Disney Countdown Calendar

In December 2011 I finished the two year Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan College. It had been a long road for my family as I often found myself saying "I'm too busy" to my kids and mom guilt had taken up residence inside me.

I knew all I wanted once I was finished was more time with my husband and children, but with dreams of expanding my entrepreneurship in 2012, time was bound to remain a luxury.

So, my husband and I decided it was time to plan the best family vacation ever and that meant Disney World!

We told the children about the trip on Christmas day as part of their gift even though we weren't planning to go until the end of January. I didn't want to hear "is it time to go yet" every day for the next month, so I made them a countdown calendar (also part of their gift).

It has been the highlight of each morning in our house as the kids race over to it each day to read the fun fact inside and move the counter another day closer to our dream vacation. And I haven't been asked even once "is it time to go yet". (Yay)

A similar calendar can be made to countdown to anything. You can make one for Christmas, Birthdays or your own family vacation.

Disney Countdown Calendar

What you'll need

- Large Foam Board (Foam is more durable than bristol board)
- Library card pockets
- Numbers (either: stickers, printed from online, or hand written)
- Fun Facts
- Popsicle Stick
- Tape
- Glue stick

How to Make it

1. Collect/create enough fun facts to fill your calendar (one fact per day). I typed them up on the computer and cut them out and glued them to card stock folded like a card. I used a coloured circle sticker to seal the fact shut (so little eyes wouldn't be tempted to peek).

2. Put your numbers on the library card pockets

3. Lay all the library card pockets on the foam board, from highest number to lowest number, until you have them how you want it. Peel and stick your library card pockets on the foam board.

4. Stick your fun facts in each pocket.

5. Make a counter. I used a mickey face that says "Days 'til Disney" on it. I used packing tape to cover the whole thing to make it durable and appear laminated. Then, I taped black hockey tape around the popsicle stick and taped the mickey face to the top on the popsicle stick.

Extra: I bought Mickey die cuts on eBay to add some colour to the pockets and to help decorate the board. I also printed some text to give the calendar a title; "Days Till Disney". You could use stickers, die cuts or your own artistic skills to help add some colour to your board.

Some example fun facts I used:

"In Florida lizards walk around the same way squirrels run around here"

"At some restaurants characters come out to greet you while you eat"

"The plane ride to Florida will be almost 3 hours long"

And this is what my finished calendar looks like.

Christmas Fun For Your Kids (From My Kids)

My boys have been enjoying the Christmas season from: shopping, to baking, to reading stories, and crafting (and a whole bunch more in between).

This evening Dorian, my 5 year old, said that he was going to show me how to make a snowflake. I was so impressed with his presentation that I offered to make a video of it (for all of you of course). This is Dorian's "How To Make a Snowflake" step-by-step video:



Once his 8 year old brother DeAndre saw it, he too wanted to make a video. Since DeAndre enjoys telling jokes, he wanted to dazzle you with a few festive one-liners. Enjoy!



From our house to yours we'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Come Out & See Us For a Good Cause

I recently brought your attention to Zack's story and what we were here at Party At Your Place are doing to help his family. Now, Lisa has began working to put together an event to raise money for Zack's dream Elmo room and I just had to be a part of it.

Click here to see the event details page on Facebook.

Place: Taima Zone (Mississauga)
Date: April 29, 2011
Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm
Special Guest from Party at Your Place: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Also Featuring;

-Silent auction
-Zumba
-Food and drinks
-Much more fun

We hope that you will join us for a good family night out in support of Zack's dream. Remember we are still donating $10 from all monster parties to Zack's dream.

Zack's Dream Room

"La La La La. La La La La, Elmo's Song"

This is one of my favorite songs to sing at parties because everyone knows all the words, and if they don't, they quickly learn them. It doesn't matter what culture a person comes from, what language they speak or how old they are; everyone knows the words.

Three and a half year old Zack Hamilton was no different. while he may have never said the words, he surely hummed along to the catchy happy tune of Elmo's Song, for Elmo was one of his most favourite things.

