Flower Games For Kids

Use games to teach children flower recognition.

Turn an inexpensive bunch of silk flowers and a handful of magazine pictures into a variety of fun, educational games that teach kids recognize and identify different types of flowers.

Flower Bingo

Help kids learn to identify different flower types with this game. Cut out pictures of roses, daisies, geraniums, sunflowers, carnations, lilacs, tulips, crocuses and other flowers from magazines. Easily identifiable flowers like roses and tulips work best for a young child's game. Challenge older children by using pictures of less common flowers, like heliotrope or trillium.

Make several photocopies of each flower picture. Download blank Bingo cards from the DLTK-Kids website. Glue photocopied photos to the cards, ensuring that no two cards have all the same flowers. Glue original flower cutouts to slips of paper. Write the name of the flower on each slip. Fold the paper and store in a plastic sandwich bag. Use buttons or small squares of scrap paper to cover squares during the game.

To play the game, select one child to be the "caller." Ask the other children to pick a Bingo card. The caller picks a slip from the plastic bag and calls out the flower name. If the children cannot immediately identify the flower, the caller can show them the photo on the slip of paper. If a child has the flower on her Bingo card, she covers it with a button or square of scrap paper.

The caller pulls another slip of paper from the bag and gives the name of that flower. Play continues until one child wins the game by covering all spaces on his card.

Daisy, Daisy, Rose

You will need at least eight children to play this game, one silk daisy for each child and one silk rose. Select one person to be the "honeybee." The rest of the players sit in a circle. Each child should be at least 12 inches away from the other kids.

The honeybee walks around the outside of the circle, tossing a daisy in front of each child. When she tosses the rose, that child jumps up and chases her around the circle. The honeybee tries to return to the tagged person's place and sit down without getting caught. If she is not caught, the tagged person becomes the new honeybee.

Kids pick up flowers after each round and give to the new honeybee. Play continues until all children have been the honeybee at least once.

Flower Toss

To play this game you need four different silk flowers and large matching pictures cut from gardening magazines or downloaded from the Internet.

Put pictures on the ground approximately a foot apart. Designate a standing area eight feet away from the closest picture.

Kids take turns throwing each silk flower, trying to make it land on its matching picture. If a child succeeds, he must name the flower. He earns a point for each flower he matches.

After throwing all flowers the child tallies his points and gives the flowers to the next player. Play continues until everyone has thrown flowers. The child with the most points wins the game.

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Cook Island Traditional Dance

Bark skirts are common dance wear in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands lie northeast of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Cook Islanders are related to the Maori of New Zealand and the inhabitants of French Polynesia (commonly referred to as Tahiti). Cook Islands dance traditions are kept alive through festivals, celebrations and performances for tourists. Cook Islanders living abroad in the United States, Australia and New Zealand perform their dances as a form of cultural preservation.

Themes

Dances of the Cook Islands have much in common with other Polynesian dance forms. More widely known dance styles such as the hula from Hawaii and the tamure from Tahiti share similar mythology and dance themes. Cook Island dance performances often include chanting and singing among the dances, which tell stories or serve as spiritual communion with the Polynesian deities.

Women's Choreography

Men and women dance together in performances, though in separate groups. The women's movements feature side-to-side movements of the hips. These movements are controlled by the knees. The hips must be energetic, with large, pronounced moves, but the upper body must stay graceful, with the shoulders remaining still. Some movement in the arms and hands may accompany the dance, but it must be carefully controlled.

Men's Choreography

While the women's silhouette is vertical with movements centered on the hips, men dance closer to the ground, with stronger movements in a distinctive bent-knee pose. The men move their knees in a quick open-and-close fashion. Grass adornments on the lower legs accentuate these moves.

Music

Distinctive drum beats propel the traditional dance music in the Cook Islands. Contact with Europeans introduced string instruments to Polynesians, which they adapted into their music. The ukulele became an iconic instrument of Hawaiian music, and is also found in the Cook Islands. However, when recreating traditional dance performances, Cook Islanders choose the drums for authenticity. Fast and slow rhythms accompany the dancers and their bodies must keep time with the music. Drummers in the Cook Islands are highly trained and skilled artists. Though drums provide the background for the dance competitions on the islands. Competitions solely for drummers can be found as well.

Costume

Traditional dance costumes of the Cook Islands are of natural fabrics and elements, such as shells, bark, grass, leaves, and feathers. Large belts of leaves around the hips increase the illusion of movement, or a long grass skirt hides the movement of the knees. Traditional costumes leave the men's chests and the women's abdomens revealed as a way to celebrate the human form.

Tags: Cook Islands, Cook Islanders, Cook Island, dance performances, traditional dance

Hawaiian Clothes For Men In Weddings

Hawaiian shirts add island ambiance to your wedding.

Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the only U.S. state that is made up entirely of islands. The state is well known as a tropical paradise and a destination for newlyweds looking at tying the knot. If you are a man who is participating in a wedding in Hawaii or one with a Hawaiian theme, consider wearing traditional clothes that add to the aesthetic of your tropical ceremony. Does this Spark an idea?

Aloha Shirts

The groom-to-be can add color to the wedding by wearing a traditional Aloha shirt. The Aloha shirt was first introduced as a dress shirt, worn in Hawaii by businessmen and government officials. In Hawaiian culture, these shirts are considered formal, similar to that of a shirt and tie in the mainland United States. Aloha shirts should be worn untucked with either linen shorts or pants.

Shorts and Pants

If you are getting married in Hawaii, wearing linen or cotton shorts and pants will help you stay cool during the ceremony. Linen pants can be ironed to create a crisp, yet relaxed feel for a tropical wedding. Linen or cotton shorts and pants also go well with almost any color or style of Aloha shirt and match the bride's traditional white colored dress.

Linen Shirts

Linen wedding shirts dress up a wedding ceremony.

Linen shirts are an alternative to an Aloha shirt for men participating in Hawaiian weddings. Choose one in a solid color and with longer sleeves. Linen shirts -- also called wedding shirts -- can be matched with the bride's outfit for the special day. Although typically more expensive than an Aloha shirt, wedding shirts add a style of formality to the ceremony and can be worn with other accessories such as vests or jackets.

Sandals and Flip-Flops

Ensure that the shoes match the man's wedding outfit. Traditional Hawaiian shoes such as sandals or flip-flops complete the relaxed look of the wedding, and allow men to easily remove them if getting married on the beach or in the water.

Leis

Lei is a Hawaiian word for "wreath" and can be used as an accessory in a Hawaiian wedding. It can match with your bride's lei and add simplicity and color to the wedding's style. Consider purchasing or making a ti leaf lei. This lei is made from fresh green ti leaves and is wound together using either an open or closed loop.

Tags: Aloha shirt, wedding shirts, ceremony Linen, color wedding, cotton shorts, cotton shorts pants, getting married

Grab Bag Ideas For Kids

Kids' birthday parties are always full of energy and little kids looking out for No. 1. Since younger children often have a hard time giving up the gift they brought, giving a goody bag to the guests is a great way to make them feel appreciated. It's also a fun way for them to keep on celebrating long after the party is over.There are many possibilities for unique goody bags that fit the theme of the party. Does this Spark an idea?

Stick With The Theme

Just like with the bag, pick little gifts that go with the theme of the party. If you're having a beach party, stick in some sunglasses or a lei. If you're having a sports party, put in some neat shoelaces or a whistle. For a tea party, stick in some jewelry and a little box of chocolates. The entire contents of the goody bag don't need to match the theme--just including a few things that match will surely please your guests. Another fun idea is to include a small craft that the guests can work on at home.

Use A Unique Bag

There are many ways to individualize your bag besides buying a pack of plastic character bags at your local party supply store. Once you've picked your party theme, try to think of any type of container to put the goodies in that matches the theme. If it's a beach theme, use sand buckets. If it's a tea party, find oversized tea cups (or a normal tea cup would do) to stash those goodies. Other ideas include Chinese take-out boxes, a bandanna tied around the goodies, an upside-down hat, little baskets, make-up caddies or treasure boxes.

Make It Personal

Make sure each guest knows the bag is just for him by adding a personal touch. You can make decorating it part of the party activities (even a paper bag works well for this). You can also tie a balloon on with the guest's name on it--every kid loves balloons. Make a cute name tag to stick on the goody bag or on something inside of it so they know it's theirs. A yummy way to personalize is to stick in a treat, like a cookie or Rice Krispie treat, with the name in frosting.

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Birthday Ideas For An Infant'S Birthday

A simple party is ideal for young children.

Birthday celebrations for infants are an opportunity to gather with close friends and family to reflect on the first stage of your baby's life. Though older children may start demanding elaborate affairs with all the fixings, an infant is a bit easier to please and a simple party is usually best. When planning your baby's birthday party, keep in mind the needs of a small child in order to plan a manageable party. Does this Spark an idea?

Guest List

Even the most socialized infants may demonstrate some discomfort around strangers, especially adult strangers. For a first birthday party, limit the guest list to family members and close friends who have already met the baby. An adult party allows you to devote your time and attention to managing your child rather than a group of children. If you want to have a more kid-oriented party, host a play-date style party. Invite three to five parents and their young children to attend and arrange several child-friendly activities throughout the day to keep babies occupied.

Party Themes

A party theme enables you to coordinate all of the various decisions that go into hosting an infant's birthday party, including decorations, food and games. Choose an age-appropriate theme that doesn't involve overstimulating colors or decorations. A simple ABC or 123 theme may include pastel building block decorations and a carved alphabet cake. If you have a treasured book of nursery rhymes, host a Mother Goose party that uses books as table centerpieces and features marshmallow chick sweets on a dessert table. If your child is beginning to develop a preference for a favorite childhood television show, decorate your house in colorful cutouts of the main character.

