Get Out (and Stay Out).

Summer Fun at The Land of Nod

The Land of Nod is just getting warmed up. If you are lacking in ideas of what your summer will be filled with this year, check out some of the wonderful summer time fun you can have right in your own backyard.

Bus Driver Box of Goodies

We decided to go the 'Baked Goods' route for our end of the year gift.  Our driver is such a kind man, and so good with the children.  There is order and seat assignments on his bus.  No one messes with 'Mr. Ron'.  When there is rain or snow or any kind of inclement weather -- our driver drops each child in front of their home.  

I purchased a small, round box from a local craft store and painted it.  I downloaded a school bus template (from play2learnprintables.com), reduced it on our copier, then made stencils to sponge onto the box. A simple octagon was created from my power-point shapes for a stop sign.  My son assisted (but mostly told me what to paint, as he was being lazy). 

If you didn't want to paint, there is a color version of the bus template.  We filled our Bus Driver Box with my little boy's favorite frosted banana cookies.  We haven't met anyone who doesn't like them.  Wrap it up with some decorative ribbon and you're set.  There are other printables available too.

P.S.  We lined our box with foil and put parchment in-between the layers of cookies.  

I can't believe a whole year of kindergarten is ending :-(  (they grow so fast..)

Frosted Banana Cookies

Frosted Banana Cookies

 

My children LOVE these.  I have to limit them as they could devour all 5 dozen in 1 sitting.

Frosted Banana Cookies:

1/2 c.  butter or margarine

1-1/2 c.  sugar

1/4 c.  molasses

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla or banana flavoring

1-1/2 cups over-ripe bananas, mashed

2 c. flour

2 c. oatmeal, blended down to a powder*

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp mace or nutmeg

1) Cream together butter, sugar and molasses.  Add eggs; beat thoroughly.  Mix in vanilla (or banana flavoring) and bananas.

2)  Whisk together dry ingredients.  Blend into creamed mixture. 

3)  Drop dough by heaping teaspoonfuls about 2" apart onto greased baking sheet.  Bake in a moderate oven 375 degrees, for 8-9 minutes (no more!).  Remove from oven and allow cookies to continue baking on the sheet for 2 more minutes.  After 2 minutes remove to wire rack to cool.  Frost.  (Makes 4-1/2 to 5 dozen)

* Just put your 2 cups into a blender or small food processor and blend to powder -- or you could leave the oats whole if you'd like.

Frosting:

2 c. powdered sugar

2 tbls butter or margarine

1 tsp vanilla or banana flavoring

2-4 tbls milk

1) Combine sugar, butter and 1 tablespoon of milk and mix well.  Continue adding milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you have the spreading consistency you prefer.

see:  Bus Drive Goodie Box

Bottom of the Cereal Box Bars

A friend of mine in the health field once mentioned that it was a shame no one ate the cereal at the bottom of the box, as it was where most of the 'fortified with vitamins and minerals' settled.  I never had to worry about that in my home, as I have been making my frugal recipe for years. The next time you find your pantry cluttered with annoying boxes of almost gone cereal...try these.  It's amazing how children gravitate toward anything with marshmallows in it.

Bottom of the Cereal Box Bars

4 Tbls butter or margarine

1-10.5 oz package marshmallows (large or small)

6 cups cereal -- any kind you like (and don't be afraid to add the crumbs at the bottom)

13x9x2 dish coated with butter or cooking spray

1)  Melt butter or margarine in a very large pot over low heat.

2)  Stir in marshmallow until completely melted.

3)  Remove from heat and stir in cereal.

4)  Pour mixture out into serving pan and flatten with buttered spatula.

5)  Cool completely before cutting into squares (I sometimes just put it in the refrigerator before cutting).

Enjoy.

Win Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters! In Stock and A Stealthy Give Away!

This Give Away is Open To Anyone In The World - 18 Years and Up

This Give Away Will End Midnight, April 4, 2011

This Give Away is for 1 Set of Fred and Friends Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters

I know so many of you have been looking for a set of .  Seems these even ninjas made from food safe ABC plastic are (literally) hard to find.  But never fear -- I've FINALLY found a source that has them in stock and we even have one for Give Away!

