Thursday, April 5, 2012

Pirate and Princess Party

A friend of mine asked me for some ideas for her son's birthday party so after searching the web here's what I found and added some extra touches.

When the kids arrive give them a bandana (pink for girls & blue for boys) or eye patch to wear at the party.  Also, give princess wands for the girls and swords for the boys.  To save money you can make them from cardboard and wrap them in foil. 

Decorations

Use nautical themed decorations such as fishing nets and anchors. You can also use a Styrofoam cooler (spray paint it brown) to make your own treasure chest and use it to hold your beverages or fill it with treats for the guest to dig through. Parrots would be a good addition for the decorations. 

You can also have them decorate their own plastic Goblet with Gem stickers (target has them or anywhere you can buy scrapbooking stuff).  Make sure you already put their names on them in glitter glue then this can be used for their goodie bag stuff that they get from a treasure hunt game. You could also make a few prior to the party for decorations on the table and fill them with chocolate coins or gold fish! http://familyfun.go.com/parties/a-medieval-birthday-celebration-704763/

Download music from Pirates of the Caribbean or find other pirate music!

 Games

Create a treasure map (use cream colored paper, burn the edges for a rustic look and roll it up like a scroll tie it with red ribbon), make it look like your back yard then have the kids try to find the treasure chest you have hidden somewhere. You could put princess crowns and rings in the treasure box along with chocolate coins.  Add lizards and spiders too.

With their princess wands and swords have them pop bubbles or blow up a lot of balloons and they hit them with the swords and wands.  I did this game at my daughter's princess party with the wands and balloons and they LOVED it.

See if a friend or another mom will offer face painting – beards and mustaches for the boys and sparkle make-up/blush on the girls.

Treasure toss – have them throw coins into a treasure chest
 
Walk the plank – large cardboard or poster board colored brown.  You can always buy the trifold display cardboard from target and spray paint it brown too.  Blind fold them with a bandana and have them walk backwards trying not to fall off the plank.

Ship Race  - Fill up a kiddie pool with water and boats then have a race - the kids blow them across the pool using straws.

Captain says - instead of Simon says. “Captain say swap places with the person next to you”

Treasure Island – musical chairs.  Use foam sheets cut out in Island shapes and play the music and have them swim around until the find an empty Island.

 Food

Cannon Meatballs with sword picks (be sure to label them again browning the edges make it look more authentic)

Tropical fruit – Pineapples/Coconuts (Dole can mail you Maui gold but it’s expensive) They would be good for food and decorations.

Pirate Booty – I think you can get small snack sized bags if not just leave it in the big bag

Seaweed surprise – Guacamole with the blue chips to look moldy

Seagull legs – chicken legs

Scary fish made out of a watermelon. Cut small v's at one end of the watermelon to resemble a mouth with teeth and scoop out the insides into little melon balls. Then fill the fish mouth back up with the melon balls, grapes, etc.

Pirates on a ship and use celery filled with peanut butter and apple slices as the sail insert gently into each portion and don't forget the raisin pirates.

X marks the spot Cut up refrigerated breadstick dough and form a dozen little X's. Bake and coat with butter and Parmesan cheese

Treats Swedish fish, gold fish, chocolate coins

Drinks Root beer or Ginger ale punch for kids or for simple convenience, purchase juice boxes of apple juice or fruit punch and paste a skull and crossbones cutout on each one and Rum punch for adults.

There is soooooo much more that can be done depending on the ages of the kids, these were just some of my favorite!!  Ahoy Matey!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Thank You, Dad

Sung to: "Jingle Bells"

Thank you, Dad
Thank you, Dad
Thanks for loving me.
Hugs and kisses, hugs and kisses,
Comes to you from me.

Thank you, Dad
Thank you, Dad
You are such a friend.
On this day I'd like to say,
On you I can depend.


Daddy Daddy
Sung to: "Twinkle, Twinkle, little star"

Daddy, daddy let me say
I love you in every way
I love you for all you do
I love you for being you
Daddy, Daddy let me say
Have a happy Father's Day!


Thank You Dad
Sung to: "Row, Row, Row you boat"

Thanks, thanks, thank you, Dad,
Thanks for loving me!
Hugs and kisses, Hugs and kisses,
Come to you from me!


Hugs for Daddy
Sung to: "Ten Little Indians"

One little, two little, three little hugs.
Four little, five little, six little hugs,
Seven little, eight little, nine little hugs,
Ten little hugs for Daddy.
One big, two big, three big hugs,
Four big, five big, six big hugs,
Seven big, eight big, nine big hugs,
Ten big hugs for Daddy


My Special Friend
Sung to: "Bingo"

I have a very special friend
And Daddy is his name-o.
D-A-D-D-Y, D-A-D-D-Y, D-A-D-D-Y,
And Daddy is his name-o


Fathers Day
Sung to: "This Old Man"

This is Dad;
He works hard.
Making money every day,
He's a neat, peat, rickety reat,
Helpful, caring man.
He plays with me when he can.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Rock Family Plaque

My son and I made this for my husband last year.  We had so much fun making it and my husband thought it was great.  So if you are looking for something easy to surprise dad with give this a try.

