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Girls may be sugar, spice, and everything nice, but they are also tremendously active, energetic, and curious.  Next time you need to get a gift for the special little girl in your life, consider an activity gift basket made just for her.  Not only is it a thoughtful gift, it will keep her entertained and stimulated for hours.  Whether for a birthday, Christmas, or even just a long car trip, this basket full of goodies is sure to be well received.  Here are some tips for making a great activity basket.

Two important aspects to consider when making your activity basket is the age of the child, as well as her interests.  You don’t have to center the basket around a particular theme, but the age is important because you can add books or games that are geared towards her developmental stage.

If you were going to make an activity basket for a young toddler, for instance, you may go with a baby book gift theme and include board books, books with different textures (such as cloth books), teethers, rattles, musical toys or those with lights and songs.  A child at this age is still very much fascinated by lights and sounds and is entertained by trying to work them.  Books, plush toys, and bath squirters are all great additions.  If you want to drive her parents crazy, also include a variety of small instruments, such as maracas.

An older child will benefit from activities that engage her artistic and intellectual sides.  Say you are assembling a basket for a four, five, six, seven, or eight year old (plus or minus a few years, depending on the child).

Here are some activities to include:

• Coloring and drawing.  Children love to express themselves through art, so supply them with a drawing pad or coloring book.  Crayons and markers are great for coloring, and they can also be used in the car if the child is taking a long trip.
• Paint, brushes, paper, stamps, ink, and other art materials.  You could create an art activity basket by including pipe cleaners, glue sticks, glitter, sparkles, pom-poms, googly eyes, and other goodies.
• Books.  While they may have graduated from board books, children of this age still find a lot of entertainment and stimulation in books.  Try pop-up books, picture search books, sticker book, and activity books with puzzles, mazes, and other interesting, challenging tasks.  You can use the opportunity to get them “school books” too, or workbooks suited for their particular grade.
• Friendship bracelet kits.  You can find kits that include instructions and the embroidery thread needed.
• An inexpensive mp3 player loaded with favorite songs.  Mp3 players can cost as little as $20, so to make a birthday or Christmas present even more special, this could be an excellent addition to an activity basket.  They are especially wonderful for long car trips.
• Card games, such as easy addition War, Old Maid, and Go Fish or board games like Disney Yahtzee or checkers.
• Sports or physical activity equipment.  You could include a jump rope, playground ball, Velcro catcher’s mitts and ball, badminton set, and other fun activity-inducing treats.
• Bath supplies, including bath crayons, bath stickers, a special kids’ shampoo and conditioner, fun shaped soaps, and squirters.

You can design your activity kids gift basket around a theme, such as princesses, Dora, sports, or friendship, or you could just include items you know your little girl will love.

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If you drink coffee, you’ve probably got a favorite kind, way to drink it, and cup to drink it in. And you probably have a penchant for a certain coffee house, with their particular blends, drinks, mugs, atmosphere or even their coffee gift baskets! There are so many coffee shops in the U.S. but coffee drinkers are usually loyal to just a few. Depending on where you live, you may prefer a local coffee shop near your house where you know everyone seated around you or you may choose to frequent a larger chain that allows you to be a silent visitor in the crowd.

Some of the most popular coffee houses in the U.S. are known for their ambiance, their free Wi-Fi, and their especially delicious coffee. You can go and sit for the price of a cup of coffee for the whole day if you like.

Starbucks leads the pack with a whopping 8,000 coffee houses around the United States alone. The coffee giant offers a funky atmosphere and every kind of coffee drink you could ever hope to concoct. The Seattle-based company has been producing coffee that America loves for close to 40 years. They started out as one tiny coffee shop. You can visit the original location in Seattle, as it’s still open. It’s small and dark and nothing like what you would expect a coffee King to have started out from.

If you live anywhere on the East Coast, you’ll know Dunkin Donuts. They have 6,400 locations in the U.S. and more across the world. They are known for the coffee that “America runs on.” They have six or seven locations often in just a small city.

The coffee house that comes in as third, according to popular opinion, is Caribou Coffee. They have 322 coffee houses. This number seems dwarfed by the huge number of Starbucks around. But it’s still a respectable number. Caribou has built its brand on being eco-friendly. They offer coffee that is in keeping with the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade. Their coffee houses have a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay all day.

