Go for the Gold! Winter Olympics Crafts, Recipes and Printables.

Set the stage for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. 

Celebrate the opening ceremonies tonight!  

This is a great opportunity to teach your children about different countries, cultures and sports.  

Go for the gold with these simple crafts and activities. 

My son proudly displaying his torch and Olympic coloring pages.

Olympic Torch Craft
The Olympic flame was first used over 2700 years ago in Greece.  Every four years, a flame was lit for the Olympics, and it burned throughout the games. It symbolized the death and rebirth of Greek heroes.  The first torch relay took place at the 1936 games in Berlin, Germany.  For each Olympics, a new flame is started in the ancient Olympic stadium in Olympia, Elis, Greece.  This flame begins its Olympic Torch Relay by touring Greece. Then, it is taken to the country where the games will be held. The last runner lights the large Olympic torch which burns throughout the games. The flame is extinguished during the closing ceremony.

You will need:

1 paper towel roll

Paint or crayons to decorate paper towel roll

Red, orange or yellow tissue paper

Tape

Scissors

Decorate the paper towel roll with crayons or paint... depending on how creative and messy you want to be!  Then, cut jagged "flames" at the top of the tissue paper.  Lay each piece of tissue paper down on top of each other. Loosely roll the tissue at the base.  Gather in together at the bottom, stuff into the top of the paper towel roll, and let the flames come out of top. 

Printable Links:

The official web site of the 2010 Winter Olympics is
http://www.vancouver2010.com/

Here are other links for activities and coloring pages:

http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascot/en/ccards.php

http://www.printactivities.com/ColoringPages/WinterOlympics-Coloring-Pages/Vancouver2010Rings.shtml

http://www.printactivities.com/ColoringPages/WinterOlympics-Coloring-Pages/Vancouver2010Logo.shtml

http://crafts.kaboose.com/olympics-index.html

Nanaimo Bars
Recipe courtesy of http://www.thekitchn.com/

Cozy up tonight with hot chocolate and a Canadian recipe favorite, Nanaimo Bars.

Stir the following ingredients in a large bowl, and set aside:
One box of crumbled graham crackers
2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup finely chopped nuts (Walnuts, almonds or pecans)

Melt the following ingredients in the top of a double boiler over simmering water:

1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa
Add: 2 large eggs, beaten

Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until mixture reaches 160 degrees.
Immediately pour over graham cracker mixture and blend thoroughly.
(Once the mixture has cooled, you may use your hands.)
Sprinkle evenly into a 12 by 18-inch jellyroll or half-sheet pan that has been buttered and lined with parchment paper and, using the bottom of a 1-cup measuring cup, press firmly into an even layer.

Beat the following ingredients with an electric mixer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Whisk the following ingredients together until dissolved:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup vanilla instant pudding powder

Add to butter mixture and beat 1 to 2 minutes.
Spread in an even layer over graham cracker mixture and refrigerate.

In the top of a double boiler over medium heat, stir the following ingredients until melted and smooth:
12 ounces (about 2 cups) finely chopped semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cool until just barely warm but still liquid, and pour over vanilla buttercream mixture.
Spread evenly and smooth the surface.
Refrigerate until chocolate topping is firm, then cut.

Cut into the shape of Olympic rings or purchase cookie cutters at Ann Clark Ltd. ($3.99)

Face Meets Glass Scale

Oh, the joy of boys. I wanted to share our latest adventure. This evening, my older son decided (for whatever reason) to run through the house with our glass scale. My younger son was running in the opposite direction and met the scale head on. Bam! We ran into the bedroom, and my little one was laying flat on the floor. Blood was gushing from his mouth. He had two gashes on his lip and a bloody tooth. I tried to ice the cuts, but that was an impossible task. He wiggled and screamed. Within a minute, he was back to playing like nothing had happened. I ran to the corner drug store to pick up popsicles. You should have seen the pharmacist's face when I explained that my toddler was hit in the face with a glass scale. Hopefully, it will heal. I'm sure it's just one of many fat lips, cuts and bruises that we can look forward to with two boys. Happy Friday night!

