Garden Party Tips

Master gardener Paul James shares ideas for a great garden party.

Showing your garden off to friends is quite possibly the best payoff for the months you spend working to make it look "just right." Why not throw a party and let them "ooh" and "aah" at the fruits of your labor? Paul James shares suggestions for a delightful garden party--he says you'll need at least two days to prepare your garden and landscape, so set that time aside in the planning stages of the party.

48 hours before the party

Get your landscape ready. Mow the lawn so that the grass doesn't have that just-got-a-haircut look the day of the party. Run your string trimmer too, and tidy the place up. If you like that fresh-cut look, you can mow the lawn the day before the party. Don't mow the day of the party, though, because that will stir up all kinds of dust and pollen; there's nothing worse than allergy-prone guests sneezing and sniffing around your food.
Fluff the mulch in your beds or spread some new mulch here and there. It's one of the least expensive and easiest ways to enhance the look of your landscape, and your guests will almost surely notice.
Deep soak the entire landscape--trees, turf, flower and vegetable gardens--anything and everything that grows. This will help the plants look their very best the day of the party, and you won't have to worry about guests getting their feet muddy and possibly tracking mud into your house after they tour your landscape.
Empty garden carts, watering cans, potted-plant saucers and any other containers that hold water. Eliminating standing water will cut down on mosquitoes.

24 hours before

It's time to shop for food and beverages and get as much work in the kitchen done as possible. Toward the end of the day, get the party area nice and clean. If your party will be on the patio, position potted plants where you want them and check your cooking equipment to make sure it's in good working order. Make sure that you've got plenty of charcoal or propane if you'll be grilling. Make sure you've got plenty of seating for your guests, and don't limit placement to the patio area. Guests will want to stroll around your property--stopping here and there--to admire the views. You'll want to set plenty of trash receptacles on and around the patio to keep clutter (and cleanup) to a minimum.
Consider stringing some lights or placing candles here and there to create a special ambiance. If you live in an area where bugs (especially flies and mosquitoes) can ruin a party faster than you can say entomology, there are many effective ways to deal with them. Citronella candles or torches filled with citronella oil work great.
Giant incense sticks with pleasant, pest-deterring scents are also effective. Consider using giant incense coils that burn for hours or days--they look great when suspended from a tree limb.
Use a fan to keep bugs away--flies and mosquitoes don't like windy conditions and it's a nice way to keep your guests cool. You can also fire up an outdoor chimney to keep bugs at bay, because most bugs don't like smoke any more than they like wind.

Three hours before

Gather some of your favorite cut flowers and create one or more large floral arrangements or several small ones--perhaps one for each guest. Take a bucket filled with water out to the garden and stick the flowers in the water immediately after you cut them to keep them looking fresh as long as possible.

One hour before

As things begin heating up in the kitchen and outdoors, take time to tackle the last of the landscape chores. Use an old Japanese trick and lightly water the areas guests will see as they arrive--it's a fabulous way to make your garden beds look more inviting. Also, hose down paved areas to cool them down a bit and reduce the glare.
You're ready to ice the beverages. For a garden party, the perfect container is a wheelbarrow--fill it with ice and add your favorite canned or bottled beverages.

Source : www.hgtv.com

Happy Mother's Day Mama !!!!

Gifts for Grandmothers

Grandmothers have always been the special entities of a house. They love us more than our parents and take greater care of us. A grandmother reads her grandchildren stories, brings them treat and does all kinds of things that moms are often too tired to do. She does everything selflessly, wanting nothing in return, with the exception of love, care and respect. This Mother’s Day, surprise your grandma by doing something special for her. Get her a gift, take her out or cook a dinner for her - do anything that would bring a smile to her face and make her feel that her children and grandchildren appreciate and are thankful for her immense effort. In the following lines, we have provided some gifts that you can present your grandmother.

Gift Ideas For Grandma

Photo Gifts
Nothing beats photos when it comes to gifting grandmothers. They love the photos of their children and grandchildren. Instead of just presenting her with the usual photo frame, engrave the photo of her children and grandchildren onto a mug, mousepad, tote bag, keepsake box or small easy-to-make photo album. Family tree is also a good option to explore.

Relaxing & Supportive Bed Rests
Another good idea would be to present your grandmother relaxing and supportive bed rests. Comfort is a priority at old age, so bed rests would be the ideal gift for her. Every time she sits on it, she would be reminded of you. At the same time, this would show that you care for her.

Jewelry
Women are never too old for jewelry. Your grand mom would love getting a piece of jewelry, to add to her collection. While gold remains the hot favorite of every woman, platinum and diamonds are the other popular options you can look at. Also, there are umpteen choices on the kind of jewelry you can give - earring, pendant, bracelet, chain, ring, etc.

Books
With old age, grandmothers resort to sitting jobs, where not much physical exertion is required. They have all the time in the world to do things they used to like, but hardly got time to indulge in. If your grandmother loves reading, what better way to impress her than to give her a book by her favorite author?

Manicure, Pedicure & Spa Package Gift Certificates
The insecurity of not being young and beautiful creeps into every female with old age. Let your grandmother know that she is very beautiful at this age as well and deserves all the good things in the world. A manicure/pedicure or spa package is sure to revive her spirits.

Pretty Eyeglass Case
Weakened eyesight is a common problem in almost all aged people. If your grandma wears spectacles, the most ideal gift would be a pretty eyeglass case. This would go on to show her that you care for her smallest needs as well. A classy and elegant eyeglass case would add to her fashion statement as well.

Source : www.dayformothers.com

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. -Unknown
Moms are the most caring, sensitive and emotional beings when it comes to their children. It is our duty to reciprocate in the same way. And the Mother's day is the occasion when we can tell our mom how much we love her. Mothers are not bothered about the type or quality of gifts. It is our love which matters most to them. For them, well being of their children is the best gift. Even a piece of paper with "I love you mom" written over it will make your mom's heart go gaga. Here we are presenting with some ideas which would make many of your gifts more beautiful. While picking up gifts for your Mom, always keep in mind her personality, taste and choice.
Cards - Add a beautiful rose to your card and promise-card booklet for the mother who likes flowers and their fragrance.
Flowers - A magnificent bouquet of flower basket makes a good gift idea for your mom.
Plants - If your mom is gardening freak then gifting her with plants of different will make another great gift idea.
Recipe Book - A recipe book is perhaps one of the most adorable gift ideas to try this Mother's Day.
Perfumes - Perfumes along with flowers are an instant hit with the ladies of all age. Toiletries can also be added to them for a lady who is very particular about her personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Sweets and cake- These are the safest bet with all women, no matter how old they are. A time tested gift idea, isn't it?
Household Items - As moms manage the household affairs, household items make a great gift idea on this Mother's day. You may gift her with items and gadgets that will help her in her daily chores such as a dishwasher, a vacuum cleaner and a washing machine.
Accessories - A wide range of things come under accessories, therefore you have to keep a tag of what suits your mom best. For example, watches and handbags suit a working mom.
Free coupons - Free gift coupons are a well tried gift idea, so pamper her with movie tickets or spa coupons. Gift Certificate - Gift certificates also form a good idea- let your mom decide what she wants and she can go on a shopping spree.
Tour Packages - That's really exciting! Tour packages will give your mom a deserving break from her routine life. While planning tour gift, keep in mind the choice and tastes of your mom. India tour which includes a visit to Taj Mahal would be a nice idea or she could also relax at one of the finest beach hotels in Goa. After all she is the only one in the house working 365 days without any break.

Source : www.dayformothers.com

Great Ways To Celebrate Mother's Day

By: Jeanne Benedict

From spa treatment to afternoon tea, find great ideas for Mother's Day.
Mom's Choice of Makeovers Make-Up or Spa: We love mom just the way she is, but every woman likes to "freshen up."

Make-Up or Spa: Does mom need new make-up or a beauty product rejuvenation? You could make an appointment at the local spa or, better yet, pamper her with cool personal care gifts that she can use at home for more than just a day.