What you'll need:
• Wood plaque
• Rocks, one for each family member
• Wiggle eyes, 2 for each rock
•  Black Chalk Board Paint
Paintbrush
• Super Glue
• Chalk


How to make it:
1. Paint the wood plaque with a coat of black paint and let dry.
2. Wash the rocks and let them dry.
3. Paint a second coat of black paint on the plaque and let dry.
4. Position rocks on the plaque.
5. Glue wiggle eyes on to the rocks and draw smiles with fine tip permanent marker.
6. Position rocks on the plaque, then put super glue the bottom of each rock and gently press on to the plaque. Let dry completely.
7. Have your child write the family names under each rock with chalk.


For more great ideas check out:
http://www.daniellesplace.com/HTML/mengifts.html

May Holidays

May 1
Mother Goose Day
All those beloved songs and rhymes we remember from our childhood need to be shared with your kids.

Lei Day
Have your own mini Hawaiian vacation where ever you are. Wear a lei to work, hand them out to your friends.


May 2
National Play your Ukulele Day
On this day take some time and…….
• Play your ukulele
• Share your ukulele
• Teach someone how to play the ukulele


May 3
Hug Your Cat Day
Go ahead and give your cat a big, furry hug.

National two different colored Shoes Day
A day to recognize and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of humanity. The simple and lighthearted act of purposely wearing two different colored shoes demonstrates the courage to take a risk and step outside of one’s daily routine.


May 4
May the FOURTH be With You Day
Enjoy the day with your little Jedi's and watch Star Wars!!! You can also bake a cake 1/2 yellow and 1/2 chocolate to resemble the light and dark side. Costumes always a plus!!!!

Make-A-Book Day
Sit down with your kids and use your imagination in creating a book.
http://www.bookemon.com/
http://www.makingbooks.com/freeprojects.shtml


May 5
Cartoonists Day
The very first color comic strip, The Yellow Kid was first published today in 1895. Gradually the comics became a staple in every newspaper in the country, and hence today has been designated as National Cartoonists Day.

Celebrate today by reading your favorite comics from your local newspaper to your kids.


May 6
O. Henry Pun Day
Today, the Pun-Off keeps his name alive by offering lovers of wordplay and wit a platform for their literary shenanigans in front of an admiring, and sometimes mocking, audience.

Definition:
The first and most common form presented is wordplay using homonyms that deliberately exploits ambiguity between similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect.

The second accepted type of pun is a lesser used form of euphemism or double entendre, where an alternate meaning is suggested for a word for comedic effect.

Check out: http://www.punoftheday.com/ for some fun ideas.


May 7
Paste-Up Day
Honors people who paste up newspapers, magazines, books, and other printed materials. A fun way to celebrate would be to schedule a tour of your local newspaper to see how they are made.


May 8
No Socks Day
Just leave your socks and stockings off, and let your toes enjoy a moment in the sun.

Have a Coke Day
Celebrate this holiday by trying some of these great ways we enjoy coke.

Bake a moist ham
Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan; Wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

Clean a toilet
Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl. Let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.

Clean blood stains from clothes
Saturate the blood stain with Coca-Cola, let sit five minutes, then launder as usual. Coke removes blood from clothing—even dried blood that has gone through the washing machine and dryer.

Clean eyeglasses
The phosphoric acid cleans the grunge from eyeglasses, then rinse with water.

Soothe a sore throat
Gargle with Coca-Cola. The carbonation in the cola loosens phlegm.

Relieve constipation
Drinking a can of the real thing can have a laxative result.

Condition hair
To give your hair a great shine, pour a can of Coca Cola into your hair, working it in well, then rinse your hair with water.

Soothe a jellyfish sting
Pouring the real thing over a jellyfish sting relieves the stinging pain. The acids in the Coke seem to neutralize the venom

Kill slugs or snails
Fill jar lids with flat Coca-Cola and set in the garden. Slugs and snails, attracted by sweet soda, will slither into the jar lid and be killed by the acids in the Coke.

Boost a compost bin
Pouring flat Coca-Cola into the compost pile helps jump start the microorganisms. The Real Thing increases the acidity and the sugar feeds the microorganisms, increasing the organic matter in the compost.


May 9 - 
Peter Pan Day
This is an easy one! Pull out either Disney's classic Peter Pan in either book or movie and read or watch with your kids.


May 10
Clean Up Your Room Day
Take today and do some spring cleaning in your kids rooms!!! Make sure you make them help but don't be surprised if they inspect your room too.


May 11
Eat What You Want Day
Satisfy that craving you been having and eat it without feeling guilty.

Jigsaw Puzzle Day
Get out any puzzle and put it together by yourself or with your loved ones.


May 12th
Limerick Day
A day to break out all those silly, raunchy, and sometimes strange little Irish poems. Make up a few of your own and share them with your friends. You are sure to get a giggle or a groan out of a few people.


May 13
Frog Jumping Day
If you don't have a frog to put in a frog jumping race then have your kids pretend they are frogs and teach them how a frog jumps. Invite some friends over and have frog jumping races and then serve some fruity frogs for a special treat. http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/fruity-frog-699462/

Leprechaun Day
Is dedicated to the little elves of Ireland. Leprechauns have a hidden pot of gold. If you catch a Leprechaun, he must give you his pot of gold. More than likely you won't be able to find or catch a Leprechaun so maybe you could plant your own pot of Yellow Marigolds.


May 14
National Dance Like A Chicken Day
All you do is dance like a chicken to either your favorite song or if you can find the Chicken Dance song even better!!!

Crazy Day
Well if the name of the day doesn't spark any ideas of how to celebrate then try some of these:

Wear mismatched clothes or inside out
Make your hair as wild as possible
Do things backward (dinner for breakfast, breakfast for dinner)
Act like a goofball

For more fun ideas check out my Wacky Wednesday post!!!!

