Free for ISU students and their families, $10 per family or $3 per person.

What happens when you get a Master’s degree in Oceanography? You become a national children’s entertainer, of course! After working and teaching (and playing lots of music) on a marine research vessel, Shana Smith decided to take a leap of faith and formalize her creative talents in singing and songwriting. Shana discovered and developed her incredible joy of writing songs for children first as a touring folk musician when children were in the audience, and then on the grounds of her mother’s preschool. Over the years, she became nationally known as “Shana Banana” and earned a reputation as one of today’s top children’s entertainers, with a voice that still delves into blues, jazz, and folk as well.

Performing at major festivals and performing arts centers across the United States, Shana Banana has earned many prestigious awards along the way, including: two first-round Grammy nominations, Parents’ Choice, iParenting, NAPPA, Kids’...

Submitted by Idaho State University

POCATELLO — “Only connect,” wrote author E.M. Forster in 1910. Now, 100 years later, that is still vital advice for these times.

 This year’s Idaho State University College of Education Bellon Visiting Author Yangsook Choi will be coming to Pocatello and Chubbuck March 15-17 to make connections with school children, educators and community members.

In addition to visiting several area elementary schools, Choi will be give three public presentations: • On Monday, March 15, at Pocatello’s Marshall Public Library at 4 p.m. This exciting presentation is for people of all ages. Choi will tell stores and share experiences. •  On Tuesday, March 16, Choi will make another public presentation at 7 p.m. in the ISU College of Education Auditorium, with a book signing at 6:30 p.m.

• On Wednesday, March 17, she will present at the Portneuf District Library in Chubbuck at 4 p.m.

Choi was born in Seoul, South Korea, where she lived until she moved to the United States in 1991...

Pocatello, ID – The Idaho State Civic Symphony will be holding its second annual Family Concert on Thursday, March 4th at 7 pm. Pre-concert activities will be starting at 5:30 pm. The Symphony will be performing Tubby the Tuba for the concert. Tubby the Tuba has been translated into more than 30 languages and played by every major orchestra in the world. It has been used as a clue in The New York Times crosswords, made into two films, and narrated by a galaxy of stars. The Symphony is very excited to bring this outstanding musical presentation to the families and children of our community. The winners of the Idaho State Civic Symphony’s Young Artist Competition held on January 16, 2010 will also be performing for the Family Concert. The winner for the Senior Division is Audrey Grover and the Junior Division winner is Logan Anderson. Pre-concert activities for the concert will start at 5:30 pm and are being sponsored by Mindmatters Learning & Counseling LLC and the Pocatello Eye Center. Some of the activities...

TERRY TANG, the Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — There's no hiking, canoeing or singing by a fire. But there might be marshmallows.

At CupcakeCamp, the focus is on sweet eats.

Devotees of the classic — and oh-so-hip — dessert have found a new way to congregate and consume dozens of cupcakes. The gist? Get lots of people and cupcakes together in one spot. Do a bit of swapping and a lot of eating. That's as complicated as it gets.

Ariel Waldman, a San Francisco digital anthropologist, first tossed around the idea as a joke. She and her friends love cupcakes and love enjoying them together. So, why not get organized about it?

That was in 2008, when Waldman and a few friends launched the first CupcakeCamp in rented office space. The only rules — bring cupcakes, share cupcakes, eat cupcakes. All for free. They expected about 40 people.

About 300 showed up.

A camp they held six months later was even more packed.

"Everyone reached in and grabbed them before they touched the table," said Mia Armas, who...

By Mary Keating for Family Living

Scheduling activities for any party is a very important step. Although there are no hard and fast rules for what a party must look like, Vicki Lansky of "Birthday Parties: Best Party Tips & Ideas for Ages 1-8" outlines a loose schedule that may help plan the timing of party activities. Be sure to keep in mind that the time suggested for refreshments includes serving time. The act of eating cake and ice cream usually takes only a few minutes.

