About Cost Of Living

About Cost of Living

People use the concept of the cost of living to make decisions about where to live or when to buy a house. But what exactly is cost of living? And how can you use figures about cost of living to make wise financial decisions? Read on to find out about cost of living and how you can apply it to your personal finances.

Identification

"Cost of living" describes the amount of money it costs to cover basic necessary expenditures such as food, shelter, taxes and fuel. Statisticians compile numbers to describe the cost of living in a given area. Therefore, the cost of living in one area can be compared with the cost of living in another area in order to make decisions about where to live.

History

Of course, there has always been a cost to living, and historians have been able to figure out the cost of living in former times. But the Consumer Price Index, which the United States government uses to calculate cost of living, has only been tracked since 1800. From 1800 until 1912, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was calculated annually, but in 1913, the United States began tracking the CPI monthly.

Significance

The significance of "cost of living" or the CPI is that people can find out how much it would cost to live in any given area. This affects where businesses get established, what kind of lifestyle you can afford and where people want to retire. Young people and the retired are often drawn to places with a lower cost of living.

Warning

Magazines and newspapers often rank cities by their cost of living indexes. It's easy to judge cities based on these numbers and rankings, but numbers cannot tell everything about a city. Remember that cost of living only indicates basic expenditures such as housing, fuel, food and taxes. There is much more to a locale than just the cost of living.

Benefits

Cost of living calculators are available online (see Resources below). This type of calculator is especially useful when you are moving. Some calculators will tell you how much you will have to earn to maintain the same lifestyle in another city that you are accustomed to now.

Tags: cost living, cost living, about cost, About Cost, about where

Great Learning Games To Play With My 1 Year Old

Games with 1 year olds are simple, but fun.

Games with 1 year olds are not competitive but are meant for play and to teach basic concepts. Playing games with your baby can create stronger emotional bonds with your child. These games, because the activities are meant for a young child, do not take a lot of equipment and set-up time and only require your attention.

Drop Objects

Children at this age like to drop objects and have you retrieve them. However, you can nudge the child to pick up the object. This activity teaches cause (dropping) and effect (retrieval). Teaching a child to pick up a dropped object gives the child early responsibility and helps when he is asked to do chores as an older child.

You will need a bucket or clean coffee can for the activity. Roll up socks into a ball. Let the child drop the socks into the bucket or can. Retrieve or ask the child to retrieve the objects from the can. You may use objects like clothespins or other things you keep around the house but be careful that the objects are not small like buttons, coins, or marbles. A child can put small objects in his mouth and choke.

Find The...

This is a game that you can play when you are reading to a child. Ask the child if she can find a specific object in a book or magazine. This activity helps the child to identify objects by name and strengthens focused observation. Tell the child if she is correct, or point out the correct object.

Head and Shoulders

An important part of a child's development is learning body parts. This is a game that you can do at bath time, before or after the bath. Always be present to supervise a bath, and have your hands available to support and help the child during the bath. Never leave a child unattended in or near water. You can teach the child with the rhyme, "Head and shoulders, knees and toes...eyes and ears and mouth and nose," while touching the pertinent body parts.

Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is a trust-building game. Hide behind a bed or a sofa for a few moments, and then peek out at your child. The message to the child is that the parent, after leaving, will come back. This activity will make separation easier when the child is school age. However, do not encourage hiding behavior in children because this can be a problem if there is a fire. Emphasize that it is the adult who hides and returns. The tag line can be, "Mommy (or Daddy) hides, but I always come back," or words that are similar.

Pat-a-Cake

Pat-a-Cake is a game that exercises your 1 year old's fine motor control. Help your child clap his hands while you sing the rhyme, "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man...," et cetera.

Roll and Catch the Ball

Rolling and catching a ball helps your baby develop focus and tracking skills, as well as hand and eye coordination. You simply show the child roll the ball and then push the ball toward the child. The child, however, might decide that rolling the ball elsewhere and watching you retrieve it is fun. This is a variation on Drop Objects. Ask the child to retrieve the ball and roll the ball to you to teach interactive play.

Tags: game that, This activity, your child, body parts, child child, child pick, child retrieve

Examples Of Beach Party Invitations

Beach parties are a little slice of summertime fun anytime.

Whatever the season, the beach is a popular theme for parties. In the summer it is a natural choice because of the warm weather, and in the winter, it serves as a reminder that this too shall pass, and that before you know it, it will be time for sun and fun again. Putting together creative invitations for a beach party will help get your guests excited to come and frolic with you in the sand, no matter what month it is.

Prefab Options

Many party retailers offer cute and affordable premade invitations that are appropriate for a beach party. They typically feature scenes that bring the beach to mind, such as flip-flops, bathing suits, the beach itself and even sand castles. If you don't have an abundance of time to fret over invitations for your event, these are a suitable choice.

Personalized Paper

Using sand on an invitation evokes thoughts of the beach.

If you would like to be a bit more hands-on with your party invitations, you can still use a paper invitation and give it a bit of pizzazz. Using plain white greeting card forms that can be found at most craft retailers, you can add beachy details to create really special invitations. Some examples include:

Cut a sand castle shape out of tan-colored construction paper and cover one side in glue. Take the glue-dipped side and press it into a plate of play sand. While it is still wet, use a toothpick to carve out some definition in your castle. Once the glue has dried, adhere the castle to the front of your invitation.

Paint glue across the front of your invitation and press it firmly into sand. Use a toothpick or unsharpened pencil to write "You're Invited" across your patch of sand. Add seashells to your design for an even more creative flair.

More than Paper

Beach balls make fun invitations that will be enjoyed after the party,

If you want your invitations to make a bigger impression, then put the paper away in a drawer and try giving your guests something unexpected.

Purchase small beach balls, inflate them and use a permanent marker to write all of the party details on the side of them. If you will be hand-delivering the invitations, go ahead and leave the beach balls inflated. If you will be mailing the invitations, deflate the beach balls and use a manila envelope to send them.

Inexpensive flip-flops can be used to create another eye-catching invitation. Write your invitation details on the bottoms of the shoes, and urge your guests to wear their new sandals to your soiree. If you are unsure about purchasing shoes for everyone, then construct paper versions of the official shoes of summer by tracing the bottom of a pair of flat shoes and cutting them out. Use a hole punch to make three holes along the front, and use chenille stems to create the straps.

For a really classic beach-themed invite, simply write your invitation information on a piece of paper and roll it up. Use a hole punch to make a small hole through all layers, and tie a small ribbon through them. Slide the rolled-up invitation into a glass or plastic bottle with the ribbon hanging out and cork the bottle. Voila! Instant invitation in a bottle.

Tags: your invitation, your guests, beach balls, beach party, front your

Disney Hotels Connected By Monorail

Several of Disney World's nicest hotels are on the monorail line.

The Disney World Resort sees millions of visitors every year, many of whom stay at hotels on property. While staying at Disney World, many guests enjoy the convenience of being on Disney's monorail, which takes guests to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Some of the nicest hotels on property are monorail resorts.

