For the times when it's not possible to hand deliver a gift to dear friends, a parcel in the mail is the next best thing! We love sending your gifts to expectant friends and newborns.

Here's a peek at the gift notes we add to Brimful gift purchases. Requesting a gift order and adding a personal message is simple and can be completed at the bottom of your shopping cart under "add a note to your order". We ship gifts as personal as if you had sent it yourself! That means no pricing or invoices are included - just the gift, your note enclosed in a clear glassine envelope and a Brimful business card.  

Personal, sweet, and simple!

xoxo, 
Kari

This Molasses Bread recipe from Kristen Rickert (@kristenrickert on Instagram) is simply delicious. The children and I baked and devoured this bread three times this week! And I don't think these fresh buns lasted for more than an hour each time, and poor Papa only got one. Greedy fingers, mine included.

I don't use dairy so I substituted coconut oil for the butter. And while I only used whole wheat flour, I don't think the resulting texture was too heavy. Annie is going to try the recipe with spelt flour in place of the wheat, which I'm sure will turn out perfect for her.  

Thank you Kristen for sharing this simple, delicious bread on your blog!

Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Molasses Bread

1 packet of dry yeast
1 1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup molasses (or honey)
2 tbsp butter
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3 cups all-purpose flour
Oil

Method 

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl, stir until dissolved. Stir in molasses, butter and whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to make a smooth, soft dough.

Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic, adding enough of remaining flour to keep it from being sticky, a tablespoon at a time.

Shape dough into a ball. Place in an oiled  bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover. Place in a warm place to rise, or if you do not have a warm place, put on top rack of oven. Turn on low for 5 minutes, then turn off (to create a barely warm oven). Place pan of steaming water on bottom rack. Let rise until doubled, 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours. Punch down and shape into loaf or rolls. Brush with oil and let rise again, although sometimes I skip the second rise and bake it right away. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. What are your plans? We usually make Valentine gifts and throw a party for friends. This year though, I'm skipping the party and just doing something simple with my three kids. The goal is to do something relaxing, cozy, and fun. Hmm, is that even possible with little ones though? I'm going to do my best to pull it off!

Sydney, August, Sander and I are going to be painting salt dough hearts and sewing heart garland for classmates. I found some great ideas for Valentine's Day crafts on The Artful Parent. In addition, I'm going to create my first ever Valentine's Day basket for the children this year! They'll be delighted to find treats, sappy notes of love and encouragement from me and Jon...and a little gift that points to the greatest gift we can give each other: Love. 

If you are still undecided about Valentine presents for your little ones, here's a few ideas:

1) A sticker subscription to Pipsticks.

2) This cute beginner puzzle for older babies.

3) A sweet knit doll that will last forever.

4) This jumbo coloring book is great for boys!

5) Print this free milestone baby card to celebrate baby's first Valentine's Day.

You can read more Valentine's Day ideas from Annie's post last year. I hope however you choose to celebrate this special day of love, it will be memorable!