12-10-11 Kid Chef Eliana demonstrates 2X2 Chicken Fajita Soup from her cookbook

Friends:

My 11 year old daughter, Kid Chef Eliana, did a cooking demonstration and book signing at Barnes & Noble in Metairie, Louisiana. She demonstrated her 2X2 Chicken Fajita Soup from her cookbook, Eliana Cooks: Recipes for Creative Kids.

12-10-11 Kid Chef Eliana pours cumin into her soup

People were lining up for samples and bought lots of books. She even inspired some teen chefs!

12-10-11 Kid Chef Eliana takes a picture with fan, Savannah

It was a fun event. Thank you to Jennifer Simon for organizing it and thanks to our fabulous assistant, Stacey, for dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-23-11 Kid Chef Eliana shows her Perfect Pesto Pasta at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum

Friends:

On Saturday, Kid Chef Eliana demonstrated her “Perfect Pesto” and signed books at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. The basil was picked fresh from my mom’s (her Nana’s) garden the evening before. She also cooked Italian-marinated chicken with fresh sage and oregano, garden rotini, pesto cream cheese dip, and sparkling pomegranate punch. It was a full buffet!

7-23-11 Kid Chef Eliana chops herbs for her Italian marinated chicken

It was a lot of fun and Kid Chef Eliana had a great crowd!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-28-09 Eliana the Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl

Friends:

Wow! What a weekend! Because Eliana and I have been on the road touring, we haven’t had a chance to celebrate her birthday with a big bang, until now. Last night, we went to the “Greatest Show on Earth,” The Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It was a spectacular show.

6-28-09 Soleil, the makeup artist with Eliana, the Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl

Today, we had Eliana’s Diva Rock Star Birthday Party.We mailed out invitations a couple weeks ago that included a hand-created pink zebra electric guitar and star clapper personalized with the guest’s name. The invitations were mailed in a large bubble envelope covered in “Diva” and “Girls Rock!” stickers. The guitars were very big.

First, we tackled the party set-up. We decorated to the hilt. The colors were pink zebra and purple leopard. Check out the table! A large vase of fresh flowers (don’t all divas have fresh flowers delivered?!) are on top of a cake plate, which is set on a platform of 4 glass blocks, forming a square. A pink and black feather boa is wrapped around the base of the glass blocks. Pink candles sit on each corner of the glass blocks. There are hot pink and black table cloths which is accentuated by a square zebra print runner. The guitar in front of the vase is the party invitation created by my oldest daughter, Soleil.

6-28-09 The Diva Table

The rock star paperware was purchased from Oriental Trading. This is what the individual place setting looked like. Each rock star had her own setting. On top of the plate is an electric guitar luggage tag (in which pictures of the girls were inserted). Behind the plate is a pair of glittered star sunglasses, which every diva MUST have! Guitar glitter is sprinkled all over the table.

6-28-09 Girls Rock! Place Setting

I assembled fab goody bags that even included Eliana’s Diva Party Mix. The goody bag contained stickers, a tiara, hair extensions, a “Diva” or “Girls Rock!” necklace and bracelet, blow-up microphone, a jewel tattoo, a rock rubber duck, eye shadows, and lip gloss. Each bag and all its contents were personalized.

6-28-09 The Diva Rock Star goody bag

The girls were instructed to come dressed as rock stars and they totally did. First, they went to the hair station, where they had their extensions and tiaras done. Then they they moved to the makeup station where fantasy makeup was applied by Sassy Sunshine Beauty.

6-28-09 Bienelyn gets her makeup done

They then went to the nail station where they had diva nails done with glitter, designs, and cool colors. Finally, they had a fashion photo shoot. I set up a back drop with pink and zebra fabric. The photos were for their “album cover” and “concert promotions.” They posed with electric guitars and microphones. The girls were so sassy!

6-28-09 The Diva Rock Stars, coming in concert soon to a venue near you!