Polynesian Resort

The Polynesian Resort is one of the first Disney World hotels and has a south Pacific theme. Many adult guests love this resort at his a "classic" Disney feel and reminds them of their first trips from when they themselves were kids. The hotel is known for its great dining options. Ohana (meaning "family" in Hawaiian) is a family-service style restaurant that has regional food offerings; Kona Café serves what many guests claim may be the best coffee in all of Disney World; and the Great Ceremonial House is home to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, a luau that has been performed at the resort since it opened. The hotel has its own sandy beach on the Seven Seas Lagoon, from which guests can sit back and enjoy the fireworks from the nearby Magic Kingdom. Rooms here are 404 square feet and have refrigerators and a tropical décor. Many rooms have balconies. This resort is considered one of Disney's "deluxe" resorts and is priced accordingly.

Polynesian Resort

1600 Seven Seas Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-824-2000

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Contemporary Resort

To say the Contemporary Resort is "on" the monorail can be interpreted a couple of different ways, as the monorail runs directly through this unique resort. The hotel has an A-frame structure, allowing for a large, open-air atrium through which the train runs. This property is constantly being refurbished to keep up with what "contemporary" is, and offers some of the most unique rooms at Disney World. Also a one-of-a-kind experience here: have dinner at the excellent California Grill on the top floor, and look down at the Magic Kingdom; this is a popular place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Chef Mickey's on the lower level offers character dining, where Mickey and other costumed characters make their way through the dining room, interacting with children. This resort is one of Disney's deluxe resorts. It is one of the two resorts on property that can host conferences and events.

The Contemporary Resort

4600 North World Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-824-1000

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style turn-of-the-century themed structure that is perhaps the most elegant resort on property. The atrium lobby of this hotel has an enormous chandelier and a piano, as well as a chamber orchestra playing at various times of the day. The dining at this resort matches the elegance of the hotel: Victoria and Albert's is considered one of the best restaurants in all of central Florida, is jacket-required for men and does not allow children under the age of 10. Narcoosee's, while not quite as expensive, also offers quality fare in a pleasant setting, within view of the Magic Kingdom. The hotel has five shops, its own beach on the Seven Seas Lagoon, swimming pools and an arcade. The hotel is one of Disney's deluxe resorts.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

4401 Grand Floridian Way

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000

407-824-3000

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Tags: Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Grand Floridian, Buena Vista, Contemporary Resort, deluxe resorts

Cheap Resorts In Batangas Philippines

Cheap Resorts in Batangas, Philippines

Batangas is a popular tourist destination for beach lovers. Surrounded by coastal areas, it features some of the most frequently visited beach and diving attractions for both locals and tourists. Cheap resorts around the province offer rates starting between $60 to $90.

Apart from its bustling, tourism-driven economy, Batangas is a top producer of high-grade coffee varieties, sugar and other agricultural products in the country. It is also home to many cultural and historical landmarks tracing from centuries back during the days of the Spanish colonial rule. Batangas is also an important port for trade and commerce.

Anilao Outrigger Resort

Located in Solo, Mabini, Anilao Outrigger Resort features a total of 40 rooms overlooking the breathtaking Balayan Bay. It offers affordable accommodation options all featuring views of the sea. The standard and family rooms can accommodate from two to four people. Aside from spectacular window views, the deluxe rooms also open up to sea-front verandas.

Anilao Outrigger Resort is a popular choice for divers and water sports enthusiasts. It has a full range of aqua sport equipment including kayaks, pedal and banana boats. It also provides in-house access to diving courses and diving packages complete with guides and instructors that are all duly-accredited by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors).

Portulano Dive Resort

Mainly targeted as a place for relaxation, Portulano Dive Resort in San Luis features a relaxing ambiance far from commercialism and urban sites. It is a popular destination for friends and families who want to discover and enjoy marine life. Snorkeling, scuba diving or just merely walking down the shoreline offers sightings of many fish, crab and coral species.

Portulano offers quality lodging services at affordable rates. All accommodation options feature private verandas with doors that fully open up to stunning views of the ocean. They are also packaged with three buffet meals, unlimited brewed coffee, tea and drinking water and roundtrip boat transfers to and from the resort's private parking area.

Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel

Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel in Lian is a famous budget summer getaway spot for many Filipinos in the Philippines' Southern Tagalog region and nearby areas including Metro Manila. It features a total of 81 air-conditioned rooms consisting of: 51 deluxe rooms; two deluxe suites; six one-bedroom family suites; six superior family rooms; and 16 beachside villas. All accommodation options have private bathrooms and spacious verandas. The executive rooms and suites also have TV sets and minibars.

The resort features dining and entertainment facilities including the Wave Music Lounge and Caf Caballero. It also provides corporate facilities for business travelers including a business center and a conference room.

Tags: accommodation options, Anilao Outrigger, Anilao Outrigger Resort, Outrigger Resort, also provides

College Graduation Announcement Etiquette

College graduation announcements let family members, friends and business associates know of your achievements.

College graduation announcements can be a touchy ordeal. Because most colleges allow very few attendees per graduate at the actual graduation, some people might feel slighted that they haven't been asked to attend the big event. Word-of-mouth explanations might help alleviate this situation. It is perfectly acceptable to share the good news with family members, close friends and business associates, however, and this is done via the college graduation announcement.

Wording

A college graduation announcement should include the name and location of the college. It will also detail the degree the graduate has earned. The date of the actual graduation can be included, and of course the graduate's name is on the announcement as well.

Some people like to add the phrase, "no gifts." However, that comes with its own set of issues. Stating this implies that you might have expected the announcement recipient to send a gift, making them feel like maybe they should send one just the same. Often no mention whatsoever of gifts is the best course to take, leaving the option up to the announcement recipient.

Invitation

Often the graduation announcement is included within an invitation for a graduation party. This is perfectly acceptable and allows the recipient a chance to participate in the celebration.

If this is the method chosen, the announcement should be enclosed within the invitation but still in its own separate envelope.

When to Send

College graduation announcements can be sent anywhere from two weeks before the graduation to two weeks after the graduation. If they are being included within a party invitation, they should go in the mail approximately four weeks before the party.

If the announcement is accompanying an invitation to the graduation, it should be mailed up to eight weeks ahead of the event and followed up with a phone call. Because accommodations at graduations are scarce, this will allow the graduate to ask someone else to attend if the original recipient of the invitation and announcement is unable to attend.

Tags: College graduation announcements, graduation announcement, graduation announcements, actual graduation, announcement recipient, announcement should

Children'S Backyard Birthday Ideas

Kids love to play outdoors, so the backyard can be an ideal setting for a child's birthday party. Celebrate in style with these simple ideas for food, games and activities for a backyard birthday party. Does this Spark an idea?

Feed the Guests

You're in the backyard, so you might as well cook out. Put your grill to good use and make kid-friendly hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. If adults are present, you may want to make barbecue chicken or steaks for them. For side dishes, try corn on the cob. Kids love this messy, traditional cookout food. Serve other healthy snacks, such as fruit salad or melon balls, to go with it.

To keep the bugs from enjoying the drinks, you may want to purchase paper cups with lids.

Games and Activities

Purchase a sandbox or a kiddie pool and let the children have some messy fun. Or let them play with outdoor toys, such as big balls, bubbles and sidewalk chalk.

You can set up an easy obstacle course or have activity stations for jumping jacks, jumping rope and playing with hula hoops around the yard. A pinata can also be fun; tie it to a nearby tree and let the kids bash away.

Decorations

Let your lawn do most of the decorating for you. Make sure your grass has recently been mowed, and plant some attractive flowers or shrubs.

