v4 issue 34: Easter Surprise

Hippity hoppity Easter's on it's way and we have found some egg-cellent gifts and more that will help you celebrate the holiday in style.

Cover by Amanda Elkins











1 A great price for elegance! Beautiful fabrics, with gently placed polka dots, and wide sash waist bows make both of these dresses exceptional choices for fancy dancy Easter entertainment. Find these dresses and more at Puddles Collection. This dress was also featured in our Editor's Blog. Enter code: TOTTW1009 for 10% off your entire order. Exp: 4/30/09

2 Keep little tykes clean and comfortable all day long by layering an outfit with the Easter Egg Tie shirt. The instant solution for when the morning chill wears off, or when the treats mess up their fancy duds. Just take off the sweater...and problem solved. Visit CWDkids.com to view their large selection of Easter attire on sale.

3 A gorgeously designed tank dress from My Saurette will make a fabulous holiday outfit. The deep shade of fuchsia with a seasonally appropriate cabbage floral print promises to make any little girl pretty in pink. Enter code: SAFRSHP for free shipping

4 Easter is on its way! Dress those rugged little boys up in this magnificent Wonderboy shirt..."Ants in your Pants". A spiffy grey button up with lots of navy colored ants scattering up the left shoulder. -Pinkyscout.com Enter code: TTWPS for 15% off your entire purchase

5 Jack & Lily shoes are handcrafted in Canada from Non-toxic, breathable, premium 100% cowhide leather. We adore their new "My Shoes" Collection. Full of style and comfort with cushioned soles and cushioned ankle protection. Perfect for pre and new walkers. Check out their entire Spring Collection now! Hard to buy just one pair!

6 Wobbly wheels give this bunny his hop, skip, and jump action. Made with sustainably harvested local pine and non-toxic color in the green state of Vermont. Available at Wilddill.com

7 Jemima is the main character of the beloved Beatrix Potter story, The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck. Soft, plush, and well made, no one can resist the tender lovin' cuteness of this fabulous goose.

8 A sweet Easter basket treat any bunny would love! This cuddly, and cute, pink hooded bath towel is perfectly wrapped up with a gingham bow, making it a sensible centerpiece for a young child's gift basket. Available at mommycouturedesigns.com Enter code: TTW 10% off your entire purchase.

9 Jump into spring with a bunny swing dress and leggings set at pinktaffydesigns. The adorable pink and white polka dot top, appliqued with a bunny, comes with matching striped leggings for only $24.00!


Easter Party Food
If you’re having a brunch party and inviting lots of friends and family over, the best bet is to go with a family-friendly buffet style brunch. This is relaxing and easy for everyone involved. You can also save yourself some time by asking each family to bring their favorite dish.


Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast

1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (melted)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling
20 slices white bread (crusts trimmed)
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup

In a bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour mixture into the bottom of greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the sugar mixture. Layer the bread slices over the apple pie filling (gently pressing down).
In a separate bowl beat the eggs, milk and vanilla. Slowly pour this mixture evenly over bread. Cover pan with foil and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat oven to 350F. Place covered pan in oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes.
Remove foil and drizzle maple syrup over French toast. Place under hot broil for 2 minutes or until the syrup begins to caramelize. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve while still hot.


Easter Baked Ham

One whole (or half) a ham, precooked.
2 cups of apple cider or apple juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup packed, dark brown sugar
1 can pineapple slices, drained

Preheat oven to 350F and place the ham with the fat side down in a non-stick roasting pan. Pour the apple cider or apple juice over the ham and set aside. In a separate bowl place the Dijon mustard and brown sugar together with a little bit of melted butter. Rub all over the ham. Bake the ham for approximately 8 to 10 minutes per pound of ham. During the last 15 minutes of cooking add the pineapple slices and a sprinkle of brown sugar.


Easter Brunch Sandwiches

1 pound cooked ham
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

approximately two loaves of thin sliced bread (white or brown – or you can use both for a little texture and variety)
Easter-shaped cookie cutters

Place ham, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a food processor and whiz until smooth. Cut crusts of bread slices and thinly spread with ham pate. Cut into fun Easter shapes and place on a large platter lined with dark green (washed and dried) lettuce leaves.
Another Easter favorite is an elegant perfectly baked ham. Here’s a really simple recipe which looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.



Healthy Replacements for Easter Candy


Every year parents try to decide what to give their kids for Easter. No doubt the kids would prefer candy and chocolate, but there are healthy replacements for Easter candy baskets you can utilize.

Here are some ideas.

Instead of chocolate or marshmallow candy, fill the basket with:

* Buy or bake natural cookies at home. Package them in cute Easter bags you can purchase at craft or party store.
* Mini boxes of raisins and low fat candies.
* Brightly colored plastic eggs; with small gifts tucked inside each egg.
* Stuff some of these eggs with jelly beans which are low in calories.
* Coloring books, crayons, street chalk.
* Books make wonderful Easter basket gifts
* A small plant that they can nurture with your help
These are just a few ideas on how healthy replacements for Easter candy can be utilized.

It may also be interesting to note that there are a variety of online website devoted to Easter gifts for both children and adults that do not necessarily involve candy or sweets.

Moreover, giving an actual gift for Easter is becoming a likely trend. For example, here are some ideas for kids:

* DVD Movie.
* Drawing pencils and 3x5 mini canvasses.
* Packages of trading cards.
* Clay kit with mold and paints.
* Scrapbooking kit and throw-away camera.
* Music CD.
* Books on Easter.
* Easter bunny cut-out books.
* Whatever your child is collecting at the moment.

Whatever you choose, healthy replacements for Easter candy can come in any form which will not only entertain your kids, but can become the start of a new Easter tradition in your home. Don’t forget to have the egg hunt on Easter morning. This is especially fun for kids of all ages!