Resources
Sugar Skulls, Marigolds and Celebration Dia de los Muertos in Mexico!
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/30/2010 08:39:00 AMWith Halloween approaching and the princess crowns and devil horns at the ready, Little Passports wants to share Dia de Los Muertos with you and your family. Let's pack our bags and head south to
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st and Dia de los Muertos is only two days later on November 2nd. There may only be a few days between the two holidays but Dia de los Muertos has many unique traditions and customs that are sure to add fairy dust to your holiday!
Sugar Skulls and Marigolds
While many trick-or-treaters are still recovering from a sugar rush on November 2nd, Mexicans are preparing sugar skulls called calaveras de azúcar. These beautifully decorated confections are made for deceased loved ones who are said to visit earth on Dia de los Muertos. Families visit graves with calaveras de azúcar, special food, drinks and flowers to offer to their ancestors. Funny stories are told, poems are read and a celebration of life takes place! No altar is complete without Flor de Muertos (marigolds) that grow wild in many parts of the country. Mexicans carry on the tradition of the Aztecs by regarding marigolds as important flowers in medicine, culture and ceremonies. The whole idea behind Dia de los Muertos is to celebrate life instead of mourn death!
A Global Glance
Activities
1) Make Something Sweet!
Calaveras de azúcar are more than just sugar, they are art! Though some Mexicans make their own sugar skulls, similar to mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival, many buy them from the experts.
Improvising is a crucial tool to traveling with relative ease. So we will improvise sugar skulls! Bake something sweet and decorate it with bright frosting. Sam and Sofia are going to bake sugar cookies and use cookie cutters in the shape of a skull. Using food dye from Aunt Charlie, they are going to dye home-made frosting red, orange, blue and green to decorate the cookies. Get creative and have fun!
2) Dia de los Muertos Decorations!
The colorful shrines built and decorated by loved ones are a special Dia de los Muertos tradition to honor those who have passed away. Though it may seem that the holiday is about death, it really is about life! Let this inspire you to create a beautiful mini art piece out of a matchbox!
Supplies:
- Small empty matchbox
- Sand paper
- Water colors and/or markers
- Paper images
- Glue
- Scissors
- Small charms or flowers
Directions:
* Use the sandpaper to rough up the edges of the matchbox. This will help the paint or markers stick and it will give your box a rustic look.
* Pick your favorite colors and paint the box. Try using different colors for the inside and outside of the box to give it depth. Use markers to draw shapes and designs.
* Cut out cool pictures from magazines. Skulls are the main theme for Dia de los Muertos, but you can decorate your matchbox with whatever you want! Remember, marigolds are the traditional flowers!
* Use your glue to paste on pictures, charms and flowers.
Now you have your own little art piece to add to the color of Dia de los Muertos!
3) Map Activity
Can you find these countries on the map?
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4a) Bonus Questions
1) Many Spanish words are similar to English. Do you know any?
2) What countries and bodies of water border
3) Pan de muertos is often baked in preperation for Dia de los Muertos. Can you guess what "pan" is?
4) Do you know which civilization built
4b) Bonus Answers
1) Here are just a few: la música (music), el chocolate (chocolate), la celebración (celebration), la escuela (school)
2) Countries: USA (north), Guatemala and Belize (southeast)
Bodies of Water: Pacific Ocean (south and west), Gulf of Mexico (east), Caribbean Sea (southeast).
3) Bread
4) Mayan civilization
For inspiration and fun facts about your world join the conversation today on the Little Passports Facebook page.
ShoeDazzle Halloween Contest Turns Fantasy Into Reality!
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/29/2010 08:30:00 AMImage via CrunchBaseFor everyone who’s ever dreamed of experiencing the excitement of the “American Music Awards®” (AMAs), this year they don’t need to be a music star. They just need to dress like one!
ShoeDazzle is launching an online “AMAze Us! Halloween Contest” welcoming all dress-up divas and fashionistas to submit a photo of themselves wearing a music star costume. The Grand Prize winner gets a trip for two to the 2010 “American Music Awards,” taking place at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 21. For two days, they’ll feel like a bona fide star: attending the AMA pre-party on November 20, partying on the red carpet alongside nominees and attendees at L.A. LIVE, enjoying prime orchestra seats at the AMAs, then join the glitter of the official AMA after party at the Conga Room before retiring to their world-class accommodations at the JW Marriot Hotel at L.A. LIVE. The contest’s First Runner-Up receives a special ShoeDazzle gift package, while eight Honorable Mentions get a free ShoeDazzle credit to be used on the company’s website to purchase a product of their choice.