Food and Drink

An infant will likely be receiving her own special menu of baby food or formula. If you are hosting an adult party, provide adult-friendly finger foods like sandwiches, quiche or pizza. To avoid trouble around bedtime, host a brunch party and serve a buffet of breakfast foods like sausage, pancakes and scrambled eggs. Another food option is an "inner child" theme: serve guests childhood favorites like peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese or animal crackers. When it comes time for dessert, be sure to include a separate smash cake for the birthday child. A smash cake is usually a smaller, individually sized version of the larger cake that is reserved for the birthday baby to eat with her hands.

Special Dates

Celebrate your infant's birthday with a special family date rather than an elaborate party. Gather immediate family members for a family portrait session at a local photography studio. Many local libraries host read-aloud story times for young children; visit the event and then have a family picnic on the green complete with birthday cupcakes. Take your baby on his first trip to a zoo or farm; stop at a bakery afterward and pick out a small custard to celebrate.

Tags: birthday party, young children, your baby, adult party, close friends, family members

Cheats For Mario Superstar Baseball Gamecube

Mario Superstar Baseball is an exclusive game only available for the Ninendo GameCube video game system. The game lets you play different baseball games, all inside the Nintendo universe. You'll see familiar characters, including the Super Mario Brothers, Donkey Kong and Browser, and you'll play in stadiums built to look like past Nintendo games. If you want to get far in the game, you may need cheats to help you along the way.

Unlock Characters, Games and Stadiums

When you start a new game on Mario Superstar Baseball, you only have access to specific characters. Once you progress through the game, you'll unlock new characters and new areas of play. Playing as specific characters will help you unlock more players.

Play the entire game in Challenge mode. At the end of the game, you'll automatically unlock the Star Dash mini-game and the Koopa Castle Stadium.

Go back through and play the game again using specific characters. When you finish as Yoshi, you will unlock Baby Luigi as a character. Dixie Kong will become available after you finish the game as Donkey Kong. Play through the game as Peach, and you will unlock Toadette. Play through as Wario to unlock Petey Piranha. Play through as Mario to unlock Monty Mole. And unlock Hammer Bro will become unlocked when you play through as Browser.

Gameplay

Cheat codes also come in handy once as you play during the game.

To easily steal a base, no matter what level you're playing, select one of the faster characters, such as Yoshi. Just as your opponent starts to throw a pitch, press the Y button. The characters you have on base will automatically steal the next base before the pitch crosses the plate.

Hit an automatic home run by holding down the R button as the pitcher winds up, but only with a character who has Special Stars. This causes the character to fully charge up their hitting abilities and get an automatic home run.

Pitching

Cheats for Mario Superstar Baseball also help you with your pitching abilities. Press the A button to throw a regular pitch, which has average speed and is usually fairly easy to hit. Move your joystick side to side, or concentrate on pushing it only to one side. This creates a curveball, which is harder for your opponents to hit. You can also hold down the A button and let go just as the pitcher releases the ball, which creates a fastball. With fastballs, you can still cause the ball to curve to one side by moving the joystick.

Tags: Mario Superstar, Mario Superstar Baseball, Superstar Baseball, Play through, specific characters, automatic home, Cheats Mario

Famous Hawaii Hotels

Hawaii features beaches, dormant volcanoes and densely forested regions.

Hawaii's diverse geographical features and cultural heritage make it a unique destination for travelers. Several resorts and hotels are available for use on the more popular islands of Hawaii such as Oahu, Maui and Waikiki. These resorts include dining and entertainment packages suited for couples, families, bridal parties and corporate functions. The more famous resorts in Hawaii include nationally recognized spas, restaurants and golf courses.

Grand Wailea Resort

Located on Maui, the Grand Wailea Resort is situated on Wailea beach. The hotel hosts famous artwork from painters such as Picasso and Leger. Guests can join one of several daily garden and artwork tours, and can also take part in festive luaus. Scuba clinics are also available for interested tenants. The pool at the hotel features the world's first water elevator. Each room in the hotel is equipped with Internet access and a 37-inch flat-screen television. Multiple retail outlets are also located within the resort, including jewelry and clothing stores. Guests interested in staying at the hotel can book their accommodations through the official resort website.

The Fairmont, Kea Lani

The Fairmont is the only resort on Hawaii that includes only suites and villas for tourists.The Fairmont hosts 413 individual suites equipped with high-definition televisions and private balconies. Guests have the option to choose from three different swimming pools located on the grounds of the resort. Guests interested in outdoor excursions can explore the 22 acres of land owned by the Fairmont, in addition to nearby Polo beach. Several fine dining restaurants such as Nick's Fishmarket and the Polo Beach Grille are located on the resort grounds and within close proximity to the hotel. Prospective guests can check room availability and make reservations through the official hotel website.

Turtle Bay Resort

The Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu Island features 400 hotel rooms, suites and beach cottages. Patrons wishing to reserve multi-room accommodations can request the three- or four-bedroom ocean villas owned by the resort. The hotel features two pools, tennis courts, golf courses and hiking trails. Multiple restaurants are located on the grounds of the resort. The hotel offers its facilities to couples interested in planning weddings and banquets. Prospective guests can complete their hotel reservations through the Turtle Bay Resort's website.

The Royal Hawaiian

Located on Waikiki Island, The Royal Hawaiian resort features 528 rooms and suites situated on the Waikiki beachfront. Wireless Internet is available in the hotel for patrons. The resort includes five banquet halls that can be used for weddings and corporate events. The Abhasa Spa at the resort is nationally recognized by "Spas of America" as No. 5 among America's top 50 spas. Guests interested in staying at the resort can check room availability and book lodging at the resort's website.

Tags: Guests interested, Turtle Resort, check room, check room availability, equipped with, golf courses, Grand Wailea

Addressing Graduation Invites

Invitations are often used as keepsakes for albums or scrapbooks.

In 1636, Massachusetts Harvard University accepted its first students. Since that time, colleges across the country have welcomed proud family members to witness student graduation ceremonies. Many of these affairs are by invitation only and there is a certain etiquette for addressing envelopes properly. There are two envelopes for each invitation, the inner and the outer envelopes. Address the inner envelope informally and the outer or mailing envelope formally.

Instructions

1. Place your outer mailing envelope on a clean workspace free from liquids or stains. The envelope should face you with the flap facing the table.

2. Write the name of the addressee in the center of the envelope using blue or black ink. Use the proper title before the name. Single women are to be addressed as Miss and married women as Mrs. Address a female divorcee as Ms. and all men as Mr. If addressing a couple, write Mr. and Mrs. and then the husband's full name.

3. Move your pen below the first line to add the address. Neatly write out the address, including an apartment number. Do not use abbreviations on your address line. If you are concerned about keeping your writing neat, use a ruler as a guide.

4. Pen city, state and zip code below the second line. You can use the proper two letter state abbreviations on this line.

5. Lay the outer envelope to the side and place the inner envelope in front of you. The flap should face the table and the smooth side should face you. Use the informal title of the recipient on the inner envelope. For example, you could write, "Aunt Ruby" or "Grandfather."

6. Place the invitation inside the inner envelope. Place that envelope inside the formal envelope. Lick the envelope or use a sponge to dampen the crease.

7. Position a stamp at the upper right corner about 1/2 inch from the top and side of the envelope.

Tags: inner envelope, should face, mailing envelope, outer mailing, outer mailing envelope

Decorating Ideas For Camping Party

Decorations can help create the right look for your camping party.

Whether you are holding a camping party in the great outdoors or in your own backyard, decorations can help you create the right look. Backwoods signs can help direct your guests to the party and give your camp a fun name while lights and glow toys will keep the party going all night long. Does this Spark an idea?

Glow Toys

A camping party means being outside in the dark. Putting up too many lights can ruin the effect, but stumbling around blindly in total darkness makes it hard to socialize or keep track of the kids. Glow toys are a great compromise. Go to a dollar store and get a bunch of glow sticks, glow necklaces, glow earrings and glow-in-the-dark wands. Hand them out to guests and place them on landmarks to help people find their way around. You can even use glow sticks for games. Tie a glow stick or glow necklace to a ball for nighttime volleyball, hot potato or another glow-in-the-dark game.

Christmas Lights

If you are throwing a backyard camping party for your child, you'll have access to electricity. Use Christmas lights for a combination of decoration and safety. Invite the kids to help decorate the tents with LED (light emitting diode) Christmas lights (some incandescent bulbs may be too hot to safely place on a tent.) Then, string up lights in a big square or circle around the "campground." These lights will illuminate the area enough for the kids to find their way around and scare off any monsters your young campers might worry about. Wire all the lights through an extension cord to a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI (a special circuit breaker that prevents accidental electrocution) and you're ready for some camping!

Rustic Signs

Put up rustic signs to give your camping party an authentic, woodsy feel. Pick a name for your camp and put a sign welcoming your guests to it at the entrance. Put other outdoors signs such as "Gone Fishin'" and "Beware of Bigfoot" around the campsite. You can also label different areas such as the "mess hall" and fire pit. Print out the signs on paper with a fake wood grain design behind a font that looks carved on.

Tags: camping party, camping party, Christmas lights, create right, create right look, find their

Bat Mitzvah Party Ideas

Planning a bat mitzvah party can be a headache or a fun way to plan for this milestone event in a Jewish girl's life. Flexibility in choosing a theme, color scheme, invitations, decorations and even food is the key to creating a bat mitzvah event that is memorable and fun for everyone involved.