Zack was a special little boy who's story needs to be read to understand why his humming of Elmo's Song is so meaningful. So please go read it now and then come back, I'll wait. ( Zack's Story )

Party at Your Place wants to help Zack's parents create Zack's Dream Room at York Central Hospital because:

1. Zack's story has really touched my heart
2. I believe this project will help his parents heal
3. Like Zack, I also love Elmo
4. I know the best Monster you ever did meet
5. Kids for years to come will have a hospital room that will be much less scary to be in. (Who can be scared in an Elmo room?)

Help us help Zack and his family by booking a Monster party with us today. We will donate $10 from every Monster party to Zack's Dream Room until his goal has been met.

Gift Buying Guide For Children Ages 1-5 Years Old

Sometimes one of the most stressful things about being invited to a birthday party is shopping for a gift. This is especially true if the guest does not have children or has children of the opposite sex.

If you want to buy developmentally appropriate gifts that will be loved by the recipient, this guide is for you.

First Birthday:

The first birthday is not only about turning one, but also about the entire year until he or she turns two. There is a lot of development that takes place during this busy year.

Look for toys that have an age of 12 months and up or 18 months and up. Avoid toys that say 6 months-12 months, as the child is already passing this stage of development.

DO LOOK FOR:

-Interactive bath toys (basketball, musical, drawing utensils)
-Hard cover books with easy to turn pages. If they include sensory opportunities, it's even better.
-Large soft building blocks
-Musical Instrument toys

AVOID:

-Toys designed to assist with walking
-Infant toys such as rattles
-Anything with pieces smaller than a Tennis ball


Basketball Bath Toy

Second Birthday:

Toddlers are active learners with a developmental need for play (like all children) that really emerges at this age. Educational, open-ended toys are key in helping a child reach their full potential.

Again, look for toys that are suitable for children from age 2-3 years. Avoid toys that end at the 2 year old level.

DO LOOK FOR:

-Wooden blocks
-Large Mega blocks
-Stacking toys or Fit shape into hole type toys
-Large wooden puzzles
-Large trucks and cars
-Books such as "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" (few words, predictable story, hard cover)

AVOID:

- Play tables designed more for 9-18 month old
- non-open-ended toys such as talking characters that do one specific thing limiting play experiences


Wooden Puzzle

Third Birthday:

Preschoolers are continuing to explore their environment and learn about about the world around them. Many children at this age really enjoy and participate in dramatic play.

Toys now generally have a broader age range such as; ages 3-5 years and 3 years and up. Continue to avoid toys ending with age 3, such as 2-3 years.

DO LOOK FOR:

-play dough
-Craft supplies; blunt nosed scissors, glue, paint, construction paper, crayons, markers
-Easel
-Dress up clothes
-Play kitchen, dishes and food
-Puppet theatre and puppets
-Blocks

AVOID:

-Colouring books
-Toddler puzzles
-Toy computers


Puppet Theatre

Fourth Birthday:

Many four year olds are in Junior Kindergarten and are more complex in their play. They need many open ended toys that allow them to extend and combine materials: example: wooden blocks are used to build roads to drive their cars on.

Toys tend to not state ages 4 years and up, but rather state 3 years and up or 5 years and up. Use your judgement on weather a toy labelled 5 years and up would be suitable for the recipient. Most children at age 4 are no longer putting toys in their mouths, so chocking concerns are subdued.

DO LOOK FOR:

-Lego
-Building toys such as marble works
-24-48 piece puzzles
-Cars
-Dolls and doll play accessories
-Dress up clothes
-Board games
-Action figures

AVOID:

-Large Mega blocks
-Colouring books
-Toy computers
-Wooden puzzles
-Barbie


Marble Works

Fifth Birthday:

Five year olds, like four year olds, are complex in their play. Readiness to read are more evident at this age and become of greater interest to children.

Toys that suggest ages 5 and up are good for this age, however many children are ready for toys labelled ages 6 and up as well.

