tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83636621462667887332024-03-12T21:44:58.757-04:00Razle Dazle EventsMary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-103827838409795382011-12-19T14:49:00.001-05:002011-12-19T15:58:17.452-05:00Corporate Holiday Party-Glenerin Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZFBhRwURucRZImMtSWkplDjEl447Gzy6GEJh9i0-VT7yV39ufvkAHOCNoWS95SiT80d_1USzGlRwr-Z-xFR3Ltsno8GT3Nsnb55evxn2x9zl6AHhhlqREkcFEYNaXOm8yLEeHolYSbg/s1600/DSCN0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZFBhRwURucRZImMtSWkplDjEl447Gzy6GEJh9i0-VT7yV39ufvkAHOCNoWS95SiT80d_1USzGlRwr-Z-xFR3Ltsno8GT3Nsnb55evxn2x9zl6AHhhlqREkcFEYNaXOm8yLEeHolYSbg/s400/DSCN0628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Date: Friday, December 16, 2011<br />
Location: The Glenerin Inn, Mississauga, ON<br />
Guests: 32 adults<br />
Budget: >$30 per person <br />
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<u>Menu: </u><br />
Yuletide Buffet:<br />
Wide variety of soups, salads, side dishes, entreés, carving station (turkey and ham), stuffing, cranberry sauce, condiments, fresh fruit, assorted desserts. The coleslaw was some of the best I've ever had.<br />
The cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake was unbelievably delicious .It was all good, really! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3wXgPc7PuxaimW21NgXq403F_QfM5kZ2-RDq5li1bkCXh7ZfrtAE8wxTIffPTAQ0mo0s_afsHmONY0Zm6GuKIoeCCOhFF2WT5_6AbGxhek1i-gwLQ6H0lMmxC6_IXMUiYCUTgRIWDdU/s400/DSCN0598.JPG" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Dessert Table</div><br />
Decorations: All centrepieces and decorations provided by the Inn, included in the rental fee. Rental fee varies depending on the size of group. I booked the Evans Room, it was a perfect fit. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy96WGiLP6iCEI1cgQip4XMatybr1BndP_gHsDMn5lGlQJkCAyoergNqnX501qQLx530_EC2gP5Q_AqEqii6-BDxfqXMVgjS7gjeeuE3WW95oMBrNixRofs-DdSf7qTBjZewtO5fEaqJk/s1600/DSCN0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy96WGiLP6iCEI1cgQip4XMatybr1BndP_gHsDMn5lGlQJkCAyoergNqnX501qQLx530_EC2gP5Q_AqEqii6-BDxfqXMVgjS7gjeeuE3WW95oMBrNixRofs-DdSf7qTBjZewtO5fEaqJk/s400/DSCN0590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Evans Room</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYa3DWoz-NUe8pdrMqMsg-6_uANY887HqHzFNvO600u8ixkwiBn8wVDpInaDDlPugRzsZJ6yZ_wargFvsmfi8QADMUhCDW1eMmAlHXKbzhyphenhyphenH_6zzNuYEuXPJ-0W_jjBQol8xv16e22Zc/s1600/DSCN0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYa3DWoz-NUe8pdrMqMsg-6_uANY887HqHzFNvO600u8ixkwiBn8wVDpInaDDlPugRzsZJ6yZ_wargFvsmfi8QADMUhCDW1eMmAlHXKbzhyphenhyphenH_6zzNuYEuXPJ-0W_jjBQol8xv16e22Zc/s400/DSCN0591.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Evans Room had it's own tree</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioin0I6Jhyphenhyphen1pqHi-ezyxH39aFnB71so_RwrDEDxfQ6b3g9sOOlcB8m5FB0UmUUs2CqCbhhdNXhbSvDn4RsuJLZHawSGxvH02DlLGSpYLEbaFhXOc4-bNKrVJYdbY7QYgcEQRHFSaiO9qc/s1600/DSCN0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioin0I6Jhyphenhyphen1pqHi-ezyxH39aFnB71so_RwrDEDxfQ6b3g9sOOlcB8m5FB0UmUUs2CqCbhhdNXhbSvDn4RsuJLZHawSGxvH02DlLGSpYLEbaFhXOc4-bNKrVJYdbY7QYgcEQRHFSaiO9qc/s400/DSCN0621.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzam092UYlDodZSkE-dva1FDUSRM6uDsIVWVS0rPaTtz93qz7mMeOpXFZ5UBmK6vmFFYtoLO5SrFJpFCK-IF3WRwHPC4k-rsGcRRr-T4d9_cgCSB1qZbgtwShacFd3VGrWRQGovYSIKGY/s1600/DSCN0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzam092UYlDodZSkE-dva1FDUSRM6uDsIVWVS0rPaTtz93qz7mMeOpXFZ5UBmK6vmFFYtoLO5SrFJpFCK-IF3WRwHPC4k-rsGcRRr-T4d9_cgCSB1qZbgtwShacFd3VGrWRQGovYSIKGY/s400/DSCN0622.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lobby Tree</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7QLdtLAj205JotB3KK8IDhcnXH6aL6n3a_L7oO4LiUWISI3gN5Ze0nlCAkPj0wuDB2l11K9Jkhi9Wms20H3ZpwWVr7WlclRR0bu4BOzPA1uMdxyNtpVdYG8U97qTuAOrjFAXN324wzw/s1600/DSCN0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7QLdtLAj205JotB3KK8IDhcnXH6aL6n3a_L7oO4LiUWISI3gN5Ze0nlCAkPj0wuDB2l11K9Jkhi9Wms20H3ZpwWVr7WlclRR0bu4BOzPA1uMdxyNtpVdYG8U97qTuAOrjFAXN324wzw/s400/DSCN0623.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lobby Fireplace</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfY8IxwB950TJ-sFBwzuz1v6FSlWEUtRooEM3j_ij80ftFAu6YsY5H31RahXEPW2lEBJdAfGc4Cgu7CPSvl0sP5WQ9dP5FIUEZzv335hGeCGRnBfmCykqlj1V4Dj7zUErNH0MUZ3GDFA/s1600/DSCN0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfY8IxwB950TJ-sFBwzuz1v6FSlWEUtRooEM3j_ij80ftFAu6YsY5H31RahXEPW2lEBJdAfGc4Cgu7CPSvl0sP5WQ9dP5FIUEZzv335hGeCGRnBfmCykqlj1V4Dj7zUErNH0MUZ3GDFA/s400/DSCN0632.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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Entertainment:<br />
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I printed out some index cards with holiday themed riddles, brain teasers and trivia. I downloaded the index card template for free from the Microsoft website. The content came from various sites-just google "Christmas riddles" and you will find plenty. I put the answers on the bottom of each card in smaller font, and rotated it upside down. Print out on card stock, and cut out each card. <br />
I put some on each table for guests to quiz each other. Once a table had finished their stack, I encouraged them to trade with their neighbours. <br />
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Gift exchange game (optional):<br />
I asked the guests beforehand to bring a wrapped gift valued no more than $10. After dessert, I asked all guests to pick up the gift they had brought, and form a circle. A guest volunteered to read out the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas"-when you hear the word "right" pass the gift to the person to your right, left passes to the left. If done correctly, no one should end up with their own gift. You can find the poem <a href="http://www.santalady.com/xmasgame/lftrt.html" target="_blank">here </a><br />
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Much laughter ensued. Some guests traded amongst theme selves afterwards. This is a really great game if you are short on time-it only takes about 10 minutes or so. <br />
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I can't praise the Glenerin Inn enough for the fantastic experience. The staff is so wonderful, the atmosphere elegant yet cozy at the same time. The food scrumptious. Free neck and shoulder massages in the lobby!<br />
Turn key service-I hardly had to do a thing, it was definitely the easiest party I have ever coordinated. I felt so relaxed that day-no running around, everything was seamless. <br />
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I would recommend the Inn again for a corporate event in a heart beat.<br />
Weddings are also available.<br />
For more information, visit their <a href="http://glenerininn1-px.rtrk.ca/?utm_source=ReachLocal%2B&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=ReachLocal" target="_blank">website </a>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-84658071663493985862011-12-05T16:07:00.000-05:002011-12-05T16:07:51.983-05:00Re-post: Wrapping paper photo framesDo you have scraps of wrapping paper too nice to recycle?<br />
Upcycle them into these pretty photo matts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhR8obdApeQEiLypz0ZDK7cmT7CgCkdgCbZvzQmzlKRZsUZST85lGZFooqfJoZEmvA1-FHkhVRB7AOL65DmoScA-5pva5yz3-zPWLKFi3pw1JZuvjBHRl_1DuttKQP5bcibBRYsIxgZo/s1600/482d8db44153bc1f9b3212a01556.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhR8obdApeQEiLypz0ZDK7cmT7CgCkdgCbZvzQmzlKRZsUZST85lGZFooqfJoZEmvA1-FHkhVRB7AOL65DmoScA-5pva5yz3-zPWLKFi3pw1JZuvjBHRl_1DuttKQP5bcibBRYsIxgZo/s400/482d8db44153bc1f9b3212a01556.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Image source: http://www.chatelaine.com</span></div><br />
I love this project from Chatelaine. Really easy, and lots of impact. My favourite kind of project. You can find the details <a href="http://www.chatelaine.com/en/article/33182?utm_source=_BO17A8B8expscq&utm_content=wknd9&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">here </a><br />
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It doesn't have to be just Christmas paper, use any paper at all. Metallic paper for black and white wedding photos, birthday paper, floral, graphic. I can think of some many iterations. <br />
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Lovely idea for an inexpensive gift, for Christmas or anytime!Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-23597645249642278672011-12-05T16:05:00.001-05:002011-12-05T16:07:06.678-05:00Endorse Re-giftingAre you are re-gifter?<br />
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Brain Pickings introduced tools to help reduce the stigma and guilt surrounding re-gifting. Free icons and graphics are available <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/12/02/regifting-api/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
Licensed under Creative Commons, they are free to use, download, re-mix, etc.<br />
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Make gift wrap, note cards, post it on your facebook and twitter. Let people know you are ok with re-gifting.<br />
Personally,I always try to include a gift receipt if I can. I am not offended when someone re-gifts something I gave them. I'd rather it was used, then go to waste. Not your taste/colour/size? Pass it on! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tgyBbV1Q9-gq-UPawCt_NxAmDylFkLXZYfaW49bhd_76ENSVaisUAYXefD5Z67WMsUr2YAqR6w2wsoVTcXxrU82PEqUBNgWxpGBNbZd9m9tY9j7MxpJoS5FF7WP0j4nsVMYuV2xqItI/s1600/regifting_icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tgyBbV1Q9-gq-UPawCt_NxAmDylFkLXZYfaW49bhd_76ENSVaisUAYXefD5Z67WMsUr2YAqR6w2wsoVTcXxrU82PEqUBNgWxpGBNbZd9m9tY9j7MxpJoS5FF7WP0j4nsVMYuV2xqItI/s320/regifting_icon.png" width="320" /></a></div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-7556745223637635222011-11-22T21:12:00.000-05:002011-11-22T21:12:30.319-05:00Re-post: Party Decor All Year RoundI have boxes, drawers and bags full of random odds and ends left over from parties. It can be difficult to figure out what to do with all these things, and I hate to throw things away-although I do donate things to charity a few times a year. This article from Apartment Therapy lists party items that can be re purposed.<br />
I am loving the succulent wreath, the CB2 glass globe candle holder and the birch tree jewelery stand.<br />
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I've been doing lots of theme parties lately, and this inspires me to rethink re purposing common household items when decorating for parties, rather than buying new things all the time.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/buy-it-for-the-party-use-it-all-year-161479%20" target="_blank">here</a> for the link to the full post:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWg0-mSZC1WiXQjtPItu5cr9ZRueylXuoJ-AVhIyb7M84d3-ziX34jM_hQvw0GG5-__JCvpwk3JYqHLHwBkoOsy0RiqjonzQXpJeaV2VBWXse6JQHk4L_QTk5lXcdTm3V2uHOdRpADyM/s1600/01_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWg0-mSZC1WiXQjtPItu5cr9ZRueylXuoJ-AVhIyb7M84d3-ziX34jM_hQvw0GG5-__JCvpwk3JYqHLHwBkoOsy0RiqjonzQXpJeaV2VBWXse6JQHk4L_QTk5lXcdTm3V2uHOdRpADyM/s400/01_rect540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Succulent Wreath, <a href="http://www.vivaterra.com/accessories/holiday-decor/succulent-wreath.html">Viva Terra</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFks6bk29dBU2L9rHUWsJrmjLnjw1AG9pixoeJ9MHZ9a8VrAoLcLL8UNbOtAI_56AUqR7rmwyjwAvtA4meUFDZ96XzN4oaAuyU-nd5ZjzUDiCE1-ugllplB4kGmzzvTGGhVqEVo5-K-jc/s1600/04_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFks6bk29dBU2L9rHUWsJrmjLnjw1AG9pixoeJ9MHZ9a8VrAoLcLL8UNbOtAI_56AUqR7rmwyjwAvtA4meUFDZ96XzN4oaAuyU-nd5ZjzUDiCE1-ugllplB4kGmzzvTGGhVqEVo5-K-jc/s320/04_rect540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Birch Jewelry Stand, <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17722281&color=007&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=A_DEC_JEWELRYBOX">Urban Outfitters</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEzrdjp-bg0FGBcSnoKT40HaQD88Wjy7U2HsJjr1HCR-KGdRnlPdBO8J7rfY3mgBWg6oRAFRDULkA6y1XscxIz91c7uHU_AH-perK6750gW3a5FFQvcri03lRlOmdiZleAZfzltBHQCo/s1600/05_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEzrdjp-bg0FGBcSnoKT40HaQD88Wjy7U2HsJjr1HCR-KGdRnlPdBO8J7rfY3mgBWg6oRAFRDULkA6y1XscxIz91c7uHU_AH-perK6750gW3a5FFQvcri03lRlOmdiZleAZfzltBHQCo/s320/05_rect540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whirly Hanging Candleholder, <a href="http://www.cb2.com/candleholders-candles/accessories/whirly-hanging-candleholder/f2447">Cb2</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Images source: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com</div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-20991304346098924962011-11-01T11:21:00.000-04:002011-11-01T11:21:38.926-04:00Zombieland Halloween PartyDate: Saturday, October 29, 2011<br />
Location: Mississauga, ON<br />
Guests: Teenage Boys, 13-16<br />
Budget: $100<br />
Menu: Brains!<br />
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Almost all of the supplies and decorations for this party are from Dollarama, with a few exceptions that came from Party Packagers. The stuff from the Dollarstore is actually better! This theme is actually pretty easy to throw together. The "set" is real life with a gruesome twist. Set things up in unexpected places to surprise your guests. Play some creepy sound effects and music. Don't forget bugs, such as roaches and maggots to add realism. <br />
