lightbulb moment!

This can't be an original idea, but in case it is, let me throw it out there.

Just a while ago I was nuking my lunch in the break room at work. I'm having one of those Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers. While watching it boil in the microwave something dawned on me. Why not reuse the packaging to make my own?

If you're not familiar with this product, it's a clear, plastic container with dried pasta and a separate container with sauce. You add water to the line on the bowl and microwave the pasta for 3 minutes and 30 seconds before stirring in the sauce.

Since the lid has a built-in strainer, why not reuse the container to boil your own pasta from home? You can bring a container of spaghetti sauce and have spaghetti, or perhaps macaroni and cheese (sliced cheese melts easily on hot pasta), or whatever pasta/sauce combination you desire.

It sounds like a great way to save money on lunch for work (I think I bought this as a 2-for-$5 deal), if I do say so myself. Even if the bowl only stands up to one or two more microwaving sessions you've saved a few bucks.