Build a Bear Birthday Party was a Success!

The Build A Bear Birthday Party was a lot of fun. We had 16 out the 19 kids show up. We decided to drop the limit to $20 from $25. It made a difference on how much it cost and it did not reduce the number of bears the kids could pick from by much. Most of the kids picked the Heart Bear (six of them). We had bunnies, Koala bear, one dog, a cat and a mix of other bears. Not all the kids picked $20 bears. Some picked $12 bears and love them just as much as the other kids love their $20 bears. It's not the price that counts when it comes to Build A Bears.

The staff was amazing. They really like what they do, you can tell. They made the party for the kids. I was impressed by them and so were the other parents. Many people stopped and watched the party, kids wanted to join in. People were quit surprised when they found out the party did not cost extra, we just paid for the bears the kids picked. I think a bunch of kids are going to be having Build A Bear parties now. From what some of the parents told me they loved the party and think that there kids loved it as well.

I know the kids loved it. They hugged their bears and had great big smiles. As soon as the party was done there was a rush to the clothing and accessories. Many of the parents had been wandering through the store looking at the outfits as the party went on. Some had outfits picked out before the kids were done. It was funny watching the parents trying to negotiate for the outfits they wanted. For the most part the parents relented and let the kids "help" pick out the outfits, and others the parents got to "help" the kids. In some cases the kids got to pick exactly what they wanted.

Many parents were surprised when we gave them $5 coupons for Build A Bear. We knew that as soon as the kids had bears they would want clothing. We had warned the parents but I don't think they expected to find all the cool stuff. Some of the parents came back after the party to buy their own bears and outfits.

I think Build A Bear can become addictive and it is easy to go from one bear to a collection with lots of outfits and more. I think it is more important for my kids to keep their bears special by not buying a lot of them. We have decided the only way our kids are getting more bears are as gifts from Grandma or if they are invited to Build A Bear parties. Three are enough. Now they can get different outfit instead. They are okay with that. Though my daughter keeps seeing new ones she would like to get. Mind you she sees a lot of things she wants to get everyday. What kid doesn't?

If I could go back would I do the party over again, yes. Would I change anything, no. Will I have another one, yes if my son wants one but the rule is one Build A Bear Birthday party each. The funny thing is it's the adults that want to have an adult only Build A Bear party. Why because when the kids are with us we always buy for them. If we had an adult party the adults can do something special for themselves, and have fun. I guess my husband is right, everyone needs a bear to hug once in a while.

The Build a Bear Birthday Party that took a life of its own

My daughter asked if she could have a Build a Bear Birthday party. She is turning 6 so sure that sounded like a great thing to do. We knew we needed 6 kids, but in a pinch my husband or I could get a bear. We invited one of her friends, and her sister, and one of my son’s friends. My daughter asked if she could bring a friend from her class. Sure, but our rule is that if you invite one kid from a group you have to invite everyone. No kid should feel left out.



It did not seem like a big deal inviting her kindergarten class to her birthday party, last year we invited her class and only had 4 kids from it. We figured we would have maybe ten kids in total. Last count 19 kids. That is 19 kids each getting a bear from Build a Bear! The limit is $25 per kid that is almost $600. Even if we dropped the limit to $15 it’s still just under $400. OMG! That is much more than the $150 we usually budget.



The strange thing is that we are still letting the kids have a limit of $25. They get one bear. The parents can buy outfits. On top of that we are making cupcakes. Each child is getting a bear, a cupcake, a drink box and a gift bag with toys (we spent about $60 on that already).



Can we afford this, not really! I just started working a part time job and my husband is looking for work. What we have done is saved every penny we have for months so we can do this. Why, because we love our daughter and we committed to the party months ago. We did not expect the number of kids, but we will deal with it. What gets me are the parents of kids we don’t even know asking if their kids can come to the party. Nope, sorry the party is limited to her class and one friend outside of school. That is it. We also had parents complaining about us not buying outfits and lunch for all the kids. They were quickly told that if they don’t like it they don’t have to bring their kids. This party is for the kids, not the parents and the kids are more than happy to be able to pick out and make their own bear.



