Use IKEA Bed Slats to Keep Your Personal Space Organized

Modern Picnic The Large Luncher Purse Lunch Box ($189)

This purse lunch box doubles as a super cute accessory that features a rosy color to match your outfit and an insulated interior to keep your food cool.

Leak Proof Stainless Steel Lunchbox ($14, was $25)

With its streamlined design and small size, this stainless steel lunchbox will fit perfectly in your tote bag. The tight-fitting, handle-lock lid will prevent your fruit, pasta, or salad from spilling everywhere.

YETI Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag ($109)

Fold it up or down depending on how much you plan on storing, this Yeti lunch bag keeps your warm lunch hot and your cold sandwiches cold.

Kate Spade New York Portable Soft Cooler Lunch Bag ($35)

This tote says stylish lunch all over it. The insulated lining helps keep your food and bev fresh for hours while it's easy to wipe clean.

Bento Lunch Box

Bento Lunch Box ($47)

This is not your grade school lunch bag. This compact lunch box is sleek and features three inner compartments for you to store your breakfast, lunch and even a snack.

JANSPORT Lunch Break Honey Lunch Box ($14, was $22)

The Lunch Break has an insulated interior to keep foods warm or cold plus an angled zip opening so it can lay flat so you can use it as a tray!

CALPAK Insulated Lunch Bag ($48)

Taking your lunch to work doesn't have to remind you of your elementary school days anymore because this insulated lunch bag is as stylish as it's functional! It has exterior pockets that'll safely house your drinks, utensils, and snacks all while being lightweight.

It's also water-resistant so accidental spills don't stand a chance against it. All you have to do is spot clean it by wiping it, but you can always secure your lunch by pulling the drawstrings to close it!

VLM Insulated Lunch Box ($12)

You may have been making no-cook meals, but this sturdy lunch box is for the days your leftovers are from a hearty meal. It has enough room to carry your lunch, drinks, fruit, and more because of the mesh pockets attached to it.

The premium PEVA material helps safeguard it from spills while the aluminium foil lining maintains the temperature of your food. To clean it, all you need is a wet cloth or baby wipe!

Unlike the prior lunch box, this one has a detachable shoulder strap so you can slide it on your shoulder as you're racing out your front door.

BentoHeaven Premium Bento Box ($30)

Pretty and well-designed, this Bento setup is completely leak-proof and also really cute (we love the bamboo). But our favorite aspect may be the free lunch notes that come along with the box. Whether you’re packing lunch for your kids, an S.O., or yourself, write a little note to put a smile on their face. Even if it’s your own!

BALORAY Lunch/Tote Bag ($10)

This lightweight tote bag is made with a waterproof and dirt-proof cotton and is roomy enough to fit your lunch as well as a whole day’s worth of snacks. The stylish stripes also allow it to be repurposed for an everyday tote or makeup bag.

MIER Adult Lunch Box Insulated ($24, was $35)

If you’re someone who likes to have both cold and hot food for lunch, this roomy insulated two-leveled lunch bag will help you keep those items separate. There’s a top “dry” section and a bottom leakproof compartment, and it also comes with a handy shoulder strap.

Kate Spade New York Lunch Tote ($30, was $32)

Keep it classy with this understated but refined lunch tote. We think polka dots make everything better.

Graben Stadium Approved Clear Lunch Bag ($17, was $22)

This lunch bag is great for bringing lunch to work during the week, and for packing all the kiddos' favorite snacks during the weekend. The heavy-duty strap provides support, and it's got plenty of space for lunch *and* dessert.

Bentgo Salad Stackable Lunch Container ($15, was $30)

The perfect way to travel with salad, this container has separate compartments for all of your toppings. It also comes complete with a matching fork for a very stress-free lunch break.

Fulton Bag Co. Upright Lunch Bag ($16)

The crush-resistant Fulton Bag Co. Upright HardBody Lunch Box is sturdy and practical and keep food cold by the time lunchtime rolls around.

Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Lunch Box ($35)

For Herschel bag fans, this lunch box has a soft insulated main snack compartment that easily wipes clean of your favorite fare.

Hydro Flask 5 L Insulated Lunch Bag ($45)

Keep your lunch cold for hours with this sleek, modern lunch box from one of our favorite water bottle makers.