Below is an outline for a 2-2 ½ hour party:

Arrival: As guest are arriving, schedule 15 minutes of free play or a game or activity that newcomers can easily join as they arrive. Balloon tossing or freeze dancing work well here.

Special activity: Take about 15 to 45 minutes for a major craft project or to have an entertainer, such as a storyteller, clown or magician, perform for the children. Assembling macaroni necklaces, making ice cream, crafting puppets or sculpting with play dough are other great activities.

Refreshments: No...

By Rebecca Pyper for Family Living

Paula Ames of Cake Creations knows custom cakes are pricier than making your own boxed variety at home, but besides saving parents time, a special-order cake can save the party.

“There’s always the ‘wow’ factor. When you bring in a birthday cake that’s professionally done, and it’s a sculpture of something that’s meaningful, not only is your child the center of attention, but everybody is really impressed by the cake,” Ames said. “It really adds that extra something to a party.”

Customers tend to order cakes representing the personality and interests of the birthday girl or boy. The current trend for girls’ cakes is a hot pink and lime color scheme, and boys tend to choose a sports theme. Three-dimensional sculptures are popular and can even be done with moving parts and lights — though the cost increases with orders for those. “Almost anything can be achieved in sugar. If you can dream it, it can be done,” Ames said.

Ames, who recently competed on TLC’s series Ultimate...

Here's the ticket invitation mentioned in the March issue of Family Living. Click on the photo, save it to your computer (or drag it to your desktop if you have a Mac), open it and print. You can also place it in a Microsoft Word document to resize and print from there. Let me know if you have questions: rpyper@journalnet.com.

LEE REICH,For The Associated Press

If temperatures are going to be cold, we might as well have snow.

You might think that snow has nothing to do with gardening — that once a white blanket drops over the landscape, all garden activity and thoughts of gardening cease. Not so: Your gardening activity might cease, my gardening activity might cease, but some things still go on garden-wise.

SNOWY BENEFITS

Snow is a terrific insulator, and the ground never freezes during winters when snow falls early and deep, and stays. Plant stems go dormant in fall, not to awaken until spring, but roots grow whenever temperatures are not too cold, which may be the case under snow even in the dead of winter.

Earthworms and soil microbes also keep at work as long as the soil doesn't get too cold. And a snowy blanket makes it easy to dig carrots, leeks, parsnips stored right where they grew.

Snow also keeps perennials and newly planted trees firmly anchored in the ground. Insulated soil stays reliably cool or cold; bare soil,...

Join us on Sunday, February 7, 2010, for our annual Co-op Valentine's Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kinport Junction, 815 S. First! It is a wonderful opportunity to pick out something special for your sweetie pie from a fantastic variety of local art, jewelry, crafts, and much more! A portion of the proceeds go to support the Co-op and it's a great way to support local artisans and the local economy. Plus, Kinport Coffee will be serving some delicious hot drinks. Hope to see you there!

KIM COOK, for the Associated Press

Valentine's Day gift shopping for the man in your life?

New, guy-oriented Web sites such as Ploomy, Gent Supply Co. and Ask Men offer some ideas — as well as advice and information for the modern man on everything from

managing money and dressing to impress, to learning about classic films, cleaning a bathroom and choosing a quality libation.

Anthony Doctolero, who founded Ploomy ("real solutions for men who want to arrive — ahead of schedule"), suggests this gift for the young and hip: "Even the most spartan bachelor pads we've been in lately had at least one piece of artwork up," he notes.

"Artwork's a great gift to express individualism and taste," says Doctolero. "Get him something on canvas. It's a major step up from all those movie posters he's got rolled up in the closet from his dorm room days. If you opt for a printed poster, then get something with style and frame it."

Chicago-based graphic artist Jenny Beorkrem designs striking posters depicting the neighborhoods...

If you’re an armchair quarterback, “sitting around drinking brews and sodas and chowing down on fatty wings, chips and dips won’t help you make the cut,” says registered and licensed dietitian Susan Burke March, author of "Making Weight Control Second Nature: Living Thin Naturally” (media review copy available).

