they ate a healthy lunch too!  Next week I plan to add more authentic Japanese items.  Wish me luck...      -JoAnne