Year of the Tiger

Posted: January 19th, 2010 | Filed under: Just for fun | Tags: chinese new year, lunar new year 2010 | No Comments »

We geek out a little over Chinese New Year around here, so I’ll be posting a few things we like to do leading up to the big day.  This year, the new year falls on Valentines Day, which is great for us since we kind of loathe that particular “holiday”.  We do it up for the kids, but not for each other.  We’ll have a date night another time, when restaurants aren’t slammed, understaffed and overbooked.  I know, I’m a crankenstein, but this works better for us…trust me.

Anyway, back on topic…last year, I made some DIY plum blossom branches, and I still have some of those fabulous DIY dragons left for the Minors to decorate.  This year, I’ll share my fortune cookie recipe (yes, an American creation) and we’ll surely make some new lanterns to adorn the house.  Bowls of oranges, red envelopes with surprises..all part of the fun. Here’s some old snaps from last year to get you in the spirit…..

Blank Dragons

Cookies with kid-friendly fortunes to share with classmates.

Year of the Ox

Posted: January 23rd, 2009 | Filed under: DIY, Just for fun, Shoppin' and Junkin' | Tags: chinese new year, kaboose, lunar new year, ox, plum blossoms | No Comments »

Monday, January 26th is the Lunar New Year and for those, like myself, who relish joining in the celebration, finding your party supplies or other such items can be tough if you like a “less is more” modern style.  Being a bit crafty, I do like simple things that can be made to my taste such as the plum blossoms that I found on Kaboose this year, but with my own modifications. I used real branches instead of chenille stems.   Group 2 or 3 of these in a nice vessel with some moss around the bases will look festive yet minimal. Gong Hei Fat Choi!