Dec.
21
2012
My life as an elf

In another life, I was an elf.

No, no, no. I’m not talking about a case of mixed-world reincarnation, I’m talking about my early years, when I was a struggling actress in New York City. It was my “D.A.” period, as so many of us call it, those of us who have since given up the dream of hanging out on Broadway or under the Hollywood sign. “D.A.” means “During Acting;” as opposed to the “A.A.” period -- not Alcoholics Anonymous, but “After Acting.”

As many struggling actors do when they are young, hungry, and willing to do just about anything that involves dressing in a costume and entertaining an audience, the notion of being paid to be an elf at Macy’s during the holiday season was a dream come true. The work was basically full time for the six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It paid at a nice rate and even offered an employee discount at the store, which guaranteed that my family would finally get something nicer than my homemade ornaments that year.

But the thing I wasn’t prepared for was the daunting interview process!

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Dec.
19
2012
Host a cookie exchange party!

Every year at Christmas my dad anxiously awaits his favorite present. It doesn’t matter what else he receives that year; every wrapped confection and well-thought-out gift is destined to be eclipsed by the arrival of my Aunt Joey’s platter of homemade cookies! Aunt Joey is known for her array of amazing sweets that range from old-fashioned favorites to high-end delicacies, and I swear, it’s the thing that turns my 69-year-old father into a 6-year-old kid again!

This got me thinking: how fun would it be to throw a cookie exchange party? Why not have all the guests bring their favorite family treats to share, so that everyone goes home with an unfathomable basket of decadence and delight! Personally I think this would be great for a neighborhood, a club, or congregation -- the more cookies, the merrier. And true, you may end up with 12 versions of chocolate chip cookies, but hey, no two bakers make cookies exactly the same way!

Here’s how to throw a cookie exchange party...

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Dec.
18
2012
Ask Sophie: What are some birthday cake alternatives?

When I was growing up, birthday cake was a big deal. Since I was an only child until I was 15, and living during a time when most people celebrated birthdays with their families, I was lucky to get birthday cake at various celebrations five or six times a year.

Now, it’s totally different. Kids seem to be at a birthday party every weekend. This has led to an interesting dilemma: the “I’m totally over cake” syndrome. That’s right; kids are becoming bored with cake! So in order to keep kids excited about what should be the highlight of any birthday party -- the song, the candles, and the cake -- I’ve come up with some suggestions for alternative treats to satisfy those picky sweet teeth!

Ice cream sundaes
This is always a hit. Set up a little stations with all your favorite toppings, some whipped cream, and one or two ice creams, and you are set. You can even pre-scoop the ice cream into little cups ahead of time and keep in the freezer for easy serving. (You can also make it super-easy on yourself by just doing pre-packaged popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, or bars).

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Dec.
13
2012
Duct tape contest deadline EXTENDED!



Hey everybody! I've been getting so many great submissions for my duct tape craft contest that I'm extending the deadline to January 1, 2013! So, if you haven't entered yet, get taping! Visit our entry form for more info!


Dec.
12
2012
That's a wrap, pt. 2: A gift-wrapping party just for kids

Last week, I shared with you my ideas for an adult-oriented “wrap party” where people could get together to not just socialize, but to check off a holiday chore from their list. Now, I suggested that the kids should get their own party; that way they won’t have a chance to peek at what their parents are wrapping up for them, plus they get the thrill of keeping their gifts to their parents a secret.

For a kid’s version of a “wrap party,” you can help the little ones do their Christmas shopping as well as wrap and decorate their presents. Set up a “holiday store” and let little ones purchase presents for their families and friends. You can set it up in such a way that each child either brings a small amount of money (to help cover the cost of the presents) or that they each receive the same number of tokens or tickets when they arrive. Once they have purchased their items, have teens or adults help each child wrap and label their gifts. Have shopping bags or boxes for the children to hold their presents, once they are wrapped.

Once the shopping and the wrapping’s done, serve up hot chocolate and holiday cookies, then burn off all that sugar with some simple, fun “wrap” games.

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