Wardrobe Update: Or, you can kick-off the wardrobe makeover that mom has been hinting about by hiring a personal shopper. Many department stores offer this service, where a shopper can make suggestions as to what works with your mother's style and how to step it up.

Room Redo: If it's a room in your mother's home that could use a facelift, rally the family and perk up a room with new throw pillows, accessories, even a paint job.

Treat Mom to Tea

Source : www.celebrations.com

Mother's Day Celebrations

Mothers Day is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm in over 46 countries across the globe. Though Mothers Day celebrations take place at different times around the world what is remarkably same are the feelings with which people celebrate Mothers Day. This is so because mothers are as caring in East as they are in the West. The difference between mothers from one part of the world to the other simply does not exist and so are the feelings of children. All over the world people love to celebrate Mothers Day with their mothers and shower love on them.

How is Mothers Day Celebrated ?
In many countries special prayer services are held in churches in honor of mothers. But the most common method of celebrating Mothers Day is to treat mothers with breakfast in bed. Children allow their mothers to sleep till late in the morning while they along with their father juggle in the kitchen to prepare her favourite breakfast. Most often a Mothers Day card and a bunch of bouquet accompany the meticulously laid breakfast. Many children prepare a card themselves a day before Mothers Day. Some also make handmade gifts to show their respect and affection for their mother. Grown up children prefer to buy gifts from the stores ranging from clothes, accessories to jewelry.
Cakes, cookies and pies are the favorite dishes prepared on the occasion of Mothers Day. Some consider having dinner at home with the family as an ideal way of celebrating Mothers Day, many on the other hand prefer to dine out. Hence, restaurants are seeing more business then ever on the occasion of Mothers Day.
Since Mothers Day is observed as a holiday in lot of countries many like to take the opportunity to go out for family picnics and have fun. In several schools, celebrations of Mothers Day are organized wherein children present skits, songs and plays to honor mothers.

What can children do on Mothers Day ?
There are a lot of games and activities which may be planned on Mothers Day. But besides the euphoria of celebration people must not forget that the day is meant to make mothers feel special. On Mothers Day, children must be nice to their mom and give them a days rest. Its a wonderful idea to complete household chores on the day and make your mama feel that you acknowledge the importance of all she does to run the house so smoothly. Elder children may book a parlor or a spa treatment for mothers and make them care for themselves as most mothers find it difficult to get time for themselves.

Time for Family Reunion
People staying away from the families make efforts to spend the day with mothers and grandmothers to make them feel special. This way Mothers Day has turned out to be family reunion day for many. While those who cannot visit their moms call their mother on phone and send greeting cards to express their gratitude and love for them.

Commercialization of Mothers Day
The festival of Mothers Day is based on the emotions shared between mother and a child and marketers make all efforts to convert the sentiments into profit. Rigorous advertising campaigns are launched days before the festival to lure people so that they spend more money on the day. Though this helps to promote Mothers Day and raise awareness about it, but somewhere along the line the noble ideas behind the celebration of Mothers Day get lost and what remains is the formality to exchange gifts. Founder of Mothers Day, Anna Jarvis was particularly annoyed with the high level of commercialization of Mothers Day in US.

Source : www.mothersdaycelebration.com

Mother's Day Story

The story of Mothers Day is a long one. It is neither a recent phenomenon as many people believe it to be. Nor it is the creation of card and gift marketers syndicate as assumed by cynics of Mothers Day festival. To the surprise of lot many people Mothers Day celebrations are first said to have taken place in the time of ancient Greeks and Romans hundreds of years ago. Even Mothers Day celebrations in UK began much before the tradition saw the light of the day in US. In US the efforts of Ms Julia Ward Howe and Ms Anna Jarvis are greatly recognised for starting the tradition of Mothers Day but several other women too made remarkable contribution to further the cause of Mothers Day holiday.

Today Mothers Day is celebrated in more than 46 countries around the world though at different times in the month of May and in some countries it is celebrated in entirely different times of the year. In the present time Mothers Day has come to be internationally recognized as the day to honor all mothers and thank them for the services they impart for the benefit of their individual child and consequently to the development of mankind. Please read on and click on the links to know more about the related Mothers Day stories.

Mother's Day Story: Celebrations in the time of Greeks and Romans
The tradition of Mothers Day started with the ancient Greeks who celebrated their annual spring festival in honor of Rhea, the mother of many Gods and Goddesses in the Greek mythology. Ancient Romans too celebrated a spring festival by the name of Hilaria in honor of Cybele, a mother goddess, some 250 years before Christ was born.

Mother's Day Story: Celebrations in UK
In UK, Mothers Day celebrations started by the name of Mothering Sunday, several years before the tradition found its roots in UK. Mothering Sunday came to be celebrated following the practice in UK of 17th century wherein children of poor families were send to work as apprentice and domestic servants with the rich. These children were allowed to visit their 'Mother Church' or the Cathedral of their home town annually in the middle of the fasting month of Lent. Children met their mothers after visiting the church and presented them with flowers and special 'Mothering Cakes'. The custom received a set back with the advent of Industrial Revolution when the lifestyles changes. American soldiers contributed in the revival of the tradition after the World War II.

Mother's Day Story: Genesis of the Festival in US
The story of Mothers Day in US began with the efforts of a dynamic writer and poetess, Julia Ward Howe in 1872. An activist to the core Julia utilized her potentials to further the cause of Mothers Day. She wrote a powerful Mothers Day Proclamation in Boston in 1870 and demanded declaration of official holiday and celebrations on Mothers Day. Her idea gained popularity but she could not get the idea implemented. Julia is also credited for penning words for Civil War song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic".

Mother's Day Story: Struggle of Anna Jarvis
A loving daughter from West Virginia, Anna Jarvis is recognised as a 'Founder of Mothers Day' and 'Mother of Mothers Day'. Anna kept the word of her activist mother, Mrs Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis who once expressed a wish that someone should strive to provide mothers their due recognition. After her mothers death in 1905, Anna's determination became strong and she along with several supporters started lobbying for the official holiday on Mothers Day by writing letters to the people in power. To celebrate Mothers Day, Anna began to send her mothers favorite flowers, carnations in her local church requesting people to wear them in honor of their mothers. The idea gained immense popularity over the years and in 1910, West Virginia became the first state to recognize Mothers Day holiday. On May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

Source : http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothers-day-story.html

Fun Parties 101

Here are 9 tips for hosting a party both you and your guests will enjoy.

What's the secret to pulling off a fabulous soiree? There's more to being a gracious host than providing the food and drinks. "It's important that you be a guest at your own party," says entertaining expert Jennifer O'Neil, who, along with her equally fun-loving sister, Kitty, enjoys hosting all types of parties from casual get-togethers to themed events. The sisters say if you're relaxed and enjoying yourself, your guests will follow suit.

Here are more of their tips for making sure your event is the hottest ticket in town:

Rule #1: Be Prepared

* Set the guest list early. Send out invites at least three to four weeks in advance. Give longer notice for more formal affairs and more popular dates like New Year’s Eve.

* Don't leave the details to the last minute. Create your "to do" list at least a week in advance including the menu, drinks and quantities, decorations, and party events. Menu tip: Don’t choose foods that need to be heated right before serving or else you’ll be in the kitchen all night.

* Tidy up. The day of the party, get the public areas of the house tidied up and don't forget that the bathroom will need to be well stocked with fresh hand towels and the like. If you're putting a bedroom to use a coat closet, make sure it's presentable. Keep the lights off and doors closed to the rest of the house to signal to your guests they are off limits.

* Make a party-night cheat sheet. Keep a party night checklist on an index card in your pocket. That way you can know at a glance when it’s time to bring out the warm appetizers.

Rule #2: Keep It Simple

* Forgo the formal dinner. "Appetizer parties are definitely the easiest — even easier than a potluck because you don’t have to coordinate anything," Jennifer says. Shop for delicious pre-made appetizers at fancy grocery stores or even warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club.

