Bunchland

Ola Amigos!

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French in 1862. What was once a regional celebration in Mexico has evolved into a much more widely known and celebrated event in the US and Canada. For many, its simply an excuse to indulge in excessive consumption of margaritas and nachos.

On that note, allow us to share with you some great ideas on how to celebrate this event with your family.

Virgin Margaritas

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons kosher (coarse) salt
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 1 can (6 ounce size) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 4 cups ice cubes

Method:

Rub rim of glasses with lime and dip in salt.  Blend all ingredients until smooth.  Pour into glasses, garnish with a lime wedge and serve!

Make your Own Maracas

You’ll need:  Read more...

Catherine Romano blogs about crafty projects for kids and parents

My son has a birthday coming up at the beginning of May and I am beginning to plan the celebration. He will turn the big 3! When I asked him what he wanted at his party, he asked for a piñata (he happened to see one at friend’s birthday).

Since he has a food allergy, a store-bought piñata filled with candy is not an option, so I decided to make a piñata and fill it with his favourite (and safe to eat) sweets.

Materials:

• Balloon
• Newspaper or white paper for paper mache to cover the balloon
• Flour & Water (to make the paste for paper mache)
• Tissue Paper
• Scissors
• White Glue
• Candy or Chocolates

 Read more...

Why not countdown to a paper mâché ball of candy?

Countdowns are fun. Candy is fun. Countdowns with candy at the end are superfun. (If you don’t like that much sugar, glitter is also fun. Messy, but fun.)

For a kid-friendly countdown, make a disco ball piñata. Note: this needs to be done two days before New Year’s Eve to ensure your paper mâché creation dries.

You will need:  Read more...

• A large balloon
• Strips of newspaper
• Some sort of paste (either pre-mixed wallpaper paste, or flour-and-water)
• Shiny paper OR paint and sequins/sparkles
• Candy

1. Blow up balloon and start covering with newspaper strips and paste.
2. After a solid layer, set aside to dry.
3. When balloon is dry cut a hole and fill with candy (or whatever you like.)
4. Patch hole with more newspaper and paste.