Keeping the Castle » Holidays

Preparing for Hanukkah

Kathy Zengolewicz — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:44:33 +0000

There is a lot of buzz at this time of year regarding the preparation of Christmas, but how about Hanukkah. I thought I would do a short post to give Hanukkah equal time. Hanukkah is the Jewish celebration of the Festival of Lights. This holiday falls around the same time as Christmas.

Kathy Zengolewicz

During Hanukkah families gather together to celebrate with special food and games. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a band of Jewish warriors, the Maccabees, over the Syrian king Antiochus almost 2,500 years ago.

Hanukkah will start this year at sundown on December 5th. You should already have your menu in place for the traditional holiday meal. Preparing a menu for the Hanukkah celebration is the first step to take in planning your celebration.

Make this a holiday for your family to remember. On Hanukkah eve, light a shamash, an extra candle used to light the remaining candles on the appropriate days. Sing songs. Play with a Dreidel. If someones doesn’t know how to play, teach them.

Fry up some latkes, at least on the first night. It may be a little unhealthy to have latkes all eight nights. Explore a good Jewish cookbook for other recipes for the remaining nights.

Hand out the nights gifts and maybe have a story time to refresh your memories of the tale of Judah Maccabee leading his men to victory over the Greek rulers who had ruled the Jews for more than 150 years.

Create a tradition for you and your family. Invite some friends, not familiar with Hanukkah, to celebrate with you. It is always interesting and educational to learn the culture of others. I know that I will be sharing in some of the Jewish cultures in the near future and I’m excited to be doing so. No matter what, make sure to enjoy your holiday.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon!

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Preparing for Thanksgiving

Kathy Zengolewicz — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:57 +0000

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I think its because I associate thanksgiving with family. It has always been a holiday where my family gathers to spend quality time together. It is not very hard to decorate for Thanksgiving. You can place gourds, pumpkins, pinecones and colorful leaves throughout the house and it makes everything festive.

Kathy Zengolewicz

If you are using pinecones, be sure to get the scented ones, or better yet visit my blog here in the Home & Living section this Sunday. I’ll be showing you exactly how to set your table.

I always take special care with my table at the holidays. As a rule we’re not very formal, but at Thanksgiving I pull out all of the stops. I will give you a couple of hints for creating a beautiful holiday table. Always start with a cloth table cover. You can find some buys, especially if you choose a white cover. I always use white at thanksgiving because it gives off just the right balance of color once I have everything put together. The contrast can be stunning.

I don’t have more than one set of dishes, so I use my everyday dishes and they look fine. I do, however, use hand made napkin rings and placecards in a variety of colors. I place candles strategically around the dinner table and light them when family and friends are ready to sit for the meal. I top the table with a fresh bunch of flowers, noting expensive, just simple blooms.

Setting your table is one way to make Thanksgiving day a special. I’m sure that you can think of a few others. Here is hoping that your Thanksgiving holiday is a memorable one.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon.

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Your Last Minute Stop for Halloween Ideas

Karen Weideman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:31:04 +0000

I’ve been pondering this whole Halloween thing for weeks now. I’ve done a tad bit of preparation, but nothing like I needed to. I know the kids will be off from school the rest of the week and that will give me some time to finalize everything. If you’ve procrastinated like me, you’ll appreciate these last minute Halloween ideas. If not, then bookmark it for next year.

Bridget at Bake at 350 gives step-by-step instructions for making these cute spiderweb cookies. You’ll also want to know how to make her perfectly black icing for the spiderweb cookies and other Halloween treats.

Thrifty Mommy is always interested in saving money. Check out 33 do-it-yourself costume ideas, ways to save money on Halloween candy, tips for taking Halloween photos, 10 ways to save on Halloween part 1, part 2, and part 3. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of after-Halloween sales on candy and costumes.

If you’re concerned about handing out so much candy this you might want to check out these Halloween candy alternatives from Boston Mamas.

Linette at Play Library has some great Halloween ideas. I’m glad she posted these 10 easy homemade costume ideas. My son was wanting to be a ninja but I was determined not to pay $20 for a costume. There is an idea for a homemade ninja costume that uses everyday items. You should also check out 5 favorite Halloween books for young kids, treat ideas for the school Halloween party, 10 fun Halloween papercraft ideas for kids, and Kids Halloween – Painting Pumpkins.

Kids Birthday Fun has a round-up of cute ideas for a ghostly Halloween party.

