Easter Traditions

   



 I've been busy getting ready for Easter as I'm sure many of you are!  It will be a wonderful day because the whole family will be together....Both of my military sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren will be here for the celebration!

My oldest granddaughter has already put in her request: an Easter egg hunt, Easter egg dying, decorating the house, baking cookies, and planting flowers in my flowerbeds.  She has always done these traditions with me since she was very young.  My grandson and younger granddaughter will be joining us too.  It's so important to pass on family traditions. That's what memories are made of!

I always put a basket of goodies together for them, but I usually add a few toys and less candy.  They are thrilled with whatever I put in there.  You don't have to spend a fortune- shop at the dollar stores, drugstores, the clearance isle, etc.  There are many things to choose from!

First things first..... I've added candy, of course!  I also found puzzles, pencils, jump ropes, chalk pens, hot wheels cars, stickers, and a small flowerpot of zinnia seeds.  You could add bubbles, costume jewelry, balls, crayons, a deck of  cards, gift cards to McDonald's or balloons.  Use your imagination!  I find this way of filling baskets more fun than just buying one already done.  It is more personal to each child...

What special traditions and Easter ideas do you have? I'd love to hear about them!




Happy Easter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee Can Canisters

    I like to buy coffee in cans so that I can have them for storage.  If you don't know what to do with them, here are some ideas....


Start with a coffee can and remove the paper.

 I had this paint set already, but you could use a spray can of gold for a base.  Let dry, then add liquid black paint over it.  While still wet, I then used a paper towel to remove most of the black for an antique finish.   Spray paint the top of the lid too if it's not the color you need.

 I thought they needed a little something, so I found a Fleur DE Li's stencil online, cut it out and painted it black on the canisters.

 The end result, and it was from using things I already had around here, so it was practically free!

 Here's my first  set.  I just painted the outside the color I wanted, and glued wallpaper to the top of the canister.

 

You can use whatever colors you need to match your kitchen decor!  It's a great way to use up all of the spray cans you have laying around your house like I do.

 

 

They'd also make a great container to corral all of your cooking utensils!

 

You could use these in a child's room to organize all of those small cars, blocks, jewelry, etc.  Label them or glue a picture on the front if they can't read yet.

 

 

Be creative- There is no wrong way to do this!





 

 

Blackberry Pecan Pancakes

     If you are looking for some rich, delicious pancakes, this recipe is for you.  They are so good that you won't miss the syrup...  I promise!

Pancake batter:
2 cups all purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 stick melted butter

Mix dry ingredients into a bowl.  Add wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Add more milk if batter is too thick. It helps to let the batter sit for 15-30 minutes before using. Melt butter on griddle and pour pancake batter to form 4 inch pancakes.  Cook on each side about 3 minutes.

If you really want to be sneaky about adding more fruit to your childs diet (or yours), try adding 1-2 cups shredded apple into the batter...they'll  never know!!!

Blackberry topping:
2 cups blackberries
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup sugar
dash cinnamon
1/2 cup water

Add water to berries and heat until warm.  In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar and cinnamon.  Add to berry mixture.  Cook and stir until mixture is thickened.  Add lemon juice and mix.  Serve warm.

***You could substitute blueberries, just decrease the sugar to 1/2 cup.  Blackberries need more sugar because they are not as sweet.  I use the whole blackberry for more fiber.

Once the pancakes are cooked,  I serve them with melted butter spread on top and pour on the blackberry sauce.  Oh my goodness, you won't be able to eat just one.....

Thanks for stopping by, I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment!


Enjoy!