Marshmallow Fluff Birthday
Make your favorite Fluff treat!! Visit http://www.marshmallowfluff.com/pages/homepage.htm for many delicious recipes. l


May 15
National Pizza Party Day and National Chocolate Chip Day
I think that these two should be celebrated together!!!! Set up a pizza party and serve chocolate chips cookies for dessert! Kids and parents both will agree on this dinner! Check out this cool kids Pizza Party Kit for 6! http://www.chocolatecakeclub.com/kipipacokit.html


May 16
Spaghetti-O Debuted
Pull out a can of Spaghetti-O's (regular, w/franks, or w/meatballs) for dinner. Here's a fun website with games from Campbell's website: http://www.myslurp.com/


May 17
Merry-Go-Round (1620 a Horse Powered Merry-Go-Round Debuted)
Merry-go-rounds have been around for close to 400 years!!!! If there isn't a carnival or fair going on close by a lot of Malls have Merry-Go-Rounds so get out and take a ride.


May 18th
No Dirty Dishes Day
The best way to avoid dirty dishes is to go out to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Either that, or just use paper plates, cook out on the grill, or throw a few frozen pizzas in the oven.


May 19
National Be a Millionaire Day
Even if you aren't a millionaire, you can act like one. Rent a fancy car for the day, wear a nice suit, go shopping at the expensive stores, even if you can't afford to buy anything, you can at least walk around and look like you can.


May 20
Strawberries Day
Find a local pick your own farm and get some fresh strawberries. If you don't have time then grab some at the grocery and make Strawberry Shortcake or dip them in melted chocolate. Don't forget to watch a Strawberry Shortcake cartoons!!


May 21
I Need A Patch For That Day
There are patches for just about anything these days. What do you need or want a patch for???? How about a patch for longer days, more sleep, chocolate cravings or extra energy?


May 22
Neighbor Day
Do you know your neighbors? If not, maybe it's time you got out and met them. Take a special treat to one of your neighbors and tell them how glad you are to be next door to them.


May 23
Lucky Penny Day
"See a penny pick it up, all day long you have good luck." Make it a point to look on the ground everywhere that you go and see if you can find a lucky penny.

World Turtle Day
If you live where sea turtles are a big deal then go and check them out. Another great thing to do is read the classic Dr. Suess book, Yertle the Turtle to your kids.


May 24
National Scavenger Hunt Day
Plan your very own Scavenger Hunt Game!  -  All ages have fun with this game so go ahead and get to organizing your game.


Go for a Nature Walk! -  Nature walks are fun and educational so plan a nature walk for the whole family and see if you see any turtles on the way. Just remember..... do not touch! Just watch!

Brother's Day
Celebrate your brother today. If you don't have a brother, how about a brother-in-law, or your mother's brother, or your girlfriend's brother? If that doesn't work it's time to go and adopt a Big Brother.


May 25
Cookie Monster's Birthday
Cookie Monster is a beloved character from Sesame Street! For an easy craft to do with your kids. check out: http://www.pbs.org/parents/craftapparent/2010/06/c-is-for-crafting-cookie-monster-puppets.html

If you are really adventurous try making Cookie Monster cake pops like Bakerella: http://www.bakerella.com/street-party/

National Brown Bag It Day
Today, make your own lunch and bring it to work or school.


May 26th
National Blueberry Cheesecake Day and National Cherry Dessert Day
Check out these websites for recipes:
http://www.blueberry-recipe.com/blueberry-cheesecake.html
ttp://www.nwcherries.com/?q=recipes/dessert


May 27th
National Grape Popsicle Day
Go out side and share grape popsicles with the neighborhood kids to celebrate! You'll be the hit on the block.


May 28th
National Hamburger Day
Go out and show your burger love today if for no other reason than to revel in burger happiness.

Burger Dos:
• Grind your own meat if you can. If not, have your butcher grind beef that is 20/80 ratio
• Preheat your skillet on high.
• Toast your bun with butter.

Burger Don’ts:
• Overwork patties by compressing the meat. Instead, use a food scoop or ice cream scoop to make a 4-ounce ball.
• Over season meat. You’re not making a meatloaf.
• Never press on the patty while it’s cooking; you’ll push out the juices.


May 29th
Escalator Patented
Go ahead and ride up and down on the escalator just like you did when you were a kid.


May 30
My Bucket's Got a Hole in It Day
If you don't already know this song then it's time to learn it and teach it to your kids! Here's Goofy's (from Mickey Mouse) version.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/various-artists/tracks/theres-a-hole-in-my-bucket--206374195

Artist: Burl Ives
Title: There's A Hole In My Bucket

There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, a hole
Then mend it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
Then mend it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, then mend it
With what shall I mend it, dear Liza, dear Liza?
With what shall I mend it, dear Liza, with what?
With some straw, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
With some straw, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, some straw
The straw is too long, dear Liza, dear Liza
The straw is too long, dear Liza, too long
Then cut it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
Then cut it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, then cut it
With what shall I cut it, dear Liza, dear Liza?
With what shall I cut it, dear Liza, with what?
With a knife, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
With a knife, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, with a knife
The knife is too dull, dear Liza, dear Liza
The knife is too dull, dear Liza, too dull
Then sharpen it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
Then sharpen it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, sharpen it
With what shall I sharpen it, dear Liza, dear Liza?
With what shall I sharpen it, dear Liza, with what?
With a stone, dear Goofy, dear goofy, dear Goofy
With a stone, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, with a stone
The stone is too dry, dear Liza, dear Liza
The stone is too dry, dear Liza, too dry
Then wet it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
Then wet it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, then wet it
With what shall I wet it, dear Liza, dear Liza?
With what shall I wet it, dear Liza, with what?
With water, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
With water, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, with water
In what shall I get it, dear Liza, dear Liza?
In what shall I get it, dear Liza, in what?
In a bucket dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy
In a bucket dear Goofy, dear Goofy, in a bucket
There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, a hole



May 31st
International No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31. It is meant to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption across the globe. Ash trays with fresh flowers are a common symbol of World No Tobacco Day. Great time to explain to your kids the damaging health effects it can have on you and your body!

















