Mommy Loves: Cookies

It's no secret that I love cookies. I could give the Cookie Monster some serious competition. I'm not sure how fair it would be considering he's just a puppet. Anyways, I know that I'm not the only cookie lover. Moms typically share a deep appreciation for this sweet, bite sized treat. Here's some inspiration for baking success on Mother's Day!

 Mom Tattoo Cookies- www.pinterest.com/
Fashion Cookies- www.elenis.com/
Mom Hearts- www.singlemindedwomen.com/
You Are Jar- www.iammommy.typepad.com/
Flower Cookie- www.etsy.com/

I Want Candy!

Easter is over and you are left with a mountain of candy. What now? Below are a few ideas for what to do with all of that Easter bounty.

• Throw a milkshake party. Buy a couple gallons of milk and ice cream and invite some friends over (they could bring their candy, too). Create a buffet bursting with different candy combinations for your milk shake. The possibilities are endless. 
• Chop and freeze leftover candy. Throw it in your brownie or cake batters as you bake throughout the year.
• Cut up your chocolate eggs into chunks and add them into your cookie batter. Chocolate "chunk" cookies always sound more appealing than chocolate "chip" cookies.
• Make small goody bags of candy and give them to your kids as a reward for doing something good. If you're short of money, this is a free way to pay your kids when they complete their chores.
• Make smores with Peeps. Your little sandwich will be so colorful and springy. 
• Melt them down  your chocolate bunnies and make chocolate dipped strawberries or a fondue station. Check out, "Thank You Mr. Easter Bunny" for more details.
• Warm your kids' belly with a mint hot chocolate. Warm some milk over the stove and add Andes Mints for a twist on a wonderful classic.
• Place your jelly beans in a bowl and bring it to the office. If you can't eat it all, tempt someone else to do so.

Here's a glimpse of the boys' haul from Easter. Wow.