Bat Mitzvah Themes

Choosing a theme or color scheme for your bat mitzvah sets the tone for the event, inspiring the creation of the invitations, the cake, the favors and the decor. Girls can choose their favorite colors, or base the theme upon a favorite film, song or character. Your bat mitzvah can be fancy or funky, depending upon the family's taste. Often, girls will want to integrate whimsical elements into their parent's fancier visions for the party.

Ideas for Bat Mitzvah Invitations

Order customized invitations well ahead of time. Wedding planners are often capable of creating bat mitzvah invitations. Since a bat mitzvah is usually formal, grocery store invitations aren't used very often. For a smaller bat mitzvah celebration, though, they're fine.

An alternative to customized formal invitations or generic drug-store invitations is to create your own artsy invitations at a local scrapbooking store. Decide how you want the invitations to look, making a few with your daughter. Order plenty of supplies for making enough invitations for everyone on the list and invite some crafty friends over to help make the rest. Making invitations together is fun and saves a lot of money. Make sure you have plenty of supplies, and that you feed your guests. Scrapbook stores have idea books and often an open studio time where you can come use their fancy scissors and cutting tools for a flat rate, which may be cheaper than buying the tools you need.

Another invitation alternative is to use a graphic design program and create a printable invitation. You can print an image on edible paper, to place on sugar cookies for an edible invitation. Design an invitation that looks like a playbill for a Broadway-themed invitation. Make an invitation that looks like a tropical travel brochure for a luau theme.

Food for a Bat Mitzvah Party

Many families choose to hire caterers. Catering services vary greatly in their cost per head. If your theme allows cheaper food options, you might be able to save money. A wedding caterer that specializes in sit-down dinners will generally cost more than a company who brings a buffet of pulled barbecue meat and potato salad. Depending upon the theme and location of your party, you can pull off a cheaper caterer without looking like a cheapskate. For a carnival-themed party, consider renting a hot dog truck, a cotton candy machine and other fair foods and hiring high school students to work the booths, instead of professional caterers. A local amusement company can also work smaller events, and can be less expensive than a formal caterer.

Ideas for Decorating a Bat Mitzvah Party

Streamers, mini lights and balloons are popular party decorating elements. Take a considerate look at your theme to find out-of-the-ordinary decorating ideas. For an ice princess party, for example, consider hiring an ice sculptor, or re-purposing clearance Christmas snowflake ornaments. For an enchanted forest theme, or a fairy princess theme, pick wildflowers and string them up around the entrance. Depending upon the flowers available, flowered streamers can work well in a luau party, too. Don't forget the party poster, with a photo of the bat mitzvah girl and plenty of space for guests to sign the matting.

Tags: color scheme, creating mitzvah, Depending upon, invitation that, invitation that looks, looks like, Mitzvah Party

Barbie Princess Party Ideas

A Barbie princess party makes a great birthday party theme for young girls.

In Barbie's fifty years delighting little girls, she's had more than a hundred careers. However, one of the most exciting of these is princess. For a little girl, a princess Barbie party combines two of her favorite characters: princesses and Barbies. At the same time, she gets to be the center of attention on her birthday. However, there are so many resources available for throwing both princess parties and Barbie parties that it can be a hard time to know where to start when planning a princess Barbie party. A few simple organizational ideas can help you throw your daughter the party of a lifetime. Does this Spark an idea?

Doll Party

For a party that's both about princesses and Barbies, you can make the event even better by allowing the dolls to join in. On the invitations, make sure it's clear that girls are welcome to bring their own dolls to the party. Then, you can set up a table for cake time that's ready for both the big girls and for their miniature friends. By letting the dolls join in the party as well, you're letting the fantasy Barbie world come to life for these young girls.

Crafts

You can find many decorations for both princess parties and for Barbie parties at most retail stores or specialized party stores. However, letting the guests help turn your home into a castle fit for Barbie and her friends can make the party more interactive. Start out by providing them with plenty of materials (cardboard, markers, glitter, safety scissors) to make their own crowns and crowns for their dolls. Prepare for craft time by finding extra materials that can be used to make Barbie furniture and accessories for her own castle: shoeboxes that can be turned into canopy beds, jars that can be turned into towers. The girls can take their creations home at the end of the party.

Treats

The food at a princess Barbie party should be fit for your young princesses. You can have a twist on a normal birthday cake by giving cupcakes to the girls -- they can even decorate their own with decals and sprinkles. You can also make a batch of mini cupcakes for the dolls, without having to waste a slice of birthday cake on Barbie! No matter what food you serve, some of it should be available in a miniature size. That way, no young plastic guests will be left out of the festivities.

Gift Bags

If you can afford it, a Barbie doll works as a party favor for the guests to take home. However, the cost can quickly add up, especially for larger parties, and there are a lot of accessories for Barbies that young girls will enjoy: crowns, dresses, everything a princess needs! There are also a lot of small objects from the Disney Princess line -- while not Barbie-themed, many accessories can also be used for Barbie dolls. Stickers, writing paper, markers -- the possibilities are endless.

Tags: Barbie party, princess Barbie, princess Barbie party, young girls, Barbie parties

Difference Between Rock Salt And Sea Salt

Rock salt has a gray color and a bold flavor.

If you're trying to change your diet to include healthier seasonings, or if you just want to experience the different flavors of salt, you'll want to know the differences between rock and sea salt. These salts are used to make many savory dishes and have medicinal properties as well. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Rock Salt

Rock salt is a mineral derived from sodium chloride. Rock salt is grayish in color and is not as refined as the white iodized salt from the grocery store.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is created from the evaporation of sea water and is available in fine grain or larger crystals. It is said to be healthier than iodized salt because it is less processed.

Location

Rock salt is mined in the United States; sea salt is usually imported from the Mediterranean Sea.

Uses

Sea salt is used for a number of spa treatments, including facials, therapeutic baths and pedicures to reduce skin inflammation. Rock salt is used to preserve meats and seafood.

Flavor

Sea salt has a subdued flavor and can be used like regular table salt in a number of dishes. Rock salt has a much stronger flavor, so only a small amount is needed to keep meat fresh or accent the taste of food.

Tags: Rock salt, iodized salt, Rock salt, salt used

Creating Your Own Kids' Birthday Invitations

You can save money by printing your own birthday party invitations.

Birthday parties can be expensive, but creating your own birthday invitations will save you a little money. Creating your birthday invitations is easy with Microsoft Word and a printer. Microsoft Word offers a variety of templates you can download, which create invitations. The templates are available in many themes for different occasions. You can also personalize the invitations to your liking.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer. Create a new document by choosing "File" and "New" or clicking on the Office button on the top left hand corner and choose "New." Another window that consists of templates will pop up.

2. Click on "Invitations" in the left-hand corner that includes a list of templates. Click on "Party Invitations." You will see numerous themes of party invitations to choose from.

3. Choose the desired template and download it. Personalize the template in Microsoft Word by adding details and information about the event. You can also change the font, color and size of the text.

4. Print your invitation once you have completed designing the invitation. If you plan on fold the invitation in half, make sure the greeting text stays on the outside of the fold as you fold the paper into a card.

Tags: Microsoft Word, your birthday, your birthday invitations

Bingo Games For Kids

Organizing bingo games for your students is a fun way to reinforce the material you are teaching in your formal lesson plans. You can declare a Bingo Day once per month and make it a classroom tradition, or you can reward students with Bingo Day for their excellent behavior throughout any given month. Bingo games can also be used outside of the classroom. They can be organized for your child's next birthday party.

Word Recognition

For first-grade students, you can structure bingo games to help them begin recognizing words. Each card you hand out to students will feature a series of words randomly placed on a bingo grid. As you call out each word, students have to see whether the words you call out are on their cards and, if so, correctly mark each word. When a student has five marked words in any horizontal, vertical or diagonal row, he should call out "Bingo!" If each word he has marked matches words that you've called out that round, he will be declared the winner of that round.

Math Solutions

Bingo games can help students learn math problems. As you call out a math problem, such as "2 + 4" or "7 -- 1," students must solve the equation quickly and then see whether the answer is on their cards. This can be an efficient method to reinforce multiplication tables. For more advanced students, you can reverse the process and have the math problems listed on their cards. You then call out a single number, and the students have to match the called number to the math problems on their cards.

Music Lessons

If you are a music teacher, you can use bingo games to help students learn the fundamentals of music, including note and rest values and key signatures. For note and rest values, you will call out a note type, such as "quarter note" (or "quarter rest"). The students, in turn, will identify the notation that coordinates with each note or rest you call out. Similarly, for key signatures, you will show a series of major key signatures as notated on a staff. Students must identify what each key signature is and then see whether it is listed on their cards.

Science Lessons

Bingo games can be incorporated into science lessons as well. For example, you can set up a game to help students memorize the periodic table elements and their corresponding abbreviations. You will call out names of the elements and students must correctly match them with abbreviations listed on their cards. You can also vary the game by calling out the abbreviations and have students match the correct element names on their cards. You can even mix and match, calling out some element names and some abbreviations in the same round.

Foreign Language

If you teach a foreign language, you can use bingo games to help students learn words and phrases in that language. You will call out English words and phrases; your students must correctly match them with the appropriate word or phrase in the foreign language.

Tags: their cards, games help, help students, each word, games help students, help students learn

Bowling Games For Everyone

Put a spin on traditional bowling games.

Many children and adults enjoy bowling. When hosting a birthday party or gathering with friends, create a few bowling games everyone can enjoy. Games build social bonds and prevent boredom. A creative imagination, some supplies and a few ideas are all you need to create bowling games. Encourage everyone to play along by awarding prizes to all game winners.

Basic Bowling

Use a basic plastic bowling set to play a game of bowling. Plastic bowling sets are available online and at many toy stores. Set up the pins and give each player five rolls to knock down as many pins as she can. Reset the pins after each roll; a perfect score is 50. Award a prize to the player with the highest score.