“Score a nutritional touchdown and serve some healthy snacks while rooting your team on to victory,” March says. Here are some of her quick tips for healthy football-friendly fare and a chili recipe that’s a sure winner:

Always choose baked chips instead of fried. Tortilla chips and potato chips come in different baked flavors and saves up to 30% of the calories of fried chips. Fat-free or reduced fat does not mean calorie free…watch your portion size.

Serve bean dip instead of regular sour cream dip. Only 46 calories per three tablespoons compared to more than double for full-fat sour cream.

Nuts are nutritious, but they add up quickly. Serve a giant bowl of air-popped popcorn sprayed...

Last day to register for the Pocatello Ski Association youth trip to Big Sky, Mont., will be Jan. 30. Cost for the discount lift ticket is 17 years and younger , $40, ages 18 to 20, $56 and 21 and older, $66. PSA sponsors the beverages and transportation costs. The bus will leave the old Albertsons parking lot on Yellowstone Avenue in Pocatello at 5 a.m. Sign-ups are taken at Scott’s Sports and Barrie’s Sports. For more information, call Tait Beebee at 234-2059.

If you run a daycare, you already know about all the paperwork that must be filled out, the licenses that must be applied for and the first aid and child psychology courses you must take. What about the fun stuff? Running a daycare should be safe, fun and relaxing for both the provider and the kids. Must-Have #1: Comfortable and Safe Places to Sleep

While nap time may come around only once a day, it is a treasured time for the daycare provider and the kids. Provide comfortable spaces for kids to crash, on or near the floor and well-padded for their comfort. For the little ones who have not yet learned to control their bladders, make sure all your sleeping spaces are easily cleaned.

Must-Have #2: Age-Appropriate Games and Toys, Especially Outdoor Activities

Games and toys are obvious must-haves for daycare facilities, but which types should you choose? * Safety first. If there are little ones around, the older children must play with toys which are safe for everyone. * Games that provide movement and encourage...

I had been planning for a year to create and decorate a tree for the Pocatello Festival of Trees. I gathered items that fit in with my theme (A Simply Divine Christmas) and filled out the application and attended the tree decorating class that was part of the program. The tree decorating class was given as a help for those donating trees for the gala event and was given by a good friend and local Craft Store Owner Emma Gebo. Emma has owned two craft stores over the years and she knows her stuff. Emma was also my instructor while I attended college many years ago and gave me my first job as a craft department supervisor, so we go way back. Anyhow, she gave some great tips and pointers for those who are endeavoring to decorate a tree. She gave me permission to include some of her tips in this article. Her website is: http://sierrascrafts.blogspot.com/.

Tree decorating tips for a majestic, one of a kind Christmas tree:

Consider your theme: this should permeate every decision made for your tree. Your...

NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS,Associated Press Writer

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Nothing says Christmas with teenagers quite like the eye-roll as they open their presents.

High schoolers are a particularly difficult group to buy for, as their desires are often quite narrow and tied to their peer group. You're not just buying for them, but for their entire clique.

That "Twilight" edition Bella Swan doll ($139.99 at FAO Schwarz) that might thrill your pop culturista will probably mortify your average environmental activist.

Here are some suggestions for negotiating this minefield:

SCI-FI GEEK: "Star Wars" hoodie by Marc Ecko. The hood zips up in front to form a helmet such as those worn by X-wing pilots in the movies. You'll get a "Roger, Rogue Leader" for making this $150 purchase at Shopecko.com

FASHIONISTA: On-The-Fold dress from Anthropologie, $188, matching cardigan $118. So tasteful you could eat them.

MALE JOCK: For the basketball player on your list, a new video "The Decade of Excellence" celebrates underdog...

I am always on the lookout for items that I can adapt and/or reuse. I haunt the local second hand stores, yard sales, even my own basement in search of great deals. I am a single mother with few extra funds but suffer from the craving to decorate so I can identify with those who can’t or don’t want to spend a lot of money on decorations. Consider looking for items that can be found at great prices that can then be doctored up or redesigned at a fraction of the price that all new items would cost. This will create new fun things for the home and as a bonus you are recycling and reusing.

