Dino-mite in Today's Parent Magazine

Something really cool arrived in the mail yesterday!

Er, no, we're not becoming a parent anytime soon. . . . But this is for all the moms, dads, and soon-to-be parents out there. There's some great things in the August 2012 issue of Today's Parent magazine.

First, there's a great spread about summer books for kids!

Second, a fabulous article about all the wonderful book stores in our area.

And of course a section about food! Yum, I could use some of those right now.

This issue also includes articles like: "How to host an Olympic party," "20 of the cutest kids’ sneakers," and "Coolest apps for kids."

And if you make your way to the last page of the magazine, you'll see all the monthly birthday wishes. Guess who made those cupcakes?

Yes! We did! Our first magazine feature!!

On our blog, you can find the step-by-step fondant instructions for the Tyrannosaurs Rex, Stegosaurus and water creature.

We have to give special thanks to Catherine Doherty, Freelance Prop-Stylist; Jodi Pudge, Photographer; Natalie Russell, Retail Account Manager; and Kate Stewart, Assistant Editor.

Most of all, thank you to Anita Chong and Griffin who received our very first dinosaur cupcakes! These cupcakes went on to inspire others here and here.

A Toast to Summer

Ah summer! We are two days in now. There are many perks to summer. Number one, summer hours - I am fortunate enough to work at a company that lets us have the Friday afternoons off. Second, the clothes. Living in Toronto doesn't amount to a large closet collection of light, gauzy dresses, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Trust me, it is a joy to find and dig out a dress from the bottom of the drawer. Third, the food.

During the hot, muggy days of summer, it is sometimes best to keep things simple. I say find your heat in a different way! Not to worry though, this was just the right amount to tickle your taste buds. Thank you Adam Rapoport of Bon Appétit for the inspiration. (And no, I'm not affiliated with Bon Appétit, or required to write about them. They just happen to arrive at the right time and can see what I deeply desire.) This was the easiest lunch I've ever made.

Avocado Toast
(Adapted from Bon Appétit)

1 loaf of garlic bread
1/2 of an avocado
1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes

1. Using your oven, toast the garlic bread.
2. While the bread is toasting, peel your avocado and cut them into chunks or slices.
3. Carefully take your toasted garlic bread and lay the avocado on top.
4. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

Adam Rapoport makes his with more finesse. He threw slices of bread on the grill. When they began to char, he took them off and rubbed each side with a cut clove of garlic. Then lay avocado on top, doused them with extra-virgin olive oil, and finished them with sea salt and red pepper flakes.

See? Isn't my way easier?

Here! Here! A toast to the beginning of a wonderful summer!