DO LOOK FOR:

-Phonic and sight word story books
-Games and activities that encourage letter recognition
-Lego
-Building toys such as Kinex or Lincoln logs
-Board Games
-48-100 piece puzzles

AVOID:

-Colouring books
-Barbie
-Craft kits that are not open ended (Only one way to do it)


Child draws and writes their own story which is then published into a real book

Teacher Gift Tribute

Before all the kids start singing Alice Cooper and officially mark the start of summer vacation parents stress over what they should get their child's teacher. I know this post topic has nothing to do with parties but as parents most of us will face this challenge eventually.

I've received 100's of gifts in my years as a classroom teacher and have complied a list from my experience of gifts to avoid and gifts that will be used. I like to be creative with my gift giving but also give things that will not be thrown out or re gifted. Here are some of my favorite gifts that I have given to some of my children's many daycare/school teachers.

Movie Night In

This is by far my favorite gift to give. I start by getting a glass popcorn bowl. They have some nice ones at Party Packagers in a set of 4. What I did was use one bowl per teacher. You can also buy them at Home Outfitters and other Decor specialty stores.

Then inside the bowl I put a package of microwave popcorn, a shaker of popcorn flavouring, and a blockbuster gift card. You could also use a Kernels gift card or buy already popped kernels popcorn if you like. If you want to be a little more elaborate you can add movie theme related items such as; packages of licorice or a cute glass bottle of coke.

Then arrange the items inside the bowl, use popped popcorn as filler for decoration and wrap in cellophane.

This gift can cost as little as $20

The Caffeine Fix

This is a very simple gift that is sure to be used. Start with a coffee mug of choice. I like to get an over sized mug or a Tim Horton's mug. Then I add a Tim Horton's gift card (you could use Star Bucks instead, but don't tell me). Then fill the mug with coffee beans (for decoration) and place the gift card inside and wrap in cellophane. The gift card can be valued as low as $5.

This gift can cost as little as $10

Pamper Me Spoiled

You will see in my gifts to avoid section that I do not recommend buying many pampering items so this gift is very simple to put together. Start with a gift card to a spa or salon. One near the school or from Spa Finder are best. I like to add something to my gift cards (as you may have noticed) so I would add a pair of flip flops for a pedicure for example.

You could also do an at home pamper gift with a house coat, slippers and gift card for Shoppers Drug Mart.

This gift can cost as little as $50

Picture Perfect

A popular trend I've noticed is parents giving framed pictures of their child to the teacher. Now I have loved many children that have passed through my classrooms but do not necessarily want their pictures on my fireplace mantel. The best place to put your child's photo is taped inside the card.

Gift Cards

You may have noticed that my gift ideas all revolve around gift cards. The reason for that is gift cards are useful and by creating a theme around the gift card you add a personal touch. I also like that you can get gift cards for as little as $5 and up to whatever dollar amount you like.

Gifts To Avoid

Although it is always the thought that counts and I assure you teacher's appreciate everything someone gives them, there are certain things that I recommend you avoid buying for many reasons.

No Chocolate! Why? Because teachers receive too much chocolate. One year I remember getting 15 boxes of chocolate. Some teachers might not like chocolate, or they might love chocolate but be trying to diet, or they might be allergic etc.

No Soap or Lotion sets! Why? Because the teacher might have sensitive skin, might not like scented items and because soap is a personal item that should be bought personally.

No Home Decor! Why? because you haven't seen the teacher's home and do not know what their style is or their colour theme. These gifts are likely to end up in the closet until the next garage sale.

I hope you enjoyed my teacher gift tribute blog and that you find shopping this year a little easier. Now, where is my Alice Cooper CD...

Simple Decorating Tips

The difference between a party and a gathering really is the decorations. Decorating can be very simple or very elaborate, either way it will help set the mood for your event. Here are a few quick tips and tricks to make your decorating process easier:

Balloon clusters: Poke a safety pin through the tie of 3-5 blown up balloons and close pin. This makes placing a clutter of balloons much easier.

Condense Decorations: Go all out with themed decorations in one select area (i.e. the food table) to maximize the effect. Then spread out streamers and balloons around other areas in colours that tie in with your theme.

Outdoor Decorating: Use thumb tacks to affix streamers and your safety pinned balloon clutters to your backyard fence. This will hold your decorations in place even on a breezy day.