If you have little ones, the phrase “I can do it by myself” may sound like a broken record by now. These little guys want so much to be independent, yet they don’t understand they still need a  little help on a few things. I spied these Help Yourself Pitchers while volunteering at Mason’s preschool last year and finally decided to purchase one. Lakeshore Learning is the only place I have been able to find them. They come in a pack of 6 for $20, so you could go in with a couple of other moms or give the extras away as gifts.

I keep some  in the refrigerator filled with milk and  juice. The kids feel so grown up when they can pour their own milk for cereal or refreshing drinks during the day or at meal times. Sometimes, I catch them playing restaurant serving up beverages in cups. As the title states, here, help yourself guys and I do not have to worry about one of them spilling half the gallon of milk because they want to “do it by myself”.

Years ago my mother-n-law handed down her Kitchen Aide mixer, to me. Stephen thinks she has had the mixer for at least 30 years. That is what I call a wives tale or excellent quality. A few weeks ago the wire whisk attachment broke. I remembered last week when I went to make frosting for Mason’s birthday cake. (Canned frosting does not pipe very well.)

This week I decided to try searching for a replacement. While in the process I wanted to find a paddle since I did not have one. I found this really great gadget called the Beater Blade. It is not an authorized Kitchen Aide attachment though, which makes me a little hesitant. Especially since the attachment is made of a plastic rather than metal. It is certainly worth a shot for those of us who do not want to be bothered with scraping the sides of the bowl. Amazon carries them for both 5 and 6 quart, tilting head and raising bowl mixers. You can also get them in gray or pink.

I have coveted this pot since Patty brought hers over to make raspberry jam. I love the colors: Sand, Red, Green, Blue. What I like most is how wide and roomy it is and how well it cooks. The dish can transfer from stovetop to oven with ease. My mom sent a gift certificate for my birthday to buy a set of Martha Stewart Ice Cream dishes that are no longer available. How convenient. I was able to put the money toward my Martha Stewart Cast Iron Casserole dish instead. Thanks mom! I love my birthday present.