thejazzynation on LTK

Back with another Pack My Toddler’s Lunch for German Kindergarten after a week of solo parenting (which, by the way, deserves its own series 😅).⁠ ⁠ Here’s what went in the box today:⁠ New paprika crispy crackers (big hit so far!)⁠ A boiled egg — yes, the controversial boiled egg that sparked quite a debate in my last post! Don’t worry, he eats it within an hour of arriving, and he loves it.⁠ Chicken sausages⁠ Yogurt topped with my favorite hack: frozen mango chunks + homemade granola for crunch.⁠ ⁠ All packed in our @omielifeinc lunch box, which makes organizing these little meals so much easier.⁠ ⁠ What’s one snack your kids always request? I love adding new ideas to my rotation!⁠ ⁠ PackLunchWithMe ToddlerMeals GermanKindergarten LunchBoxInspo MomLifeAbroad LivingInGermany ExpatMomLife OmieBox HealthyLunchIdeas WhatToddlersEat LifeAbroad FamilyMeals

Shop this post

Paid links

OmieBox Bento Box for Kids - Insulated Bento Lunch Box with Leak Proof Vacuum Insulated Food Jar - 3 Compartments, Two Temperature Zones (Blue Sky) | Amazon (US)

So many of you had questions about German kindi (aka kindergarten/preschool), and I promise I’ll explain what it is and isn’t in a future video. For now, here’s a peek at what I packed today—it’s a quick one!⁠
⁠
* Leftover burrito (made by my husband—thank you, private chef #2 😂)⁠
* Tortilla chips⁠
* German apple sauce topped with homemade granola⁠
* A few sweet, nutty snacks⁠
⁠
That’s it! Simple, nourishing, and toddler-approved!⁠
⁠
What do you usually pack for your little one’s lunch? I’d love to trade ideas and keep this series helpful!⁠
⁠
#LunchBoxSeries #GermanKindi #WhatMyToddlerEats #ToddlerLunchIdeas #MomLifeAbroad #LivingInGermany #LunchBoxInspo #EasyToddlerMeals #FamilyMeals #PackingLunch #ExpatMom #PreschoolLunchIdeas

Today was a big one: it was Gideon’s first day attending German kindergarten without me by his side. Up until now, I’ve been going to school with him each day to support his transition (which I love as part of the German acclimation process ❤️). But this morning, he was ready to try it solo, and I couldn’t be prouder.⁠
⁠
To make the day a little easier, I packed some of his favorite comfort foods:⁠
* Yogurt with frozen mangoes and my homemade granola⁠
* Chicken sausages⁠
* Chocolate cookies (yes, random—but he needed something sweet to soften the tough moments)⁠
⁠
When he came home, most of his lunch was still untouched… except the cookies. And honestly, I get it. It was a big day emotionally. These early transitions can be hard on little ones, but I know he’ll find his groove. And this new chapter will help him grow in such amazing ways. ⁠
⁠
Have you been through this transition with your little one? I’d love to hear what helped you both adjust.⁠
⁠
#GermanKindergarten #ToddlerLunchIdeas #LifeAbroad #MomLifeAbroad #PrivateChefDiaries #ExpatParenting #LunchboxInspo #BentoLunch #KindergartenGermany #CulturalParenting #ToddlerMeals #WorkingMomAbroad #ParentingThroughTransitions #LunchboxLove #PackLunchWithMe #FamilyLifeAbroad

It’s a few days after Gideon’s first day at German kindergarten without me, and guess what? He’s finally excited to go! To celebrate, I made pancakes (his request for the past couple of days) topped with a little yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup. 
Of course, I kept a little tradition alive with smashed blueberries, though I suspect we might be wrapping up this blueberry phase soon! I also packed some chicken sausages for protein, keeping it simple and easy.
 He ate just about everything, which was a success! (Except for the blueberries… those came home, and that’s totally fine.) 
Transitioning and adjusting to school life is helping me figure out what works best for him, and I’m excited to keep sharing ideas for lunches that are simple, practical, and toddler-approved. Perfect timing too, as school is starting for kids around the world! 
What’s your toddler’s current lunchbox favorite? Drop your ideas, I’d love to add them to my rotation! 
#PackLunchWithMe #ToddlerLunchIdeas #GermanKindergarten #MomLifeAbroad #ExpatParenting #LifeInGermany #LunchBoxInspo #PrivateChefDiaries #ToddlerMeals #WhatToddlersEat #MomLifeHacks #FeedingToddlers

