A Meaningful Gift for a New Mom

Having your first baby is such an exciting time!  We have had many books come through our printers to celebrate this special occasion as a gift from a husband to a wife or as an extremely special gift from a group of family and friends to the expectant mother at her baby shower. Rather than one more rattle or pacifier, give a personal baby shower present that the new parents will treasure long after Junior is out of diapers.

One of the many options for a "Baby Shower" themed book

There are many creative ways to create a Bellflower Book for your favorite new mom to let her know that she is loved, appreciated and cared for.  Here are some of our favorites!

A personalized memory book full of favorite photos and warm wishes makes a beautiful and unique gift for the new Mom.

Invite her closest friends and family members to shower her with good wishes.

This creative baby shower gift could include reasons why she’ll make a great mom, tips for motherhood, fun memories of her life before children, or reminders of why she is so important to you.

Don’t forget that Moms pregnant for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th time (or more!) need encouragement too!

Why not make a personalized book full of reasons why you think this special person is a great Mom? She will love the encouragement.

Make a custom photo book for the baby!

Have friends and family contribute photos and write special letters to the new baby welcoming him or her into the world. Include favorite stories about the new Mom and Dad, advice from older brothers or sisters, or favorite memories from grandparents and other relatives.

A personalized book for the baby is a unique shower gift that will be treasured by both the Mom and the little one (when she learns to read).

Build a custom cookbook!

Collaborate with friends and family members to create a book of delicious and easy recipes. Make sure to include a photo of the finished product! What a great resource for the busy new mom!

Do you have an idea for a "New Mom" themed Bellflower Book?  Please let us know!  We'd love to include it in future "inspiration" :)

Grandma Corrigan's Irish Soda Bread

It is March!  Spring is almost here, so naturally I had to make my Grandmother's special Irish soda bread.  Even though she was 100% German, she always created one heck of an amazing St. Patty's Day dinner.  I always loved her soda bread because it was extremely moist, unlike a lot of the drier versions out there.  This year I decided to make the bread into muffins and they turned out great!

My Grandma was a huge lover of holidays so every holiday holds a special memory for me of special "Corrigan Family Traditions".  I am happy to share this one with you!

Grandma Corrigan's Irish Soda Bread Muffins

Preheat oven to 350

Ingredients:
3 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup golden raisins

roughly 1/2 a cup of powdered sugar and buttermilk set aside for glaze

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients and raisins together.  Make a "well" in the center.  Add the buttermilk and then mix together.  If you choose to make a bread instead of muffins, pour the dough into a greased round or square cake pan and bake for roughly 45 minutes.  Check the top, once it is starting to turn a golden brown pour the glaze of equal parts buttermilk and powdered sugar on top and cook for an additional 5 minutes.  Make sure to insert a toothpick in the middle to insure it is baked completely.  Sometimes the center can get gooey.

For muffins, pour batter 2/3 of the way in greased or lined muffin pans and bake for around 15 minutes, add glaze to the tops and bake for and additional 1-2.  Again, you will know when they are ready when the tops start showing signs of turning a light golden brown.

Enjoy and happy St. Patrick's Day in advance!