* Let guests help themselves. A dinner party is more fun to throw and attend when it’s buffet style. People can cater to their own tastes and eat on their own time. Plus you can mingle and mix it up. Just be sure to label the foods — people like to know what they’re eating. To keep bartending simple, pick a drink of the night, set the fixings out on the bar along with the recipe/directions, and let the guests play bartender.

Rule #3: Get Guests Talking

* Pick a theme. For a party that mixes different groups of friends, use name tags, but make them fun, suggests Kitty. "For our Mob Scene poker party, we give everyone their Mafia name like Zoey Baloney a.k.a. 'The Claw.' "

* Give guests an assignment. One sure-fire way to get people mingling is to give them assignments, like having one person check on everybody’s drink or having someone hand-pass hors d’oeuvres. People may be shy and your task will give them an excuse to talk to strangers. Another way to keep the party going is to get the guests involved in the dinner preparations: "Our friend Margaret hosts a Make Your Own Dinner Party — she picks a cuisine for the evening, like Greek food, and everyone brings their own recipes and fixings to cook dinner together."

* Host an event. Keep the evening moving with party "milestones," like an informal icebreaker or a party event. For example, the sisters host an annual Tacky Trim-A-Tree Party that culminates in a tacky ornament contest complete with voting and awards.

Source : http://www.hgtv.com

Take a Family Picnic

There are few better ways to enjoy the nice weather than to pack a basket of food and head out to a pleasant shady spot, and picnics on green lawns and sandy beaches are some of the true highlights of summer. To make this season's outings special for your family, try putting some new and inventive twists on all your favorite classic picnic recipes and ideas.
Californian Janice Morrow spent six years learning from talented chefs at various culinary schools across the US. Today she runs the White Apron School of Culinary Design for children, and has taught creative and healthy cooking to over 500 students, ranging in age from 4 to 16. She also teaches adults by request. Here Morrow offers some fun ideas for your next family picnic:

Try a colorful presentation.
A nice presentation always adds to the fun of a picnic. One great idea is to take little plastic containers and line them with different colors of lettuce. Try putting red lettuce on one side, green lettuce on the other side and then a big helping of pasta salad, or another favorite cold dish, in the middle.

Have fun with shapes.
Let your child have some fun by choosing his or her favorite cookie cutters and forming their sandwiches into shapes.

Make place setting kits.
Another idea is to individually wrap up plates with napkins, forks, knives, and spoons. Get the kids involved by letting them make creative nametags for each of your family members or friends, and use these to tie up the bundles of plates and utensils.

Choose healthy snacks.
Instead of filling your picnic basket with sweets for the end of that special afternoon, try something a little bit different, like homemade granola bars. The kids will love the flavor and you'll love the fact that it's a healthy, nutritious dessert.

Source : http://www.fineliving.com

Seven Tips for Successful Family Picnics

by Lynn Fredericks, author of Cooking Time is Family Time

School's out and the kids have more free time and no homework to boot. Why not steer their creative energies into spontaneous family picnics? The destination is secondary to the enjoyment of an informal meal, outdoors, with opportunities for family sports activities (soccer, baseball, simple game of catch) or playtime with the family pet! The backyard or a neighborhood park is fine -- it's not necessary to plan a long-distance trip.

1. First, announce that you're going to have a picnic-style dinner and you want their help and suggestions.
2. Let them choose from the following list of responsibilities:
Menu
Assembling ingredients and preparing the food
Beverages
Blanket(s)
Baskets, bags, shopping cart for transporting the meal
Plastic or paper plates, cups, cutlery, etc.
Extracurricular activities: sports equipment, dog toys, titles for charades
3. Don't give each child more than two jobs.
4. Decide on a time when all duties must be completed.
5. If you're a working mom, plan the picnic a day ahead, giving extra time for shopping and preparing food. There's no need to do everything from scratch -- a combination of prepared salads and some homemade sandwiches is very easy. Bean salads are especially good for picnics as their flavor improves with time and they can sit out at room temperature
6. Make sure one or more kids are involved in the actual food preparation and encourage them to be a little adventurous, taking advantage of some seasonal produce that they may not be familiar with, e.g. watercress or arugula for the salad, fava beans in the pasta salad, tofu in the egg salad, etc.
7. Keep your cool -- remind everyone that the idea is to have fun!

source : http://parenting.ivillage.com

Company Picnic Ideas and Planning Tips

It's an opportunity for employees to mingle and "let down their hair."

A well organized company picnic with planned activities can help integrate
employees with each other. This is particularly important if the company has
undergone recent reorganization. As such it functions as a "team bonding"
mechanism.

A company picnic can be held for an entire firm of thousands or for a single
department of 30.

In my role of party entertainer (and prior to that corporate employee), I have
attended countless such events.
Here are some observations, tips, and ideas I picked up along the way.

General Considerations
Like any other type of event, you need to decide what you want your picnic to be
like and how much you want to spend.
As with any event, it is important to keep the needs and tastes of your attendees
paramount.
Allow yourself sufficient time to book your venue if the picnic is offsite. Demand for
some venues is at a premium during peak periods. It is not uncommon to make
reservations several months or more in advance of a given date.
You'll need to plan food and beverages, and activities and entertainment and, in
some cases, transportation to the picnic site.
Allow enough time so you can give your employees sufficient advance notice to
include the picnic into their plans. This is especially important if you'll be inviting
family members or if it is held on a weekend.
Company picnics and company picnic ideas can range from the very simple to a
pull-out-all-stops extravaganza. My observation is that people have a good time at
both.
Do you want to have a theme? A theme is fun! Plus it makes it easier to organize
food and activities.

WHEN do you want to hold you company's picnic?
In the Philadelphia area, companies hold their picnics beginning in June
through early October.
Considerations such as your company's workflow, availability of a desired venue,
etc., will help you determine the date. Employees are less apt to be away on vacation
in June or September, but they will really enjoy the chance to kick back in July or
August.
There are pros and cons to weekday picnics versus weekend picnics.
Company picnics held during a workday will ensure a greater attendance for
employees when they would normally be in the office. And, they don't cut into
precious personal time.
But spouses and children are generally more available for a weekend date.

WHOM do you want to invite?
Staff only? Members of the employee's immediate family? What about significant
others, friends? Decide where to draw the line.
Family picnics are a great way for employees to meet co-workers’ families. It
humanizes co-workers by allowing them to relax their at-work personas.
On the other hand, single or divorced employees can feel like the odd wheel at a
very family oriented event. That can be overcome by planning activities suitable for
people of all ages.
Activities that require participants to form groups can help integrate the attendees.
And it keeps your guests occupied.

WHERE do you want to have your company picnic?
While many picnics take place under a tent in the company's parking lot, offsite
venues can make people feel more relaxed. If you're on a strict budget, one option
is a nearby state park. Many have large pavilions ideally suited for such events.
I've also been to company picnics given at the home of the firm's CEO or owner. This
kind of setting adds a homey touch to the festivities. In some instances, facilities
were set up so that the guests attend to their needs without entering the host's
private home.
An excellent option to consider is a venue that is set up especially for hosting the
company picnic. Generally these picnic parks come complete with in-house catering
and lots of games and activities for kids both big and small. Some day camps rent
out their facilities on weekends when they are otherwise not in use.

Amusement parks and river cruises are other options.

Tip: Have a Plan B in the case of rain.
Some Plan B options include:
• A tent with walls or access to an on-site building
• Event insurance
• A rain date
Keep in mind that if you opt for a rain date, your vendors and entertainers may
require additional payment to reserve the second date. That is because they have to
turn down other clients during the busy summer season to keep that time open for
you.