These cute girls so totally rock!

6-28-09 The Diva Rock Stars totally ROCK!!!!

Breanne, the rock chick in the neon green, had a special outfit on. Her grandma and mom sewed it the night before! How awesome is that?!! After the photo shoot, the girls munched! They had jumbo popcorn chicken, pizza rolls, spinach & asiago chicken sausage, quesadillas, mini quiches, star sugar cookies, deli wheels, grapes, raspberries, and blackberries. They even toasted the Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl, Eliana!

6-28-09 Raising a Toast to Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl, Eliana

Afterwards, they did the birthday “cake,” mini cupcakes creating the shape of an electric guitar. I drew a guitar template on thick poster board secured to a cookie sheet. “Happy Birthday, Diva Eliana!” was written in white frosting on the poster board. Nine hot pink candles adorned the cake, on the neck of the guitar. Here are the girls with the birthday star.

6-28-09 Eliana's Guitar cupcake cake

After eating cupcakes and Itty Bitz ice cream (just like Dippin Dots), the girls rocked out with their favorite karaoke songs. Here are Breanne & Eliana jammin!

6-28-09 Breanne & Eliana rock out to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"

Eliana opened presents and got some really cool gifts. Nana, Paw Paw, Uncle Gary and her cousins gave her GUITAR HERO for the Wii! Now that’s in keeping with the theme! Uncle Gary also gave Eliana a Lady Gaga CD. She LOVES it!

6-29-09 Eliana gets Guitar Hero & Lady Gaga CD

A special thank you to Nanny Lisa for being such a wonderful “guest hostess!” Unfortunately, we were so busy taking pics of the girls that we forgot to take pics of each other! We gave the girls one final parting gift – a customized album cover with their name, photo & album cover. Special thank you to talented Soleil for doing her magic graphic design work to create the album covers. Pictures of the girls were uploaded to the computer, manipulated in Photoshop, printed and inserted into thin line jewel cases to act as both a CD and picture frame. The girls even picked their album names. We had “Divalicious” (Eliana), “Rock Angel” (Josie), “Rock Princess” (Bienelyn), “Attitude!” (Jasmynn), “Girl Power” (Breanne), “Rock Star” (Camrynn), “Ready to Rock!” (Jaden), and “Girls Rock!” (Ashlynn).

6-28-09 Breanne with her "Girl Power" CD

As a final thank you for coming, each girl will receive something special in the mail. We wanted to make Eliana’s 9th birthday a celebration for everyone, making each girl feel special – like the Diva Rock Stars they are!

6-28-09 Jaden & Eliana take the world by storm!

Eliana, I hope you had a wonderful birthday party. Breanne, Bienelynn, Jaden, Camrynn, Ashlynn, Jasmynn & Josie, thank you so much for coming. You girls ROCK!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne, Camrynn & Eliana in front of Mammy's Cupboard Restaurant in Natchez, MS

Friends:

This week began my summer reading tour in the libraries across Louisiana. This is my 13th year promoting summer reading and I love it. I love seeing my old friends (Hi Ms. Lou, Jackie & Ms. Jean) and making new friends!

This year, Eliana, my 8-going-on-9 year old daughter (June 15), is traveling with me. It’s her fourth year on the road! In addition, we will be bringing along some special guests. This week, my 10 year old niece, Camrynn, is traveling with us.

On our way to Catahoula Parish (Jonesville, Harrisonburg & Sicily Island, Louisiana), we stopped to take a really cool picture (above). Mammy’s Cupboard is actually a restaurant in Natchez, Mississippi. It is only open from 11am to 2pm so we missed eating there. Eliana and I have eaten there before and the food is delicious. Their specialty cobblers and pies are to drool for!!

Our first summer reading program was in Sicily Island. I am performing “Fairytale Fever” this summer. I had a blast with the children – we had such a nice crowd. They giggled, laughed and had a grand time.

