Website Up and Running!

After many hours of work and frustration, my website is finally published. I encountered a rare problem, and that is why I couldn't easily upload my site. That is all resolved now, so go to christiescreativecupboard.com and you'll be able to see what is available, and upcoming programs. Please let me know what you think.

New addition to our Herp Family

We have a new addition to Christie's Critters reptile family. She is a Uromastyx Lizard, also known as a spiny tail lizard. She's about 9 inches long and is orange with black patches. We rescued her from a family that had tired of her. Her name is Mali due to her species name of Mali Uromastyx. She eats collard greens, peas, dandelion greens and gets all of her water from the vegetation. Welcome Mali!!

No-Cook Recipes from Cooking With Tweens

We had 3 recipes for the tweens to learn. Here are the ingredients and instructions.

Christie's Crunchy Munch

Ingredients
Pretzels Stick or wrapped are fine
Goldfish Crackers
Mini Marshmallows
M&M's

In a large bowl combine any amount of the listed ingredients that suits your tastebuds. Mix and serve. Store in airtight container.


Spiral Sandwiches

1 package flour tortillas
1 package spinach flour tortillas
1/4 pound lunchmeat thinly sliced omit for vegetarian style sandwich
1/4 pound sliced cheese we used American Cheese
Mustard, Mayo or any other spread, you can also serve plain


Place one flour tortilla on a plate, place spinach tortilla on top of flour tortilla. Spread a small amount of desired spread on tortilla, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around tortilla.
Tear cheese into strips, place around tortilla leaving the 1/2 border. Add lunchmeat in a circular pattern around the tortilla, overlapping as you go.
Take one edge of tortillas and start rolling into a log. Remember, roll fairly tightly, so ingredients don't fall out of your sandwich. You may eat whole, cut in half, or cut into small circular wedges.

Banana Dogs

Medium Banana
Hot Dog bun
Peanut Butter
Honey
Marshmallow Creme

Place peeled banana into hot dog bun. Top with desired ingredients from list, and enjoy. Remember, no honey for children under 1 year of age.

Upcoming Programs

In February, I will be at the following locations:

2nd Dublin Library 4:00 Chinese New Year Craft
10th Niles Library 3:30 Valentine Craft
11th Irvington 3:30 Valentine Craft

If you're in the area, come on by and enjoy crafting with us.

On The Web!

I've finally created a website! It wasn't as hard as I thought. By the end of next week, you'll be able to find my site at christiescreativecupboard.com. As my business grows, I will have more growing to do myself.
Thanks for dropping in, and check back soon.

Happy New Year

Well, Christmas has come and gone. I had 4 programs at various libraries, with Dublin being added to my list. The new year is here. I had a Christie's Critters Pet Program at the Newark Library today. We had approximately 55 people, and the animals performed well. Sprite (bunny), was the favorite, again. Torch (Bearded Dragon), was very popular. This was her first show, and at 6 months she did really well. The gecko didn't enjoy the company at all! Parents and children asked many good questions, and I'm pretty sure one young lady will be receiving a bunny for her birthday. If you'd like to have my pets come visit your library or birthday party, just send me an email, and we'll get it arranged.

I found my blog!

Hi,

Sorry it's been so long. I've been very busy all summer doing different programs for the libraries in Alameda County. The theme this year was "Get the Reading Bug", and my craft ideas were put to good use. I enjoyed teaching hundreds of children. I taught Gardening in Oakland, Newark and Irvington. I had more than 100 turn out for the bug bookmarks and bug catchers in Benicia. We made bug magnets at Niles and Irvington, and had a great time making strawberry lady bugs and bug catchers at Newark.
I taught a wonderful bunch of "tweens" to scrapbook at Fremont Main, twice. We are looking at a family scrapbook time soon. I taught family scrapbooking at Newark. That was great fun!
I was able to teach parents new to homeschooling at a Homeschool 101 workshop in Fremont. The digital photography class for tweens at Fremont was amazing. The kids learn so fast, and were so proud of their new skills and great pictures.
In Newark, we "Tied His Heart". Making Fathers Day Tie cards. The kids had a blast and were very creative.
Sally had me come out and teach Simple Origami to her kids at Irvington and Niles. The parents enjoyed that class as well. A little treat to take home in their newly made Origami cup, was a hit.
Kat at Newark had me bring in a craft for the Teen Volunteers to enjoy at their thank you party. They designed their own journals. Gobs of supplies, and creative teens resulted in some amazing journals.
That was my first summer as Christie's Creative Cupboard. I had a great time, learned a lot, enjoyed making new friends, and teaching. Now we are into fall.
I taught a great Space program at Newark. The kids made their own moon to take home, and enjoyed my teaching about space. They definitely enjoyed making craters in the moon, and the delightful mess that came with it. No worries, I always leave the room clean and ready for the next event.
I donated a program to Tri-City Homeless Coalition. The kids made handprint and footprint turkeys. They turned out great, and the parents loved the keepsake. With my many years of experience with children, they have asked me to be lead for the children's program one night a week. I'm going to give that a try, and see how it goes. I have a million ideas, and projects to share with these children. Tomorrow night, we are making animal puppets.
The Christmas season is going to be fun. I'm set to go with Gingerbread People at Niles, Snowmen in Irvington and Christmas Ornaments in Dublin. Karen at Fremont Main has me scheduled to do "Cooking With Tweens", teaching them to make healthy snacks without the stove.
I am looking forward to many wonderful moments of fun. I look forward to hearing from each of you soon.
I'll try to keep this updated, so you'll know what is being offered and what is going on at the other branches.
Happy Thanksgiving!