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This party is based on the movie "Zombieland", I used Columbus' rules as inspiration.Obviously, I didn't use all 32 rules, so pick and choose your favourites. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQquu9Ff9SJzIXcL7JfTrTngedIAkr-EmORq5uy2p-ZVeikbNfv1KUe-z___m3pgxSZPJVF4zvOoeLi0-MtB6iKpgrVPJm3lKQf2fQ-pop2ApdhraoAA2vCpjx_h40Rzcxjj8lXMpp3ag/s1600/DSCN0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQquu9Ff9SJzIXcL7JfTrTngedIAkr-EmORq5uy2p-ZVeikbNfv1KUe-z___m3pgxSZPJVF4zvOoeLi0-MtB6iKpgrVPJm3lKQf2fQ-pop2ApdhraoAA2vCpjx_h40Rzcxjj8lXMpp3ag/s400/DSCN0046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Front Yard</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwY_-0fYIq0TVFLo1p6qJ-r41PLPbP3dPNHbf70YxK-LyUY5uqf1Aoea9YC-ffnSG4Yos2WiJsLYbch3tPLHMqEaA705Hq89DfQF_-hpbUf9m9lGCsOm9dhue9sXUMDIQHhIBBrRm95U/s1600/DSCN0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwY_-0fYIq0TVFLo1p6qJ-r41PLPbP3dPNHbf70YxK-LyUY5uqf1Aoea9YC-ffnSG4Yos2WiJsLYbch3tPLHMqEaA705Hq89DfQF_-hpbUf9m9lGCsOm9dhue9sXUMDIQHhIBBrRm95U/s400/DSCN0044.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Front Door</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SXnqzF8QlUENEXCOqj879LMLu1FnDz-bHZf7gxKdFTlb7ceSl4rwrDpf0b2rhJp11DZ3Z-JlNlO6HfwB-MiSCThDW3TTrykpTguLV5ZJVTcjh8nQqp6X9ZfGdw85VWr95cdfRIxR9fM/s1600/DSCN0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SXnqzF8QlUENEXCOqj879LMLu1FnDz-bHZf7gxKdFTlb7ceSl4rwrDpf0b2rhJp11DZ3Z-JlNlO6HfwB-MiSCThDW3TTrykpTguLV5ZJVTcjh8nQqp6X9ZfGdw85VWr95cdfRIxR9fM/s400/DSCN0015.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7PAmcnEZr_hFma3v6QdO9c-FJngiwMBFhJAGRHXYe7GRNk_qg1tuhD4loNg6fMBUXz_6oSJcHyEyRPlObdQeVDi5Vz0Pvhi-7_v2JKkRqI5HdXWpSfPwV4ZUiBMIGULNoWvGxdaJ-pU/s400/DSCN0017.JPG" width="300" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Foyer </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4iE8vpdZWFlOI87O3AbyB6LoykmOzwKXIEjUQebkXD22nwZZSheHSb7g8_IFcbvYFih9RVOwQrB4lFZ4OBD0k39_FR1KSQxieIoOpZIj6jiZrlW9fR8TlXY5DVemu16crGsHaR5r9M/s1600/DSCN0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4iE8vpdZWFlOI87O3AbyB6LoykmOzwKXIEjUQebkXD22nwZZSheHSb7g8_IFcbvYFih9RVOwQrB4lFZ4OBD0k39_FR1KSQxieIoOpZIj6jiZrlW9fR8TlXY5DVemu16crGsHaR5r9M/s1600/DSCN0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4iE8vpdZWFlOI87O3AbyB6LoykmOzwKXIEjUQebkXD22nwZZSheHSb7g8_IFcbvYFih9RVOwQrB4lFZ4OBD0k39_FR1KSQxieIoOpZIj6jiZrlW9fR8TlXY5DVemu16crGsHaR5r9M/s400/DSCN0018.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4iE8vpdZWFlOI87O3AbyB6LoykmOzwKXIEjUQebkXD22nwZZSheHSb7g8_IFcbvYFih9RVOwQrB4lFZ4OBD0k39_FR1KSQxieIoOpZIj6jiZrlW9fR8TlXY5DVemu16crGsHaR5r9M/s1600/DSCN0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt_NDeexVyMlwz3OGHmXNpCZCPL_WWwkSyt6pJf7ixMZOSGEhMUBrhZn8oUZIUSlpYj_JQz9vkbYvAmRRz37p_ZHYR_Hu628VsaIRaFpFUEM7QX2Zh_If2Wqf2tEGMn_PW1HKAhMyi5o/s400/DSCN0021.JPG" width="400" /></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW8R5Z86GbkcwI3WHwFVrEr4nEl6iIHqgw1IZRqxmpyEkoEdqXRZYc9-1Q9I3EXlDdat2UldVtxcGRY8RWyHbgkMDzi-QFt16PcQ8gFPySICV_JSi2EWj8S_FQJsyHwJlILbdp3OG55c/s1600/DSCN0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW8R5Z86GbkcwI3WHwFVrEr4nEl6iIHqgw1IZRqxmpyEkoEdqXRZYc9-1Q9I3EXlDdat2UldVtxcGRY8RWyHbgkMDzi-QFt16PcQ8gFPySICV_JSi2EWj8S_FQJsyHwJlILbdp3OG55c/s400/DSCN0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNjPJl5DSsxk0o9SxMW1pbY-A-E6e6c5tBB4oTITSZWbsDgVCU3-vIGo9i30vnCRcm3wh7hYxA6J_es3PDb4tosGCvlSNe1eTn4evY5LrBgwZb4xdpecF4VqFniumDITgit_1mRkJJwA/s1600/DSCN0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNjPJl5DSsxk0o9SxMW1pbY-A-E6e6c5tBB4oTITSZWbsDgVCU3-vIGo9i30vnCRcm3wh7hYxA6J_es3PDb4tosGCvlSNe1eTn4evY5LrBgwZb4xdpecF4VqFniumDITgit_1mRkJJwA/s400/DSCN0031.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Patio Door</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERfNA7pGAy3SFD9ovktJprqBbu4rv1YECJLEtxdPIkoZjGGqp-4tHkWnOj6LISFJGAlJbtmd4aThEeRYyWlIaLVl7z-MnrRFyZ84Nx_voHTCPIM8F9JqSTC0mDjo-AYapwBmtdWoagZE/s320/DSCN0032.JPG" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJvV_KrBNUDfvo5lQSy3Z2i3xKIzOBE8LbQv4IT7p4nCk8hj30ODmU3Ss74fpTsK-fOtVE44gzsFa_UMZurIMXgCViE4RuObcBWNgx61sU5EIKIMb40gtSGrmjHyXyYx0PY7eSvEh6Hg/s1600/DSCN0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJvV_KrBNUDfvo5lQSy3Z2i3xKIzOBE8LbQv4IT7p4nCk8hj30ODmU3Ss74fpTsK-fOtVE44gzsFa_UMZurIMXgCViE4RuObcBWNgx61sU5EIKIMb40gtSGrmjHyXyYx0PY7eSvEh6Hg/s400/DSCN0024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A8TNnhezOK4mC1L2h6THBldWghA-TLTpQte_b1Z5YjKcxcd5PVThSdqQ48maP8EBLX6HclUX4AhdaL31Cufu2RdN7X0fLgaowlw5yc7-HTwXr-7jSqfIRjj9k7VCaAHjNm4a_9f6SCk/s400/DSCN0030.JPG" width="300" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Living Room Fireplace </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8PvyloZU4EUTFjXh2xDrs11CQ3kETPwuGcsu6bl3ymLY42bf_V-8QsoWs3EKMd92Eso-mxXuRF8liO5DCP5jwRd8JG9fe3Yq6fXmUaPNXSOvA-IgW0FWDew5PnvyF7xwOFI_B5u4HTY/s400/DSCN0038.JPG" width="300" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15ir0AqklSHVvB_DJa1a3Nwu_G0mksl2WSZb2HaCxtlvvZFhynriOo7u8cOrCtpOiAmNzJSmDpySYXzYm398XSy18JK0oyVVVulIGOkxQqQ2-00JLfZTn19CfBBUQxlS52fRUf9Nhly4/s1600/DSCN0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15ir0AqklSHVvB_DJa1a3Nwu_G0mksl2WSZb2HaCxtlvvZFhynriOo7u8cOrCtpOiAmNzJSmDpySYXzYm398XSy18JK0oyVVVulIGOkxQqQ2-00JLfZTn19CfBBUQxlS52fRUf9Nhly4/s400/DSCN0039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NTmKN7UJ45wpzEvtYRIGxemQAOvfFG8wKZv2JtJv2Grn9UyqrL-z7sqPC8ciklyln4ezoIsXaSkHSZE7Vxtl33htEm7lK7q4BJEhUFgoB4XXp9rjpayeheARHuRss4zRZRkEGoTwEAU/s400/DSCN0043.JPG" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The Powder Room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaamztHOA5-OY9tivt0LJLCQrT2s52_zpLOwshwskZbTbkSlcdESHyWRsIF2t1RJhQ_uhtMr1BRwnIU-E8bP4MfRUk7QXa1e4ymIKYI0SLw8yqf42PuAQhzaC_e0fLhUDkzFaVIfLep3o/s1600/DSCN0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaamztHOA5-OY9tivt0LJLCQrT2s52_zpLOwshwskZbTbkSlcdESHyWRsIF2t1RJhQ_uhtMr1BRwnIU-E8bP4MfRUk7QXa1e4ymIKYI0SLw8yqf42PuAQhzaC_e0fLhUDkzFaVIfLep3o/s400/DSCN0026.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beverages</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaK0ou8uYlCmePVcVuU8L7-cI4Ds4fW0XvhVaPyYi385YGfc0a5KykPhx9iJYhmFO1Z0EEUs4XDBTmmSFHI4d6y1GgSPau02fOGZU2jJA7soPfjqO7FVfKODRkr95aWf-i0Lfcr4jUGc/s400/DSCN0023.JPG" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Appetizers</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ45Cn5al2c3_T-PdhUI2i9xIa-TSHyVNP_mIe8r3PnGWMO0ijcaILlwufpZ4OOz6lqoTd5IuzHB0CvXRwjON5iLZz3m8nMQlf4lot_nEkpmV6uLCh-Zpm18BWoPI6mexHcFYX9V7VM0/s1600/bloddybrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ45Cn5al2c3_T-PdhUI2i9xIa-TSHyVNP_mIe8r3PnGWMO0ijcaILlwufpZ4OOz6lqoTd5IuzHB0CvXRwjON5iLZz3m8nMQlf4lot_nEkpmV6uLCh-Zpm18BWoPI6mexHcFYX9V7VM0/s320/bloddybrain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The Main Course </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wPkIeSGX4gJWiq9GyWwhd4a0ontZxt6rfO6KCb_djiD3lja7qjBqubJ5WeLFj45MOG6_z5s4wz4KNfvHQCjAhNaa0AzHD64qaQkaf5bXShdm2RKhqCV_n1U03KGk0Kn55a1DrjOrIbM/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dessert </div><br />
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I found a brain gelatin mold at Party Packages, and the recipe <a href="http://pumpkinnook.com/shop/brainjellomold.htm">here </a><br />
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I used peach gelatin powder, it results in the most realistic flesh colour. The blood is corn syrup and red food colouring.<br />
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Zombie hunters were served pizza, chips and other snacks. After all, tracking down the Walking Dead is hard work! </div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-88276214672790863972011-10-30T10:35:00.000-04:002011-10-30T10:35:17.036-04:00From the Archive: Clown Fish Pumpkin<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">This post is a re-post from last Halloween. I entered this Pumpkin into a carving contest. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It didn't win! Can you believe it? </div><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535044581326044882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeH5iCAy-UCvJbNBPV2Zf60LkDv5QtDd4Y00UU0s_JVl9_ZjIM8K7Z2msZ0z0aQJ8OksJvEIsolkYxS8LbE-qkvdOOKy8mPpx6PdsRthyphenhyphenx8y32XhSpGfWNdBNsJvANGoV0VvYvUYPYZM/s400/DSCN1913.JPG" style="height: 231px; width: 308px;" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From this... </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQF0VoAKM4ZXsljadLvWrkvRhyphenhyphenD6UDzLgYOttlzlX7Bdxv7RrRR70kClrV4iAAR7Dzjo2Emrnp_ChOmoD3Bhjf6sq6CElIsEJDUT97BB0o5mJcQ3KVgW5X-wmMHfzxhwtIBIsP3qwE-M/s1600/DSCN1924.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535046363443078162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQF0VoAKM4ZXsljadLvWrkvRhyphenhyphenD6UDzLgYOttlzlX7Bdxv7RrRR70kClrV4iAAR7Dzjo2Emrnp_ChOmoD3Bhjf6sq6CElIsEJDUT97BB0o5mJcQ3KVgW5X-wmMHfzxhwtIBIsP3qwE-M/s400/DSCN1924.JPG" style="height: 231px; width: 307px;" width="400" /></a><br />
To this!</div></div><br />
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Materials:<br />
<ul><li>pumpkin, preferably medium sized and fairly round</li>
<li>cereal boxes or other thin cardboard</li>
<li>bamboo skewers</li>
<li>craft glue</li>
<li>scotch tape</li>
<li>craft paint: orange, black and white</li>
<li>permanent black marker</li>
<li>dark and light blue tissue paper</li>
<li>white card stock or bristol board</li>
</ul>Step one:<br />
Wash and dry the pumpkin. Once it is thoroughly dry, figure out which side is the face. On the opposite side (the tail) draw a circle with black marker. Draw some stripes on each side. Draw two eyes and a mouth, The eyes look best oversized. Then draw a large circle around the entire face.<br />
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Step two:<br />
Fill in the black stripes with white paint. Fill in the eyes and the mouth. Two or three coats will be needed. One the eyes are dry, paint in the pupils.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535046360921604946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bYW9vOINfzcpxMWAav-YCvK4o2OmTxMqd_DSa1vY9yEcvYIFf8uynXzuYarHfASAgNQED5Im1MiENqzaJtGf9un8af13HGzyLJ1y7q_CBph4or1wdHmwGrBFIntcjKEz6H3eec7ljPQ/s400/DSCN1927.JPG" style="height: 240px; width: 320px;" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Close up shot of the face</div><br />
Step three:<br />
While the paint is drying, draw out the shapes for the two sides fins and the tail. I based the size of the fins on the size of the pumpkin. Took a bit of trial and error until I was happy with the shape of the fins.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8jHM4tvtDLWCZXuo9iDFhq9ce_B2vzPR2RjvbgvBXDTzdTveLaqqTHXoBlV_Yp3Fs220lBYMowgT5lZSaqGOb75ubi5aWQ0Xd5eVnNoWACJSvCTONo1AaipbsOLatUHyOuVD_aIM1OQ/s1600/DSCN1916.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535044598317110978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8jHM4tvtDLWCZXuo9iDFhq9ce_B2vzPR2RjvbgvBXDTzdTveLaqqTHXoBlV_Yp3Fs220lBYMowgT5lZSaqGOb75ubi5aWQ0Xd5eVnNoWACJSvCTONo1AaipbsOLatUHyOuVD_aIM1OQ/s320/DSCN1916.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><br />
Make two drawings of each piece (the fins will be double sided). Paint all the pieces orange. When the base layer is dry, outline with black and add black lines, shown in the pictures. You will need one dorsal fin (the top), two side fins, and a tail. In this picture I also made some extra front fins, but I didn't end up using them.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGrdA1ijFWog6Z6bzLFvhAUSvoPpczMoqW_yFwAlPG8GSMQBXkO7SmGz00kUbCrnhE9ItFotrQqEvbmuYoJW0k3YDxaK50t4ahi1CD8FEMZHqN1Bnam269WaN2khO2VqUY1h0Ttw8kYo/s1600/DSCN1917.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535044612258866098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGrdA1ijFWog6Z6bzLFvhAUSvoPpczMoqW_yFwAlPG8GSMQBXkO7SmGz00kUbCrnhE9ItFotrQqEvbmuYoJW0k3YDxaK50t4ahi1CD8FEMZHqN1Bnam269WaN2khO2VqUY1h0Ttw8kYo/s320/DSCN1917.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><br />
Flip one half of each fin over. Tape bamboo skewers to the plain side. I used three skewers for the tail, and two skewers for each fin. Add some glue and sandwhich the two halves together. Let dry. Some touch ups of the black lines may be needed. The hard part is over! Assembly is easy, just stick the skewers into the flesh of the pumpkin. Touch up any areas as needed.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLui8XIgXcZSfx7y0l3zyHBeaaZ_idSoVvvvIiqodH3PflFD_clmYWnpJg2WhJEHRnxVEtmBwW8Gtctsg1Pzo9Nq0pVaTYMk1NQwDReweAnQuYz0iZqWVucMegFhdUSvTJ0XpHT_yr44s/s1600/DSCN1925.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535046372111396274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLui8XIgXcZSfx7y0l3zyHBeaaZ_idSoVvvvIiqodH3PflFD_clmYWnpJg2WhJEHRnxVEtmBwW8Gtctsg1Pzo9Nq0pVaTYMk1NQwDReweAnQuYz0iZqWVucMegFhdUSvTJ0XpHT_yr44s/s320/DSCN1925.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Side View</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYRwvemhM0a3LC3fw0POihT99JBmEomn8rSoZj-Zkliojl3aqAAdSlRaK_-KUol-jAJ1JS6kZX4mZpdWKRG4QO5-oWj7RLVSPcwFVxcjkHgglnvmWDAofTHweazBh6HI6Lk2WTqKdSPc/s1600/DSCN1926.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535046384028967346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYRwvemhM0a3LC3fw0POihT99JBmEomn8rSoZj-Zkliojl3aqAAdSlRaK_-KUol-jAJ1JS6kZX4mZpdWKRG4QO5-oWj7RLVSPcwFVxcjkHgglnvmWDAofTHweazBh6HI6Lk2WTqKdSPc/s320/DSCN1926.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back View</div><br />
Optional:<br />
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To make the reef:<br />
I used a lazy susan as the base, and wrapped it with dark blue tissue paper. Next I freehand drew the shapes of the coral on white card stock. Then outlined the shapes in black marker and cut out carefully with small scissors. Next I taped the coral shapes to the base, leaving gaps for the tail and fins. Next I layered the dark and light blue tissue, alternating the colours to make a "bed". I set the pumpkin on top, and it was ready to go!Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-86993678219951603852011-10-30T10:34:00.000-04:002011-10-30T10:34:32.111-04:00Cinderella's Coach Pumpkin<div style="text-align: left;">This is an old project, from Halloween 2009-but I thought readers might be interested in another painted pumpkin project. My sister and I worked on this project together. For many hours. This was the first time either of us had decorated a pumpkin. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20WUnUlsMq4NDkelQ8JcXnRR-Pjt9JuCnlkIX68bk4H2Y8zXf2GNeaXbzx5FDgBAbIePLfiQ6q9VHKzo5K7cBqE4I-6nxTXT66t-PqC2YERvsu_fjT_uvR5um81lKbla_vVCU2lRjTis/s400/n588350297_4866936_9107.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Materials:</div><ul><li>Pumpkin</li>
<li>Knife to carve the pumpkin, spoon to clean out the inside</li>
<li>Pencil, pen, marker</li>
<li>Acrylic paint-light blue, silver</li>
<li>Paint brush</li>
<li>Glue gun and glue sticks</li>
<li>Toy horse</li>
<li>Satin ribbon ( I used white)</li>
<li>Doll or Figure ( I used a paper cut out)</li>
<li>Decorations </li>
<li>Candle or light (optional)</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Step 1: Select the pumpkin. It has to be the right shape and size, preferably well balanced. Unblemished, if possible.<br />
