Beachcoming Workshop

Thanks, Dr. Beachcomb!

We had a wonderful visit from Dr. Deacon Ritterbush in July. Her inspirational workshop about the wonders of finding fossils, shells, sea glass, and the sea creatures was ...well, inspirational! Get a glimpse of what it was like from these pictures.

Plus, make sure you check out her book "A Beachcomber's Odyssey" -- it's a blend of a beautiful story (like Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "A Gift from the Sea") and incredible photographs (like Richard LaMotte's "Pure Sea Glass").

Potions Class: Stink Sap Instructions

This summer we had a FABULOUS time at Sarah's favorite activity -- HOGWARTS POTIONS CLASS. We made icky, sticky, stinky, stink sap.

What is stink sap you ask? Ahh...time to reread your ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (Book 5) , then :) Stink sap is the gross greenish liquid that shoots out of Neville's pulsating plant on the Hogwarts Express. All over Harry. Just as Cho walks in to say hi. Of course :)

Now just in time for Halloween, here are the instructions for anyone who wants to make some at home. Just remember, stink sap acts like quicksand so be prepared for some sucking power.

HOW TO MAKE STINKSAP (Courtesy of Potions Master Sarah Keating)

Ingredients

• Cauldron
• Water
• Wand
• Horned Toad Shavings (Muggle name: Pop Rocks)
• Selection of scented oils or spices
• Hippogriff toenail shavings (Muggle name: cornstarch)
  

Directions:
1. Fill a cauldron half-way with water.
2. Drop a small amount of Horned Toad Shavings into the water. Stir with your wand to activate. Potion should spit and fizz.
3. Mix scents of your choice into the potion. Mix well with your wand.
4. Mix a small amount of Hippogriff Toenail Shavings into the cauldron.
5. Continue adding Hippogriff Toenail Shavings until the potion looks runny, but is actually firm to the touch. (approximately 1 box of cornstarch to 1 cup of water)
6. Slap the surface. It shouldn't splash!
7. Drop a small stone or toy onto the surface. It should get sucked down!


TIP: NEVER POUR STINK SAP DOWN THE DRAIN! To dispose of it, let it sit out until it hardens, then toss it into the trash.

For other potion class ideas and instructions, click on this link: 2008/2007 Potions Classes
You can find out how to make Troll Boogers and Bubotuber Pus!

2008 Summer Activities

Enjoy these great activities with Sarah and me every week, beginning MAY 26, 2008!

(Please note, all our new Corolla Kennel Club Activities will be taught by trainer Julia Pierce and her canine coach, Corduroy!)

Kids' Dog Trick Class
Mon., 5:30 p.m.
Learn how to teach your dog new tricks! Come with your dog or learn with Corduroy and Finnegan!

Dog Beach Safety Class
Mon., 7:30 p.m.
Learn how to make sure that your best friend has the time of his or her life at the beach!

Hogwarts Activity Hour
Tues., 4 p.m. ($8 materials fee)
Create something magical from the world of Harry Potter. Perfect for fans of all ages.

Animal Masks Activity Hour
Wed., 4 p.m. ($5 materials fee)
Make soft foam animal masks! Perfect for kids 2–5.

Decorate Dog Cookies
Wed., 5:30 p.m.
Decorate homemade, all-natural dog biscuits for your furry pals! Perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

Beach Explorer Activity Hour
Thurs., 4 p.m. ($8 materials fee)
Make a kaleidoscope, loot bag, and compass. Perfect for kids 5+.

Gimp Jewelry-Making
Fri., 4 p.m. ($8 materials fee)
Make braided bracelets. Perfect for kids 7+.

Beach Dog Photos
By Appointment-- call 252-384-3649
Have a photo taken of you and your best pal on the beach!

Meet the Trainer
Various times.
Drop by the store to meet Julia and her canine companion, Corduroy! They'll be providing tips for how to help your dog adjust to vacation and beach-living. Remember, dogs can get stressed in an unfamiliar house, full of unfamiliar people :) (Private training sessions and vacation help are always available!)