Contest submissions, accepted from October 21 through November 2, are done through ShoeDazzle’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shoedazzle <http://www.facebook.com/
Labels: Halloween, Spooky Kids Kula, Trick-or-treating, Yoga
Trick-or-treat with Sprout this Halloween!
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/27/2010 12:48:00 PMAs a favorite holiday for many preschoolers and their families, PBS Kids Sprout naturally has tons of fun games and activities going on to help you celebrate this weekend. A few highlights:
Labels: Halloween, PBS Kid Sprout, Sunny Side Up Show, Trick or Treat
Cards, Stationary, Invitations, Oh My!
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/25/2010 11:23:00 AMWith 2010 coming to an end in about two months, and 2011 coming to a near, people including myself often send holiday, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid cards to family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Shutterfly has some of the most beautiful designs of cards available to choose, including Christmas cards, holiday photo cards, tarjetas de feliz navidad, and even religious Christmas cards.
Photo Christmas cards are a great way to let others know that you are thinking about them during the holiday seasons.
One of my favorite designs at Shutterfly is Year in Review. A bright greeting appears on a scarlet-red square.This folded card allows you to use eight different photos of any of your choosing that has taken place during 2010. What I would do is choose eight different photos of my family doing important activities during the year. When you open the card, you can also write your greeting, as well as the names of those in the photos. I am planning to send these cards out to family and friends as a way of keeping up to date on us through photos.
Even if you don't want to order cards, Shutterfly offers Christmas party invitations and Christmas gift tags . You have the option of choosing folded greeting cards, flat stationary cards, and flat photo cards. Click here to see a variety of holiday cards.
FTC: I have received some form of compensation to write this blog post.
Labels: Christmas, Christmas card, Greeting card, Shutterfly
Tune In! "A Martha Stewart Wedding: Bayou to Bahamas" Premieres on Style!
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/21/2010 08:21:00 AMDon’t miss “A Martha Stewart Wedding: Bayou to Bahamas” - The Style Network’s new one-hour bridal-themed special premiering on Saturday, October 23 at 9pm et/pt.
On the show, Martha Stewart gives one lucky couple the opportunity of a lifetime when they win a dream wedding in the Bahamas!
The winners, Colin and Liz, are a deserving couple from New Orleans and hear the news live on The Martha Stewart Show. After the big surprise, they get swept away by the Martha Stewart Weddings team to start the planning process in New York City. From designer gown shopping at Kleinfelds, to a bridal makeover for Liz, to a tailored suit for Colin—no detail is overlooked with the Martha Stewart Wedding team at the helm.
Then, it’s off to the Bahamas as the bride and groom make final preparations for their lavish destination wedding. But if you are expecting a classically traditional affair, think again! This New Orleans-based couple incorporates Creole elements into their nuptials to add some spice to the celebration!
From beignets to beads, join this happy couple on their journey down the aisle on “A Martha Stewart Wedding: Bayou to Bahamas” premiering on Saturday, October 23 at 9pm et/pt on Style.
For the latest news, tour dates and more, check out KT's website, Facebook and Twitter.
Nov 4 Knitting Factory Spokane, WA
Nov 5 Knitting Factory Boise, ID
Nov 7 Knitting Factory Reno, NV
Nov 8 Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA
Nov 11 The Music Box Los Angeles, CA
Nov 12 House of Blues San Diego, CA
Nov 16 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO
Nov 18 Epic Minneapolis, MN
Nov 19 The Vogue Indianapolis, IN
Nov 21 Vic Theatre Chicago, IL
Nov 22 The Crofoot Detroit, MI
Nov 23 Phoenix Theatre Toronto, ON
Nov 25 Club Soda Montreal, QU
Nov 26 The Trocadero Philadelphia, PA
Nov 27 9:30 Club Washington, DC
Nov 29 House of Blues Boston, MA
Dec 1 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Labels: Blog Tour, Fade Like a Shadow, KT on Tour, KT Tunstall, Tiger Suit, Top hit 20
A Conversation with Waiting for "Superman" Director Davis Guggenheim
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/19/2010 08:05:00 AM
Visit the Official Site for More Information
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- 'Waiting For Superman' Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim Talks Failing Schools On KTLA (huffingtonpost.com)
- Lifechanger: Davis Guggenheim Tackles U.S. Public Schools (extratv.warnerbros.com)
Poetically Speaking 2010: Weathering the Storm
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/18/2010 08:39:00 AMSally Nguyen shares her skills at Poetically Speaking 2009 |
When:
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where:
Labels: Emerson College, Poetically speaking, teen girls
I had the privilege of interviewing Hazel Dixon-Cooper of Work on A Rotten Day. Although, I don't know much about astrology, Dixon-Cooper combines astrology and the workforce in the humorous book. Hazel is schedule to appear on Connecting Women Radio Nov. 4, 9 p.m. CST.
