babyfood : coconut date balls

Well, this recipe isn't exactly rocket science.  The kids both really like dates, but they are too tough for Lola.  We always used to get coconut date rolls from Whole Foods, but they are pretty expensive.  They are perfect though because they are soft enough for Lola to eat, and the coconut keeps them from being too sticky.  So, I just mashed up the dates we had along with some very finely chopped almonds, rolled them in balls and covered them with coconut.  Very yum.

Disclaimer #1- I used an immersion blender, only because I don't have a mixer.  It would be much, much easier with a mixer.

Disclaimer #2- I did not let Lola use said immersion blender.  That one was just for a cute picture.  I do let her stand on the bar stools.  Pick your battles, parents.  I am always right next to her...

books, books, and more books

We have SO MANY books.  They have also been scattered around our garage since we moved, in about 25 different boxes because I am that person that packs 5 books and then other random light things.  So I said to myself, "enough already!".  I brought most of the boxes in, scattered the books across our whole living room floor and then started to make piles by size.  An interesting project with a 4 and 1 year old around...

I've always loved this bookshelf.  Even this one.  But I'm too cheap.  I've had some of these though and thought that I could DIY the DWR shelf and use the Conceal to keep it stable.  You know, small children around.  This is how it turned out; filling up the space where our tree was.

What do you think?  I like it, but then I kinda feel like it's too orderly.  Maybe it shouldn't be so completely structured by size?  I'm sure I will continue to tinker with it, but I like our new reading nook!

felt paper dolls

Like most things, I've had this one in my Pinterest file for a while now... felt paper dolls.  The trick is that the dolls are felt and the clothes are sewn onto felt, so they stick together.  The idea is from here and here.  I love the little underwear...  I made a set for Lola and one for my niece for Christmas.

I'm sorry, but what doll doesn't need a gold lamé dress?

As all parents know, toys all need a place to go, so I made little fabric folders for the dolls and their clothes.  

After gift opening, I spied my niece all by herself playing with the dolls.  Love that!  She is so cute.