Book Release Parties (FREE!)
Are you excited about all the new books coming out this summer? Finnegan is too! We will be holding midnight release parties for many books for kids, teens, and adults all summer long. Give us a call or check our Website for details about your favorite and to reserve a copy!

Additional activities may be added during the summer, so check this Website for updates or call us at (252) 453-2900.

Summer Potions Classes at Beach Bag Books & Music!

Check it out! Sarah just showed me (and a bunch of my friends) how to make a magic potion that creates TROLL BOOGERS...how gross is that!

I love it!

Sarah says that it's not actually a magic potion...it's more of a science potion :) If anyone's interested in grossing out their friends, here are a few simple experiments to try!

Potion Experiment 1: Troll Boogers
Ingredients: PAM Viscosifier, test tube with cap, protective gloves, cauldron, wand, polyacrylamide crystals, measuring scoop, green food coloring, water

Instructions:
1. Put on protective gloves.
2. Pour 15 ml of water into the test tube. Add 2 drops of spit up from a 3 month old baby (blue food coloring) and add 2 drops of spit up from a 9 month old baby (yellow food coloring) to the cauldron.
3. Add 1 scoop of bowtruckle droppings (PAM viscosifier) to the test tube.
4. Add 1 scoop of crystallized pineapple (polyacrylamide) to the test tube.
5. Shake the test tube for 30 seconds. Allow it to sit quietly for 45 seconds.
6. Tap the test tube with your wand.
7. Open the test tube and use your wand to show off the troll boogers.

Potion Experiment 2: The Foaming Cauldron
Ingredients: Cauldron, wand, measuring scoop, protective gloves, liquid dishwashing soap, green food coloring, water, baking soda, vinegar

Instructions:
1. Put on protective gloves and place the cauldron in the middle of the table.
2. Add 2 scoops hippogriff toenail filings (baking soda) to the cauldron.
3. Fill the cauldron ½ full with water.
4. Add 1 scoop yak spit (liquid soap) to the cauldron.
5. Add 3 drops spit up from a 6 month old baby (green food coloring) to the cauldron.
6. Add three scoops of sweat from an 8 year old boy (vinegar) to the cauldron (a splash).

Potion Experiment 3: Disappearing Water
Ingredients: Potassium Polyacrylate (3 scoops), protective gloves, cauldron, wand, measuring scoop, salt, water

Instructions:
1. Put on protective gloves and place the cauldron in the middle of the table.
2. Add 3 scoops troll dandruff (Potassium Polyacrylate) to the cauldron.
3. Fill cauldron ¾ full of water.
4. Wait 10 seconds, then tap the cauldron with your wand.
5. Turn over cauldron to show that water has disappeared.

Potion Experiment 4: Yellow Goo
Ingredients:Protective gloves, cauldron, cornstarch, food coloring, water

Instructions:
1. Put on protective gloves and place the cauldron in the middle of the table.
2. Fill the cauldron half full of skin flakes from a Blast Ended Skrewet (cornstarch). Add 2 drops of spit up from a 9 month old baby (yellow food coloring) to the cauldron.
3. Use your fingers to slowly mix in the water until all the powder is wet. When it’s “just right” the Goo will feel hard when you push it.
4. Tap the cauldron with your wand.
5. Pour the goo into your hands and play with it.

Eclipse Party--Thanks for Coming!

Last night Sarah and Ken hosted a great launch event for the new book, "Eclipse". Plus, the author Stephenie was intereviewed on NBC this morning! Whoo Hoo!

Drop by Beach Bag Books & Music to pick up your copy today!

Love, Finn

PS: Sarah's hiding behind the register reading it now. And I have to do all the work! Hufff....

Harry Potter Party Pictures

Check this out, everyone!

We have just received a ton of fantastic photos from our Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Corolla Countdown Party (7/20/07) from Ms. Hollis Swift. She's quite a photographer and really captured all the excitement of the event.

Take a look and see if you can spot yourself!

Thanks, Hollis!
--Finn