At this point we have 19 very excited kids counting down the “sleeps” until her party this Saturday. Some kids have been looking online and have already picked out their bear. Others have just been talking about it at school. It has become a major event for all the kids. They are all so happy and excited that it makes us feel good about the party, even if we wished it was not going to cost so much. On top of that we have had several parents take us aside and thank us for doing this. They could not afford to do this for their kids, and they really appreciate that we are willing to do this and include their children. Things are hard for a lot of people, and to be blunt we live in an area full of poor people just like us. It’s only money after all. Making 19 kids happy, giving them positive memories and maybe a much needed bear friend is worth it. After all you’re only a kid once.


Build a Bear Birthday Party was a Success please read all about the party.

Dec. 21 2012 a self fulfilling prophecy

It is still February 2011 and already Dec. 21 2012 is being felt. 2012 has begun to dominate casual conversations. People are already thinking about having to plan, organize and get things ready for the upcoming event. For the last 20 years or more scientists have been warning us of the consequences of industrialization, pollution and overpopulation. No one really paid attention, so why now. What makes the unknown 2012 disaster real, and not the scientific facts we have had for years. Why are people treating hypothetical 2012 disaster as a fact?


I think because there is a date. The same date comes up in many different cultures and histories as an important date. I think that if the early scientists trying to get people to change had provided a dooms day date, even Dec 21 2012, people would have listened more. But I don’t think they would have changed what they were doing until the deadline started looming. It’s not like the knowledge of Dec. 12 2012 has not been around for a long, long time. Only as the “deadline” comes closer are people reacting.



Is it possible that a natural disaster will occur on Dec. 12 2012, yes! But nature for the most part is unpredictable so a natural disaster can happen on any date, or not happen. People on the other hand are a strange mix of predictability and unpredictability. I think 2012 is going to become a self fulfilling prophecy, not a natural disaster. It is more likely that people will be the cause of any disaster, not nature. Fear can be a powerful force. The date is almost two years away and people are already changing. People are already building survival shelters, stocking up on food and other necessities. Others are planning to move to other countries they feel are more likely to survive a world disaster.

As the date comes closer things will become even more stressful, fearful and dangerous as people start to panic. Terrorist’s activity will increase; both the local and foreign terrorists. It does not matter their message, just the feeling that they have a very tight deadline to express themselves and terrorise people. What better time to strike, when people are already afraid and feeling out of control. Besides, if they are going to die anyway on Dec. 21, 2012 they might as well die for their cause, whatever it may be.



People are already talking about what they are going to do when the riots start, as if it is a foregone conclusion that there will be rioting the closer it comes to Dec. 21, 2012. Many people have already started to act as if there will be no consequences for their actions, or lack of actions. Why does anything matter if we are all going to die on Dec. 21, 2012? So why should they go to school, get jobs, practice safe sex, eat right, and generally take care of themselves? Other people are trying to get jobs so they have the money to be ready for anything on Dec. 21, 2012. They want to survive and are trying to figure out what they need to do.



Personally I just want to be away from any major city (including the one I live in) to try and avoid all the panicky people and the things they do in fear and the need to feel in control. I know what people can do in situations like this. I have seen the riots on TV, I know my history and tales of cities burned to the ground as people panic. In the end the disasters’ will have been created by people’s fears, or by people taking advantage of others fears. Like any self fulfilling prophecy we did it to ourselves.

Boys Birthday Party on a Budget

This year has been an odd one. Money has never been tighter but we are still trying to give our kids everything we have promised them. This month it is our son’s seventh birthday party. Months ago he told us he wanted to have a Star Wars birthday party. Great, we can do that. We started saving money, and buying things we would need to have the party at home.

