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See the World Record Ice Cream Sundae



See the World Record Ice Cream Sundae
Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.





"Folks constructed the longest ice cream sundae ever built in plastic rain gutters, which Home Depot donated, Sunday, at Serrano Intermediate School in Lake Forest. Their record breaker was 222 feet and 9 3/4 inches."-- Orange County Register

This was an an amazing event that included a tag sale, book fair, food trucks, DJ’s, and radio stations.  The participants broke the world record for the longest ice cream sundae.  Among the fun activities were carnival games and sports races. 

Thank you to the coordinators and participants.


  








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Credits: lakeforest-ca.patch.com, OCRegister.com, Twenty20 NATALIE OX

Hey Grandma, how about another grape soda?: Public Service Message



Hey Grandma, how about another grape soda?: Public Service Message





It is important to know what your children are eating when you are at work.
Take a look at this public service message to find out why.


"As our kids have more opportunities for sedentary entertainment like television, computers and video games, an increasing number of children are not getting the recommended exercise daily. Recent research indicates that recommended levels of physical activity - at least 35-60 minutes per day - increases children's bone strength.  This video helps inform parents about the critical need for adequate levels of physical activity in our children."




For more information and reminders utilize these sources.

http://www.posna.org/

http://www.aaos.org/



Healthy Minded Recipes
Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Bpe8bHqWoVk, twenty20.com, ALDONA PIVORIENE

Take the Hue Test



Take the Hue Test





Hue is a scientific and art term that describes the pure colors of the rainbow, red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and violet.  These are the colors in a basic box of crayons.  A tint is when white is added to a hue and you get a pastel.  A shade is when black is added and a color is darkened.  A tone is adding white and black to a color, the result is a grey version of a hue.  

This color test was developed by X-Rite, a company that measures color on technological devices and software.  This is a good test to take for fun to discover which colors are a challenge for you to see.  It is also a good way to introduce science and art concepts to students.  

"FACT: 1 out of 255 women and 1 out of 12 men have some form of color vision deficiency.
Take the online color challenge, based on the official FM100 Hue Test by X-Rite."






I scored a thee on the Color Acuity test, close to the perfect score of zero.
Take the test yourself and share what you find out below.  






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Image credits: www.xrite.com/home.aspx, pexels.com, Skitterphoto

Birthday Party Ideas



Birthday Party Ideas





Below are four good birthday party ideas from Tammy's big event.  






#1.  Bevarian Cream in mini cups with mini spoons.  
This dessert has its origins in Germany and possibly first created by Antonin Careme, one of the most famous chefs of King George IV.  




#2.  Dessert table.
One of the best ideas for a birthday party is to have a selection of smaller items.  Each guest may then select their favorite sweet.  If serving a dinner beforehand, these smaller portions are a perfect size. No large sheet cake left over to squeeze into the freezer.  




#3.  Cake pops.




#4.  Cookie table.





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Mother's Day



Mother's Day




Holidays are a tricky thing.  Do we wait to celebrate, honor, or show our appreciation until the actual day or should we celebrate every day?  The latter is best.  No, that does not mean you have to leave up your Christmas tree all year long.   




"The Lanyard" - Billy Collins



The other day I was ricocheting slowly
off the blue walls of this room,
moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano,
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,
when I found myself in the L section of the dictionary
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.

No cookie nibbled by a French novelist
could send one into the past more suddenly—
a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp
by a deep Adirondack lake
learning how to braid long thin plastic strips
into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.

I had never seen anyone use a lanyard
or wear one, if that’s what you did with them,
but that did not keep me from crossing
strand over strand again and again
until I had made a boxy
red and white lanyard for my mother.

She gave me life and milk from her breasts,
and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sick room,
lifted spoons of medicine to my lips,
laid cold face-cloths on my forehead,
and then led me out into the airy light

and taught me to walk and swim,
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.
Here are thousands of meals, she said,
and here is clothing and a good education.
And here is your lanyard, I replied,
which I made with a little help from a counselor.

Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,
strong legs, bones and teeth,
and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,
and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.
And here, I wish to say to her now,
is a smaller gift—not the worn truth

that you can never repay your mother,
but the rueful admission that when she took
the two-tone lanyard from my hand,
I was as sure as a boy could be
that this useless, worthless thing I wove
out of boredom would be enough to make us even.

Included in his book The Trouble with Poetry.




Author Nancy Robinson wrote more than 20 books before dying of cancer at age 51.  Mom, You're Fired! is a dynamic book to read at any age.  One to read with you child of any age.  




"Unfortunately, a lot of people are made to suffer as children: beatings, rapes, torture, abandonment, neglect, parental divorce and subsequent remarriage with new or stepchildren to compete with, alcoholic or drug-addicted parent(s), erratic and even dangerous consequences of parental mental illness, browbeatings, parental insensitivity, psychological and emotional assaults, parental affairs, constant family turmoil, molestations, familial violence, single parent by choice or irresponsibility, and so forth. They are definitely victims of self-centered, evil, ignorant, and/or weak adults; and, for me, weakness or ignorance do not excuse the resultant harm."  - Dr. Schlessinger, Bad Childhood---Good Life





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Credit: www.billy-collins.com

Chai Latte Cake Pops by Jesse Bluma



Chai Latte Cake Pops




These make a dynamic way to
treat yourself and your guests.
Serve with your favorite teas
and share with a friend.  Made
with high quality ingredients, white
cake from scratch, and dipped in a
white coating.  Perfectly sprinkled
with a chai blend of spices.






