Mystery Bags

Every Halloween I give little treats to Jack's classmates and friends. This year I decided to disguise them as "Mystery Bags." I'm not really a crafter, but these bags put big smiles on little kids faces.

Contents of bags: Sweet and salty pretzels, a witch's cauldron cup w/ straw, and a Halloween note decorated by Jack

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

My friend made these cookies for me on a chilly fall day years ago. I've made them every year since. Try them. They are a slice of heaven.




Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate semi sweet chips

Directions:

Cream butter, sugar and egg together. Add vanilla and pumpkin then mix. Put baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt in another bowl and mix together. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture. Add flour. Add half a bag of chocolate chips, or more if you like. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-13 minutes until no longer doughy inside. I have to say it, enjoy!

Alphabet Memory Book

Here is a fun way to create a collection of memories for your child while making a real world connection to the alphabet.



How to:

1. Take pics of your kid in costumes, with their favorite toys, books, people, or locations that represent each letter of the alphabet. See my examples.

2. Then write or type a page for each letter of the alphabet with room for your child's picture and the word that describes the picture. You can use markers, glue and construction paper, or you can create a professionally printed book online.

You can't mess this up. Enjoy and have fun with it!

Bag Lady

When I was little my mom used to call me a bag lady.  I wouldn't leave the house without my stuff.  Not much has changed, except now I have to fit a whole family's worth of stuff in my bag.  I don't mess around with comfort, durability and versatility.  Check out these bags that are all that and more...



Sunday Bag

www.blvdbags.com



Goods

www.baggu.com



Clutch * Wallet * Pencil Case

www.blueq.com



Full Moon Party

Last year we started a tradition to throw a "Full Moon Party" with our family and neighbors. My son and I tracked the moon phases and planned our party for the last full moon of the summer.

We made the invitations ourselves using blank postcards. He was 2 1/2 at the time, so he basically scribbled all over, and I wrote the words to describe his drawings.

We also planned the menu together. Hot dogs on a stick, hamburgers, chips, and banana melts (recipe to come!).

We set up our camping tent, the fire pit with a rack for grilling, brought out the flashlights and got cooking.

The party was so simple really, but everyone had a complete blast. This party idea is great for any age, but if you do have children, let them help you every step of the way. Especially over the summer when they always need something to do!

Banana Melt Recipe

Bananas
Chocolate Bars
Peanut butter chips
Marshmallows
Graham crackers
Chopped walnuts

Slice the bananas lengthwise. Fill with chocolate pieces, peanut butter chips and marshmallows, etc. Wrap in tinfoil and grill until the contents melt slightly. Open tinfoil and crumble graham cracker crumbs on top. Grab a fork and dig in!

Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Muffins

Today all of my children decided to nap at the same time, sigh. While they were napping, I threw together the ingredients for these yummy chocolate chip muffins. They are super simple and surprisingly moist, probably because of the added yogurt. If your kids eat yogurt, the little 4oz vanilla YoBaby packs work great. The recipe makes a bunch, so you'll have plenty to share!



Yum, chocolate chip muffins ready to serve!









Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 egg

1 stick of butter, melted

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

6 oz pkg chocolate chips





Beat together egg, butter, milk and vanilla yogurt.  Mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugars together in a separate bowl.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Bake at 350 degrees in greased muffin cups or heart shaped baking pans for 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven.





Heart Shaped Baking Pans
by Chef Philippe



A Kind Gesture

"On the road between the houses of friends grass does not grow."

                                                         - Unknown

     To show a friend she is appreciated, try delivering a potted plant in a decorative planter to her doorstep. Your flowering plant will outlast cut flowers, and it will cost you less!

How to?

1. Pick-up a cute planter.  I chose a $6 chocolate colored planter from my local flower shop.
2. Select a seasonal flowering plant from your favorite grocery store.  My picture features a primrose purchased for only $2.50 at the Whole Foods Market.  Any flowering plant or herb will do!
3. Add a quick note of appreciation and deliver to a deserving friend!

     Please post pics of your ideas to share.  Maybe some herbs with a recipe?  Or other simple gestures to inspire us.