Coffee houses have changed the way that America drinks their coffee. Now everyone gathers to work on their laptops, catch up with friends, read, or just relax. Before there were national coffee houses, people sat in diners or privately owned restaurants.

It’s hard to imagine America without its coffee houses. They’ve become such a fixture. They’re where we stop for our morning coffee before work, where we head to at lunch time, and where we stop in during the evening for a cool pick me up from a simple coffee scoop.

Coffee lovers may have different thoughts on which brand of coffee is best, but all agree that the coffee house is the place to be yourself. Whether it’s catching up on college homework or writing a report for work, Americans can’t survive without their lattes and laptops. Mobile technology has had to be invented to keep up with America’s demand to work at coffee shops and away from home.

Coffee is now being touted as a beneficial addition to any healthy diet. But even if it weren’t, there’s no stopping the army of coffee drinkers who storm coffee houses daily for their fix of life-giving caffeine. Take it away and what would America run on? It might be a scary scene!

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Ripe, juicy berries, succulent melons, crisp, crunchy apples, exotic star fruit, and pomegranates... there is a reason why fruit is a favorite snack and a main ingredient in endless recipes.  It’s delicious; sweet enough to satisfy sugary cravings, and sensible enough to be guilt-free; organic fruit is not only a wonderful treat, but it also provides a host of health benefits.  Next time you reach for a snack, think about reaching for some tasty snacks from the fruit basket – and think about giving your body and mind a boost.

Filled with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruit is a nutritious, convenient snack that fits into even the most hectic of schedules.  Studies show that people who eat “generous amounts” of fruits – and veggies – are less likely to develop chronic diseases, stroke, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases than those who do not eat enough.  How much is enough?  Fruit and Veggies Matter, a site powered by the CDC, has a handy tool to help you determine how much you should be eating every day.  Say you are a 40-year-old female who exercises 30 to 60 minutes each day; according to the CDC, you should be eating (and enjoying) 2 cups of fruit each day, and 2.5 cups of vegetables.

But not all fruit is created equal: some are mostly sugar, and their juices typically contain more sugar than a can of soda.  Your body isn’t going to give you credit for getting your sugar from fruit instead of candy; it treats it the same way.

The following fruits are loaded with sugar:

• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Grapes, particularly green grapes.  Wine, on the other hand, is a healthy drink in moderation.
• Dried fruits.  Dried fruits, such as banana chips, aren’t necessarily “bad.”  They are just concentrated.  So if you eat a little dried apricot, you are getting all the sugar that you would from eating a fresh apricot.  The problem is we tend to eat larger portions of dried fruit than of fresh fruit because it is smaller.

Fruits like oranges and other citruses do have health benefits, but you have to be careful not to go overboard with consumption.

What fruits give you the most bang for your calories?

• Apples.  Mmm… fiber.  In addition to this filling nutrient, apples are packed with flavonoid antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of heart attack, cancer, and stroke.  For only 80 calories, this is a great snack.
• Bananas.  Having leg cramps?  Eat a banana.  These are loaded with potassium, which helps maintain optimal muscle function.  It can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.  Not bad for108 calories.  Unripened bananas are also getting their due; on the Carb-Lovers’ Diet, they are an excellent source of starch-resistant carbs.
• Berries.  These deliver antioxidants, Vitamin C, and protection from cancer, stroke, and heart disease.  Try blueberries to fight high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and even brain damage leading to Alzheimer’s. Blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries pack a powerful punch of fiber as well, which can help keep you full longer.
• Cherries.  Life is a bowl of cherries, and it can be a pretty good life – potassium, magnesium, folate, Vitamins C and E, and carotenoids help reduce inflammation, bad cholesterol, cancer risk, and arthritic pain.
• Cantaloupe.  With less than 200 calories in an entire melon, cantaloupe offers tremendous benefits, including high levels of Vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium to fight inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer while boosting your immunity.
• Kiwi.  With more Vitamin C than an orange, kiwi also delivers Vitamins A and E, potassium, and magnesium.  Studies have shown that kiwi can help boost the immune system.
• Papayas.  This exotic fruit features Vitamin C, folate, natural digestive enzymes, and carotenoids.

Fruit is excellent on its own, eaten fresh, and it can also be included into recipes for desserts, appetizers, and main courses.