Food and Beverages
If you choose to have the food catered, you don't have to worry about preparation or
cleanup. Many venues such as picnic parks have in-house catering. And many
caterers specialize in handling company picnics.
The best part of picnic fare is that it is simple and satisfying. Hot dogs and
hamburgers are extremely popular at picnics. But they are not compulsory and
caterers will cater to your every whim.
Keep the menu flexible enough to accommodate those with special needs and
preferences. These days you’ll find many meat eaters and vegans, not to mention
devotees of Atkins, South Beach, and other diets. Muslims and Jews may not wish to
eat pork.
So having at least one non-pork and non-meat option is an excellent idea. If your
picnic has a theme, your menu can reflect that.
Decide whether you want to permit alcoholic beverages. If so, make sure there is a
way to ensure that anyone who drinks a bit too much makes it home safely.
Have age appropriate activities and games
Some venues such as picnic parks make it a point to supply many activities.
Nonetheless, you may want to supplement them. Entertainers such as DJs, caricature
artists, Tarot card readers, magicians, face painters, clowns are some popular
additions.
Door prizes are a cherished company picnic idea at many firms. Door prizes work
both as employee appreciation and an incentive for the employees to linger.
Examples of some prizes I've seen include certificate good for a dinner for two at a
local restaurant, gift certificate at a local department store, a day off with pay, even
a free vacation complete with round trip airline tickets.
These are some company picnic ideas and planning tips to get you started.
But the most important tip is the one I save for last.
After you've worked so hard to organize and plan your event, be sure to go and
enjoy the festivities yourself!

About the Author
Ellen M. Zucker has used her skills as a caricature artist and astrologer to entertain at company picnics for over 10 years. Her company, Faces & Fortunes, http://www.facesandfortunes.com, provides caricature artists and psychic readers to entertain at parties and special events throughout Greater Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Zucker

Unique Summer Picnic Ideas

Summer picnic game ideas are the perfect way to keep those little hands and feet busy this summer. Rather than just packing the usual fried chicken, potato salad, blanket, and Frisbee, why not spruce up your summer picnics with these fun game ideas.

We have all kinds of fun games and activities for summer picnics-

Water Games- Like the water slide, slip and slide- or even the classic dunk tank which has been a fun picnic standby for decades.

Bounce House- For the Kids, a bounce house is a great way to get some energy out and have a good time!

Entertainers- Picnics are a great place to offer everything from clowns, to magicians, balloon artists, caricature artists and more.

Carnival Games and Rides- There is no end to the selection of carnival offerings which will spruce up your summer picnic. A simple game of ring toss with carnival prizes can do a lot. Or a ferriw wheel can offer your guests a memorable ride!

Inflatable Games - From inflatable slides, to joust games, bungee runs, and even some of the hottest, newest interactive inflatables on the market! The inflatable industry is always growing, and these games are most often found out there at summer picnics

Summer Picnic Game Ideas can make the most typical picnic into a memorable event- for more information contact our office today!

Food

No summer picnic is complete without a basket full of food. Instead of throwing in the usual picnic staples, you can turn preparing and eating picnic foods into a game. Kida love finger foods. Your local library most likely has a huge selection of cookbooks for kid-friendly meals.

These recipes can include rose petal radishes, fruit on a stick, and animal shaped macaroni salad. The ever-popular dirt and worms sundae with crumbled chocolate cookies for dirt and gummy worms for toppings is always a hit. Let the little ones help prepare the food to add to the fun. They will be willing to try new foods when they have helped shape them into miniature animals and fun designs.

Another great way to turn food into a game is to prepare food that correlates with a special story about your family or a beloved fairy tale. You can also include a blindfold and some interesting foods for kids to feel while blindfolded. Another fun game is to let kids feed each other while blindfolded. Since everyone is eating outside, a quick shake of the blanket is all that is required for clean up.

Educational Activities

Keeping little minds engaged in educational activities over the summer can be a real challenge. Packing a picnic full of learning games is a terrific way to stimulate learning.
Even a simple picnic game like finding pictures in clouds can be an educational experience with a little planning. While kids look for pictures in the clouds, you can provide a mini lesson on weather, clouds, and the water cycle.

Bird watching is a natural picnic event. Bring along a bird identification book and a few pairs of binoculars and create a contest to see who can identify the most species of birds. For younger children, the game can be adapted to see who can find the highest number of blue, black, or red birds.

Bug collecting is favorite picnic activity for many children. Bring along a magnifying glass and a few books about insects to create a learning environment for your little explorers.
Incorporating math into the everyday lives of your little ones takes ingenuity.

One way to include math in your summer picnic is to place a price tag on each food item in the picnic basket. Bring along some play money and let little ones purchase foods they want to eat during the picnic. Older children can play cashier and count back change for each guest at the picnic.

Unique summer picnic game ideas keep your little ones engaged and happy during the lazy days of summer. Incorporating fun and educational activities into your summer picnic makes summer outings enjoyable for every member of the family.

source : http://clownsunlimited.com

Make.up Tips for Summer!

Picnic Food Ideas for Summer Outings

Are you looking for new picnic food ideas for your summer outing? Picnic foods need to be tasty, portable, and resistant to spoiling, and finding recipes that meet these requirements is challenging.

Finger foods are always a good choice for your picnic menu, but may not provide enough variety for more mature tastes. To keep you picnic food ideas fresh and healthy, try out a few of these picnic food ideas for your next summer outing.

Picnic Food Ideas

*Try packing fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole chesses for a fresher picnic menu. You can tuck a small cutting board and a sharp knife to prepare your foods on the spot.
*Avoid packing any picnic foods that contain mayonnaise, eggs, or dairy products to avoid the risk of food poisoning. Meats and fish should also be used with caution. If you include meat on your picnic menu, be sure to keep it cool and out of the sun.
*Instead of coleslaw, try shredded broccoli with carrots and a light salad dressing.
*Mixed nuts make great alternative picnic finger foods.
*Salsa and tortilla chips are safer, and healthier, than dairy-based dips.
*A few alternatives to the traditional sliced bread sandwich are wraps, bread pouches, croissants, bagels, and crackers. You can stuff these sliced bread alternatives with your favorite veggies or sandwich ingredients.
*Summer fruits and vegetables are great picnic items. Zucchini, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, peaches, pears, and grapes are perfect for picnic totes.
*For a lighter picnic menu, replace that traditional fried chicken with cold chicken strips tossed in Italian dressing or your favorite barbeque sauce. You can serve the chicken on bread, pita wraps, or over cold pasta.
*Picnic beverages should be refreshing if you plan to spend time in the sun. Be sure to check if alcoholic beverages are prohibited near your chosen picnic destination before packing a bottle of wine or your favorite beer. Always include bottled water for extra hydration during your outdoor activities.
*For a little added twist, include fresh lemon slices, lime wedges, and peppermint sprigs to flavor your iced tea or water.
* Picnic food ideas for a romantic picnic could include finger foods, like whole strawberries, cheese chunks, and sliced French bread. Avoid recipes that call for broccoli, beans, garlic, or onions to reduce unpleasant odors during your romantic picnic. Include your sweetheart’s favorite foods and don’t forget to pack something sweet for dessert.
*For a picnic with kids, pack individual ingredients and allow kids to prepare their own picnic creations. Sandwich ingredients, mix-your-own fruit and veggie salads, individual cold pizzas, and decorated deserts are always a hit with kids.

Creating your own picnic food ideas allows you to incorporate your favorite foods into your picnic menu. Picnic food ideas should be fun, tasty, and easy to transport without spoiling.

Be sure to pack a few plastic bags to cart home the leftovers, and pack a few extra crackers to feed the ducks, birds, and squirrels that are may invite themselves to your picnic.

source : http://clownsunlimited.com

Cathy Riva Summer Tips on Tyra Banks Show

Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

part 2

7. Sponge Painted Eggs
Cut a sponge into small pieces. Pour some acrylic paint into a shallow dish or onto wax paper.
Clip the sponge pieces onto clothes pins, one for each color of paint. Dip the sponge into the paint and dab the egg with it. Start with your darker colors first for the best effect.Put the egg in an egg cup to dry.
Do NOT eat eggs that have been painted!

