Set A Theme For Your Little One’s Birthday With These Fun Birthday Games

Turn your child’s birthday into a memorable event. All kids have a favorite character. Turn the favorite one into a birthday party theme for your little one and have a memorable birthday party.

Themed parties are great fun as they are easy to plan and organize. The party supplies easy to get hold of in most cases as these are popular characters.The invitations, cake, games, favor all tie in so easily and turn the event into a success.

Here are some fun birthday games ideas for a themed birthday party for kids.

1. Dinosaur Dig for a Dinosaur Party

Is this your child’s favorite toy? Why not then have a Dinosaur of a Party. A fun game to play at a Dinosaur party is Dinosaur Dig.

You would need a large sandbox, sand, some plastic buckets and shovels and some paint brushes.

You will have to prepare some dinosaur bones and fossils made out of salt dough before hand and hide them in the sand box filled with sand.

Let the kids pretend to be archaeologists out on a dinosaur dig. You can demonstrate how the archaeologists are supposed to use the shovels and their paint brushes to carefully dust of excess sand from their findings.

2. Pin the nose on Elmo for a Elmo Party

If your child’s favorite is the popular sesame street Muppet, here is a game to suit an Elmo party.

The traditional game of pin the tail on the donkey can so easily be transformed to suit almost any themed party for kids. Turn it into pin the nose on Elmo for your Elmo party.

All you need for this game is a large Elmo poster and round red nose stickers, one for each child.

Tape the poster onto the wall at a height which is within the kids reach. Let each child have a sticker with his or her name on it. Every child is then blind folded and spun around before placing before placing the sticker on the poster.

The sticker closest to Elmo’s nose wins.

3. Pass The Mochilla at Dora The Explorer party

This is one beloved character with plenty of fan following. There are many birthday games that can be set around this popular character. Here is a party game suitable for a Dora party.

You will need the famous Dora backpack, the mochilla. Fill it with a variety of toys, one for each child. You can have things like rubber balls, package of stickers, crayons in it.

Lead the children and adults in singing the backpack song or play it on a music player and when the song ends the child holding the backpack gets to open it, and without looking inside, tries to guess one toy by feeling the toy.

If guessed correctly gets to keep the toy and has to move out of the circle and if incorrect carries on with playing the game. The game continues till each child wins a prize.

 

The Karaoke Machine for Kids

These types of karaoke machines are quite fun-filled; this toy-like equipment can actually allow every child to enjoy his own musical experience. The specialists have taken into consideration the fact that almost every child is likely to love microphones; therefore, these special toys have to be strong enough in order to survive the children’s manhandling. The manufacturers have given another choice to the children by designing karaoke players that can give a child the joy of his own singing without having to face the possible risk when it comes to damaging costly equipment. These machines are child-sized and they enable every child to join this play in order to develop his own young vocal cords. Children can actually play around with different friendly-colored buttons in order to learn how their machine is working. These types of karaoke players are able to help them gain experience and they also help the children graduate to another karaoke kits, namely the full-sized and adult ones.

These small machines can give the children the real chance of learning different methods when it comes to playing around with various types of songs. Recording, editing and even mixing are likely to be learned and this equipment can also provide the adult people with relief because the children’s permanent attention can actually be drawn. These karaoke players can keep the child out of trouble and this equipment is not to be seen as an ordinary toy of which the child will get quite bored eventually. This kid machine can make a child spend many hours singing and learning how to play with the controls; the parent does not have to worry about his child’s safety. The kid machines are likely to come with their own microphone and even cord so the child will be able to imitate the adult’s way of singing. Many of these karaoke machines are likely to come with various songs that are already programmed into their microphones; the parents will not have to go buy extra CDs but this is not to be seen as a sort of stop when it comes to looking for various forms of music.