So, where to start? A word of caution here, don’t dismiss an item because it is missing a piece of something, it has some worn areas or has dated decorations on it. Just like dealing with teenagers, look past the surface to see its potential. Look at the “bones” of the item. Think of what could be not what is.

Here is one such find and how it went from drab to fab:

SUPPLIES & TOOLS: • Grapevine wreath- found at...

By Gaile Robinson
McClatchy Newspapers

One of the joys of the holiday season is rediscovering the dining-room table. Cleared of all the homework, craft projects, laundry, unpaid bills and dust, it gleams again, but it is barren. In anticipation of holiday feasts and in gratitude for the months of ignominious service, it deserves some decorating.

Usually armloads of flowers and candles will suffice, but that can get expensive and there is the matter of those unpaid bills. So this year a centerpiece that can go from Thanksgiving to Christmas and then on to New Year's with a minimal amount of expense seemed to be in order. A trip to the craft stores yielded the basic elements that provided a foundation for three seasonal centerpieces.

The base for all three projects:
A pedestal made of two mirrors and three inexpensive glass candlesticks was the basis for all three centerpieces. Because there are cats in the house, I used epoxy to glue the candlesticks to the top mirror. Mirrors were used instead of plain glass...

Interested in making the downloadable 2010 calendar from the November/December issue of Family Living? You've come to the right place!

To download and print the calendar, click on the link below (or right-click and save the document to your computer). Then just open the document in Adobe Reader and print it to any color printer.

Click here to download your calendar.

Once your calendar is printed as many times as you like, customize it to give as gifts or hang in your own home. You can also just use it as-is.

Really easy centerpiece. Use either a real pumpkin, gut it and cut a hole in the top or you can use a fake pumpkin. I like the real look but they go bad after a few days. Then cut a piece of floral foam to fit into the bottom of the pumpkin and add a arrment of flowers, leaves, or even little pumpkins that you can glue onto a stick. fake/real pumpkin flowers (real or fake) floral foam

This Halloween, the only thing scarier than ghouls, ghosts and goblins is the economic forecast.

Finances are tight this fall, which means less money for freaky festivities and expensive store-bought costumes. Luckily, a spooky solution may be as close as your own closet.

Homemade Halloween costumes are cheap, easy and eco-friendly, since they often feature recycled clothes, props and accessories. Plus, most of the materials for the perfect costume can be found around the house or at your local thrift store.

Here are some frighteningly fun costumes that simply scream "Happy Halloween!" Although none of them require sewing or heavy lifting, little witches and warlocks may need adult supervision.

FAIRY
You'll need:
— A prom dress with a full, poofy skirt (look for formal dresses with lots of layers of tulle and netting)
—Artificial flowers, feathers, beads, ribbon, etc.
—Fairy wings
This sweet, simple costume is perfect for full-size fairies and petite pixies alike.

Using large, sharp scissors, cut through...

Every year, I try to come up with new, pretty decorations for our fall table, especially for Thanksgiving dinner.

One year, I crafted raffia and silk flower napkin rings in oranges and yellows. Another I used fake leaves to decorate the bottoms of glass candleholders for a seasonal display. This year, I have a new table runner quilted by one of my grandmothers to put on the table.

No matter what I do, though, I often find myself wishing I could return to the days of the elementary school fall craft. There’s something strangely perfect about a turkey painted from a handprint or a paper bag turned into a charming centerpiece.

The handmade nature of those little displays are a reflection of the family-focused nature of the season.

That’s why, when I saw the idea for these leaf print place mats, I thought they might be the perfect fall table décor.

They’re crafted using prints from real leaves, bringing an element of nature to your dining room, and there’s a simple elegance to the images. But they’re also...

BengalFest, Idaho State University’s family friendly pre-game tailgate party is the perfect place to spend a little time before every Bengal home game, even if you’re not a diehard fan. Two hours before kick-off of each game, you’ll find food, games and even prizes in the Holt Arena parking lot. ISU dignitaries and special guests, such as athletes from other ISU teams, often make appearances, and previous events have included everything from bounce houses to cooking contests.