Fred and Friends has come out with a new cookie cutter that every boy is going to love.  come three to a set.  They are made from food safe ABC plastic and come in attractive packaging.  They are "cut-out" for action and just like a ninja, watch your ninjabread men cookies disappear before your eyes!  

Available from

To Enter:

Mandatory:  1.  If you haven't done so yet, become a Just for Jack "Follower".  (click on 'Follow Me' to the left) -- then follow publicly (Counts as one entry)
2.  Go to and tell me the "Geek-iest" product you've found/like (counts as one entry).

Daily Entries:

Enter:

1)   Enter daily by going to and telling me another "Geeky product you've found/like.

2) Enter Once daily (come back and tell me) by leaving a comment on Just for Jack Facebook Fan
3)  Enter daily by tweeting something to justforjack on Twitter (come back and tell me)

That's it!  The winner will be notified.  Good Luck!

Giant Gummy Bear on a Stick -- It's a bit irresistable...

When Perpetual Kid thinks of gummy bears, they think of a small bag full of nickel sized gelatin-sugar globs.  Now, imagine 90 gummy bears melted together to create a ½ pound bear on a stick.  Why on a stick?  Because things can get pretty sticky and believe them when they say that the stick is really convenient!   Plus, everything tastes better on a stick!!!

Gummy bears look, feel, and taste exactly like their smaller cousins!  They have a long, one year shelf life so you can order them today and send out for holidays throughout the year!  They make great stocking stuffers, if you have the room!

The Giant Gummy Bear on a Stick stands 4” tall without the stick, is hand-made in the US, and comes in a plastic storage bag so you can take a bite or two and cover it back up for future snacking. 

Available from Perpetual Kid.  Entertain your inner child.

Here are some other gummie inventions they have available:  

Gummie Bear Necklace

Giant Gummie Worms

World's Largest Gummie Bear

You may also be interested in a Ninja Toothbrush Sanitizer after this... ;-)

The Biscuits Are Baked - Santa's Christmas Cookies

I have a whole new respect for Gingerbread Men.  Let me just say, the work involved is proof of the love I have for my kids...I have also learned why everyone is chasing these little guys.  They are delicious and worth the time --  especially when you hear, "Mmmmm Mommy.  How do you make these?"  I love going here for my cookie ideas.  Martha always has something fun to make.  There are plenty left for Santa.  Remember the milk!

Gingerbread People

Home Brown Sugar & Cinnamon PopTarts from Belleicious Kids

What an ambitious cook and loving mother!  Another great and healthier recipe then your store bought version:

Find this Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop Tart at Belleicious Kids

Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods Give Away

This Contest will run through June 15 and is open to U.S. Residents
This Give Away is for 1-14oz container of Gianna's Summer Assortment Cookies

I found  these exquisite delights in one of my favorite whole food shops.  The glistening drops of colorful sugars and smell of pure butter swirling in the air, lured me over with shameless glee.  Starfish, strawberries, bees, ladybugs, frogs and  ice cream cone shapes were all glorified in glamorous works of art. I knew I was a goner.

Think of homemade Scottish shortbread, topped with a light layer of frosting and dusted with sparkling adoration.  I felt I needed to try a second, (purely for the sake of blogging you understand).  I must say I didn't know art would taste so good.

Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods, started in 1996.  This talented bake-tist makes all her masterpieces by hand, which she feels ensures the quality and flavor.  She uses all natural and organic ingredients.  Gianna's is based in Castroville, California, where the popularity of her pastries increase continually throughout the greater west.  I'm so glad I found them here in the southeast, but never fear -- Gianna's has an online site where you too can order.  I find these great for small gatherings or gifts.  Gianna's is also renowned for her pies, which was actually the way she started her business.

If you would like to participate in this give away, please do the following:

To Enter:

1)  Become a Just for Jack "Follower".  (click on 'Follow Me' to the right) -- then follow publicly.

2)  Leave a comment about this post.

That's it!  