Monday, March 28, 2011

Fun April Holidays & Ways to Celebrate!!!

April 1 ~ April Fools Day
See Aprils Fools Post (March 2010)


April 2 ~ International Children's Book Day
Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, 2 April, International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books.


~ National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
To honor and enjoy peanut butter and jelly everything!  Let this month be the month you experiment with peanut butter and jelly. Everybody knows about the popular sandwich that everyone ate as a kid. When's the last time you ate one? Well on this day go ahead and do it! Make that sandwich and remember your childhood. Your whole mouth will tingle at the very first bite of peanut butter and jelly.



April 3 ~ National Chocolate Mouse Day
April 3 is always National Chocolate Mousse Day.  Why?  Who knows and Who cares!

Here's my favorite Chocolate Mouse Recipe:

Dark Chocolate Mousse
1 (12oz) bag of Semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Large eggs
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp brandy or coffee-flavored liqueur (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups half-and-half

Combine chocolate chips, eggs, brown sugar, (brandy), and vanilla in a blender. Whirl on high speed about 1 minute. In a 3 to 4 quart sauce pan over medium-high heat, heat the cream just to the boiling point. With the blender running, carefully pour hot cream into chocolate mixture and blend until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Pour into a bowl and chill until set, at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.

 

April 4 ~ Chocolate Milk Powder Day
Coenraad Johannes Van Houten invented the process of making cocoa powder in 1828. His invention started the amazing development of the cocoa and chocolate industry all over the world into the tremendously important business as we know it nowadays.

HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

Variations:
ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.

THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.

BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.

CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.

"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=184


April 5 ~Dandelion Day
Dandelions are important plants for bees. Not only is their flowering used as an indicator that the honey bee season is starting, but they are also an important source of nectar and pollen early in the season.


April 6 ~ Fresh Tomato Day
Tomatoes were grown by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 A.D. Seeds were taken back to Europe by explorers in the 1500's. They were called “Love Apples” in France, but were ignored in England as a food (they thought tomatoes were poisonous). Early colonists in the U.S. had the same idea. In 1812, Creoles in New Orleans started making tomato-based gumbos. By 1850, the tomato was being planted in home gardens all over America.


~ Jump Over things Day
Let's celebrate jump over things day today by finding different objects in and outside the house to jump over!! Use those gross motor skills!!!


April 7 ~ No House work Day
Is your chance to do anything, except housework. Better still, have someone else do the chores for a day. Housework is a daily, seemingly endless and repetitive groups of tasks. It often goes unrecognized and worst of all..... taken for granted. But, watch out! If the dishes aren't done, or there's no clean towels, somebody takes note.

There's two ways to celebrate this day:

If you normally do the housework around the house, cease and desist for this day. Instead, kick back and enjoy the day. Relax and do anything, except housework.

If you are a spouse or significant other, do the housework for your mate. It gives her (or him) a break from the housework. And, you just might get an appreciation of how much work it takes to keep up the house.

~ National Coffee Cake Day
Have you ever wondered how coffee cake came to be? After all, coffee cake doesn’t always have coffee in it and it’s excellent with or without coffee. How did all this deliciousness happen?

Coffee cake was not invented, rather it evolved from a variety of different types of cakes into the delicious dessert (or breakfast) we now know and love.

Coffee cake is loved by many and has long been associated with coffee and social interludes with friends. Next time you indulge, appreciate the company of those around you and reflect on the rich history you’re enjoying!

Check out this link for some recipes:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,the_best_coffee_cake,FF.html


April 8 ~ Zoo Lovers Day
It was about 1500 B.C. when Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt built the first zoo. Many private zoos were kept by rulers in Africa, India, and China between 1,000 and 400 B.C. - and a "school" zoo was built by the Greeks to study animal and plant life. But, modern zoos weren't developed until the 1400's when European explorers came to the New World. When they took strange animals back home with them, public display zoos were born.

To "observe" the holiday, plan a trip to a zoo in your area. This is a great time of year to take the kids to see all of the adorable baby animals. I

After your trip, swing by the library and check out a book or two about your favorite animal.


~ Draw a Picture of a Bird Day
Bird Watching: In order to draw birds it requires a bit of bird watching. Wikipedia says "The most active times of the year for birding in temperate zones are during the spring or fall migrations when the greatest variety of birds may be seen. On these occasions, large numbers of birds travel north or south to wintering or nesting locations. Early mornings are typically better as the birds are more active and vocal making them easier to spot." 

Moms at home with young children: get coloring books about birds and let the kids color the pictures. Many coloring books have the dot-to-dot pages that help children draw birds as well. This not only teaches about drawing but helps children learn about the many different types of birds and their colors.


