Beautiful Day

Yesterday was a beautiful day, the perfect day for playing at the park,

helping with the gardening,

playing a little ball,

and just being kids!

Simple Solution

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.  My daughter has been trying to get her kids to make healthier food choices, and it's hard as a grandmother to say no to those sweet little faces even when you know what's best for them.

A few weeks ago, when she called saying they were coming over for a visit I decided to fix a little tray of healthier foods and have it on the little table where they play.  I didn't say a word about it, and they spotted it right off the bat.  "Mimi, who is this for?"  they asked.  I told them is was for them, and that I thought they might want a snack.

It worked like a charm.  They sat right down to that table and began munching.  Not one asked for a cookie, or any other sweet treat, and before the visit was over the entire lot of it was finished.

Now, I'm wondering if I can pull this trick on myself?

The Illusion of Fall and a Yummy Breakfast Recipe

The illusion of fall drew me outside yesterday, inviting me to breakfast on the porch.  Notice I said the ILLUSION of fall.  We had a couple of less humid days, and I actually thought I could sit on the porch and enjoy Saturday morning without being totally drenched.  As soon as I opened the door I realized just how wrong I was.  The intense heaviness of humidity quickly made it hard for me to breathe.  I decided to give an alfresco breakfast a try anyway, and pulled out a chair only to anger a nest full of yellow jackets who had decided to make their home on the chair I had planned to sit in.  

The thought of autumn's approach, no matter how illusive, had me wanting a warm breakfast.  So before I headed outside I decided to make a recipe I found on Tasty Kitchen a few weeks ago.  This is the second time I've made this and I really like it and thought you might too.    I made a few changes to use things I had on hand.

Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal

3 cups quick oats (I used regular Oatmeal)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (I used 1 cup pecans)
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 applesauce (I used pear butter)
1 cup milk
1/ 4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray a 8x8 inch pan, or a round casserole

In a large bowl, combine the oats, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and nuts.  In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, applesauce (or pear or apple butter), milk, butter, vanilla, and egg.

Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture and whisk to combine.  Pour into prepared baking dish.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.  Serve immediately with yogurt, honey, and or additional nuts.


 Breakfast was yummy, but I must confess after taking these pictures I took my breakfast right back in to the air conditioned kitchen.

Imagination

In my opinion, imaginary play is the best!  I love to see children using their imagination.  I love it when they use their own, God given, thought process to imagine far away worlds and scenarios and bring them to life.  Of course, if you have a few props it helps.  

I came across this scene a while back, Scooter was riding through the Old West on none other than a trusty steed borrowed from one of her dolls.  She was decked out in an outfit borrowed from her sister, and headed for adventure.

Of course, her little brother wanted in on the action too.  He wrestled up his hat, and tried to wrangle her horse away, but wasn’t too successful. 

What sweet memories they are making.  I hope they make many more!

Just Call Me the Bag Lady

I've made several of these diaper bags for my daughter and daughter-in-law and a few close friends. 

 Recently, I've been asked to make some for a local shop. 

 I kept shrugging it off, for many reasons, but after being asked again I decided to give it a go.

I mean what can it hurt to try, right?

So I finally got four made and hauled them off to the shop.

I guess we'll see what happens.

I can't decide whether to go ahead and make more, or just wait and see how these do.

I'm a tad bit nervous about it all.

So which one is your favorite?  I'm a little partial to the one at the top, myself.