Little Fun; Little Learning has an easy pumpkin song you can teach your kids. You can also let your child fingerpaint or easel paint a pumpkin or make a Christian pumpkin carving. There are also several fall-themed ideas.

And from your very own Keeping the Castle – 17 Halloween cupcake ideas, 20 pumpkin inspired recipes, the coolest pumpkin carving designs on the web, pumpkin-carving ideas from Martha Stewart, and pumpkin faces.

Katelyn Thomas has haunted house tips, Halloween decoration ideas, and tips for making a Halloween emergency kit.

Noreen at Hankering for Yarn shows us some gorgeous masks created with yarn and an upcycled mask trimmed with spool knitting. Also, how to make a pumpkin pincushion and Halloween dolls to weave on a potholder loom.

While it’s probably too late to order a costume, maybe these Halloween tutu ideas will give you ideas for making your own or using one that you already have.

Are there any holidays that you don’t celebrate? Mary Emma offers some tips for parents.

Which links did you enjoy?

image from Kids Birthday Fun

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30 Fall Inspired Desserts and Treats

Karen Weideman — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:51:28 +0000

Now that October is here, we can fully embrace fall. When I think of fall desserts, I think of cinnamon, apples, pumpkin, and warm sweet goodness. I’ve been surfing the web for fall inspired desserts that I thought you might enjoy.

Pumpkin treats

Texan Pumpkin French Toast

Pumpkin Latte

Pumpkin Cookies (with cream cheese icing)

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Napoleons

Luscious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Espresso Cakes with Pumpkin

Pumpkin Spice Cake

Scrumptious Pumpkin Parfait

Apple treats

My Favorite Apple Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel Apple Pie

Chocolate Caramel Apples with Sprinkles

Apple Dumpling Dessert

Apple Upside-Down Cake

Apple Bread

Apple Pear Crisp

Blushing Apples

Weight Watchers Low Point Options:

Apple Pie

Warm Pear Cobbler

Pear Upside Down Cake with Pecans

Apple Pear Crisp

Other treats

Honey’s Carrot Cake

Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Pecan Tarts

Carrot Cake with Honey-Orange Frosting

Sunflower Cake

Cinnamon Pistachio Meringue

Which desserts do you think you’d like to try?

image from Linette Gerlach

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10 Ways to Decorate with Gourds & Pumpkins

Karen Weideman — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:48:02 +0000

When decorating for fall, try using gourds and pumpkins. This will you allow you to have decorations that can last through the entire season.

Seasonal centerpiece – Turn a large pumpkin or squash into a bowl. Fill it with ornamental gourds and small pumpkins.

Autumn chandelier – Suspend burnished miniature pumpkins and gilded maple leaves from a chandelier with thread.

Curvaceous container – Turn a narrow-necked gourd into a vase by sawing off the gourd’s tip.

Floating Beauties – Fill an assortment of glasses with water and float mini pumpkin gourds inside.

Table centerpiece – Start with a fall wreath that has been decorated with leaves, pine cones, or flowers. Fill the center with small pumpkins, gourds, pine cones, etc. Fill in empty spaces with miniature corn, ribbon, and/or fall flowers.

Pumpkin votive candles – Carve out small pumpkins and insert votive candles.

Place cards – Tie a ribbon around the stem of the gourd and attach a name card. For a more decorative look, arrange the gourd on a napkin with acorns and sprigs of berries.

Make a stacked arrangement - Stack gourds into a clear glass cylinder vase. Use gourds of different sizes and shapes.

Leaf pattern – Use a linoleum cutter to cut out a leaf design on a pumpkin.

Glowing gourds – Decorate your pumpkins and gourds in gold and silver for a glittering display.

How do you decorate with pumpkins and gourds?

image sxc.hu

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Wordy Wednesday: Our Weekend Celebrations

Karen Weideman — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:27:00 +0000

July 4th is not only Independence Day; it also happens to be my daughter’s birthday. This year, she turned a big six-years-old. It’s hard to believe that it was six years ago that I had my first child. We were fortunate to see the fireworks from the hospital room the night she was born.

It wasn’t until I saw this picture of her that I realized how much she has changed. The baby fat is gone from her face and she looks like a first grader now. In case you’re interested, you can go to Thrifty Mommy to see the things she got for her birthday and the deals I got. We’ll be having a party for her next week.

After we opened presents with Alligator Girl, we headed out to the parade.