FIT Strong & Healthy 3 Compartment Glass Meal Prep Containers ($25)

Prep your lunch ahead of time with these 32 ounce picks that divide up your food and keep it contained. They're great for organizing your fridge and for maximizing space in your lunchbox.

HOMESPON Reusable Lunch Bag ($8)

Simple and stylish, the reusable lunch bag is also roomy enough to fit an entire's day worth of food and then some.

4 Tier Indian-Tiffin Stainless Steel Medium Lunch Box ($24)

Take a modern twist on a classic design with this tiered set inspired by century-old vessels from northern India. The interlocking tins are perfect for your multi-course lunch.

Tirrinia Insulated Lunch Box ($15, was $22)

Lunch boxes should be durable like this one! Designed by Tirrinia, it's made of 600D Oxford cloth and has thick foam padding as well as insulation in it. That alone tells us your food, snacks and water bottle will be securely kept in one place.

You can't detach the shoulder strap, but you don't need to. It has a rotatable and detachable buckle that helps you avoid any discomfort.

BUILT Gourmet Getaway Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote Bag ($9, was $10)

This colorful neoprene tote is compact, machine-washable, and insulated.

Fit & Fresh Laketown Lunch Box ($15)

Your sandwich boxes will fit nicely in this lightweight lunch bag. It also comes with a side bottle holder and compartment for utensils.

Sistema 1.1 Liter To Go Split Lunch Box ($9)

If you don't care about having a stylish lunch box, that's okay! This mini lunch box keeps things simple by offering a modular design that separates your sandwich from any fruit or snacks you want to eat at your desk.

LunchBots Large Trio Stainless Steel Lunch Container ($35, was $38)

Forget those soggy bread balls you get when you wrap your sandwich in plastic wrap — this box promises you the perfect sandwich every time. This metal lunchbox is a great container for smaller meals and snacks like crackers and cheese or celery and peanut butter.

Stanley The Legendary Classic Lunch Box ($55)

Stand out with a vintage lunch box roomy enough to hold lunch for two. There's even a metal bracket just inside the lid that can keep your full-size Stanley Vacuum Bottle or Mug secure.

LunchBots Duplex Insulated Lunch Bag ($27, was $30)

Gray and pink is a classic color combo and an insulated liner ensures everything stays cold. We also love that it’s big enough to carry your lunch as well as utensils and a bottle of water or two.

OmieBox Bento Box for Kids ($46)

This hard plastic box boasts a game-changing, vacuum insulated bowl that promises to keep cold yogurt cold and hot soups hot. There are also several leakproof compartments. Although, for those of us unwilling to give up our PB+J, the bowl can be removed for a sandwich spot.

Kipling New KICHIROU Lunch Bag ($71)

Those extra long work days require extra snacks. This bag comes in a variety of colors and is big enough to hold several shifts’ worth of snacking.

Loobu 52 Oz To Go Salad Container ($10)

If you're only taking salad to work for a week, you don't need to worry about looking at traditional lunch boxes. Instead, feast your eyes on this salad container!

You'll get a salad bowl, 3 compartment topping trays, dressing container, leak proof lid, and a spoon!

ECOlunchbox Three in One Classic Stainless Steel Food Container Set ($59)

This plastic-free stainless steel set of three containers fits perfectly together so you can take three dishes on the go. Basically, you can put a sammie (or other main course) in the largest container, and two sides in the smaller ones.

JarJackets Silicone Mason Jar Protector Sleeve ($25)

Pack these cute and yummy Mason jar lunches safely with these colorful protector sleeves.

Life Story To-Go Salad Bowl Container ($18)

You’ll never have to eat a soggy salad again with this incredible container. Not only does it keep your greens fresh, but it also comes with a separate container for dressing and a fork which both snap into the lid.

Igloo Luxe Lunch Tote Cooler Bag ($48 was $60)

This functional cooler bag is great for keeping your cold drinks and salads cold due to its MaxCold insulation. The exterior is also made of vegan leather so it's sustainable!

Nike Futura Sportswear Lunch Tote ($38)

Toss your heels under your desk and slip into your comfy sneakers before grabbing this sporty lunch tote for lunch in the park.

CORKCICLE Baldwin Boxer Lunchbox ($48, was $60)

Take this sleek lunchbox to work and your scheduled yoga sessions once you clock out!

ban.do Lunch Bag ($30)

This lunch bag is the perfect match for the person who can't stop making charcuterie boards. It has the cutest quilt design and contrasting blue zippers that make it easy to open and close.