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Candy Cake Bites by Jesse Bluma



Candy Cake Bites by Jesse Bluma





Surprise your mom with these candy cake bites. A fun way
to transform your party table and events. Made with high quality ingredients, white cake from scratch, dipped in a white coating, with soft pink pearl dust, in a silver liner. Topped with an artisanal candy of passionfruit, strawberry, raspberry, and cherry.







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Fourteen Career Day Tips by Jesse Bluma



Fourteen Career Day Tips by Jesse Bluma






On Career Day my homeroom class learned about different careers and vocations.  A friend of mine, Chris Gaida, agreed to be one of the presenters.  He has worked as a producer on “Regis and Kathie Lee”, “Dr. Drew”, and other shows.  We also learned about his experiences with escorting stars at award shows, including “The Academy Awards”, “The Grammy Awards”, and “The American Music Awards”.  He is also the director of the Big Bear Horror Film Festival.  On Career Day our school had over sixty presenters.  We rotated classrooms and got to meet three.  My students appreciated getting to meet our guests, such as Chris.




Career Day How To

As a presenter...

1.  Ask questions and find out about any guidelines, such as time, topics, space, and audio-visual equipment.  

2.  Prepare.  This may include resume items, real life objects, photos, video clips, and practical advice.  Today's society is image driven and has many language learners.  Real objects help teach and keep interest.   

3.  Prepare a few questions for students.

4.  Practice your presentation by walking around the room.  Standing still can put people to sleep.

5.  Remember to pause and let students take in what you said and to reflect.  This will give them time to process and engage with you.  

6.  Smile and be in the moment.  You are doing something important and the students want you there.   

7.  Have a back up plan.  What if you forget your photos?  What if you have to cut your time?  What if...???




As teachers and students...

1.  Invite presenters and let them know the importance of their volunteering.

2.  Schedule.  A general announcement at the beginning of year, formal invite two to three months prior to the date with specific information, guidelines, definite topics to speak about, parking details, and timeline.  Three to four weeks before the day verify with presenters.  Five to fifteen minutes is a good amount of time for each presentation, this depends upon the age of students, what and how much they are sharing, and the school day schedule.  

3.  Enrich curriculum throughout the school year with career minded content and activities.  This may include a dress-up day, research report, sharing business and economic news articles, et cetera.

4.  Prepare questions.  Guide students through a series of thoughtful questions, remind them to avoid asking the money question.  Asking about a specific salary can be rude, instead you may ask presenters to include a salary range in their presentation.  

5.  During the presentations you may wish to have students complete a worksheet or take specific notes.

6.  Prepare a banner, sign, refreshments, water, etc. to welcome guest speakers.

7.  Remember to formally thank presenters with a card, photos, and treat.  





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Credit: Image courtesy of bplanet at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Cookie Crime: Mitt Romney and How to Apologize




Cookie Crime: Mitt Romney and How to Apologize





If you find yourself with your foot in your mouth, you do have options.  

If you are at a (manufactured) picnic and you slam the appearance of the cookies on the table, much like Mitt Romney, do not copy what he exclaimed.

“I’m not sure about these cookies,” Romney said, looking at the women and around the table.  “They don’t look like you made them. Did you make those cookies?  You didn’t, did you?  No.  No.  They came from the local 7-Eleven bakery or wherever.”

We are all human and at times say things we would like to take back.  The more confident we are in our own skin, authentic with the people in our company, the more we are honest with ourselves, the less we will freak out Miss Manners.  That is the proactive step to ensure politeness.  

If you happen to be in the company of someone making a rude comment, it is best not to return the rudeness.  The others at the table with Mitt made the right choice.  





If you say something rude, here is how to apologize.

1.  Be aware of everything you say and constantly assess what you have done right and wrong.  

2.  Say "I apologize for _______________________."

3.  Repair the situation.  If you made fun of someone's cookies, then buy them a batch of their favorites.  
Take special note.  Not all that is broken can be repaired, this is a consequence we all must accept.

4.  Go on and live life without making the bad decision again.  





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Credit: facebook.com/mittromney

Join Me in Helping Women in Africa: One Light Project



Join Me in Helping Women in Africa: One Light Project





Search these three simple words on the Internet.

Africa, women, violence

News stories abound of all kinds of acts.
We have all heard countless stories, so many they almost make us numb.  
Some so evil they are challenging to read, yet we must. 

I recently learned of the One Light Project.
Their mission is as follows...

"The One Light Self-Defense team began as diversified individuals who shared a 
common interest, as well as experience, in self-defense training. Traveling to the 
poorest slums in Nairobi, Kenya, where girls face daily physical attacks, the team 
presented simple self-defense techniques which empowered the girls physically, 
mentally, and emotionally."








