Mother’s Day- April 3rd

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that recognizes mothers and  motherhood and is set aside so that families can show their appreciation and gratitude for their mothers.

When is Mothering Sunday (Mother’s Day)?

Mothering Sunday is always the fourth Sunday of Lent.

• Mothering Sunday in UK in 2011 – 3 April
• Mother’s Day in USA in 2011 – 8 May

Flowers have long since been a part of celebrating Mother’s Day and Mothering Sunday.

In the USA Carnations have come to represent Mother’s Day, since Anna Jarvis delivered 500 of them at its first celebration in 1908. Religious services copied the custom of giving away carnations. Partly due to the shortage of white carnations, and partly due to the efforts to expand the sales of more varieties of flowers on Mother’s Day, the florists promoted wearing a red carnation if your mother was living, or a white one if she was deceased.

What happens on Mothering Sunday in the UK?

Mothering Sunday is a time when children pay respect to their Mothers. Children often give their Mothers a gift and a card.  Many churches give the children in the congregation a little bunch of spring flowers to give to their Mothers as a thank you for all their care and love throughout the year.

Why is Mothering Sunday on different dates each year?

Mothering Sunday is not a fixed day because it is always the middle Sunday in Lent . This means that Mother’s Day in the UK will fall on different dates each year and sometimes even be in different months.

Mothering Sunday has been celebrated in the UK on the fourth Sunday in Lent since at least the 16th century.

From the founding of Mother’s day in both the USA and UK flowers have played an integral part in the gift giving and thanking of mothers.

So why not treat your Mum to something special with a beautiful bouquet of Mother’s Day flowers and plants at M&S Mother’s Day Flowers

Tags: Flowers and mother's day, Mother's Day
Posted in Celebrations, Special Events | No Comments »

Valentines Day for kids

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

“I Love You” Day

Valentine’s Day is often considered a more adult celebration. But it need not be. Have some lovey dovey fun making hearts, homemade heart shaped cookies or sweets and decorating the table with reds, pinks and whites. (more…)

Tags: making Valentines decorations, valentines day ideas
Posted in Celebrations, Creativity & Self-expression, Special Events | No Comments »

Australia Day- 26th January

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Australia Day, celebrated on the 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain. It also marks the  the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788. (more…)

Posted in Celebrations | No Comments »

No Carving Pumpkin Decorating

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

Painting or decoupaging pumpkins as decorations for Harvest or Halloween is loads of fun and also an alternative to carving them. Have lots of fun with your under 5” by trying out these “no sharp objects” ideas! (more…)

Tags: Halloween Pumpkins, harvest decorations
Posted in Celebrations, Special Events | No Comments »

Halloween Safety Tips

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Combine dressing up in costumes with free candy and you create a kid friendly holiday! Although Halloween is a favorite holiday for children it does come with it’s own unique dangers that all parents and caregivers should be mindful of. With a few basic safety measures your family can have a fun and safe celebration!

Make Halloween Costumes SAFE to wear

• To ensure a safe Halloween, first plan your child’s costume wisely. From masks to footwear all parts should be considered for comfort and safety.
• All Halloween costumes and accessories should be flame resistant – masks, capes, wigs, beards and hats.
• Whenever possible try to avoid masks for children. Obstructed vision can easily lead to accidents. Make up is safer and more comfortable.
• However, if you choose to use a mask or child is begging for one … they should be made with soft, comfortable material and allow for a full field of vision. Don’t ever use a plastic bag, even with large holes. A brown paper bag with big eye holes works very well..
• It’s really best to wear sneakers for trick-or-treating – they are comfortable and safe.
• Swords, knives, wands, etc. should have no sharp edges or points and preferably made with foam or cardboard.

Safe Halloween Sweets

• Children should be taught never to eat the candy they’ve received until you have carefully inspected it .
• It’s best to throw away unwrapped candy, homemade items of unknown origin.
• Keep small candies from children under the age of five, it is a choking hazard.
• Don’t use nuts in any of the Trick or Treat give aways – you never know which child is allergic.

Injuries and Accidents at Halloween

• When participating in the frenzied quest for candy kids can get injured.
• Make sure your child’s costume is the correct length to avoid tripping.
• Not only will a flashlight let drivers see your child but it will improve your child’s visibility.
• Walk on sidewalks, walkways, driveways and well lit streets only.
• Attach a few strips of reflective tape to costumes.
• Write your child’s name and your full contact details on a card or piece of paper and secure with a safety pin inside her pocket.
• If you have lighted candles around your home, make sure that they are well out of reach of little hands and on a solid, sturdy surface that cannot get bumped over.

The ever present “Stranger Danger”

Abduction is an ugly reality, but as parents we must take precautions to ensure the safety of our children.

• Never ever let a child trick-or-treat alone. Adults or much older children should always be supervising.
• Make sure that your child knows what to do if they become separated from the group.
• Make a rule that the children are only allowed to go to the homes of neighbours that you know.

Happy Trick or Treating!!!

Tags: halloween safety tips
Posted in Celebrations, Food for Thought, Special Events | No Comments »

How to carve a Pumpkin for Halloween

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

For a few brief days this October pumpkins carved into jack-o’-lanterns will flicker in the darkness. They are the result of wicked imaginations, fun-filled family afternoons and lots of elbow grease. If your family is looking to carve pumpkins this year, we’ve got the scoop on how to do it right. Below you’ll find a step-by-step carving guide, tips for novice and veteran sculptors. (more…)

Tags: carve pumpkins, Halloween Pumpkins
Posted in Celebrations, Special Events | No Comments »