You can earn up to two (2) extra entries by leaving a comment on Just for Jack Facebook Fan Page or by Tweeting something to justforjack on Twitter.

click to see detail

Website:  Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods
Products:  Specialty cookies, pies, cakes, scones, loaf breads, mixes and cookie cutters
Costs:  Varies by item 
Location:  Castroville, California
International Shipping:  Not at this time
Locate Store Near You

See Good Clean Fun Give Away

See Oobi $500 Clothing Give Away

Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods

I found  these exquisite delights in one of my favorite whole food shops.  The glistening drops of colorful sugars and smell of pure butter swirling in the air, lured me over with shameless glee.  Starfish, strawberries, bees, ladybugs, frogs and  ice cream cone shapes were all glorified in glamorous works of art. I knew I was a goner.

Think of homemade Scottish shortbread, topped with a light layer of frosting and dusted with sparkling adoration.  I felt I needed to try a second, (purely for the sake of blogging you understand).  I must say I didn't know art would taste so good.

Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods, started in 1996.  This talented bake-tist makes all her masterpieces by hand, which she feels ensures the quality and flavor.  She uses all natural and organic ingredients.  Gianna's is based in Castroville, California, where the popularity of her pastries increase continually throughout the greater west.  I'm so glad I found them here in the southeast, but never fear -- Gianna's has an online site where you too can order.  I find these great for small gatherings or gifts.  Gianna's is also renowned for her pies, which was actually the way she started her business.

click to see detail

Website:  Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods
Products:  Specialty cookies, pies, cakes, scones, loaf breads, mixes and cookie cutters
Costs:  Varies by item 
Location:  Castroville, California
International Shipping:  Not at this time
Locate Store Near You

What's In Your Bento? - Bento Box Review

  

Many, many years ago, schools did not serve lunches as they do today.  During this time, children in Japan would bring their meals to school in a bento box.  A bento box, is basically a Japanese lunch box.  It normally consists of 4 parts rice, 3 parts meat, 2 vegetables and a side of something pickled.  My first experience with bento left me almost too afraid to eat the food -- it looked so lovingly prepared.  Perhaps that is why I love Bento Boxes so much. 

Preparing a meal, is an expression of love with me.  My husband has learned to very carefully tell me when he doesn't like something I've cooked.  Though I do not have the time to prepare as many elaborate pieces as others might, our son still enjoys the little Americanized ways with his bento.  I've found that cutting vegetables into shapes entices children to try them.  I have a little neighbor boy who at first turned his nose up to starfruit.  After I cut it into its natural occurring star shape and explained that it tasted like an apple, he tried it...and loved it.

You can purchase many kinds of different shaped cutters and accessories for your box if you wish, or you can be as simple as you like.  I have a lot of different sized cookie cutters, and I just get resourceful with them.  But you can buy actual vegetable cutters from Asian shops.  Bento boxes come in dozens of options; dishwasher safe, microwaveable, 1-tier, 2-tier, etc.  I love that I never have to use plastic bags.  They are very fun for children and I think the popularity with bento is quickly growing.

If you happen to have an Asian market of some kind near you, take a look around.  You will probably be pleasantly surprised at what you find there.  I found these perfect sized bowls -- small and medium.  I loved them so much that I had to go back and get a second set of each.  (I also found my son's bento box at the Asian market.)

see:  Back to School with Goodbyn Lunchbox (Americanized Bento)
see:  Japanese Egg Molds

Gummy Worm Cupcakes

If you'd like to be considered the coolest mom on the block, try making these little spring treats.  Gummy Worm Cupcakes.  They are simple to make, and everything about them screams boy.

1.  As many baked cupcakes as you'd like in your choice of flavor.

2.  Frosting (I used chocolate fudge to represent soil)

3.  Green coloring to represent grass.  I put unsweetened coconut in a jar with a few drops of green food coloring and shake it around til well coated.  (doesn't take much)  OR use green candy type sprinkles.

4.  Use a pretzel stick or a chocolate covered one to represent a stick -- be creative.

5.  1 or 2 Gummy Worms per cupcake.

6.  Other candy (cookie or cracker) pieces to represent rocks or stones.

This is a fun spring treat.  As our little one's birthday is at the very start of spring, this was great for his party.  This is also a treat I can't let any child or teen help me make (the worms start disappearing).