I made one for my granddaughter the same way Susie said. I didn't use a real barbie doll as I didn't want to ruin the doll. But used a dollar store version and I also made her a court of 5 dolls too. The were made from a large muffin tin. It was so much fun and she loved it and so did her cousins that were there too. I just put the heads only after the cakes or muffins were baked. It was much cheaper than having it made. Mary

The recipe I use for Wacky Cake is a little different and makes an 8-inch square cake. It's also a great recipe for a 7-year old to learn how to make a cake. I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or melted butter. Omit the cocoa powder and add 1/2 t. Penzey's Cake Spice (or pumpkin pie or apple pie spices, or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg) for Spice Cake. WACKY CAKE 1-1/2 c. flour (I use soft white whole wheat flour or spelt) 1 t. soda 1/2 t. salt 3 T. cocoa powder (can omit) 1 T. vinegar 2 t. vanilla 5 T. butter, melted (I use coconut oil.) 2/3 c. honey (I use low-glycemic agave nectar) 1/3 c. cold water. Mix ingredients in an 8" square pan in this order: Combine all dry ingredients and mix well. Make 3 holes evenly spaced apart in dry ingredients. In the first hole, put vinegar, in second hole the vanilla, and in the third hole place the melted fat. Mix the honey and water together and pour over all the ingredients in the pan. With a dinner fork, mix well (be sure there are no dry ingredients remaining in the corners. Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 30-35 minutes. You can also mix the ingredients in a bowl, then add to the pan and bake. ---------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL CEREAL TREATS (source: Beyond the Bowl - by Debby Maugans) 10 ounces Peppermint Patties, Andes Mints or bite-size 3 Musketeers candies 3 T. butter or margarine (I use coconut oil) 4 c. Rice Krispies 1. Unwrap the candies and place in a large glass bowl. Add the fat. Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, or until melted, stirring after 1-1/2 minutes and then every 30 seconds. Stir in the cereal. 2. To make shapes or bars, press the mixture into an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Chill until firm. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters or cut into 12 bars. To make holiday egg nests, coat your hands with cooking spray and shape into 16 (3-inch) nests on a platter; let cool. Fill with jelly beans or other small candies. To make ice cream cups, spoon the mixture evenly into 14 (2-1/2") muffin cups coated with cooking spray; coat your hands with cooking spray and press the mixture firmly to the bottom and sides of the cups. Let cool; remove from the cups and fill with ice cream or other goodies. Store these treats in the refrigerator. -------------------------------------------------- Check Duncan Hines cake mixes, I believe some of them are vegan, so they won't contain dairy or eggs - check lable. 1 cake mix, any flavor 10-ounces soda/pop (any brand, NOT diet) Mix together. Pour into greased baking pan and bake according to package directions. For chocolate cake use a dark soda/pop (Coke/Pepsi), for a light cake (white/yellow/spice) use 7-up or Sprite. ---------------------------------------------------- You will find some recipes at the link below. -Grainlady Here is a link that might be useful: Meraby's Allergy Family Foods

I like an adjustable strap that goes from on shoulder or to across the body. I also make a really small over the body purse that holds just the essentials to use when shopping. I discovered I don't have to carry around everything when shopping. I haven't "store-bought" a purse in over five years since I found I could make my own!! I just alter whatever pattern to make it what I want. Also, I discovered a pattern by Studio Kat Designs that is a purse insert/organizer named "Port-a-Pockets". It has a zipper section, all kinds of pockets and fits down inside a purse. When I change purses, I just pull this out and set it down inside the new one. The pattern makes two sizes so you have one for whatever size purse you use. I just love it. It holds all my stuff and keeps it where I can find it. Now when I make a purse, I don't put those pockets inside which makes the purse making go faster. Lazy Girl Designs also makes a pattern for an organizer insert. It is not as "organized" as the other one but it is much easier to put together. What a fun topic! Murphy

Thanks to all of you for your nice comments and compliments. Renee is my DS's daughter. When she was growing up she and her cousin, my DD's son were great buddies, even though he is 4 years older. They each liked to cook, and any time they were at our house, they wanted to cook. I gave them free range in the kitchen, with one rule: they had to clean up when they were through. Now grown up they each are good cooks, she specializing with cakes and cupcakes, and he is the grill master. I was never a gourmet cook, but I was great with pies, cakes and cookies, so I guess that might be genetic! So yes, I am the grandma she is referring to, and it is a good thing I am about 35 minutes away from the shop or I would be eating up her profits! Sue