We have spent month’s slowly buying items for the grab bags, a few dollars here, and a few dollars there. We have spent way more than we expected and still don’t feel like we are ready. We have 24 grab bags and don’t think it is going to be enough. We have 20 kids confirmed and a possible 16 more. My son wants to invite his friends from his sister’s daycare. He showed up and gave one kid an invite. The other kids saw it so now I feel I have to give them invites as well. That would be another 20 kids invited. I am kind of scared to invite them, but our rule is not to invite one of a group but the entire group. No child should feel unwanted or unwelcome. If it comes to more kids then 24 we will just give smaller grab bags. All the kids will not get the same things but that is ok.


Last year we invited over 60 kids and had 18 show-up at the party, most of them our neighbour’s kids. Quite a few of them were unexpected. But that was ok because we planned for 20 kids and parents. Some of them did not have gifts and that was ok with us as well. One little girl asked if she could still be at the party even if she did not have a gifts, of course. We know what it is like to not have money to buy a gift. We don’t invite lots of kids for lots of gifts. We want the kids to be there having a good time, all the kids not just the ones that can bring gifts.

This year we only invited about 30 kids and most of them are coming. Strangely enough we actually had parents from the party last year ask if they could come to this one even though our kids are not in the same class this year. I guess that is a good sign that people like our idea of a party. If the weather is nice it is outside in the complex’s park that is so nicely placed right out our back door. We have crafts, games and just let the kids run around and have fun. There are no fancy tables, just Mexican blankets on the ground creating a picnic area. It is about fun and letting the kids be kids.

It is a good thing we have a small freezer. When the local No Frills had their dollar sale we bought lots of hotdogs and froze them. We were able to buy three packages for the usual price of two.


We found a great meat store, with a good price on lean hamburger. I have found it saves us a lot of money to make our own burgers instead of buying pre-made frozen burgers. With an $11 package of hamburger, eggs, some bread crumbs and seasoning I can make 24 adult sized burgers, even more when I am making kids sized burgers. It just takes a little time and effort, and not much of that really.

It was funny last year at our son’s party the adults could not get enough of the burgers I made. A couple of people said they had never had burgers like that before. They just never made their own. Homemade burgers are much better then mass-produced frozen burgers. All we have to do now is buy the buns and make the cup cakes.

Every year we make dozens of cup cakes and then let the kids put their own toppings on them. We make sure there are lots of different candies and sprinkles to put on the cup cakes. It leads to some very interesting cup cakes, and a lot of happy kids.

We are keeping the food simple and easy. The only decorations we have this year are balloons and streamers left over from last year. The kids are to bring their lightsabres if they have them. If not we can share. We do have a big table full of crafts for the kids to do. Games are set up inside. We have the Clone war movie if it rains.


It is going to be a good party even if we end up with more kids than expected. They will have fun and that is what it is all about.

The other good thing is that by doing the party the way we do it, we can afford to. We don’t have to pay for a space, or food. We are not looking at $12 to $15 per kid so they can bowl or watch a movie. We can have 30 or more kids and spend between a $100 to $150 instead of that for 10 kids.

I don’t have the stomach for some TV shows today

I am finding that I just cannot watch some shows anymore. I love shows like CSI and 48 hrs. However I am finding I just cannot watch the shows that involve children, either as victims or killers. There are enough “bad” things happening to children that I don’t need to see it as part of my entertainment. Yes I still enjoy mysteries and seeing how police solve crimes. I just don’t have the stomach or the heart to deal with children being killed even in a TV show. It hurts me to see children being harmed or killed, even as part of a fictional story line.



My real problem is that I know what is being shown on TV is just a reflection of what is going on in real life. Children are being harmed and even killed by those who should protect them, their family, teachers, friends and neighbours.

My husband kids me that I am a big softy when it comes to kids. I am. What I don’t understand is why everyone else does not react the same way. It has become so common place, children being harmed and killed, that it is no longer shocking in the news or a TV show. It has become just another part of life, or death. I don’t expect things to change, but I will not watch shows that have it as part of the plot line anymore. I don’t stand on some moral high ground, or believe I am a better person for not watching the shows. I just cannot watch them without crying and becoming sick to my stomach. It is simply easier for me to change the channel or turn the TV off.

