The Force Awakens: Dark Side - Light Side Cupcakes!

 DIY Star Wars Cupcakes!

No need to choose The Dark Side or The Light Side, you can have both in these delicious, quick and easy Star Wars Cupcakes!

This is a simple Do It Yourself Dark Side/Light Side Cupcake Project for your Halloween or Force Awakens Party!

Tips to Create a Vacation With A Reading Purpose!

A great way to encourage reading is for your kids to earn their way to a vacation destination!  Kids love watching a movie or playing video games, and reading, unfortunately, has become the media of last resort. So, you have to find a way to turn reading or the Reading Fair into a challenge with an

White House getting in spirit of Back to the Future Day!

Looks like everyone is going to be celebrating Marty McFly's triumphant voyage to the future.  All of this is done with the assistance of his friend Doc Brown and a tricked out DeLorean, but remember

3 Ways to Celebrate Back to the Future Day!

Are you ready for Back to The Future Day?  That's the day, in Back to the Future II, when Marty went forward in time 30 years to October, 21, 2015!  A Once in a Lifetime Event!  (Unless, of course, you invent a time traveling machine)

I know many of you love these movies as much as I do - so we should all celebrate!  I have 3 ways to get involved as a group and to show your support for the McFlys or Doc or Biff  or whomever your favorite character might be!

Trick or Treat? How Many Calories Are You Eating?

I love Halloween Candy as much as anyone!  I am especially drawn into the bite size and snack size portions because I don't have to eat as much... or do I just eat more?

Since an extra 100 calories can happen so easily, I need to be calorie conscious.  So, I looked up the top 8 Halloween Candies and how much one serving costs me:

Those calories are pretty scary!


I am just going to delay buying candy until the day of trick or treat:  procrastination in this case, is a good thing!

What other tips do you have for avoiding the Halloween Candy Scare?
kesselrunner77@gmail.com

I'm #AllinforParis - I'm Booked!

Updated March 2017
Bonjour!
I'm so excited!  This year's Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be amazing!  A New 10K and the Disneyland Paris Birthday Celebration!

Are you ready to register? Here are your Options:

3 Reasons to Jump Rope Now!

Have you ever noticed that elite athletes are always jumping rope?  Well, there is a reason for that!  It is a super efficient way to burn calories and get conditioned!  It is also a great way to have fun, get your family involved in fitness, and just be a kid again!

I thought it would especially important to start a jump rope challenge now because we are starting the holiday season.

It starts with just a few extra pieces of Halloween Candy, which rolls into Thanksgiving which puts

Miss Nona's Yoda Cream Cookies!

My Grandmother's Tea Cookies came together with the Galaxy Far, Far Away to create an out-of-this-world Yoda Cream Cookie!

When my Grandmother, Miss Nona, passed away, she left me her magical box of recipes:  inside was full of enchanted, delightful recipes for sweets of all kinds!  And so, this is where I start when looking for a cookie recipe.

Flying to Disneyland: Review Your Options!

It's time to book my flights to Disneyland for the Stars Wars Half Marathon in January!  
I can't wait to run the race, see the Diamond Celebration and relive the excitement of where Disney all began!
 
First, I've got to actually get to Disneyland.

H

I have scoured the Universe for the Best Gifts for the Holidays!

It's here!  That time of year when we buy gifts to show all the ones in our life how much we appreciate them!  I always have a problem trying to find that perfect gift,  the one that will would really interest them, would capture their imagination and spur their curiosity.   It's a problem I know many of us have; so, with those thoughts in mind, here are my guides for those unique persons on your list!

(if you see anything you like, just add it to your wish list!)

Need more ideas?  Let Me Know! kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Toy Gift Guide

Do you have kids on your shopping list?  Or maybe that person who is still a kid at heart?  Then don't look any further!  I have the top 4 must haves right here!

The Settlers of Catan 5th Edition
This game is one of the best family games on the market and winner of numerous awards.  Up your game on Game Night with Settlers of Catan!  $37.39

Match up your favorite character in Disney Infinity!  These Inside Out and Star Wars bundles are this year's must have character sets!
Disney Infinity 3.0: Inside Out Toy Bundle - Amazon Exclusive  $74.99
Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition: Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set $26.00

I love Legos!  With Frozen still being a big fan favorite, your kids will love this new Frozen set from Legos!
LEGO Disney Princess Elsa's Sparkling Ice Castle $35.00

Lego Dimensions!  The ultimate Lego Gift of all time!  A definite must have for this year!