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Step 2: Cut a lid into the top of the pumpkin, and scoop out the insides, the same as you would for any jack-o-lantern. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qVeXHcYvDRQuCkssRhMzD-mD3eSeBTe4XEbfP1YeEvv3m__nnl5iLeFjAgtAbqQXTEbgyJ6d-ZdFvUOfjHN_DFw4-Dldq4C8fVH4GhL6p1SVIEKbxaoF4CwEQjcrJ3JCrlFqWaMK1I8/s400/n588350297_4866937_9407.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Step 3: Draw a door and windows as desired, and cut those out.<br />
This is up to you, be creative.<br />
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Step 4: Paint the entire pumpkin, multiple coats will probably be needed. Once the base coat is dry, you can add details such as the silver veining I added.<br />
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Step 5: Once the paint is dry, add any embellishments you desire. I added some white satin ribbon as trim around the door, scrapbooking frames serves and windows. Use hot glue. I also glued feathers around the inside of the lid, and a crystal knob for embellishment. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3flC7WO4edubOVUgHArF3cxcGy7P7_TsRL6ZQ-Ikz7Mfv_vopWiKPYGuQTvMTs6qGfxeBSgpBHIL7_PW_X70j7C7-DcMTnp27nIP3fBRQxTJDTrStJOyRhsDkmP_zvrLXfT9_JmsalY/s1600/n588350297_4866938_9635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3flC7WO4edubOVUgHArF3cxcGy7P7_TsRL6ZQ-Ikz7Mfv_vopWiKPYGuQTvMTs6qGfxeBSgpBHIL7_PW_X70j7C7-DcMTnp27nIP3fBRQxTJDTrStJOyRhsDkmP_zvrLXfT9_JmsalY/s400/n588350297_4866938_9635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Step 6: Assembly. This the hardest part. Unfortunately I don't have photos of the support structure. Basically I found two "spokes" plastic things that looked like spokes and wheels. Painted them silver, and added spokes with black marker. Then I added a "web" of crisscrossed ribbons and sat the pumpkin on top. Lastly, I attached the horse to the wheels with more ribbon. It's hard to explain, and by all means experiment to see what works. It was alot of trial and error to get it sit right. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20WUnUlsMq4NDkelQ8JcXnRR-Pjt9JuCnlkIX68bk4H2Y8zXf2GNeaXbzx5FDgBAbIePLfiQ6q9VHKzo5K7cBqE4I-6nxTXT66t-PqC2YERvsu_fjT_uvR5um81lKbla_vVCU2lRjTis/s400/n588350297_4866936_9107.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KnO6eRTdtkh6peSMo92Pm-66WVvikrUOhgkAeo8b1IAF8iK8DU11phbsKtfkcIWPGNRMJfAPwfHSHjSsDkARmgm07TT5StuV8-pdP8vl2BjI7DpAmQ-Ed0OtWlRqZ3olOsP4NJ5Hfis/s1600/n588350297_4866938_9635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly, I added a Cinderella paper doll to complete the effect. <br />
If desired, add a candle or light to illuminate the pumpkin.<br />
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Happy Carving! <br />
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</div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-83579480753798565602011-10-25T16:33:00.000-04:002011-10-25T16:33:27.836-04:00Re-post: DIY Pacman GarlandMake this awesome Pacman garland for Halloween. Love it in black, but I could also see it in colour. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDZlof7GhqtHkC1xlHKjMtas1uvNywdBB0fMOsiVHaipSYVc90gRA6MzI6fXOR95YXCUpzLbMf9_vjGnrMKNth5I3tylwSc2eGQusoYXZk4dKUsKS42M8amlqCurYAJmAAIRgTY_mQTs/s1600/halloween-garland-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDZlof7GhqtHkC1xlHKjMtas1uvNywdBB0fMOsiVHaipSYVc90gRA6MzI6fXOR95YXCUpzLbMf9_vjGnrMKNth5I3tylwSc2eGQusoYXZk4dKUsKS42M8amlqCurYAJmAAIRgTY_mQTs/s640/halloween-garland-1.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Image source: http://www.minieco.co.uk/pacman-halloween-garland/</div><br />
The template is free! For instructions and the template, click <a href="http://www.minieco.co.uk/pacman-halloween-garland/">here </a>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-86554966376701132512011-10-10T20:57:00.003-04:002011-10-10T21:03:03.033-04:00Paint Splatter Party UpdateI picked up the finished large splatter painting from the studio. Jennifer varnished it, which really brings out the colours. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_b5s7Ibi_c-k5npmaZ0bF79yXXbJRVUGNIVpdQ8xjss0g44uZcicByTajfbMDYSM9kpo7_z86SgumXzuM-rA5kj7p31qg8ffufth2hl2VQaFwWd53V2InrRjWkE_66jk6EMJfs_nJ_Dk/s400/blogger-image--149097557.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I installed it in the dining room, it looks great. A real conversation piece. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXhOFkFAMeuNymzWZbyNn5TU9kBnVJOW-JGI_9E3zbYfcKIOcH2HYyQwUtdb8m6BL7bVbd8qGryBVkd2BzP5TdRIWc7qnGxph7jOgyghv1bVFL44OlSR1lbuN5v3OcEgz2R7eUDuf_LA/s640/blogger-image-255050596.jpg" width="480" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-23523933530100280052011-10-07T16:39:00.002-04:002011-10-10T20:53:08.960-04:00Transformers 8th Birthday PartyDate: Sunday, October 2, 2011<br />
Location: Rinx, 65 Orfus Rd, North York, ON<br />
Guests: 12 children (ages 4-8), 10 adults<br />
Budget: less than $500<br />
Theme: Transformers<br />
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* Photos of actual guests are included in this post, but faces are not clearly visible.<br />
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Rinx is a huge entertainment complex featuring an ice rink, a roller rink, glow in the dark mini putt, 10 pin bowling, mini bowling, laser tag, and other games. Various party packages are available, at varying costs.<br />
The Silver party package includes: invitations, 2 activities, a party room, a party coordinator on site, pizza and pop and all plates, cups, napkins, etc, and a t-shirt for the birthday child.<br />
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Decorations:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLkDEZ8S5EABa4NjINNotOZ8HDhPb_jl-XIZP02i6mIkkOlsxYS4KerpndIGn3edp-aywgOdMkANQddAFRZCLg6nkBDe_UpYGde8H-Ffvb_y-Biq8aqs_EFM08MUlUrz6vXlgTPJqXAY/s400/DSCN3351.JPG" width="300" /></div><br />
To be honest, I found the party rooms at Rinx to be shabby, very worn down. There wasn't much that could be done to improve the decor quickly. When the staff said everything was included, I had expected them to provide tablecloths, which they did not. In retrospect, I should have brought some myself. Oh well, the kids didn't mind. I blew up some over sized balloons, and hung up a Transformer's poster of Bumblebee. When the birthday boy saw it, he asked if we were playing pin the tail on Bumblebee. I laughed, but then I thought, we could have played a version with the transformers logo. Oh well, file that idea away for next time.<br />
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Guest Favours:<br />
I created the lootbags by printing out a large Transformers logo and adhering it to the gift bags with double sided tape. I chose a red logo over a black, for a more colourful effect.<br />
They turned out really well, and the kids were impressed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhTP0pSrZ0CydmtktY_lW3Qx92o7kS8aGfJRLtXMkHR2p2nzZugCGlbim5MNMEXdEVA3vUEi9dPDpbIsXJepH3v-5It5SM50paBummlI3C7m2CF4jIfzn_AU6HkbGbmNz98JWFkJf04s/s1600/DSCN3353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhTP0pSrZ0CydmtktY_lW3Qx92o7kS8aGfJRLtXMkHR2p2nzZugCGlbim5MNMEXdEVA3vUEi9dPDpbIsXJepH3v-5It5SM50paBummlI3C7m2CF4jIfzn_AU6HkbGbmNz98JWFkJf04s/s320/DSCN3353.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHe6IDKT6QaWAhWlv-osBqTVQ-wdBcUyuvy13E3ztDH_U3wPBw0fDkX6EEIa48pDnvr7i8tKhMVicSbsrYODny_j2Qlgj9mCH-KoxtfWxvvoEG42Z0on0r_Ee_3Q4M90nu7hjyyCeSw4s/s1600/DSCN3352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHe6IDKT6QaWAhWlv-osBqTVQ-wdBcUyuvy13E3ztDH_U3wPBw0fDkX6EEIa48pDnvr7i8tKhMVicSbsrYODny_j2Qlgj9mCH-KoxtfWxvvoEG42Z0on0r_Ee_3Q4M90nu7hjyyCeSw4s/s320/DSCN3352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Inside the bags were various small items from the dollarstore, including a bouncy ball, glow in the dark bracelets (we wore them during bowling), a transformer's candy dispenser,stickers, and these really cool aliens. They are my favourite item. I actually had a hard time finding affordable Transformers items, so I stretched it a bit to include aliens, since Transformers really are a kind of alien. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLwrLVYsaCldOKaakAy0VZ0Z7S0CH61bPmv3JdnP7ArVBZtDwFE2AN64voPI42SD7FZdl_SN8vnvmx4ZOtfCQtZB2sXdWxC5bM73e9nepeaJH1tDKkmVXOm7pQ7xuhAIKw8g9W6vQo7I/s320/loot.JPG" width="240" /></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW4R-rilMtL90ZE0Hue6ROclwdgLq0-bYTpfAKbtefQtU2dL8DzcDKPvJfj7sbmLL1N9vZeB2W_CzgXV1sGr5S0shmLLDYV7EZ7g88hvWNhUVJ0vTZT2Jd3ba_UlIw_rfczQb5gMgdU8/s1600/aliens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW4R-rilMtL90ZE0Hue6ROclwdgLq0-bYTpfAKbtefQtU2dL8DzcDKPvJfj7sbmLL1N9vZeB2W_CzgXV1sGr5S0shmLLDYV7EZ7g88hvWNhUVJ0vTZT2Jd3ba_UlIw_rfczQb5gMgdU8/s320/aliens.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't these cool? Love the eyes.</div><br />
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Activities: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16ZT0-NhtaJgiErhVTUVxuoQHHUg2WnKsNFyrRZNr-UyYSRmYKWi6gYMrSUKxh6lc08k0-ruRCj0pW-Z9SeGyOw3BRmTL796eMkb9ZspWGh-QLg6jBxlD2GYefX5rWzQNbSuRDCzSTIg/s1600/DSCN3355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16ZT0-NhtaJgiErhVTUVxuoQHHUg2WnKsNFyrRZNr-UyYSRmYKWi6gYMrSUKxh6lc08k0-ruRCj0pW-Z9SeGyOw3BRmTL796eMkb9ZspWGh-QLg6jBxlD2GYefX5rWzQNbSuRDCzSTIg/s320/DSCN3355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The birthday boy chose Laser Tag, and I chose mini bowling after some discussion with party staff about appropriate activities for the ages of the guests.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60p84HgCrdpFixO20P-LM3PdrxZ2zWHBzgsyERFBUKmpZKLdDYuQ8Qd8gfcH-Lr7yHG4HO9PVkD-wJ28M_Rz280dFg7xceLezF-MJOexC7f3cTYXjXm9sDkeWE1qJ8ELbfULvIfq0zVo/s1600/DSCN3367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60p84HgCrdpFixO20P-LM3PdrxZ2zWHBzgsyERFBUKmpZKLdDYuQ8Qd8gfcH-Lr7yHG4HO9PVkD-wJ28M_Rz280dFg7xceLezF-MJOexC7f3cTYXjXm9sDkeWE1qJ8ELbfULvIfq0zVo/s320/DSCN3367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Since, everything is glow in the dark, the lighting conditions were not optimal for pictures.<br />
I have a few, but most are blurry streaks. <br />
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Laser Tag was the first activity of the afternoon, the on site staff helped the kids get into their vests, and explained how to play. This activity was a bit daunting for some, but most got right into the game. Two adults volunteered to play with the kids, and I stayed close by to keep an on things. A few children got scared, and wanted out. I entertained them with bubbles and balloons in the hallway. A few 6 years olds loved it, and some 8 olds were scared, so it really depends on the personality of the child, but I would say 8 would be the minimum age for this activity.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgR0bIkI19ifrwSWjIfns3xAZufbL50AuQkCRnVcA022lfGNXLT627DZ53kPdtjPvVfCoG8QRFWZRDOBp25msG3MfNhY3qKdQhQ5wL8N6WgNey_T5xyqux8p7KmaIxf8CH9F1WEQgxOA/s1600/DSCN3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgR0bIkI19ifrwSWjIfns3xAZufbL50AuQkCRnVcA022lfGNXLT627DZ53kPdtjPvVfCoG8QRFWZRDOBp25msG3MfNhY3qKdQhQ5wL8N6WgNey_T5xyqux8p7KmaIxf8CH9F1WEQgxOA/s320/DSCN3374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Mini Bowling turned out to be the highlight of the afternoon. We had the whole room to ourselves, the lanes are about half the size of 10 pin lanes, and the kids used a 5 pin sized ball. It was perfect for them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1t_DZXW-3DjoycRwEObi7ouxtl9YvAWhBnl1I6rqaD_X1r_qGoGjlvvTD_nbotXLJgqrhbu0lf6y_TUny0tHnhpdlwEhoC6cfYnbVl40vSvee9VEy8HsJ8h-dEfhBa445KLum8ZTe-Nc/s320/DSCN3383.JPG" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even the 4 year old could knock down the pins!</div><br />
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Now that the kids had really worked up an appetite, we headed back to the party room for lunch. Pizza and pop was included in the package. I also brought a fruit and a veggie tray, popcorn, chips and salsa, and cupcakes.<br />
The pizza was delicious, and is made in house at Rinx.<br />
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The Transformers cupcakes turned out great, and they tasted delicious. Two flavours, chocolate and vanilla, decorated with some of the well known characters. The cupcakes are from the <a href="http://www.thecupcakeshoppe.ca/">Cupcake Shop</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxquCzCL_q0xabU-TcE090maoT-JoQgCqLJ13VzJ71ArzIdnNs48p2erDpt6KJkuxQiojm5g9sMhLB1ZOuEAEpOwR7PVbTmrB5Jxe3I-Gp0N7w2yCCgtlSlZfvSG3Exl7rFKmRBSb7aK4/s1600/bumblebee+cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxquCzCL_q0xabU-TcE090maoT-JoQgCqLJ13VzJ71ArzIdnNs48p2erDpt6KJkuxQiojm5g9sMhLB1ZOuEAEpOwR7PVbTmrB5Jxe3I-Gp0N7w2yCCgtlSlZfvSG3Exl7rFKmRBSb7aK4/s320/bumblebee+cupcake.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Bumblebee</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9jTnWFqhHlAdASD_tAnx9PHtVakny1JDeyiJhJQq6sNe-4etmvBsGpX2XnP6Umgx2jMQYcXO9sl1UhKfC40cs02uNtGeN9zD0ZLcErUinllJ8nsGZR5YGBb7zvCPdFZFbACglau_mvM/s1600/optimuscupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9jTnWFqhHlAdASD_tAnx9PHtVakny1JDeyiJhJQq6sNe-4etmvBsGpX2XnP6Umgx2jMQYcXO9sl1UhKfC40cs02uNtGeN9zD0ZLcErUinllJ8nsGZR5YGBb7zvCPdFZFbACglau_mvM/s320/optimuscupcake.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Optimus Prime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, the kids really enjoyed themselves. One boy exclaimed "this is the best birthday party ever!"</div><div style="text-align: left;">And that's what it's all about at the end of the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-31960073656773942442011-10-03T16:17:00.004-04:002011-10-10T21:03:31.854-04:00Paint Splatter PartyDate: Saturday, September 24, 2011<br />
Location: 4 Cats Arts Studio, Oakville<br />
Guests: 20 adults <br />
Budget: >$500<br />
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*Actual photos of guests are included in this post, but faces are not clearly visible.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84RYAlWgFIb5vH3qmBzGyrm0Lq_GpSWLnvYM5VLd7KbMULrYanTRZ24Gc7JBQxQxI4QSH-xBYktNkJjUlqqbqdz7wD966a0PyDMF7SqqHahMlY_mcqJPsHTiCq9WyD-JYSEgnxhoDyNs/s400/DSCN3278.JPG" width="300" /></div><br />
For my 30th birthday, I wanted to do something unique and fun and I definitely found it with a Jackson Pollock inspired paint throwing extravaganza. No art experience is required, so everyone can enjoy this activity, plus guests can take their artwork home with them as a souvenir of the day. All art supplies are provided by 4Cats. Cake, drinks and snacks are allowed, don't forget to bring the plates and forks. <br />
