Magic Eraser. It may dull the finish slightly, I apply slight pressure in small circular motions. We used this to get permanent marker off my sons car after his ex girlfriend wrote graffiti on the trunk. ... View related article.
I planted Cannas for the first time last year. I had them in several locations. I planted 4 in a shade bed behind my garage. They did come up but it took them a lot longer and they were much smaller with smaller blooms that came on very late in the season. The ones in full sun did much better, taller, bigger blooms earlier.
When I dug them in the fall, the shady ones did not multiply as much as the others. In this location they got early morning sun and evening sun. I was told a rule of thumb is double the height of the bulb when planting. So a 3" bulb would be 6" deep.
As far as putting them out early, they should be fine as long as the frost is out of the ground. They will stay dormant until the ground warms up enough. I haven't set mine out yet. In Iowa the weather is too unpredictable yet. ... View related article.
I cut up plastic containers and use colored sharpies to make the labels. I make the whole thing one piece, the long pointed part to push into the ground and the wide part at the top to write on.
I have used margarine lids, Orange juice bottles, etc. If you use a magic eraser you can remove the painted lables on the lids to write on both sides. My personal preference is white or colored plastic so you can write/decorate both sides without it showing through.
These weather well, but fade or break after a while in the sun or if you leave them out in the winter (usually will last a couple of season), but they are easy to make ... View related article.
It really depends on the age of the girls. Have your daughter help pick a theme.
My daughters have had Movie nights where everyone brought a favorite movie and then they drew titles out of a hat to see which they watched first, (fewer hurt feelings if someones movie didn't get picked first) Pizza, pop, and popcorn were the menu. Some kids brought candy.
We have had a "spa party" for 12-13 yr olds and did simple manicure/pedicures. We went to Dollar Tree and got pumice stones and nail files (so everyone had their own) and they soaked and scrubbed their feet. We have an assortment of scented lotions. the girls took turns painting nails. I already had an assortment of polish. They did basic facials and played with makeup. We served fruit smoothies and sparkling water in stemmed glasses and finger food with fancy tooth picks the girls were hilarious trying to act grown up. They even ended up playing Dress up and making some "unique" outfits that had everyone in the house laughing at the impromptu fashion show.
I have 3 girls (the youngest is 12) and would say that in my experience the groups always find a way to entertain themselves, Rather than boredom, I have found there is usually at least one squabble and someone's feelings get hurt. (but they recover quickly) So try to plan group activities that don't leave someone out, and don't worry if things don't go perfectly. don't stress about planning to entertain them every minute. My girls and their "herd" always ended up wanting to push me and the rest of the family out of family room for their party. I think I was just there to provide beverages and snacks. (and occasionally referee)
And being the mean mom that I am, The next morning, the family room had to be restored to the pre-party condition and everyone had to help. The guests were always willing and were better at cleaning than my daughters. But that was always a condition of the party planning. ... View related article.
There are lots of things you could use for the center. Jenga Kurplunk (probably misspelled), Mousetrap game that had a lot of pieces to assemble. Ants in the pants. With the blue plastic pants Build a house of cards but cheat and tape them together so they don't crash down as soon as the table is bumped.
Or if you can find/make a stand or use a lazy susan the possibilities are endless. I love your idea. ... View related article.
