This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LunchesWithLove #PackedWithLove #CollectiveBias

July is coming to an end but my family is still enjoying late mornings & summer leisure. We attempt to experience our days without rigid schedules. Summer break is better for us that way.

Visiting museums, splash parks, & wandering around town consumes a lot of our time. It's fun to pack snacks & lunches for our excursions. Doing so reminds me of school & the upcoming academic year. It reminds me that for the first time, both of my daughters will be students.

I can't deny my nervousness. I'm anxious about my youngest daughter, Vivia, being away from me, impending double homework loads, & other school-related responsibilities. All of that aside, I realize it's a change I can also choose to face confidently. One way to do that is by sending items to school that I know will be enjoyable for both of my girls. I can use my mother's touch to pack their book bags & lunch boxes with extra love!

After reviewing last year's lunch expenses, we made the decision to pack lunches from home for the upcoming year. I know it's another thing to add to our list but I'm shockingly excited about it. I love the feeling of sending items I know will make them happy. I especially look forward to hearing them recall the moment they discovered a lunch/snack surprise!

I anticipate the usual requests: sandwiches, fruit, chips, deli meat with cheese, etc. I'm almost certain they'll want to include chocolate milk, juice, & flavored water. The one thing they will undoubtedly ask for is dessert!

Alora & Vivia are like most kids & aren't likely to turn down sweets but there's one combination they can never resist. Pretzels dipped in whipped cream cheese with chocolate and/or caramel is one of their faves!

The ingredients are simple & I like to head to Wal-mart for what I need. I like to purchase Snyder’s pretzels because the portion sizes are perfect (no wasted food!), the pretzels are baked in a peanut-free facility which makes them good for school, & they’re flavorful. Let’s not forget the crunch. My girls love the crunch!

Steps For Easy Peasy Pretzel Dip

1. Two tablespoons of whipped cream cheese

2. One tablespoon of caramel syrup

3. Mix together

4. Add Sprinkles (optional)

5. Dip pretzels & enjoy or pack in the lunchbox

So simple right?! If your kids like having a bit of dessert at school, you should definitely try it. It's meant to be fun for them but isn’t super sweet.

Another little tip... these are great as after-school treats. I sometimes bring the pretzels & dip for the ride home from school instead. Your kids will still love you lots!

Look out for an offer in your weekly circular for a chance to save on Snyder’s of Hanover® and Lance® products starting 7/29 until 9/30/18. You can save:

• $1.00 on ANY 2 Lance® Sandwich cracker or peanut multipack 8oz or larger.  

• $1.00 on ANY 2 Snyder’s of Hanover® Products 5oz or larger.

Each weekly prize will be packed with love in a lunchbox.

• Grand Prize - $2,500 scholarship (The $2,500 will not be enclosed in the lunch box. A check will be sent separately.)

• First Prize – Laptop (The laptop will not be enclosed in the lunch box. It will be shipped directly from the retailer to avoid over handling & damage.)

• Second Prize – A tablet

• Third Prizes - $50 Gift Cards for school supplies

• Fourth Prizes – Swag such as robot keychain, chip clips, can cooler, thermos

To enter, and if you’d like more information about the sweepstakes, click the image above. You’ll also find more inspiration to pack your child’s lunchbox with plenty of love!

Be sure to come back & let me know how this recipe worked out for your little ones. Whether you pack it as a surprise or allow them to assist, I’m sure they’ll enjoy!