Holiday Bowling

Decorate empty two-liter soda bottles to reflect the nearest holiday. For Halloween, paint the bottles to resemble candy corn or ghosts, and roll a pumpkin to knock the pins down. For Christmas, decorate the bottles like Christmas trees and use extra large round ornaments, made of plastic, to knock the pins down. Paint the bottles with a beach scene or suns during the summer and use a beach ball to knock down the pins.

Hawaiian Bowling

For a luau or pool party, try a game of Hawaiian bowling using pineapples and coconuts. Place 10 pineapples in a pyramid shape on the ground and use coconuts to try to knock the pins down. Put four pineapples on the back row, three pineapples in front of those four, two in front of those and one in the very front. Play the game individually or divide the players into teams. Award beach-theme prizes, such as leis, inflatable floats, beach balls and beach towels, to game winners.

Easter Egg Roll Bowling

Try an Easter egg bowling game, played like boccie, during the Easter holidays. Color several Easter eggs and have each guest design his own egg. Tell the players to write their names on their eggs. Place a white egg in the middle of the play area. Mark a line 20 feet from the white egg. Players must stand at the line and roll their eggs toward the white egg one at a time. After all the players have had a turn, the player who has rolled his egg closest to the white egg wins the game.

Frozen Turkey Bowling

Play a game of frozen turkey bowling during the Thanksgiving holidays. Use plastic two-liter bottles or plastic bowling pins and a frozen turkey. Set the pins up in a pyramid shape on the ground like regular bowling pins and mark a line 25 feet from the pins. Players stand at the line and roll a frozen turkey to try to knock the pins down. If you play on a slick surface, the turkey will usually slide. However, depending on the surface you play on, the turkey can roll to knock the pins down. Award prizes for the highest score and the most strikes.

Tags: knock pins, knock pins down, pins down, bowling games, frozen turkey

Diy Hanging Votive Or Tea Light Candle Holders

Hanging tea lights or votive candles for an event or just to decorate your patio is a beautiful way to softly light and decorate an area. These methods will produce some lovely hanging candle holders with a little bit of time investment. As with all hanging candles, be sure they do not hang from flammable objects and that they are secure.

Glass

This method requires plenty of craft or utility wire, and some glass candle holders or old jars. These jars or holders can be colored or clear, large or small, and whatever shape you like best. Cut a length of wire based on the size of your holder. For large or medium holders 21 inches of wire is enough, while 18 inches of wire will hang a small holder. Fold the length of wire in half, pinching it tightly. Bend the folded end into a hook shape. A few inches below the hook, twist the two pieces of wire around each other about three times, to make a clothes-hanger-like "neck."

About four inches down from the twisted neck section, bend each untwisted part of the wire by 90 degrees. These go on either side of your glass holder, directly across from each other. Then bend each end of loose wire (past the 90-degree angles) into a half-circle, shaping it around the jar to get the size you need to hold the votive securely. Make a little hook on each end of these half-circles, and hook each end to the 90-degree bend on the other wire. Close the hooks tightly with pliers into loops, so they stay put.

Metal

Begin this project the same way as the glass holders, but cut a longer piece of wire. The long wire piece should be two feet in length for small hanging holders and three feet or more for larger ones. Bend the wire in half and make a hook at the middle, twisting to create a "neck" for the hanger a few inches down. Again, bend each loose end of the wire 90 degrees after another few inches below the twist.

Begin shaping the wire into a deep coil, starting with one side, then doing the same with the other side. It may be helpful to find a round glass or jar to model the coil on. Make small hooks at the end of each wire coil, and hook them together in the same fashion as above. This leaves an open-bottomed spiral for the body of the holder.

Cut several separate short lengths of wire to make a base for the holder. They should vary from two inches to six inches; make a pair of each length. Make hooks on each end of each short piece, and hook these pieces from side to side on the bottom circle. These pieces should be parallel to each other with the largest piece in the middle and the smallest at the sides.

Use the left over six-inch piece to form a votive circle to hold candles in place. To do this, bend the wire with pliers around a votive candle, and bend the remainder of the wire downward to hook onto the holder's bottom. Finally, set either a metal craft circle or a folded piece of aluminum foil inside to keep the candles from dripping through the wire.

Add-Ons

To add more color, embellishment, or style, use the same tools plus some cute accents. Jingle bells, braided ribbons, buttons, glass beads, beach glass, driftwood, or pretty stones all can add character and style to your hanging candle holders. Either add on new pieces of wire, or leave extra wire hanging off the ends of your holder to make spirals, whether beaded or plain. Just wrap the extra wire around a pencil, chopstick, or other small round object to form it into a curlicue. String beads on as you go, or make random kinks to hold beads on the wire. You can also make little wire wrappings to hold wood, stones and other objects without holes in them; then just twist these onto the holder anywhere you like. Feel free to keep it simple by just adding two matching beads or charms on above the holder in the beginning of the process.

Tags: bend each, candle holders, each other, bend each loose, each loose, each loose wire, extra wire

Games To Play At A Chinese Theme Party

Chinese New Year may be an occasion when you wish to throw a Chinese themed party.

A Chinese-themed party can be organized to celebrate Chinese New Year, to celebrate birthdays for people of Chinese descent or just because someone is interested in the Chinese culture. Regardless of the motives behind the event, a Chinese-themed party can be entertaining for people of all ages. With Chinese food readily available and the decorations so lively, all you need are a few China-inspired games to make the day complete. Does this Spark an idea?

Catch The Dragon's Tail

Kids can get in on the action with this Chinese party game that will have them hopping around and laughing hysterically. Catch the Dragon's Tail is best played with at least eight people. Players line up, one behind the other, placing their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them.

The person in front is the dragon's head and the person in the back of the line is, predictably, the dragon's tail. The object of the game is for everyone, except the player in front, to keep the head from touching the tail. The head, of course, is trying to do just that. The dragon's head steers the line around in a large open space trying to maneuver the line so he can tag the last person in line. If he does, the tail becomes the head and the game starts again. The rest of the line tries to prevent the tag, but may not break the line to do so.

Throwing The Square

Throwing the Square is a traditional Chinese game played with either two people playing against one another, or in two equal teams. The game can be played indoors or out and the items used can vary. For the most basic outdoor game all that is needed is two flat stones and some chalk.

A 2- by 1-foot rectangle is drawn on a flat surface and a line divides the rectangle into two connecting squares. One player (or team) chooses one of the squares and lays one stone inside their chosen side. From a line drawn on the ground 8 feet away, the other player tosses his stone and tries to land it inside the same square. If the stone comes to rest inside the square, the player or team gets two points. If it lands in the opposite square it is still worth one point. No points are awarded for missed throws.

The game goes until one player reaches an agreed upon number of points. This game can be moved indoors using squares drawn on cardboard and substituting the stones with soft beanbags.

Pin Game

When celebrating Chinese New Year, there is always one significant animal designated by the Chinese calendar for that particular year. This animal may be one of 12 animals--the ox, monkey, rat, tiger, dog, rooster, pig, ram, rabbit, dragon, snake and horse.

Use a variation of the old "pin the tail on the donkey" game to add an activity to a Chinese themed party. In the Year of the Tiger, for instance, play "pin the stripes on the tiger." The game works by hanging up a drawing of a tiger that is obviously missing a stripe. The stripe is a cutout with a pin or tape on the end. The players are blindfolded, spun around and they attempt to pin the stripe in the correct place. This can be modified to pin the tail on the monkey or another animal.

Tags: Chinese Year, Catch Dragon, Catch Dragon Tail, Chinese themed, Chinese themed party, Chinese-themed party

Children'S Sermon Ideas

Church can become something that children look forward to rather than dread.

Presenting a sermon for children is an opportunity to bring your religion alive for the class. The limited attention span of children requires that your message be presented in a way that is interesting, engaging, and that relates to their personal lives and experiences. The younger your students are, the more advantageous it becomes to incorporate the use of printouts, songs, children's Bibles with pictures, crafts, and time for questions and answers.

The Nature of God

God is the foundation of religion, and so it is important to impart to children exactly who God is according to your religion. This is a sermon that helps your students understand who they are worshiping and why. In your sermon, liken God to earthly parents in terms of their love for their children and their desire to see them happy. This helps children begin to grasp the relationship that humans have with their heavenly father.

Prayer

Sermons on prayer teach children that they can go to God to request blessings for loved ones as well as with any concerns or worries that they may have. To help kids think of prayer in a modern context, liken praying to having a cell phone with God on speed dial. No matter where they are, God is only a "phone call" away, and they can talk to Him honestly and openly with no need for fancy language or big words.

Current Holiday Themes

If the date of your sermon falls around the time of a major holiday, make your message about that holiday. Christmas allows you to teach on the birth of Christ, angels, and God's love. Easter presents an opportunity to speak on the Resurrection message, the topic of new life, and fresh beginnings. For children, Easter is a chance to teach about the new creations or people that we are because of our relationship with Jesus and how much He loved us in order to go to the cross for us. For holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day, focus your sermon around biblical topics of respecting and honoring parents.

Popular Bible Figures

Several popular Bible stories hold both entertainment value as well as the opportunity to extract teachable lessons. The story of Noah thrills as an adventure tale while teaching about obedience, perserverance, and believing the promises of God. The story of Moses is a platform to teach on faith, courage, and representing God to the world. Pick a character that your class is likely to be interested in, and compose a sermon that explores what can be learned from that person's life.

