The European blood

I must confess that until Thursday, the  16th of June,  I had followed the debate on Brexit in an almost indifferent mood.

"That's domestic, internal, British affair" I used to say  to myself.

In short, I was waiting the 23rd of  June ready to accept the outcome of the referendum for what it would be.

I've always thought that the English (a little 'less the Scots and the Northern Irish) were inside the European Union without  any real conviction, with the head standing on the the Atlantic's  major issues and the feet   in the Mediterranean, but only to control us closely, enjoying only the economic benefits of the  European market.

But after the barbaric killing of Labour MP Helen Joanne "Jo" Cox I changed my mind.

Now I feel that England (but this should be extended to the whole of Great Britain) is an indissoluble part of the European Union.

Now I look forward to the outcome of the close referendum.

Now I know that if the death of Jo Cox will tip the scales on the "no" to Brexit (and then on the permanence of the United Kingdom in  the EU), the valiant  Labour MP   did not die in vain.

For her I will continue to be a convinced European.

But from now on I will consider Britain an integral and true part of our European Union.

Let's stay together,  European brothers, stick in our common Christian roots. Without hatred and without racism, but with our well-defined  identity.

It will be easier to deal with those who come from outside and profess another religion if we rediscover our spirituality. I'm not afraid of the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus or the Jews, even though as a Christian (and Catholic in this case) I  rest firmly in my convictions, attached to my roots.

We stick together, to cope against the resurgence neo-Nazis, which lead to hatred, intolerance and violence.

Let's stay united to face any kind of fanaticism and do not allow the unquenchable thirst for spirituality that afflicts humans since the dawn of civilization, be filled with dark mysteries, with vacuous quackery and stray spells, or with false and superficial esoteric convictions.

Beyond all religious convictions (I do not know  anything about the religiosity of Jo Cox but I know that  faith is still a personal matter) Jo Cox was an example of seriousness and commitment in politics and society. An example to follow by all Europeans.

Time will tell us if Jo Cox has contributed with his innocent blood to build a Europe more united and supportive. And if in the great book of our Europe will have the recognition she deserves to have.

One thing is certain: Jo Cox will forever have  an important place in my heart.

Thanks Jo, for what you were and for the example that you have been able to give, while you were alive, with your commitment in favour to the most vulnerable and marginalized.

The hand which  wanted to suppress your ideas has done nothing but give wings to those same ideas, which now fly, free, in the most sensitive and mature minds of your Great Britain and of our Europe.

Yet another demonstration of how useless and foolish are all forms of violence.

Think Outside the Envelope for Your Next Party Invitation

Invitations have the ability to set the mood for the party to come.  A quick message over the Internet can tell guests that the party is going to be pretty casual and last minute.  On the other hand, large, formal envelopes on heavy stationary with fancy script indicate a much more formal event.  And while there are tons of really cute and stylish invitations on the market, they don’t really set your party apart from anyone else’s.  If you want your guests to say, “Wow!” when they open your invite, then they need to unique.  With invitations like these they won’t think of missing the party.

Message in a bottle

This invitation will work for quite a few different themes.  For a pirate themed party you can make the invitation look like a treasure map with “X” marking the spot of where the party will be held.  Roll up the map and put it inside the bottle.  Print a label on your home printer and stick it on the bottle.  The post office will deliver almost anything as long as it has the correct postage on it.  Otherwise these can be hand delivered.  Another party theme that the bottle works for is a beach party.  Include some sand in the bottom of the bottle and a few sea shells too.  Cut out a star fish and print the party details on the star fish before curling it up and sticking it inside the bottle.  For a New Year’s Eve party you can turn the bottle into a champagne bottle and include some fun trinkets to ring in the New Year inside the bottle.

Mailbox invitation

Anything can go into a small paper or metal mailbox.  For a Valentine’s Day party include several hearts inside the mailbox and have each give a detail about the party.  A mailbox would also work well for a housewarming party since, with the new move, the guests of honor will be getting a new mailbox.

Tea pot

This invitation is appropriate for both kids and adults.  Find a template and cut out a tea pot.  Cut the lid off and attach a string.  On the other end of the string attach a tea bag.  The invitation can read, “Come for a Tea-riffic time at our tea party”.  Another tea party one could be to hand deliver actual cups and saucers to your guests and inside the cup have the party details on a piece of paper shaped like a tea bag.

Princess box

Buy a bunch of white boxes with lids.  In each box include tissue paper, crinkle paper, or tulle, and then place a tiara on top.  Put your party details on the lid of the box.  Include something clever telling your guests to wear the tiara to the party.