We don't suggest stuffing this mini lunch bag though! It has just enough room for fruit, an oatmeal packet, yogurt, and a small sandwich!

Bentgo Prep Deluxe Multimeal Bag ($40)

For the busy girl who needs a ton of snack options in between breakfast and lunch, Bentgo's multimeal bag is a dream come true. It can hold up to five meals that you've packed in different Bentgo containers.

Your food will be insulated for up to 8 hours and you'll be able to store everything from napkins to utensils inside!

JanSport Big Break Insulated Lunch Bag ($22)

This lunch bag will probably remind you of one of the cute backpacks we've found for school and office, but that's the point! It's another spacious option that'll keep your food warm or cold, plus the exterior pocket will hold any extra lunch supplies you need.

Packed Party Bring On The Fun Insulated Confetti Cooler Bag ($42)

This pretty confetti cooler bag will remind you of the last-minute getaway you and your besties took before heading back to work. Aside from it's mermaid-inspired look, it's designed to stash your lunch without compromising it's temperature or taste.

So Soul Design Name Custom Insulated Lunch Bag ($19, was $50)

Customize your very own insulated lunch bag with this cute design! It has a waterproof lining that protects against any sauce that may leak from your lunch and it has drawstrings that make opening it super easy.

Idea #1: Pretend You Just Moved In

Let's start with the idea that you just moved in by doing an inventory of your kitchen haul. Pull out the things that you don't use daily and find another place for them (maybe a closet or garage). Declutter and organize: Keep quality items, reduce plastic as much as you can, and find your inner minimalist by keeping the kitchen clutter-free by only storing essential items. Then decide where you could use organizers, dividers, and bins to keep drawers and cabinets tidy.

Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer

Pots & Pans Organizer

Elfa Over-The-Door Rack

Idea #2: Maximize Your Counter Space

Counter space is essential in a small kitchen, so shed any non-essentials sitting on top of it. Can you move a microwave you barely use to a small island? Your juicer into a cabinet? Choose smaller or multi-functional appliances to save on counter space, and install cutting boards that can slide over the sink or stove. Foldable or extendable counters that can be tucked away and used only when needed are another great idea for small yet functional spaces.

Yamazaki Kitchen Appliance Bottom Drawer + Side Table

Workstation Sink Bamboo Cutting Board

Appliance Lift

Bushore Kitchen Island

Idea #3: Play With Vertical Space

Think high when designing a small kitchen. Maximize vertical storage if you have tall cabinets. Use hooks or racks for pots, pans, and utensils to free up cabinet space. And add shelves for frequently used items to create an airy feel and make the most of wall space.

PB Manchester Brass Rail With Hooks

Heidegret Floating Shelves, Set of 2

Rejuvenation Under-Shelf Swiveling Hook Accessory

Idea #4: Embrace Light Colors + Reflective Surfaces

Light colors for walls, cabinets, and counters can make the space feel larger and bring more light in. Reflective surfaces like glossy cabinets, glass tiles, or stainless steel can enhance light too.

Luna White Ceramic Subway Tile

Favorite Benjamin Moore Whites

Idea #5: Install Layers Of Lighting

A small kitchen can really benefit from lighting high and low, especially if you're not graced with a lot of natural light. Look for a fun (but small) pendant, install under-cabinet lighting to brighten up your cooking stations, add wall sconces to add extra charm.

Schoolhouse Ray Pendant

Germantown Swing Arm Sconce

Idea #6: Keep Your Design Consistent

Beyond decluttering and organize, use a consistent style for containers, cookware and organizers to create a cohesive look and feel.

Greenpan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Set

Idea #7: Label Everything

Label containers and shelves to keep everything organized and easy to find. Use clear containers too so you don't inadvertently double up on items. Now enjoy your clean and happy space!

308 Kitchen Pantry Labels

1. We thought our first love was perfect and would argue with anyone who wanted us to take things slow with them.

I'll never forget the first time I fell in love at 19. I thought my ex was the "wind beneath my wings" because he had a great sense of humor and was creative like me. I told myself he was the person I was going to marry so I was offended when my parents didn't think he was mature enough to be in a serious relationship. If this sounds familiar, pull up a chair because Menon explains why we tend to idealize our first love.

