More fun with desserts!

Love to be creative with your cake and cookie decorating? The Sweetapolita Bakebook may be perfect for you. The paperback book contains 75 very creatively decorated desserts with some of the most unusual accompaniments. What do you think of painting your cake with edible paint? How about chalk cookies with edible chalk? Interested in a cake you can draw on with edible food markers? Never again will you need to look further for a fun filled way to celebrate any occasion. There is even a section for prized basic cakes  which includes a wonderful basic white cake (my personal favorite), buttermilk cake, red velvet cake, pink cherry cake, cotton candy popcorn, and more. From cut out cookies to layer cakes to frosting and fillings (salted caramel!), this will be a cookbook you will turn to again and again. I can just see myself in the kitchen with my daughter and the fun we could have!

I learned to decorate cakes years ago but only did your typical roses, borders, and such. This book opens up a whole new line of cakes. Who knew you could make a cake or cookie that you could use edible chalk on? This book has the recipes, colorful illustrations showing what the cake "should" look like when finished, variations you may want to try, and tips to the creator.

The only thing I am not that crazy about is the paperback format. I don't care so much for cookbooks that won't stay open on the counter. For a few extra cents, the publisher could have made this spiral bound and it would have been much more manageable to work with when baking. In addition, I will have to do some shopping to attempt some of the cakes. Unless you are one to keep cake flour, fondant, and white gum paste in your pantry, you might have to pick up a few items at the craft or grocery store yourself.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to write a positive review.

Perfect Bedtime Book

Really Woolly Nighttime Lullabies by Bonnie Jensen is a charming board book to share with young children. The child sized volume contains nineteen bedtime rhymes connected to a Bible verse with reference and accompanied by a short prayer to point your child to the One who blesses us with all good things. I love the brightly colored simple illustrations by Donna Chapman, each featuring Really Woolly and his friends. Easy for little ones to hold on to at approximately 5x7 inches in size, it is sure to become a favorite.

The Woolly books are new to me since I don't have small children anymore. However, they are the first greeting cards I typically take a look at when choosing one at my local Christian bookstore so I am not surprised that these illustrations capture me in the same manner as the cards.

I don't know of any better way to spend time with your child than closing out their day reminding them that God is close, watching over them, and cares for them deeply. This book would make an excellent baby gift or birthday for children up to four but even I enjoyed the rhymes. While nothing is indestructible, this is one book you won't have to be concerned with torn pages as it is very durable. 

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one. Two thumbs up to Tommy Nelson for another resource to use with our children as they close out their day and darkness falls.