Put a pretty plastic tablecloth on a picnic table or card table for your food. Hang decorative lighting or use tiki torches if your party will continue into the evening. Play kid-friendly songs so your guests can dance and sing the day away.

Tags: birthday party, Kids love

Gazpacho Soup Ingredients

According to one of the best known and best loved cookbooks, "The Joy of Cooking," gazpacho is described as a clear soup full of herbs and vegetables. Gazpacho is different from other soups because it is served chilled. Add this to my Recipe Box.

History

The Britannica Online Encyclopedia says that the soup originated in Spain, and it has ancient references dating back to Roman and Greek literature.

Changes to the Recipe

According to the Encyclopedia, the two main ingredients of green peppers and tomatoes were not in the original version but were added later in the 16th century.

Start With

The starting ingredients in gazpacho include two ripe tomatoes, a green pepper, one clove of garlic, chives, basil, parsley and tarragon. Chop and mix them together.

Add In

Slowly add to the chopped mixture a half cup of olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cups chilled light beef stock or consomme; a peeled, chopped sweet onion; 1 cup seeded, peeled, diced cucumber; and a dash each of salt and paprika.

Chill

The soup is chilled for 2 hours. Just before serving, add a few ice cubes to each bowl and garnish them with fresh parsley.

Healthy Vegetable Soup

This cold vegetable soup is extraordinarily healthy, in that it is vegan, vegetarian, low calorie, low fat,

and low carbohydrate.

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Birthday Party Ideas For A Toddler Girl

Celebrate your toddler's birthday with a party that suits her personality.

Wish your toddler daughter a happy birthday with festivities that she and her guests will appreciate. Choose a party theme that reflects her favorites and personality whether she's a little princess, a tomboy or a fan of a particular cartoon character. Tailor the event's activities to the age group to keep young guests occupied and engaged. Does this Spark an idea?

Princess Theme

Organize a magical birthday party for your daughter by sending out castle-shaped party invitations that reflect the event's princess theme. In addition to party details--such as the date, location, time and RSVP specifics--invite the guests to wear their favorite princess or knight outfits. Decorate the room with pink or lavender balloons, streamers and tableware and hang a castle cut-out--sold at teacher or party supply stores--on the wall with temporary adhesive. Serve regal refreshments, such as finger peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, star-shaped cookies and pink punch. Offer guests princess party favors, such as foam wands or swords, plastic tiaras or crowns and cartoon princess DVDs.

Favorite Characters

If your daughter adores a specific television show, movie or cartoon character, build her birthday party around it. Send out party invitations preprinted with the character or create your own by adding sticker or clip art character images to the front of blank cards. Make wall decorations by enlarging clip art images on a color copy machine and hanging them with temporary adhesive. Organize a treasure hunt by having the guests search the house for character stuffed animals. Prepare refreshments that coordinate with the theme, such as green-colored punch and cookies sprinkled with edible gold flakes for a Tinker Bell-themed event.

Farm Animals

Let your daughter celebrate her birthday surrounded by cuddly creatures. Design simple invitations by placing animal stickers in the center of blank, red cards and printing the party specifics inside the card. Decorate the house with farm-themed embellishments sold at party supply stores, such as small bales of hay, printed barn cut-outs, and balloons and streamers adorned with animal stickers.

Place assorted stuffed animals around the room or hire a portable petting zoo to come to the house, if your budget allows. Organize games such as "pin the tail on the cow" or a round of "farmer says" based on the game.

Colors and Shapes

Create birthday party invitations, decorations and games based on your daughter's favorite colors or shapes. Host a "pink polka dot party," for example, by sending out round, pink invitations and covering the walls, balloons, tablecloths and tableware with pink, circular cardstock cut-outs and stickers. Prepare pink or circular foods, such as sandwiches cut with round cookie cutters, pink punch and a pink-frosted cake served with strawberry ice cream and pink sprinkles. Hold themed party games, such as a race that requires guests to hop from one pink cardstock polka dot to the next to reach the finish line.

Tags: your daughter, party invitations, animal stickers, balloons streamers, birthday party, birthday with

Acacia Wood Instruments

The Acacia tree grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world

Acacia trees and shrubs grow in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, typically found in Africa, Australia, Asia and the Americas. Its wood has a variety of uses, including manufacturing, industrial and medicinal applications. Many cultures have developed musical instruments using acacia wood, and these take a variety of forms.

Ukelele

The acacia koa, more commonly known as just koa, grows mainly on the Hawaiian islands, and mature trees can reach heights of between 5 feet and 115 feet high. Koa wood has a number of traditional uses in Hawaii, and this includes the manufacture of ukuleles. This stringed instrument has a long history in Hawaii, which dates back to the late 1800s. Over the years koa wood has become the preferred material in its manufacturing, partly for its attractive appearance, but more so because of its tonal characteristics. Logging has reduced the number of acacia koa growing in Hawaii in modern times. However, manufacturers still produce koa ukuleles, and retailers such as Bounty Music have them for sale.

Tambourine

The tambourine forms part of the percussion family of instruments, and requires shaking or striking to be played. The instrument is traditionally manufactured from wood, and this can typically include acacia wood. The attractive grain of the wood can produce a decorative instrument and its lightweight feel makes it easy to handle. Toca Percussion manufactures acacia wood tambourines, which come in 10-inch and 12-inch diameter sizes. These have an open center, although some acacia wood tambourines have a skin covering, which can be played by hand or using a percussion stick.

Xylophone

Many musicologists believe that the xylophone originated in Southeast Asia around the 14th century, although the name of the instrument derives from the Greek language. Xylon means wood, and this can be used in producing both the frame and tone bars of an instrument. Auris manufactures xylophones using acacia wood tone bars, and these can produce a strong, clear sound. The company produces a few different models, with each typically having a different number of tone bars producing different musical sounds.

African Drums

Drums form an important part of African culture and their functions have included communication, accompaniment for rituals, and providing music for dance. African drums come in a variety of styles, with some of these traditionally using acacia wood in their construction. These include the djembe, which has a goblet shaped body with a goat skin covering and the doun-doun, which has a double headed, barrel shaped body, with cow skin covered ends.

Tags: acacia wood, tone bars, using acacia, using acacia wood, acacia wood tambourines

Cool Things To Do In Hawaii

Exotic flora await visitors to Hawaii

Each of the series of islands that make up the state of Hawaii are different, but amongst the islands there are many fun experiences to be had. Visitors to the Hawaiian islands can treat themselves to famous historical landmarks as well as famous places of natural beauty and many opportunities for recreation.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a site of great historical importance in American history, and you can visit it on the island of Oahu. The most popular attraction at this historic navy base is the USS Arizona Memorial, which allows you to view the sunken remains of the battleship that sank during the Japanese attack on the base on December 7, 1941. Besides the memorial, you can also tour a submarine, battleship, and aviation museum. The total cost to see everything at Pearl Harbor is about 40 dollars per person.

The Ocean

Hawaii offers visitors pristine beaches and crisp warm waters, so enjoying the ocean is a must for many visitors. Snorkeling and enthusiasts won't want to miss Molokini, a small island just off the coast of the island of Maui. This area is a state wildlife preserve, and swimmers find themselves sharing the water with more than 250 different species of fish. If kicking back on the beach is more your style, you''ll be pleased to know that each island offers fantastic beaches for oceanside relaxation. Some of the best are Lanikai Beach on Oahu, Hapuna Beach on Hawaii (the Big Island), and Kapalua Beach on Maui.