8. Waxing Easter Eggs
Drip wax from a lit taper candle onto the egg.After the wax is set, drop the egg into food coloring dye.
Remove from dye and pat dry. You can scrape the wax off and dip into another dye, or leave the wax on if you wish.

9. Painted Eggs
Use undiluted food coloring and a cotton swab to paint on hard boiled eggs. Let the eggs sit in egg cups until dry. You can also use acrylic paints in place of food coloring.
Do NOT eat eggs that have been painted!

10. Face Eggs
Use craft supplies such as yarn, ribbon and fabric scraps to create the members of your family. Attach with craft glue. Add facial features using permanent markers for the mouth, nose and eyes. Then cut a paper towel tube into different heights for Mom, Dad, sister etc. Decorate the tube with construction paper for clothing. Place the painted egg onto the holder. You can also add the individual's name to the tube. These make an entertaining name card for the Easter table.

11. Easter Bunny Eggs
Use food coloring dye or natural dyes to dye eggs in solid colors. Dry with paper towel. For each bunny egg, cut two oval shaped ears from colored paper. Glue the ears to the top of the egg. Add plastic "google" eyes. Use markers to add a small triangle for a nose and some whiskers. Glue on a cotton ball for a tail.

source : www.amazingmoms.com

Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

part 1
Preparing your Easter eggs for dyeing...
Before decorating your eggs, you need to hard-boil them.
Place the eggs in a large saucepan. Add cold water; enough to
completely cover the eggs. Place on medium-high heat and bring
water to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer eggs for 9 minutes.
Remove from heat and fill with cold water. The eggs must be completely cool and dry, to decorate successfully.

A Dozen ways to decorate your Easter Eggs

1. Make your own food color dye.
Combine 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon of food coloring with 2 tsp. vinegar in a
cup that is deep enough for the eggs. Add water to about the half way point. Gently place the eggs into the cups. I use a soup spoon to place my eggs in the cups, to avoid cracking. The longer they are left in the dye, the darker the color shade. Experiment with different combinations of colors When you remove the egg from the dye, pat dry with a paper towel and place in a holder.

2. Crayon Resist Easter Eggs
Color on the Easter eggs before placing in the dye.
Simple Dots, lines shapes swirls...The wax will resist the dye and your picture will show through. If you are dying Easter eggs with little ones and do not want to use dye...The children can simply color the eggs with crayons and leave it at that.

3. Rubber Band Designs
Wrap elastic bands around hard cooked eggs, then drop them in food-coloring dye. Remove eggs, pat dry with paper towel and remove rubber bands. The parts of the egg covered with rubber bands will not be colored. Once the rubber bands are removed, you can drop the egg into a different color dye.

4. Marbled Eggs
In a mug or jar large enough to contain one egg, place 1 Tablespoon of oil, 1 Tablespoon of vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of food coloring. Add enough water to cover egg, stir quickly with a spoon and drop in hard boiled egg. Pull egg out quickly and pat dry with paper towel.

5. Collage Easter Eggs
Adorn your eggs with miscellaneous craft supplies; using white or craft glue to attach the materials. Items to try: sequins, buttons, glitter, or beads. stickers or even color with markers. Get wild!

6. Natural Easter Egg Dye
Try using natural dyes. Combine the dye source with 1/2 Tablespoon of vinegar with some cold water in a saucepan. Add raw eggs (make sure there's enough water to cover the eggs) and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the darker the color will be, but simmer at least 8 minutes so that the eggs cook thoroughly.
Another Natural Method...
This will create a beautiful marbled effect. Wrap the uncooked eggs in onion skins both white an purple, spinach, or fresh saffron. Use white string to secure the wrap and then place the eggs in the foot of an old nylon stocking and tie a knot. Then gently boil the whole shebang, using the cooking time above...don't forget the vinegar. Leave the eggs in the wrap for awhile. When you unwrap them they will all look different.

source : http://www.amazingmoms.com

Easter Celebration

Easter is a grand festival of Christians and is celebrated to honor the resurrection of Lord Jesus, the son of mother Mary. It is a festivity of happiness and joy, as it was in the Easter springtime when people had witnessed Jesus' return to life. Thus, it becomes all the more obvious to have a bumper Easter celebration. It is interesting to learn as to how is Easter celebrated all over. Read further to gather information about celebrating Easter festival…

Here are some ideas regarding Easter celebration: -

* To commemorate this special festival Easter, candles are lit.
* In the morning time, men and women dressed up in their special Easter outfits go to the church and offer prayers.
* Houses are decorated with beautiful lilies.
* Easter bunnies make a place for themselves in splendid Easter baskets.
* Special dishes are prepared in the honor of Lord Jesus. Easter lamb occupies a commanding position on the dining table.
* At certain places, carnivals take place, where parades form the major attraction. In these parades, people wearing special costumes can be spotted. Mardi Gras parade held in North America is famous.
* As a part of Easter customs, Easter egg painting competitions are held. Beautifully ornamented Easter eggs are stocked in the gift galleries. Also Easter eggs sail smoothly in the yummy Easter menu. Easter egg hunt is the favorite kids' fun time activity.
* There is a trend of having bonfire arrangement on the Easter eve in Europe.
* As a part of special Easter Sunday feast, people eat hot cross buns and kids enjoy their jellybeans.

source : www.indobase.com

How to Observe Lent

The old Teutonic word "lent" meant simply the spring season. Since Anglo-Saxon times, though, it's been used to denote the 40-day period of fasting and purification leading up to Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.

Step1
Decorate your church and/or home in purple, symbolizing both suffering and death, but also royalty and thus hope for the resurrection.
Step2
Spend the Lent season in prayer, reflection and repentance. Lent is a time for soul-searching, facing great challenges and overcoming mistakes.
Step3
Follow the tradition of Lent by fasting, done in honor of Christ's own 40-day fast in the desert. You can do this in whatever way seems appropriate to you - its intensity has varied from total abstinence to refraining from eating meat. Note that some churches focus less on fasting and encourage charitable deeds. For example, visit elderly people, baby-sit for young mothers or visit prisoners.
Step4
Give up something you love for the 40-day period, symbolizing the Lenten season's return to simplicity and purity. It doesn't matter what you give up - cigarettes, chocolate, television, surfing the Internet - as long as the meaning of its absence holds significant value to you.
Step5
Banish the gloom of winter and make room for Easter and the new life of spring. While this season might be tinged with solemnity, it should also be a time of looking forward to renewal and triumph.

http://www.ehow.com/how_12835_observe-lent.html

Tips and Ideas for the Lent

Lent Points to Easter
It seems almost easy to "do" the season of Lent in our homes. We give up some things we like and resolve to do some things we usually avoid; we may avoid meat on Fridays in Lent. Without some thought, though, it's easy to let Lent stop there. To create an atmosphere that shows to our children the meaning of Lent, we need to keep in mind that Lent always points to Easter.
Lent isn't an end in itself; its purpose is to make way in our hearts and our lives for the great events of Holy Week and Easter, and the full 50 days of Easter celebration afterward. This is a great story arc that begins with Ash Wednesday, peaks with the events upon which our faith rests - Jesus's passion, death, and resurrection - and eventually comes to rest at Pentecost.
In addition to the typical Lenten activities, which young children will probably not understand fully, enrich your family life during Lent in other ways. Choose activities, stories, and play that highlight things coming to life, or the spareness and simplicity of the season, or themes of Easter to come.
A twig's green wood underneath a scraped-away outer layer. Budding and blooming plants. A simplified home decor. Quiet evenings enjoying each others' company without the television. Delicious, simple meals of good soup and bread.
Finally, begin to look ahead, in your storytelling, playtime, books, and more, to the great stories of Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter.