Try this easy smoothie for a healthy, delicious treat anytime:

• 2 cups each of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.  You can substitute your favorite berries or whatever is in season.
• 1 cup cran-raspberry juice.
• 1 cup yogurt (plain or blueberry)
• 2 cups ice

Put everything into the blender until thick, smooth, and delicious.  Serve immediately for a fantastic breakfast, dessert, or snack.

Eat more fruit; your body will thank you!

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What do you reach for when you want a snack?  Do the cookies call or do you have a salty rather than sweet tooth?  Too often, many of us go for what is quickest, most convenient, and least expensive.  We go to the vending machine for a candy bar, to the drive-thru for burgers and fries.  We pick up a donut and sugary coffee for our morning commute and a soda and some chips for our afternoon commute.  Eating right can be difficult when you are on the run, but with a little planning, you can conquer snack cravings.  All you need are the right weapons: healthy snacks.

What is a healthy snack?  For some people, it means a low-fat snack.  For others, it means a low-carb snack or a low-calorie snack.  For some, it means whole dairy, while others go for fruits and vegetables.  The following are some healthy choices to consider next time hunger strikes:

• Tomato slices with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta cheese, if you have it.  By itself, the tomato is rich in nutrients.  Olive oil, while high in fat, has heart-healthy fats, while feta adds calcium and a boost of flavor.
• Bananas.  These are an excellent source of potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps, among other benefits.  Recently, slightly green bananas have been getting attention because they have “starch resistant carbs.” Keep a fruit basket at your office or on hand in your car for when you need something to munch on.
• Air popped popcorn.  Pop yourself 3 cups of this low-cal snack.  While popcorn is higher in carbohydrates, it is low in fat and provides a good dose of fiber.  Season it with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and other spices that don’t add to the calorie count.  You can find a variety of delicious popcorn recipes and topping ideas online.  Or you could just eat it plain.
• Leftover chicken or turkey.  If you had meat for dinner last night, this makes an excellent snack.  Meat is more calorie dense, but it provides filling protein.  Have a deck-of-cards size serving.  Turkey Jerky is another good meat choice for those who are craving something savory.
• Dairy.  Many healthy eaters opt for low-fat yogurt, but many nutrition experts are starting to recommend eating whole fat dairy, such as yogurt, cheese, and milk.  Low fat versions have the healthy fats stripped out and replaced with artificial fats that add no health value.  Instead of a low fat slice of cheese, enjoy a whole fat piece of cheese.  There are more calories, but there are more benefits, and you’ll likely stay full longer.
• Cantaloupe.  This melon is loaded with nutrients, including beta carotene, while being light on calories.  It is a great sweet satisfying snack.  Switch out your ice cream for half a cantaloupe or have it for breakfast.
• Fruit with yogurt dip. Use 2 tablespoons of plain whole yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey.  This makes a great sweet dip that is also satisfying. Dip your way through a cup of raspberries or blueberries.
• A handful of dark gourmet chocolate Hershey’s Kisses.  A small amount of any dark chocolate will provide antioxidants and a sweet fix.  It is not as sweet as milk chocolate, so you may have to acquire a taste for it.
• Raw vegetables.  These are low in calories yet very high in nutritional value.

These are great snacks if you’ve gone to the grocery store, and if you’ve remembered to pack them for work or your commute.  What if you’re hungry and need a snack and your tomato slices with olive oil and feta are at home?  Can you get a healthy, quick snack while you’re on the go?

Sure.  When you have to stop at a convenience store for a quick snack, opt for things like:

• String cheese.
• V8 Juice or VFusion.
• A bag of Wheat Thins.
• A 100 calorie pack of chips, cookies, or pretzels.  Your serving size is already limited; go ahead.
• Banana.  Most convenience stores make at least an attempt at having fruit.  If you can get it, get it.
• Coffee with a bit of milk or cream. Skip the sugar, and you should make it to your next meal intact.
• A small bag of trail mix or peanuts.  Watch the serving sizes; these treats are healthy, but they are also calorie dense.  If you can’t do portion control on the go, opt for a smaller pack or a single string cheese.

Healthy snacking isn’t hard, and it can help keep you energized while you maintain your weight (or lose it).  Even when you’re on the go, you can still eat right and make good decisions.

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Making a Christmas candy wreath is a fun way to create a holiday décor item or a holiday gift. You only need a few supplies and your imagination. Let’s get started making a Christmas candy wreath that you’ll be proud to display.

