Summer Reading - Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad

Last year I received a package of wonderful books from Penguin/ Random House Canada/Tundra and today I'm sharing with you again about one of the books from last year - it was so excellent, it is absolutely well worth getting for the children you love if you didn't last year. One of the best and most important things we are able to do for the children we love is to surround them with books from their youngest ages, read to and with them, because when we do they will begin talking sooner, they will have a larger vocabulary, will begin reading sooner, and will do better in school. Plus, all this reading and spending time together will help build strong relationships with you and the children you love.

So, this Summer be certain to surround the children you love with books - such as Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad by Anna Humphrey and Irma Kniivila.

grandma's cookbook - Creamy Mocha Coffee Caramels

I'm not sure which word "grabbed" your attention - "creamy", "mocha", "coffee", "caramel" or all four of them, but they certainly "grabbed" my attention when I came across them on Pinterest! 

Summer Book Review - We're Not Weird

Today I'm happy to share with you a very interesting book from Holiday House - We're Not Weird - Structure and Function In the Animal Kingdom by Michael Garland. This is a book which will amaze the children you love - and you, too!

Today July 15th is Global Hug Your Kids Day!

Now this is a "day" this grandma is very willing to celebrate - although, for the most part, I hug grown kids and grandkids nearly every weekend when they are here - I'm sending virtual hugs to them today! So, to celebrate this wonderful day, let's look at some of the benefits of hugs - did you know . . .

Summer Book Review - Bear and the Three Goldilocks

I received a fantastic book from Holiday House which I am SO happy to let you know about - it is my favorite book I've reviewed so far this summer - Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino - and yes, it is a "take" on the old familiar story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But, don't worry, it is filled with humor which will have you - and the children you love - laughing for sure!

grandma's cookbook . . . Apple Dessert!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday, so I made an apple dessert for him and I thought I'd share the recipe with you. I live in Michigan . . . otherwise known as Apple Country, so I have to have at least one go-to apple recipe! For me, it is my Apple Dessert . . . I know, not an incredible name, but it does taste incredible! It is very simple to make and if your family likes apples, it is a dessert they are sure to love!

Summer Book Review - Can You Find the Black Cat?

I'm happy to share with you today a fun board book from tiger tales - Can You Find the Black Cat? by Danielle McLean.

just for fun - No-Bake Berry Pie!

 

Today we are celebrating my amazing husband's birthday (his birthday is actually on Monday, but the family is coming together today to celebrate!) One of his long-time favorite desserts is Cherry Cream Cheese Pie, which I made for us to enjoy today, so I thought I'd share the simple recipe with you which you may top with any berry you like - cherry, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry - whatever you like. Yes, I know, the berry pie we typically think of is a baked, traditional pie, but in case you have a craving for a berry pie, but are looking for something just a bit less traditional, check this recipe . . . 

Summer Reading - Barnaby Unboxed!

Tundra Books sent me a new book for review - Barnaby Unboxed! by The Fan Brothers, so today I'm happy to let you know about it.

grandma's cookbook - Heart PB & J on No-Knead Artisan Bread

Sometimes when my grands were younger and I was thinking about what to fix for them, I forgot the one important thing to remember . . . keep it simple. Children usually do not care if something is elaborate or took a long time to prepare. They are often delighted with simple things . . . such as heart PB & J sandwiches!

Summer Book Review - Don't Wake Up the Tiger

I have another fun book from Candlewick Press which I'm happy to share with you today - Don't Wake Up the Tiger  written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. This book not only has a fun story with colorful illustrations, but it engages children in the telling of the story, making it very memorable!

grandma's cookbook - Refreshing Blueberry, Green Ice Tea!

It is supposed to be hot and humid where I live today, so I thought it sounds like a good day to share my favorite recipe for blueberry tea with you! 

Whether it is hot and humid or even when it is cold outside, this tea is a delicious and refreshing drink. Try this recipe with your grandchildren . . . it is simple, quick, and so delicious! A big added "plus" is the health benefit . . . blueberries and green tea are so good for you! My husband never liked tea, until I made blueberry tea for him! Now he drinks my tea instead of pop! My grandsons love this tea, too . . . and the only sweetening comes naturally from blueberries . . . not sugar!

Summer Book Review - The Beautiful Layers of Me

I have another book to share with you today from Candlewick Press - The Beautiful Layers of Me by Sophia Payne and illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane. The story and illustrations in this book are both beautiful and combine to teach an important lesson.

Make a Difference Today!

While today really is not National Make a Difference Day - it is actually the fourth Saturday in October, I do believe every day is a day to make a difference, so let's make a difference today! National Make a Difference Day says; "Initiated in 1990, this is a national day devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. The activity can be almost anything. On this day, millions of Americans participate in community improvement projects taking the form of clean-ups, fix-ups, painting and repair in poorer neighborhoods, parks and municipal facilities. It doesn't matter what project you take on. It doesn't matter whether you help a non-profit organization, the community, your town, nursing home, a church, a food kitchen, or any other group in need. What matters is that you participate."