Shoe invitation

There are many ways to take this invitation.  For a pool party write the party information on a flip flop and mail or deliver it to your guests.  For fun you can tell the guests to bring their invitation to the party where they will find their ‘mate’ and team up for a game.  This works well for a singles mixer as well.  For a Wizard of Oz party you could send a red glittery shoe to your guests and tell them that there’s no place like, “your home” for the party, or “Come and click your heels together to have a good time”.  For a soccer party you could send out little toddler cleats with the invitation in the shape of a soccer ball.

Rock climbing invitation

Take some climbing rope, a carabineer, and a rock to put together a unique rock climbing party invitation.  Tie the rope around the rock and attach the invitation to the other end of the rope and hook in the carabineer.  The invitation can read, “Climb to new heights at Johnny’s birthday”.

Butterfly invitation

You can order butterflies or chrysalises from a mail order source and have each box contain a chrysalis or butterfly and the party information.  This can run about $25 for each one, but makes a truly exciting statement as an invitation.

Frog and Lily Pad invitation

“Hop on over to my pad for a great party” would be a clever way to invite people to a frog themed party.  Print the party information on some green paper cut like a lily pad and attach a plastic or rubber frog.  Or buy a bigger plastic frog and write the party information right on the frog with a permanent marker.  This invitation would work for a bug party as well or a reptile party, even though they are amphibians.

Let your imagination run wild for your next party invitation because the possibilities are absolutely endless.  Keep in mind that it’s important to think outside the envelope.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Suzanne Cullen. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.aupair.org/blog/think-outside-the-envelope-for-your-next-party-invitation/

How to Create Your Own Photo Backdrop for Your Next Party

Having candid pictures when you’re throwing a party is essential to capturing friends and family having fun and immortalizing the day, however, it’s not always easy to snag a snapshot of everyone in attendance, especially when you’re running around playing host or hostess as well.  Creating a photo backdrop for your party adds a fun activity for attendees, allows your guests to stage interesting or hilarious pictures with each other, and typically results in a bunch of cute photos of everyone attending.
Creating a photo backdrop can be as easy or as complicated as you make it, but you do need to cover a few facets to make it successful.  Start by asking yourself these questions.

• What is my theme?
• Will my guests be inside or outside?
• Do I have room inside to create this backdrop?

Having a Sweet 16 party? Create a wooden frame that is 7 feet tall by 8 feet wide.  Use wood to create a tripod structure on each side to allow the frame to stand on its own.  Take wooden letters and paint them colors that match the theme and spell out “Happy Sweet 16.” Hang the letters with wire from the top of the frame.  Drape some pretty fabric in the theme colors over and around the frame to soften the look.  Place a bench beneath the frame and bring in a box of props, hats, scarves, feather boas, giant sunglasses, alien antennae headbands, and anything else that can serve as a silly or unique prop.  Your photo backdrop is complete.  Now just put someone in charge of taking photos and you’re done.
Having a Fall Harvest party? Arrange some large bales of hay into a semi-circle.  Stack a few extra bales to double up the height in the center back of the semi-circle.  Take some tall painted signs and stick them in the ground behind and beside the bales of hay.  Bring in a bunch of pumpkins and gourds and place them on the hay and in front of the hay.  Include a scarecrow in the center that people can pose with.  For props you can offer some straw hats with wide brims, rakes, and pitch forks.
Hosting a Black & White Baby’s First Birthday?  Find a corner inside where you can hang black fabric from about 8 feet high down to the floor on both sides of the corner.  Duct tape usually holds up the fabric well.  Include an empty picture frame that people can hold up in front of them.  Offer old fashioned hats for men and women, long beaded necklaces, and gloves.  The pictures will be printed in black and white so it doesn’t matter what color everyone is wearing.  Drag in a big old chair or settee if you have one.  Everyone can gather around the chair.  Signs can also be added for people to hold.  Another fun element would be mustaches on sticks that can be held up in front of a person.  Offer different kinds of mustaches and include the old fashioned handlebar mustaches.
If you’re interested in having an easy photo backdrop there are companies who offer peel and stick backdrops.  You can have a brick wall, a barn door, a tufted wall, or many others.
An easy backdrop for any birthday party is to take balloons and blow them up and stick them on the wall with tape.  Create a row of red, a row of orange, a row of yellow and so on through the rainbow.  Hang curling ribbon from the ceiling to the floor.  Have a bucket of colorful paper confetti and get ready to snap some awesome pictures.
If people are having fun with each other and the props, the pictures will reflect that joy, and you’ll end up with a bunch of memorable pictures.  Hire someone to stand and take pictures all evening if you have that in your budget.  You don’t want to be tied to the photo booth all night.  Or leave the camera there and as people want to take pictures someone can grab the camera and take them.  There’s usually at least one shutterbug in the crowd.
 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Patricia Salway.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also her own blog, liveoutnanny, on  the link below, for more information:
http://www.liveoutnanny.com/blog/how-to-create-your-own-photo-backdrop-for-your-next-party/

How to Make 5 Trendy Treats on a Stick

Sweet treats on a stick are all the rage right now; however they usually come with a pretty steep price tag. If you’re interested in serving these trendy treats but have written them off because of the high bakery price, consider making your own instead for a fraction of the cost. Not only will you save money, but your treats will be the hit of your next party.

