Brief Bits

Seven of the following 16 bits of inspiration on this edition of Brief Bits are food related... obviously I must have been hungry while surfing the past couple of weeks!  Here's a quick round-up of what I've found on the web recently that got my creative juices flowin':

1.  From Serving Pink Lemonade - Dinosaur Play Mat
Another oh-so clever idea out of felt that sure to keep LITTLE BOYS (because there will always be a lack of cute, crafty items for the gender) quiet and happy.  If Connor gets into dinosaurs, I will definitely be attempting this little project.

2.  9414 Jornada Lane
Finally... a DIY home-for-sale site done right!  Too many of them are so chintzy, and blah.  This one, in its simplicity with gorgeous photos that truly show off the home's best features, makes me want to find $180K to buy a vacation home in North Carolina. 

3.  From Life in a Peanut Shell - Homemade Peanut Butter Twix
O.M.Goodness!  I might have to give these a try... {sigh.}

4. From Just Cook Already - Fudgies!
{Salivating}  A very delicious no-bake chocolate cookie recipe...  YUM!

5.  From Just Cook Already - Blueberry Lemon Buttermilk Cake
(Two in a row!)  This looks tasty enough to have for breakfast... all.by.itself.

6.  From Someday Craft - D-A-D Photos
Clever idea for a gift for dads everywhere...  photograph your kids holding letter cut-outs that you can easily find at the craft store.  Frame them up as a collage, and it's ready for dad's office!

7.  From Make and Takes - Rich and Creamy S'Mores Milkshake
See #13 about why these will likely be served in my home soon.  This looks super-dreamy... and refreshing!  I love the recipes that have simple ingredients - uncomplicated and delicious.

8.  From The Storque - Pillow with Rosette Clusters
I think I'm going to attempt this pillow for the new chair in my new bedroom... so texturally (is that a word?) gorgeous!

9.  From eighteen25 - Summer To-Do's
This is a cute way to help your kids visualize all the fun things you have planned for their summers.  They could even help you come up with the ideas, and then help to check them off as the weeks roll by.  Kind of reminds me of an advent calendar of sorts, with activities to do...

10.  From Under the Table and Dreaming - Super Cool Wall Art
I LOVE THIS IDEA... and I'm going to pull it off for my house very soon!  She used gimp to "stitch" her photos together... but any Photoshop or scrapbook software would do the trick, too.  Search on Leo Reynolds's Flickr photostream here for the letters or numbers you want for your own project (there are thousands of variations to choose from - note: if you search for '0', type it in as 'zero').  Not only would this make a unique family established sign, but it would also turn out really nice in a kids' room or nursery (you could do just their name... or their name with their birthday... so cool!)... and this project would make an inexpensive gift as well.  Once mine is done, I'll share it on the blog, and then it'll be a part of the collage wall in my bedroom.

11.  From O'Keefe Family Fun - Collecting Beans
Such a clever idea for motivating your kids to be good!  I really like this and plan on implementing it as soon as Connor understands that not everything has to go in his mouth... and the concept of incentives. 

12.  From Fowl Single File - Sunflower Cupcakes
Sunflowers = Summer, to me.  These look like a lot of fun, and she even provides a step-by-step tutorial for decorating them.  Double bonus - the center of the 'flower' is an Oreo!

13.  From Picky Palate - S'mores Stuffed Brownies
My mouth is already watering... and if Brian happens to read this post, I'm pretty sure he'll demand that these get made, ASAP.  The boy loves him a s'more.  And this is a brownie... with real s'more ingredients layered inside... looks divine!

14.  From Picky Palate - Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Cookie Stackers
(Another two in a row!)  As a kid, Cap'n Crunch was one of my favorite cereals (yep, my mom was one of those awesome moms who let us have sugar cereals).  As an adult, I kinda like the roof of my mouth to stay intact... so, I can't remember the last time I had some.  After I saw this recipe, I'm pretty sure I'll be making an exception to that rule. 

15.  From Somewhat Simple - "Mom, I'm Bored" Jar
This is a fantastic idea for summertime kids!  Full of ideas to keep kids busy - some are fun, some not so much - it's the perfect antidote to hearing, "Mom, I'm bored!" all summer long.  She even offers up all the free printables for you to make your own.

16.  From The Wheatfield's Etsy Site - Land of Ampersand Print
I adore this sweet little print!  Available on Etsy as an 8x10 for only $15.

Well, there you have it... 16 great finds. I hope something here makes you hungry inspires you, too!