Eugenics verses Reality

The belief in Eugenics eliminates the belief that one can rise above their lot in life. The reality of it is that most often it is those people who have insurmountable difficulties in life that actually rise so far above their beginnings. It is not a person’s genetics that determines a person’s ability to succeed, fail or simply live out an average life. People need to be judged by what they do, not what their parents did.

Often the children of the extreme rich or over achievers do not have the drive or abilities that their parents do. It does not mean that they are not capable; they just don’t have the need to improve their lives and there for do not try. Other people fight for everything they have. Not all of them succeed, but most of them have more drive than anyone who has never had any need to try. Those that succeed by our standards, wealth or achievement, often surprise people with their humble and often poverty controlled beginnings. Only people who have the passion and drive truly achieve something that makes them stand out. Genetics do not dictate who will have drive, passion, determination and break out of the “average” mould into the astronomical success most of us don’t even dream about.

If people who believe in Eugenics had their way only the perfect children would be accepted. Many “imperfect” children or children of imperfect parents would be brainwashed into believing they could never become or achieve anything of value. This would have resulted in many of the discoveries, creations, and people who have had huge impacts on our lives today to have never been. All because someone told them they could never do anything. Beethoven and Albert Einstein are perfect examples, they would never have been considered perfect and yet they both stand out in history.

So next time you think about telling a child or anyone actually, that they are no good and will never be anything, don’t. You never know what they will not do simply because you told them they could not do it. The cure for Cancer, AID’s, or even the common cold could be lost. All because someone discouraged instead of encouraged.

Celebrate Mothers Day on a Budget

It is a bit of a surprise for me to realise that Mothers Day is less than a week away. My son was telling me he has all these “things” he would like to buy me for Mothers Day. I let him know that I love the things he makes me far more than anything he could buy me. It is true, but we also don’t have the money for him to buy me anything right now. My son’s birthday is this month as well. All our money is going to his Birthday party.

My daughter is quite happy to make me something for Mothers Day. She loves to paint, draw and glue. Mothers Day is just another opportunity to create something.

My husband on the other hand wants to do something for me for Mothers Day. He wanted us to go out for dinner like we did last year. It is just not going to happen. This year we need to do Mothers Day on a Budget.

For me it is ok that we are not doing much. Mothers Day does not have to involve money. The point behind Mothers Day is to show appreciation, not buy things. There are many things I would love to have my family do for me on Mother’s Day. I am sure there are many things every Mother can think of that they would love on their Celebrate Mothers Day on a Budget list.

Here is my Celebrate Mothers Day on a Budget list:

• Let me sleep in and have a shower without everyone trying to talk to me at the same time.
  
• Handmade crafts – cards, pictures, jewellery and more. I love that my kids want to make me something. I try to show appreciation for their effort and that I value anything they make for me. Sometimes it can be difficult letting them be creative, but once the mess is all cleaned up it is worth it. I like things that I am able to use or put up where people can see. I am thinking about getting them to paint rocks for the edge of my flower garden. I am expecting cards and painted flower pots again.
  
• Dinner – This would involve the kids helping Dad make dinner, set the table and clean up after. It may be something small but it lets my kids feel as if they have done something important and valuable for me.
  
• Cake or cookies – This is something that we have the mix for and with Dad’s help they would have a lot of fun making. They could decorate them as they like. It would be fun to see what they make.

Small and simple are what I want. I already know it is too much to ask that they don’t make a mess, no fighting, or to clean the house. For me Mothers Day is not about me getting something but giving my kids a chance to show me they love me, and I love them.

If we had the money there are a lot of things I would love but I would not give up my children’s handmade gifts for them.

Have a Heart Psychic Fair and Spa

Have a Heart Psychic Fair and Spa is focused on health, wellness and guidance. Overall health involves the balance between mind, body and soul. We are about building beauty inside and out. We also believe in a balance between taking care of yourself and others. We are asking everyone attending to bring a donation of non-perishable food for Hamilton Food Share and help those in need.