1. Chocolate covered Oreos on a stick.  For this treat you will need a package of double stuff Oreos, candy melts, long lollipop sticks, wax paper, and nonpareils.  Melt the candy melts according to package directions.  Have the melted chocolate in a tall vessel, wide enough to dip the cookie into.  If the chocolate seems too thick add a tablespoon of solid shortening and heat for another 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave, then stir.  Take the sticks and push them into the frosting part of the Oreo.  The double stuff allows enough room for the stick to go in without messing up the look of the cookie.  Dip the cookie into the melted chocolate until it’s completely covered.  Discard any excess chocolate by tapping the stick on the edge of the bowl.  Lay the cookie down on the wax paper and sprinkle with nonpareils.  Allow to dry and serve standing up in a glass, stuck in some Styrofoam, or lying on a plate.
2. Cake pops are all the rage.  Bake any type of cake in a 9×13 inch pan.  Once the cake has completely cooled break it up into chunks and pulse it in a food processor to make fine crumbs.  Add about 2/3 of a can of store bought frosting to a bowl and add the cake crumbs.  Mix these together until a dough forms.  Feel free to add a little more frosting if it seems too crumbly.  Using a small disher or scoop, roll the cake dough into about 1 ½ inch balls.  Place the balls on a lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes.  Melt some candy melts according to package directions, but add a tablespoon of solid shortening.  Place the melted chocolate or bark into a tall container to make dipping easier.  Bring the cake balls out of the freezer and dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and then into the cake ball.  Go about halfway into the cake ball.  Now dip the cake pop into the chocolate until the whole ball is covered.  Remove from the chocolate and remove the extra chocolate by lightly tapping the stick on the edge of the bowl and turning the cake ball so that you get a smooth finish. 
3. Cookies on a stick can go with any theme.  Make your favorite roll-out sugar cookie dough.  Roll the dough about 3/8 of an inch thick.  Cut out whatever shape you would like as long as there’s room to insert the stick without messing up the cookie.  Lay your hand gently on the cookie and insert the lollipop stick into the cookie.  Try not to let the stick poke out the bottom of the cookie because once it bakes it will break off the stick.  If you see that your stick has poked through the back you can take a scrap of dough and press it over the stick in the back.  Bake the cookies until they are golden brown.  Now decorate as you normally would and display these cookies by sticking them in some Styrofoam.
4. Marshmallows on a stick are making an appearance at many birthday parties.  These treats are so simple to do that the kids can help make them.  Take a lollipop stick and poke it into a marshmallow.  Get a bunch of the marshmallows on sticks ready to go so that everyone can grab and go.  Now melt several different colors of candy melts according to package directions.  Fill some other bowls with various sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, nonpareils, and mini M&M’s.  Allow everyone to dip their marshmallow into the melted chocolate about half way up the marshmallow.  Allow the extra chocolate to drip off for a few seconds and then roll the marshmallow into a topping.  Have a big chunk of Styrofoam ready to stick these treats into so that they can dry.  It won’t take too long for the chocolate to harden.  This process can be sped up by placing the treats in the freezer.
5. Pretzel rods get all dressed up.  Children can help with this project as well.  Melt different colors of candy melts according to package directions and set them out.  To keep the chocolate from setting up before you are done you can place the bowls on a heating pad turned on low.  Have bowls set up with various toppings, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, and anything else that sounds good.  Dip the pretzel rods into the melted chocolate about 2/3 of the way up the rod.  Gently tap off the excess chocolate and roll into your desired topping.  Place these treats into tall glasses to serve once they have set.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Barbara Williams.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:
 http://www.findababysitter.org/blog/how-to-make-5-trendy-treats-on-a-stick/

Where is Padania?

Very angry people assaulted yesterday a group of bikers running the "Padania's Tour".
"Padania does not exist"- they cried against the politicized bikers, all green dressed (the colour of Padania's Political Party: the Lega Party).
I personally don't know if Padania does exist or not; (because I come from the island of Sardinia, proud to be Italian and Sardish) but  I know for sure that so many people from the North of Italy are fed up with a political class very expensive, not honest and unable to govern in a dynamic and useful way.
Still remains the question: where is Padania?
There must be somewhere, if so many people claim freedom in the name of Padania!!
Furthermore: those bikers, where were going through on their tour?
Well, some say that all the north of Italy is Padania; others say only Lombardia, Piemonte and Liguria  can be defined Padania; some more say from Rome upward the very north.
I must say that padania is only in the minds of those Italian who fight against bureacracy, mafia and political corruption.
I don't agree with the Lega Party, but I think their critics are correct.