Parables

The New Testament is full of parables that Jesus used to teach His disciples lessons about life. Most of these parables are found in the books of Matthew through Luke. Using parables, you can obtain sermon material on issues such as giving to God, the wise use of blessings that we have been given, faith, the consequences of sin, miracles, stewardship, hope, wisdom, and joy. Because of the metaphors and stories Christ used to teach these lessons, students are more likely to relate to the material and understand how it applies to everyday life rather than viewing these lessons as merely obscure teachings.

Tags: your sermon, rather than, sermon that, students more, that they, that your

Church Banquet Program Ideas

Church Banquet Program Ideas

Church banquets are an excellent way to bring the church community together. Church members get to enjoy time with fellow parishioners, while enjoying a meal together. These banquets are often very formal but they do not have to be. In fact, younger people enjoy more casual church banquets.

Outdoor Banquets

If the weather permits, hold your banquet outdoors. Natural light is refreshing and can help guests feel positive and ready to hear what you have to say. You can grill food outdoors as the guests are arriving, and even allow them to help prepare the food. If you plan an evening banquet, place several large candles on each table to create a warm and close feeling among guests.

Live Music

Music can help liven up any banquet. Since this is a church banquet, it's likely that you will play Christian music. If possible, enlist the help of a contemporary Christian musician who is willing to play for charity. Contemporary Christian music often uses soft vocals and is accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Live music will help keep your guests uplifted and entertained.

Party Favors

Offer guests small party favors. These can be small gift bags that contain greeting cards and perhaps a small, non-expensive gift. Since this is a religious event, you should offer party favors that are religious in nature, such as prayer books or Christian music CDs. Many card stores offer religion-themed cards that can be given on any occasion. Guests will be happy to receive a gift for their attendance, and it will make the event even more memorable.

Tags: Christian music, Banquet Program, Banquet Program Ideas, Church Banquet, Church Banquet Program, party favors, Program Ideas

Bulletin Board Ideas For September

September marks the beginning of fall with changing leaves and cool breezes.

The 10th month of the year signals the winding down of summer and the welcome cool breezes of fall. People come back into town for school and work from their vacations in the woods or at the beach. Welcome back the people in your organization or office with an informative and interesting bulletin board display. Does this Spark an idea?

Apple Month

Celebrate the fall harvest with the kickoff of National Apple Month in September. This bulletin board idea for September offers a number of colorful and festive options: Post addresses and schedules of local apple orchards that offer pick-your-own fruit. Place the nutritional information for apples on the board. Recipes for award-winning pies, apple cakes, cobbler and applesauce would work well to round off this snappy display.

Self Improvement

September is National Self-Improvement Month. Decorate your bulletin board with practical suggestions and pertinent information to help the people in your organization or workplace improve themselves. Focusing on improving people's health is a good option. Post information about local gyms, any specials they're running and the benefits of cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercise.

You could also encourage people to expand their horizons in a continuing education class. Attach course catalogs and class descriptions from adult education classes or learning annex courses in your area to the bulletin board. Finally, add a section on books and the benefits of reading. Offer the hours and contact information of locally owned used and new bookstores in your community.

Preparedness

September also is National Preparedness Month. Unfortunately, every community could be susceptible to a natural disaster or something worse. Tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, chemical spills and industrial accidents can leave residents without power, water, gas and telephone. Provide information on the calamities most likely to happen in your area and official evacuation routes in the building and in town.

Advise people of the information available on the Ready America website (Ready.gov) and post the recommended three-day survival supply list. Remind folks to change the batteries in their flashlights and prepare an emergency kit for the car. Whether you live in the country or the city, it is possible to be stuck in your car overnight due to weather conditions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests, "This kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables and seasonal supplies."

Tags: bulletin board, Apple Month, cool breezes, people your, people your organization, your area, your organization

Event Planning Business Ideas

As an event planner, you have many choices of niche markets in which to start your business.

The events industry is broad in that you can get involved in planning events of all types. From birthday parties to meetings to destination weddings, planners know that no day is ever the same. However, with such a variety of events that you can plan, you may find it beneficial to build a specialty for your business. Carving a niche will allow you to be the go-to person within your area of expertise.

Children's Parties

Focus your private events on a specific style, like children's parties. Develop several themes that can be packaged into an entire children's event. Themes can be nonspecific to appeal to kids of all ages, or be hobby-specific, like sports- or character-based. You can build games and entertainment around a theme and highlight the theme in everything from invitations to decorations to favors. There are many special events in which it is appropriate to focus solely on children. Birthdays, specialty holidays and landmark occasions, like graduation, are all reasons for celebration. You can market yourself by partnering with schools, day care centers, civic organizations and churches, large office complexes and neighborhood newsletters where information is readily disseminated to families.

Conferences and Meetings

As a conference and meeting planner, you can enjoy business-to-business projects in which you are responsible for liaising with organizations to facilitate their important meetings. Board meetings and retreats, annual conventions and education workshops and conferences all fall under this area of planning. You will most likely work less with decor and favors as you would with private functions but more in booking hotel arrangements, laying out an agenda and tracking attendee participating for such events. You can deal with dozens or thousands of people who will attend these meetings as well as serve as vendors for your supplement events such as transportation, dining and other off-site activities.

Weddings

Wedding coordinators enjoy working as the assistant to brides-to-be, preparing them for their big day. For a more specialized focus on the wedding industry, consider narrowing your wedding management business options to brides who wish to travel to locations other than their hometown to conduct their ceremonies. Coordinators of this type often deal with vendors they either will never meet until the day of the wedding or in unusual meeting situations such as virtually or for brides with larger budgets on a site months before the wedding.

Tags: deal with, your business

California Law & Joint Tenancy

Holding your real estate title as joint tenants has certain legal implications if you live in California. If you die, divorce or otherwise separate from the person who holds title with you, then the portion of ownership and tax basis for the one remaining may change and cause unexpected ramifications.

Definition

There are many ways to hold the title of your real estate property, such as joint tenants, tenancy in common or community property. A designation of joint tenants means that both persons on the title each own the property 100 percent, and, if one dies, the other automatically inherits the portion owned by the deceased. California is a community property state, which means that assets acquired during marriage are considered to be equally owned by both spouses, regardless of the joint tenancy designation.

Beneficiaries

Under California law, a decedent's property must enter probate in Superior Court before division. However, property held as joint tenants is not necessary for probate and the other person on the title automatically becomes the owner. Be aware that, in California, income tax implications may apply for the survivor. If both people on the joint title die, the beneficiaries of the real estate will have to wait for the completion of probate to take possession, if the estate is worth $100,000 or more.

Divorce

Joint tenancy on a title supersedes the California community property law. Therefore, if you die in the middle of divorce proceedings, before the marriage is legally dissolved, then your spouse will automatically inherit real estate that is held as joint tenants, regardless of the divorce negotiations thus far. However, if the divorce decree grants the property to your spouse, you must remove your name as joint tenant. One way to accomplish this is to quitclaim your interest in the property to your ex-spouse. However, your mortgage obligation will remain, so your ex will need to refinance or obtain a new loan.

Options

An alternative to California probate law for your beneficiaries is to set up a living revocable trust with the property owners at the trustees. When both trustees die, the beneficiaries inherit the assets held in the trust. Also, a trust may reduce federal income tax on the estate. Alternatively, California allows for title to be held as "community property," which is different than the community property rule in California marriages. Community property means that each spouse owns 50 percent of the real estate, and the right to survivorship on the title automatically grants a surviving spouse the decedent's portion. This option may decrease the income tax burden as a result of the inheritance.

Tags: community property, joint tenants, real estate, means that, California community, California community property, held joint

Fun Hawaiian Party Ideas

A Hawaiian party can be laid back fun.

Aloha, surfer dudes and wahines. Bring the island spirit to your party and create a hula heaven. You don't have to be in Hawaii to throw a Hawaiian theme party. Plan a Hawaiian party no matter where you're from. Every detail counts when transforming your place into an island paradise. Does this Spark an idea?

Invitation

Have a festive island-inspired invitation. The invitation sets the tone for the entire event, so give it some island flavor. For an easy invite, order postcards with a Hawaiian photo. A creative option is to send a coconut postcard (see Resources).

Establish a dress code in your invitation. If you're throwing a Hawaiian-theme party, a major impact on your atmosphere is how your guests show up. Encourage them to wear Hawaiian-inspired clothing, anything from hula dance costumes to tourist attire.

Decor

Even if people do not show up in costume, you can still "lei" them upon arrival. Leis or flowers are a key staple for any Hawaiian-themed event. Or get individual flowers and pin them on guests, either on men's shirts or in women's hair. Utilize fake tropical flowers, such as the island's hibiscus and plumeria flowers, especially if authentic Hawaiian imported flowers are beyond your budget.

Use these exotic flowers in your centerpieces by placing them in palm or bamboo thatch boxes. Hang tropical posters on walls and use a bamboo frame for an added touch. Throw seashells on tables, near the center. For tableware, include coconut cups, pineapple plates and wooden banana leaf plates. If the event is outdoors, hang multicolored lantern lights for a festive island feel. Light tiki torches for ambiance. Decorate with bowls filled with river rock and tea lights. Play Hawaiian music, such as surfer music or Elvis' "Blue Hawaii."

Food

Hawaii is a mixture of various cultures. Feature their global cuisine at your event. Serve pineapple and tropical fruit salad. Include chopped macadamia nuts, either served alone as a snack or incorporated into your recipes. Hawaii has everything from sushi, kalbi (Korean-style barbecue), Ahi poke (raw fish and seaweed treat), lumpia (Filipino-style egg rolls), fried chicken and beef or chicken teriyaki.