These ladies enjoyed squirting water on everyone in the crowd. It was so hot outside that day that the water was a nice treat. The parade was filled with beauty queens, floats, firetrucks, tractors, horses, local business owners, and so much more.

After the parade, we took Alligator Girl to her favorite Chinese restaurant (her choice). Later that evening, we went to a few different locations to see the fireworks.

How did you celebrate Independence Day?

images (c) Karen Weideman

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Thankful for Those Who Served

Karen Weideman — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:08:38 +0000

I grew up in a military town. My mom’s dad and my dad’s dad had faithfully served their countries and my mom and dad met and stayed in that military town. My grandpa retired there.

Growing up a military town is different. People come and go from your lives and you may never hear from them again. You can go to church each week and see the children and wives that are left behind while the husbands are off on deployment or war. You pray for them while they’re gone and celebrate upon their return. You see the businesses that struggle when something big like Dessert Storm comes around and you feel the pride for the service given. The military parades cause you to cheer yet have a choaking lump in your throat as you remember their sacrifice.

Just over a week ago, my grandma passed away. She was laid to rest with my grandpa. As I read his tombstone, I realized that I had forgotten about the many years he spent serving his country. I had forgotten about the wars that he had fought for our freedom. It wasn’t until that day that I realized the physical pain my grandpa suffered each day because of his service.

I hope that you are enjoying your time with family and friends today. I hope that you are thankful for your freedom. Freedom is not free. I hope that you’ll thank a service man or woman and when you do, please don’t forget to thank the families they have left behind.

image from sxc.hu

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27 Patriotic Crafts from Martha Stewart

Karen Weideman — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:20:38 +0000

I was surfing around Martha Stewart’s website today. She always has such great ideas and so we know that there will be Memorial Day ideas on her site.

Martha has not disappointed us. She has 27 patriotic crafts on her website that you can view for free. For quick viewing, you can see thumbnail images of all of the crafts. These Can-Do Cans caught my eye because it is a simple project which reuses and transforms every day cans as a decorative piece.

Do you have any Memorial Day craft ideas to share?

image from marthastewart.com

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A Busy Week of Easter Activities

Karen Weideman — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:59:02 +0000

It has been a busy week with loads of Easter activites.

Our first activity was an egg hunt on Saturday, April 4 at our church. There were other fun activities to go along with the egg hunt. The kids dyed eggs, made a craft, had snack, and hunted for eggs.

Wednesday there was a party at church for the kids. I’m told it involved slime, games, and other fun.

Next, on Thursday, my daughter had an egg hunt at school. I don’t have any pictures from that. The parents were asked to send in eggs and candy. I bought some eggs for $1 at the dollar store and then filled them with stickers and candy that I had here at the house.

Friday the kids were off from school for the holiday. It would be nice if they would sleep in on days they’re off from school. On school days I can hardly get them out of bed and on non-school days they’re up and annoying. What’s up with that???

Saturday we spent the day at a friend’s house. They had a big family get together and they were nice enough to include our family. There was an egg hunt with lots of kids and plenty of outside playtime. Good thing it was a clear day!

Sunday it was a bit chilly, but we headed out for a celebration service at church. Then we came home and took some pictures outside with the kids. Last night I packed away the plastic eggs and Easter baskets. Add in a sick cat, two vet visits, our final foster parenting class (hooray!), homework, and more adoption papers, and it’s been a busy week!

How was your week?

All images are property of Karen Weideman.

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Celebrating Easter with a Round-Up of Ideas

Karen Weideman — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:17:51 +0000

Easter is only two days away. Where has the time gone? I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to the nice weather and beautiful flowers blooming. It’s such a beautiful sign of life.

I’ve been collecting some Easter and spring articles for your enjoyment. Have fun and let me know which ones are your favorites.

20 Last Minute Spring and Easter Party Treats @ The Kids Birthday Fun Review

Lead Me to the Cross: Reflections for Good Friday @ Way More Homemade

Easy Last Minute Easter Egg Dyes @ Bostom Mamas

Jelly Bean Poem @ Little Fun; Little Learning

Bird’s Nest Spring Treats @ The Kids Birthday Fun Review

Kids’ Easter Activities @ Thrifty Mommy

Two Tales of Bunnies: Easter Reads @ Alpha Mom

Super Cute Bunnylicious Cake @ Bostom Mamas

Paper Plate Easter Basket @ Little Fun; Little Learning

Growing Bunny Prints Easter Craft @ Blisstree

Finger Puppets, Decoupaged Easter Pails, and More @ Alpha Mom