Hello friends!!  I know it's late but I just had to showcase an announcement about fellow illustrator Angela Muss. She is so very talented!! So here goes!

Congratulations to Angela Muss who has four fantastic new books out!

These new titles, released by US publisher Softplay, are for babies and toddlers.

And with Angela's amazing illustrations, they look gorgeous!

Homemade Candy Buttons!

This blog post from Sandy Toes and Popsicles was way too cute to pass up!!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Homemade Candy Buttons!

i have a thing for old fashioned candy.....especially colorful candy like swirly lollipops, gumballs, and these cute candy buttons. and guess what...i didn't buy these.....i made them!

candy buttons are sooooo simple and addicting to make. i love that you can make them any color scheme you'd like. since it's spring, i thought these pastel color were perfect. i just love how they turned out....and even more how they taste. much better than store bought.

and you don't have to make just dots, you can make little hearts, little eggs, little stars....anything. and don't keep the fun all to yourself....my kiddies love to make them too. of course, their dots weren't as perfect, but still were very tasty!

how to make your own

candy buttons

2 tablespoons meringue powder OR 2 egg whites

6 tablespoons water (if needed)

1/4 teaspoon almond extract or lemon juice

1 box (1 pound) confectioners' sugar

ziploc sandwich baggies

food coloring

artificial flavoring (optional)

1) Cut non-toxic computer paper into 2 3/4" x 10” strips.

2) Whip together confectioners sugar, meringue powder OR egg whites and lemon juice on low speed using a stand mixer for 1 minute.  (you may need to add water)  continue to whip for 10 minutes on high speed.

3) Divide “icing” into small bowls. Color each bowl different colors. If desired, add different flavorings to each.

4) If icing is too thick, thin out with drops of water, until it is the consistency of sour cream. A drop should hold its shape and slowly smooth out to create smooth button.

5) Pour each color into a sandwich bag and seal. (Placing the open baggie in a small cup and then pouring the icing in, is a great trick to keep things nice and clean). Then cut a VERY small corner off of each bag.

6) Squeeze a drop of icing at a time onto the paper. You can place the strip of paper on top of the template, you
will then see where to place each drop evenly.

7) Place on baking sheets in a cool dry place uncovered to dry overnight.

8) Candy will harden overnight. Store in a zipper bag or
airtight container.

here is a printable template to help you make your buttons line-up straight. the directions are also included.

click here to download template

so yummy!

Good morning to all my little friends. This is a quick morning post because Marshmallow is MEOWING for his food(he gets fed in a polka dotted kitty bowl of course!) and Little Lilly Polka Dot can't find the right color polka dotted hair ribbon to go with her new dress! Let's all be HAPPY about this day because the sun is a big yellow bright polka dot in the sky and the birds are singing in their polka dotted trees!! Your mommy will be so glad if you keep a bright smile on your face all day long!! Don't forget to go play on the website -www.littlelillypolkadot.com

Much LOVE, Wendy ( and Little Lilly Polka Dot and Marshmallow!)

Hi everyone!!! Well Little Lilly Polka Dot is off to school today. She looked so cute in her bright polka dotted sundress, loaded down with a backpack full of school things!! She has some polka dot cupcakes for a snack and her polka dot blanket for her short quiet time nap!! Marshmallow really wanted to go with her but, of course, kitties aren't allowed at  school.

I thought I would mention a few of the children's picture books on the New York Time Bestseller List. At #1 is Skippyjon Jones Class Action by Judy Schachner. This is a fun story about a Siamese cat who would rather be his Chihuahua alter ego and is determined to attend obedience school!  At #2 is Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin. It's about Pete the cat who wears his school shoes when visiting the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and more while singing his special song!! And coming in at #3 is Press Here by Herve Tullet. This book is a whimsical dance of color and motion at the touch of a finger. I do hope all of you read these wonderful books to your little ones!.