A Craft: Patriotic Wreath

This was a very easy wreath that I made using balloons in red, white and blue.  I wanted something for Memorial Day Weekend which would also work for 4th of July.  I re-used a foam wreath form that I had from a previous wreath and I bought 12 inch round balloons in the three colors.  I ended up using approximately 250 balloons for the whole project.  I attatched them to the form with floral pins.  I bought mine very cheaply at Wal-mart and they are in the crafting area of the store.  The entire project took less than an hour to make and I love how it turned out. 

Have a Happy Monday!

I Spy......

Small items around the house - sorry for the lighting in this photo

My poem which is below

The filled jar

I got this idea of "I Spy" from the Magic Onion which can be found here:  http://themagiconions.blogspot.com/2009/05/eye-spy-jar.html

I adapted it for my kids who are older. I found small objects that were lying around the house and filled a mason jar with them items as well as rice, leaving enough room for the contents to move. I then made an explanation sheet and a guessing sheet and left them on a table in our entryway. I let them find the game on their own.  We will see who guesses the correct amount of objects in the jar at the end of the weekend.

The explanation says the following:

I Spy
I won’t tell my secret but revealed in this jar,
A number of items found near and far.

Record the number of things there you find,
In your head, on your hand or even in your mind.

You may lift, you may shake but never do cheat,
as the winner will get a prize for their feat.

Work as a team or work on your own,
you may even rely on a friend, via the phone.


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

The Kentucky Derby....a Recipe and my Pick



My Hat Choice, if I bought one

First you have to know that my only experience with Kentucky is a drive through on the interstate although it appeared to be a beautiful state.  Likewise, I have ridden a horse a handful of times and after my last experience (a 2 hour tour no less), I swore off horseback riding forever.  Needless to say, I am still interested in watching the race tomorrow.  I have been to a live horse race once in my life and I don't remember anything particularly wonderful about the day but it didn't include beautiful hats nor did it include mint juleps.  I am certain that those two things alone would have made the day much more enjoyable.  With all that said, here is where you can learn more about the race:  http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

My personal choice for the race (based on absolutely nothing but a whim) is Stay Thirsty.

Which leads me to something to help you with your thirst, a recipe for Mint Juleps: 

Picture from Myrecipes.com

Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
10 mint leaves
1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 oz Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon, or other bourbon
crushed ice
1 oz, or more, water to taste
Method
1. Add mint leaves to glass and muddle or crush with a muddler, a mortar, or just a spoon. Gently bruise leaves to extract mint flavor. Add sugar and bourbon. Stir to combine. Add crushed ice and water to taste.
2. Stir and serve garnished with a mint sprig in your finest glasses or a silver cup, if you have one. (Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver cups, but any  glassware will work)

Finally, here is a site with a log of ideas for those who are having a Kentucky Derby party.  http://www.hostessblog.com/search/kentucky+derby


And here is a free printable from cupcakecollars.com for a themed cupcake wrapper: 
http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/CupcakeCollars_Horseshoe.pdf

Whatever your plans for the weekend, have a good one!