Casting for Pregnant Woman in Tampa

From time to time, I will share castings for Moms and children on my site.  These are always through a reputable source, but please make sure you feel comfortable with the job.   One of my wonderful agents is casting a non-union corporate video. She is looking for a 30 - 40 year old pregnant woman.  Ideally, the woman should be 7 - 8 months pregnant.  The rate is $350 for a half day, and the video shoots in Tampa on February 15th. If you or anyone you know is interested, please email current photos of your face AND belly to christine@benzmodels.com. Please respond by February 5th at Noon.  Good Luck!

Fun Football Finds - Super Bowl Booties

SUPER BOWL BOOTIES

http://www.curiousworkingmanship.etsy.com/

How adorable are these football cleat booties?
Made in all-season 100% cotton yarn.  Available in size small (6 months, 4" sole).  

Super Bowl Special!  Whichever bootie has the most views at 9 am Mountain time on Tuesday will be marked down to $5 for one day!

Order by Tuesday, February 2 to guarantee delivery for the Big Game!

Cost:  $10

Fun Football Finds - Saints Baby Outfit by Gingersnap Giraffe

This adorable baby outfit by Gingersnap Giraffe scores a touchdown for Saints fans.

http://www.gingersnapgiraffe.com/

Every Saints fan needs a game day outfit!

The turtleneck has a fleur-de-lis applique in black with white dots trimmed in gold thread.

Available in 6 month and 12 month sizes.

Cost:  $24

The outfit is completed with bloomers by New ICM. They feature a coordinating fleur-de-lis applique. Who Dat? embroidery completes the look. Can be worn as diaper or panty covers.

Sizes: NB, S (3-6M), M (9-12M), L (18M), XL (24M)

Cost:  $14

There's still time to get this before the big game. Order by February 2, Tuesday at 9pm.

Fun Football Finds - Super Bowl Favor Cakes

Super Bowl Favor Cakes

http://www.favorcakes.etsy.com/

These Favor Cakes are ready to ship! 

Order by February 2nd to Receive in Time for Super Bowl Sunday

 Support your team with these unique centerpieces by Favor Cakes.
Each cake includes twelve, handmade cake slice boxes and a decorative board.  

Fill with your favorite game day treats and let your party guests enjoy. 

Simply pull each cake slice out when you're ready to pass out the favor boxes to your guests. 

Perfect for your Super Bowl bash!

Cost:  $26

Football Family Fun!

Are you ready for some football this Sunday?  It's Super Bowl time!  Bring out the chips and dip!  At our house, any reason to celebrate is a good reason. I love theme parties.  Here are a few of my favorite Super Bowl ideas.

FOOTBALL TABLE RUNNER:  My boys and I are creating a football table runner.  It's a great project for him to work on his numbers, and it creates excitement for the big game.
You will Need:

Roll of green craft paper (art supply store), green wrapping paper, or astro turf (hardware store). We are using a grass table cloth from Party City.  Cut to fit your table.

1/4 inch white drafting, artist's or craft tape.

White felt adhesive numbers (craft store) or white adhesive numbers (office or hardware store)

Simply mark lines with tape and decorate with numbers to create a football field.

SUPER BOWL SNACKS:
Score big with these simple Super Bowl snacks.  All of these classic recipes can be prepared early in the day, and then, served during the game.  If you have time to make your own wings, fantastic!  If not, try the Target brand wings in the freezer section. My husband is picky with wings, and he loves these.  Heat and serve in a crock pot for the best taste.

CHEESY FOOTBALL DIP:

Two 8 ounce packages Cream Cheese, softened
One 8 ounce package shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Miracle Whip dressing
1/4 tsp. black pepper
One 3 ounce package real bacon bits
Two Tbsp. pimiento strips
Crackers

Beat cheeses and dressing with mixer until blended.  Add pepper.  Mix well.  Refrigerate for several hours.  Form into a football shape on a serving platter.  Coat with bacon bits.  Add pimento strips for lacing.  Serve with crackers. 

MEXICAN DIP:
1 can (15 1/2 ounce) refried black beans
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 green onions
1/3 cup sliced black olives
1 chopped tomato

Mix beans, chili powder and cumin.  Spread onto bottom of 9 inch platter.
Top with layers of remaining ingredients.
Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Serve with tortilla chips.