Featuring

Angel Readings
Angel Healings
Applied Kinesiology
Astrology
Axiatonal Alignment Therapy
Chakra Clearing
Custome Artwork
Empath
Healing Card Readings
Henna
Hypnosis
Intuitive Tarot Readings
Ion Clease Detox Foot Baths
Law of Attraction Readings
Living Abundantly Coaching
Medium
Medical Intuitive
Mindhi, Temporary body art by local Henna Artist
Organic Aromatic Back Relaxation Treatments
Organic Aromatic Face Relaxation Treatments
Organic Mini Manicure
Organic Mini Pedicure
Palmistry
Personalized Charactures
Positive Trasformation Treatments
Psychic Card Readings
Reiki Treatments
Reflexology
Relaxation Treatments
Rune Readings
Spiritual & Intuitive Readings

Location: The Corktown Pub, 175 Young Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 1V7

Dates and Times:
Sat. Feb. 13 10 am to 7 pm.
Sun. Feb 14 10 am to 7 pm.
Sat. Feb. 20 10 am to 7 pm.
Sun. Feb. 21 10 am to 5 pm.

This is a wonderful event combining the excitement of psychics and the relaxation and pampering of the spa. Gift certificates will be available, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

We are collecting donations of non-perishable foods for Hamilton Food Share. Please bring a non-perishable food donation and help those in need.

Please contact Lady M at Lady M Tarot Readings for any further information.
905-560-9519
ladym@ladymtarotreadings.ca
www.ladymtarotreadings.ca

Lady M Tarot Readings provides Healers, Tarot Readers, Psychics and other talent for Corporate and private events. This includes one-on-one readings to parties of five to events of five hundred and more. Lady M Tarot Readings has been providing this service since 1992.

50 Christmas gift ideas for her, Girlfriend, wife, mother, daughter or friend in 2009

I have an odd idea of what is a great Christmas gift for me. My husband is always complaining that my idea of a gift for myself is me actually saying, I need this. I am not a frivolous person. If I want something, then that is a good gift idea. The fact that I want sensible things is beside the point.

So the best Christmas gift for anyone one is what they want, even if it is sensible. It is not as important what the person buying the gift thinks as what the person receiving the gift thinks. So common sense would dictate that if someone says I what this, then that is what you get even if that means the person is not going to be surprised. They will be happy and that is what is important.

Now the real issue is when the lady in your life will not tell you what she would like. Or you have what she asked for and would like to give something else as well. I have put together an excellent list of gift ideas.

50 Quick Gift Ideas:

Sterling Silver Dolphin Stud Earrings - $6.00
Sterling Silver Celtic Pictish Swirl Pendant with 925 Stamp - $9.00
Tiger Eye Ring Size 7 with 925 Stamp - $10.00
Sterling Silver Light Blue Topaz Pendant with 925 Stamp - $10.00
Sterling Silver Yellow Citrine Ring - Size 5 - $12.00

The Skin Type Solution by Dr. Baumann Hardcover - $12.99
Sterling Silver fine ball Chain 18" - $14.00
Dream Sleeper Slim-fitting 2-Pc. Sleepwear Set – $14.99
Celtic Double Spiral Ring - Size 5 1/2 - $15.00
Jessica®/MD Antique-look Copper Earrings - $15.00
Celtic Claddagh Sterling Silver Pendant with Green Stone Chip - $15.00

Sterling Silver Chain 20" - $16.00
Anthony Logistics Deluxe Gift Set Strength - $19.99
Roots® Sterling Silver Crystal Fishhook Earrings - $19.99
Sterling Sliver Dragonfly Ring Size 8 with 925 Stamp - $20.00
Sterling Silver Topaz Pendant with 925 Stamp - $20.00
Sterling Sliver Celtic Knotwork with Amethyst Ring Size 9 with 925 stamp - $23.00
Godiva® Ceramic Fondue Set – $23.99
Sterling Sliver Spinner / Meditation Ring with Celtic Knotwork pattern Size 8 1/2 -$24.00
Celtic Knotwork Sterling Silver Earrings - $25.00
Handcrafted Dark multi-colour iridescent glass bead necklace with Celtic knotwork pendant - $25.00
Red and Blue glass teardrop Beaded Necklace - $25.00

