Hail To The Chief! Strange Presidential Trivia

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February 13, 2012

Strange Presidential Trivia

With the President’s Day long weekend right around the corner, as well as the GOP primary elections heating up, in honor of all things presidential we’ve compiled some bizarre as well as interesting factoids about our elected presidential leaders, both past and present.  They say that truth is stranger than fiction–we think you will absolutely agree!

John Adams-It is said that John Adams and his family wandered aimlessly for hours before finally figuring out how to find their way to their new home, The White House.  (Perhaps a map was in order?)

Thomas Jefferson-When old Tom wrote his own epitaph he failed to even mention his time as president.  (Apparently it wasn’t a big enough deal…)

William Howard Taft-Weighing in at well over 300 big ones, President Taft holds the distinction of being the heaviest man to ever be the United States president.  Sadly, Taft once got stuck in the White House bathtub.  To avoid a repeat of this embarrassing gaffe, a new (and 4 times larger) bathtub was installed.  (It’s likely too, that this was prior to the Presidential physical fitness program!)

William Henry Harrison-This president, considered by many to be one of the most long winded when it came to giving speeches, gave one of the longest inaugural addresses in history, in spite of the fact that he was standing outside in very inclement weather without a coat or hat.  He died of pneumonia about a month later.  (Didn’t your mother warn you about not taking your coat?)

James Buchanan-When the Prince of Wales visited the White House with a ginormous entourage of people; President Buchanan was actually forced to sleep out in the hallway! (No respect…whatsoever…)

Grover Cleveland-President Cleveland enjoyed answering incoming phone calls to the White House himself. (That’s one way to screen your own calls…)

Woodrow Wilson-Enjoyed raising sheep for their wool during his stint in the White House. (so baaaad)

Warren G. Harding-President Harding had the distinction of having the biggest Presidential feet–rumored to be a size 14.  (But at least he didn’t get stuck in the bathtub…)

Calvin Coolidge-President Coolidge absolutely refused to use the telephone during his Presidential term. (Can you say paranoid?)

Herbert Hoover-President Hoover was known to donate his entire salary made as President to charity. (awwwwwesome.)

Harry S. Truman-This musical president was known to rise long before dawn each day to practice the piano for about 2 hours. (Such inspiration to budding politically inclined musicians everywhere!)

Gerald Ford-Gerald Ford’s former jobs include being a fashion model and also working as a Yellowstone park ranger. (Strike a pose…with bears…)

Jimmy Carter-President Carter was considered an expert speed-reader and was purported to be able to read approximately 2000 words per minute. (War and Peace in 60 minutes flat…)

Barack Obama-President Obama was known as O’ Bomber during his high school basketball days.  Obama is also known for collecting Spiderman memorabilia as well as Conan the Barbarian comic books.  (Now there are some interesting allies…)

Want more?  Here are a few tidbits of trivia on the GOP candidates:

Mitt Romney-Was named Mitt after his father’s cousin named Milton Romney.

Newt Gingrich-Was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1995.

Rick Santorum-Karen Santorum, Rick’s wife, wrote a book about etiquette for children.  (And mother’s everywhere are still grateful…)

Ron Paul-During his career as an OB/GYN he delivered more than 4,000 babies.  He enjoys gardening and growing his own crops when he is at home in Texas. 

 

Be sure to check out our collection of President’s Day costumes and accessories.

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Oooo La La! It’s Mardi Gras!

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February 6, 2012

Mardi Gras 2012

Mardi Gras, and all the fun a good ol’ lively French-fest can bring with it, is right around the corner.  Mardi Gras hits the calendar a bit early this year, February the 21st, so you have just a little over 2 weeks to begin planning for your big Mardi Gras party or even a super sexy as well as mysterious masquerade ball.  Whether your trip to the Big Easy is real or just done in big Louisiana party style, we have all the hot supplies to make you look as if you are ready to go hit Bourbon Street and “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll!)

What is Mardi Gras all about anyway?  For you Mardi Gras rookies that want to know why you should celebrate, as well as what the fuss is all about, here’s a basic crash course.  Mardi Gras, literally translated from French to English, means Fat Tuesday.  Fat Tuesday is a traditional day of feasting (can you say eat, drink and be merry?) that is done the night before Ash Wednesday, beginning the traditional Catholic period of Lent.  Lent is 40 days of fasting that occurs up until Easter.  French settlers that centered in the New Orleans area first brought this tradition to America.  The tradition of Mardi Gras runs deep in Louisiana until this very day.