Hope you enjoy her interview as much as we did!
Global Arts: How did you get interested in astrology?
Hazel: I've been interested in astrology since I was a teen. Why? Because it's a wonderful self-knowlegde tool and a fascinating subject. For nearly 5,000 years, astrology has been practiced in some form by every civilzation on Earth.
Hazel: That it can help them to better deal with a tough boss, peacefully co-exist with an irritating coworker, motivate an unenthusiastic staffer, and light a fire within themselves. Understanding the people you work with gives you more control. Understanding yourself better can help you succeed faster.
Hazel: My most immediate project is that I intend to offer private consultations again. I suspended my professional practice while writing my books, but am planning to resume it by the end of this year. I also have a couple of ideas for future books.
Hazel: CentralValleyMoms.com on October 25.
It is our pleasure Hazel. "See" you Nov. 4th 9 p.m. CST on Connecting Women Radio.
50 Trendy and Plus-Sized Costumes for 2010
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/17/2010 08:00:00 AMAn oil-spilling CEO; a serial killer in mourning; and a tie-dyed rainbow meme -- the Halloween costumes cache for 2010 is vast. Faithfully imitating hip and colorful cultural icons is a stellar way to stand out at any party.
To help transform average Joe's, Jane's and groups into pop-culture icons, CouponSherpa.com has compiled two lists: 20 plus-size Halloween costumes and 30 trendy getups. Along with a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor, most can be made with items found around the home or at a local thrift shop.
Our list of 2010's hottest costumes includes:
- Vuvuzela Guy/Gal (World Cup Fan) - Remind partygoers of the world's most annoying instrument by stringing a series of the plastic horns together, hanging them around your neck and wearing your favorite team's colors.
- Betty White (Comeback Queen) - This riff on a classic old-lady costume can be spiced up with second-hand sports trophies. Adorn them with labels like "Betty White: MTV Best Kiss Award."
- Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock (The New Ro-Sham-Bo)- The concept is simple: Grab some friends and decorate white t-shirts with your chosen symbol from the quirky "Big Bang Theory" game. Don't become separated or run the risk of looking absolutely lame.
- Tony Hayward (BP CEO) - Sport a yachting outfit and carry a black, oily substance to randomly spill on unsuspecting revelers. Afterwards, deny all allegations and mumble things like, "I want my life back!"
- Old Spice Guy (Advertising Phenomenon) - Isaiah Mustafa's musk-scented manly-man is a cinch if you have washboard abs and a deep, sexy voice. Wrap yourself in a towel and carry a bottle of Old Spice. (Or paint a t-shirt with abs and fake it.)
The Best Books to Read With Your Kids - Parenting.com
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/14/2010 12:26:00 PMParenting.com has come up with a list of the top 30 books that should be read to your children. I looked through the list, and I have read these books as a child, and continue to share my love of these books with my own child.
How about you?
The Best Books to Read With Your Kids - Parenting.com
Labels: Book, Child, children's books, love reading, Parenting
Curb Your Enthusiasm "Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good" Sweepstakes
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/13/2010 12:21:00 AM
In celebration of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" being on TV five nights a week, Warner Bros is giving away a 2010 Toyota Prius as well as other amazing prizes in the "Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good" Sweepstakes. The rules are simple: tune-in for "Curb" Monday through Friday and watch for the word of the day. Enter the correct word on http://www.curbweeknights.com/sweepstakes/ and you'll be eligible to win. The "Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good" Sweepstakes ends October 16, so be sure to enter for your chance to win today!
Labels: Contests, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Sweepstakes, Television, Warner Bros
I am working on not ignoring my instincts. My instincts offers its opinions on decisions that need to be done. Often times, I put my instincts aside and perform the decision in a logical manner.
I tend to use Facebook for family, friends and colleagues that I have worked with on projects and we are beyond the formality step. So, when I meet someone in person with just an acknowledgment of hello, I don't think much of it--until they decide they would like to friend me on Facebook. In The Whole Truth, Kathryn and Jimmy are constantly in this kind of dilemma defending and prosecuting individuals without know the entire story.