Volcanoes

The Hawaiian Islands exist because of ancient volcanic eruptions, and Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is a great way to catch a glimpse of live volcanic activity. Guests at Volcanoes National Park can learn about the history of the area in the visitor's center, and then tour this spacious area by car and see the devestation of past eruptions and the plants and animals that call this volatile place home. The weather is very unpredictable, so visitors need to be prepared for rain or heavy wind. The park's web site provides visitors with current conditions.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

P.O. Box 52

Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718-0052

(808) 985-6000

Tags: National Park, Pearl Harbor, Volcanoes National, Volcanoes National Park

Buffet Style Finger Foods

Buffets offer several types of finger foods.

Finger foods are bite-size appetizers or entrees eaten without the use of a fork, spoon or knife. They are common at buffet-style gatherings, as small foods allow your guests to mix and match. However, not all finger foods are easy to prepare in the large amounts required to fill a buffet platter. Select easy-to-prepare finger foods so you can make large batches quickly, without a mess or excessive ingredients. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Chicken Bites

Breaded chicken bites are easy to make in large, buffet-style batches. Breaded chicken is mess-free, making it an ideal finger food. Chop raw, boneless chicken breast into bite-size pieces and coat with mayonnaise. Roll the coated chicken in breadcrumbs and bake in the oven at 400 degrees F until the juices run clear. Provide buffet guests with different dipping sauces for the chicken bites to suit their preferences.

Sliced Sandwichs and Wraps

Sandwich and wrap slices work well as a finger food for your guests. Make different sandwiches and wraps with lunch meats, cheeses, vegetables and condiments on soft, fresh bread or tortillas. Use a sharp knife to cut the wraps or sandwiches into bite-size pieces. Stick each bite-size piece with a toothpick and serve on a platter.

Open-Faced Sandwiches

Mini open-faced sandwiches, served on toasted slices of French bread, are simple to make in mass and work well as a finger food. Slice a small French bread roll into several thin slices with a sharp knife and toast in a broiler. Layer meat and cheese on top of the toasted French bread and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place the slices back in the broiler for 30 seconds to melt the cheese and prevent the toppings from falling off the open-face sandwiches.

Chopped Fruits and Vegetables

Chopped fruit and vegetables are a cost-effective, simple buffet finger food to serve. Select a wide variety of fruits or vegetables and wash thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin as necessary. Slice the fruits or vegetables into 1-inch cubes and arrange them on a large platter. Stick each fruit or vegetable slice with a toothpick before serving. Consider sprinkling the fruit cubes with sugar and providing dips for the vegetables.

Tags: finger food, French bread, bite-size pieces, Breaded chicken, finger foods, fruits vegetables, into bite-size

Hair Styles For Different Face Shapes

Find the perfect hairstyle for your facial structure.

Depending on whether you have a round, oval or long face shape, there are popular hairstyles which can be used to flatter your facial structure. Hair style is a key beauty tool because it can be used to accentuate your positive features while removing focus from your less desirable attributes. Style Hair Magazine (style-hair-magazine.com) is a great place to look for hair style ideas that will complement your face shape. Does this Spark an idea?

Hairstyles for Round Faces

The best hairstyles for people with round faces create a slimming effect by using layers. Short or curly hair styles should typically be avoided if you have a round face since these styles tend to accentuate roundness. The ideal hair length for people with round faces is just beneath the chin. This length creates a classy look and detracts from bulk on the sides of your face.

Hair Styles for Oval Faces

Oval is the most versatile facial shape for hair styles. Depending on your style preference, you can go with short or long hair and look great. Pick the feature you want to accentuate and choose a hair style that draws attention to it. For example, if you have an oval face and want to highlight your eyes, try some sexy side swept bangs. Bobs, bangs and waves are some popular hair styles for oval shaped faces.

Hair Styles for Long Faces

If you have a long face, you want to avoid hair styles that make your face look vertically drawn out and should choose a style that adds width to your cheekbones. Bangs, waves and curls help add volume to your face and are ideal styles for people with long facial structures.

Tags: your face, hair styles, people with, face shape, face want, facial structure, hair style

Bachlorette Checklist

Stir up some fun with a bachelorette's checklist.

It's the night of your favorite bride-to-be's bachelorette party, and you're looking to stir up a little bit of good, clean fun on this, her last night out as a single woman. The bachelorette checklist is a scavenger hunt of sorts, a game that will help to get the party off the ground while keeping the bachelorette on her toes all night. If she checks off all the challenges on her list, present her with a prize --- perhaps a gift card for some special spa treatments before the big day. Does this Spark an idea?

Photo with Firefighters

Heat things up with a trip to your local fire station; have the bride-to-be ask the fire chief, on bended knee, if she could get her picture taken with all of the firefighters on duty on board their shiny, red fire truck. Chances are they will be good sports about it, barring they aren't running out the door to put out a fire. Be creative with the pose. For instance, have one of the firefighters literally sweep her off her feet or throw her over his shoulder.

Karaoke Duet

Find a karaoke bar, and put the bride-to-be's name in the queue for a sappy duet. When it's her turn to sing, have her shamelessly solicit an attractive single guy to stand up and sing with her.

Foreign Sweet Nothings

Find a nice, single guy in the room who is fluent in a foreign language, and have the bride-to-be ask him to whisper something romantic into her ear and then ask him to translate it for her.

The Shirt Off His Back

Challenge the bride-to-be's negotiating skills, and see if she can't talk three different men out of their shirts. If she's a good negotiator, they'll each give her the shirt off their back --- no questions asked.

Plain White Tee

Purchase a bright colored marker and a plain white T-shirt for the bride-to-be to wear on the night of her party. Throughout the night, have her collect telephone numbers of random single men. Challenge her to obtain as many as 26 telephone numbers, one guy's name for each letter of the alphabet, including the cute waiter at the restaurant, the hot bartender at the karaoke bar and the single firefighters back at the station. At the end of the night, have her toss the shirt over her shoulder like a bridal bouquet to her single friends.

A Kiss on the Cheek

To earn extra credit, the bride-to-be can ask for kisses on the cheek from single men throughout the night. However, they can only be kisses from those guys with the same name as the bridegroom. For each kiss on the cheek that she receives, her girlfriends will have to throw in an extra $5 for spa treatments.

Tags: bachelorette checklist, have bride-to-be, night have, over shoulder, telephone numbers

Caribbean Party Foods

Bring the tastes of the Caribbean to your party.

A party with Caribbean flavor should include lively music, bright colors and authentic foods from the islands. Foods from the Caribbean blend the spices and export items from the region with the influences of Creole, African and Island cooking. The menu can be as diverse and colorful as the people who call the islands home. Does this Spark an idea?

Jerk Chicken

It's hard to imagine a Caribbean party without what is perhaps the most well-known dish from the region. Jerk chicken is a spicy, sweet dish originating in Jamaica that is commonly found all across the Caribbean and will be a favorite at any island party. Jerk chicken is traditionally made with a whole chicken, chopped, but any type of cut works since it's more about the spice than it is the actual part of the chicken.