Creativity
Set out art supplies. Tell a shepherd-oriented Bible story very simply or read the Good Shepherd story (Psalm 23 & John 10) from a book such as Tomie dePaola's Parables of Jesus.
Suggest that your children use any of the art materials to make something about the story on the paper or with clay or whatever the supplies are. Enjoy what they create.
Outdoors
Cut a twig or two from a spring-blooming shrub that is starting to show buds. Put it in a vase of water indoors so it will bloom early.
Play
Create or adapt a play set of a shepherd, some sheep, and a sheepfold. Tell, and then act out the Good Shepherd parable (Psalm 23 & John 10). Leave the play set available for this. After a few weeks, add a sheep that is the lost sheep of the parable.

source : www.faith-at-home.com

How to Observe Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is the sixth and final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week, the most solemn period in the Christian church.

Step1
Go to church. Even if you're not religious in a formal way, the Palm Sunday service ' particularly the Catholic Mass ' is worth seeing.
Step2
Listen as the celebrant of the Mass says five prayers asking God to bless the palm branches; he then sprinkles them with holy water, infuses them with incense and, after another prayer, distributes them to the congregation as the choir sings "Pueri Hebraeorum." Clergy and congregation form a procession and, carrying the blessed palms, march out of the church.
Step3
While everyone else waits outside, two or four chanters enter the church and sing the hymn "Gloria, laus," which those outside repeat.
Step4
At the end of the hymn, the subdeacon knocks at the church door with the staff of the cross, the door is opened and everyone enters singing "Ingrediente Domino."
Step5
Stay for the subsequent Mass, the highlight being the singing of the Passion according to St. Matthew, during which everyone holds their palm branches.
Step6
Keep in mind that, traditionally, the faithful took their blessed palms home and used them as protective charms in the house, barn or fields.

source : http://www.ehow.com/how_12836_observe-palm-sunday.html

Tips For Successful Pranks

It takes wit, humor, skills, understanding of human reactions and practice to be a master prankster and a practical joker. Here are some tips that will help you to fool and hoax people successfully on April Fool's Day and see their flushed faces as their reactions change from being shocked or stunned to being embarrassed and then to a roaring laughter or a funny smile.
* Improvisations help enhance a prank by various degrees. Using ketchup or tomato sauce as blood can even be enhanced a little more if you use thick tomato gravy to make blood clots at a place or two. Give life to a plastic lizard by tying it with an invisible string and make it jump on the victim suddenly. You can also place a plastic bug inside some dish and if the restaurant manager is the victim, you can brawl and complain as much as you like. Improvise on the gluing the penny to the floor by cutting the penny in half using cutco scissors and keep the other half. Just see how many people try to pick even this half penny up.
* Distractions of the victim help a lot while you are working on your pranks. While the person is busy with something, make someone who is masked ring the bell and attack the victim with the artificial knife whose blade pushes inside as soon as it touches something. Don't try this on a person with a weak heart. Ask a friend to give a ring to the victim's telephone and engage him an exciting and interesting conversation. * Arrange a plastic skeleton at his side facing him and watch him being shocked from the sudden appearance of the ghost.
* Be accompanied by your friends and disciples to assist you. Not only they are of great help as the one to distract, they can also be of help and at least call the police, if something goes awry and you need to escape of even face the butt ends of your pranks.
* A master is always known by its resourcefulness and readiness. Be always ready to play a prank and catch your friends. The pen that gives you a slight shock as soon as one removes the cap can always be kept in your breast pocket. Fake rubber or funny-tasting candies can be casually distributed to any number of people you like while the onion juice in a fancy small perfume bottle can easily fit into your pocket. A small ketchup pouch can help you produce the effect of the spilled blood wherever and whenever you like and pushback artificial knife can shock anyone at anytime.
* The right prank for the right person is the trick of the trade. A fake car scratch or broken glass tattoo is good for people who love their cars. Place a transparent plastic sheet on one's favorite carpet or book and drop gravy or ink on it. Foods that look delicious and taste funny are meant for those who can't themselves from tasting just a bit of everything that looks good and edible.
* No one can become a master without a real interest at perfection. So, if you really want to become a master prankster, leave no way of escape for your victim. You may even want to watch Home Alone Part 1 for the idea of what I am talking about. Place a number of pranks at a number of places for the victim, so that once targeted by you, they cannot escape. Placing the tube of shaving cream with the toothbrush of the sleepy friend can be put in combo with a face soap that makes you dirty in the soap box the towel that is clean outside but has powdered color inside.
* Good planning and careful study of the victim's schedule and mode of behavior always help in deploying successful pranks. You may need to lay a trap for the victim days in advance so that he/she won't suspect a thing on the intended day. One good prank is to carefully note the time when the victim normally uses his bathroom first time in the morning. Then place a transparent plastic sheet over his/her toilet tile a little before that or after the victim finally falls asleep in the night. Let down the toilet seat. Don't forget to capture a photograph of their expression when they come out.
* Learn to control the excitement to get a hand at your victim to avoid blowing the cover of your state-of-the-art prank that you have placed for them. Try not to rush them or force them to do a thing or try something just because you are eager to see the result for if they smell the rat, all your efforts will get wasted.
* Two or more jokes combined together heighten the effect. Much-awaited letter delivered to the victim's home early in the morning by their beloved fetching an appointment, fake snakes and plastic spiders in their cereal box and wallet/purse, credit and debit cards replaced by thick plastic sheet board of the same size, keys replaced with another set that looks same but cannot open the locks, onion juice in the perfume bottle and soap water in the milk bottle early in the morning are just the perfect ways to start pranking on the April Fool's Day.
* Use your skills of acting and learn to keep a straight face while you pull off pranks. You have to make people believe in you to be a master. If you are entering the classroom with a fake black eye wound and a cast on, be sure to limp a little and groan from time to time.

Source : www.thefoolsday.com

How to Prank Your Kids on April Fool's Day

By Bob Strauss, eHow.com

As you may have learned from watching that new Nickelodeon show, “Hi-Jinks,” it’s all the rage these days for parents to prank their own kids—and what better occasion than April Fool’s Day to display your own practical joking skills? Here are some ways to “gotcha!” your little devils before they have a chance to do the same to you.

Step 1 Wake ‘em up early. For years, your kids have been creeping into your room at 6 a.m. and screaming you out of bed with a loud “Mommmm! Daaaaaad!” Set your alarm for 5:30, sneak into your son’s room, and get some payback with a loud “Timmmmy!” After you scrape your kid off the ceiling, the three of you can have a good, hearty laugh.
Step 2 Serve something really gross for breakfast. If your kids are accustomed to corn flakes and buttered toast in the AM, throw ‘em a curve and prepare some fried octopus tentacles or escargots a flambe (that’s French for “flaming snails” for those of you who don’t have a continental bent). Don’t give up on this prank quickly—extra points if you can get your son or daughter to actually choke down what you've made.
Step 3 Hide all their stuff. While your kids are sleeping, sneak into their rooms, remove all their toys and stuff the booty into a hall closet. When they come downstairs for breakfast, calmly tell them that you've decided to teach them a lesson about charity and globalization by donating all their belongings to a third-world aid organization. Won’t it be fun to watch their heads explode!
Step 4 Declare “opera and ballet” day. For as long as you can keep it up, communicate with your kids only via song and interpretive dance and insist that they do the same. At first, they’ll stare at you like you’re nuts, but remember that kids are naturally mimics and will quickly follow your lead. Later that afternoon, when your son sings “Dad, can I watch 15 minutes of Pokemon before I do my homework?” stare at him like he’s nuts.

Traditions and Customs on April Fool's Day

On 'All Fools' Day' or 'April Fools' Day', people play practical jokes and pranks on each other, crack jokes on the expense of victims and gift each other gag gifts and then when the victims are taken in by surprise, all the witnesses shout 'April Fool' at once. The innocent pranks such as prompting somebody that their shoelaces are undone or that they have something on their faces are quite common. Children love to use the opportunity to prank their classmates and even their schoolteachers.

At some places, one is only allowed to play jokes until 12 noon for the jokes played after that time are supposed to bring bad luck to the perpetrator. Similarly, the victim is advised to endure the tricks with a smile on their face, exhibiting tolerance or amusement or they may suffer bad luck, It is said that those fooled by a pretty girl can expect marriage or at least friendship with her. Men are advised not to marry on this day or their wives will rule them forever. Children born on 1st of April are considered lucky generally, except in gambling where they will fare badly.