BengalFest is free to attend, and after it’s over, why not check out an ISU football game for an entire afternoon of entertainment? Adult tickets are $16 and children are $8, but ISU students get in free with a Bengal card and can bring up to four guests for $8 each.

NORTH BANNOCK COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE - POCATELLO - AUGUST 12-15, 2009

(Times & Events Subject to Change) -- For more information, call fairgrounds office - 237-1340

THROUGHTOUT THE WEEK - AUGUST 2009
DETAILED INFORMATION on Games, Contests & Other Events in Purple Pages.
Food Vendors, Commercial Booths, 4-H, Open Class & Livestock Exhibits & Business Displays.
FREE Games, Contests!! Check schedules for times & places. Sign up 15 or more minutes before contest starts.
Demonstrations & “Do Ahead Contests” in bldg. B. Check schedule and purple pages for times.
All VEHICLES (vendors, workers, visitors) must be moved to Designated parking areas by 10:30am Wed. through Fri. & 9:30am on Sat.
★McKee’s Petting Zoo --Livestock Barn
★National Guard Climbing Wall & Exhibits --Lawn
★11 to 9:30pm - Inflatable Sports Arena & Slide plus Games - – Wednesday through Friday – 9:30am to 9:30pm on Saturday --South of Grandstand - $2 day
★Operation Lifesaver Train Rides (2-5pm—Thurs & Fri.) -- Livestock Barn Area
★Wagon Rides - Wed....

NORTH BANNOCK COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE - POCATELLO - AUGUST 12-15, 2009

(Times & Events Subject to Change) -- For more information, call fairgrounds office - 237-1340

THROUGHTOUT THE WEEK - AUGUST 2009
DETAILED INFORMATION on Games, Contests & Other Events in Purple Pages.
Food Vendors, Commercial Booths, 4-H, Open Class & Livestock Exhibits & Business Displays.
FREE Games, Contests!! Check schedules for times & places. Sign up 15 or more minutes before contest starts.
Demonstrations & “Do Ahead Contests” in bldg. B. Check schedule and purple pages for times.
All VEHICLES (vendors, workers, visitors) must be moved to Designated parking areas by 10:30am Wed. through Fri. & 9:30am on Sat.
★McKee’s Petting Zoo --Livestock Barn
★National Guard Climbing Wall & Exhibits --Lawn
★11 to 9:30pm - Inflatable Sports Arena & Slide plus Games - – Wednesday through Friday – 9:30am to 9:30pm on Saturday --South of Grandstand - $2 day
★Operation Lifesaver Train Rides (2-5pm—Thurs & Fri.) -- Livestock Barn Area
★Wagon Rides - Wed....

NORTH BANNOCK COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE - POCATELLO - AUGUST 12-15, 2009

(Times & Events Subject to Change) -- For more information, call fairgrounds office - 237-1340

THROUGHTOUT THE WEEK - AUGUST 2009
DETAILED INFORMATION on Games, Contests & Other Events in Purple Pages.
Food Vendors, Commercial Booths, 4-H, Open Class & Livestock Exhibits & Business Displays.
FREE Games, Contests!! Check schedules for times & places. Sign up 15 or more minutes before contest starts.
Demonstrations & “Do Ahead Contests” in bldg. B. Check schedule and purple pages for times.
All VEHICLES (vendors, workers, visitors) must be moved to Designated parking areas by 10:30am Wed. through Fri. & 9:30am on Sat.
★McKee’s Petting Zoo --Livestock Barn
★National Guard Climbing Wall & Exhibits --Lawn
★11 to 9:30pm - Inflatable Sports Arena & Slide plus Games - – Wednesday through Friday – 9:30am to 9:30pm on Saturday --South of Grandstand - $2 day
★Operation Lifesaver Train Rides (2-5pm—Thurs & Fri.) -- Livestock...