The chicken is marinated overnight in jerk sauce made from Scotch bonnet peppers, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, chopped onions and peppers, and various other spices and seasonings that are liquefied in a blender. The chicken is grilled or baked until thoroughly cooked, all the while being basted with more sauce as it slowly reaches perfection. Serving this dish with a green salad and some bread will put a smile on the faces of just about any party guest.

Rum Cake

A rum cake will tempt guests at the island party and make them consider dessert first. Rum cakes are made in a variety of ways. However, choosing the right rum is important to successful sweets. Most recipes will suggest rum from the Caribbean with vanilla flavoring, but everyone has their own opinion about which makes the best cake.

Rum cakes are made from a basic flour cake mix with added walnuts, rum and vanilla extract. More rum is added to sugar, butter and water to create a soaking glaze. This glaze is poured onto the cooling cake after it is cooked, allowing the cake to soak up the rum flavor.

Black Bean Stew

Variations of black bean stew can be found in Cuba, Jamaica and Brazil and the stew is the Caribbean's version of chili. In fact, making this stew is no different than making chili, with the exception of a few unique ingredients. Those with a favorite Southwest-style meatless chili can stick to their own recipe and add the citrus flavors and choose black beans to give it an unexpected appeal.

Citrus flavors stand out in this stew thanks to the addition of a quarter-cup of lemon juice, grated orange and lime zest and garnish that can include lime wedges alongside a dollop of sour cream in the serving bowl.

Grilled Bananas

A sweet treat for guests at a Caribbean-themed party can include grilled bananas, a snack related to the popular New Orleans dish Bananas Foster.

Bananas are peeled, halved and soaked in a mixture of rum, brown sugar, melted butter, lime juice and allspice, and then grilled on an open flame for a short time, then placed on a plate with a topping of additional sauce. The host won't receive any complaints about this tasty island food.

Tags: cakes made, from Caribbean, from region, island party, Jerk chicken, made from, this stew

Fun Luau Games To Play At A Birthday Party

Luau party games are a blast.

You finally selected the perfect birthday party theme for your child--a luau-inspired party! While the decorations, invitations and refreshments are all worked out, you may find that you are stumped when it comes to great party games. Fortunately, with a lively theme like a luau birthday party, you have plenty of fun and intriguing party game options as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Pool Hopper

Set pans of water on the ground. Have the children dress in swimsuits. Play music, and stop the music randomly. When the music stop, have the children scramble to sit in any pan near them. The player without a pool is out of the game. It's a luau version of musical chairs.

Hula Do

This game is a variation of Simon Says. Choose one person to be the Hawaiian Simon. The other players line up side to side. Have Hawaiian Simon give commands just like the commands in Simon Says, only instead of saying, "Simon says...," say, "Hula do...." Don't forget to throw in a few commands without, "Hula do," in before them. Any player responding to a command without a, "Hula do," preceding it is out.

Hot Coconut

A Hawaiian Luau version of the game "hot potato." Have children sit in a circle. Give one child a coconut. Play a song, and have the children pass the coconut around the circle to the player on their right. Stop the music randomly throughout the game. Whichever player has the "hot coconut" when the music stops is out of the game. Remember to stop the music often to keep the game from dragging.

Luau Relay

Divide the children into two teams, and have them make a single-file line. Place two beach chairs (one in front of each team) a reasonable running distance away from the children. Give each team a bag filled with a grass skirt, bermuda shorts, sunglasses, a straw hat, a lei and a beach bag. When you say, "Go!" the first person in line for each team must put on all of the item's in their team's bag, run to the beach chair, tag the chair, run back to their team and remove all of the items, placing them back into the bag. That player then passes the bag to the next player on the team who repeats the process. The team that finishes the race first wins the game.

Limbo

Hold a broomstick or dowel four feet above the ground. Play Hawaiian music throughout the game. Have players line up in a single-file line. Each player must walk under the limbo bar leaned over backwards. After every player has gone under the bar, lower the bar a few inches and repeat the procedure. See which player lasts longest and can go lowest in the limbo.

Tags: each team, Hawaiian Simon, music randomly, music stop, party games, players line

Christmas Party Decorating Ideas On A Budget

Inexpensive Christmas decorations liven up a party.

Christmas parties are fun and festive ways to gather with friends and family during the holidays. A party's cost can climb rapidly, but you do not need to spend a small fortune to turn your party venue into a Christmas wonderland. There are many decorations that are easy to make and easy on the budget. Does this Spark an idea?

Greenery

Greenery is a natural and beautiful way to decorate your party venue. It's cheap too. Some people have evergreen trees in their yards from which they cut greenery to decorate surfaces, such as end tables and a dinner table. If you do not have a tree or a yard, buy greenery cheaply from a Christmas tree store. Sometimes stores will even give it away. If there are branches on your Christmas tree that you must remove before fitting it in your Christmas tree stand, use those branches to decorate. Holly and mistletoe also add a splash of color and fun to your Christmas party.

Gift Wrap Pictures

This decorating idea, detailed on DivineDinnerParty.com, is only as expensive as the price of wrapping paper, or to cut the cost you could use tissue paper. Take down all the pictures hanging on your walls. Wrap them as you would a gift, using wrapping or tissue paper. Cut a hole in the paper where your picture hangs so you can rehang it. Add a bow or ribbon to each "present" to make it look authentic.

Christmas Cards

Christmas cards are multipurpose decorations for your home. Using them as decorations keeps Christmas cards from collecting dust in a pile or a box. Use cards you receive during the festive season or ones you've collected from previous years. Cluster Christmas cards to decorate any surface, such as your coffee table and dining room table. Tie a string stretching from one side of your fireplace to the other and hang your Christmas cards on the string. Be creative: Any way you use them, Christmas cards exude holiday cheer.

Snowflake Window Clings

You can make many types of snowflakes at home. Though they will add a cozy atmosphere to your holiday party, snowflakes are not solely Christmas decorations so you can keep them up throughout winter. FamilyFun.com provides directions for homemade snowflakes. Begin by drawing a snowflake template on a piece of paper. Lay the template face up on a cookie sheet and cover it with waxed paper. Using fabric paint, trace the snowflake design on the waxed paper. Make sure all the paint lines connect and let dry overnight. Peel the fabric painted snowflakes from the wax paper and stick them on your windows.

Tags: Christmas cards, your Christmas, Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, party venue, tissue paper

Decorating Ideas For Wedding Receptions

Your wedding reception decor is a reflection of your taste and style.

The "I do's" are over, the first kiss is just a memory, and the photos are taken. Now it's time for the reception. When your guests enter your reception venue the first thing they'll notice is the d cor, which should represent your personal style as a couple as well as convey the theme of your wedding -- even if you don't think you have a theme. Wedding themes range from anything to a beach wedding, to a pink and black wedding, to a 1980s big-hair theme, if that's what you want. Choose d cor that wows your guests and makes you smile.

Centerpieces

For a casually elegant wedding try something different on the tables. Instead of the tried and true matching flower arrangements at the center of each table, go for a mix of different flowers and vases. Choose different shapes and sizes for each vase and create and mix-and-match arrangement at the center of your tables. Use the same flowers in each vase to keep the look simple or use a variety of your favorite flowers in every vase on each table for an eye-catching and colorful display.