The Big Easy:  Because of Mardi Gras’ early history associated with this southern region of our beloved country, the celebration of Mardi Gras has been heavily associated with and truly embraced by the people of New Orleans.  Just because you don’t live in New Orleans, however, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get into the spirit and the true Louisiana flavor of this exciting and flamboyant holiday! 

Masks and Masquerade:  Masks have been worn for years as part of the celebration of Mardi Gras.  Venetian style masks and many other creative, elaborate as well as decorative masks are part of the fun and tradition surrounding Mardi Gras.  Hiding ones identity has gone along with the celebratory theme of this holiday for hundreds of years, and there is some logic to the anonymity factor involved.  If no one knows who you actually are, traditionally, it’s been easier to really let loose and let your Cajun swagger truly get its groove on without worrying about tomorrow.

Tradition of Throws:  Since the late 1800’s, some of the authentic Mardi Gras tradition is to have many parades and floats as part of the celebrating that goes on in the city. Float riders are known to throw out many items to Mardi Gras revelers which include plastic beads, doubloons, cups and small stuffed animals.  Even if you aren’t planning a parade or float as part of your Mardi Gras festivities, you are still going to want to include some of these unique and traditional items as part of your Fat Tuesday celebration.

Party, Wild French Style:  If you are planning a Mardi Gras themed party, make sure you have all the sexy glittery costumes, elaborate masks, face paint, crazy hats, sparkling gloves and other ‘out there’ accessories that you may need to create a Fat Tuesday look that will be absolutely unforgettable.  Whether you are looking to be a Carnival King or Queen or even that wacky or sexy Court Jester, our costumes and accessories made just for your Mardi Gras celebration will definitely put the ooooo back into your la-la.  To Mardi Gras say OUI!

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10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Kids

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January 30, 2012

10 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Kids

Everywhere you turn, love is officially in the air.  Jewelry ads run rampant on TV and most stores look like a red (and pink) sea of hearts and flowers.  It’s hard to miss the fact that Valentine’s Day is almost here.  Traditionally a day marked by couples to celebrate their love, don’t miss out on the fact that even your littlest ones will enjoy getting into the spirit of this heart felt holiday.  Here are some simple and easy ideas to get your whole family feeling the love!

I Wear My Pink Pajamas:  Or my red ones…!  Your child is going to be thrilled at getting some fun and whimsical pajamas that will surely add some excitement to Valentine’s Day.  Look for super cute heart designs or for a really unique and special gift some stores will embroider your child’s name on the pajamas for a more personalized touch.

Bake it Homemade:  It’s easy (and fun) to bake special Valentine treats to give to your kids, even if it’s just for an extra loving lunch box surprise.  Even better, let your children participate in the fun with you.  Ready-made cookie dough found at your supermarket makes it really easy to bake heart shaped cookies with very little effort but your kids are going to love it!  Have red and pink sprinkles, red hots and other heart shaped candies nearby to decorate your home-baked creations!

Heart Tattoo’s or Stamps:  An easy yet fun way to get your child into the Valentine’s Day spirit is with temporary tattoo’s or with a Valentine themed stamp.  Kids love to wear their heart on their hands, arms or even their cheeks!  You can find a wide variety of these items at your local novelty store. 

Get Crafty!  Your child will love creating something extra fun for Valentine’s Day, whether it is special handmade Valentine’s or some other craft item.  If you hit your local craft store you will find numerous arts and crafts sets or items that will make a perfect Valentine gift that will keep your child busy for hours!

Something Bear-y Special:  There’s a reason why the Teddy Bear is still considered a child’s favorite toy!  Your child will love a special Valentine’s rendition of this old stand by–huggable, loveable and likely to be carried around to love on all day long.  Build-A-Bear makes a very special Bear made just for Valentine’s Day–and there are of course many others to choose from. 

Have a Heart:  Heart shaped accessories are super fun for kids to wear and dress up with on Valentine’s Day.  You can find a wide range to choose from, including heart shaped hair clips, jewelry items, sunglasses and even socks!  These items are inexpensive but are very fun for kids to wear to make their Valentine’s Day extra special.