6-2-09 Sicily Island Library - Dianne, Camrynn and friends performing "How Funky Is Your Chicken"

The next picture is of Ms. Jean with Ella, a beautiful baby who always has her mouth full (and our hands full!).

6-2-09 Ella, Books are for reading, not for eating! Yes, she's munching on The Cajun Cornbread Boy. He must be tasty!

Eliana and Camrynn did such a great job helping me set up and break down. In fact, they did all the break down by themselves! What teamwork! So they were rewarded with fun in the sun at the hotel pool.

6-2-09 Mermaids Camrynn & Eliana posing at the pool!

It was a fun day. We look forward to tomorrow – Harrisonburg & Jonesville, here we come!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne de Las Casas tell stories to the pre-K classes 2-26-09

Friends:

Today was Day 9 of my Louisiana Story Fest residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. My 8 year old daughter, Eliana, who is off school for the Mardi Gras break, accompanied me to the school. She was such a sweet helper, filling in for missing students during rehearsal, helping me distribute supplies, and keep me organized. She even knew the schedule!

For my last two days, I am with the P.E. department, seeing each grade level at one time. My day began with 5th grade. The classes were very disorganized with the exception of Ms. Brumfield’s storytellers. They were animated, lively, and projected their voices with vocal variety. I hope to see more of that tomorrow!

Dianne settles down the crowd 2-26-09

Pre-K participated in “Going on a Bear Hunt” and other participatory stories. They were fun.

Dianne tells a story to Pre-K 2-26-09

The third graders did a nice job but it was Mr. Boone’s class that stood out. I was very impressed with Mr. Boone’s class (storytellers and chorus), who performed their entire story without scripts. They did a great job. Yay!

Third graders rehearse 2-26-09

After telling stories, singing songs ad having a blast with first grade, second grade, and kindergarten, it was time to rehearse with the 4th graders.

First graders listen to a story 2-26-09

The fourth grade is, right now, the most cohesive group of performers. Ms. Morrow’s story chorus, in the tale of Poucette (Tom Thumb), is the best story chorus I have seen thus far. They added complex dance moves and scarves to their equally strong vocals. Way to go, Ms. Morrow’s 4th grade story chorus (Skitter, skitter, skat…)!!

Ms. Morrow's 4th grade story chorus rocks their story! 2-26-09

I look forward to seeing how tomorrow’s performances will turn out. I know I am ready! Best wishes, Bissonet Boys and Girls. Make me proud!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Eliana's Valentine Teddy Tea table 2-14-09

Friends:

On Valentine’s Day, I threw a small tea for Eliana and her closest friends – “Eliana’s Valentine Teddy Tea.” They brought an animal with them and we had places for them at the table too. In addition, each girl received a new Valentine Teddy Bear. We served popcorn chicken, fries, 5 layer taco dip, chips, cookies, mini cupcakes, and strawberries with dark chocolate dip. Yum!

Eliana (in pink) and her friends dine at the Valentine table 2-14-09

The girls had fun making princess mirrors and donning tiaras.

Eliana (in the middle) and her Valentine friends 2-14-09

Afterwards, we went to the movies and saw the animated Tim Burton film, Coraline. Eliana had a wonderful Valentine’s Day, full of love!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

I arrived in East Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel for the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Conference. After signing books at the Libraries Unlimited booth, I went to dinner with Debby Laboon (Libraries Unlimited’s Authors Respresentative) and Anne Scharff (Greenwood Press’ Sales Representative). We met Judy Freeman and her sweet husband, Izzy, at a restaurant in New Brunswick called Soho. Dinner was delicious. After returning to hotel, I went to my room, Skyped with my family and then crashed.

The morning of November 14, I attended a session by Wayne Free, who works with the Louisiana Association of Educators. The room was small and the crowd was spilling into the hallway. Wayne spoke about how librarians could incorporate using media (the Internet, etc.) into their library lesson plans.