White Hot

Even if your wedding colors are not white, white and more white, there's no reason your reception shouldn't be. A timeless, elegant and sophisticated look for a wedding reception is hard to miss when you use this color scheme. White chairs, white linens, white dinnerware, white lights and white flowers provide a clean and elegant background for your wedding reception, keeping the look chic. Your other wedding colors, such as your cake and your wedding party's attire, will pop against the stark background, creating an effect that's both timeless and effortless.

Sweet Treats

When you think of reception d cor your mind automatically begins picturing flowers, centerpieces and table settings. So many other aspects not usually considered d cor are, in fact, a great way to add decoration to your reception. For example, you can decorate your reception venue with a dessert bar. Have your caterer or wedding planner assemble a location in your venue with tables in varying heights covered with desserts. Add to the decoration of the tables by using clear vases and bowls in varying heights, shapes and sizes, and filling them with sweets only in your wedding colors. If your wedding colors are pink and black, fill the vases with nothing but pink M&Ms, which are specially purchased through the company, and Oreos, white chocolate, dark chocolate, black licorice, pink cotton candy, and any other dessert you can make pink and/or black. The effect is one that will add dimension and a refreshing change of pace to the average wedding reception as well as sweeten the opinion of your guests.

Natural Decor

Wedding reception d cor isn't limited to the type of flowers or color scheme used to decorate your venue; the venue itself is part of the d cor. Holding your wedding reception in the ballroom of your country club adds its own decoration to your reception and differs greatly from the decoration added to your reception if you were to have it under a white tent next to the ocean. When you book your venue keep that in mind for decorating purposes. If you're going for a simple look for your reception d cor, it won't be easy to pull off if you have your reception somewhere with elaborate decorations of its own.

Tags: your reception, your wedding, wedding colors, wedding reception, pink black, your guests, your venue

Boat Themed Birthday Party Ideas

Have a Boat Themed Celebration

There are many different ways to plan a boat themed birthday party. You can go all out and rent a boat or yacht for an evening out in the water. If you just want to recreate the boat experience indoors, set up your venue with a bayside flair. Does this Spark an idea?

Boat Themed Invitations

For a paperless and more high-tech invite, choose an online interactive invite. You can have an image of a boat or cruise ship in open water with the name of the ship as the celebrant's name. Include an image of a captain standing on deck, throwing lifesavers. When he throws a lifesaver, a recipient will have to click on it in order to receive a the details of the invite..

For traditional invites, design your cards with cruise ship cut-outs, or have the actual invite shaped like a boat. Include anchor charms or lifesaver candies.

You may also opt to recreate a travel brochure with an image of a cruise ship and itinerary details for the party.

Set-up and Decor

Greet guests with a life preserver arch made of red, white and blue balloons, which makes a perfect spot for a photo-op.Hand out leis, shell necklaces or nautical hats.

You can decorate the room with tropical sunsets or an ocean-blue motif. For a children's party, post or hang cutouts of whales, dolphins and fish.

You can also situate fake palm trees around the room. Using paper mache, make lighthouses and little islands. Hang seagull cutouts from the ceiling.

Use white table linens with blue skirts, silver chargers, white plates and crystal glasses. White and silver balloons can be spread out on the floor. For a centerpiece, use ice buckets with chilled champagne. Spread sea shells around the base of the bucket.

For a less formal table setting, use a blue plastic or vinyl tablecloth and jazz it up with place mats made from laminated pictures of boats or sea animals cut from magazines. Set seashells or plastic boat anchors from a party store around the table, or placed them in a fish bowl to use as a centerpiece.

Food and Entertainment

You can hire a band or DJ to play chill cruise music for dancing. A steel drum band gives the ambience of an island getaway. Soundtracks of "The Love Boat" or "South Pacific" can entertain guests, or you can opt for sea chanties such as "The Black Ball Line" or "The Island Lass."

Serve a buffet of fresh seafood -- grilled fished, boiled lobster, fish sticks for the kids and shrimp cocktails. Surf and Turf is another option.

For the birthday cake, cut a rectangular cake and shape it into a sailboat shape by using a knife and a cardboard stencil of a boat. Frost the hull in blue and the sail in white. If you aren't crafty at cutting cakes, make a rectangular cake, frost it in blue and attach origami sailboats with toothpicks.

Tags: cruise ship, Boat Themed, rectangular cake

Beach Ideas For A Birthday Cake

Even novice home bakers can decorate a beach-themed cake.

A beach cake makes a fitting end to a luau or water-themed birthday celebration. While many local bakeries almost certainly offer beach cakes, those interested in making their own can find a plethora of simple decorating ideas. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Sand Pail Cake

Turn a clean sand pail into a beachy dessert by filling it with cake and pudding or applesauce. Bake an 8-inch vanilla-flavored round cake and cut it into 1-inch slices. Non-bakers could also purchase a frozen pound cake, thaw it and cut it into chunks. Prepare a 3 oz. package of vanilla pudding or buy a 24 oz. container of applesauce. Layer the applesauce (or pudding) and chunks of cake inside of an 8-to-9-cup capacity sand pail, making sure to end with a layer of the pudding or applesauce. Crush a cup of graham crackers and sprinkle it on the top of the pail to resemble sand. Top the cake with shell-shaped candies and use a plastic sandbox shovel to serve it.

Just Beachy Sheet Cake

Use frosting, brown sugar and small figurines to transform a plain sheet cake into a beach scene. Bake a 9-by-13-inch sheet cake (caramel or vanilla work best) or buy one from your bakery. After the cake cools, turn it out onto a cake board or foil-covered tray. Add blue food coloring to a can (or batch) of prepared white frosting until you achieve a deep ocean blue shade. Cover the entire cake with the blue frosting and then press brown sugar onto approximately half of the cake to create a "beach." Add beach-themed figurines to the scene (available at most party or craft stores). You can even create a bonfire by inserting a small tea candle and piling candy "rocks" around it.

No-Bake Beach Dessert Cake

Fruit rolls, gum sticks, Jell-O and cookie crumbs combine to create a kid-friendly no-bake dessert cake. Crush 2 ¼ cups of vanilla wafer cookies and combine two cups of them with a stick of melted butter. Press the mixture into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Mix a package of cream cheese with ¼ cup of sugar and add half of a 12 oz. tub of whipped dessert topping. Pour the mixture over the crumbs. Prepare an 8 oz. package of blue gelatin (following the quick-set directions) and refrigerate it for five minutes before spooning it on the top of the dish. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least three hours.

To decorate the cake, spread the rest of the whipped topping over the cake. Sprinkle the remaining wafer crumbs over roughly half of the cake to make a beach. Place blue sprinkles on the remainder of the cake to create the ocean. Bend sticks of gum into "S" shapes to resemble chairs and place them on the beach area. Put a paper cocktail umbrella beside each chair. Cut a fruit roll into small sections and place one beside each chair to look like a towel. Add jawbreaker beach balls and figurines of hula dancers or surfers.

Tags: beside each, beside each chair, brown sugar, cake create, cake into, cake with, each chair

Beach Themed Decorating Ideas

Take the beach home

Whether you enjoyed your last beach vacation so much you wish you could bring its essence home or you long for the coast from a landlocked home, you can incorporate a beach theme into your home decor. While the bathroom is the most popular room for this theme, beach elements can work in any room, or throughout your whole house. Does this Spark an idea?