April 9 ~ Name Yourself Day
Is your chance to give yourself whatever name you'd like...for a day. If you like your name, then change your name for just today. If you don't like your name, use today to select a new name for life!

Participating in Name Yourself Day is simple and easy. Go ahead, give it a try. Change your first, or middle, or last name. Or, change them all. Give yourself a cool and catchy nickname. Once you've selected your name, you've gotta communicate it to all of your family and friends. This could prove to be the hard part. It will likely take time for your new name to catch on.

April 10 ~ National Sibling Day
A commemorative day to honor, appreciate and celebrate all brothers and sisters and memorialize those who are no longer with us. Recognizing the bond between siblings for the special gift it is. A day to hug, honor and enjoy your sibling.


~ Golfers Day
Is an opportunity to be thankful that someone invented this addicting, yet relaxing hobby.

Also referred to as "Golf Day", there is only one proper way to enjoy this day. And, that's out on the golf course.

When Golfer's Day falls on a week day, it is even more special. That means you now have an excuse to take a day off of work and go play a round ...or two. Regardless of your score today, you know that even a bad day on the greens, is better than a good day at work.


April 11 ~ School Librarians Day - Thank You School Librarian Day
Take a minute today, to appreciate all the hard work that a school librarian does daily, and the patience the librarian displays, as he or she aids our youth.

You may choose to show your appreciation to School Librarians in a variety of ways, including:
Give the librarian a big smile and a big "Thank You!"
Tell you librarian that she is doing a wonderful job.
Buy an age appropriate book or reference material, and donate it to the library


April 12 ~ Look Up at the Sky Day
On this day it's traditional for families to gather on blankets on the ground and look up at the sky and see what they can see. Families usually do this during the day and have fun watching the clouds move. It's a popular game to see what characters and shapes can be seen forming in the clouds.


~ National Licorice Day
There are lots of ways to reacquaint yourself with this beloved candy. Licorice is surprisingly simple to make at home, needing only eight ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare.

Or, perhaps you might try having a “licorice potluck” candy tasting party, and challenge everyone to bring a different flavor of licorice, open in a different way. With the dozens of flavors, colors, and shapes, the fun ways to showcase your pet flavor are endless. There are even recipes for “licorice sushi” made from cherry licorice inserted into marshmallows.

Here is a list of fun things to do with licorice.
Eat it - lots of it
Use it as a straw, root beer licorice being the number one choice
Jump rope with a long red vine
Make licorice art with the fruit flavored licorice
Lunch box treat
Hand out free licorice on the street corner
Serve it for desert
Dip it in chocolate
Dip it in caramel



April 13 ~ Blame Someone Else Day
What a great time you can have on this day. Imagine all the problems, errors, and mistakes you could heap on someone else today. On this day you don't have to take responsibility or blame for any faux pax on your part. On the downside, this day comes as a double edged sword. While you are busy putting the blame elsewhere, someone might just be putting the blame on you!


~ International Plant Appreciation Day
For some ideas on how to "observe" this holiday check out http://www.plantea.com/international-plant-appreciation.htm


~ Scrabble Day
It's very easy to celebrate Scrabble Day. Just get out the old board game, dust it off, and play a few rounds with family or friends.  And for the little ones get Scrabble Junior!



April 14 ~National Pecan Day
Pecan Day is a rather nutty day. Its a day to celebrate and enjoy popular, tasty pecans.

1. Learn the history of pecans in the United States. Visit the "I Love Pecans" website.
2. Plant a pecan tree. Pecan trees are wonderful large shade trees for medium to large yards. The nuts will attract a variety of birds as well as squirrels.
3. Cook your favorite pecan recipes. Pecan pie is a common favorite, but more exotic recipes are out there to be tried, including Mexican Pecan Soup.
4. Throw a Pecan Day party. Pecans make terrific party snacks and can be found in many different styles. A favorite is praline flavored pecans.
5. Serve pecan brownies with a side of praline-pecan ice cream.


~ International Moments of Laughter Day
You can celebrate by:
• laughing out loud at the funny cards in a greeting card shop
• calling a friend to share a funny story
• buying a "laugh-box" in a joke shop and turning it on at work or at home
• showing your baby pictures to someone who's never seen them
• thinking up your own way to get someone else to laugh with you
• or just laughing for no apparent reason at all

http://www.izzyg.com/content/International_Moment_of_Laughter_April_14th/1002


April 15 ~ Take a Wild Guess Day
Every time someone asks you a question, just take a wild guess.


~ Husband Appreciation Day
Its the only day in a whole year, they don’t have to hear  their wife nagging and complaining. It is also regarded as the Best day of the whole year by the husbands all around the world.

Today husbands would be expecting following things from their wives:
1. No Nagging and No Complaining.
2. Nice breakfast in the morning.
3. Romantic Gifts because men normally don’t get gifts compared to women.
4. Candle lit dinner cooked by wife (for a change)
5. Make him feel special by saying him love much you love him (lie if you have to) WINK WINK
6. Husband can ask wife for sex at any time of the day today, any number of times and any way he likes. Wife is not allowed to make headache excuse or any other excuses.

So if you’re married woman, don’t forget to do all these things to your husband and give him the best day of his life.

http://kyabore.com/?p=754


~ First Mc Donald's Opened
Easy one to celebrate! Head to the nearest McD's for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The kids will love it!!!!


April 16 ~ Wear your pajamas to work day
http://www.nationalwearyourpajamastoworkday.com/


~ National Eggs Benedict Day
Is a day to enjoy eggs with hollandaise sauce, Canadian bacon and English muffins.