"Your first love is your first experience with romantic love too, hence you typically see it with rose-colored glasses. The overwhelming emotion is often infatuation, which tends to overshadow the more critical and analytical part of our brain," she says. Sadly, this sounds like something my parents told me before but I couldn't fathom how true it was as a teen.

As the Clinical Director at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, Cavins has seen this play out before too. He says, "In your first relationship, there is a tendency to put your partner on a pedestal. The excitement of new love can create a powerful emotional fog that makes it hard to see flaws clearly."

Essentially, this "excitement of having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner supersedes" our ability to questions things we normally wouldn't put up with, according to Menon.

2. We tried to ignore the how many times our first loves disagreed with our values or goals.

While some couples are able to make their relationship work despite having a different outlook on life, sometimes it can be a sign that things aren't going to work long-term. Cavins says, "One major red flag is disregarding differences in values or goals for the future. For instance, you wish to become a parent someday while your spouse swears this will never happen— or vice versa. Early on, you might dismiss these differences, believing love will conquer all. However, these mismatched priorities can lead to resentment and challenges over time."

Honestly, I probably should've ran whenever my ex would mock my belief in God only for us to have to attend his mother and stepfather's church whenever I visited. There was so much confusion there, but I tried to dismiss it as something he needed time to work out.

Menon adds, "If this relationship makes you feel like you'e standing in quick sand - where you are trying to move forward but often feel held back in your individual aspirations, it may not be the right fit for you."

3. We thought it was 'cute' when our first loves made suggestions about which friends to avoid or what clothes to wear.

Cavins says, "Excessively possessive behaviors are another red flag that people often ignore easily when they fall in love for the first time. People tend to justify such behaviors by citing that it's due to love or protective instincts." I'm all for being in a relationship where your partner's able to see different sides of a picture, but controlling behavior shouldn't come with that. What might that look like?

Cavins says, "Your partner may frequently check in on you, offer opinions on who you should spend time with, or subtly pressure you into making choices that suit them." For example, your partner could start off making suggestions about your style that slowly morph into them controlling everything you wear. Somehow I went from being a self-professed 'girly-girl' to trying to emulate the style of 'sneakerheads' in a short amount of time. Though I love wearing everything from New Balance to Niké sneakers now, it's in a way that feels cohesive with my style.

You may have brushed this kind of behavior off because, again, you thought it meant your first love wanted the best for you. "It is understandable that such behavior hypothetically may come off as pleasant or affirming; however, they often signal an unhealthy dynamic of control rather than mutual respect," says

4. We always gave in when our first loves forced us to be affectionate.

*Sigh* I'm shaking my head for my younger self because there were many times I didn't advocate for myself in my first romantic relationship. I'd often give in to affectionate or intimate moments despite wanting personal space so I wouldn't be seen as 'boring' or uninterested in my ex. Menon says, "Given the infatuation, your first relationship can feel all-consuming and often is codependent. Hence, this may result in you overlooking that your partner does not respect your boundaries or desire for personal space."

Partly because the excitement of the relationship makes you want to spend all of your time together, until you don't. And then, it is often too late to correct a maladaptive historical pattern.

4. We always made excuses for why our partners would shower us with affection only to ignore us days later.

Let's be clear, 'love bombing' feels confusing and awful. No one should make you feel like you're the center of their universe only to ignore your calls or texts days later. But, this probably happened while you were with your first love. Cavins says, "There's a tendency for people to brush off their first love's emotional unavailability. When, for example, a partner is not responsive and not engaging in intimate discussions or does not express their feelings, some may rationalize this as them being 'just not ready.'" If that were the case, this person wouldn't have made you feel like being with you is something they truly wanted.

Of that, Cavins believes "it's important to recognize these behaviors early" because "they can result in a one-side emotional investment that leaves one party feeling unfulfilled in the long run." Sadly, my first love would have days where he was super sweet to me only to feel like I was smothering him with attention. This is also the same person who begged me to remain in our romantic relationship when he went to basic training although I felt it would be better if we chose to be friends. Imagine my surprise (and hurt) when he told me we should have an open relationship months after getting stationed for the first time.

I should've known better because he was never 100% on board with the idea of marriage until after he graduated from basic training. Cavins calls this "emotional disconnectedness." His further explanation is this is "when the initial chemistry between the partners subsides that emotional attachment matters." To avoid this, he feels "identifying and addressing any of these is critical in a case where you are looking to create a strong and healthy bond."

5. We ignored the ways our former partner blamed us whenever they got in trouble with their parents or an authority figure.