If you want an authentic Hawaiian luau, purchase a full pig to roast at your event. Have white rice to balance dishes. Dessert can be frozen tropical juice pops. For beverages, have Hawaiian lemonade. For alcoholic drinks, serve mai tais with umbrella straws.

Activities

Have fun hula dancing. Provide grass skirts. If you like, go a step further and invite a hula dance instructor. Another fun game is limbo with a bamboo stick or a hula hoop contest.

Tags: authentic Hawaiian, Hawaiian party, hula dance, your event

Barbie Cake Projects

Barbie cakes can be used for princess parties.

Just about every little girl owns a Barbie and accessories. When hosting a Barbie- or princess-themed party, a Barbie cake will be needed to match. The type of cake you select should be based on your cake decorating skill level and the amount of time you have to give for the project. Does this Spark an idea?

3D Doll Cakes

3D doll cakes have become very popular. These cakes consist of a standing Barbie pressed into a bowl- or dome-shaped cake so it looks like the skirt of a dress. These cakes require a little more time and skill because of the carving and sculpting involved. 3D doll cakes can be used to create dresses for Barbie, princesses from Disney movies, other dolls or even a figure that looks like the birthday girl. The skirt portion of the Barbie cake can be covered with buttercream frosting or made even more detailed by covering it with fondant.

Photo Cakes

Photo cakes are relatively simple to make, but they can be purchased at your local bakery if you are in a hurry. Photo cakes consist of an edible piece of rice paper put through a special printer with edible ink. Just about any Barbie image can be printed, but some local bakeries require you choose from their album selection. If you want a more customized Barbie photo, you can visit an online cake decorating store, upload a photograph, and receive the print in the mail. The only thing you have to do, then, is place the printed rice paper on a sheet cake when it arrives.

Sheet Cakes and Rounds

Another way to use a Barbie in a cake decoration is to use the doll as the decoration itself. Decorate a scene on top of a round or sheet cake and place the Barbie sitting, laying or standing on top of the cake. For example, a beach-themed Barbie party can have a sheet cake covered in edible sand, a Barbie in beach clothes sitting on that beach, and a few accessories like umbrellas, towels and a sand pail. If you are not skilled at baking, order a plain sheet cake or round from the bakery and add the non-edible decorations yourself at home.

Cupcakes

A Barbie cake does not always have to be a large cake. Cupcakes can be used in place of a large cake for easier serving, especially at a kid's birthday party. Purchase premade cupcake toppers in the shape of tiaras, the Barbie logo or even mini Barbie dolls. Frost cupcakes with bright pink, white, purple or green frosting complementing the Barbie theme you are using. Purchase edible luster dust or glitter to sprinkle on top of cupcakes to make them glow and shimmer.

Tags: Barbie cake, sheet cake, cake covered, cake decorating, cakes consist, cakes used, Just about

'Cool' Places To Vacation When It'S Hot

Iceland's Blue Lagoon, near Reykjavik, is a naturally-heated spa rich in minerals.

Cool places to visit during the summer include countries in the Scandinavian region of Europe and cities in the mountainous and hilly regions of India. Travelers can also head south of the Equator to parts of South America.

Iceland

Iceland's summers are cool with little darkness at night during June and July. Flight times from New York, Boston and Baltimore are five to six hours. Visitors to Iceland can swim in geothermally-heated pools and view scenic landscapes mostly created by volcanic eruptions and glaciers. Whales often frequent the North Atlantic waters surrounding Iceland making the country great for whale watching.

Chile

Ski season in Chile runs from June through October. According to Chile's Snow Skiing Resort and Ski Center website, the Valle Nevado ski resort, situated in the heart of the Andes mountains, is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere. The resort has three hotels and two apartment complexes.

Avenida Vitacura 5250 #304

Vitacura, Santiago, Chile

(56-2) 477-77-05

vallenevado.com

India

Manali, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is surrounded by some of the snow-capped peaks of the lower Himalayas. Attractions in Manali inlcude ancient temples, hot water springs, waterfalls and more. Munnar, in the state of Kerala, is situated 1,600 meters above sea and contains national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes and rivers.

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Fun Centerpiece Ideas

Tap into fun childhood memories to design a unique centerpiece.

Whimsical centerpieces can be accomplished on any budget, for any size table. Tap into your fun side and combine items that elicit a lighthearted response. Bright colors, favorite items from your childhood or a centerpiece built around one item that made you giggle are good places to start. Try to wrap your centerpiece around a party theme if you have one, or simply create a piece that can become the focal point and bring joy to party guests.

Feathered Fun

Use feathers in place of flowers for a fun centerpiece.

Design a centerpiece that uses feathers and tall willow branches or other dried items available from your local craft store. Start your centerpiece in a 1-foot-tall square or cylindrical clear glass vase. Begin by wrapping a block of floral foam in bright wrapping or tissue paper. Place the wrapped foam in the bottom of the vase. The wrapped item will be visible, so wrap it in colored paper that will enhance the design. Place tall, uniquely twisted dried twigs or reeds in the vase, securing position with the block of foam. The branches can be found in natural colors or in a wide variety of bright colors. They also can be spray painted a color of your choice. Choose the colors based on the feathers that will be used in the arrangement. The goal is to look fun, not gaudy.

Add tall feathers to the arrangement that will mimic the look of flowers. Feathers can be purchased from online vendors or from larger craft stores. Use feathers of various heights, all taller than the vase. Complete your arrangement by tying a color coordinating bow around the vase.

Childhood Remembered

Design your arrangment around a classic toy.

Design a centerpiece around a fun item from your childhood. Install a race car track on the center of your table and add cars and scenery. Place two battery-operated lanterns in the display for lighting and your design is complete.

Build a uniquely shaped centerpiece out of brightly colored interlocking blocks. Make the centerpiece as tall or wide as you'd like. Drape battery-operated clear lights around the piece to add lighting to the center or your table.

Tie a balloon arrangement to a classic toy. A paddle with attached ball, flying disk or even a small sled could be the anchor for the balloon arrangement. Simply place the item flat on the center of your table and attach the balloon bouquet.

Unique Balloon Display

Design a display using differeing shapes and sizes of colorful balloons.

Select brightly colored balloons from your local party store. Purchase classic rounds and long tubular shapes in as many sizes and colors as you'd like. Choose colors that will enhance your party theme. Allow a sports team color or a select guests' favorite colors to serve as color inspirations for your balloon choice. You'll need the round balloons to float at least 3 feet above the base, so have them blown up at the store or rent a helium machine to blow them up just prior to the party.

Start your centerpiece with a plastic or metal party bucket typically used to store ice and beverages. Choose a container with sides at least 18 inches tall. Fill the bin by attaching the floating round balloons to colorful curling ribbon and a weight. Place the weight in the center of the container and fill the remaining open space with the vertical narrow balloons. Finish the design by tying a wired ribbon bow around the exterior of the container.

Sweets

Use seasonal or everyday wrapped candy for a sweet centerpiece.

Gather three tall clear glass vases and fill them each with colorfully wrapped candies. Fill each vase to a different level. Place the vases next to each other for a quick and inexpensive, fun centerpiece.

Tags: from your, that will, center your, center your table, your centerpiece, your table, around item

Birthday Party Punch Ideas

Birthday Party Punch Ideas

Although never necessary for a birthday party, a well-made bowl of punch is often the perfect addition to the celebration. There are as many different recipes for punch as there are parties to drink it at. Even though punch is commonly considered a summer drink, there are recipes even for those with winter birthdays. Does this Spark an idea?

Slush Punch

This is a rather basic party punch that involves boiling 1 to 2 cups of sugar and two pouches of strawberry gelatin in 6 cups of water. After the sugar and gelatin have dissolved, stir in 1 can of pineapple juice, 2/3 cup lemon juice and 1 quart of orange juice. After this is mixed, freeze the mixture. When serving simply break or cut the frozen mixture into smaller chunks and add two 2-liter bottles of lemon-lime soda.

Holiday Punch

Perfect for an adults winter birthday, this alcoholic holiday punch involves mixing a 750 bottle of whiskey, 6 oz. of lemon juice, one 6-oz. can of both frozen orange juice concentrate and frozen lemonade concentrate, 3 liters of lemon-lime soda and a couple drops of red food coloring. Once these ingredients are mixed together, top with an orange and a lemon that have been cut into rounds.

Sherbet Punch

This incredibly basic punch is perfect for the hot weather of outdoor summer birthday parties. Choose a half gallon of the birthday person's favorite flavor sherbet and let it soften. Mix it with 1 liter of ginger ale, 2 cups of lemon-lime soda and 2 cups of grapefruit or some other kind of citrus soda, depending on taste. Stir until the sherbet is almost dissolved in the liquid and serve.

Tags: lemon-lime soda, Birthday Party, Birthday Party Punch, lemon juice, orange juice

Brunch Restaurants In Central New Jersey

Brunch Restaurants in Central New Jersey

Nestled between Philadelphia and New York City, central New Jersey offers a wide variety of restaurant choices. If you are an early riser looking for a delicious meal to start your day, or just can't decide between breakfast and lunch, try one of these spots in central New Jersey for brunch.

Za Restaurant

The cross-cultural comfort cuisine offered at Za Restaurant changes seasonally. Some of the diverse brunch options include Arabian lentil and spinach salad; a grilled chorizo, cheddar and pico platter; penne pasta with choice of sauce; and huevos rancheros with tomato cumin chili sauce. Za carries several juices and a wide variety of coffees and teas to enjoy with your brunch. If you prefer your midmorning meal to be a bit festive, bring a sparkling wine to this BYOB.