Back to the Facebook story. I decided to wait a couple of days to decide if I should friend this person or not. Instinct told me forget it. You and this person barely talk to each other in person, although we have nothing against each other--I just think it is lack of something to talk about with each other. Did I listen to my instinct despite warning me through the entire time of this process? Nope. I even accused my instinct of being judgmental.
So, anyways, I decided to friend this person. Occasionally, she would like or comment on my Facebook statuses, and I the same. Then I was gone for a couple of months abroad. After I returned, I saw this person in person. We greeted each other with casual hellos, and then went on our own business. About two weeks ago, I wanted to comment on this person's remark on Facebook, when I clicked on her profile, I couldn't! Because I had been, you guessed it--DEFRIENDED. I was stunned for like 3 seconds, and I apologized to my instincts. I had oppressed my instincts.
I see this person every now and then. And I wonder, should I ask her why she defriended me? I don't think so because I want to give her the attitude of I don't care that she defriended me.
Lesson learned: TRUST your instincts, chances are you will be right that way.
Be sure to tune-in for "The Whole Truth" on ABC Wednesdays at 10/9 C.
Disclosure: I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'The Whole Truth.'
Kathryn and Jimmy in "The Whole Truth" are friends and rivals. Rivals in the courtroom and friends outside the courtroom. Despite the court competition, Kathryn and Jimmy are able to continue their friendship outside of work. Many people may have a friend of two who are like Kathryn and Jimmy.
For sake of privacy, I am not going to use her real name. Tiffany was a demanding boss in the workplace, but outside she was casual, laid-back person. It was if she was two different persons. We became friends through mutual friends. When she had a job opening in her office, she had known that I was looking for a job and hired me. Unlike the friendship between Kathryn and Jimmy, Tiffany and my friendship is not as strong as it used to be. She and I have both left our careers and onto different paths of careers, thus losing contact with each other.
In "The Whole Truth", we get to see Kathryn and Jimmy's relation in the court and outside the court. An interesting twist is not the friendship between Kathryn and Jimmy, it is the fact that viewers can see the TRUTH in the court case in addition to the jury's verdict. Now that is kind of like a shock factor because you watch the show, you will be confused on who should be convicted. You can see if the jury made the right decision or not, by seeing the TRUTH at the end.
Be sure to watch "The Whole Truth" on ABC Wednesdays at 10/9 C.
FTC: "I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'The Whole Truth.'"
Barnes & Noble, Inc., the world's largest bookseller, announced legendary author Maurice Sendak will read the classic children's picture book Where the Wild Things Are for the Barnes & Noble.com Online Storytime program (www.bn.com/storytime). Beginning today, visitors can listen to this exclusive narration by Mr. Sendak of his children's classic and celebrate the wild rumpus through his colorful artwork and illustrations.
Barnes & Noble.com will feature a Where the Wild Things Are page with a selection of monster-themed books and toys. BN.com customers will receive a 45% discount on select items, for a limited time. To celebrate the Online Storytime, Barnes & Noble stores will feature Where the Wild Things Are in-store displays for the month of October.
"Barnes & Noble is thrilled to have author Maurice Sendak reading Where the Wild Things Are as only he can. Mr. Sendak's book is imaginative, creative and whimsical - a perfect fit for our Online Storytime," said Rachel Jarrett, Director of Kids and Lifestyle Products for Barnes & Noble.com. "After more than 40 years and over 20 million copies sold worldwide, children are still wildly enthusiastic about Mr. Sendak's book and we share that enthusiasm as we listen to him tell the tale of Max sailing to the land 'where the wild things are.'"
A monthly feature, Barnes & Noble.com's Online Storytime is perfect for children ages two through six and showcases favorite children’s books read by well-known authors and celebrities. To enhance the Storytime experience, illustrations and artwork are brought to life through pan-and-scan technology. Previous selections have included Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly read by author Jane O'Connor; Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; and, most recently, Ian Falconer's Olivia read by SNL alum Ana Gasteyer. In November, author Jan Brett will read his timeless favorite The Mitten and in December Chris Van Allsburg will read his holiday classic The Polar Express.
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- Coloring and Art Activities for the Wild Things Are (brighthub.com)
PreK-12 educators can save up to 25% on classroom and personal purchases, including 10% on music and movies between October 9th through October 17th, 2010 at Barnes and Noble. Discount is valid in store, and if you are ordering online, go to BN.COM/educator.
Enjoy!
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The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie LAUNCH PARTY!
0 comments Posted by Faten Abdallah at 10/06/2010 08:00:00 AMLabels: Barbie, book launch, Tanya Lee Stone, Vermont