Every parent should pay attention to the fact that these karaoke players are to be seen as a quite harmless musical toy that is likely to help the child learn more about the musical world. There are plenty of songs and CDs that are made especially for this type of kid machines and they are likely to keep every little child happy. The parents should consider the fact that their kids should not be left out of action and these kid toys are likely to become the center of their attention. Actually, these musical toys can be seen as a real device in order to transform the child into a future music lover; the present generations are likely to grow together with this innovation thus leading to their constant development when it comes to the musical world. The only thing that the parents should pay attention to is the fact that their own expensive device is likely to be broken during these childish musical experiences; therefore, a kid machine should be put instead of an expensive karaoke machine that is not likely to survive after constant manhandling. So, the child will be able to sing his own heart out to whatever songs he prefers, both contemporary and childish ones.

 

Ways to transform your outdoor space

Making a cat enclosure so your beloved cat can safely spend quality time outdoors brings forth many ideas. A cat enclosure can hold a cat or multiple cats and can be as big as your budget will allow. This article will focus on building a cat enclosure that will hold multiple cats in a private property setting, ensuring their safety and maximizing their playtime and sun time.

Two rolls of chicken wire 80 foot

Four 2 by 2 pressured treated wood, which are ten foot long

Four 2 by 4 pressured treated wood which are ten foot long

Eleven 2 by 2 pressured treated wood, which are six foot long

Four 2 by 8 pressured treated wood which are six foot long (corner posts)

5/8 all-purpose staples, stapler, two hinges, padlock, wire cutters, hammer, small nails, hand saw

Assorted branches or pieces of climbing wood, toys, and other things cats enjoy.

A few willing assistants

A ten by ten foot space for the cat enclosure

Clear out a 10 by 10 foot area of space where you wish the cat enclosure to be located. You can have wood stumps in here because the cats will enjoy it, but make sure the area is free of anything that will harm them in any way.

Lay out the wood pieces so you know exactly what the pieces are. Take one of the 2 by 2 pieces of wood and cut it into three pieces of wood, which are 3 feet long with the handsaw. This will be part of the door.

Lay out two of the 2 by 2 on a workbench or picnic table, and lay the three pieces of wood, which are 3 feet, long vertical between the 2 by 2’s. One of these 3-foot long pieces goes on either end with the remaining piece in the middle of the doorframe. Use the hammer and nails to secure the doorframe together. Measure the chicken wire to fit the door. Using the wire cutters cut the chicken wire to the correct size. Secure it to the doorframe using the staples. Install the hinges to one edge of the door to hang later.

Place one of the 2 by 4 pieces of wood on the ground vertically, lay the next one at one end of that, and do the same with the others until they resemble the box in the area, which you want to build in. At the corner of where the cat enclosure comes together add on of the 2 by 8’s nail it to a 2 by 4 piece of wood and lay it down on the ground. You will notice that the large piece of wood over hangs by about four inches and this is fine as another 2 by 4 will be there eventually.

Nail 2 by 2’s into place on that 2 by 4, between the 2 by 8’s at four

 

What would you consider to be the most important things that have been a major inspiration in your life and why?

I would have to easily say that the major influence in my life has been my Autistic son, Matthew. He’s 12 now. He truly inspires me to open my mind to the possibilities of imagination.

When I watch him enjoying something as simple as a Transformers toy, it reminds me of the innocence of childhood. And how important it is to live life to the fullest. I watch him bring those toys to life, using vocals he’s heard in the animated version of the popular show, and I just have to be in complete awe of him.

He inspires me to have some fun and quit being so serious about life all the time. He also inspires me to find my own talent.

I have always loved to write and watching him remake the world of Star Wars to an image that he likes, truly fascinates me. This has inspired me to write some FanFiction of my own and to take inspiration from the very shows that have helped me see the world in a completely fantastic new way.

Besides Matt, I have been inspired by films like Harry Potter, Spider-Man, Chronicles of Narnia and the TV show Charmed. I love to imagine what the world would be like if these things were actually real. They are fantastic enough to encourage my son’s imagination, so that’s good enough for me.

The fact that he’s Autistic is the most amazing part of it all. He can do things that most people wouldn’t even dream of. And that’s the most inspiring thing of all. If he can do it, so can I.