Sterling Silver Tribal Flame Pattern Ring Size 6 1/2 with 925 stamp - $25.00
Discovery Illuminated Ant Gel Habitat - $29.95
Handcrafted Blue eyed Wolf necklace with blue glass beads - $30.00
Spinner / Meditation Ring with Nike and Kate the Farrier's Symbol in A Knights Tale Size 7 1/2 with 925 Stamp - $30.00

Sterling Sliver Celtic Knotwork Pattern Ring Size 13 with 925 Stamp - $33.00
Egyptian Hieroglyph Eye of Ra Handcrafted Soapstone Pendant - $35.00
Sterling Silver Medieval Circle Pendant with 925 Stamp - $35.00
Bohemia Pinwheel 10'' Flared Crystal Vase - $35.99

Discovery Tech Edge Digital Camera - $39.94
Jack Black Signature Silver Liquid Magnetism Gift Set - $39.99
Jessica®/MD 10K Gold Garnet Stud Earrings - $39.99
Sterling Silver Chain 16" - $46.00
Celtic Thistle Brooch Peridoet Center - $48.00
MythBusters: Season 5 DVD Set - $49.95
Pevonia Youthful Vibrance Gift Set - $49.99
Cuisinart® 'SmartStick' Hand Blender/chopper - $59.99
Wii™ Sports Resort™ - 59.99
Oster® 6.1-QT. 2-tier Food Steamer - $59.99 at Sears
Perfume Science Kit - $59.95
Women's Timex® Ironman Triathlon 50-lap Sleek Sport Watch - $62.99
TomTom® One 130 GPS Unit - $99.99
Kodak® Digital Picture 8'' Frame M820 – $103.99

Floral Privacy Screen – $129.99
Emerson® Karaoke System with 5 1/2'' Monitor GQ755 - $149.99
Sterling Silver Chain 22" - $154.00
Wood Construction Java Finish Armoire- $209.99
Canon® Powershot® Red Digital Camera Bundle with Case SD1200 - $219.99
Sterling Silver Chain 24" -$266.00

I would hate to have to tell my son, Sharks are gone.

My son loves sharks. He dreams of being able to go swimming in the oceans with them. I may have to tell him that is not possible because they were killed to make money. That humanity destroyed something so old, wonderful and majestic not out of fear, but greed.

I was watching a documentary, http://www.sharkwater.com/, about the destruction of sharks tonight. 90% of the world’s shark population has been killed. It was shocking. Men where cutting the fins of live sharks and then tossing them into the Ocean to bleed to death. Millions of sharks are being killed every week. Killed, not to feed the hungry, but to make shark fin soup. It was much like what was done to elephants for ivory, buffalo for tongues and hides, and bears for their gall bladders. Killed for one piece and everything else wasted. I am still scared of sharks, but that does not make what is being done acceptable. This is wrong and must be stopped.




Now some people will not care about the death of sharks. However it must be pointed out that they are a key part of the world ecosystem. Without sharks the Oceans balance will be completely disrupted, causing the ecosystems to be destroyed. The largest part of oxygen comes from the Ocean. The destruction of Sharks will have a huge and negative impact on the production of Oxygen. So if you don’t take a stand against shark hunting to save the sharks, do it to continue breathing. Check out http://www.savingsharks.com/.

I had thought about trying shark fin soup just to see what it was like. Now that I have seen Shark Water I will not try shark fin soup. I hope it is not too late for the sharks and the other species we are harvesting without thought of the consequences. What a legacy we are leaving our children; sorry we used it up, killed it or destroyed it, but enjoy what is left over for as long as you can.