April 17 ~National Cheeseball Day
National Cheeseball Day is a day to stuff yourself with cheese balls. But wait!!! What kind of cheeseball are we talking about? There's the light and airy, puffy cheeseball that you munch on for a snack by the dozens. There is also the cheeseball, often decorated with nuts, that sits on a party tray until spread on a cracker. Celebrate today with cheeseballs (both kinds).


~ Blah! Blah! Blah ! Day
Blah, Blah, Blah Day just might be the blah-est day of the year. The intent of this day is to do all of the projects and things that people have been nagging you to do. This may include quitting a habit, losing weight, or working on home projects. The "Honey Do" list or job jar is a top target for today.


April 18 ~ Pet Owner's Day
Check out http://familycrafts.about.com/library/spdays/blapr18th.htm


~ National Animal Cracker Day
Who doesn't love the crunch and sweetness of an animal cracker? These fun little crackers are usually in the shape of an animal from the circus such as lions, tigers, bears, and elephants.

During the late 1800's, crackers in the shape of animals were imported from England to the United States. The demand for these treats skyrocketed, so bakers began to produce them domestically. The first batch of animal crackers was produced by Stauffer's Biscuit Company in 1871 in York, Pennsylvania. Other local bakeries soon came together under the National Biscuit Company, or "Nabisco Brands." In 1902, the animal cracker's box officially became "Barnum's Animals" with the circus themed box.

Did you know that since their start in 1903, there have been 37 different animals featured in Barnum's Animal Crackers? Today more than 40 million packages of animal crackers are sold each year in 17 different countries. To celebrate National Animal Crackers Day, enjoy a box (or two) of some delicious Barnum's Animal Crackers!

http://www.mypunchbowl.com/holidays/national-animal-crackers-day


April 19 ~ Humorous Day
Here are some who/what/when/where/how conversation starters that could be used for one-to-ones, a group activity, or dining room banter:

Who is the funniest person you’ve ever met?
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever done?
What is one of the funniest movies you’ve ever seen?
How many jokes can you remember?
When was the last time you remember laughing?
When was one of the first times you remember laughing?
What is something you can laugh about right now?

http://www.thegoldenexperience.com/2009/04/humorous-day-conversation-starters.html


~ Garlic Day
Celebrate National Garlic Day by using it heavily in your meals and snacks today. Spend some time researching its medical benefits. You might find you are adding more garlic to your menu everyday.

For some recipes to help you celebrate check out http://www.garlicrecipes.org/


April 20 ~ National Pineapples Upside Down Cake Day
Fun Facts:
1. Jim Dole invented canned pineapple in 1903.
2. The term "cake" wasn't used much before 1870.
3. Pineapple upside-down cake was cooked in a cast iron skillet on top of the stove.
4. In 1925, the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (now called Dole) held a recipe contest. It drew 60,000 entries of which 2,500 were for pineapple upside-down cake.
5. No one knows who first came up with the pineapple upside-down cake; historian can only guess.
6. The classic pineapple upside-down cake recipe had maraschino cherries; however, they weren't around too much before the 1930's.
7. Pineapple is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America.
8. Caribbean Indians placed pineapples or pineapple crowns outside the entrances of their homes to symbolize friendship and hospitality.
9.The Spanish explorers thought pineapples looked like pinecones, so they called them "Pina." The English added "apple" to associate it with juicy delectable fruits.
10. Pineapple, "halakahiki" in Hawaiian, meaning foreign fruit, has been grown in Hawaii since the early 1800's.

http://thefoodtemptress.blogspot.com/2009/04/national-pineapple-upside-down-cake-day.html

Here's an easy recipe from Betty Crocker http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-pineapple-upside-down-cake/c4d3321d-fad9-41cb-8f29-8d91a4279b07


April 21 ~ Kindergarten Day
Kindergarten Day The First Kindergarten was founded by Friedrich Froebel in Germany in 1837, Kindergarten Day is a day to recognize the importance of play, games, and creative activity in children's education.

~ Big Word Day
A day to use huge words on purpose just to impress.


April 22 ~ Jelly Bean Day
National Jelly Bean Day is a time to enjoy gobs and gobs of jelly beans. Anyone who loves jelly beans, knows they are not just for Easter. Sure, they are very popular at Easter. But, they are also enjoyed year round. The flavors are limited only by the imagination of candy makers. If you've never enjoyed the multitude of flavors in a box of gourmet jelly beans, the we suggest you head right out to the store and buy some.

Jelly beans date back to at least the 1860's. Advertisements promoted sending jelly beans to Union troops fighting in the Civil War. The original candy maker is unknown.


~ Earth Day
For more information go to http://www.earthday.org/


April 23 ~ International Nose Picking Day
You can celebrate this holiday by having a nose party!  Play games and give Kleenex for prizes. Everybody has those funny glasses with the big nose and wearing them on International Nose Picking Day is just the thing!

The highlight of the party has to be when everyone sits down to tell the latest nose picking stories for the year- Oh yes we all have witnessed people picking their nose and it really makes for some great entertainment.


~ Shirley Temple's Birthday
Due to the popularity of Shirley Temple the actress, the drink created for her caught on, and children dining out with their parents were apt to order a Shirley Temple. Today children may order one without understanding the reference.