 

Movie reviews: The Transformers (2007) – Part 78

After reading most of the articles that have already been posted I see there is a certain bias going into each opinion. This will be the 27th review posted on Helium, so I’m sure whoever is reading this one may be sick of the fans’ postings on this topic, and may not even pay attention to what I have to say. That being said I can admit that this movie is entertaining with its intricate, detailed and very well done fight scenes and special effects, but that brilliance is detracted by corny lines from (whom I like to dub the “motivational speaker”) Optimus Prime, and the cheesy “love story” between the geek and the beautiful prom queen (obviously brought in for eye candy, which, yes, worked on me).

Personally, on a critical standpoint, there were huge ups and downs in the movie, however, I can say I was more up during the movie since I wasn’t expecting any kind of acting masterpiece to begin with. I was pleasantly surprised by the comedy of the movie (I won’t give away any specific scenes), yet disappointed with how unbelievably cheesy some of the lines got. So I have come to the conclusion that this was a movie aimed at gaining the respect of the hardcore Transformer fans (I am one myself from back in the day to the present who still has a couple action figures at my parents’ house), yet appealing to the younger generation to create a new fan base of a timeless idea of robots that transform into the coolest machinery mankind can come up with. I mean really, who wouldn’t be intrigued by a fighter jet that would put the movie Top Gun to shame with it being able to transform in and out of it’s jet/robot hybrid constantly while taking out supremely skilled air force pilots with incredible ease?

Of course this is just the ramblings of an individual who can appreciate the developments and improvements of special effects over the years, and be wowed by the latest masterpiece of cinematography enough to overlook the lack of great acting and prevalence of pretty lame lines. When it comes to acting and story-lines, this is definitely not going to garner anywhere near an Oscar-worthy nomination. However I can say, for a “summer blockbuster” most people just looking for entertainment will not be disappointed. You won’t want to leave your seat halfway through, and you will be impressed by the special effects that were the main part of the advertising. You won’t be “duped” into giving up hard earned cash to see a terribly boring and idiotic movie. You will be able to sit down, watch a visually entertaining and impressive movie, and as long as you understand this isn’t an immensely deep movie, be able to enjoy the story-line that unfolds and even start to try to predict the plot of the sequel.

Good entertainment with sub-par acting: 3 out of 5

(I’ve never really had a rating scheme on movies but hey, it’s a start)

 

Testimonies: Being a fan of Shia Labeouf

I’m currently sporting a blue plastic bracelet that says “I LOVE SHIA LaBEOUF” courtesy of EBAY. Welcome to my life.

Speaking of the sadness that has crashed over my life like a tsunami on a small village off a coast somewhere, I have a recent pathetic story involving Mr. Labeouf to get out of my system. I noticed on IMDB.com, my Mecca, that Shia Labeouf signed on for the sequel to Transformers, now named “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”. FYI, do not call it Transformers 2, Michael Bay will get heated. Anyway, after hearing of Shia’s new film, I researched it as much as possible and made a miraculous discovery. The new Transformers was being filmed in Philadelphia, located a mere 45 minutes away from my current dwelling. A light from above was shining on me when I came across a casting call for extras. “This could be my chance”, I thought, “my one chance to meet the man whos name I wear around my wrist.” I employed my brother to be my entertainment as I waited in line at the casting call one rainy May day. We got to the front of the line and a woman told my brother and me to go in a separate room. This was a good sign; it meant they were considering using us! We got our pictures taken and were given information that the casting agency would call us if need be. Days and days past and my phone lit up with numbers I had seen before. One day as I returned home from a horrendous day of small highway rush hour traffic, my brother informs me that he got the gig, not me. Alas, he “acted” on set as an extra with Shia Labeouf in several scenes. Even conversing with Shia on down time and wishing him a happy 22nd birthday. If only this could have been me. I wonder, if I was in my brother’s place, would this interaction feed my obsession or crush the pedestal that I hold Mr. Labeouf on.