I’ve finally reached a point in our life here in Germany where our home feels settled. After months of building and putting furniture together, the space finally feels good… and now I’m ready to pivot.⁠
⁠
This season, my focus is shifting away from constant “home projects” and more toward new priorities. Things that bring joy, growth, and balance. ✨ ⁠
⁠
But first… let me finish this nightstand because after this, I’m officially taking a break from building furniture for a while!⁠
⁠
Life abroad has taught me that every season looks different, and I’m learning to embrace each one fully. ❤️⁠
⁠
What’s one thing you’re focusing on in this new season of life? Is it routines, self-care, family, or maybe even something just for yourself? Let’s chat in the comments. I’d love to hear.⁠
⁠
#LifeInGermany #ExpatLife #IntentionalLiving #MomLifeAbroad #HomemakingAbroad #SeasonsOfLife #ExpatMom

It’s the day after Gideon’s first day without me at his German kindergarten, and I’m just so proud of the effort he’s putting in, especially since this transition isn’t the easiest. 🥹⁠
⁠
Once again, he didn’t eat everything in his lunch box, but that’s okay. I know with time he’ll feel more comfortable eating at school and find his little routine. For now, I’m focusing on packing things I know he enjoys while keeping everything easy to manage.⁠
⁠
Here’s what went in today’s lunch:⁠
* Yogurt with smashed blueberries (yes, I had a little mom anxiety moment and made sure they were not choking hazards) + homemade granola⁠
* Freeze-dried strawberry & coconut snack with fruit + veggie Cheerios⁠
* A boiled egg sprinkled with Tajín⁠
⁠
Packed in our @omielifeinc OmieBox 💛⁠
⁠
If you’ve been through this stage, what helped your little one start eating more confidently at school? I’d love to hear your tips!⁠
⁠
#GermanKindergarten #PackLunchWithMe #ToddlerLunchIdeas #OmiBox #KindergartenGermany #MomLifeAbroad #ExpatFamily #ToddlerMeals #ParentingTransitions #LifeAbroad #LunchBoxInspo #FeedingToddlers #BentoLunch #WhatToddlersEat #WorkingMomAbroad #FamilyLifeAbroad

I fired up the grill yesterday on our patio for the very first time, and it feels like the start of something special!

There’s nothing like grilling some ribs and enjoying the cool breeze on a Sunday. I’m so grateful for this little outdoor space because it’s quickly becoming our new tradition to be outside before the season slips away.

Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a weekend feel just right. What’s your favorite thing to grill as the summer winds down?

#PatioSeason
#GrillingLife
#WeekendVibes
#NewTraditions
#SimpleJoys
#ExpatLife
#LivingAbroad
#LivingInGermany

Today I packed a peanut butter & jelly sandwich made with fresh homemade bread, my blueberry-cherry chia jam, and natural peanut butter drizzled with honey in his [@omielifeinc] box.
On the side: applesauce topped with homemade granola, a Babybel cheese wheel, and some crunchy seaweed sheets.⁠

⁠

The win? His teacher told me he ate everything for the first time since starting Kindi on his own! She even asked if he was a vegetarian because it was all meat-free (he’s not a vegetarian 😅). But I love mixing it up and showing him new flavors.⁠

⁠

Now that he’s more comfortable at school, I’ll be sending more lunch-focused boxes his way! So, stay tuned for what’s next!⁠

⁠

Moms and parents: What’s your toddler’s favorite lunch combo? Share below, I’m always looking for inspiration!⁠

⁠

#PrivateChefDiaries
#MomLifeAbroad
#ToddlerLunchIdeas
#LunchBoxWins
#HealthyKidsMeals
#ExpatsInGermany
#MomHumor
#GermanKindergarten

I am now a mom who packs lunches! I am loving our OmieBox because it holds so much and is easy to use!