Don't miss out on these gifts:  be sure to order soon because you may risk not getting them due to limited quantities!

Back to the 2015 Gift Guide

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For more ideas on toys for that kid in your life, contact me at kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Games and Gadgets Gift Guide

Gaming gear is often top on the list of any kid or kid at heart!  But you can't just get anything for that game enthusiast because they can be pretty specific about what they want.  So I've hand picked the top gifts that every gamer would love!

Xbox One 500GB Console - The LEGO Movie Bundle + Minecraft
Great starter set for your kids!  Has everything they would need in a console plus the games they want:  Lego Movie and Minecraft! $349.00

The most anticipated game of the season - Star Wars Battlefront! This Deluxe Edition is the set to purchase and at $69.99 is great price!
Star Wars: Battlefront - Deluxe Edition - Xbox One
Star Wars: Battlefront - Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 4

Nintendo 3DS XL, Silver - Mario & Luigi Dream Team Limited Edition
I love the Nintedo 3DS XL and this Limited Edition is perfect for Christmas!  It includes the
Mario and Luigi Dream Team, Stylus, Memory Card and 512MG Hard Drive! $212

Majora's Mask 3D is an improved Nintendo 3DS version of one of the most beloved and unique Legend of Zelda games ever!  It's a great gift for newcomers and series vets alike. $35

Gamers love T Shirts!  Because we are what we wear, this shirt is perfect for any gamer in your life! $20

Any of these gifts wold make your fan happy, even bundle them together for awesome gift sets!

Back to the 2015 Gift Guide

kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Fitness Fan Gift Guide

January will be around the corner with a new year to inspire us all to be healthier!  And to encourage the loved one in your life to continue on their fitness journey, I've found these really awesome additions to their gear!

Infusion Pro (V2.0) - Premium 2 Pack Fruit Infused Water Bottle
These infusion bottles are the latest craze in fitness to create healthy, vitamin enriched water!  This gift set includes 2 bottles with a recipe eBook included! $23.99

Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband, Black, Large
The standard in wireless activity bands, FitBit provides a wide range of colors and monitors to fit your fitness geek's life!  The Charge HR includes a heart rate monitor for $141.00

DALIX 17" Duffle Travel Bag with Water Bottle Mesh Pockets
I love this duffle bag for the pockets: the water bottle and phone slots are perfect!  With a wide range of colors, this bag would be great for anyone! $17.99

Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set with Door Anchor
For the garage, home, or traveler, this resistance band set with exercise book and case, is an easy way to keep in shape! No excuses here! $26.99

Train InSane with this Dragon Ball Mashup
We all know that someone who is a training beast! Encourage and Inspire them with this Saiyan shirt! $20
 
Actually, all of these gifts would be a complete set for the fitness fan on your shopping list!  Add with the convenience of shipping to your home or office, and you will have your gift giving done!

Back to the 2015 Gift Guide

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For more information on other fitness gift ideas contact me at
kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Nerdy Gift Guide

We all know that person!  And they probably have almost everything in their fandom!  But, I think these unique gifts will be a great surprise for that nerdy person on your list!

Yahtzee: Doctor Who Collector's Edition
Great Gift for the Dr Who Fan!  This BBC Licensed game comes with a collectable dice cup and Five Custom Dr Who Dice! $21.00

Harry Potter Hard Cover Boxed Set: Books #1-7
This boxed set contains all seven books in hardback.  A must have keepsake for the Harry Potter fan!
$75.00

Marvel Encyclopedia
All you ever needed to know about the Marvel Universe in this Hardcover edition!  A Great way to share your love of Marvel with your Kids!  $24.00

Loungefly Star Wars R2D2 Dome Bag & Matching Wallet Bundle
Fashion must haves for the Star Wars Fashionista!  Patent Purse and Wallet bundle!  $94.00

The Perfect T Shirt Mash Up!  House Wars! 
No need to ask - just get this shirt! $20

All of these gifts are available online which makes shopping so convenient!