At some places, afternoon on 1st of April is called as 'Leggin'-down-day' and the people try to trip up any unsuspecting victim. Brish media, normally considered serious and sober, give in to the excitement and tomfoolery of the day and consider hoaxes on this day as a fair game. Read BBC hoaxes to know more about them. With Internet to assist them, playing pranks had become a lot easier, fun and far reaching. April Fool's Day is one of the funniest and most popular pastimes of the day.

source : www.thefoolsday.com

How to Organize a Housewarming Party

By : mommierose of ehow.com

Step 1 Start by unpacking your belongings. Don't even think of hosting a housewarming party until you are settled into your house or apartment.
Step 2 Make a list of people you would like to invite to your party and send out invitations. Mailing invitations will increase the chances of guests coming to your party, as opposed to calling or emailing them. Make out invitations and mail them 4 to 6 weeks before your party. Include your phone number to RSVP.
Step 3 Either on the invitation itself or when guests call to RSVP, explain that in lieu of gifts you would prefer they bring a dish to pass, snacks, or alcohol, depending on what kind of party you are planning on hosting. Saving yourself the time it would take to get the food ready, for example, will be worth a lot more to you than another nick-knack.
Step 4 Be sure to keep a list of who is coming and what they are bringing. If you would prefer your guests bring alcohol, be sure to have snacks available. If guests are bringing food, be sure to have drinks available.
Step 5 Two weeks before the party, make sure you have all the supplies you will need on hand to make the party a success. Make sure your guests are as comfortable as possible in your new place.
Step 6 Try to keep your house as clean as possible from the time you mail out the invitations until the day of the party. This will save you the stress of cleaning at the last minute. Then you have time on the day of the party to be sure all the details are in place- light some candles for ambiance and clean up any random clutter that has accumulated.
Step 7 Greet each guest as he or she arrives. Then sit back and enjoy your party!

Summer Travel Tips for Affordable Family Vacations

Planning Tips For An Amazing Trip

Heading off on a big adventure, but not sure what's involved. These trip planning tips will help you get a handle on the things you need to consider.

1. Organise your documents
Make sure you have an up to date passport, that will be up to date for the duration of your trip. Check visa requirements for the country you are travelling to. Some countries require that you arrange a visa before you leave home, while others will grant a tourist visa when you land! Make sure you have a suitable travel insurance organised.

2. Book flights and accomodation
One of the fun parts about travelling is the booking of your flights and/or accomodation. Make sure you shop around at different travel agents, because prices can vary widely. Check that the prices quoted include all taxes and surcharges.

3. Get any vaccinations you might need
Make an appointment with your doctor to check what vaccinations you need or any medicine you should take with you. Common ones to look out for are Typhoid, Malaria and Hepatitis.. not the kind of things you want as souvenirs!

4. Look after the home front
Unfortunately, while you're away, there are often still things that need to be looked after back home. Make sure you have arrangements in place for someone to look after your bills, plants and mail. If you are going to be leaving a house empty, consider finding someone to house-sit for you while you're away.

5. Organise things to do
Make a list of things that you plan to do while away. Do some research on the internet about your holiday destination. There may be special events on that you can only attend if you book in advance. Planning what you're going to see will make it a lot easier to relax when you're on holidays!

6. Make a packing list
Start making a packing list a few weeks in advance. As the weeks go by, you will undoubtedly think of many more things to add. Write them down as you go, then pack everything on your list in the last day or two.

7. Look after your finances
Find out what currency you will need and figure out the best way for you to deal with it. Credit cards can be convenient, but also unsafe in a lot of areas. Travellers cheques are a good safe alternative.

8. Stay in touch
Take an address book with you, with all the important contacts in it. Check on any foreign phone codes and write them in your address book. Before you start your trip, make sure you let people know that you will be away and how they can contact you while you're away.

Source : http://www.travellerspoint.com

Top 5 Tips - Holiday Air Travel

Tips to Help You Pack for a Trip

1. Security and Keeping Details Safe - Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account. You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen. This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.

2. Split up your valuables - Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).

3. Nalgene/Small Bottles - Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable. You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage.

4. Backpack Tips - When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.

5. Plastic Bags - It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.

6. Pack in Plastic - Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are travelling in nature!

7. Clothes - Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road.

8. Split up clothes when travelling with others - When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.

9. Separate Beach Bag - When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!

10. Suitcase lovers - For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.

11. Gifts - While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened.

12. Flashlights or Torches - When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.

13. Diaper Bag - If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not travelling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

14. Shoes - If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).

15. Carry-On - Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers , packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.

16. Roll Technique - Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

17. Travelling to warm destinations? - If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.

18. Local Tourism Offices -The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!

19. Minimize on toiletries - Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.

Source : http://www.travellerspoint.com

Top 5 Ways To Save On Air Travel

Tips on Saving on Airfare When Traveling

If you have a trip planned, airfare can take up a large part of your budget. With airlines increasing their rates on flights, it’s even more important to look for ways to save when you’re traveling.

1. Shop Around for Cheap Flights - One of the first things you can do is shop around for your airline ticket, especially if you’re used to flying with one airline. Check out the prices of each air line to get the best rates. The more you shop around for a flight price, the better your chances at getting a good rate.

2. Be Flexible On Trip Dates - When you’re looking online, many websites now let you search within one or two days before and after your desired departure and return dates. You may be able to get a cheaper flight that arrives one day sooner and returns one day later than you originally planned. Look at flights that depart and return on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Saturdays since these are the least traveled dates. If you find a lower airfare by adjusting your departure dates, make sure the discount won’t be negated by the cost of staying in a hotel an extra night or two.

3. Fly Into a Nearby Airport - You can also save money by flying into a nearby airport. Many airlines and online travel agencies now allow you to search for flights at airports within a certain range of your destination. For example, if you were planning to visit Cincinnati you could fly into the Dayton, OH airport which is only 60 miles away.

4. Book Your Flight Early - Make your flight reservations early, especially for major events, like the holidays. The closer you get to the event or holiday, the higher your airplane ticket will be.

5. Make Online Reservations - Buy your ticket online. Many airlines and travel agents charge you a booking fee for booking your flight over the phone. Not only that, many flight specials are only available if you purchase them online. Be careful and only purchase flights from trusted website to avoid a scam.

6. Fly First Class - If you look hard enough, you may be able to find a first class or business fare that’s cheaper than coach. As the flight’s departure date nears, airlines sometimes mark down un-purchased first and business class seats to attract buyers. From the airline’s perspective, selling a cheaper first class seat is better than letting the seat go empty or “giving” it away to someone using frequent flier miles. When you search for flights, include first class seats in your search and compare the two. If you’re flying on business and your company’s policy disallows first class bookings, ask your manager or travel department if an exception can be made when the first class fare is cheaper.

7. Book at the Last Minute - Though it’s often wiser to book your flight in advance to get the lower rate, sometimes those last minute flights give you the best deal. As departure dates approach and seats are still available on a flight, the airline marks down rates dramatically to sell more tickets. You often get a good deal on certain flights if you book them on the Tuesday – Friday before they depart.

You can get a good rate on airfare by looking around and being flexible about your flight location and dates.

Source : http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com

Prom Checklist

To be more in control of your prom preparation, Have this checklist on hand.

* Dress - Order early. The dress may take up to 8 weeks to arrive.

* Alteration - Dress fits are rarely perfect. Take it to an alterationist if necessary.

* Accessories - The following are your basic accessories. Shoes make them comfortable, Hose Obviously, Bra For the open back/strapless dress, Gloves Not really necessary, Purse For your purse kit, Jewelry According to taste

* Purse Kit - Do not go without a purse, build your purse kit.

