Animal Crackers in My Soup

Yes, yes...Easter is right around the corner. 

But did you know that today is actually National Animal Cracker Day?!

Photo Provided by homebakedmemories.com

As we are sure you are all aware...Animal Crackers are a type of small cookie baked in the shape of circus or zoo animals, such as a lions, tigers, bears and elephants. 

In the late 1800′s that these animal shaped cookies were imported to the United States from England and in 1902 animal crackers officially became known as “Barnum’s Animals” and were sold in that very familiar circus themed box that we all know and love today.  Speaking of that box...did you know that the string was added so that people could hang boxes of animal crackers from their Christmas tree? Really...it's true.

Now...you can make your own animal crackers from scratch...if you want. But why, when the ones from the box taste so amazing? So instead, how about you try this one...

Mini Key Lime Pies with Animal Cracker Crust 

 

Photo Provided by climbinggriermountain.com

Don't these look super good? And they are just the thing to celebrate this completely "Unofficial" National Holiday. Not to mention, you can make a few extra and serve them for dessert at Easter. 

The recipe for these mini delights requires nothing out of the ordinary...and they seem pretty easy to make, with the overall prep time being only 20 minutes. However, we suggest an actual Animal Cracker as a garnish on top of the whipped cream.

Legit or Legend

Photo Provided by braceface.wikia.com

So we all know someone who has a friend who has a cousin who knows a guy...so the story must be true. 

Oh those Urban Legends and how we love to believe them all. No...we aren't talking about mixing Pop Rocks candy with Coca-Cola, we're talking about the Urban Legends surrounding the Orthodontic World...you know, the really scary ones. 

There are many legends and myths about orthodontics, some of which have become so commonplace that they are now believed to be legitimate. Well...guess what? Even if you know the guy who has the cousin who has the friend that the story happened to...it's legend.

Legend: Only children and teens need to visit an orthodontist. 

 

Legit: Braces are not just for kids. More and more adults today are seeking the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. In our practice 30% of all orthodontic patients are over the age of 21. The oldest patient that Dr. Lenz has treated was 82 years young. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important at any age. 

Legend: Braces interfere with radio signals and electronic devices.

Legit: In theory any metal can act as an antenna, but braces are really bad ones. Radio signals are modulated electro-magnetic waves transmitted through the air. In order for these transmitted signals to travel well in air, they must be sent at high-frequencies. This is achieved through modulation. Even if someone's tooth could receive these frequencies, it would have to be decoded to actually hear real messages.

Legend: Braces are just for cosmetic purposes and aren’t necessary for your overall dental health.



Legit: While braces can definitely help you get that beautiful smile, they aren’t just for cosmetic improvement. Well aligned teeth can facilitate good oral hygiene making it easier to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, resolving certain orthodontic problems with the use of braces can improve your ability to speak, chew, and even breathe.  

Legend: Wearing braces will increase your chances of being struck by lightning?

Legit: The chances of a person getting struck by are the same, with or without braces. In the U.S. in any one year, the chance you will be struck by lighting is 1 in 700,000 no matter what you are wearing.

Legend: If there was a giant magnet overhead, anyone who is wearing braces would get stuck to it.

Legit: Braces are made of materials which are non-magnetic in nature. Therefore getting stuck to a giant magnet is highly unlikely...and really, where is this giant magnet anyways? 

So fear no more...Orthodontic Urban Legends are just that...Legends. 

No matter what your friend's cousin's brother says.

Hippity-Hoppity Easter's on it's Way

So...with Easter being only 15 days away we know you are all looking for fun things to do in preparation for the Easter Bunny. If you're like most families...you probably hard boil and color a dozen or so eggs. And when that is all done, what do you do with the egg cartons?

Repurpose them and create the most adorable candy containers you have ever seen. Baby chicks, bunnies and caterpillars...really, whatever your imagination can dream up.

photo provided by pgeveryday.com

To create these super cute Candy Containers you just need empty egg cartons a little glue, paint, construction paper and any other fun do-dads you have around the house. And when you have them all done, the kids can give them to all of their friends as Easter Gifts!

photo provided by modernparentsmessykids.com

Looking for an idea for the house? 

Why not make some garland out of paint swatch chips? 

This happy Easter Egg garland is not only fun and festive, but cheap as well. A few dozen Paint Swatches from the local Home Supply Store, some string and you are good to go! You can hang this garland on your mantle, front door, or in the trees near the egg hunt!

If you're looking for more fun Easter craft ideas...we found a great website that utilizes things that you have around the house. 

Check out Itty Bitty Greenie and let us know what you think.