Did your first love have a hard time taking responsibility for things that went wrong by gaslighting you to absorb the blow of their mistakes? If you've furiously nodding, we should start a support group. Cavins says, "A key sign is a lack of personal or relational growth. Healthy relationships encourage mutual development, but if one partner stays stuck in old patterns while the other grows, it can create frustration and distance."

At no point should you be the reason why your first love got in trouble after answering their parents' house phone late at night after telling you to call at a certain time. It's situations like this that should've alerted us to awful behavior, but I can see how easy it is to dismiss things.

What if I'm in love for the first time and recognize these signs?

First, my heart goes out to you for being in a relationship that doesn't feel healthy. It hurts when we realize the person we thought was so great is anything but. The road to letting go of idealization may be long, but you can and will get better. Cavins says, "In the process of self-healing and recovery, the first step that must be taken is self-reflection. Ask yourself all of the necessary questions that arise, such as what this relationship means for you, what your boundaries are, and what this partnership has revealed about you as an individual."

I keep saying this, but relying on journal prompts can help you unpack a lot of things and, thankfully, Cavins agrees. He says, "You could always opt to talk to a specialist or being journaling in order to find some closure and draw meaning from the experience." Also, he wants you to start "making new memories." But, don't be passive about it.

"You will have to engage yourself in activities that will help redirect the focus of your thoughts. This could include joining a new class, engaging in a hobby, or traveling that involves some independence. These experiences can help shift your mindset from loss to growth and reinforce your identity outside of the relationship," says Cavins.

Another important thing you can do is "solicit help from others," according to him. "Calling on people you trust, like friends and family, to talk about these feelings can significantly help in healing," he says. This also helped me navigate life outside of my first real romantic relationship, reminding me that I still had a lot of love in my life that didn't begin or end with my ex.

Here are Menon's tips:

• Let yourself grieve — Let this loss run its course. If you need to feel angry, sad, distraught, nostalgic. Allow yourself the full breadth of this experience. If I ask you right now "don't think a out a yellow monkey", I can bet you just thought of a yellow monkey. We call this "the imp of the mind". When you reject feelings, or thoughts, they come back 10 times more fiercely. To move the feeling along, we must let ourselves experience it.
• Rediscover your identity (So important) — Your first love is often intertwined with self-discovery, and identity formation. Reconsider your goals, interests, values, friendships and hobbies and try to build your own sense of identity and individuality.

I saw my first love again and it feels like we're falling in love all over. Can we have a happy and healthy relationship?

I'm not going to tell you to run even though I told my ex I never wanted to speak or talk to him again. You could easily reconnect with the first person you fell in love with and realize that you're both in a place where you can have something beautiful. However, Cavins and Menon want you to be mindful if you're in this position.

"Reconnection is possible," begins Menon, "if both parties can objectively claim that they have grown emotionally and resolved the issues that held their relationship back." But, "if the reconnection is built on one person growing and the other not, it is likely to fail," she alerts. You'll need to "proceed with caution," she says because "your first love was a nostalgic era in your life that can cloud your judgement." To put it more clearly, she doesn't want you confuse "the fuzzies" with a "true knowing that the two of you can make it work."

Cavins says, "Reconnecting with a first love can trigger a strong wave of emotions, but it is important that such a decision is made with caution and a strong sense of pragmatism. Personal growth is a primary factor. Each party in the relationship must ask themselves how they have grown and evolved as individuals over time. If past patterns of conflict, immaturity, or unhealthy dynamics remain unaddressed, the same issues could resurface."

He wants you to consider these things:

• Are there any active relationships or past engagements that would make it rather difficult? That's because the feelings that come with reigniting old flames are very strong and can alter a person’s life, making it essential to start thinking from all angles before going ahead with it.
• Address previous challenges that caused the breakup in the first place. If the reasons behind the breakup have been resolved or do not exist anymore, then yes, meeting again has its prospects. However, keep in mind that, at times, memories can be selective and unfavorably distort the truth by overplaying the good qualities while avoiding the negative ones.
• Only rekindle things if both individuals are in a healthy emotional state and the decision is grounded in practical, mutual considerations—not just sentimentality or romanticized memories. Clear and honest discussions and an understanding of purpose are vital in ascertaining if rekindling the relationship will be worthwhile for both parties or if it will simply be an act of revisiting unresolved emotions.