Are you ready?

Saint Patrick's Day is just around the corner.  Have you started building your leprechaun trap?

We try to bring magic to every holiday.  Last year, hubby and Baby G. set out a rather basic leprechaun trap -- a bowl of Lucky Charms, a wooden spoon and a shoe box.  This year, they've taken it a bit further.  The trap is nowhere near done, but the framing is complete (made from scrap wooden dowels and my chipboard scraps).  And, of course, the bling (leprechauns like shiny things, didn't you know) has been applied.  This weekend they will add the tulle netting and magnetic clasps.  The idea behind it is that when those tricky leprechauns climb in to steal the treasure (a giant ring my daughter won at pirate camp last summer), they will trigger a sensor that will cause the net to drop.  In the morning, we'll find some cute little leprechauns to keep in a cage before we release them!

Now, if they manage to get away (as they did last year), they will leave her shiny coins from Ireland to reward her for her cleverness.

Last year, the leprechauns also stamped shamrocks on her arms while she slept -- we called them leprechaun kisses.  It's handy that those little guys know to use washable ink!

Here are some handy links to help you celebrate the luck of the Irish (my peeps!):

Additional leprechaun trap ideas

Make green mashed potatoes

Celebrate at a local St. Pat's parade (D.C., Baltimore, Northern Virginia)

Taste a rainbow cupcakes

Printable leprechaun treasure hunt

I'm off to enjoy an evening of beer, wings & Matt Damon with my girlfriends.  Hope you're enjoying your weekend.