Sparkle Stories Blog

Onigiri are balls of rice with filling. Sometimes they're fried. Sometimes they're covered with seeds or nori on the outside. Sometimes they're fancy, sometimes they're humble. But if you can cook a pot of rice, you can make them. The recipe below includes a variation for two fillings — spicy tuna and pickled plums.

These peace owl amulets combine owls and handicrafts — and a bit of light and wisdom, too. Think of them as a little reminder that you can slip in your pocket and rub between your fingers when you're tempted to jump to fighting without considering a more wise or peaceful strategy first.

This week's craft project is an easy-to-make cat toy. These “cat wands” use around-the-house materials and are simple enough to whip up in just a few minutes. Don't let their simplicity fool you, though — they'll be good for weeks of fun for you and your best feline friend.

This Dog Toy craft is fun and inexpensive —all you need is tennis ball and an old shirt. Plus it's no-sew, which makes it a great project for kids to do themselves.

Prepare yourself for a classic s'more with a holiday twist. I've subbed the traditional graham crackers for gingerbread cookies and the usual plain chocolate for seasonal peppermint bark. When the warm gingerbread spices and the cool peppermint chocolate combine with the marshmallows, it tastes like Christmas is exploding in your mouth.

There is nothing like a good hunk of chocolate chip banana bread for sharing with friends. It may not quite be “cake”, but it's close enough. Old friends, new friends, new friends who have now become old friends —I can't count the acquaintances we've made and rekindled with the help of this recipe.

The following recipe is a healthy twist on a classic, firehouse hash. It meets the criteria of being quick and economical, and — while the sweet potatoes and kale add nutrition — it's still hearty enough for heroes.

These wings take just the tiniest bit of very basic sewing — hence the “low-sew” designation — and most of the heavy lifting is done by the one big knot you'll tie in the center of the fabric. If you can tie your shoes, you can do this!

As part of their “daddycation” Martin and Sylvia go bowling and visit a camel. They also have breakfast for dinner. This week's recipe is just the opposite of breakfast for dinner — it's pizza for breakfast.

In the *At Home with Martin & Sylvia* story "Spring Sillies Day," Momma serves the children “Backyard Porridge” on their much loved Spring Sillies Day. You don’t have to wait until next April 1 to have some morning silliness. Create your own Spring Sillies Day and serve up a little of the “bugs & grubs” — Martin-and-Sylvia style. Here's how!