READ IT AND CREEP

All kids love scary stories. Make some up, or read them a classic. They never seem to get tired of the ending, even when they already know it! Try "Tell Me a Scary Story...but Not Too Scary" by Carl Reiner, and James Bennett at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316002607

JOIN THE SWINGERS

Uhhh... we keep it wholesome here. Get a backyard swing set and watch your kids go crazy day after day. They'll keep you amused with their antics, tricks and boundless energy. Take a look at this one: http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/

LIVE LIKE THE FRENCH DO

Well, the French do love their frites. So order up a big plate of French Fries and go at it. As long as it's not a frequent indulgence, there's nothing like the salty, crunchy flavor. Add some exotic sauces for fun. Get some inspiration here, http://www.seriouseats.com/talk/2008/07/what-to-dip-my-french-fries-in.html

LEAVE A PAPER TRAIL

For some really festive backyard entertaining, or rooftop entertaining, as the case may be, get some paper lanterns. String them up and watch them sway in the wind during the day or brighten up the BBQ at night. Check out the selection at http://www.paperlanternstore.com/

CUPCAKES - A SIMPLE TREAT

>We love cupcakes! But we think Crumbs Bake shop said it best with their slogan, where they "believe in celebrating the simple everyday things in life. In a world where we move too fast, a cupcake is the exception. They add something so small, and so needed to our lives. Maybe what they really do is remind us that the best things in life really are so simple and easy." Yum, yum.
They can ship these goodies, too! www.crumbs.com

PLAY CROQUET

All it takes is a backyard, piece of green grass or patch where you can set up the match! Croquet is simple, fun and sooooo easy to play. Whack that mallet through the hoops, and see who comes in first. http://www.croquet.com

SMELL HAPPY

Fragrance can uplift your mood. And happy is just a spray away. Get to Clinique, online or in the department store and try it. Happy from Clinique.
http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/mpp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY4884

ROPE TRICK

Jumping rope. Try it for 3 minutes, and know what boxers know….your heart will be pumping, you will burn calories, and you’ll be happy when it’s over. So happy. Check out http://www.jumprope.com/

BROWNIE POINTS

We’re agreeing with Duncan Hines new TV spots. They’re proposing that brownies are good! And that the “greatest luxuries in life are always the simplest." Add some special ingredients like crème de menthe, bourbon, or espresso and get creative.
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,duncan_hines_brownie_mix,FF.html

COLOR YOUR WORLD

Watch the sunset. We don't know where you live, but we know it's nice out. Now is the time of year when the sunsets are spectacular. You don’t have to be on an island in Greece to see fantastic clouds and color, just look up at the sky and watch. Amazing!

HOLD THE MAYO

Grab some avocados and whip up some guacamole to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Try this fresh and simple recipe: http://www.guacamolerecipe.net
For margaritas, you are on your own.

PS. The Mexicans defeated the French, it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day.

BOOK 'EM

Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade struggling with Parkinsons disease. Amazon says, “with the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.”

http://www.amazon.com/Always-Looking-Up-Adventures-Incurable/dp/1401303382/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240928572&sr=1-1

FRENCH LESSON

Is there anything more gorgeous than a French tulip? A bouquet of these beauties will give your home or apartment, or trailer park for that matter, a touch of class. They will make even the most humble abode something really special. http://www.flowerbud.com/french-tulips