Pipe Stem Cleaners

So probably not a new thing to many of you but in the middle of the summer ideas are hard to think of when children are at your feet wanting something to do even though there is a play room, bedroom and let's face it every part of your house littered with toys.

Pipe stem cleaners, comes in tons of colors, and you can make just about anything with them.  Noah is sporting some fabulous bunny ears made by momma!  I also made him some glasses (just like mom and dad wear) but he didn't want to wear them.  Figures, I don't want to wear mine either.  So anyway: fun, easy, inexpensive.  Make a:

chain

string beads or cereal (great hand/eye, small motor dev. and the pipe cleaner stays in place unlike yarn or string for those little ones that are just getting the hang of it)

twist them together make bracelets and necklaces

let the creative juices flow

This is also a staple in our 'esturant bag.

Upside Down Berry Cornmeal Cake

This is super yummy and great with fresh basil and fruit!!

2 - 2 1/2 cups fresh berries (blueberries and red raspberries are our top choice)
1 1/3 cups flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 T. basil
2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt

Grease 8" round pan and arrange 1 1/2 cups berries. Combine these dry ingredients in a large bowl.

2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup oil

In a second bowl whisk these ingredients.  Add to flour mixture.
Pour mixture over berries.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.  Cool.  Loosen sides, put serving plater on top of pan and flip.  Top with remaining berries and whipped topping!

It is a summer favorite in our house, enjoy! (Ignore the spot that didn't get berries)