I have never had a celebrity crush. Sure, I find several figures in the public eye to be good-looking and intriguing but none have the appeal as my Shia. I often times ask myself, “Why am I drawn to a guy like Shia?” It’s his carefree anti-Hollywood attitude. I’m attracted to the jerks, the guys who act like they don’t care about anything and who will do anything regardless of the consequences. Shia doesn’t aim to please the masses with his late-night partying shenanigans or his carefully planned out media interview answers. He’s real; he tells it like it is. He’s the way I imagine I would be if I was in his situation. It’s hard to sum up my infatuation with Shia, I feel Jay-Z described himself and through the mind of Mr. Labeouf when he said, “I’m not a business man…I’m a business, MAN!”

Shia Labeouf is a business; he’s like a well-oiled machine. From one perfect performance to the next, Shia is pumping out the hits like he’s Will Smith in 1999. Shia can do no wrong; I mean come on, his last name means “the beef”. At this rate Shia Labeouf will undoubtedly take over the world one action flick at a time, I’m convinced. Never underestimate the power of a half-Jew!

 

Testimonies: The Nutcracker legacy and winter holidays

It’s that time of the year when our household gets busy. Not with baking cookies or buying presents or even with the hustle and bustle that comes with the Christmas season.

My daughter is busy preparing to dance in the Nutcracker, her third year now. As her performance draws near with increasing number of rehearsals, she is pumped for the four-day shows. This year, she will be the lead mouse, Fritz (Clara’s jealous brother) and she will be stomping her way in Trepak.

The Nutcracker has been the most widely performed ballet in the world. From Australia, Asia, Europe to America, the Nutcracker Ballet has become a popular tradition. However, it almost never took off when it was first presented at the Mayinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia on December 1892. Following the success of Sleeping Beauty, Peter (or Pyotr) Tchaikovsky was commissioned to compose a ballet score based on Alexandre Dumas’s adaptation of E.T.A Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The grand collaborative effort of renowned choreographer Marius Petipa and Tchaikovsky failed to excite either critics or audience.

It could have died a natural death if not for the another master choreographer George Balanchine. Having danced in the nutcracker as a child, he undertook to produce his version of the Nutcracker in 1954 for the New York City Ballet. It became an instant hit and paved the way for its popularity and eventual status as a holiday tradition. Today, many versions performed are actually based on the version created by George Balanchine.

To some, the Nutcracker can be boring with different dancers spinning across the stage. A closer look revealed a rather enchanting story of magical proportions. Set in Nuremburg, Germany, the story takes place in one single magical night. The Stahlbaum family gets ready to welcome guests for their annual Christmas party. Their children, Clara and Fritz eagerly await the visit of their godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, a clock and toy maker. Full of surprises, he comes armed with toys for all the children.

Clara receives a nutcracker which quickly becomes an instant hit. Brother Fritz is jealous (classic case of sibling rivalry) and tries to snatch her toy. In the struggle, Fritz breaks the nutcracker. To comfort the inconsolable Clara, Drosselmeyer bandages the toy with an handkerchief and sprinkles magical powder over it.

As the night draws to an end and Clara falls asleep with her beloved toy in hand, everything springs to life-all the toys under the now giant Christmas tree take on life and the nutcracker grows to life size. Mice led by the Mouse King come out for their night frolic and starts a battle with the toy soldiers, led by the Nutcracker. When it becomes obvious that the Nutcracker is no match for the nasty Mouse King, Clara hits him with her slipper, sending him tumbling down. All the little mice flee.

The Nutcracker than transforms into a prince and takes Clara on a magical journey into the Land of Snow, an enchanted forest wonderland where they are welcomed by dancing snowflakes. They then visit the Land of Sweets where they are greeted by the lovely Sugar Plum Fairy. After hearing their triumphal victory over the Mouse King, she rewards them to a celebration of a variety of dances from different countries. She crowns the evening when she and the cavalier dance a beautiful Pas De Deux.

The story may become familiar and jaded after a while but once the stage is lit and the dancers pirouette into the limelight with the brilliance of Tchaikovsky music, it’s pure magic. I may have seen it tens of times while my daughter is rehearsing but trust me, it’s truly a magical experience.