For more ideas for that nerdy person in your life, please contact me at
kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Back to the 2015 Gift Guide

Star Wars on a Budget

Star Wars Memorabilia is top on my list!  I am sure that many of your family or friends would agree! However, this can be a pretty pricey obsession!  But, I have scoured the galaxy for the best deals with great reviews for under $50 to make your Star Wars Holiday a Blast!

Product Details:
Star Wars Science - Death Star Planetarium Creates the night sky in any room! Have fun comparing the Star Wars Universe to your own! $19.99

Star Wars Darth Vader Apron You know that chef in your life? They would love to wield their creations in this Darth Vader kitchen accessory! $14.77

Star Wars UPD Bundle #2 The convenience of this Kylo Ren gift bundle makes cost savings a plus! Backpack, Cup, and Plush Blanket are all included! $19.99

Exclusive Star Wars Death Star Waffle Maker - Officially Licensed Waffle Iron  Start a new Christmas Morning tradition with Death Star Waffles! $39.99  I'll take mine with blueberries!

Boba Fett 8bit Shirt makes the perfect accessory for any Star Wars Fan!  Don't give an ordinary Star Wars Shirt, give one with 8 bit Character! $25

Star Wars Merchandise could easily sell out this year!  Get it while you can!
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If you have any questions on these or other products, let me know!
kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Back to the 2015 Gift Guide

How to have a Star Wars Season of Celebration!

Just 25 days until the premiere of Star Wars:  The Force Awakens!  I am very excited for so many reasons!  I have vivid memories of me and my Dad waiting outside the Joy Theater in New Orleans to see Star Wars:  A New Hope.  Before we left, I remember him saying, "Do you want to go see the movie Star Wars?  What do you think?  Should we go?"  And I said, "Sure!"-  not really knowing anything about it and not knowing that I would fall head-over-heels for the love story of friends who stuck it out and didn't give up no matter how hard times got!   (I need tissues - I get teary eyed just thinking about it)

So, as I go into this Season of Celebration, and thinking about what theme to have this year, of course I chose Star Wars!

Join me and decorate for Christmas or have a Star Wars party!  Either way, let's have the Season of Star Wars!

Here are 5 Ways to Have a Star Wars Season of Celebration!

1. Advent Calendar

LEGO Star Wars 75097 Advent Calendar Building Kit
Open a window every day to reveal 24 different LEGO Star Wars themed gifts; features 5 mini figures and 2 holiday-themed Droids!  This is just too cute to pass up especially since it is Amazon Prime and I get all those cute mini figures!

2.  Christmas Stockings
Hang those stockings by the Chimney with Care! Especially if one of them is a Darth Vader Stocking!

18 Inch Star Wars Darth Vader St Nick Christmas Stocking

Of course not everyone is of the Dark Side in your family!

18 Inch Star Wars Yoda St Nick Christmas Stocking
Star Wars R2d2 Christmas Stocking 18 Inch

These Stockings are official Star Wars Merchandise, have great detail and will last a lifetime for generations to come!

3.  Tree Lights

Kurt S. Adler 10-Light Star Wars R2D2 Light Set
R2D2 is one of our favorite characters, he was always there for his friends in battles and in humor so he is the perfect character to light our trees!

4.  Star Wars Treats

Get the family involved in Making Star Wars Cupcakes for your Holiday Party or Cookies for Santa!

Force-up your holiday treats with  Wilton Star Wars Baking Cups, 50 COUNT or Star Wars Cookie Cutters!

(And Don't forget that pooch in your life, See how Cookie Cutters make Great Dog Biscuit Molds!)

5.  Wrap it All Up!

New Star Wars 4 Pck Christmas Wrapping Paper
Everyone in my family has their own set of wrapping paper!  We started this tradition years ago when our cat would eat the bows and and labels off the gifts!  So, each person got their own wrapping paper as a way to keep the cat out of Christmas!  And this year, we will donning our gifts with Star Wars wrapping paper!

There are so many ways to bring Star Wars into any celebration!   I would love to know how you share Star Wars with your family and friends this December, and Follow me this holiday season to see what I put in my shopping cart next!
kesselrunner77@gmail.com