DIY Kids Reading Nook and Book Storage Solution

We have moved into our house and are now in the stages of making it work for us. The rooms are all spacious, there are closets! But we have a mass of childrens books fitting for a small library. After filling the only 3 shelves available with books, I had to get creative about storing them but I also wanted to come up with something functional.

You can never have enough books for your little ones, including bedtime stories for kids. However, having the storage for all the books is where it gets challenging. 

I got an under the bed storage tote. I filled it with about 50 books.

I placed the lid on it and immediately my daughter dashed into see what was up. She is a little bookworm and the idea of several hundred available books really appealed to her... and the mess maker in her too.

                  From here I got a soft blanket. and covered tote of books.

I added a few favorite stuffed animals, but they were instantly snatched away by the kids. so I gave them a pillow and a small basket of books at the side of this reading nook.

As you can see, it was instantly put to use by my sweet book loving daughter.

So, for about $8 I created a storage solution and a seating area for the kids! This has worked well because the kids like to lay down and read, and the tote filled with books supports their weight and is just the right length for them to do so.

Grape-Nuts Crunchy Curried Hummus

If you like hummus you are going to love this recipe inspired by my friends at Post!

Grape-Nuts Crunchy Curried Hummus


Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounce each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove
1 Tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds*
2 tablespoons tahini
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons olive oil (recommend Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Gundry MD, click here to learn more about the product)
1/3 cup Grape Nuts Cereal
Cauliflower florets and carrot sticks

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor add chickpeas, garlic, curry powder, cumin seeds, tahini, water, lemon juice and salt. Pulse to combine. With the motor running, stream in olive oil and process until smooth.
Remove from food processor and place in serving bowl. Fold in Grape-Nuts cereal. Top with a light drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with additional Grape-Nuts cereal for added crunch. Serve with cauliflower florets and carrot sticks.

*Note: To toast cumin seeds, place seeds in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast until golden brown and fragrant.

If you like Hummus, you have to try this awesome recipe. It is flavorful and perfect for parties! I would love to hear about your favorite hummus recipe if you have one!