I am sure that there are many wonderful toy stores online but recently I have come across two stores in particular that I love. First you have to understand that I have a love for simple toys. Did you know that there are some toys that do not make one single sound or even light up that can keep a child’s attention? Yep, I know that this is hard to believe especially in this day and age of the Energizer bunny but it is true. I have always loved the more simplistic toys but I appreciate them so much more now that I am a parent and get to listen to all the little beeps, bonks and songs all day long. Second you must know that I like things that are a little different. All this to say I love these toy stores that I have stumbled across there is just something so wonderful about them! The first link is Oompa Toys with so many cute and creative things! Be prepared to let your child’s imagination run wild! I could spend a large chunk of time just browsing around this site. The second link is Gumylump, which has some fabulous wooden toys! Oh quality! I have even come across a few things that I would not mind to have myself. I am not sure that I will ever fully grow up! Anyways, enjoy some browsing time and I am sure that you might even find a little something for your inner child that refuses to grow up or maybe even something for your child!

I cannot get away from the free Kraft magazine that I spoke of earlier in the blog. I tried the Chocolate-Candy Cane Cake earlier this week and it was quite tasty. Peppermint is usually not my favorite but I thought that it just looked too pretty to pass up. If you can get your cake to look like the picture you are incredible though! Since the “frosting” is Cool Whip it is hard to get it to stay in place as it gets a little gloopy. Also word to the wise…wait till the last minute to put on the crushed candy cane; the red will bleed into the Cool Whip. I also had to store the cake in the fridge while serving it since it would get so puddley. It was still a huge hit though at Bible Study as good chunk of the cake was gone. It was such a big hit that I do recommend the cake just mind the puddles.

What you say? I have gone crazy you say! Jell-o is jell-o and not a cookie…oh but it is I say! I made some yummy cookies today if I do say so myself. I signed up on Kraft’s website to receive their recipe magazine food & family (for free mind you) and it had this intriguing recipe for jell-o cookies (see link below). I decided what the hay why not try something new and different, as I love different things! They are so tasty! You can make them in any jell-o flavor as you might imagine but I did strawberry as I was going for the festive holiday look. I am making lime next so I will keep you posted. They taste like little strawberry cakes. Yummy!

Jell-O Pastel Cookies