 

The Dollhouse: A Timeless Toy For Hours Of Fun

Every little girl dreams of owning a dollhouse. Here, her tiny “family” holds their many adventures—adventures her active, imaginative mind is free to invent and reinvent each day. She can rearrange the furniture, reenact familiar rituals and scenes, and invent her own rules. “In a dollhouse, there is are bedtimes.” “In a doll house, everyone gets to eat 100 pieces of chocolate cake…everyday!”

According to child experts, this kind of imaginative play is very healthy for a child. Starting from the age of four, children discover the world that lies outside their doors. They meet people who aren’t part of the immediate family; they go to school and are asked to follow rules and rituals that they don’t necessarily like. As they make new friends, they also learn new social skills, and struggle with concepts like sharing and taking turns. It can all be overwhelming.

Control over a world (and her emotions)

But having a dollhouse gives them a sense of control over a smaller world, and here they can “play-act” their fears while practicing the rituals and routines that are part of healthy social interaction. For example, when a child holds an imaginary party in her dollhouse, planning a guest list that includes stuffed rabbits and the Queen of Fairies, they are (subconsciously) working through their anxiety about large crowds and unfamiliar faces. They would probably hate any party that included people they didn’t know, but talking about what cakes to serve and which parts of the dollhouse their guests will stay in, makes her feel more confident about interacting with others.

A great tool for developing social skills

Kidkraft Dollhouses are also a favorite in any playgroup, since they’re one of the few toys where it’s more fun when it’s shared. For young pre-schoolers who still hate having to give up a toy to another friend, they can spend many happy hours playing with the dolls without a single fight about who gets which.

A toy that changes every day

Dollhouses transform each time a child sits down next to it. Each time she makes a story, each time she gives the dolls a name and then acts out their rituals and adventures, the dollhouse becomes “different”. One day it’s a castle under a spell. The next day it’s the scene of a grand ball. And maybe today it’s just an ordinary house, but the aliens (i.e., her brother’s Buzz Lightyear action figure) attack. You never know.

A toy that’s fun at any age

Dollhouses are also one of the few toys that don’t get boring after a few weeks. In fact, because the fun lies in the child’s imagination, they can be played with for years. As she grows older, she’ll start making clothes for the dolls, designing her own little furniture and curtains, decorating the doll house and possibly creating entire novellas about its miniature residents. When she grows up, and the dollhouse is put away, it can be retrieved years later and given to her own daughter.

 

Most popular action figures for the 2008 holiday season

It is the holiday shopping season. What is hot for action figures? Here is the list as I see it, in no particular order.

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE action figures

Kevin’s action cruiser 27.99, radio control version 24.99

Four-inch action figures 5.99

Examples are, Chromastone, Echo, Swampfire, Jetray, and Humgousaur.

DNA aliens heroes 9.99, Swampfire, and Chromastone

BEN 10 Alien Creatures 14.99

BIONICLES from LEGO are always good.

They start from 6.99 and go up to 45.99.

Examples are Pridak for 9.99, Mantax for 9.99, Hydraxon 19.99, Matorak Solek 6.99, Kalmah is 17.99 and Nocturn is 34.99.

When I first saw this toy line, i thought to myself, “what a concept, robots with masks!” Don’t overlook this toy line. It’s

reasonably price, and different variations to chose from, will keep kids entertained for a while.

AFRO SAMURAI action figures series 1

Distributed by DC Unlimited

This series consists of Afro Samurai.

Justice, also known as the number one.

Ninja Ninja, Afro Samurai’s annoying sidekick

Kuma, Afro Samurai’s childhood friend and the dojo senior student, now his sworn enemy.

Each action figure is selling for 14.99 each.

HASBRO’S 2008 Star Wars Transformers crossover action figure line

The 2008 releases are as follows.

Emperor Palpatine as an Imperial Shuttle.

Tie pilot as a Tie Bomber.

General Grievous as a Star Fighter.

Boba Fett as the Slave 1.

Luke Skywalker as a Land Speeder.

A clone pilot as a Republic Gun Ship.

The starting price for these action figures is 14.99, which can go up to 39.99.

TRANSFORMERS animated toy line released by Hasbro.

This line is an exact duplicate copy of the characters seen on Cartoon Network.

