Puzzle Blocks Tutorial

Aj has reallllly been into puzzles lately...

actually, she adores them more than anything!

So I decided to try making her some cute puzzle blocks.

Well, since we have been watching food shows like 

Kitchen Nightmare, Cake Boss, and Man vs. Food

I found this adorable (and free!) digital scrapbooking clip art that was perfect-

little Italian chefs.

It was really easy to make these blocks...
here is what you need:

(2) 1.5 inch wooden blocks
ruler 
scissors

images to go on the blocks 
(you can get the images that I used, altered to fit the blocks here)

modge podge and a brush

sanding paper

Ok, here's the how-to for making two-block puzzles:

1. Use a ruler to cut out your image so that it fits as a whole on two blocks.
2. Cut that image in half, forming (2) 1.5x1.5 inch images
3. Spread some Modge Podge on the block face, lightly
4. Place the image down, smoothing it gently
5. Spread some more Modge Podge on top of the image, lightly
6. After the block is dry, sand the edges slightly
7. Repeat on all the sides and the play!

There are so many things you can do with this... custom ABC blocks, puzzles, photo gifts!
Enjoy!!
Notes: * I used Modge Podge because the blocks were not in danger of going in a mouth. Use a non-toxic sealant for making baby blocks.

The Best Darn Banana Bread

Ok, so I admit it... I am usually a box mix kind of girl.

It is convenient, doesn't go bad, and super simple.

However, this recipe is just as easy... no weird ingredients and very very tasty!

The best part is that is uses that couple of bananas that got pushed to the side because they were browning!

Here it is, enjoy, and let me know what you think!

Ingredients

• 4 or 5 ripe bananas, smashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of cinnamon sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  

How to:

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour, nutmeg, and cinnamon sugar last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

This is extra yummy when served warm with butter on top! Soooo yummy!

Make and Do

I am a huge fan of Make and Do and am getting tons of awesome gift ideas from them. I love winter and making snowmen so I think that this wonderfully easy Snowman Kit is a perfect gift for all the little ones in my life. Really, all you need is a few supplies and then sit back and wait for the snow! (Which shouldnt be too much longer for us Clevelanders!)

Another really yummy idea that I am going to make for all the adults I know is this recipe for Peppermint White Chocolate Popcorn. I have had the pleasure of eating White Chocolate Popcorn in the past and found it sooooo addicting. Add in the peppermint and I don't know if I want to share now that I think about it! Super easy recipe and beautiful presentation!

Really, you can't go wrong with any idea from this site. Everything is really easy and will make that special someone on your list feel extra important that you took the time to make them something that they will love. (Unless you make them the yummy popcorn and they eat all of it and can't fit into their jeans.... that might be a problem... better not share that one!)

Wonderful Children's Products on the brink of Extinction

Thanks to the new laws mandated by the CPSIA here is just a taste of the wonderful handmade products that will dissapear once the legislation takes effect on Feb 10th. There is still action that can be taken. Go here for more information now!!!!
Most people think that this just affects toys, but these new laws will take down ANYONE who sells ANYTHING geared toward kids 12 and younger. That includes vintage books like Curious George, gently used clothes on Ebay, even clothing donations to charities.
There is not much time, and something needs to be done and fast. I have included a list of things you can do to help on the side. If you don't want to have to buy your kids mass produced, plastic, foreign made EVERYTHING than please do something and let your opinions be heard!!!