inauguration

I wanted to find an appropriate way to celebrate inauguration day here on CasaSugar without pushing red, white, and blue items at you or suggesting you buy Obama-inspired artwork. I know you don't want your homes looking like a Fourth of July parade, and you may not be interested in political figure art, or President-elect Barack Obama, for that matter. So, I thought I'd round up some work by a few of my favorite American designers. It might surprise you how many classic, iconic designs were born and raised right here in the US of A. For instance, the Cherner Arm Chair ($959), which was a recent Crave Worthy of mine, has "Danish modern" written all over it. But in fact, Norman Cherner was an American who studied and taught at Columbia University, was an instructor at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and designed for a Massachusetts-based manufacturing company! Check out the rest of my American-bred design finds when you read more

If last night's inaugural concert for kids got your lil one excited about today's historic events, be sure to keep your boob tube tuned to Nickelodeon throughout the day today. The network best known for its slime machine continues its 'Kids Pick the President' campaign by sending three young reporters, including Phil Collins' daughter Lily, to our nation's capital to report on the transfer of power from their perspective. The coverage will include retrospectives of past inaugurations, interviews with tots attending the event and highlights of President Obama's inaugural address. It will appear during commercial breaks throughout the day and between regularly scheduled prime time programming until the end of the month — plenty of time for Sasha and Malia to catch it once the hoopla dies down.

Today we inaugurate a new president. The man who will be president not only works out six days a week; Obama also believes in healthy snacking. I vote for that!

Barack Obama makes snacks of fruits and nuts. Pistachios, known to lower cholesterol, are his favorite nut. As for the fruit we can only figure that he eats seasonally, which means these days he is enjoying citrus fruits of all kinds.

It has been mentioned, and recorded on film, that Obama likes Fiji water — not necessarily the drink of the masses. I appreciate the need to stay hydrated when running on a tight schedule, but bottled water shipped from halfway around the planet seems like a double eco no-no. Today, I will be snacking for our new president with a couple of tangerines, my favorite citrus fruit, and some yummy pistachios. What about you?

If you're still trying to figure out a menu for your own inaugural ball, my pal Yum has some ideas for you.

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Though tomorrow's inaugural balls may call for black ties and heels, your lil one doesn't need to get all decked out to celebrate like the Obamas. Get the party started at home with some festive food, and then tune into the Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future Concert this evening. The concert, which will be attended by Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and their families, will honor military families with live performances by Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Levato, and Bow Wow. Usher, Keke Palmer, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Shaquille O'Neal are all scheduled to appear as well.

Be sure your lil partiers have their dancing shoes on by 8 p.m. (EST) tonight, as the concert will be shown on the Disney Channel and simulcast on Radio Disney then.

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Tell Mommy, what are you doing to celebrate the National Day of Service?

• For an inexpensive dinner or hearty Super Bowl snack, reach for these spicy drumsticks. — Boston Globe
• Presidential inaugurations have had a long history of celebrations. — Chicago Tribune
• Why Community Supported Fisheries may keep small, floundering fisheries alive. — Washington Post
• How to elevate the modest meatball. — The Oregonian
• Cracked wheat, or bulgur, is cheap, healthful, versatile, fast, and delicious. — San Francisco Chronicle
• This year, learn how to properly read a wine label. — Wall Street Journal
• Eateries in Washington are hoping Obama's frequent dining-out habits will be good news for the restaurant scene. — New York Times
• What's the appeal of food-competition programming?— Los Angeles Times

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Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday. Since Barack Obama was senator in Chicago, the menu has a Chicago theme. After finishing the deep-dish pizzas, wait an hour before serving this decadent dessert. Eli's is the Windy City's famous bakery known for its chocolate chip cheesecake. While you could order a cheesecake from Eli's and have it delivered, I recommend whipping up a homemade variation. This recipe features sour cream (like most Chicago-style cheesecakes) and results in a cake that is firm on the outside, but deliciously creamy on the inside.

To look at the recipe, read more

• Downloadable Obama cupcake toppers for your inaugural fete — Alpha Mom
• Marcia Cross and her giggling lil girls — Celebrity Baby Blog
• Kate Hudson and family on vacation in Maui — Celebrity Baby Scoop
• The tests are negative, but I still feel pregnant — CafeMom
• Toxic 10 to avoid with savvy skincare — Fit Pregnancy
• Leaking fluid during pregnancy — Health
• Sleep tips for the whole family — Parent Dish
• Rewatching children's classics . . . in horror and shame — The Poop
• Win the Jennifer Meyer necklace the mom wore in Marly and Me! — CelebStyle
• If you're a mama looking to get fit in 2009, this giveaway will make the task much easier! — FitSugar

Next week Barack Obama will make history when he is sworn in as president. Naturally, this momentous occasion deserves a party! The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 11:30 a.m. EST. Since most people will be working, I've decided to host my party the Sunday before. HBO is airing a special live program, We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, to kick off the festivities, and I've invited my friends over to watch it with me. While my election night menu featured patriotic dishes, this party will highlight dishes from Barack Obama's old hometown, Chicago.

For appetizers offer guests Garrett Gourmet Popcorn, flown in fresh from the Windy City. Make mini Italian beef sandwiches topped with giardiniera peppers. For the main course, serve two nontraditional (they're square shaped — no special circular pans necessary) deep dish pizzas. A pepperoni, onion, and mushroom pie is perfectly hearty while a spinach-artichoke pizza will satiate the vegetarians in attendance. To check out these tantalizing recipes, read more