Fun & Games:  These are old stand by’s but games are very fun for kids to receive as a Valentine’s Day gift.  One of our favorites for Valentine’s Day is Operation, where kids try to perform a little careful heart surgery before they get buzzed!  Another fun idea for a little bit older kids is a Jr. Archery set.  Perhaps the “Cupid” association will go over their heads, but your kids will still enjoy trying to hit the bull’s eye.

Heart Room Décor:  Many kids will enjoy having something fun to put in their room for Valentine’s Day and beyond.  Adding heart-shaped pillows as an accessory is an easy way to perk up most any child’s bedroom theme.  Cute pillow sets that look like conversation hearts or even a poster with hearts and flowers can do the trick nicely.

Candy:  Obviously candy is always going to be a favorite of kids for Valentine’s Day as it is for any holiday.  Your local store is likely to be filled with special treats made for kids with a Valentine theme.  Traditional favorites like boxes of conversation hearts will always be appreciated, but look for special bags of Valentine colored M&M’s as well as other special candy treats!

Costumes:  Dressing up for Valentine’s Day (or any day, really) is super fun for kids.  Consider getting a costume for fun dress up time for your child as a unique gift that will give him hours of imaginative playtime fun.  Superheroes, princesses, movie characters and occupational favorites are a great place to start.  Don’t forget to add some fun accessories to your child’s wardrobe just for Valentine’s Day, too–ruby slippers, red hair extensions, red-striped socks/tights, silly hats–all of these are perfect to accessorize all your planned Valentine’s Day fun!

Even though traditionally Valentine’s Day is a special and romantic day for couples, your kids will love getting into the fun and spirit of this unique holiday, too!  Use some of our great ideas to make their Valentine’s Day one they will always remember and can really put their heart into!

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Great Ideas for a Super Fun Valentines Day

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January 23, 2012

Ideas for a Super Fun Valentine's Day!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.  Now is the time to start planning to make sure all those that you care about feel special and remembered on this day of “all things love.”  We’ve come up with some fantastic ideas to put you into a Valentine’s Day mood, whether it’s by having some family fun or planning a special night of romance with your significant other. 

Homemade Valentines:  One of the longest lasting traditions surrounding Valentine’s Day (and one that even your kids are going to love!) is that of creating handmade Valentine’s to share with friends and family.  Making these Valentines doesn’t have to be complicated either.  Simple heart shapes cut from red and pink construction paper can be glued onto paper doilies.  Decorate these with stickers and cutouts that you can pick up at your local craft store.  Kids will enjoy taping on a Valentine themed sweet treat, especially if these are to be passed out at school.  If you are a grown up making a homemade Valentine, try composing an original Valentine’s poem to put on yours.  Even if it’s silly, a truly heartfelt message will get your point across beautifully and will be far more meaningful than a store bought card.

Heartfelt Pizza:  Buy ready-made pizza dough or use your favorite recipe.  Instead of making traditional round pizzas, make individual serving size pizzas, fashioning the dough carefully into heart shapes.  Top your pizza with pizza sauce and other toppings that you would normally use.  This is a simple but very fun variation on a traditional favorite recipe that will get your entire family into the spirit of the holiday!

Valentine's Day Ideas

Learn The Traditions:  Kids (and grown ups, too!) will enjoy learning about how Valentine’s Day began and about some of the traditions that surround it.

  • St Valentine:  There are many variations of the story of St. Valentine around, but here is one you can start with.  St. Valentine was a priest back in the days of the Roman Empire.  When Emperor Claudius ruled, he outlawed marriage for young men, as it was his belief that men without wives and children made better soldiers and the young men were the ones that he wanted in his army.  St. Valentine surreptitiously married the young couples in complete defiance to the law, as he believed the young men should be allowed to be in love, marry and have families.  Even though St. Valentine would eventually be killed for performing these marriages, his memory and legend still remains.
  • Cupid:  So where did this strange, blindfolded god come from anyway?  In Roman Mythology, Cupid, the son of Venus, is considered to be the God of desire, affection and erotic love.  The legend of Cupid professes that he is a small boy with wings, carrying a quiver of potent arrows on his back. Even though for some reason Cupid is blindfolded, he will still take aim and try to shoot his victims in the heart.  Once struck by Cupid’s arrow, the victim will fall hopelessly in love.