Those that I have seen on the shelves are Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Bumble Bee, Bulkhead, Grimlock, Snarl, Blitzwing, Megatron, and Starscream.

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They look great. Their facial expressions are that seen on the show. Now that is detailing! Let the kids have them because all of them will want them. Prices vary on size. Bumble Bee is 12.99, while Optimus Prime is 24.99, Grimlock is 29.99, Megatron is 39.99, and Starscream is 24.99.

Prices will vary.

I know that other lines and products can be mentioned here. However, I made this list keeping children in mind, accessibility, and price. All of these lines can be found on the internet, and at any local retail outlet.

Remember that all prices will vary. Have a great holiday everyone.

 

7 Secret Weapons of 3d Scrapbooking Innovation and Creative Tips

Ever wonder can we create a scrapbook in 3D ? Yes, definitely yes! But how ? This is scrapbooking innovation ideas if you wish to create 3D scrapbooking. Here I share 7 secret weapons of how to create 3D scrapbooking. Enjoy reading while be creative in your thinking, you may find more great ideas to create 3D scrapbook!

Secret #1 Wire with photo in between.

You can get any size, length and width of craft wire from craft store. Band the wire into different shapes such as square, oval or rectangle to create a photo frame like design. Insert your photo into the photo area, and lastly decorate some paper flower or embellishment at the wire frame corners.

Secret #2 Mini book in 3D.

I love mini scrapbook. It is fun to create mini book in 3D. Lots of creative scrapbooking ideas can transform to 3D mini book. Materials needed are 4R size ordinary photo album, old birthday card, old wedding invitation card, adhesive, colored egg shells, color ice cream sticks and some mini to medium size pebble stones. Cut or tear out 2 to 3 pages of 4R size photo albums but still in joining pages, decorate the corners and side with some egg shells, paste some support to each side of the album pages with ice scream sticks using adhesive, so that it can stand when putting on table. Cut the old birthday card into 4R size, insert into the 4R album as background design, lastly put your photo into the album.

Secret #3 Scrapbook with recycle milk box.

My daughter and me love this idea. Most of milk box are small and house like design. Materials needed are felt of different colors, milk box, adhesive, thread for sewing. Clean up the milk box after finished the drink. Let it dry for a few days. Cut felt into size similar to the milk box, sew the corner with simple straight line design. Past the felt on to the milk box, lastly place your candid photo on the mini milk box house.

Secret #4 Wagon 3D scrapbooking

This idea is actually from my 4 years old daughter. I like to create wagon from shoe box or unused mini boxes as wagon for my son. One day my daughter suggested to do some craft pasting on each sides of the wagon and write some text to express, then I suggested to her to add some of their candid photos. It’s really fun and enjoyable, you may want to try this too with your children at home!

Secret 5 Recycle kids toys by turning it into scrapbook.

My children has many toys that comes with nice design carrier or briefcase. Keep the briefcase, and repaint it with acrylic, add some embellishment and create a stunning 3D scrapbook of your design! 3D toys such as blocks or baby cloth books, you can transform them into different 3D scrapbooking by adding your candid photos on each sides to create a simple 3D scrapbook.

Secret #6 Gift cards or birthday cards or invitation cards.

If you receive gift cards, birthday cards or invitation cards in 3D design, do not throw it away. Transform it into your 3D scrapbooking. Add some embellishment and some words to express, last place your photo at suitable area.

Secret #7 Brief case or cosmetic case as collage scrapbooking.

Collage technique is nothing new, by having a few collage methods while creating your 3D scrapbook, will make your design more interesting and lasting look. Material needed, some mini brief case, or wooden chocolate boxes, adhesive, buttons, threads, 3D stickers, colorful construction papers or wrapping papers, clay dough (use no toxic based if you want to do it with your child). First color the wooden background with a layer of acrylic, let it dry for a few days. Once dry, decorate corner or 4 sides or some portion of the wooden based with construction papers. Paste buttons, beads or threading at the corner or any two sides of the wooden based. Lastly add your photo or drawing at your suitable area, and you have created a collage 3D scrapbooking.

Hope above secrets help you to make an innovation of 3D scrapbooking!

 

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