You can't live in Austin and not visit the 37th Street Lights during the holidays. And now you can't visit the 37th Street Lights without making a stop at The S.A.R.F. The Stuffed Animal Rescue Foundation is in its second year of making home placements for neglected stuffed animals (SAs).  The S.A.R.F. is always on the lookout for those who are plush and down on their luck. If you are in the market for an eccentric elephant or artistic squirrel (also makes great pie) then check out these and other animal profiles. Whether in Austin or not, if you or your child feels a connection with one of the SAs, feel free to fill out an adoption application.  It's this time of year when bringing joy to an SA, and a child, is so important. The S.A.R.F. Snowman Intern was not available for comment, but if you have questions, feel free to email him. I have been informed that he is a slow typist, due to a lack of digits, so please bear with him. ~ Parents: What are your children's favorite stuffed animals? ~

I used to volunteer in a friend's third grade classroom during the holidays, teaching kids who may never have heard about Chanukah, a little more about it. By using marshmallows. And graham crackers. And pretzels. I have learned that saying that you're going to be making "marshmallow" anything is a pretty good way to get a kid's attention! Yesterday Tiny and I created one of these edible masterpieces! Directions: spread a whole graham cracker sheet with frosting, cream cheese, peanut butter or any other tasty adhesive. Stick eight marshmallows on the graham cracker and push a pretzel stick through each one. Find a spot next to or on the menorah to stick one or two more marshmallows and a pretzel stick to create the higher "shamash" or helper candle. We decided that the right prayer to say over these "candles" was the Hamotzi, the prayer over bread or a meal!  ~ Parents: What edible educational projects have you tried? ~

I asked Michele Wimborough, owner of Cakewalk Baking, if she prefers to serve cake or cupcakes at toddler birthday parties. She had a strong opinion on the subject! She said, "I prefer cupcakes for toddler (and older kids too) birthdays.  I think they are SO much easier to deal with - no cutlery or plates - no screaming kids saying 'I want the blue balloon!'  It's also easy to customize cupcakes to match the colors or theme of a party - little flags or pinwheels can be added, they can be adorned with sprinkles or other little candies. They're cute, yummy, easy and most of all little kids seem to love them!"  ~ Parents: Do you prefer serving cake or cupcakes at parties? ~