First, you’ll need a wire wreath form. You can select from several different sizes. They are available at craft stores. You may want to start out with a smaller, rather than larger form as your first wreath may take a bit longer to make.

You’ll need a supply of candies. Hard candies are the best to work with for this project as they don’t melt or smash. Keep all the candies wrapped. That’s very important as the wrappers are what’s are going to secure the candy to the wreath. Using peppermint pinwheel type candies is ideal. They are round, the right size, and easy to handle. Plus, they are not too expensive.  You’re going to need several bags of candy, so buy a bit more than you think you need so you don’t run out. For a small wreath, two bags of pinwheels might cover it, but get three to be sure.

When you have your wreath form and your candy laid out, you’re ready to start. You’ll need a hot glue gun to do this quickly. The wreath form will usually have a center wire that is meant for wrapping things over and under. While you can’t exactly thread hard candy like ribbon, you can layer it. So lay down the first candy on the center bar of the wreath form and glue it down. Now, the next candy that’s going to go down on the wreath should be layered on top and to the side of the first candy. Glue it down. As you begin to add candies, move the design outward towards the edges of the wreath. You’re starting to build layers. If you stack candies on top of each other, you’ll have a flat finished piece. You want it to look dimensional, so stagger and layer.

Continue going all around the wreath until you have added all the candy. You should make sure that there are no bald spots. If you find that you have awkward gaps, just add another candy.

Now comes the embellishment. You can add a big red bow made of flocked velvet or sprigs of mistletoe or any other little items you have around. A small bird ornament or even a Christmas ornament will work well. The fun is trying to make it a little bit more appealing.

You can wrap one of these edible candy arrangements up as a gift, give it as is, or keep it for yourself. You can enjoy it for a season and then actually eat the candy. The reason for keeping each piece of candy in its wrapper is so that when it comes time to eat the candy, it’s still intact. If you’ve used a hot glue gun, you can easily remove the wrapper and eat the candy. Don’t try it with glue that may run into the candy and cause it to be inedible.

Have fun with your Christmas candy wreath making activity. Kids can help, but be sure that if there are small candies involved that could pose choking hazards that an adult supervises.

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Got a little train lover in your life? If so, a train birthday party can be really special for him or her. You can really play up the theme to make it unforgettable.

Do you have a working train near where you live? See if they offer rides for kids. Most times, any working trains do offer rides at special times. You may have to work your party around those times, but imagine the guests’ faces when they see that they are about to embark on a real train. If your train line allows you to bring a party on board, you’re all set. In some areas, Thomas the Train comes to town at different times of the year. See if you can book your party during those times.

If you don’t have a working train in your area, do you have a train museum? That’s the next best thing. If they have a party room, you can bring your whole group, cake and birthday gifts there and also get a tour of the museum. Short of that, you can have your party at home and still make it exciting and interesting.

Trains are your main theme, so you have to have a train cake. Ask your bakery to build one for you. Nowadays, bakeries do all sorts of 3D cakes, so see if you can get them to do at least the first car on a track.

Another cute idea is to make train cupcakes decorated like cars and then line them up on real toy train tracks across a table or in a circular track. Kids will love it.

If you have toy trains all over your house, make a working toy train track setup as your centerpiece. You can run the trains around the track while the party is going. Have trains as your party favors. Get little trains at a dollar store. As an activity, you can purchase pine wood trains and have the guests paint them and let them take them home as favors.

There’s so much more you can do to carry out the train theme. Have everyone come dressed in overalls and give out engineer hats, which you can find online by the dozen cheaply. Play Thomas the Train videos in a continuous loop in the background.

When it’s time to eat, have train shaped sandwiches. These are easy to do with a big train cookie cutter. Just make peanut butter and jelly or cheese sandwiches and then cut them with the cutter. You can, of course, do any kind of sandwich you like, but stick to ones that kids will be most likely to eat without complaint.

The more you put into your train party theme, the better it will all come off. Sing train songs and pretend you’re a big train by having everyone join together in a long line and jog around the room. Make train noises, see who can imitate a train whistle, and just generally make the train theme come alive by moving the party along in interesting ways.

A child who loves trains will go crazy for a train theme. And chances are, he or she will get many train related gifts, so be prepared for lots of oohing and ahhing as presents are opened.

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