It’s very unusual to see a traditional Shirley Temple today. The original recipe called for two parts ginger ale, one part orange juice and about a teaspoon to tablespoon of grenadine. It was usually garnished with a cherry and possibly an orange slice. While the cherry remains, and is many children’s favorite part about the Shirley Temple, most modern versions of the drink don’t include orange juice.

A few companies attempted to bottle the Shirley Temple, leading to the first soft drink that actually contained a cherry. These bottled attempts gradually lost popularity, but you can still find cherry 7-Up, representing the modern Shirley Temple.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-shirley-temple.htm


~ Picnic Day
Picnics are so versatile! You can have sandwiches, wraps, pizza, cold meats, salads, quiche, cheese, fruit, cake, biscuits, even trifle! You are guaranteed to find something that appeals to everyone - all ages can enjoys picnics.

Take your picnic to the beach, the park, your favorite places - picnics are even fun in the garden or sitting room!

For more information visit http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=254943


April 24 ~Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
Pig in a Blanket Day is a day to eat a sausage wrapped in a pancake. Why? Because that's what "Pig in a Blanket" is.

Somebody, somewhere decided that this was a very special treat to them. So, they created  a special day to celebrate this culinary delight. Aren't you glad that they did?

How does one go about celebrating Pig in a Blanket Day? Cook up some sausage. Make some pancakes. Wrap the sausage inside of the pancake. Add maple syrup. Then, chow down.


~ National Day of Puppetry
For some fun puppet activities check out http://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=147&year=2010


April 25 ~ National Teach Your Children to Save Day
Teach Children to Save Day to spotlight the importance of teaching our nation's youth about saving money.

For Products to help teach children to save visit http://www.msgen.com/assembled/products_kids.html


~ National Crayola Day
To celebrate grab your favorite Crayola crayons and a coloring book and COLOR!


~ National Zucchini Bread Day
National Zucchini Bread Day is a day to enjoy Zucchini bread. In researching this day, we first asked ourselves "why hold this day in the spring, when this prolific garden squash in not in great supply?" The answer quickly dawned on us....they hold this at a time when you are not sick of all that zucchini.

For 4 easy Zucchini Bread recipes click http://www.creativehomemaking.com/cooking/zucchini-bread-recipes.shtml


April 26 ~ Hug a Friend Day
It’s a day to take a moment and let your friends know how important they are to you.


~ National Pretzel day
How do you like your pretzel? Thick or thin? Straight or twisted? Crisp and crunchy, or soft? Salted, unsalted, mustard flavored, perhaps? There's no shortage of types of pretzels. If you are having trouble deciding which ones, we suggest you mix a bunch of different types of pretzels in a big bowl, and grab a handful, or two, or three, or.....

Did you know? Pretzels are believed to be the world's oldest snack. Pretzels date back to 610AD in Southern France. Monks baked thin strips of dough into the shape of a child's arms folded in prayer. Add a little salt, and Voila! ...the pretzel industry was born.  


April 27 ~ Tell a story Day
Tell a Story Day celebrates story-telling of all kinds. It doesn't matter if its fiction or non-fiction, a tall tale, or folk lore. Today is a day to tell 'em all. Stories can be from a book, other written material, or from memory.

Make Tell a Story Day an important and pleasure-filled experience. To enhance the enjoyment of the story, try setting the atmosphere. If it's an eerie or spooky story, turn down the lights. Bring decorations and memorabilia that speak to the theme. If its about a person, display a picture of the individual.


April 28 ~ Kiss your mate day
Is a perfect chance to smooch with your partner. As if you need an opportunity to share a kiss or two with the one you love. With spring in the air, April is an appropriate time for Kiss Your Mate Day.

Some people may ask "why you need a holiday to kiss your mate?" Others say "every day should be Kiss Your Mate Day." Unfortunately, researchers tell us that kissing, an important part of romance and intimacy, is the first thing to go in a relationship. If you don't currently kiss your mate everyday, use today to re-establish kissing in your life. 

Here are some Kiss Your Mate Day tips and rules:
• There is no upper limit to the number of times you can kiss your mate today.
• There is no upper limit to the number of kisses you can share today.
• It is highly recommended that you limit your kisses to just one mate.
• If you don't have a mate, it's alright to kiss someone who is not formally your mate.... Hey, you never know. This day may be a beginning.......
• You can kiss your mate wherever you want (location/place).
• You can kiss your mate wherever you want (anatomically speaking)
• Giving candy or flowers is not required. But, we suggest that those who do, will receive more kisses.


~ Poetry Reading Day
Celebrate today in any or all of the following ways:

• Read poetry
• Hold a poetry reading hour or party
• Listen to poetry
• Write your own poetry....someday it may be looked upon as great!


April 29 ~ National Shrimp Scampi Day
Try this recipe for a fun dinner; add some Parmesan cheese if you'd like for a cheesy finish. Serve over whole wheat pasta or rice.

Shrimp Scampi

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb large shrimp (shelled and deveined)
• 1/3 shallot minced (about 2)
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (if you have it)
• Salt and Pepper

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add garlic and shallots for about 2 minutes. Add shrimp, wine, lemon juice and cook until shrimp is done about 3-4 minutes. Stir in parsley, salt and pepper.


April 30 ~ Arbor Day
Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.

Check out www.arborday.org for more information


~ National Oatmeal cookie day
Here's a link for a whole bunch of Oatmeal Cookie recipes to try:

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/articles/view/582/1/National-Oatmeal-Cookie-Day.html


~ Mr. Potato Head Day
This is an easy one to celebrate! Find a Mr. or Mrs. Potato head and play with it!!! For dinner make Baked Potatoes and use assorted veggies to make faces on them!!!