Valentine Treasure Hunt:  Kids of all ages can tailor this idea according to its most ideal plan.  Trails of candy can be left for the intended recipient until the end of the line is reached, where a bouquet of flowers or balloons is waiting.  Another fun idea is to leave clues around the house, each clue leading to another clue until the final Valentine’s surprise is reached.  A more grown up (and very sexy) version of this same game is to leave clues (along with a few delicious surprises) along your lover’s journey.  For example, leave a clue on a small plate with a delicious chocolate covered strawberry.  The next clue could be sitting adjacent to a glass of champagne.  When your lover reaches the final destination and surprise, it will be you waiting; all dressed to the nines in very sexy Valentine themed lingerie or one of our fabulous Valentine’s Day costumes!  Now that’s a Valentine!

No matter what you choose to do this Valentine’s Day, a little extra effort will make this special holiday far more memorable as well as fun.  Get your entire family together for some heartfelt and super fun Valentine’s Day activities–everyone will be feeling the love!

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Valentine’s Day – Put Your Heart Into It!

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January 16, 2012

As we inch up on the last week or two of January, it’s not too soon to start thinking about the traditional day of amour that is just around the corner.  Although Valentine’s day is the classic day to celebrate love for many, Valentine’s Day is also a great day for kids (of all ages) to have some serious fun and to get into the spirit of the holiday, whether you have an actual Valentine or not.  Here are some super fun ideas to help get you thinking about this great wintertime holiday.  With a little creativity and planning this Valentine’s Day will surely warm up your heart!

Red … The Color of Love:  Pull out the stops this Valentine’s Day and dress up in all things red.  Red hair extensions or red glitter hair spray is a great way to add a little festive touch to your hair and transform ordinary tresses into true lovelocks.  Red nail polish and lipstick will add more Valentine’s Day drama, and by all means add some red false eyelashes to your eyes for a very bold touch.  If you really are feeling the holiday, go for a bright red wig to get some red-hot attention.  Other accessories to spice up your look include red stockings, sunglasses, hair accessories and of course glistening red shoes!  Dressing up in your best reds is a fun and fire-y way to get into a great Valentine’s Day mood!

It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Super Valentine! Put on your best superhero get up…with a twist.  Take an ordinary superhero costume (pick your favorite) and add some heart cut outs and a red mask over your eyes.  A bright red bodysuit also is a great and dramatic start to this silly but fun costume that is truly going to send your Valentine into heartfelt hysterics. Your Valentine will love your rendition of the best superhero ever…especially if he comes bearing chocolates and flowers.

Don’t Have A Valentine?  Try Dressing as Cupid and Go Hunting!   Tradition states that being shot by the arrow of Cupid causes the recipient to fall madly and hopelessly in love.  Even if you are dubious, on this day of love you most certainly can get away with trying.  For you girls wanting to be a sexy rendition of Cupid, try our super sassy and fun Valentine Cupid Costume! For you guys with a sense of humor, a really silly costume that could easily become a Valentine favorite is the Ooo La Lola Costume; try it on for size!  You guys can also easily create a more traditional (yet crazy) Cupid Costume with a skin-toned body suit, an adult diaper and a great set of wings.  (Don’t forget your quiver of play arrows!)

For Grown Ups Only:  Some super sexy Valentine costumes or lingerie ensembles are available that will surprise and delight your love.  Cute and sexy looks like our Ladybug costume are the perfect whimsical choice for some Valentines Day fun.  The Queen of Hearts is also a hot look that will really get your heart in the right place.  For the ultimate in seductive excitement, our Halter Bra and Garter set will send your lover straight into Valentines’ Day orbit!

Pets need Valentine’s Love, Too:  If you want to share the love with your pet, too this is the perfect time to dress up your furry buddy in something adorable that will definitely get him some extra petting and possibly even some bonus dog treats!  Our super charming pet Lady Bug costume is a perfect doggie ensemble for Valentine’s day and your pet won’t mind the extra attention he’s bound to get by wearing this super cute get up!

Add some extra fun and excitement to your Valentine’s Day that goes way beyond simple cards and flowers.  Dress up and get into the spirit of the holiday–make this Valentine’s Day your best one ever!

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