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Photo credits: parkviewchurch.com

Jelly Belly and Chocolate Pearl Easter Carrots



Jelly Belly and Chocolate Pearl Easter Carrots








Surprise your children and guests with
these candy carrots. A fun way to
transform your Easter baskets and
spring party tables. Made with high
quality orange and green Jelly Belly beans
or chocolate pearls.





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Polenta and Swiss Sandwich with Broccolini Florets in Mustard Olive Oil Dressing



Polenta and Swiss Sandwich with Broccolini Florets in Mustard Olive Oil Dressing








This is the answer for which sandwich to serve at a brunch or picnic.  The following recipe for a polenta and Swiss cheese sandwich is worth the effort and can be made in advance before a luncheon or packed in a picnic basket for traveling.  The side of broccolini, lightly coated in mustard olive oil dressing, is a delicious accompaniment.  Enjoy this herbaceous and healthy-minded meal at your next gathering of family and friends.  


Special note: Sargento Cheese liked this recipe of mine.  

Makes 4 to 8 sandwiches, depending on bread size.

Sandwich Ingredients

3 cups Water
2 cloves Garlic, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
2 ounces Parmesan cheese (Primo Taglio), grated
3 Tablespoons Fresh chives, washed and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon Salt
3/4 cup Polenta, also known as corn meal (Bob's Red Mill)
1 Tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
Swiss cheese (Sargento Deli Style Sliced Reduced Fat)
Fresh organic basil (rinsed clean)
Butter (Smart Balance)






Sandwich Directions

1. Pour three cups water into a medium size saucepan.

2. Peel the 2 cloves garlic. (*Tip: separate two cloves garlic
from a head of garlic. Place the two cloves in a small bowl.
Place another small bowl, inverted, on top of the other bowl.
Hold both bowls firmly together with your hands. Shake the
two bowls until the peels release from the garlic cloves.)

3. Dice the garlic cloves and place in the saucepan.

4. Wash and chop 3 Tablespoons chives. Then
place in the saucepan.

5. Grate 2 ounces of Parmesan cheese
and set aside.

6. Bring the saucepan to a boil over high heat.

7. After ingredients in saucepan come to a boil, begin whisking.

8. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

9. Continue whisking for 5 to 8 minutes, until polenta thickens.

10. Slowly sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep
whisking.

11. Add in 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and whisk to
combine ingredients.

12. Coat a square metal baking pan with cooking spray.
(8" square pan)
*Do not use a glass pan, as glass breaks under a broiler.




13. Even and smooth out polenta in square metal pan.

14. Set pan aside for 45 minutes to allow polenta to become firm.

15. Pre-heat broiler, with approximately 10 to 15 minutes
remaining of the 45 minutes.

16. Lightly coat the polenta with cooking spray.

17. Place the square metal pan of polenta in oven, several
inches underneath the broiler.

18. Broil the polenta for approximately 8 to 16 minutes,
until the top is golden brown.

19. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and set aside to cool.

20. After cooling, use an offset spatula to assist in releasing the
polenta cake from the pan.





21. Cut polenta into appropriate sizes matching the size of the
bread slices.

22. Toast bread slices.

23. Quickly place two slices of Swiss cheese on one of the
slices of bread.

24. Snip the stems from the basil.

25. Wash and dry the basil.

26. Place a slice of polenta on the slice of bread that has
Swiss cheese.

27. Place a few basil leaves on top of the polenta slice.

28. Butter the other slice of toasted bread and place on top
of other half of the sandwich.

29. Cut the sandwich on a diagonal.




Broccolini Ingredients

1 head of Organic broccolini
1 Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon Fresh cracked black pepper
2 Tablespoons Red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon Organic honey dijon mustard
1 ounce Parmesan cheese (Primo Taglio), grated
Water
Ice cubes






Broccolini Directions

1. Wash broccolini and cut off the stems.

2. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a saucepan.


3. Place the broccoli into the pan.

4. Cover the pan with its lid.

5. Lower the heat to medium and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

6. Prepare a bowl with cold water
and ice cubes.

7. Strain the broccoli and place in the bowl of water and ice cubes
for about 10 minutes.

8. Put the dressing ingredients into a bowl
and whisk to combine: 1 Pinch salt, 1/2 teaspoon Pepper, 2
Tablespoons Red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, 1/2
cup Extra virgin olive oil, and 1 Tablespoon Organic honey dijon
mustard.

9. Remove the broccolini from the bowl of water and lightly coat

with dressing.

10. Serve and sprinkle with cheese along side polenta and Swiss

sandwich. (You may wish to prepare the broccoli before making
the sandwiches to make sure the sandwiches are served warm).











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taste in cookery, culture, and
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made with organic ingredients, inspired
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Central, and South America, and
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Jesse Bluma at Point Viven liberates taste in cookery, culture, and community, provides gourmet goods made with organic ingredients, inspired by the culinary worlds of California, Central, and South America, and engages in a community of customers and readers with lifestyle content, reviews, and expertise. Use and redistribution of original content allowed only with explicit permission of site owner and author.