~National Honesty Day
Today is a day all about being honest.  No lies, no small fibs, just pure honesty.  National Honesty Day is celebrated on April 30th to encourage people to be more honest, and to also be more accepting of honesty.  So be careful what you ask people today – you may not like their answer!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Bachelorette Party Ideas

A friend of mine asked me to help her with her (now) Sister-In-Law's bachelorette party.  Of course I agreed to help and immediately began to do some researching.  Here's a few things that I found and I hope they help you as much as they did for her.

Some drinks she must have during the night:

B = Ball and Chain = part Rumple Minze, 1 part Goldschlager, 1 splash Jagermeister


R = Red Eye Hell = 1/2 oz Triple sec,1 oz hot and spicy V8 juice,1/2 oz Vodka, 1/2 oz 151 proof rum               Raging Lunatic 3 ounces Rum 1/2 ounce Brandy 1/2 ounces Chocolate Liqueur 1/2 Banana

I = Italian Screw = 3 cubes Ice,1 1/2 oz Vodka, 1 oz Galliano, Fill with Orange juice or


D = Dirty Banana or Death Wish = 1/2 Southern Comfort, 1/2 Dr. Pepper


E = Exploding Cherry = 3 splashes Fruit juice, 1/2 bottle Vodka, 5 slices Pineapple, 1/4 bottle Coconut liqueur

Some other fun drinks for out at the bars are:  Blow Job, Between the Sheets, Slow Comfortable Screw Against The Wall, Screaming Orgasm, Hard Nipple, Cock Teaser,



GAMES:
Chink and Drink
This is a great way to get the party started. It helps all of the guests quickly and easily identify where everyone "fits" in. Make sure all guests have a full glass of champagne (or soda water!). Then announce the rules - if you belong to the group of people that is called out, then you have to "chink and drink" with the other members of that "group".

Groups to call out include:
• "Chink and Drink if you are from the bride's family"


• "Chink and Drink if you work with the bride"


• "Chink and Drink if you met the bride through the groom"


• "Chink and Drink if you are the groom's family"


• "Chink and Drink if you have known the bride for longer than ten years"


• "Chink and Drink if you met the bride in the last 12 months"


There are many opportunities! You could even have penalties if a person is in a "group" all by themselves and so therefore has no one to Chink and Drink with. This could be rigged - for example, if you want the bride to have a penalty, you could make it very specific - ie "Chink and Drink if you are getting married at 2pm next Saturday!".


This game helps get everyone interacting and gets the party going, right from the start.



You're marrying THAT?
Find the ugliest photo of the bride’s husband-to-be that you can. Even the best looking men have ugly photos – perhaps taken when they are intoxicated or asleep! The bride must keep this photo with her throughout the night, and when a codeword is yelled out, she has to show a stranger the photo and announce that this is the man she is marrying! The person who yells out the codeword must buy her a drink if she does it with a straight face successfully.




The Bride's Quiz
Ask the bride twenty questions a few days before the hen’s party. Create question sheets and have everyone at the hen’s party fill them out at the same time. Offer two prizes – one for whoever finishes first and one for whoever gets the most questions right! It is good to let the bride be the judge on this one – for answers to questions that are close but not quite.


The Groom’s Quiz
Ask the groom some questions about he and the bride. Read the questions out to the bride, and she must answer the questions in front of everyone. For each question that she gets right, she get a prize, or as an alternative, for each question she gets wrong, she gets some kind of penalty!




Food Ideas:
Make sure you make little signs for each one!  This is my favorite part......

Sausage BALLS


PENIS'S (pigs) in a blanket


Bowl of NUTS


PENIS Pasta Salad (think you can buy at Spencer's)


PENIS and BALLS Bread (Use 2 round ones hollowed out for the dips and use one long baguette sliced but kept together)


Carve the Cucumber (game)
Give every celebrant a cucumber or zucchini squash and a small knife or make them use their teeth (that's what my friend did). Explain that everyone has twenty minutes to carve their veggie into an accurate representation of a male member. After twenty minutes are up, the bride gets to judge them all. Make sure you take a picture of all the “members” for posterity.


Hopefully some of these fun ideas can help make your next Bachelorette party a hit! 

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Pizza Cookie

Crust:
1 - 20-ounce package store-bought sugar cookie dough, refrigerated

Icing:
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
2 1/2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Red food coloring paste (available at AC Moore and Michael's)

Toppings:
6 oz. white chocolate
Assorted candies (see below)

Instructions
1. Gently press cookie dough into a 12" non-stick pizza pan. 2. Bake as directed.  Cool.











3. Meanwhile, mix up the red frosting "sauce." In a large bowl, cream the confectioners' sugar and butter.


4. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add entire 1oz bottle of red food coloring paste and mix well. Use a spatula or knife to spread the sauce evenly over the cooled "pizza."



5. Now you're ready to add the toppings. For white chocolate "cheese," roughly chop or grate white chocolate.

6. Sprinkle it over the frosting.



7. Add toppings, see suggestions below.




8. Use a pizza cutter to cut into 16 pieces. Present it in a pizza box (ask a local pizza parlor if you could have or buy one - you will need a 16"box). BIG PROPS - to Papa John's for giving us a box to use!!!!!

Toppings:
Pepperoni's = Strawberries Fruit Roll Ups







Green Olives = Green lifesaver gummies and red mini m&m's







Anchovies = Graham cracker goldfish