Wayne Free 11-14-08

After Wayne’s session, I attended Judy Freeman’s session on picture book “Winners.” It was a fabulous session and her room was full. Judy is so animated and energetic, a great storyteller, singer, and entertainer. The books she showcases are definitely winning reads. This is Judy reading Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel.

Judy Freeman 11-14-08

I had to leave Judy’s workshop a tad early because I had to set up for my workshop. I presented “Handmade Tales.” Here are the attendees creating “Joseph Had An Overcoat” cut -and-tell story.

NJASL Workshop Participants creating "Joseph Had an Overcoat Cut and Tell" - 11-14-08

We were having so much fun in the workshop. They really enjoyed “Bandana Man,” an adaptation of “The Gingerbread Man” done with a bandana.

NJASL Workshop Participants with "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

Look at this cutie! He was the old woman in “Bandana Man.”

The Old Woman in "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

I received rave reviews on my workshop from the workshop participants. It was so much fun. Afterward, I went to the Libraries Unlimited booth to sign books. Then it was time for dinner. I went to dinner with Debby Laboon, Judy Freeman, and Susan Fichtelberg (another LU author). We ate at a swanky diner that had the best food and we had the best time.

Susan Fichtelberg, Debby Laboon, Dianne de Las Casas & Judy Freeman - 11-14-08

The next day, Saturday, November 15, 2008, I ate a quick buffet breakfast at the hotel’s cafe and then headed to the ballroom to set up my second “Handmade Tales” workshop. Another author was presenting and went over time, giving me less than 10 minutes to set up. I was frantic!

Nevertheless, I had a room full of enthusiastic librarians, who enjoyed the workshop as much as the previous group. Here is a workshop participant’s rendition of an original draw-and-tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon.”

Draw-and-tell Story "The Emperor's Dragon" - 11-15-08

Here is a table of librarians who are all “Reading Stars!” The star is made with a single sheet of paper, five folds and one snip of the scissors. The librarian on the right is author Susan Fichtelberg.

The Magic Star - 11-14-08

My final story was “The Stubborn Turnip,” a string story adaptation of the Russian tale “The Enormous Turnip.” Below, workshop participants celebrate their successful attempt to make the string bowl in the story.

"The Stubborn Turnip" String Bowl - 11-14-08

Both of my workshops were full of lively librarians who appreciate the hands-on activities of the workshop. I had a great time presenting at the New Jersey Association of School Librarians state conference. The 2009 Conference Chair attended my first workshop and asked me to return next year. Now that gives me warm fuzzies all over! My Handmade Tales book sold out even before my first presentation began – wow!

Thank you so much to the conference chair, Pam Cheskey, the conference staff (especially Aliah), and all the lovely librarians who chose to attend my session when there were other wonderful sessions ongoing simultaneously. Thank you to all the librarians who helped me set up and pack up, especially Karen and Wendy. I just love librarians! They are always willing to lend a hand.

A special thank you to Debby Laboon (I just luv u!) and Anne Scharff (my bud), who are both wonderful women. I so appreciate what you do for my books!

Happy Tales to You! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Eliana & Turkey Wooden Spoon Puppet 11-12-08

Turkey Wooden Spoon Puppet
Supplies:
Large wooden spoon
Construction paper (for feathers, beak and wattle)
Scissors
Glue gun
Large googly eyes
Markers

Directions:
Color the flat side of a large wooden spoon with a brown marker. Color slightly down the handle for the turkey’s neck. On four different colored sheets of construction paper (yellow, orange, red, brown, cream, green… fall colors), trace a child’s hand. Cut out each hand and layer them on top of each other, creating feathers. Staple them together. Glue the feather to the wooden spoon (should be glued to the curved side of the spoon). Glue two googly eyes on the flat side of the wooden spoon. Underneath the eyes, glue an orange construction paper triangle for the beak. Beneath that, glue a red construction paper wattle. Cut a small 1/2 inch strip of yellow construction paper to create a collar (this will separate the turkey’s neck from the rest of the wooden handle of the spoon). Done! Now you have a simple Gobbler puppet that can be used for Thanksgivings to come. You can even have the children make their own turkeys and stick them in Styrofoam, in a vase or bowl, creating a Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Gobble! Gobble!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

