Icing Eyes

I have been tempted to order sugar eyes from Amazon, but never pulled the trigger. Good thing becuase now that Halloween is just around the corner I found some at my local Hobby Lobby. Saved on shipping! Plus they have already marked down Halloween items 30% off. I grabbed three bottles for under $4 each.

Arrival of Bento Supplies

I am excited to finally get the bento supplies that I ordered off of ebay. I was a little taken back with the size of the cutters. I guess this is a testament that our portions here in the U.S. are supersized. I put a soda can so you can get an idea of the size of these items. The sandwich cutter with 4 shapes in one is perfect for regular sized bread. I actually like that it cuts the sandwich into for smaller pieces for small hands.

I purchased from seller tokyo_gift. This seller did give a small break on shipping charges. Items were shipped from Japan and I received my items in a week.

Now I just need to find brilliant ways to use these items!

BOTD

Bento of the day is from yesterday's preschool lunch. As of late I have been frustrated with my daughter's lack of interest in eating. As it is her diet is so limited with her food allergies. When she picks at her food for breakfast and lunch I am concerned that she is not getting enough nutrition. I was hoping fun bento lunches would peek her interest a little. Yesterday's bento, she ate a few of the pretzels and a bite of the sandwich roll, but she did eat the mini pepperoni. I'll press on and continue with cute bentos. I hope this is just a phase of a 3 year old excersing her new found independence.

Today's Bento:
Sandwich Rolls-turkey & salami
Mini Pepperoni
Animal Crackers-Target brand
Pretzel Sticks
Dried Pear
Carrots

Allergy Free Granola Bites

{I can't wait until it cools. I must have a bite!}

{Thank goodness for Enjoy Life Allergy Free Chocolate Chips!!}

I am always looking for allergy free recipes for the little princess. Anything that appeals to my own sweet tooth is always a plus. Cooking without eggs or dairy is always a challenge but I am determined to find yummy substitutes that the entire family can enjoy. One of the things that we miss out on are granola bars. I was on the hunt for something that travels well that I can keep in the car for a quick snack.

Thanks to Melissa at AnotherLunch.com for this granola receipe. I was able to use the recipe and make it allergy free. A treat free of egg, dairy, soy, nuts and wheat is a feat. These allergy free granola bites are easy to make and you can add all your favorite mix ins. This recipe turns out crunchy granola bites. I am still on the hunt for gooey granola bars, so if you have one pass it along.

Allergy Free Granola Bites

Ingredients:

2 1/2 C. quick oats
1/2 C. crisp rice cereal
1/2 C. Enjoy Life Allergy Free chocolate chips
1/3 C. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. canola oil
1/4 C. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
* optional: ground flax seed and/or wheat germ (I use 3 heaping Tbs. or so of each).

Mix all ingredients together, except chocolate chips. When ingredients are well combined add chocolate chips. Use a mini muffin pan. Spray each cup with non-stick pray. Spoon granola mixture into each cup pressing granola mixture into cup and level with the top of the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 45 minutes. It is important to let the granola bites sit in the pan to cool.

If you to remove before the bites cool and set your granola will crumble and fall apart. You can use a regular muffin pan, just cook a little longer and let cool overnight.

Welcome + BOTD

Welcome to the Tales of a Crazy Crafty Mom! This blog is a spin off of my Couture and Crayons blog. Even though I love all things fashion, I have a undeniable crafty side. I don't want to bore my fellow fashionistas with my crazy crafty ideas which are often inspired by my 3 year old daughter so I'll leave the fashion side of me over there. This blog will be dedicated to craftiness, cooking and all things home...er maybe even cleaning tips.

My daughter has multiple food allergies, namely soy, dairy, egg and tree nuts, so most of the recipes I post will be free of these ingredients.

My newest craze is the art of the Bento. These are not the traditional bentos you'll find at resaurants, this bento boxes are tailored for toddlers. Cute food molds and crafty ideas to make food fun is what these bentos are about. So instead of OOTD (outfit of the day) I'll be posting my BOTD (bento of the day). Again, my bentos will be catered to my daughter and they will include items that are free of soy, dairy, egg and nuts.




Today's bento lunch includes Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets from Costco, Baked Veggie Straws from Costco, Jello fish, apples, strawberries, allergy free granola bites (recipe to come) and fruit leather.