is there a way to show notifications, but not in the regular menu
 

Is there a template call I can make to show the notifications menu anywhere, instead of just in the default menu.

For example, in my custom template, I have the private message unread/read count showing in the header.

Is there a way for me to add a link to the notifications as a dropdown in the header standing by itself or does it have to be in a td or table row?