Busy Bags for Busy Toddlers

Sometimes while taking care of this little sweetie...

I need something to entertain my big sweetie.

One of the ladies in our church recently suggested we do a "busy bag" exchange. If you haven't heard about this, it is a great idea. Each mom picks a self-contained project appropriate for young children and makes enough for the group of ladies participating. Once you exchange bags, you have a bunch of fun little activities to pull out at just the right time.

I enjoyed making my "button snakes" and can't wait to see all the other projects.

I just had to share my latest faves from the kitchen

I feel like baking is becoming a little bit of a hobby. I never thought I would say that, but I'm getting a little addicted. I know part of that addiction is the great bread-maker I received from my sister-in-law (thanks Tracy!). The other part is my love for yummy food (had to be honest). Maybe another part is that look on Rob's face when he likes one of my experiments. Either way, I thought I would pass on a couple awesome recipes.

These two come from allrecipes.com. "Bread Machine Bagels" and "Bread Machine Honey-Oat-Wheat Bread" are awesome! Neither one is time consuming because of the dough cycle on the bread-machine.

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls from moneysavingmom.com has cured me of my cinnamon roll fear. Let's just say my first "from scratch" experience left something to be desired. I brought them to share with my high school Sunday school class and they politely asked "what are these?".

Cinnamon Honey Butter and Oreo Layer Dessert I found on, you guessed it, pinterest.com. I had to bring it up. If you have some serious weight loss resolutions, don't look these up.

Last but not least, I found this goodie in the newspaper yesterday. These were glorious with a cup of coffee this morning!

Apple and Oat Scones with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Makes 12

1 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

1 and 1/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, plus more for topping

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (I just used it from the pantry)

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 and 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 and 1/2 cups diced Granny Smith apples (I used what I had on hand)

2/3 cup cold buttermilk, plus more for brushing

Raw turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or rub in with your fingers.

Add apples and buttermilk, stirring until dough just comes together.

Turn out dough onto lightly floured work surface. Pat dough into a rectangle and cute into 12 squares with a floured knife.

Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush tops with buttermilk, and sprinkle with raw turbinado sugar and oats.

Happy Baking!