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Adult party package includes: Two hours studio time, each guests works on their own 11x14 stretched canvas work of art and works together on one large 6x3 foot canvas for the host. The cost is about $25 per person. <br />
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I opted to have the canvas stretched, so I will always have a wonderful souvenir from my milestone birthday. Jennifer, the owner/curator of 4Cats was very helpful throughout the planning process. I emailed the studio a list of paint colours I pre-selected, which is a really great idea. This way, I made sure the large painting works with my decor at home. Jennifer made some suggestions as well, so if you are not sure what you want, the studio staff will help you through every step of the process. <br />
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Make sure your guests realize ahead of time they will get dirty, including feet! I brought everyone a plastic poncho and some bandannas to tie around their hair.<br />
I am glad I did, we really did get paint everywhere. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCru7YAEnz4Jw_JPoOnKTsa9T4uJ5a7tfaLRIWocdpHS0hjX1OKVj_c-H_3B_ZtfEVZ4wND2R3Kpvll8eOqkxuI43W7YAA4yj4ZfE-XAbwNdeicWdfq9JVWzvkmo4FD5dpnh4Vg6vWi0/s1600/Splatter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCru7YAEnz4Jw_JPoOnKTsa9T4uJ5a7tfaLRIWocdpHS0hjX1OKVj_c-H_3B_ZtfEVZ4wND2R3Kpvll8eOqkxuI43W7YAA4yj4ZfE-XAbwNdeicWdfq9JVWzvkmo4FD5dpnh4Vg6vWi0/s400/Splatter3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ponchos and Bandannas</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSAjBHpgEc4pyKBMgfrknlKfKgQO7lmYHSi_4V6krwwmjWBK77tBwKyAx5F3U-EL5gcMULzbYNY3BsZ4_m30k5rNdTpN4W1uO7MmXpg9r_w8vUlhNJTFgHPsm5MRSm7Ls8gpQLbnJUuA/s1600/DSCN3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSAjBHpgEc4pyKBMgfrknlKfKgQO7lmYHSi_4V6krwwmjWBK77tBwKyAx5F3U-EL5gcMULzbYNY3BsZ4_m30k5rNdTpN4W1uO7MmXpg9r_w8vUlhNJTFgHPsm5MRSm7Ls8gpQLbnJUuA/s400/DSCN3304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Painty Feet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The process: </div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 1: Guests applied a thin layer of watered down paint (also called a wash) in their choice of beige or blue as the background colour. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZxZ_JJUioYJJp9QVlv1s57ew4738dzuDsuBR58vOotdoqZCGNoL83wHsbV8K9jljtafImuMcA9ayj9H1DwqriNBY7s0AftLpkIrAjRxHpaXAOz25GM3c0D1Y8yrZv5q7-r-DnolTets/s1600/DSCN3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZxZ_JJUioYJJp9QVlv1s57ew4738dzuDsuBR58vOotdoqZCGNoL83wHsbV8K9jljtafImuMcA9ayj9H1DwqriNBY7s0AftLpkIrAjRxHpaXAOz25GM3c0D1Y8yrZv5q7-r-DnolTets/s400/DSCN3286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Step 2: Each guest chose 4 paint colours from a selection of options to fill their palettes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeuX3h5gyqBmAfNjE1mYs4rexin03H5W00bNwvkh9KJCnLTt2YqvbNQHufBiSWzn-Zpw8sSOkEmoZoQqe7L4LtS2LqYUnKDBHZnPwnuzWaT_j5jtP1TMIXGIqfuN_gwWDqIJgEkTe4nc/s1600/Splatter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeuX3h5gyqBmAfNjE1mYs4rexin03H5W00bNwvkh9KJCnLTt2YqvbNQHufBiSWzn-Zpw8sSOkEmoZoQqe7L4LtS2LqYUnKDBHZnPwnuzWaT_j5jtP1TMIXGIqfuN_gwWDqIJgEkTe4nc/s400/Splatter1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</a></div>Step 3: Working with the lightest colour first, we let loose flinging the paint! Some much fun. At first I could tell everyone was hesitant but they soon got into the groove. I discovered my good friend has quite the talent for this technique, his looked amazing! I got him to do some for me.The trick is knowing when to stop. If you load it up too much, it looks messy and the colours can go muddy. The staff walked around and offered advice and suggestions. <br />
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The results:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIeYGUwG8vGM4NjeHhP0gBz1DU2hYKfugmyLY6PVuNIxBhcBunEnBxttxeeuLj2jeUNx3xhmx2_7cJ6t8WklyRpLkPCN1IuJgvCS7O-hdRKjxmGXALcHU9jind6pm2YjAup_nRTcMo8I/s400/DSCN3312.JPG" width="400" /> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIeYGUwG8vGM4NjeHhP0gBz1DU2hYKfugmyLY6PVuNIxBhcBunEnBxttxeeuLj2jeUNx3xhmx2_7cJ6t8WklyRpLkPCN1IuJgvCS7O-hdRKjxmGXALcHU9jind6pm2YjAup_nRTcMo8I/s400/DSCN3312.JPG" width="400" /> </div><br />
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Don't they look amazing? I love how even though we used the same colours, they are all so unique. They look even better when dry, I love the randomness and how in some areas the colours melded in interesting ways.I am so proud of my family and friends for really getting into the artistic zone. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3je2cnMJHxUMbyoKskL4b8LhBt2O3tYVebp3XjiRHbMDOkw1lY7whlV-wc6FeLL0Ztasn6nLLv9yk2sgicaTyqfVEm4kWKUSvjWo1IQSirtESdcFNuSEpb2GE5fidjZLye7k8oYX3d8/s400/DSCN3314.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This one is mine. </div><br />
Next, the large painting:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D9pSulwi6fDL3nG_-1a8eKm9amnEHCUKpSGaERe1qH7lPLHmwMaDOdimaT2_RpZpvQOwcJfe2J1H3QmvKU_BBMfz0jL3iQWwJchNJhid3qsVU04-ShC2FYWF_eEGuO5DV9fY0WyjH8g/s1600/DSCN3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D9pSulwi6fDL3nG_-1a8eKm9amnEHCUKpSGaERe1qH7lPLHmwMaDOdimaT2_RpZpvQOwcJfe2J1H3QmvKU_BBMfz0jL3iQWwJchNJhid3qsVU04-ShC2FYWF_eEGuO5DV9fY0WyjH8g/s400/DSCN3293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Step 1: Using the leftover paint in our palettes, we flung paint from brushes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiVG08gOJWlN1dA-FIC5IVrIhYb-e77VEmLjQ0-dYtzNYLsSm1AuRfv3hBkilWbhN8oikRjOhxEIc8O4nm7tG4H34DgfapofsxzHMiTvA3HgruoSfgNo4LDlBgUzLuo4eY60AcvHUEiI/s1600/DSCN3298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiVG08gOJWlN1dA-FIC5IVrIhYb-e77VEmLjQ0-dYtzNYLsSm1AuRfv3hBkilWbhN8oikRjOhxEIc8O4nm7tG4H34DgfapofsxzHMiTvA3HgruoSfgNo4LDlBgUzLuo4eY60AcvHUEiI/s400/DSCN3298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Step 2: Syringes. Using slightly different colours, we loaded up syringes with paint and squirted lines. This is where we got messy! <br />
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Step 3: Paint Balloons. Like water balloons, but filled with paint instead of water.We held them out over the canvas and then squeezed! <br />
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Step 4: The Monday after the party, I returned to the studio to view the now dry canvas. It turned out really nice! Jennifer and I discussed how it should be stretched, there was enough canvas that I could manipulate it a little bit. We discussed the best layout, and once the decision was made, Jennifer marked the canvas. Stretching and varnishing takes about a week, so I will update this post once I have the finished painting at home. I think I know where to hang it, I will upload pictures once it's in place.<br />
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I cannot say enough about how fun this party was, and how great the staff at 4Cats Art Studio are. Other themes are available; such as Andy Warhol, Georgie O'Keefe, Monet, Van Gogh, so be sure to check out the other options.<br />
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For more information, check out their website, <a href="http://www.4cats.com/parties">http://www.4cats.com/parties</a><br />
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Happy painting!<br />
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</a></div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-11432320274825148802011-09-12T17:18:00.000-04:002011-09-12T17:18:22.468-04:00Fall Texture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I've been watching alot of episodes of Sarah Richardson's shows on HGTV lately, and one thing that really stood out for me was all the different textures and patterns she uses in her designs. In one episode she mentions that she often uses 14 different textures, patterns and fabrics in one room. 14! I looked around my house, to see how many I have, and the answer is very few. Fall is the perfect time to add layers of plush fabrics and natural textures around the house, so I set out to see how I can add a bit of autumn to my living space easily and frugally.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8iSOqOy14kwuD6BC0g3MDZt3LkTXOfayIx1OsS5e704howXoUNnHFI_6p7_OWztzb_P0gS63owTsdeBXNFtlY_JjFaV5dIh9an8izP1LPc_lr3sTA-eDDw6zdDiqrLpRx4gJtGIjjLY/s400/DSCN3267.JPG" width="400" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I picked up two bags of textured balls from the dollarstore. There's about five balls of different sizes for $2 per bag. Which works out to about 40 cents each. I couldn't decide which I liked better, so I got both. Why not? Next, I scrounged up a bowl and a vase and tried out some different arrangements to see what I liked best. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xgVvhSChRLvf0f5XzfEPMLdmLU5S3tkNrgRde6ld-TpAti5hFwH4UNOFZz4TQJWPOPOC1f0Q3kMt2MQgcJ3f0-foHxMhA2wLtRBau7_dHBm50lfTYvQm9-z_mslQwtuLejrxg2yIk-w/s400/DSCN3273.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This bowl looks like teak, but it's actually plastic! That make it very washable and durable. I've had it for years, I found it in a thrift store for $1. I piled the textured balls inside the bowl casually. Not bad, but the individual balls get lost in the heap. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXn-5aSylpMRE6MM3lsVS_CXoa8moTh9ZoiHlw09vtaYo3eSY-YF8gGBR1I8_tZ3Td8Cd4Y1KGXWU0w0IAkDPNXrOlmYUNtCYlV_1tfyFqms2hLWqnC0fD5NsSiwE6u73dD1IupHD0Ig/s400/DSCN3268.JPG" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, I grabbed a vase that has been collecting dust, and spent some time figuring out the best look. Since the vase is narrow at the base, with a fluted top, it works best with smaller balls in the bottom, one larger one in the middle, and then some more small ones on top. Much better than the bowl, since the glass is translucent, all the balls are visible. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqybYcDYlbThS4-aCdNunAG2k61VuI1Pntsk4QXCTAdNsxEziQZqZNLGp9IyKYooDApPLly0jC88jAk1ahnUfTaat9EIJ8QMxD9kycvgIwGG61z6E0BofqqfoxbFF9dCjbVSw3VlFCDjc/s400/DSCN3272.JPG" width="300" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One a recent trip to Ikea I picked up two faux sheep skin rugs, for $9.99 each. Bonus-they are machine washable. They're meant for floor coverings, and have non-skid nubs on the back, but so far I prefer them as throws. They are lovely and plush. I bought two, as I anticipated the cat would bogart one, which is of course exactly what happened. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFZLfqHtzvLUchNKKFWnyZfjpFtvmtl03gbnDnXNt8H2vSTy9Lez9TTw8s0HnLc_ZGRaCMvnkCIzsPm8qVuQPUlakC2j8zsI5CtcRYXJO7NxjTJCMV9JSONUloRaD7uDxKQumYmwZT9g/s400/DSCN3265.JPG" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5anXshpUzCLxD5snpfkWzyrMJ2HURtJBbxNRNFFAb_RFEDCIxw0wHyYXthe1Qey0TzPL36Xwu2qHtyRmyO-jid2F_QtbW6EhKBKWp0z50liOGcmJSRoPOdnNiP3fLMWYyf1sBHK4A7k/s400/DSCN3276.JPG" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Also at Ikea, I added an apple scented candle to my cart, to add a layer of scent to my autumn mini makeover.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGJ6HcGgLbHgO-_WAzOX4QMfpyYo4eylnrAp74pQ8Fhcv9qGaJs3i9KhGefA36LEgN0H8ShZ2mIv07qlQRtOycg31zAv2eEIlRBUryM-dAX3OP3bEbh9J3Xi4TSH-gvuCO6qzLvJhh9o/s400/DSCN3274.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XWX2eSBi49jYfgFAYtPgBpC4Jjt963Ha4-1nKi_H6gqCY8L-T7iXyps3EBkPUDqQeUX-ZpKUjo5cBNgJBK9WKIosDl8_nNuyatbH-aiGXh3PZJqMyVQGmsejrb6D0Fb1G1LI-mnu2jM/s400/DSCN3277.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Accessories are the easiest way to change up the look of a space without commitment, and for little money. These little shelves above my couch are great. I got them at Canadian Tire, for $20 for the set of three. I can rotate items around whenever I like to change the look. Candles, a handmade wooden box, and some other small accessories add personality and dimension. The grey sculpture in the middle was only 50 cents on clearance! </div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-85288654223120203142011-09-02T15:31:00.000-04:002011-09-02T15:31:12.935-04:00Corporate BBQ-African Lion SafariDate: Sunday, August 28, 2011<br />
Location: African Lion Safari, Flamborough, ON<br />
Guests: 40, mix of children, teenagers and adults<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGfv3YvzXP9F27pvJnyUux58EehH21TGyU5d6F2b3TduFgfth9WLxrVJAOM5oJCqP1Zc_xtI0LuAaAiZ6Z1veHmjEdFlDohqLqYUjTN7JrYWbaZ1MB1qgUzBiCipa4wv447-Vy253RcE/s1600/DSCN3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>*Photos of actual guests are included in this post, but faces are not clearly visible<br />
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African Lion Safari Corporate package includes:<br />
<ul><li>Admission to the park and all park amenities</li>
<li>Mascot character</li>
<li>Reserved Picnic Site (Peacock Pavilion)</li>
<li>Animal encounter (Cheetah)</li>
<li>Elephant Tug of War</li>
<li>BBQ Lunch</li>
<li>Souvenir Buckets for children </li>
<li>Promotional Materials-posters, brochures, tickets to distribute to guests </li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Menu:</div><ul><li>cheeseburgers/hamburgers </li>
<li>hot dogs </li>
<li>veggie burgers </li>
<li>all the usual toppings </li>
<li>potato salad </li>
<li>coleslaw </li>
<li>beverages </li>
<li>freezies (not included, I brought those)</li>
</ul><ul></ul>African Lion Safari was a fantastic place to host a corporate staff bbq. All company staff and their families were invited. Safari staff were fantastic and easy to work with. Major highlights of the day were the elephant tug of war and the animal encounter with the cheetah. Sadly, many guests were late, and missed out! Safari staff are defiantly prompt, down to the very minute. After the scheduled activities concluded, guests (including myself) were able to venture out on their own to enjoy all the activities the park has to offer, and there are plenty! Lots to see and do. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGfv3YvzXP9F27pvJnyUux58EehH21TGyU5d6F2b3TduFgfth9WLxrVJAOM5oJCqP1Zc_xtI0LuAaAiZ6Z1veHmjEdFlDohqLqYUjTN7JrYWbaZ1MB1qgUzBiCipa4wv447-Vy253RcE/s1600/DSCN3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGfv3YvzXP9F27pvJnyUux58EehH21TGyU5d6F2b3TduFgfth9WLxrVJAOM5oJCqP1Zc_xtI0LuAaAiZ6Z1veHmjEdFlDohqLqYUjTN7JrYWbaZ1MB1qgUzBiCipa4wv447-Vy253RcE/s400/DSCN3165.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Private Pavilion</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlUKzNpmQW9_hTBsHrScpmh47v6ToWbTpoJLzglnQzfdF8NHs-EAimcFpLVWDD1bz2KgZ2Z94jNnmhCAaWu35EkxN6Li2NKmRLSuyyD0vHQytMq99yMw_VdOOy0rRMzRbZeQSwnVqLCw/s1600/DSCN3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlUKzNpmQW9_hTBsHrScpmh47v6ToWbTpoJLzglnQzfdF8NHs-EAimcFpLVWDD1bz2KgZ2Z94jNnmhCAaWu35EkxN6Li2NKmRLSuyyD0vHQytMq99yMw_VdOOy0rRMzRbZeQSwnVqLCw/s400/DSCN3152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lining up for Lunch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdc0peZUZnSG7p1sVXvo0oHvclAZByOzMff4SrooASHT04egwZLy1SIDllCArECKA96EoOq-tI6-2muouVqoTkjMMHm5pkMKPBotiobGy188rkH-538VB2P3kNLV11Geo3Rr1q689N1E/s400/DSCN3163.JPG" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Palm Tree</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Decorations:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found inflatable palm trees and animals at the dollarstore. The palm trees have a compartment at the bottom to fill with sand, making them stand up on their own. It was very windy, so I lashed them to the picnic tables with fishing line. Worked pretty well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Animals were monkeys, parrots and flamingos. I strung them up from the rafters of the pavilion, but I forgot to take pictures of them in situ! Children each took one home for a souvenir. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3M_kXI1iyyJ6Lsyl8j26yC7FJF2vTCo2Qxv1FM2bih8fX7Fb2Rd8LDTtIe1Doz6jMfB98dPacUP8MHFDil0TW_oxjlTr3-g85DwE9_TdZNOzZ0DIurTZCbr_ypMXjqCdhCUm5F8MX_U/s1600/DSCN3254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3M_kXI1iyyJ6Lsyl8j26yC7FJF2vTCo2Qxv1FM2bih8fX7Fb2Rd8LDTtIe1Doz6jMfB98dPacUP8MHFDil0TW_oxjlTr3-g85DwE9_TdZNOzZ0DIurTZCbr_ypMXjqCdhCUm5F8MX_U/s400/DSCN3254.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Parrot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8eK3SlYWEhcsSN-NGuYX3c7u2-M2RJvLPPeQe8JqeFnOVwhBJvIGX0kIc0JYYP3khCegLwuXkfI5p4MV5zHB3IhpSRWukYjwcAGEKidb6wtG7dGMadtyIB1Eg7qpZ0-YjXU3uh3M500/s1600/5c40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8eK3SlYWEhcsSN-NGuYX3c7u2-M2RJvLPPeQe8JqeFnOVwhBJvIGX0kIc0JYYP3khCegLwuXkfI5p4MV5zHB3IhpSRWukYjwcAGEKidb6wtG7dGMadtyIB1Eg7qpZ0-YjXU3uh3M500/s320/5c40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This is the best picture I have, not the greatest, but you get the idea. The monkeys were the best, in my opinion. Once inflated, they are able to stand on their own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not bad for $1.25 a piece. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lootbags:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgHlm0ViUyNORJsvk-POsTRYvKlWsq8OPOCOv-ZreBLN_tZnPmBqgUrVCC4TFkGwtQ0lWOjSzBaqLUpzQ_qR-fJVo-wrodIZ2kur1kNFPUXsW7S66tNwR5tK11PzPbEHw48IBbS0wB6E/s1600/DSCN3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgHlm0ViUyNORJsvk-POsTRYvKlWsq8OPOCOv-ZreBLN_tZnPmBqgUrVCC4TFkGwtQ0lWOjSzBaqLUpzQ_qR-fJVo-wrodIZ2kur1kNFPUXsW7S66tNwR5tK11PzPbEHw48IBbS0wB6E/s320/DSCN3153.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">African Lion Safari commemorative buckets and animal cookies are included in the corporate package.I added a little something I found at the dollarstore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little tote bag to colour, with a jungle/safari theme. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlBslLcPbfGQpbp6UOI26TTPtN4jjr08b-9jzGqr4P1NrKt3fhetUfbT_F4ymxXXlRMBzPP2GJnZeTsqfFgmJQpWJWqR_ORRpCwksv3kI1ftGr6kCMW6hz4AOfh-RBRPlLVZS33MDE1k/s400/DSCN3109.JPG" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNNOeM8qyTP-lbyQsJtkmLZ_hp1frSWkY6KO9jA7fVtYsZ980RKiU7VfhO28eJoKwJxLnOipWjQE5hX-7fXc4Vx2EOE5_EGQ5-KxcRJ9iCWaAdB7mxZC4qjO2Vrfv4gzT_D4AkPA4wLw/s1600/DSCN3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNNOeM8qyTP-lbyQsJtkmLZ_hp1frSWkY6KO9jA7fVtYsZ980RKiU7VfhO28eJoKwJxLnOipWjQE5hX-7fXc4Vx2EOE5_EGQ5-KxcRJ9iCWaAdB7mxZC4qjO2Vrfv4gzT_D4AkPA4wLw/s320/DSCN3108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I coloured this one as a test, before the event. Looks pretty good, I think! The bags could be used as a lunch bag, but I also thought they might come in handy as a first aid kit, a travel sized bag to hold snacks and small toys to keep kids occupied in the car or on the go. The tote bags are small enough to fit inside a purse or diaper bag. The only thing that slightly bothered me, if you use the included markers, the bag will not be washable. Something to keep in mind. I would use fabric markers, and wash it separately to avoid running.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Activities:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The corporate package through African Lion Safari includes unique animal encounters, a tug of war with an elephant, and a personal visit with an animal and trainer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elephant Tug of War: Safari staff brought over an elephant to the private area, and directed the guests into formation. Maggie the Elephant wore a harness attached to a rope. All the guests lined up along the rope, and when directed, tried to pull the rope away from the elephant. As you can imagine, Maggie won. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNO09fOnv2QR7S6AMtE1Lc5zkP7OwT1cEWdJTs2GY_lutGjDJYIDWQdtFSzJT_SycDoutyhvJBn4mLb8KKybVxCmL8OwCYSUXvooHEfo-dC8AG1ZRwnud_sMK57tDYxTKouDUEimsv_fI/s400/DSCN3118.JPG" width="300" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Maggie the Elephant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnicb1pb6IJK54AxEqnuLDzkL-oW4ju3WxniNNaVu_gL8hIR97FsCi1EUv7EXXT89r7L2zYWFfajzOwOgOdPgD6I33cXUGjxxxk_TlIRf8snGqAyVrxP_Mq60Zul-UuWrbaKzwWiBmyQ/s1600/IMGP7545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnicb1pb6IJK54AxEqnuLDzkL-oW4ju3WxniNNaVu_gL8hIR97FsCi1EUv7EXXT89r7L2zYWFfajzOwOgOdPgD6I33cXUGjxxxk_TlIRf8snGqAyVrxP_Mq60Zul-UuWrbaKzwWiBmyQ/s400/IMGP7545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tug of War</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheetah visit:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the thrill of meeting Maggie, guests were visited by Raj the Cheetah and his trainer. It was so wonderful to see such a gorgeous cheetah up close and personal. The trainer provided lots of educational information, and was open to questions about cheetahs, Raj, or the park in general. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRI0sWvdvyFK6eH5NF3TAlDGeMk5x5f5-NaQcdXfzYfktW8s2EA-fAj-eSQvfKodqvLwfiWBmlLj63Uwn1JgHnZAIfdDQ098yk5zPD6vlOR1nuEgiJKQElrKtM3k1vea-t50jhXm-Cvs/s1600/DSCN3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRI0sWvdvyFK6eH5NF3TAlDGeMk5x5f5-NaQcdXfzYfktW8s2EA-fAj-eSQvfKodqvLwfiWBmlLj63Uwn1JgHnZAIfdDQ098yk5zPD6vlOR1nuEgiJKQElrKtM3k1vea-t50jhXm-Cvs/s400/DSCN3124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn0vENdbDScq96At1BB8ssdpjhpHnmEmIyBPOBF7V064TYOUQoSEkBXmeIA4Q3pfN5MOid5bropoEn1jPvrAuoFI9M-B1Gmkr2A8ZGUNd9GCg0QXx2JduTxVV32EFsKbnscxMd2QrHq8/s400/DSCN3145.JPG" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheetah and Trainer</div>Mascot:<br />
African Lion Safari mascot Dandylion stopped by to say hello.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kjyaEGd_GPAXUA_P5WLtx4yE_eH4Y4v7wp7l91iWwGN3kwVoTIx3K5cX6ZZxawT1J3kWENL8ktC3Agr-2u8tta9xLNPq01x2H54VjWV717_mTsiBG1NChuUoYS959CQtbtsMpBjntFM/s400/DSCN3150.JPG" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUHxpig77Fz9LNIyBMAAXmI93sKZNmjHLkytC4cJpBgNJ-DFO3oewLboLluR1Ndmx3mJg-wibyXSV7B3ccqvF1omJs9h5qma-o0eT6xLIiVpzLfUnvN4m7DWZ1Ouy-tZgiEF9WxjtQhU/s1600/5122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUHxpig77Fz9LNIyBMAAXmI93sKZNmjHLkytC4cJpBgNJ-DFO3oewLboLluR1Ndmx3mJg-wibyXSV7B3ccqvF1omJs9h5qma-o0eT6xLIiVpzLfUnvN4m7DWZ1Ouy-tZgiEF9WxjtQhU/s1600/5122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUHxpig77Fz9LNIyBMAAXmI93sKZNmjHLkytC4cJpBgNJ-DFO3oewLboLluR1Ndmx3mJg-wibyXSV7B3ccqvF1omJs9h5qma-o0eT6xLIiVpzLfUnvN4m7DWZ1Ouy-tZgiEF9WxjtQhU/s1600/5122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUHxpig77Fz9LNIyBMAAXmI93sKZNmjHLkytC4cJpBgNJ-DFO3oewLboLluR1Ndmx3mJg-wibyXSV7B3ccqvF1omJs9h5qma-o0eT6xLIiVpzLfUnvN4m7DWZ1Ouy-tZgiEF9WxjtQhU/s400/5122.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't resist taking a photo with Dandylion</div><br />
After the BBQ lunch, guests were free to enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the park on their own time. I quickly cleaned up, so I could enjoy the park myself. I stopped by the Birds of Prey show at the little amplitheater, and took a drive through the Game Reserve to see the animals. Here are a few of the best shots:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI0qF6JJE_CsJzAKXvfJ9_n6xofCQ-VnolLOiE2267amoGi27MbE_Z35kvnYgPc5m2SnQFTLC6jnY0nu-jasuJIdiB1vHud7K25yQECdl0-RfldQQFIHskDyv98iMRhBP-8qatG1mz7w/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusM_Mm7vNzq0NaUNMhdoBrXoi_KMnbztbqrJkDQeGURRqu6ygPLIM8wNYz1ENyn5tvubu2ZBzgHa06cqhpU9rsC6NI4xQfLsKorSyzGk5NegjFgr-XQKdh8wvRrHaPdpJX4WC2cLxrEc/s400/069.JPG" width="298" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Male Fallow Deer </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI0qF6JJE_CsJzAKXvfJ9_n6xofCQ-VnolLOiE2267amoGi27MbE_Z35kvnYgPc5m2SnQFTLC6jnY0nu-jasuJIdiB1vHud7K25yQECdl0-RfldQQFIHskDyv98iMRhBP-8qatG1mz7w/s400/080.JPG" width="298" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Female Fallow Deer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0msMciC0P2vVhwQ9kjDGieoNTLx-8-clC-au458JWZsijzGo19RXqh0MkDnPvIFd1nTajDvIUl-fgVGx5mM-6McL6_ZIv_pQ9hgInWP7b8glJM0nEf8Wj3VOMOY5cCAF876mvXSl9LM/s400/034.JPG" width="298" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Addax (Antelope)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCBRfG3vVLylUHAsg_t2Yu3hikk3KmXPDm9UtmRmn0Oobqw9ogO-I2cHugcVOv4eamdCeRTuA27J2rQS0949A5u244OZfVfHhXRwdyWjkf-fvgLElnbL8sLLWWX6nZ0rUoBXxhpLPMAU/s1600/DSCN3225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCBRfG3vVLylUHAsg_t2Yu3hikk3KmXPDm9UtmRmn0Oobqw9ogO-I2cHugcVOv4eamdCeRTuA27J2rQS0949A5u244OZfVfHhXRwdyWjkf-fvgLElnbL8sLLWWX6nZ0rUoBXxhpLPMAU/s320/DSCN3225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ostrich</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCdN9V4xLzmqH0PH79iWMMqODsSyxLBz3KwlXE7ku9cZQRLcAY2D27mmhLNeZiW2S-38J5WgJDY0e_VpMA7d7ZpAIJsOWTi16WIbl-lsQ1QYuDYakM4guoa4qxvB976xvzgXRSbMhaUg/s1600/DSCN3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCdN9V4xLzmqH0PH79iWMMqODsSyxLBz3KwlXE7ku9cZQRLcAY2D27mmhLNeZiW2S-38J5WgJDY0e_VpMA7d7ZpAIJsOWTi16WIbl-lsQ1QYuDYakM4guoa4qxvB976xvzgXRSbMhaUg/s320/DSCN3214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lions</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEuPYkPzPxEVlsc0dHCUyFXjqx8oyBjghNs9W2sKu7SnTjJUI0g9sT92UZynF1qIgl4d7GNe8rLu0yHDLF1XeU2m3baMXtI2N-2CHs5dRdziOKEgTA1UuYgyZLV6w_8N0V-ip6YCZumU/s1600/DSCN3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEuPYkPzPxEVlsc0dHCUyFXjqx8oyBjghNs9W2sKu7SnTjJUI0g9sT92UZynF1qIgl4d7GNe8rLu0yHDLF1XeU2m3baMXtI2N-2CHs5dRdziOKEgTA1UuYgyZLV6w_8N0V-ip6YCZumU/s320/DSCN3237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zebra</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRI0sWvdvyFK6eH5NF3TAlDGeMk5x5f5-NaQcdXfzYfktW8s2EA-fAj-eSQvfKodqvLwfiWBmlLj63Uwn1JgHnZAIfdDQ098yk5zPD6vlOR1nuEgiJKQElrKtM3k1vea-t50jhXm-Cvs/s1600/DSCN3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I received many compliments and great feedback about the event, both in person and via email. See my testimonials page for more details.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone enjoyed themselves, and were able to take in the great attractions, such as elephant rides, water park, petting zoo, boat rides, train rides, and Safari tour. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">For more information about African Lion Safari and to plan your own visit, go to <a href="http://www.lionsafari.com/">http://www.lionsafari.com</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRI0sWvdvyFK6eH5NF3TAlDGeMk5x5f5-NaQcdXfzYfktW8s2EA-fAj-eSQvfKodqvLwfiWBmlLj63Uwn1JgHnZAIfdDQ098yk5zPD6vlOR1nuEgiJKQElrKtM3k1vea-t50jhXm-Cvs/s1600/DSCN3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-83297662226172317562011-09-02T15:27:00.001-04:002011-09-06T12:00:11.107-04:00Update: Certificate in Advertising Complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI-74d70vKgAoMVdwi1__jkUilSWvVcJKtDb46Nhl3pwVdG2Ej-HMY3XGtmYlmhZFVFTvCXydkpAa5syXBXN2tGaKIB3QogEvGZfm7aKqYvY4tzFq5LpWQECenF9_-_Wvdyh-Q8VrXnU/s400/DSCN3257.JPG" width="400" /></div><br />
My certificate came in the mail today! Hooray!Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-39977492125198281282011-08-05T15:51:00.000-04:002011-08-05T15:51:58.322-04:00Ice Cream Social<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLNsIz6hdbQt2o13YDTIytg0eVLPpFBA-E-McOO2KMnjPduhaCclXoKezc2U1nwGiwgTMOgoQ5GBs3QEcNDAG06WlI2OOxYYPt86z6V2Auh48BSXSxtDVTAxc2Odf_qBRo9jYEW2gc7E/s400/vintage-ice-cream-maker.jpg" width="390" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Image source: http://icecreamjournal.turkeyhill.com/index.php/2007/06/28/old-school-ice-cream/</span></div><br />
Even though the Back to School signs are everywhere, summer is not over yet. For me, it feels like it's just begun. My online classes are finished, it feels like I've spent all sumer indoors working or studying. I haven't even gone swimming! The point is, I've been thinking about classic summer activites and that brought me to the Ice Cream Social. When I was a kid, we had an old fashioned crank handled ice cream maker. It took hours, but you can't beat the taste of fresh ice cream. I have never found something that can compare. Even if you can't make ice cream from scratch, there is no reason you can't throw an ice cream party. What fun! It doesn't need to be a birthday, traditionally Ice Cream Socials were neighbourhood gatherings, so feel free to throw one just because. It's a great potluck idea, have guests bring their favourite flavours or toppings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55MYljY-x6Gd6vH6vN6Dfi1eNKrWsaNsjhWyhuKU_Io_1a5_0hOtrkFGxFlQN8kl4j5RMIGT32GbWq189waLcUGwaplRVdlsoX5smW00F1AeYNb_WU24M1sVkYHRqhpZM6Q8tBbd9inA/s400/ice-cream-social-4square.jpg" width="395" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Image Source: http://www.homemadesimple.com/en-US/HolidayandParty/Pages/ice-cream-social.aspx</span></div><br />
Home Made Simple has a great list of Resources, Tips and Recipes for this theme. You can find them <a href="http://www.homemadesimple.com/en-US/HolidayandParty/Pages/ice-cream-social.aspx">here </a><br />
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Really all you need are 2-3 flavours of ice cream and a range of toppings. Hit up the Bulk Food store for fun options. But watch out for nut allergies! If no one has any, feel free to serve nuts. Personally I love nuts on my sundae, but if you have any doubt, better play it safe than sorry. <br />
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My suggestions:<br />
<ul><li>toasted coconut</li>
<li> cookie pieces (put them in a ziploc bag and crush them with a hammer)</li>
<li>M&M's or Smarties</li>
<li>Cut up fruit-berries, mangoes, bananas</li>
<li>flavoured syrups-caramel, chocolate, raspberry or strawberry</li>
<li>big cookies to make your own ice cream sandwhich</li>
</ul>For Decorations, stick with classics like pennant banners, pin wheels and flags. They are easy to make, Home Made Simple has great patterns. Customize them with decorative paper in your choice of colours/patterns. Use white or glass dishes to let the colourful toppings take centre stage. What fun colours! <br />
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Oh the parties I would have if I had a backyard. In time, in time. Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-25548535230043191682011-07-22T15:21:00.000-04:002011-07-22T15:21:42.274-04:00Trend: Tissue Paper PetalsI've been seeing alot of diy projects using layered tissue paper petals, to a great effect.<br />
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Isn't this tablescape so fabulous? So summery! The best part is those lanterns. This project comes to us via Martha Stewart, full instructions are <a href="http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com/2011/05/paper-lanterns.html">here </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsu4bPctM4bBNjEgLkQinub-0X5Bx_DhIHBt3bu3sVn5mfNB28omylyOQl45m7NU6Hfdrs8v6tphvavMhfmUMaJX74aFoZZlqgLPyFoxXZS2RXCl3ecoACXPZbAaE6N1ADWOkHRvxeZY/s1600/LD107183opener011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsu4bPctM4bBNjEgLkQinub-0X5Bx_DhIHBt3bu3sVn5mfNB28omylyOQl45m7NU6Hfdrs8v6tphvavMhfmUMaJX74aFoZZlqgLPyFoxXZS2RXCl3ecoACXPZbAaE6N1ADWOkHRvxeZY/s400/LD107183opener011.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Image source: http://www.marthastewart.com</span></div><br />
I think this is a great way to salvage cheaper paper lanterns that are not quite right. I bought some cheapos once and they were definitely not perfectly round. Perhaps I could have saved them by covering them with tissue paper circles. Apparently, you can buy the circles pre-cut at craft stores if you are not into cutting out dozens of circles yourself. Paper lanterns and tissue paper is very inexpensive, but what an impact! Great way to stretch your party budget. <br />
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I have also seen this method used to decorate pinatas. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCYtCydLHpn3Ge9Sq6YmjhxNDSVaTgdfsd4QyZn6ZBLITt3ta4Y6K_MK6qMgQTEJK4jOw52hHWVcxWMEZ9fgyFoH54RDbbvaHmbzR1qfTZZIMoJn-jcInHLbqa2RVd3F6ho5deI3kURU/s1600/Pinata-Finished-Outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCYtCydLHpn3Ge9Sq6YmjhxNDSVaTgdfsd4QyZn6ZBLITt3ta4Y6K_MK6qMgQTEJK4jOw52hHWVcxWMEZ9fgyFoH54RDbbvaHmbzR1qfTZZIMoJn-jcInHLbqa2RVd3F6ho5deI3kURU/s400/Pinata-Finished-Outside.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.younghouselove.com</span></div><br />
Here's a <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/05/making-a-pull-string-pinata/">tutorial</a> from one of my favourite blogs to read, Young House Love. This pinata was from their daughter's first birthday party.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1dqj60K9-UHbiAofg-fbyZQFKuVs3fu0BLELuIZq-Cs__7ovbkLy2UKbEPCQtn7BIPIn7W9sL7b4KY7rSlZ2XNAy-s7NHDwSRGHBLRE_LnoA4285sijU8i_87ejYhOqLdvewEqxS-DA/s1600/6a00d8341c019753ef0120a9561235970b-320wi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1dqj60K9-UHbiAofg-fbyZQFKuVs3fu0BLELuIZq-Cs__7ovbkLy2UKbEPCQtn7BIPIn7W9sL7b4KY7rSlZ2XNAy-s7NHDwSRGHBLRE_LnoA4285sijU8i_87ejYhOqLdvewEqxS-DA/s400/6a00d8341c019753ef0120a9561235970b-320wi.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.everydaycelebrating.com</span></div><br />
If you are not into getting messy with flour and glue,then this very similar project uses a store bought soccer ball pinata and just adds on the tissue paper "petals". Because it's uses a store bought form, it is perfectly round which might appeal to those perfectionists out there (ahem, me).<br />
You can find more photos and instructions <a href="http://www.everydaycelebrating.com/2010/03/diy-pinata.html">here </a><br />
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What a lovely alternative to those gaudy character pinatas you see everywhere in the store. I love the pretty, modern look of these.Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-51938868983514991612011-07-22T14:38:00.000-04:002011-07-22T14:38:24.029-04:00Testimonial UpdateCheck the Testimonial page for a new <a href="http://razledazleevents.blogspot.com/p/testimonials.html">entry.</a><br />
Thanks for the love!Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-32658114039858191052011-07-06T16:09:00.000-04:002011-07-06T16:09:07.939-04:00Canada Day BBQGuests: 10 all adults plus 1 dog<br />
Location: Keswick, ON<br />
Budget: $20 for decorations and supplies, $60 for main course, side dishes were potluck <br />
<br />
*as always, no pictures of guests are included in this post. <br />
<br />
Menu:<br />
<ul><li>Mini Ribfest: honey bbq, honey garlic, smokin stampede and regular bbq</li>
<li> Corn on the cob</li>
<li>Caesar Salad</li>
<li>Garden Salad</li>
<li>Veggies and dip</li>
<li>Salsa and tostitoes</li>
<li>Raspberry Lemonade (just add fresh raspberries to any kind of lemonade)</li>
<li>Beer & Mixed Drinks</li>
<li>Cupcakes</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4mcL9N8Kv09Kj1daCvaifncFaHBTmA8-JczAccR1AXIIur5ff_N6kJ5PM5tETu3JRoihXGKpij-b4rsXHBu7c6TOoePwLt_LdHZqqaICE3No4sqqapNwasNwm_wyN4ZL5rWzjsoummY/s1600/DSCN2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4mcL9N8Kv09Kj1daCvaifncFaHBTmA8-JczAccR1AXIIur5ff_N6kJ5PM5tETu3JRoihXGKpij-b4rsXHBu7c6TOoePwLt_LdHZqqaICE3No4sqqapNwasNwm_wyN4ZL5rWzjsoummY/s320/DSCN2954.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Corn simmering on the side burner and racks of ribs cooking away<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHykUd2LlXaODxhVUDB7El2A9Lu-Sg4itRYn9B9-nTSXd9uQgARsT7hidKWG9eSIUYm8bpyzOVwyuDr3itFhWQiVEwMTTimjGaaUe-SkGp74nHrPq87-jBuwXvRSAx60c1v2lu2CJGKzY/s1600/DSCN2956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHykUd2LlXaODxhVUDB7El2A9Lu-Sg4itRYn9B9-nTSXd9uQgARsT7hidKWG9eSIUYm8bpyzOVwyuDr3itFhWQiVEwMTTimjGaaUe-SkGp74nHrPq87-jBuwXvRSAx60c1v2lu2CJGKzY/s320/DSCN2956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I decorated the dog too, doesn't he look cute? </div>Decorations:<br />
<ul><li> Flag Banner</li>
<li>Pin wheels</li>
<li>Canada Day Buttons</li>
<li>T-shirts and Hats</li>
<li>Bandana for the Dog</li>
<li>Glow Sticks for after dark</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ik30IeHCpgHwLB9mRExX_DHSaaVcakNZ7lMxmU1R-9Sugd2yPcgCrp21tuYl1o9Y8vjyLXtFfeTT94yPAo7N1wYwn0WPjcv4HAjyrJX57nXC971O8XmsOr1TfDgcbVnyDOReU6lwdF8/s1600/DSCN2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ik30IeHCpgHwLB9mRExX_DHSaaVcakNZ7lMxmU1R-9Sugd2yPcgCrp21tuYl1o9Y8vjyLXtFfeTT94yPAo7N1wYwn0WPjcv4HAjyrJX57nXC971O8XmsOr1TfDgcbVnyDOReU6lwdF8/s400/DSCN2941.JPG" width="300" /> </a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6mQEfcKlbxoctdvBf-Wrzg3_uSU9mjT67rgSlxBeiozjBYwI9_-aVaLfyzF4L9YlYLb53mUhLxslgl3SLaRhB2e1DOgQzl0NKpw3nTuMEQrHwC_nfKjP73tppeSwDWee8XAd0qXs8Mk/s1600/DSCN2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6mQEfcKlbxoctdvBf-Wrzg3_uSU9mjT67rgSlxBeiozjBYwI9_-aVaLfyzF4L9YlYLb53mUhLxslgl3SLaRhB2e1DOgQzl0NKpw3nTuMEQrHwC_nfKjP73tppeSwDWee8XAd0qXs8Mk/s400/DSCN2961.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
Activities:<br />
<ul><li>Bocce</li>
<li>Drinksbee</li>
<li>Relaxing on the desk in the sunshine</li>
<li>Fireworks </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pp-9MQeOqdwi50mz-ZjZhYojyMVvU6xKsVtGRLgnOg2tendUgVkdiL1H0C1gpZw6DHT7Kel_THj75rRbZ40urF7YwqMFg0tHfv677EEtuahHohaY7JoZu4a3iS5mv48mq3f4r8N4Lr8/s1600/DSCN2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7aZPN9zcUho4DxewL4JmoW3OB2CsbXETNfVensgsZPgZjrza-JZgC0N5mKfyJhJ6ryeMJivlmfXYJv98xGv59Y6cMyFZ9QTUQAwoidvA9-bJyHnsA86BZICX6oeH6TqxxYUlOB9CCQI/s400/DSCN2958.JPG" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
Bocce:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHLcslrmCO7g5G15tGEGe-d0xvDO6oN9Qz32DDlKfCE8r71t7lCRlkYYtWG46WwoyLvvRiceHb8ml4dDbNxaDDKJ9Vejv-oZ2RqeESzepXnNQNdZN5132XKw5tdJmtVpTl6ILTSt_M_I/s1600/DSCN2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can play with 2, 4, or 8 players. Divide the colour balls amongst teams, I played yellow and red, for example. The little ball is called the pellino. Somebody throws the white ball a decent distance away. The idea is to get your coloured ball as close as possible to the white ball without hitting it. One point is awarded for every ball that is closer than the other sides. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For more information and rules, see this <a href="http://bocceballrules.net/">site</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHLcslrmCO7g5G15tGEGe-d0xvDO6oN9Qz32DDlKfCE8r71t7lCRlkYYtWG46WwoyLvvRiceHb8ml4dDbNxaDDKJ9Vejv-oZ2RqeESzepXnNQNdZN5132XKw5tdJmtVpTl6ILTSt_M_I/s1600/DSCN2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHLcslrmCO7g5G15tGEGe-d0xvDO6oN9Qz32DDlKfCE8r71t7lCRlkYYtWG46WwoyLvvRiceHb8ml4dDbNxaDDKJ9Vejv-oZ2RqeESzepXnNQNdZN5132XKw5tdJmtVpTl6ILTSt_M_I/s400/DSCN2942.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See how close I was? I win! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54WVQpxrnJ74Wd3jZiHXxatoRs8KT9Pc1puH-951oLwxIs1pUTVOxxA5Z4j_jNQPwYdmpe_9VCCRimzjciqfH3-sAVZjMROMU69sgro0qypNB72yF61tmI02C7UO5HjogsjuNpuJnQMI/s400/DSCN2938.JPG" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ik30IeHCpgHwLB9mRExX_DHSaaVcakNZ7lMxmU1R-9Sugd2yPcgCrp21tuYl1o9Y8vjyLXtFfeTT94yPAo7N1wYwn0WPjcv4HAjyrJX57nXC971O8XmsOr1TfDgcbVnyDOReU6lwdF8/s1600/DSCN2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> Drinksbee:<br />
Materials Needed:<br />
<ul><li>4 plastic beer cups</li>
<li>4 dowels or stakes</li>
<li>2 frisbees</li>
<li>Drinks for each team member (preferably alcoholic)</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pp-9MQeOqdwi50mz-ZjZhYojyMVvU6xKsVtGRLgnOg2tendUgVkdiL1H0C1gpZw6DHT7Kel_THj75rRbZ40urF7YwqMFg0tHfv677EEtuahHohaY7JoZu4a3iS5mv48mq3f4r8N4Lr8/s1600/DSCN2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pp-9MQeOqdwi50mz-ZjZhYojyMVvU6xKsVtGRLgnOg2tendUgVkdiL1H0C1gpZw6DHT7Kel_THj75rRbZ40urF7YwqMFg0tHfv677EEtuahHohaY7JoZu4a3iS5mv48mq3f4r8N4Lr8/s400/DSCN2957.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7aZPN9zcUho4DxewL4JmoW3OB2CsbXETNfVensgsZPgZjrza-JZgC0N5mKfyJhJ6ryeMJivlmfXYJv98xGv59Y6cMyFZ9QTUQAwoidvA9-bJyHnsA86BZICX6oeH6TqxxYUlOB9CCQI/s1600/DSCN2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4mcL9N8Kv09Kj1daCvaifncFaHBTmA8-JczAccR1AXIIur5ff_N6kJ5PM5tETu3JRoihXGKpij-b4rsXHBu7c6TOoePwLt_LdHZqqaICE3No4sqqapNwasNwm_wyN4ZL5rWzjsoummY/s1600/DSCN2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Playing Field: Set up the field as shown in the photo. Each side has 2 poles and 2 cups. Two players on each team, each player guards a pole (and the cup). Set the ends a good throwing distance apart, but not so far that you won't be able to hit the targets. That's not fun at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Concept: Throw the frisbee, knock off your opponent's cups.One cup knocked down equals one point. If the cup you are responsible for hits the ground, you must take a drink. Team members can catch each other's cups. Catch your cups to reverse the point to the throwing side, you get the point, they have to take a drink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doubles: after a point, you get to throw again. Knock it down again, means double the points and double the drinks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trifecta: Go again for a chance to score three points. The other team has to chugg the rest of their drinks. Obviously, this is the most coveted and rare of plays. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Tips: Distractions are allowed, including faking, dancing, rude gestures, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Offense: fake outs, cross overs, bouncing the frisbee off one pole to knock down two cups at once are encouraged. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Defense: Catch those cups! Sacrifice the body if you have to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Subbing players is encouraged, everyone can play! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAB22Tn8JkT5RQPovrmI3WQv-KJFG04uNljXX1pXaFfl5nT_9I53RRActTOxVjGydrVHuhMfIQ1zkf5xdQDsK0Nep5ucDJCj4w2aj9iTuoTHkkfjbDqTGRYcko3XDQ1vPcxm66eFkhQU/s1600/DSCN2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAB22Tn8JkT5RQPovrmI3WQv-KJFG04uNljXX1pXaFfl5nT_9I53RRActTOxVjGydrVHuhMfIQ1zkf5xdQDsK0Nep5ucDJCj4w2aj9iTuoTHkkfjbDqTGRYcko3XDQ1vPcxm66eFkhQU/s400/DSCN2970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Slips out of my hands. Grrr. Time for a drink.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLEh2uqQ_YqrDyPgGQgvMCLFZtaCMqMyyzn5Lwb_f6RWwNG5-47_5U9ws9vGIKM0jW4X2IAsLdTHw0GEdcsVsl4rWFDoYo31v9pEKLUbM-pB2unPTQIkfKUAnaEZmG0qG7NyNWob1M7k/s1600/DSCN2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLEh2uqQ_YqrDyPgGQgvMCLFZtaCMqMyyzn5Lwb_f6RWwNG5-47_5U9ws9vGIKM0jW4X2IAsLdTHw0GEdcsVsl4rWFDoYo31v9pEKLUbM-pB2unPTQIkfKUAnaEZmG0qG7NyNWob1M7k/s400/DSCN2984.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fireworks:</div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the guests brought an assortment of fireworks. As expected, some were better than others. Some nieghbours had really good ones. I handed out glow sticks for everyone. Fun! We all walked down to the beach to set them off, which would have been fantastic except for the mutant sized mosquitos. Yikes! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dnGKmEduRFHE6pL4PIX9LxxEi_QMzq0ZwkG8AtlmxQ8Iu7NsysaRQkkJV4F2Uq-QpQLY4K64KFFi7FOOJClHher7nuUEA3vqpoyGM4Y3lNb-mrm-LiODm7ldYI_9X_DdXfq2CDP0LYQ/s1600/DSCN2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLEh2uqQ_YqrDyPgGQgvMCLFZtaCMqMyyzn5Lwb_f6RWwNG5-47_5U9ws9vGIKM0jW4X2IAsLdTHw0GEdcsVsl4rWFDoYo31v9pEKLUbM-pB2unPTQIkfKUAnaEZmG0qG7NyNWob1M7k/s1600/DSCN2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dnGKmEduRFHE6pL4PIX9LxxEi_QMzq0ZwkG8AtlmxQ8Iu7NsysaRQkkJV4F2Uq-QpQLY4K64KFFi7FOOJClHher7nuUEA3vqpoyGM4Y3lNb-mrm-LiODm7ldYI_9X_DdXfq2CDP0LYQ/s400/DSCN2997.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope your July long weekend was as fun as mine! </div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-27914450639619429452011-06-30T15:59:00.001-04:002011-06-30T15:59:18.510-04:00Happy Birthday Canada!Happy Canada Day!<br />