After my shows, I rushed home so that Eliana and I could get ready for “Trick-O-Trunk” at our church. “Trick-O-Trunk” is a gathering of cars in a parking lot, decorated for Halloween. Instead of the children trick-o-treating from house to house, they go from trunk to trunk. The children don’t have to walk as far and because it’s run by the church, it’s a family affair with members of the church and the community. They also had games, a haunted hay ride, food, and a DJ. Here is Eliana the Pirate posing in front of a decorated trunk.

Eliana the Pirate in front of a Trick-O-Trunk - 10-31-08

We had so much fun! Here is a picture of our Pirate Family – Eliana, Dianne & Antonio. Argh, matey!

The Pirate Family - 10-31-08

On my way home, my stepdad, Clay, called me and said that he wanted to decorate his truck’s tailgate. It was soooo last minute. I arrived home at 4:45pm and Trick-O-Trunk started at 5:00pm! I rushed and put something together quickly, using my spooky backdrop. This is how it came out… not bad for a 20 minute rush job! It was the tallest “trunk” in the parking lot and the only haunted house!

Haunted House Tail Gate on Clay's Truck - 10-31-08

This is Eliana’s favorite Trick-O-Trunk, her “winner.”

Eliana's Trick-O-Trunk Winner - 10-31-08

Eliana had a ton of fun with her cousins, Camrynn, Ashlynn, Jasmynn, and our friend’s daughter, Marie. Here are the costumed cuties…

The Costumed Cuties - 10-31-08

We all had a ball dancing. Eliana danced up a storm with her daddy, shakin’ it to “Suavemente.”

Eliana dancing with Daddy - 10-31-08

Here is Paw Paw (my stepdad, Clay) dancing with Camrynn, the princess.

Paw Paw and Camrynn dancing - 10-31-08

The kids played games, including “Mummy Wrap.” They won 3rd place, wrapping Marie with three rolls of toilet paper to the song “Monster Mash.”

Mummy Wrap Team - 10-31-08

Here is Eliana doing the limbo. Jack be nimble, jack be quick. Jack go under limbo stick… Limbo lower now!

Eliana doing the limbo - 10-31-08

It was such a fun night. Afterwards, Eliana spent the night at Nana and Paw Paw’s. Antonio and I went to the movies in costume! We saw Quarantine and then went out dancing for a little while. What a day and night!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Eliana's Spookover Door Sign - October 18, 2008

Friends:

Saturday was a blast! The night of my 8 year old daughter, Eliana’s Spookover, finally arrived! Eliana was ready for some swashbuckling fun. Argh, matey!

Pirate Eliana - October 18, 2008

We worked all day cleaning, decorating, and cooking. I set up my spooky backdrop and decorated the table full of frightening food – bloody pigs in a blanket, petrifying pizza party pinwheels, Jack-O-Jam cookies, popcorn chicken parts, witches brew and more. Check out the table. I love the mummies marrying under the Tree of Terror.

The Spooktacular Table - October 18, 2008

This is what the Witches Brew (lime sherbet ice cream in 7Up) looked like…

Witches Brew - October 18, 2008

All the girls had their own cups with their names on them. The girls came in costume. They are so adorable!