Color Palette

The sky, ocean and sand are nature's backdrop, and your wall color can draw inspiration from this color palette. Soothing shades of blue or neutral beige with crisp white accents for the trim are common choices. If you desire something more dramatic, try an intense teal or chocolate brown, as these shades will provide contrast while still tying into the beach theme.

Accessories

Nothing says "the beach" like seashells and sand. Collect an assortment of shells and a container of sand on your next beach vacation if you haven't already, or ask a friend to do so for you. Otherwise, shell specimens and sand can be purchased online or at large craft stores.

Next, buy a few glass containers, such as bottles, dishes or vases. Try flea markets or antique stores for apothecary bottles or one-of-kind pieces. Keep in mind that groupings of odd numbers in contrasting shapes work well together. Fill these vessels with your seashells and sand and arrange them on a bookshelf or table top. Larger shells such as conchs can be displayed alone on stands or serve as bookends. But don't get too carried away with beach artifacts---think subtle, not kitsch.

Another way to bring a beach theme to your decor is to hang photos of the beach. Abstract, black and white photos of seashells work for those with modern tastes, while sunset scenes might appeal to those who favor the more traditional. Select white-washed wood frames to recall the texture of driftwood.

Foliage is another strategy to evoke a beach vibe. Choose sago or ponytail palms, which grow well indoors. Tropical flowers such as orchids and bromeliads are also good choices.

Tropical Textures

Beach houses tend to feature natural woods and grasses, like bamboo and wicker, so look for furniture made from these materials. Avoid heavy pieces. For textiles, natural canvas is durable, can easily be found in white or unbleached, and is an easy way to introduce texture into a room. Large, woven baskets contribute to the beach theme as storage or trash cans.

Tags: beach theme, beach vacation, seashells sand

Big Island Resorts In Hawaii

The volcanic activity on Hawaii has created black sand beaches.

Hawaii is a chain of islands that have been produced and are continually growing because of volcanic activity. Hawaii's biggest island is the most southern and eastern of all the Hawaiian islands and has been appropriately nicknamed Hawaii's Big Island. It has an area of 4,028 square miles or 10,432 square kilometers, it is bigger than all the other islands combined and is also America's largest island. Hawaii's main source of income is based in tourism with resorts primarily spread along the western coast of the island.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is located on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island and features 1,240 suites and guest rooms to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the suites feature separate living and sleeping areas, in-room hot tubs, plasma TVs and a DVD/CD player. Others have features such as saunas and a kitchenette. This resort also offers its guests the chance to interact with live and wild dolphins. Guests can swim, touch, feed play and learn with the mammals, and the different programs are available to all members of the family. It is guided by professional marine guides and is designed to teach people about the importance of preserving the ocean. The Hilton Waikoloa Village also has eight tennis courts and two golf courses for guests who enjoy those sports.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive

Waikoloa, HI 96738

808-886-1234

hiltonwaikoloavillage.com

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel And Bungalows

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows welcomes its guests with a traditional Hawaiian floral lei greeting and a tropical beverage. The resort itself features a number of complimentary activities including a fitness center, beach cabanas, a lap pool, Hula lessons, Ukulele and lei-making classes, golf clinics, and snorkeling. The rooms at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows all come with Wi-Fi Internet access and a coffeemaker. A maid service is available twice a day, and a guest laundry room is also available for use.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive

Kohala Coast, HI 96743

808-885-6622

maunalani.com

Kona Village Resort

Kona Village Resort is situated on 82 acres of oceanfront land, and the Polynesian style bungalows are separated in three regions: Sand, Lava and Lagoon. Bungalows in the Sand area are beachfront locations allowing guests to step from their door onto the sand. The Lava region has bungalows that are situated on the site of an old lava flow, which has created black cliffs and black sandy beaches. The Lagoon region features ancient Hawaiian fishponds with bungalows positioned around them, which are themselves surrounded by tropical vegetation. The rate of a room includes three Hawaiian-inspired meals, and the amenities in the rooms include a coffeemaker, an in-room safe and ceiling fans. In select rooms, guest can opt for an in-room hot tub as well.

Kona Village Resort

Kohala Coast

Kailua Kona HI 96745

800-367-5290

konavillage.com

Tags: Mauna Lani, Hilton Waikoloa, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hotel Bungalows, Lani Hotel, Lani Hotel Bungalows

Big Island Volcano Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours are one way to get close to Big Island's volcanoes.

Hawaii is an island chain that attracts visitors from all over the world. In fact, tourism is its major business. Big Island, or the island of Hawaii, in particular, has a number of activities to enjoy, including helicopter tours that offer aerial views of the island's volcanoes.

Identification

Helicopter tours on Big Island typically focus on one volcano in particular -- Kilauea. It is known as the world's most active volcano, which has been erupting almost continuously since 1983. A helicopter trip to the area offers travelers a scenic view of Kilauea, nearby waterfalls and the fertile grounds around the volcano.

Types

There is more than one company offering tours of Big Island's volcanoes. Blue Island Helicopters offers a number of Big Island tours. The Circle of Fire tour takes guests to the east end of the island, where Kilauea sits among tropical rain forests and black sand beaches. Safari Helicopters also run excursions. Its volcano safari tour visits Kilauea and the Lava Tree Forest.

Tour Specials

Some tour companies offer deals to guests who are interested in more than one excursion. One example is with Sunshine Helicopters. It offers a special package for those interested in taking its helicopter tour as well as its snorkeling tour. It is best to contact a tour guide first to see about any seasonal specials or packages that may not be advertised.

Tags: Helicopter tours, Helicopters offers, Island volcanoes, more than, tours Island

Different Bridal Shower Games

Play "Kiss the Pig" at your next bridal shower.

There are a few party game staples that get drug out over and over again for bridal showers, like the clothespin game, the toilet-paper wedding dress game and the wedding word scramble, to name just a few. If it seems like everyone in your crowd is getting married this season and you've been to one shower after another where they played the same old thing. You can make your party different by offering the guests some games they may not have seen before. Does this Spark an idea?

Kiss the Pig

In this game, everyone sits in a circle and the bride starts things rolling by holding up an imaginary piglet, miming a kiss and saying, "I kiss this pig on the snout." She then "passes" the piglet to the guest on her left, who says, "I kiss this pig on the cheek" (or any body part), air kisses the piglet, and passes it on. This continues around the circle, with each guest kissing a different "body part," until the piglet has returned to the bride. Then the host announces that everyone must turn to the guest on their left and kiss them in the same place they kissed the piglet. This game works especially well at a couples shower.

Samplers

This game is a little like "Mad Libs," but instead of filling in the blanks the guests will complete well-known phrases. Before the party, think of 10 common sayings such as "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"--but instead of listing the whole saying, just list the first half ("If you can't stand the heat, _______."). Make enough sheets for each guest to have a list, and pass them out with pencils. Announce that the bride and groom are going to have some modern samplers embroidered for their new home, so everyone will have five minutes to come up with newer proverbs.

Name that Powder

Before the party, number 10 clear plastic zip-top bags. Put a few teaspoons of a white powdered substance in each bag and seal the bag. Choose things that are similar in appearance, such as scouring powder, flour, baking soda, corn starch, powdered sugar, cream of tartar, granulated sugar, salt, dry Plaster of Paris and face powder. Pass the bags around and have the guests make a list of what each numbered bag contains without opening the bags.

