Monthly Archives: August 2011

Schultüte – German School Cones

800px-Schultuete_ausgepackt

What is a Schultüte?

From Wikipedia:

A “Schultüte” (or School Cone, even though the word “Tüte” translates more as “bag” from German), often also called Zuckertüte (“sugar bag”, especially in Eastern Germany) is a paper (and later plastic) bag in particular.

When children in Germany and Austria set off for their first day in school upon entering first grade, their parents and/or grandparents present them with a big cardboard cone, prettily decorated and filled with toys, chocolate, candies, school supplies, and various other goodies. It is given to children to make this anxiously awaited first day of school a little bit sweeter.

Want to make one for that special child starting school? I found tutorials on several websites:

Alphamom

UK-German Connection

Mother Huddle

Bowie Baysox Baseball Game

A few brave au pairs showed up for the baseball game last night. We had rain off and on all day. So, we were really lucky that we had no rain at all last night for the game. It was not the most action packed baseball game, but they can all say they have been to an American baseball game. I have the pictures to prove it.  The fireworks were a nice way to end the evening. Click on any of the photos to view them full size in our Cluster Photobucket album.

Time Capsule Fair Has Been Canceled

Due to the severe weather from Hurricane Irene that is anticipated on Saturday, the event will be be canceled.

If you created a time capsule to take part, please contact me (contact info. below) to arrange to receive your goody bag.

time capsule

In honor of the 25th Anniversary of Au Pair in America, we are sponsoring a time capsule fair. Families are invited to create a family time capsule and participate. Guests are also welcome to come see the time capsules on display, vote for their favorite and participate in the other family activities.

This will be a Fun Family Event featuring…

  • Time Capsule Fair
  • Story Times
  • Back to School Organization Tips for Parents
  • Temporary Tattoos
  • Coloring & Crafts
  • Door Prize Drawings

A Time Capsule is a container that includes items and information that share what it was like to live in a particular period of time. After the time capsule fair, you can seal up your capsule and mark it “Not to be opened until 2036.” It could be buried or just tucked away in your attic. It will be a lot of fun looking back at the items 25 years from now!

Download a Complete Time Capsule Activity Plan HERE

Time Capsule Fair Rules:

  • Register HERE online (preferred) or the day of the event.
  • You may use any container and include whatever items you choose.
  • You may work together as a family to create one family time capsule or each child may create and enter their own.
  • Each entry will have a 2’ x 2 1/2’ table space to display their time capsule and it’s contents.
  • Backboards are allowed, but not required.
  • Each family who enters the time capsule will receive a gift bag.
  • Time capsules should be checked in and set-up between 1:00 and 2:00 PM to be included.
  • Judging will take place at 2:30 PM.
  • Award presentations and prize drawings will be held at 2:45 PM.
  • If you want to take your time capsule home, it needs to be picked up by 3:30 PM.

For more information, please call Christine Connally at 301-860-1314 or email at cicaupair @ gmail.com (without the spaces.)

Healthy Eating – Downsize Your Portions

portion_size

How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. You want to experience life in the U.S., but don’t feel compelled to pick up bad habits. Stick to the portions you would normally eat. The U.S. is known for its “supersizing”, especially in restaurants.  It is OK to ask for a to-go box and take home that food you couldn’t finish at the restaurant.

Also, check food and drink packages to find out what is considered a normal serving. For example a 20 oz. bottle of soda is actually 2 1/2 servings. Many things that are packaged in what appear to be single serving sizes are actually 2 or more portions.

It’s easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to overeat and have a lot to lose later.

August 3rd is Watermelon Day

Today is Watermelon day! Enjoy a cool, refreshing slice of watermelon. It’s a healthy treat on a hot day like this.

watermelons

Fun Facts from Watermelon.org
  • The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
  • Watermelon is 92% water.
  • By weight, watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.
  • Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
  • In 1990, Bill Carson of Arrington, TN grew the largest watermelon at 262 pounds that is still on the record books (1998 ed. Guinness Book of World Records).

    Maryland & County Fairs

    What is a Fair?

    According to Wikipedia:
    A fair (sometimes fayre) is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. Activities at fairs vary widely.

    Fairs are also known by many different names around the world, such as agricultural show, carnival, fete or fête, county fair, exhibition or state fair, festival, market and show. Flea markets and auto shows are sometimes incorporated into a fair.

    MD fair

    Howard County Fair
    August 6 – 13, 2011. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd. W., Friendship, Maryland. (410) 442-1022. Carnival rides, live music, farm animals, food.

    Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
    August 12 – 20, 2011. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, Maryland. (301) 926-3100. Livestock competitions and displays, monster trucks, lots of entertainment and food.

    Maryland State Fair
    August 26-September 5, 2011. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road Timonium, Maryland. (410)252-0200. The Maryland State Fair was named one of the top 50 fairs in North America. This year’s 11-day festival will feature swifty swine racing pigs, live thoroughbred horse racing, bull riding and barrell racing, concerts, agricultural fair tours, games, rides and more.

    Prince George’s County Fair
    September 8 – 11, 2011. Prince George’s County Equestrian Center and the Showplace Arena, Water St., Upper Marlboro, Maryland. (301) 579-2598. Carnival rides, live animals displays, family circus, fireworks, live entertainment, food.

    Anne Arundel County Fair
    September 14 – 18, 2011. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Generals Highway, Crownsville, Maryland. (410) 923-3400. Monster truck rides, carnival rides and games, farm animals and exhibits, pig races, antique saw mill, pie eating contest, talent show and much more.