The Spookover Girls - October 18, 2008

No one had the same costume on – we had Hannah Montana, a princess bride, a mermaid, Sharpei from High School Musical, a pirate, a hip hop dancer, an angel, and an aquamarine princess. 8 crazy cuties ready to party! Here’s a parent-to-parent tip: I had all the parents/guardians fill out an emergency card with all their contact numbers on it – just in case…

We began with The Ghoulish Guessing Game. They each had a Halloween monster pinned to their back and they had to ask 10 yes-or-no questions. The first to guess their monster won. Next, we had a costume contest. My mom, Josie; my husband, Antonio; and I were judges. We judged the girls on three categories: creativity, originality, and attitude. Each category was worth 10 points with a total possible score of 90. The judges had score cards that were totaled at the end. The girls strutted down the “runway” and then had to talk about who they were. The pirate won with 79 points with the hip hop dancer and princess bride tied for second place. The girls loved winning prizes.

The Pirate and the Princess Bride - October 18, 2008

After that we moved on to “Pin the Hat on the Witch.” I made a witch with different colored hats with double stick tape on the back. The girls were blindfolded with a sleeping mask and spun around 6 times. They pinned their hats to the witch. I took pictures of each hat after they were placed so we could remove the hat and judge in the end whose hat was closest. It was funny to see where the hats were placed!

Pin the Hat on the Witch - October 18, 2008

After that, we moved on to The Creepy Clothes Race, a relay game. The girls were divided into teams of two, with four girls on each team. They were given a bag of clothes that contained a hat, a cape, a shirt, shorts, gloves, and a scarf. Each player raced to the opposite side, dressing in the creepy clothes and then raced back, undressing, stuffing the clothing in the bag, and handing it off to the next player. I played “Ghostbusters” as they raced. It was laugh-out-loud zany fun!

Creepy Clothes Race - October 18, 2008

Our last game was “Keepin’ It Under Wraps,” a wrapping mummy with tissue paper game. Again, the girls were divided into two teams of four girls. The smallest girls on each team were the mummies. The remaining girls on the team were the “wrappers.” Each wrapper was given a roll of cheap toilet paper. They had to wrap the mummy as quickly and as best as they could without the paper ripping, which it did – plenty! It was hilarious. They wrapped and rolled to the song “Monster Mash.” The team with the best looking mummy at the end of the song won.

Keepin It Under Wraps Game - October 18, 2008

Afterwards, the girls had a massive tissue paper fight. I wish I could be a kid again! Such uninhibited joy!

Tissue Paper Fight - October 18, 2008

And yes, they helped clean up the mess too – very quickly! After all the games, the girls were ready to settle down and eat.

Then we began crafting. We made Batty Sock Bats from socks, foam, googly eyes, and chenille sticks.

Crafting Batty Sock Bats - October 18, 2008

These are the finished bats. Aren’t they the most boo-tiful bats you’ve ever seen?!!

Batty Sock Bats - October 18, 2008

Here is a closeup of the bats…

Batty Socks Bats Closeup - October 18, 2008

Next, we made mummies out of toilet tissue rolls and Boo Bags from white paper lunch bags.

Boo Bags - October 18, 2008

After our creepy crafts, we headed outside to the screened, covered patio for marshmallow roasting and spooky stories. I told several stories including “The Ghost of Mable Gable,” “Bloody Fingers,” “The Ghost with One Black Eye,” and “Blood Red Lips.” The patio was dark except for several lit candles. It was the perfect spookmosphere.

Gathering for Ghost Stories - October 18, 2008

Finally, around 1:30 am, we headed inside and set up the sleeping area on the floor of the living room. Everyone brought their sleeping bags. I put in the movie, Ghostbusters, and all but three girls fell asleep. The last three girls fell asleep around 4:30 am! That meant that I was up with them!

In the morning, Antonio made Eliana’s Devil’s Food Monster Muffins. The girls had a spooktastic time and I was ready for a nap!! LOL Two of the girls had never been to a sleepover and they loved it so much, they want to do it again! (Yes, maybe next year, girls!! hahaha)

Wrapping the Mummy - October 18, 2008

It was a successful Spookover and Eliana was elated. And that’s all a Mummy can ask for, right?! Happy Spooky Season!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne