Disney Patents Virtual Cake Toppers

As Disney has been experimenting more and more with augmented reality, I’ve tried to imagine scenarios in which the company could put it to use. My focus has always been on the Disney Parks, on how it could allow guests to further interact with exhibits. Apparently, Walt Disney Co. itself has been focusing more on how they can augment our food. Technology website Gizmag details a recently filed patent by the Disney Company, one that covers the use of augmented reality for cakes. That’s right, cakes. Gizmag says that most of what’s on the patent is still theoretical, but it … Continue reading

Simple Ways to Make Back-to-School Fun

In my home, nothing sparks a chorus of groans louder than hearing the following three words: Back to school. Of course, returning to class doesn’t have to be wrought with tears, fears and jeers. With a little creativity you can turn the worst part of the year into one of the best. Here are some ideas on how to make it happen: Movie Night: This is a great way to motivate your child to study hard in school without constantly being nagged. A few days before the new school year gets underway, clean a large empty jar and place it … Continue reading

3 Tips for Blogging Professionally

Blogs were first written by those who wanted to share their thoughts, family photos and stories with a small group of people. Most were used to chronicle the lives of person writing the blog. Blogs caught on due to the friendly nature and transparency of the authors. The popularity mounted and soon they evolved into the realm of making money. Once a blogger earns an income from her blog she becomes a professional blogger. When blogs were first conceived I am sure no one ever thought it would give rise to professional bloggers making a living reviewing products and chronicling … Continue reading

My Cute Cake Adventures

When spring comes, I typically don’t start thinking about growing things in the garden, but rather creating things in the kitchen, specifically cakes. We have a lot of birthdays in the spring and summer in this family, and everyone expects a special cake. Sometimes there are requests attached to the cakes, such as a pirate ship or a princess castle. Other times it is simply to make a “cool” cake. Sometimes these cakes are requested not for birthdays but for other family get together. There is really only two requirements for these cakes. The first is that I must be … Continue reading

Last Minute Preschool Valentines Ideas

Is your preschooler bringing Valentines to friends this week or this coming weekend? Looking for something cute to make that won’t cost a fortune or take hours upon hours of time? Last month, I mentioned the idea of buying miniature brownies, placing them in little bags, and tagging them with children’s names. But what else can you do that’s cute, fun, and doesn’t take a long time? If you have a younger preschooler, bring out the paint or finger paint. Take a big piece of paper, take out the red, pink, and white, and let your preschooler go to it. … Continue reading

Ideas for a Rockin’ Dinosaur Party for Kids

What do you do when your 4-year-old daughter begs you for a dinosaur-themed birthday party? If you’re me you consult with friends who have little boys and come up with a variety of dinosaur-related games, activities and decorations, so that your little princess can feel like a Triceratops for a day: PREHISTORIC IMPRINTS Materials: Play-Doh or homemade dough Items to imprint, including bugs, leaves, dinosaur footprints (from toy dinosaur) Shoe polish Acrylic sealer Directions: Make a rock shape from the Play-Doh. Create a smooth surface on the topside of your rock. (You can use water or the bottom of a … Continue reading

Sensational Super Bowl Party Ideas

Are you ready for some football? Arizona Cardinal and Pittsburgh Steeler fans are counting down the minutes until tomorrow’s Super Bowl kickoff. Even if your team didn’t make it to the big game, you can still join in the pigskin festivities by hosting your own Super Bowl party. Here are some tips for creating a winning look for Sunday’s major match-up: DECORATIONS Party stores are filled with Super Bowl paraphernalia. However, you can save a bundle by going generic. Simply purchase balloons, streamers, and tablecloths to match your favorite team’s colors. Then, get your kids involved in the decorating process … Continue reading

Simple Crafts to Add to Your Halloween Buffet Table

Over in the FOOD blog I have been sharing dozens of simple, affordable and extremely festive recipes to feature on a Halloween buffet. But, devilishly tasty dishes are only part of a spooky spread. To make your table look as festive as possible you need some equally creative pieces to accent the bloody bites and Kitty Litter cakes. The following are a couple of easy crafts you can make a few days prior to your Boo Bash that are sure to have your costumed guests moaning with delight. PAINTED CANDY CORN CLAY POTS This craft is as straightforward as they … Continue reading

Five Tips for Affordable Autumn Decorating

Try these simple affordable autumn touches to get your home ready for fall: Color, of Course Adding great autumn color is almost always first on the list, but try to find new places to inject warm color. Try lining your shelves with fabric or adding a runner in the front hall to add warmth and softness. Fall Flowers Mums or “pot mums” come in gorgeous colors just right for this season. You can purchase potted mums in decorative containers or simply pick up some in a plain flowerpot and select your own planters. Fresh flowers always add charm. Simple Centerpiece … Continue reading

Entertaining: Last Minute Super Bowl Party Ideas

Now that we know which teams will be facing each other in the Super Bowl, it’s a little easier to decorate. Since both teams have blue in their uniforms and logos, you might want to go with blue to keep it simple. However, the Colts blue is more of a royal blue, while the Bears blue is a navy. Royal blue and white on one side of the room and navy with orange on the other is a good scheme, if you want to decorate in a neutral fashion. If you’re not sure which of your guests are cheering for … Continue reading