147 West Delaware Ave

Pennington, NJ 08534

609-737-4400

zarestaurants.com

Le Peep

This chain has a huge selection of brunch dishes with something to please anyone. Gooey buns, Aspen fruit crepes and Hawaiian pancakes are a few of the more unique menu items, but traditional favorites like Belgian waffles and a BLT sandwich are offered as well. Hawg-wild sausage links and grits with cheese are available as sides. The children's menu includes chicken fingers and a funny-face pancake. Five kinds of juice are on the menu, as well as tea and a bottomless carafe of coffee.

345 Rt 9 South

Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-303-1400

lepeepnj.com

Mastori's

Prepare to wait for a table at this popular diner. You will be rewarded for your patience after you are seated with baskets of the gratis homemade cheese and cinnamon breads that have made this diner famous. The menu is huge, as are the portions. Brunch-friendly choices include breakfast pizza, creamed chipped beef with home fries, oatmeal with berries, and french toast with scrapple or pork roll. Drinks include coffee, tea and a large selection of juices. A full bar is available if a Bloody Mary is more your style.

Rts 130 206

Bordentown, NJ 08505

609-298-4650

mastoris.com

Tags: Brunch Restaurants, Brunch Restaurants Central, central Jersey, Restaurants Central, Restaurants Central Jersey

Examples Of Beach Party Decorating

A beach party can happen right in your own backyard with some thoughtful planning and the right decorations. Tropical theme decorations, along with games, food and music reminiscent of the beach, will have your guests feeling as if they are relaxing in the sand and surf. Grab your Hawaiian shirt or grass skirt, and get to decorating for the beach party of the year.

Patio

Tiki torches are necessary at a beach party.

String small white lights around the edges of the patio along with tiki torches, which can be lit at night. Place potted or inflatable palm trees around the patio, add beach towels in a large basket for your guests to use and lay out flower leis for each person. Small mirrors can be placed on the tables, covered with sand and seashells for decoration.

Buffet Table

Tropical fruit is part of the menu for a beach party.

Cover the food table with a red-and-white picnic tablecloth, and place straw place mats over it. Fill small beach pails to hold silverware, napkins and straws, and fill large coolers with ice and fruit-flavored drinks. Use platters to hold sliced tropical fruit such as pineapples, mangoes, kiwi and melons, and have skewers of barbecued shrimp and vegetables. For dessert, roast marshmallows over an outdoor fire pit or make s'mores.

Game Area

Beach balls make for fun party games.

Decorate an area for playing beach games. Set up a volleyball net and play with beach balls, have a badminton set off in another area, and set up a small children's pool with a bucket of water balloons and water pistols that can be filled up in the pool. A sandbox can also be set out for having sand castle contests. And do not forget to play some beach-style music such as the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett or just some ocean sounds in the background.

Tags: along with, beach party, beach party, your guests

Authentic Hawaiian Gifts

The first leis weren't just made of flowers, but also shells and bones

Many gifts that are considered quintessentially Hawaiian have their roots in Polynesian and Portuguese culture, with settlers from these areas having put down roots in Hawaii over the centuries. Over hundreds of years, the cultural influences brought to Hawaii have become so thoroughly absorbed and mainstreamed into Hawaiian culture as to become iconic of the islands and the lifestyle there. An authentic Hawaiian gift should convey that instant sense of "Hawaiian-ness," an immediate recognition of a regionally-specific symbolism.

Floral Leis

The tradition of the floral lei was introduced to Hawaii by Polynesian settlers, with the first leis originally made not just of flowers, but also shells, nuts, feathers and the bones of small animals. While leis were often used as beauty statements and fashion accessories, some leis--such as the Maile lei--were meant to signify a peace agreement between rival chiefs.

In the early 20th century, as tourism to Hawaii began to increase, vendors began selling floral leis to tourists as a symbol of welcome and hospitality. The floral lei continues to be a popular way of welcoming tourists to the islands, and is an immediately identifiable Hawaiian cultural symbol that makes for a perfect and thoughtful gift.

Ukuleles

The history of the ukulele in Hawaiian culture dates back to the late 1800s, when large numbers of Portuguese immigrants came to Hawaii to work in the sugar cane fields. Along with them, they brought small, four-string guitars they called "machetes," but the native Hawaiians began to refer to them as ukuleles.

Ukuleles come in four different sizes, each with a different tone and volume: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. They have seen a recent resurgence in popularity, largely due to their ease of mastery and their portability.

Carved Wood Tikis

The original tikis were carved wooden statues meant to represent a Polynesian god. Tiki figures are generally carved with their heads up, their knees bent, and their arms at their sides. This was considered a stance of power in ancient Polynesian culture. Each tiki was carved to convey the personality of the god it represented through facial expressions and other decorative details.

In the 1930s, tikis became very popular as decorations in Hawaiian-themed nightclubs called tiki bars. The popularity of these bars began to wane in the 1970s, though tiki statues continue to be popular as souvenirs and decorations.

Tags: also shells, first leis, flowers also, flowers also shells, Hawaiian culture

Different Styles To Dye Hair

Dyeing your hair is an easy way to change your appearance, and you can always switch to your natural hair color if you don't like it. No matter how you plan to dye your hair, choosing colors that work for you, will look best. Whether you're dyeing your hair to match your skin tone, your eye color or add a lighter shade to your tresses, take time to consider your how the color will affect your features. If you're using permanent color it's best to think twice and dye once, to avoid hair damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Basic Dyeing Rules

The easiest way to ensure that dyeing your hair will look good is to stick to a color that is only a few shades different from your natural color. If you plan to dramatically change your color, your best bet is to go to the salon. But if you are just dyeing your hair lighter or darker or even the same shade, then home kits will be less expensive. Home kits offer either semi-permanent or permanent color. The semi-permanent dyes tend to wash out after about three months, whereas the permanent color will remain in your hair until new hair grows in.

All-Over Color

If you want to keep your hair around the same color, select an all-over color. You can buy any home dyeing kit in the shade that you want, but remember that the color on the box may not be exactly the color it turns out to be. Also, you should know how many boxes of dye you need to buy. If your hair is shorter than your shoulders, you should only need one box, but if your hair is longer and especially if it is thicker, than you should probably buy two boxes. The box will contain all the supplies you need to dye your hair; read the instructions thoroughly. Make sure to apply the hair color to every single strand of hair; apply the color to your roots first and then work your way through to the ends. Leave on for the directed time and then rinse.

Highlights

If you are looking for a different style, such as two colors, then applying highlights in different areas can achieve this result. One way to do highlights is face framing. Pull one-inch sections from the top and side of your head; depending on how subtle you want the highlights to be, you can pull more or less hair. Dye only these sections. After you have finished, the highlights around your face should be noticeable, giving your hair a multicolor look.

You can also dye the roots of your hair or the ends of your hair a completely different color. Check the resource below to see how Drew Barrymore dyed the ends of her hair black. This look is definitely not subtle and a little more edgy, so go with this style if you want a dramatic rocker chick look.

You can also apply the highlights all over your head, pulling as much or as little hair you want. You could use multiple colors and place highlights throughout your whole head. This is often referred to as hair streaking. You could have really wild hair with dramatic colors such as red, black, or even purple or blue depending on the style you are going for. If you want a less dramatic look, then pick a couple colors that are close to your natural hair color, so that the highlights will just give your hair a boost and extra shine.

Tags: your hair, dyeing your hair, hair color, need your, need your hair, permanent color

Free 3rd Grade Activities In Hawaii

Hawaii offers many free activities for third graders to engage.

The Hawaiian islands draw many visitors to its warm beaches and lush mountains every year. Often portrayed as a romantic getaway spot for honeymooners, or a place with great golf courses for business trips, it's easy to forget that Hawaii also has a great deal to offer its younger visitors and inhabitants. An interesting culture, unique history and natural wonders give young students a seemingly endless opportunity to engage and learn.

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona memorial honors and remembers the soldiers who died when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This tragic event thrust the United States into World War II, and remains one of the most significant episodes in American history. The memorial offers students an opportunity to learn about the events leading up to and surrounding the assault from an educational video and listening to survivor accounts of the day. In the monument, students stand above the sunken skeleton of the USS Arizona battleship, bleeding oil to this day. The memorial opens daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Timed programs begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. The memorial is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Come early, as daily visitors can reach as many as 4,000.

Humpback Whales

Visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to give students an excellent opportunity to learn about the vast scientific and cultural significance of humpback whales. The center provides an interactive learning experience for children. Learn the facts about the whales while learning the tales and legends the Hawaiian people traditionally told about them. Come during the winter months, and top the whale lesson with a chance to see real humpback whales from the sanctuary's observation deck. The education center opens from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Honolulu Surf Museum

The presence of surf towns worldwide speaks to the infectious nature of this sport born in the Hawaiian islands. The Honolulu Surf Museum boasts a vast array of artifacts spanning the broad scope of surf culture. The appeal of surfing to young people offers a unique window to teach them about the influence of cultures on one another. As they explore the museum, the children are exposed to the way Hawaiian surfing has impacted the rest of the world, and how the rest of the world's fascination with the sport has impacted Hawaii over the years. The museum opens every day at 11:00 a.m. and remains open until they decide to close.

Snorkeling

The Hawaiian Islands boast many locations for free, offshore snorkeling. Honolua Bay on Maui and Hanauma Bay on Oahu are two prime examples. Snorkeling gives children a unique way to learn about underwater environments while having a great time. If the children need gear, rental establishments are plentiful throughout the islands and provide the proper equipment at little cost. If you do take the kids snorkeling, however, bring enough chaperons to keep an adequate eye on them. Having at least one chaperon with first aid and CPR knowledge is a good idea, too. Finally, as the children snorkel, remind them to take good care of the beautiful environment they're exploring; don't step on the coral, don't remove sea animals from the sea, don't leave trash.