* Appointments - Did you make them all? Here's the typical ones. Hair Do it professionally / Manicure It helps / Pedicure Open-toe shoes? / Waxing I would, you should / Tanning Totally optional / Facial Also optional

* Your Date - Make sure he's got all the following together. Tux Order it at leat 4 weeks ahead / Corsage Order at least 2 weeks ahead / Plans All thing's he's taking care of

* Transportation - Limo or whatever.

* Tickets - You've got them, right?

* Pre-Prom - All your plans are finalized?

* Post-Prom - All these plans also finalized?

* Parents - Talk to parents, relax them.

* Friends - talk over all plans, including partying & driving, with friends.

* Date - Talk to him so knows what to expect from you and/or your parents.

Source : http://www.promdress.net

Summer Vacation Plans

Now is the ideal time to start thinking about your summer vacation.

1. Compare Prices - Check out the best price offer by the different travel agencies for there vacation packages

2. Getting there - The good news is that discount airlines are expanding their destinations and routes.

3. Get a discount on vacation rentals - You may want to consider a vacation rental if you're staying more than two or three days. In a vacation rental, you can get an entire house. And the discounts may even be better.
You may be able to barter your talents for a discount too. For example, if you're a photographer or a writer, you might offer to take photos or write a description of the vacation rental. If you tell the rental owner that you'll provide referrals to your friends, he/she may also give you a discount.

4. Do your hotel homework - This summer, you'll want to make sure you do your homework. Check out different hotel promo offers. You'll be able to find special deals, read about other people's experiences and check out what the hotel has to offer, like its proximity to shopping or transportation.
You can also go to www.travel.yahoo.com and click on your destination city and read reviews from other customers. Another good web site here is www.travelpost.com. And if you just want to read up on the best and worst hotels, referred to as "hotel heaven" and "hotel hell," check out www.hotelchatter.com.

5. Take to the seas - Today cruise discounters, cruise-only booking sites, booking sites and last-minute web sites are all fighting for your cruising budget. And since cruise lines are all about loyalty and customer service, you'll probably have more leverage if you're dissatisfied.

Affordable Vacation Trips

Traveling to any vacation spot can be very expensive, but here are some ways to help you save some cash when going.

* Don't go during peak season. - Try to plan your trip where your days do not fall on peak season. An example of peak season would be around Christmas time.
* Stay at a value resort. - There are resort that offer a value rates for an off peak season.
* Restaurants. - Check out some of the restaurant's menus before you leave to go on vacation. That way you will know what is going to be in your price range.
* Bring snacks with you. - Buy some waters and snacks that you can bring with you instead of buying them in the parks/ resort.
* Use the bus systems. - For local transfor use the local bus system so it will be easier for you to go around.

How to Select a Graduation Gift

By: eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Research has proven that most graduates have big-ticket gifts in mind, but it's best to stick with what you can afford while providing a thoughtful or practical gift the graduate can use and enjoy.

Step1 Choose one of the top five gifts requested by graduates, if you can afford it: a car, money, a vacation (preferably to Europe), a computer or new clothes (especially professional wardrobe items for graduates entering the business world or starting the job-hunting process).
Step2 Buy a book. Choose something pertaining to the graduate's field of study, or something fun to read now that school is over.
Step3 Consider a gift basket filled with gourmet food items. For a college-bound high school graduate, fill a basket with college necessities such as notebooks, textbook highlighters, stationery, stamps, a prepaid phone card, etc.
Step4 Make a photo album filled with the graduate's memories. Include photos, his or her graduation announcement and program, and clippings and memorabilia from high school or college years.
Step5 Give jewelry. An elegant pair of earrings for a young woman, or a watch or gold tie tack for a young man, make lovely gifts.
Step6 Give a gift certificate to a music, clothing or book store if you're not sure what to buy. Gift certificates are always welcome gifts and ensure that the graduate can pick something he or she really wants.

Paying Tribute to Your Graduate

Honoring your graduate is the most important component of the graduation party.
If you have been very organized over the years, you probably have all of your photo albums up to date. But if you’re like us, family photos are in boxes and piles all over the house. Now is the time to start organizing your pictures.
Our personal opinion, don’t over do it. Pick and choose what really represents your graduate. Whether it’s academic achievements, sports or music, display their photos, trophies, awards and clippings from the paper in an exciting way.
Some people do one big “shrine” while others spread things around. Either way, it’s nice for people to see all of the things that your graduate has accomplished.
Don’t limit the pictures to just your son or daughter. Include photos of the graduate with their friends, extended family and “teams”. Your guests will get a kick out of seeing themselves throughout the years.

Scrapbooks
People love looking at photo albums, especially the new custom creative scrapbook type. It’s worth the effort to pull together photos of your graduate and their friends, teams and special memorabilia. Assemble a few select photos per event and design a page that identifies who is in the photos, the occasion and any other special information. An album makes a great gift for your graduate after the party. Or, have your son or daughter put together the book they want.
Don’t forget to leave room in your album for your graduation pictures.

Poster Boards
Some people put photos and news clippings on poster boards. Dress it up with their name, stars, stickers and cut out decorations. Your guests will love to see themselves and their names on the board with your graduate.

Posters
Hang up some poster-size pictures of your graduate and his or her friends and classmates.
These are especially fun if you're having a joint graduation party with 2 or 3 graduates.

Photo Books and Memory Books

Photo Books: Can't scrapbook or don't have the time? Consider making a Photo Book instead.
Memory Books: Use these to record special school events and activities. Some also have pages for certificates and photos.

Movie or Photo DVD
You may want to create a movie or photo DVD. A continuously playing “video biography” of your son or daughter from birth through high school set to music is an excellent way to share the memories at a graduation party. Most people have these playing in the background. They're fun to watch and are often a great source of conversation.
You and your graduate can create one together, using your own VCR or DVD burner; or, if you choose, professional services are available. Enlist your graduate’s help in selecting photos and music. Movies make a great keepsake and special gift for your child.


Source : http://www.graduationparty.com

Planning the Menu For a Graduation Party

( part 2 )
Tasty Desserts
* Custom cakes: Have you seen the new photocake? How about a custom cake made in the shape of a basketball or tennis shoe? Order one custom cake to display and a second cake to cut and serve.
* The fun is candy bars with personalized wrappers to give out to your guests.
* Smores at a fire pit. Provide several baskets full of marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers. Have plenty of roasting sticks on hand.
* Ice cream sundae bar: serve ice cream with different toppings, fruit, cookies, and coffee. Its easy, fun and guests will love it.
* Frozen treats from your favorite ice cream specialty store, packed on dry ice. You can rent an ice cream cart for the day.
* Trays of your graduate’s favorite bars, cookies and candy. Or, use a cookie cutter shaped like a graduation mortarboard. If you have family members who like to bake, ask them to help.
* Fortune cookies
* Custom made chocolates: Order gold foil-wrapped coins with your graduate’s name on one side and the year on the other.
* Root beer floats were a huge hit at our friend’s party. She offers this time saving tip: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into plastic cups and freeze them overnight. Then at the party all you have to do is add root beer and a straw. You can buy a keg of root beer from the liquor store.
* Cheesecakes in a variety of flavors served with different toppings. For example: hot fudge, strawberries, blueberries.
* Buy lots of suckers in your school colors.

Graduation Party Beverages

The most popular beverage at graduation parties is bottled water. Stock up when water is on sale. You can use it all summer if you have leftovers.

Provide your guests with a variety of beverages to choose from. Here are a few suggestions:
* A summer tradition of big pitchers of iced tea, lemonade are refreshing.
* If you want to serve soda, most people we interviewed suggest liters instead of cans. It goes a little further, and you don’t have half drunk cans all over your house.
* Slushy MachineAlways provide water for your guests who don’t like carbonated beverages. Bottled water is very popular with high school seniors.
* Punch bowls are fun. Make an ice ring using one of the punch ingredients so that as it melts it will not dilute the punch. A bundt pan works well for an ice ring.
* Borrow or rent tubs for ice. You can put the sodas right on ice. If you use coolers, label them so people don’t have to dig around.

Source : http://www.graduationparty.com/graduation-party-menu.htm