Hope you all enjoy the long weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ghBBAePT_ZAnKvfpQ_oxKv-XOzQj2Sqc6nZSDCAtLtyd0YKWicMjBZPlVTSBbJ375_lSiRvkIlobAV1fqtrDIYCkFuIpR8bj6rSQgK3OkkH52A2xOu3y2swoUUkKX_U4Hf5qOeLrVJc/s1600/800px-Canada_flag_halifax_9_-04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ghBBAePT_ZAnKvfpQ_oxKv-XOzQj2Sqc6nZSDCAtLtyd0YKWicMjBZPlVTSBbJ375_lSiRvkIlobAV1fqtrDIYCkFuIpR8bj6rSQgK3OkkH52A2xOu3y2swoUUkKX_U4Hf5qOeLrVJc/s400/800px-Canada_flag_halifax_9_-04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Jared Grove, used under Creative Commons licence</span></div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-18236732714639243092011-06-30T15:59:00.000-04:002011-06-30T15:59:05.833-04:00Party Tips: Recyling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnuOh_cIwRZxktKu-x_FTrgvCj13VbageraV_J6m3gO7atCVX95whwdSZwFmIFP7bodJhzSoHee5bqKJXxVaxGf85AWj9kqsfisn9og1DPMoOe94H572z0QxTScsLcR9iwDV2D_Vkeyo/s400/5398182367_f95cb281d9.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Creative Commons License photo credit: garryknight</span> </div><br />
Recycling and composting at parties can be a real challenge. Have you ever stood in someone's kitchen at party unsure of what to do with the plastic plate, food scraps and pop can in your hand?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.recyclescene.com/how-to-recycle/party-recycling">RecycleScene</a> has some great tips:<br />
<ul><li>Choose items that are easily recyclable. Serve drinks in cans rather than styrofoam cups. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Put out easily identifiable bins where guests can see them. Blue for recycling, green for food waste, black for garbage. Guests are more likely to recycle or compost if the bins are accessible. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Compost food scraps. In Ontario, most of us have green bins so this is really easy. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Use Cloth napkins and real dishes. You can rent the dishes for a large party. If that doesn't suit you, look for biodegrable tableware made from sugarcane or wheat fibers. If you must use paper products, look for post-consumer recycled fibers. And don't forget that napkins can go into the green bin! </li>
</ul><ul><li>Re-use decorations from other parties or make decorations out of other materials, such as a pinata. Invset some time in making non-specific festive decorations such as felt pennets or banners, a generic "party" sign that can be used for any party over and over again. I love the idea of the wooden sign in the image above. Why not try your hand at a diy project? </li>
</ul>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-69105477031668480642011-06-24T16:25:00.005-04:002011-06-30T14:43:50.356-04:00Re-Post: Felt Citrus Slice Coasters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0I-zciF_kkBsDXpOzd4dQh0-Lob-nt3nY8WM8SmHLrrUyfOpIGxtUIE6DW3_0Jxr3qyqq1ZcPEyei2PkLG5AZFSA6IaHhTHWi1ATiHYxlx9nuMo-CYWMS5G_GNyjnCU527xjpvUSNm8w/s1600/citrus-coasters-1-425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0I-zciF_kkBsDXpOzd4dQh0-Lob-nt3nY8WM8SmHLrrUyfOpIGxtUIE6DW3_0Jxr3qyqq1ZcPEyei2PkLG5AZFSA6IaHhTHWi1ATiHYxlx9nuMo-CYWMS5G_GNyjnCU527xjpvUSNm8w/s400/citrus-coasters-1-425.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.purlbee.com/citrus-coasters/</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUULaObYAzQlvZKGA5RazwpPsmIPO1GhK1glYV27ZqxYO1n_OdvCrsb9A5I8YGq__MC3qwb3Js47k1FZ_6l-YF4j553ohxP6pUANoAaSN6YA7gqgOhF_zKam0IUOQZHbpvYAmqwbRlvPM/s1600/citrus-coasters-2-425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUULaObYAzQlvZKGA5RazwpPsmIPO1GhK1glYV27ZqxYO1n_OdvCrsb9A5I8YGq__MC3qwb3Js47k1FZ_6l-YF4j553ohxP6pUANoAaSN6YA7gqgOhF_zKam0IUOQZHbpvYAmqwbRlvPM/s400/citrus-coasters-2-425.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.purlbee.com/citrus-coasters/ </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lemon, Lime, Pink grapefruit, Orange </div><br />
By now, everyone knows I love felt. Look at these fantastic citrus slice coasters.<br />
Love, love, love!<br />
All you need is some appropriately coloured felt, scissors, pins and a needle and thread. <br />
The step by step instructions for this project from Purl Bee can be found <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/citrus-coasters/2011/6/23/mollys-sketchbook-citrus-coasters.html">here</a><br />
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Is there anything you can't make from felt?Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-45533546008738931012011-06-16T16:29:00.000-04:002011-06-16T16:29:41.100-04:00Flower Garland and Updated Birthday Banner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I updated the "Hoppy Birthday" banner for my sister in law's birthday.I changed the "o" to an "a" and switched the bunnies for some pink and red die cut flowers. Cute, and it matched the fireplace quite nicely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can find the original instructions to make the banner <a href="http://razledazleevents.blogspot.com/2011/04/hoppy-birthday-banner.html">here </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iALFEk9FyWHajoVkgaYEh6ubFoyK1OMM0NivkDPI8SsEkMrKrZg5yLXbw9yMstyYntgNLhK3yfQiherVQt0hH5x6jjn2biHyQHefRh0Wi3Ljq0R-qWTIptTlIzNAMbd8aHBtYAhyia0/s1600/DSCN2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iALFEk9FyWHajoVkgaYEh6ubFoyK1OMM0NivkDPI8SsEkMrKrZg5yLXbw9yMstyYntgNLhK3yfQiherVQt0hH5x6jjn2biHyQHefRh0Wi3Ljq0R-qWTIptTlIzNAMbd8aHBtYAhyia0/s400/DSCN2897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNzaWyWkFC0be3k-E3IHgB52APlQASueYNPQASeS7Qwsp8YmpgOaPWV3rZzFwKMmYG-t24plhPA1yL5pYyO7p-vQsXW-I3NBKU5sQyBe_-luoKU4uJNU4aMftOJNHXscDdfYxxWLSteE/s1600/DSCN2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNzaWyWkFC0be3k-E3IHgB52APlQASueYNPQASeS7Qwsp8YmpgOaPWV3rZzFwKMmYG-t24plhPA1yL5pYyO7p-vQsXW-I3NBKU5sQyBe_-luoKU4uJNU4aMftOJNHXscDdfYxxWLSteE/s400/DSCN2911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here's a close up of the paper flowers. I bought a large package of them at the dollarstore. Very handy, I've used them for greeting cards, embellishments for gift bags, to decorate easter baskets, the garland below and I still have more!<br />
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<b>Flower Garland</b><br />
Materials:<br />
<ul><li> paper flowers in your choice of colours</li>
<li>needle and thread</li>
<li>tape</li>
</ul>This is super easy, I whipped it up in only a few minutes. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK3idAEaOJPMUkPs9VaEICSwbkQids-xYsomHpQ6X-_EyIahHWhFbqC-LPBzptmvoSv9LKIQFJxiwPIiR289-jseAseQuSVJTD7Ao1oS75PvRl_6mfclryk_ldkqmqc-0bgyHADpH7zg/s400/DSCN2898.JPG" width="400" /> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ataTNoAXasIyYxDpHR7Mj2RujCgeD-d-1JOOGkfMUrAXS38cRIvggVkOhixp6UePvLKOD-Zt6f_v34LNIJil5WD5y5Tp0rLiZ_MPWbHezwkyefqhcWBm-_c0Ee1X9L6N_YgxHnTVjrI/s1600/DSCN2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_ikLLk90hXkyfa6ZJuwm_N62GzOtYVA2kHM6izac1oLD-xczUFyjM9QFxuXt8pQhb7zrIo38dNAtDSiyu0ylNX7ho90RTzi7hQ6WHkoM4pbRxqeJFxbkVnQrzaZ89joEXQ21yjI9tx8/s1600/DSCN2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_ikLLk90hXkyfa6ZJuwm_N62GzOtYVA2kHM6izac1oLD-xczUFyjM9QFxuXt8pQhb7zrIo38dNAtDSiyu0ylNX7ho90RTzi7hQ6WHkoM4pbRxqeJFxbkVnQrzaZ89joEXQ21yjI9tx8/s400/DSCN2904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Line up your flowers so that you have a relatively straight line, see how the side petals line up? Then simply string the flowers onto your needle and thread from the back side, so the thread runs along the back. Tie off and tape the end to the back of the end flowers. I used a random pattern of all the colours, but feel free to cutomize as you see fit. The only small thing that bugged me-the flowers tended to twist around. A very tiny detail no one would notice except me. I might attach them all individually, like I did with the sweet pea banner when I have some spare time. Sweet pea banner instructions are<a href="http://razledazleevents.blogspot.com/2011/02/sweet-pea-banner-and-garland.html"> here</a><br />
Everyone commented on it, it's a cute way to add a pop of colour to a party.<br />
And very cheap, it cost only pennies.Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-41547390260412989362011-06-14T16:23:00.000-04:002011-06-14T16:23:26.756-04:00Toy Story 4th Birthday PartyDate: June 4, 2011<br />
Location: Mississauga, ON<br />
Guests: 17 children (age range 1-8) plus about 30 adults<br />
Budget: $40 (not including food)<br />
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*To protect privacy, no photos of guests are included in this post. <br />
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This party was intended to be held outdoors in Erindale Park. Major thunderstorms forced a last minute change of plans-party was held at the client's house. While not ideal, I did manage to salvage most of the party plans. It cleared up in the afternoon, I was able to take the kids outside for a few games.<br />
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Concept: Woody's Round-Up.<br />
Four stations with various activities, at each station the children received a prize.<br />
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Upon arrival, each guest received a cowboy party hat and a sheriff badge. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIbPo72jn_1PnATdoW-A18HuxFbFNk1Iw_wc5xdvlisalwMXQ75U_AeBYQohDld7gTaLttJLr-Uq40jc7Hyaqicrv6eeJ0UtvT35bbsSZF24KLgh2sQ7yBk4hla6Mh6Yw4sVUttiZSqU/s1600/DSCN2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIbPo72jn_1PnATdoW-A18HuxFbFNk1Iw_wc5xdvlisalwMXQ75U_AeBYQohDld7gTaLttJLr-Uq40jc7Hyaqicrv6eeJ0UtvT35bbsSZF24KLgh2sQ7yBk4hla6Mh6Yw4sVUttiZSqU/s400/DSCN2866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I put out crayons and colouring sheets for the kids to do while we waited for all the guests to arrive.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxYjGe6B4G3WZ8LGlnT6dZ1rk3VoCmgYxGzemUFB-ZrLgUyi1Jj4WGjL5SAEtz1N1aVEkFVie8RDp3i0I51ahBNfU4f9z97JQoKAt56mVI6EGENRAjRyzzLH-EqRaRB0Ic9IslHAZAEI/s1600/DSCN2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxYjGe6B4G3WZ8LGlnT6dZ1rk3VoCmgYxGzemUFB-ZrLgUyi1Jj4WGjL5SAEtz1N1aVEkFVie8RDp3i0I51ahBNfU4f9z97JQoKAt56mVI6EGENRAjRyzzLH-EqRaRB0Ic9IslHAZAEI/s400/DSCN2871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Free download from the Disney website, you can find it <a href="http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-889124-disney-toy-story-printable-coloring-page-t/">here</a><br />
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Station #1: Mr. Potato Head <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhCoc6F8nKhYQkykd7AHLWmqKmKIFVmaPoBT2-hoJgGuInQIrhRrrVXerh7UxTF9yF_L0YxOcHJTdukIREhlwMsag9t93atukQ8l9FKIP0_ae6DL-F6elTRLU8g8rqiQ3H-jTzZrQn2c/s1600/Playskool_Toy_Story_3_Animated_Talking_Mr_Potato_Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhCoc6F8nKhYQkykd7AHLWmqKmKIFVmaPoBT2-hoJgGuInQIrhRrrVXerh7UxTF9yF_L0YxOcHJTdukIREhlwMsag9t93atukQ8l9FKIP0_ae6DL-F6elTRLU8g8rqiQ3H-jTzZrQn2c/s320/Playskool_Toy_Story_3_Animated_Talking_Mr_Potato_Head.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
For this station, I cut out a potato shape from brown cardstock for each child and provided them with a variety of features to choose from, including shoes, hat, arms, noses, mouths etc to glue onto the background shape with a gluestick. Obviously, younger children might need help with this activity. Each guest can take home their creation at the end of the party.<br />
Variation: Print out the shapes onto sticker paper.<br />
I didn't do this since the adhesive paper is quite expensive. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6ZetF_G-oAwWfAgsrAWZCeGar-g4xqPJzhALCGQQMSCG7RUNeAW7k9VYXx2BAmbXXaXgxz53didbw-CusQRJwKdug8op-JGDU-ZbGGd4RvcknFy-UCe2GAri27WXBHHnD0pM6yidYcU/s1600/DSCN2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6ZetF_G-oAwWfAgsrAWZCeGar-g4xqPJzhALCGQQMSCG7RUNeAW7k9VYXx2BAmbXXaXgxz53didbw-CusQRJwKdug8op-JGDU-ZbGGd4RvcknFy-UCe2GAri27WXBHHnD0pM6yidYcU/s400/DSCN2869.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkWRUdNnZMskBi0zIhO2PvFEe16O6An3On0kChdNKaxVKqvWtEjw0T0c09-r1zBfAjKjSuFVpb71Ya_o9YU2ykrqBOQLYSt3h5N_5tl4y9sDviOaJijD2_Rx2rZKlBanQwoyFcvk1tJw/s1600/DSCN2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkWRUdNnZMskBi0zIhO2PvFEe16O6An3On0kChdNKaxVKqvWtEjw0T0c09-r1zBfAjKjSuFVpb71Ya_o9YU2ykrqBOQLYSt3h5N_5tl4y9sDviOaJijD2_Rx2rZKlBanQwoyFcvk1tJw/s400/DSCN2867.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9r_LoBVghtdbc6NKKDjvYun3pC1RTb55b9G97mBVDT4oEmKKjRk_v3zq9IxJdbDLF1TD-NI95atrlDet6-Zlu5mNiY2dI7NkkXukt-y3yFXqUWe-f-0SJBSoBdmYM84-6VWPy07lZRA/s1600/DSCN2870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9r_LoBVghtdbc6NKKDjvYun3pC1RTb55b9G97mBVDT4oEmKKjRk_v3zq9IxJdbDLF1TD-NI95atrlDet6-Zlu5mNiY2dI7NkkXukt-y3yFXqUWe-f-0SJBSoBdmYM84-6VWPy07lZRA/s400/DSCN2870.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The link to download the features can be found <a href="http://activitymom.blogspot.com/2011/03/magnetic-mr-potato-head-printable.html">here </a><br />
Template for the body can be found <a href="http://activitymom.blogspot.com/2011/03/magnetic-mr-potato-head-printable.html">here</a> I found the body to be too large for the features so I reduced it on the photocopier to 70% before cutting out the template.<br />
It could have been a bit smaller. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKESsB6lQSy4PwvBZKoY_IaVpT_m65E8vz3dzerthE-aFm4lU_zykR7aJnMRay8lHUj2O0T44WrUz2tKXfpZf9b4k1D4do7r9q7c58s0pmZp6Gk0D5E8g51Hf6VH_aPTVQJaVt6m5MSc/s320/ToyStory_Woody_by_TwilightSummer.jpg" width="149" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Image source: http://twilightsummer.deviantart.com/art/ToyStory-Woody-110822912</span></div><br />
Station #2: Woody's Shoot-out<br />