SPINACH STUFFED MUSHROOMS:

1 package (6 ounce) Stove Top Stuffing Mix for chicken
1 1/2  cups hot water
40 fresh mushrooms (about 2 pounds)
2 Tbsp. butter
2 cloves minced garlic
One 10 ounce frozen spinach, thawed, well drained
1 cup shredded low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix stuffing mix and water in a large bowl.  Set aside. Remove stems from mushrooms and chop stems.  Melt butter in skillet on medium heat.  Add chopped stems and garlic. Cook and stir until tender.  Add to prepared stuffing with spinach and cheeses.  Mix well. 
Spoon into mushroom caps.  Place, filled sides up in shallow pan.
Bake 20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Note:  I prepare mushrooms early in the day, and then stick them in the oven as needed.

Feel Better Reviews - Alex Puppet Set & Art Mats

This week, our family has been stuck inside with the flu.  The tough task is keeping my boys in bed and entertained.  I have a "sick basket" that I stock with coloring books, cards, games, and a few Power Rangers to help fight off germs. I even throw in a favorite stuffed animal and a light weight blanket. I stock our kitchen with "sick food" essentials like fruit popsicles, soups, mac n' cheese, crackers and juice.  I try and make the best of a bad situation.  Here are reviews on two of my favorite "stuck in the house" craft items.

ALEX PUPPET SET:

The Puppet set by Alex includes five colored bags, 260 colorful stickers, one chunky glue stick, punch outs and simple illustrated instructions. The suggested age range is 3 and up.  The set is available at Target for $10.49.

Our family loved this product, and it makes a wonderful gift.  My boys spent hours creating these puppets.  Then, they enjoyed putting on shows.  The quality is excellent, and the designs are bold, colorful and fun.  Bravo!

LAND OF NOD ART MATS:

Manage the mess of your budding artist with the Land of Nod art mats.  Even though my boys have a craft table in their room, they love to create on our dining room table.  Whether it's paint or play dough, they enjoying using these non-skid mats. I like that they keep the art off my table, and I can throw them in the dishwasher. The set includes a blue, red, green and yellow mat.  Combine with the puppet set (also available at Land of Nod) for a great gift!

TV Moms Don't Wear Black

As a real Mom, black is a staple of my wardrobe.  It's flattering and easy to match. I just grab it and go.  In TV land, Mom's don't wear black. I auditioned today for a national theme park commercial.  Instead of my brightly colored Mommy uniform, I decided to rebel.  It was cold outside, and I just couldn't get in the mood for khaki capris.  I figured nobody would notice.  I threw on a long black sweater, skinny jeans and black boots.  I was feeling pretty good until I walked into the waiting room.  One girl even kindly offered to give me her lime green tee.  I was told that I needed to give the clients what they wanted. Surely they could figure out if I was right for the part without me having to don the stereotypical tourist attire. I've been doing this for years.  Nope!  When I entered the audition room, I was asked to take off my sweater.  I politely  refused. Trust me. I  wouldn't get the job parading around in the skin tight camisole under my sweater (which by the way was also black).  I liked my flaw concealing, comfy black sweater.  This is what a real Mom looks like.  Deal with it. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be getting a call from my agent. :)

The Reality of a TV Mom

For years, I've auditioned and worked as a TV Mom. I've dressed up in my khakis, denim button down and Keds. My hair was perfectly pulled back in a ponytail, and my nails were nicely manicured.  I'd show up relaxed and confident.  I'd bond with my "pretend kids" for a while. If they were unruly, I'd send them back to their real Mom.  I thought this "Mom thing" was pretty easy.

Five years ago,  my husband and I were blessed with our first bundle of joy. Just like his Mom, he entered this world with drama. He was due on the day Hurricane Charlie literally hit over our house, and he set the record at the hospital for biggest baby... 11 pounds, 4 ounces.  His brother arrived 3 years later.  Once again, drama.  At 9 months pregnant, I was in the hospital for 10 days with bronchitis and a cracked rib.  He made his debut a few weeks early (thank goodness!) at 10 pounds, 4 ounces.

At first, I tried to live up to this perfect Mom image that I'd created on TV.  I really struggled with it.   Now, I've learned to embrace our chaos. In fact, when things slow down for a second, I miss it.  I love the laughs, cries and tumbles of our two active boys.  We are a house full of non-stop antics. I still work as a TV Mom, but I bring reality to every part I play.  My hairs a bit rumpled, and it's a good day if I wear lip gloss.  I'm still working on losing the last of the baby weight. I might miss out on a few parts here and there, but the trade off is worth it.  Now, I'm a real Mom, and I'm proud of it.