Canvas on easel...a gift idea

This post is for a gift idea or decoration project to do with the kids even the really young ones. 

I completed this project with my son who is 2.5 and we were done within 30 minutes.  The nice thing about it is that its really inexpensive (not more than $5 if you already have the markers) and the materials are easy to get.  I found the mini canvas and easel at a craft store here in Brussels called AVA and the markers at one of the bigger Carrefour stores.  I'm sure that in the States you can find everything at Walmart, Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

As they were so quick to make, my son had no problems with making two of the same time so we used them as mother's day gifts for both grandmothers.

You will need:

-blow markers

-canvas (small)

-easel (small)

-kitchen paper

-paint (optional)

Set out matching markers' colors and let the kids blow on the markers directly on the canvas.

Once you are happy with the colors and amount of paint, pat dry the excess with some kitchen paper.

Let it dry and paint the easel with a matching color or leave it natural wood. 

What do you think?

Healthier Carrot Cake with Chocolate Chips

So, this is my first post. I want to share my carrot cake recipe with you. For the past 9 months I have been perfecting my recipe as I have being baking carrot cakes once or twice a month. Initially I tried 3 different recipes, they were all good, but  I had an issue with the amount of sugar and oil all these recipes called for.  I am sure you can relate; I did not want to spend the time baking just to feel guilty when eating it. So I did some research, and came up with this carrot cake variation, hope you enjoy!

Healthier Carrot Cake with Chocolate Chips

Time: 1 hr and 15 minutes

Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:

- 4 eggs

- 1 cup apple sauce

-1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1 cup sugar

- 2 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

- 2 cups flour

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 2 teaspoons baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 teaspoons cinnamon

- 1 lb fresh carrots

- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F

Grease a 9"x13" pan with olive oil

Peel and grate the carrots, you will get approximately 3 cups.

In a large bowl beat the eggs, apple sauce, oil, sugar, and vanilla in low speed for 30 seconds, or until blended. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, blend again for 30 seconds. Add the grated carrots with a spatula. Slowly pour mix into pan. Add chocolate chips to the top of the mix.

Bake for approximately 45 minutes.