Knock down a pyramid of plastic cups with a water pistol. This activity should be done outside, we played this game on the front lawn. It was little too difficult for the younger children. The older boys had a great time, they asked to do it again and again.I was so involved with running the games, I forgot to take pictures.<br />
You'll have to use your imagination. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9-qs2xdhh_PA_O_zN5eXf32af9ysMpnPlB6ceuShV-lmjEZr0SM6sJXtyYQJWBDjGerRUqLlgXTJM2nkU1fOXTFE9-GV4TOi4XTp1kdSh_Gd0n0DPb9AxGj1zBpmsWvxRZe0nOiPugs/s320/disney_pixar_toy_story_buzz_lightyear_lifesize_cutout_buy_now_at_starstills__06964_zoom.jpg" width="176" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Toy-Story-Buzz-Lightyear-Posters_i5239758_.htm </span></div><br />
Station #3: Space Ranger's Training<br />
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The hunt for moon rocks. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7viJQb3vc7XfmQirWjwnQR8_q6cqkrf2Zh1DGXbElUJkyCZ9eEB807D09fNeYuwxSb8Xlbqdq9DQy_mHDw8AWzZrUzfqoadN692Th5rkVowTou7k_0c6DyapJ6pFqNPTDulDuzExB7u4/s1600/DSCN2874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7viJQb3vc7XfmQirWjwnQR8_q6cqkrf2Zh1DGXbElUJkyCZ9eEB807D09fNeYuwxSb8Xlbqdq9DQy_mHDw8AWzZrUzfqoadN692Th5rkVowTou7k_0c6DyapJ6pFqNPTDulDuzExB7u4/s400/DSCN2874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRf3KhJ8hdTNy4kZkYP7BI-3ajkaR6yKOf8d3baYdVGX73I1IwldMMuU9h-t2Y15td0yYjbQvsDi1WOM-YJXOFthdtMLTEfZL6Co4PZA2cxwfzXY7BvxT396y_I3hF8dI7NQgriyUAgYw/s1600/DSCN2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRf3KhJ8hdTNy4kZkYP7BI-3ajkaR6yKOf8d3baYdVGX73I1IwldMMuU9h-t2Y15td0yYjbQvsDi1WOM-YJXOFthdtMLTEfZL6Co4PZA2cxwfzXY7BvxT396y_I3hF8dI7NQgriyUAgYw/s400/DSCN2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sort of looks like a rock, you get the idea. The moon rocks were hidden throughout the front and side yards for the children to hunt down. Sort of a space themed easter egg hunt, if you will.<br />
Prizes inside were small toys like parachute army men, bouncy balls, toy story note pads and silly bands. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hfD6ziTnqkEoj9gIS8byXuMdh7XbhRGMzQDvF6Ln04biRz8UJd9fbyDfatuOdWGH0Qd4hgpA6Zej_jYlyxDAPyQhXHHgvQ12UOb5LA-jhoo8-ea7MgSdGBt6aokRnQiR89a97sMfAks/s1600/toy+story+3+jessie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hfD6ziTnqkEoj9gIS8byXuMdh7XbhRGMzQDvF6Ln04biRz8UJd9fbyDfatuOdWGH0Qd4hgpA6Zej_jYlyxDAPyQhXHHgvQ12UOb5LA-jhoo8-ea7MgSdGBt6aokRnQiR89a97sMfAks/s320/toy+story+3+jessie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.thetoyshop.com</span></div><br />
Station #4: Jesse's Lasso Challenge<br />
This game involved "lassoing" a toy cow. I thought using rope might be a tad dangerous with small children around (think choking) so we used frisbees with holes in them, sort of like ring toss.<br />
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Decorations:<br />
In addition to the usual streamers and balloons, I made this centrepiece from a box, paper and templates from the Disney <a href="http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-character-fun/pkg-disney-pixar-toy-story/">website</a>. Lots of free templates, crafts, etc can be found there, with all sorts of characters. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcno0bCfitSo2dvput1bEmEQJRgQEeV0yrqJY7nk39T_29EmREqxdXNh62ANLcyhMqoAJ14fhBTgcUrO-z99caSp2d4f6qE3ln17nhXXPYXWjDuZaP7Dfkb6NMYp4k7r9e1gY-RrpyK0/s1600/DSCN2861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcno0bCfitSo2dvput1bEmEQJRgQEeV0yrqJY7nk39T_29EmREqxdXNh62ANLcyhMqoAJ14fhBTgcUrO-z99caSp2d4f6qE3ln17nhXXPYXWjDuZaP7Dfkb6NMYp4k7r9e1gY-RrpyK0/s400/DSCN2861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFbbe8kxlq7isIrZvJfcduF7bVJ6RsOSpPAdEDdN5LCfSGjzw5nCgXOwbJxiDBG1hc-yc8CiWlvkdyMYysQTJ4HZUhmVsQckyatKycVEOjCY1mvb6j40eqBlx6Zb5_2-NwvGPkytfMgI/s1600/DSCN2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFbbe8kxlq7isIrZvJfcduF7bVJ6RsOSpPAdEDdN5LCfSGjzw5nCgXOwbJxiDBG1hc-yc8CiWlvkdyMYysQTJ4HZUhmVsQckyatKycVEOjCY1mvb6j40eqBlx6Zb5_2-NwvGPkytfMgI/s400/DSCN2862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpk2NxTSk3rO32d4Wx1mFycrEQumwpXc8PWrHqhD-x0hKlADGg7tQ4QBXWssU4JzRIezMyZSG2HNj7vzVwVBvRGUAtDZv-zqUBvtsAKIjX8hKdW-xWdqzjeGn93bX6kfMG1Iip581j62s/s400/DSCN2863.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The aliens are easy to put together, Woody and Buzz are more challenging. Prepare yourself for lots of cutting and gluing. Since this is paper, it's not exactly the most kid friendly thing. All the kids wanted to play with it. Looks cool though. And since it's just paper and glue, it's practically free. Woody is technically a marionette, but I cheated by mounting him on a skewer instead of hanging him. I covered the box with blue paper and cut out white clouds that sort of look like the wallpaper in Andy's room. Each little character has toothpicks taped to the inside. I drilled holes in the box with my cordless drill and inserted the toothpicks. As I said before-toothpicks are not appropriate for young children. This was meant purely for decoration-but of course all the kids wanted to play with it. I had to explain over and over that it was only made of paper! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This party was not without it's challenges-rain, last minute change of venue, wet grass and mud, and a small space. I must admit-I was exhausted after this party! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-53767556356873499842011-06-08T16:23:00.000-04:002011-06-08T16:23:48.827-04:00Woodland Fairy PartyI saw this party theme idea in the May edition of Paren'ts magazine. In fact, there were lots more of great ideas, all under $100. But this particular one struck a cord with me. I actually saw faux wood grain wrapping paper at the AGO giftshop for 99 cents, but wasn't sure what I would use it for. Now I know!<br />
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Isn't the cupcake stand fantastic? Love it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw_5AIFOujHn6VK7rjxrfqKLRont8EjtLm8I32X82bnqx3XFPSMswyzghcsjG4Ws9km-zUauDWWUhImItqzU5PJsrYPWbWWP1hniyo2BRbXgys6n5I4Dfsi75XeOzLF_hwuqeIbraTPQ/s1600/ss_101703702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw_5AIFOujHn6VK7rjxrfqKLRont8EjtLm8I32X82bnqx3XFPSMswyzghcsjG4Ws9km-zUauDWWUhImItqzU5PJsrYPWbWWP1hniyo2BRbXgys6n5I4Dfsi75XeOzLF_hwuqeIbraTPQ/s400/ss_101703702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.parents.com</span></div><br />
Toadstool cupcakes? Easy and so cute. I like the use of two different sizes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IVD_v79V7tyoFPc5Wdk2OrL5ReJgX031g90OrEuFssc6qSfJXfEGzLRf-GNZcyKn_ZcyFaMly06GDaEEelimxeqyI1PrlP9Pqe6U2ALwh7YlTw2MbeBL0gzdu3iy5mCA3YkrB1C_Qi8/s1600/ss_R163275.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IVD_v79V7tyoFPc5Wdk2OrL5ReJgX031g90OrEuFssc6qSfJXfEGzLRf-GNZcyKn_ZcyFaMly06GDaEEelimxeqyI1PrlP9Pqe6U2ALwh7YlTw2MbeBL0gzdu3iy5mCA3YkrB1C_Qi8/s400/ss_R163275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.parents.com</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s3n-lyJtRfg05zM2lRsf5RxSA87q-sBvvmwucX3BecHjMXIkkcbMb3C0RHRJ84rfc9enrD7xPcnOqAK_-JIi0kUC2nnrQexIP5WHczx-kxrpp318DibjwZ_-5egXX_HVeRMbrt1MGBE/s1600/ss_101705137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s3n-lyJtRfg05zM2lRsf5RxSA87q-sBvvmwucX3BecHjMXIkkcbMb3C0RHRJ84rfc9enrD7xPcnOqAK_-JIi0kUC2nnrQexIP5WHczx-kxrpp318DibjwZ_-5egXX_HVeRMbrt1MGBE/s400/ss_101705137.jpg" width="360" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.parents.com</span></div><br />
I found wings online for $4-$5 a pair.Oriental Trading Company has some monarch butterfly wings, they look pretty awesome. Link is <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/search/processRequest.do?Ntt=monarch+wings&x=0&y=0&requestURI=searchMain&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&N=0">here</a><br />
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I'm sure party packagers and some dollarstores also have them.<br />
The headband and hat are made from paper. <br />
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This theme reminds me of a Midsummer's Night Dream.Older children could dress up and act out scenes from the play. This is a blue sheet with white clouds attached to serve as a photobooth, but could also be the backdrop for the stage. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnrnw_9h-5z1wo-uQQd6Liyytpi-VftTm561LuFvDxJtFH1cVEpt2Rq3bB7ZthLEUByv37-numuuOH3y0I_jmtgQPwXNUHEiCUVEA0NJRRCRJq8rgwqYJ7h9JTyT1k6UTUrhXh0pbMIs/s1600/ss_101703703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnrnw_9h-5z1wo-uQQd6Liyytpi-VftTm561LuFvDxJtFH1cVEpt2Rq3bB7ZthLEUByv37-numuuOH3y0I_jmtgQPwXNUHEiCUVEA0NJRRCRJq8rgwqYJ7h9JTyT1k6UTUrhXh0pbMIs/s400/ss_101703703.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Image source: http://www.parents.com</span> </div><br />
I have the photo printer already to print out the pics, kids can make the frame to take home as a favour. <br />
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See the website <a href="http://www.parents.com/fun/birthdays/themes/woodland-fairy-tale/">here</a> for more details and instructions. Lots more themes for both girls and boys of all ages and price ranges.Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363662146266788733.post-42299361708680065322011-06-03T16:07:00.001-04:002011-06-03T16:07:57.425-04:00Lady Bug DecorationsA friend asked to help her with some things for her daughter's first birthday. I didn't have alot of time to contribute, but I came up with these two quick projects.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3zJECy2mjdCb3yC12PrzqGLq2aFWLKYEBXTZJlKC2ih3zQKrDu3qH1RslRXCQ0iVn7FLq2ihO0GKXFx8bUlIkfTEfWedtMlu8_DC5Rr7nBLvTifpT87_c77EArwiC3GKt-enNA5dn2M/s1600/DSCN2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3zJECy2mjdCb3yC12PrzqGLq2aFWLKYEBXTZJlKC2ih3zQKrDu3qH1RslRXCQ0iVn7FLq2ihO0GKXFx8bUlIkfTEfWedtMlu8_DC5Rr7nBLvTifpT87_c77EArwiC3GKt-enNA5dn2M/s400/DSCN2831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Directional Signs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The idea for these guys were to be signs to point the guests to the party, without giving away to much information such as the address or child's name. Guests were told to look for the ladybugs. One was at the entrance to the complex, one each on the front and back door. I made them from cardboard and acrylic paint. I painted them freehand, so they are not all perfect, but since they would not be side by side, it didn't matter. They are quite sizable, I used the lid from a paper box. Easily seen from a distance. I think the middle one is my favourite.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDnK9DQnfm3X_lsqneitHFflfZwAO4Nn-G4QbMKA2lPz6zYNLkZzDKRHSBklW6o2JFNd2XzHWrtOywOIvaIqupufG5bivbj3mmRALM5E1aCziGicxgl_y96uao3xMZTFTZtAYqKqeo1s/s1600/DSCN2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDnK9DQnfm3X_lsqneitHFflfZwAO4Nn-G4QbMKA2lPz6zYNLkZzDKRHSBklW6o2JFNd2XzHWrtOywOIvaIqupufG5bivbj3mmRALM5E1aCziGicxgl_y96uao3xMZTFTZtAYqKqeo1s/s400/DSCN2801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leaf cupcake flags</div><div style="text-align: left;">These little guys are so easy to make and look adorable. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Materials:</div><ul><li>toothpicks</li>
<li>green paper</li>
<li>red dot stickers</li>
<li>black marker</li>
<li>glue stick</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR4J5XYaLHm3kEcK0CLvX7P7CiW2g1MDZIy1CbZyS_B4rabPHc5EZ3_LjXomG8fjnQIFeBHtStxpaMSC1XFc20RHcreP7E3uYEwZTd-wt5R8xi2bbeKUejvHR94HNVtunZr2K4g7X7cw/s1600/DSCN2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR4J5XYaLHm3kEcK0CLvX7P7CiW2g1MDZIy1CbZyS_B4rabPHc5EZ3_LjXomG8fjnQIFeBHtStxpaMSC1XFc20RHcreP7E3uYEwZTd-wt5R8xi2bbeKUejvHR94HNVtunZr2K4g7X7cw/s320/DSCN2796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcRiSwooLujgBXqvTlA4zBjjVo_Uw7ZNWIw5WyEuvvBjrG-qhGmAVTGnnUwEtMXzdZwB_LwO3MjLIdXYVyA0AXrshScDM8SfYss9RLB1hiP3Kvew-kiuhONw2y9h5ktZ3AojoCbQq0Os/s1600/DSCN2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcRiSwooLujgBXqvTlA4zBjjVo_Uw7ZNWIw5WyEuvvBjrG-qhGmAVTGnnUwEtMXzdZwB_LwO3MjLIdXYVyA0AXrshScDM8SfYss9RLB1hiP3Kvew-kiuhONw2y9h5ktZ3AojoCbQq0Os/s320/DSCN2797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cut out a leaf shape from green paper.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkjH-2kdsDe0NC6FlkOO3dI5jdC1COkt8G1VO9Rc2awycrpjaFsg54TjP4JSXN4eKAwOOl3X0JKV7htJ7T4rUy3-pLKAOULzWyV2JgFJn-r3qUaIFj0u5PMZ3Ge640-h0qZHckIg_8h4/s1600/DSCN2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkjH-2kdsDe0NC6FlkOO3dI5jdC1COkt8G1VO9Rc2awycrpjaFsg54TjP4JSXN4eKAwOOl3X0JKV7htJ7T4rUy3-pLKAOULzWyV2JgFJn-r3qUaIFj0u5PMZ3Ge640-h0qZHckIg_8h4/s320/DSCN2798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Add some red dots (the body of the lady bug)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiCv44sJQevXCfhzYpTH1aUmOEYDxJFy7VPdAedSd0VJ3tex3rVXgzKH7-YOrHjkwvyibQoNq2gJRJKUoG2haJlR6mCUJ2J7AKPC9dbni1iHv2MhdvGUoCyGwaggADc2qefeksO0rrDE/s1600/DSCN2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiCv44sJQevXCfhzYpTH1aUmOEYDxJFy7VPdAedSd0VJ3tex3rVXgzKH7-YOrHjkwvyibQoNq2gJRJKUoG2haJlR6mCUJ2J7AKPC9dbni1iHv2MhdvGUoCyGwaggADc2qefeksO0rrDE/s320/DSCN2799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Draw on the details with black marker.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGt40bbOtnuJS94mxSg8ANBXphwG9ci6mi55v914Fz-P6FZYiGa1w0IGGX4smLakt02V0OvnxIgvA9RIf3kp20gUbo0m7hk6xJ_sVvsbRRmbeLz5LspOV5TUznma4afNEqmEh76tPUiE/s1600/DSCN2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGt40bbOtnuJS94mxSg8ANBXphwG9ci6mi55v914Fz-P6FZYiGa1w0IGGX4smLakt02V0OvnxIgvA9RIf3kp20gUbo0m7hk6xJ_sVvsbRRmbeLz5LspOV5TUznma4afNEqmEh76tPUiE/s320/DSCN2800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Add a bit of glue and roll the stem of the leaf around the toothpick.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, try not to touch the pointy end of the toothpick, or wear gloves. It's easy to whip up alot of these in a very short period time. I made a dozen in about fifteen minutes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are considering a theme for a young child's party, especially if that party is in a backyard or park I encourage you to use a ladybug theme. There is so much available online-free printables, games, activities etc. If you can't find ladybug decorations, they are easy to make. Or simply use red/black/green as your colour scheme. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>Mary Beth Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05656200262397168415noreply@blogger.com3