#LTKKids #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKFamily

Gideon just got the cutest new travel bag!

#LTKFamily #LTKTravel #LTKKids

Spend a rainy day with us!

#LTKhome #LTKkids

What Life is Like Living in Ecuador and Beyond

I am so grateful for moments like these with my little family!

Living and working abroad gives us the freedom and opportunity to live a life we truly enjoy.

What are some questions you have about life abroad? Is it a leap you would ever consider making?

#ecuador #quito #americansabroad #expatfamily #lifeabroad

#LTKfamily #LTKtravel

Here is everything my toddler and I ate today!

Because I meal-prepped on Sunday, preparing meals today was easy, which is always a plus.

On the Menu:

Breakfast: Overnight oats with blueberries, peanut butter, and 70% cacao dark chocolate chips for me.

Lunch: Chickpea wraps with apple slices, and chia and quinoa crackers for Gideon.

Snack (Me): Chia and quinoa crackers with a piece of 70% cacao dark chocolate

Snack (Gideon): Cheerios

Late Afternoon Snack: Egg bites

Dinner: Roast chicken with potatoes and vegetables

Drinks: Water all day and a glass of unsweetened strawberry tea

And that’s it! I feel like today we were both super hungry which isn't always the case. When it comes to food, each day looks different and I am perfectly OK with that.

Do you meal prep for you and your family?

Check out my Amazon storefront to see our toddler feeding essentials: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thejazzynation/list/XMZH53RBJIM1?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d
#whatieatinadayrealistic #whatweeat #expatliving #ecuador

5 Reasons to Let Your Child Stay Up on Vacation

Are you a parent torn between sticking to your child’s bedtime routine or letting loose on vacation? Well, that used to be us! Here are five reasons why letting your little one stay up on vacation might just be the best decision you make!

1. Experience the Magic of the Night
Staying up late allows your child to witness moments that make vacations unforgettable!

2. Parents get to Stay Up Longer
Allowing your child to stay up an hour or two past bedtime helps extend your time and you get to stay up longer too!

3. Extended Adventures
With a later bedtime, your child can squeeze in a few extra hours of fun, whether it’s exploring a new city, stargazing on the beach, or enjoying evening entertainment!

4. Quality Family Time
Late nights on vacation create the perfect setting for bonding and making memories as a family.

5. Flexibility and Relaxation
Vacations are all about relaxation and flexibility, so why not apply the same approach to bedtime? Letting your child stay up allows everyone to unwind and enjoy the freedom of vacation mode.

Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you let your child stay up on vacation? What’s your favorite late-night memory from a family trip?

Don’t forget to tag a friend who needs to hear these reasons and spread the vacation vibes!

#VacationFreedom #FamilyAdventures #LateNightMagic #QualityFamilyTime #VacationMode #ParentingTips #TravelWithKids #MakingMemories #ReelTalk

Gideon’s Current Hair Staples

#LTKfamily #LTKbaby #LTKkids

Best family adventure so far ❤️

📍Mindo, Ecuador

Check out my YouTube channel to watch the complete vlog of our trip.

#mindoecuador #cloudforest #lifeabroad #expatfamily

#LTKfamily #LTKtravel

My current skincare routine!

#LTKbeauty

Gideon’s Current Favorite Things

#LTKbaby #LTKkids

Here are a few of our current favorite baby products!

Let me know which item you are thinking of picking up for your baby or someone special in your life.
#LTKGiftGuide

#LTKbaby #LTKfamily

No filter makeup essentials! All of my current favs in on place just in time for fall!

#LTKSeasonal

In this Tech Gift Guide For Bloggers & Content Creators, I am sharing my favorite tech items just in time for the
holidays. If you have an aspiring creator in your life or you yourself are looking to snag some extra tech this season, check out some of my favorite items below. All of these items are things I currently use to make the content for my YouTube videos, blogs, and Instagram!

#LTKHoliday #LTKtravel #LTKGiftGuide