Tags: learn about, Hawaiian islands, Honolulu Surf, Honolulu Surf Museum, opportunity learn, opportunity learn about

Family Reunion Cake Ideas

Family Reunion Cake Ideas

A family reunion can be a daunting event to plan and execute. There are many details which go into such an event, and arguably none are more important than deciding what will be on the menu. A family reunion cake can be an opportunity for your family to celebrate its rich past and exciting future. Your cake design can be used to express many aspects of your family-your cultural heritage, your shared values and your fondest memories. It can also be used to commemorate special occasions, honor older family members or celebrate how your family has grown. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Honoring the Family Name

Your family name connects and unifies your family, making it the perfect symbol to use in designing your family reunion cake. There are many options for a family reunion cake designed around names. If you can find cake tins in the shape of the necessary letters, then you can put together a series of cakes that spells out your family name. Another option would be to simply decorate a large cake with your family name (and crest or other insignia, if you have them). You can spell out your family name in frosting, or you could use a stencil to make it. Individual stencil letters are available at most craft stores, or you could cut your own by using an Exacto knife on heavy paper. Once your stencil is ready, you can fill in the letters with sprinkles, powdered sugar, crushed candy or other delicious toppings. If your cake is large enough, you may be able to fit the names of multiple family members on it.

Family Tree Cakes

Another popular type of family reunion cake is the family tree cake. Some bakers simply make a cake in the shape of a tree. You can do this by "carving" and slicing sheet cake into the necessary shapes, and then coloring them with frosting so that they resemble leaves and branches. Or you could put together a cupcake cake. This is done by baking multiple batches of cupcakes and then arranging them as if they were a single cake. In this instance, cupcakes are used to form the "leaves," while fondant, candy, frosting or other items are used to make the "trunk." The cupcake leaves can be decorated like leaves alone, or they can have the names of each family member written on them. You can even arrange the family tree cupcake cake to resemble your real family tree, arranging names according to how people are related. If you are a skilled baker, you can also attempt to decorate each "family member" cupcake with a frosting portrait.

Photo Cakes

An easy way to transform an ordinary cake into a family reunion cake is to decorate it with laminated photos of your family (these must of course be removed before eating). Group photos or photos of a special family member you would like to honor are a good choice for this. You can use just a single large photo centered in the middle of the cake, or you could use frosting to make the cake look like a photo album, and then place your photos accordingly. Some bakeries offer "sugar photo printing," which is a service wherein your photos can be printed out on sugar paper with edible food coloring ink. "Sugar photos" can be used to decorate family reunion cakes as outlined above, and they have the advantage of being totally edible.

Family Favorites

If you are unsure of what kind of family reunion cake to make, the safest strategy is to prepare a cake that ranks among your family's favorites. If there is a cake that your family only eats on special occasions, it is probably perfect fare for your family reunion. Another option is to have a number of family members prepare their specialties, which will ensure that the whole family is involved in preparing and enjoying their favorite cakes. In addition, older members of the family may have cake recipes that they would like to share. These recipes may reflect your family's cultural heritage, which makes them a wonderful choice for your family reunion cake.

Tags: your family, family reunion cake, family reunion, family name, family member, family members, family reunion

10 Tropical Resorts

Most tropical resorts are near beaches.

The tropical region runs along the equator, from the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. The tropics are known for their temperate weather and warm, sunny days, which make them popular vacation destinations. Tropical resorts can be found in most of the countries of Africa, northern South American countries such as Brazil and the Caribbean islands, as well as parts of India and Asia.

Tropical Sun Beach Resort, Sarasota Florida

Located on Siesta Key in Sarasota Florida, Tropical Sun Beach Resort is a 2-minute walk from Crescent Beach. It has 18 rooms, some with whirlpool tubs. All rooms include luxury furnishings, and the resort offers a heated swimming pool and shuffleboard courts. Guests can also rent bikes and paddle boats from area businesses or go on a kayak tour. There are also numerous restaurants, bars and night clubs on Siesta Key.

Tropical Sun Beach Resort

6717 SaraSea Circle

Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida 34242

941-349-3330

800-235-3493

tropicalsunresort.com

Meliá Caribe Tropical, Dominican Republic

This all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic includes all meals, snacks, alcoholic cocktails and drinks, hotel taxes and non-motorized water and land sports in the package price. The resort has more than 144 suites modeled after European hotels. Facilities include a spa; the Flintstones Land, a small theme park; 10 swimming pools; a world-class golf course; and eight tennis courts.

Meliá Caribe Tropical

Playa de Bávaro, Higuey

Altagracia Dominican Republic

809-221-1290

meliacaribetropical.com

Tropical Garden Resort, Phuket, Thailand

This four-star seaside resort is on a hill overlooking the Andaman Sea. It is only a block from Kata Beach, nearby shopping areas and tourist attractions. Most of the 209 guest rooms offer sea view balconies, although some look out onto the pool or a lush tropical garden.

There is WiFi access and the hotel has two pools with a swim-up bar, three restaurants, a spa, a tour desk and a mini shopping arcade.

Tropical Garden Resort

247 Kata Beach, Koktanode Road,

Muang, Phuket, 83100,Thailand

011-66-76-285-2119

tropicalphuketresort.com

Rivertime Ecolodge Resort, Vientiane, Laos

This family-owned and operated eco-resort is situated in the forest along the Nam Ngum River. They contribute $2 per guest to local education and community development initiatives and was chosen Best Small Hotel/Accommodation in Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards program in 2009, according to ResponsibleTravel.com.

Guests can enjoy a floating restaurant or participate in activities such as local village tours (Hmong and Lao Loum ethnic groups), Lao cooking classes, traditional "Baci" ceremonies, fishing from hotel boats or the floating restaurant, trekking through local forests, tubing down the Nam Ngum River and even experiencing rice farming. The resort also offers a library and book exchange, Hmong dance performances, riverboat trips and traditional Lao massage.

Rivertime Ecolodge Resort

PO Box 5272

Vientiane, Laos

011-856-20-551-3672

rivertimelaos.com

Topas Ecolodge, Vietnam

Topas Ecolodge is located on two cone-shaped hills set in the Sapa valley of Northern Vietnam. While not technically a resort, this lodge, consisting of 25 individual lodges with views across the valley and villages below, offers numerous tours, hiking trips and mountain biking for visitors. Hoang Lien National Park lies conveniently close, right outside Pada village. The Thai stilt house restaurant offers Vietnamese-style meals three times a day.

Topas Ecolodge

Hanoi office address:

52 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Hanoi

011-84-4-3715-1005

topastravel.vn

Sapa office address:

24 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Lao Cai

011-84-20-387-1331

topasecolodge.com

Pangkor Laut, Malaysia

This exclusive award-winning luxury resort is located on the privately owned 300-acre island of Pangkor Laut, 3 miles off the west coast of Malaysia. Amenities include two swimming pools, a jet pool and cold dip, a gymnasium, three tennis courts and one squash court, a gift shop, a library, a lounge, an outpatient clinic, a hair salon and an award-winning spa as well as conference and banquet facilities available for weddings, events, conferences or business meetings. This resort island also offers several upscale restaurants, as well as casual eateries and bars.

011-800-9899-9999

pangkorlautresort.com

Coconut Lagoon Resort, Kumarakam

Coconut Lagoon Resort, Kumarakam on the shore of Vembanad Lake is rated by "Condé Nast Traveler" as among the 25 best getaways in the world. Across the river from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, the resort is reachable only by water. Bathrooms are open-roofed while incorporating modern conveniences. The cuisine at Coconut Lagoon is famous, specializing in seafood and fresh local ingredients. The resort offers big-game fishing, scuba diving, kayaking and snorkeling, and there is a bioluminescent lagoon.

cghearthhotels.com/coconut-lagoon.html

El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, El Conquistador Resort is a family-friendly resort with amenities that include a world-class golf course, an over-18 spa, a casino, a water park, wind surfing, tennis courts, four pools, scuba diving and a private marina for those who enjoy fishing. Camp Coqui is a children's activities club and features kayaking, snorkeling and nature walks as well as other activities. El Conquistador has 23 on-site restaurants and lounges to choose from, ranging from casual to formal dining.

El Conquistador Resort

1000 El Conquistador Avenue

Fajardo 00738

Puerto Rico

888-543-1282

elconresort.com

Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Montego Bay, Jamaica

With seven types of suites and hundreds of rooms, Rose Hall Resort & Spa is available for groups, conventions and family vacations. Amenities include a water park, a spa, a private beach, a golf course, tennis, a fitness center and a children's program featuring snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, volleyball, fishing, boat tours, jet skiing and basketball. This Hilton resort offers nine dining options ranging from elegant to casual dining.

Rose Hall Resort & Spa

PO Box 999

Montego Bay, Jamaica

866-799-3661

rosehallresort.com

W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island

Vieques, 8 miles from the coast of Puerto Rico, is a 20-minute flight or 45-minute ferry ride from San Juan. The 157-room W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island is a luxury resort open as of March 2010. Activities include snorkeling, horseback riding and tennis.

Guests can dine at Mix on the Beach, a Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion restaurant. Guests can also visit the bioluminescent bay at night and swim with glowing fish. Amenities include a fitness center, a lounge, conference rooms, a spa, a pool, tennis courts, bottled water in rooms, flat-screen TVs in rooms, high-speed Internet, laundry service and a masseuse.

W Retreat & Spa--Vieques Island

State Road 200 KM 3.2 - HC1

Vieques Island

Puerto Rico

787-741-4100

starwoodhotels.com

Tags: Puerto Rico, tennis courts, Amenities include, Beach Resort, Coconut Lagoon, Conquistador Resort, Dominican Republic