Tags: Before party, body part, each guest, stand heat, This game

Bartending Supplies Checklist

A well-stocked bar makes bartending simpler.

A well-stocked bar -- whether in a restaurant or at home -- is crucial to a smooth, successful bartending experience. The best bars are carefully stocked with all the tools and equipment you might need to create a drink. They also feature a wide variety of alcohol and mixers, and any garnishes or condiments that are needed to be a drink's crowning touch. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Alcohol

When gathering bartending supplies, alcohol may be the most important item on the list: after all, you can't exactly tend bar without it. When stocking a bar, make sure all types of alcohol -- liquor, liqueurs, beer and wine -- are sufficiently represented. (When stocking a home bar, alcohol experts and aficionados recommend starting with what you like to drink and building from there.) Important liquors to have on hand include bourbon, cognac, gin, vodka, light and dark rum, rye, tequila, Scotch whiskey and vermouth. For liqueurs, stock amaretto, Bailey's Irish Cream, Contreau, creme de cacao, creme de cassis and creme de menthe, as well as flavored brandies, Hpnotiq, Southern Comfort, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, Sambuca, sherries and triple sec. Stock a variety of beer and both red and white wines.

Tools

Preparing drinks requires a wide array of tools to help you tend bar more efficiently (and to look good while doing it!). The most basic tools include a bottle opener and corkscrew, a shaker and a strainer, and a bar spoon. Other tools can include cocktail napkins and coasters, straws, toothpicks, a cutting board and sharp knife (for cutting fruit and other garnishes), an ice bucket, and a blender or ice crusher for making frozen drinks. To keep things need and tidy, have plenty of containers for storing garnishes, and lots of bar towels for cleaning up messy spills.

Glassware

Depending on the size of your bar, you may choose to feature more or fewer styles of glassware. Some glasses are elemental, such as shot glasses and wine glasses, and are typically used for specific drinks. Other glasses are less rigid in their prescribed uses. Common glassware types include the Collins glass, the highball, the old-fashioned or "on the rocks" glass, beer mugs and pilsners, the Irish coffee glass, the champagne flute, the brandy snifter and the cocktail glass. Some specialized glasses include the pousse cafe glass and the parfait glass.

Extras

Finally, your bar should be well stocked with an array of condiments, garnishes and mixers. Popular condiments include cream, nutmeg, grenadine, salt and pepper, simple syrup, Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce. For popular cocktails, keep cranberry, grapefruit, orange, pineapple and tomato juices, as well as pina colada mix, and fresh limes and lemons. An array of sodas -- club soda, regular and diet colas, lemon-lime sodas and ginger ale--completes your bar.

Tags: stocked with, tools include, When stocking

Catering Decorating Ideas

Catering an occasion, and serving food to guests, can also include decorating the room. Well thought-out decorations can help enhance the enjoyment of a meal and make the occasion more special. A well set table or nicely decorated serving station can make the experience one that calls to all five senses. There are several ways to enhance a catered event with decorations. Does this Spark an idea?

Menus

Guests who are coming to dine like to know what they are about to be served. Convey this information with individual menus placed in front of each table setting. Menus are not difficult to design. Start by choosing an easy to read typeface, such as Arial or Tahoma. Use boldface to set off the name of each menu item. There should be a short description of the item below the name of it. The description should tell the person reading it the main ingredients of the dish. If drinks such as wine or cocktails are being served, place the name of the drink next to the course. Tie in the design of the menus to the design of invitations. If wedding invitations were sent out with gilded edges, use gold trim to the menu.

Flowers

Use flowers to add color to the dining tables. Flowers may have already been picked out, so consult with the party planner first. Choose colors to complement the season. If the party is in spring, decorate with spring flowers such as snowdrops and tulips. If it's a summer party, use flowers such as roses or sunflowers. Fall themed parties can be enhanced with the use of brightly colored leaves as well as flowers that have fall colors in them such as chrysanthemums. Place large vases of white flowers on the table, such as calla lilies for a winter wedding. You can also use flowers to complement the food. If you are serving tomato soup use red flowers; if you are serving a lemon tart, create a centerpiece of daisies and dahlias in between each item being served. Have waiters wear flowers in their buttonholes.

Fabric

Use fabric to help convey a mood. If the food is being served from a buffet line, use a tablecloth in a color that reflects the theme of the party. Top tables with elegant table runners that run the whole length of the table. Place delicate a delicate lace place mat underneath each table setting.

Tags: being served, each table, each table setting, flowers such, table setting

Game Hints For Nancy Drew Curse Of Blackmoor Manor

"Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackmoor Manor," released in 2004, is the eleventh game in the popular Nancy Drew series by Her Interactive. In 2006, this game was updated and released in DVD format, with plans for future releases on platforms besides the personal computer. Nancy Drew checks on her friend Linda Penvellyn at Blackmoor Manor, but things are quite suspicious, with strange disappearances, magical lights and mysterious chanting.

13 Ghosts Hunt

At midnight, go to Nancy's desktop computer and enter "purgamentum." Then press your computer's enter button to begin. There are 13 ghosts that come out from midnight until 4 a.m. in quiet places. Touch all 13 ghosts and Arthur will give you a prize. The 13 ghosts are located in the first floor hallway, conservatory, great hall, stairs, library, second floor hallway, kitchen, Miss Drake's room, Nancy's room and Linda's room. You must hurry, because once 4 a.m. arrives, the ghosts will be gone.

Puzzle Box

One of the hardest puzzles in "Curse of Blackmoor Manor" is the puzzle box. It can be rotated by right-clicking to reveal five sides in all. Opening a side allows the player to change the background color. You need to line the correct coat-of arms with its corresponding color.

The solution is as follows: the lynx is new moon (any color), the rabbit (south) is green, the dragon (north) is red, the lion (east) is red, and the fist (west) is blue. Inside you will find a diagram of a telescope and a special lens--save these for later.

Second Chances

There are many choices you can make throughout the game which can lead to the untimely demise of your character or someone else integral to the plot. If this happens, you can always go to the start menu by pressing the "Esc" key and clicking "Second Chance."

You can avoid this by remembering a few key rules: Don't wake Mrs. Drake in the middle of the night, don't feed Loulou poisonous cakes and don't forget to run from the heavy box. You may also use Second Chance if you fail a deadly puzzle, such as in the alchemy lab.

Tags: Blackmoor Manor, Nancy Drew, Curse Blackmoor, Curse Blackmoor Manor, computer enter, Drew Curse, Drew Curse Blackmoor

Cute Names For A Luau Party Theme

Come up with a cute name for your luau party.

A luau is an entertaining Hawaiian party full of kebabs, summer music and games like limbo. If you are looking to come up with a cute name for your luau party there are many different options. Depending on the reason for the party (like time of year or an event) and how Hawaiian you want to be (like using Hawaiian words) there are certain names that fit better than others. Does this Spark an idea?

Tropical Party

There are few things more tropical than a luau party, so why not refer to your luau as a tropical extravaganza. List the location as a tropical resort (at your address). Talk about the tropical food and drinks that will be available. You can even call it something silly like the Luau Tropico.

Hawaiian Party

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party and most people will assume you are doing a luau if you call your party a Hawaiian party. Names for the party that include Hawaiian in the title are Hawaiian Hideaway, Hawaiian Hoedown, Hawaiian Bash or Hawaiian Celebration. Emphasize the luau aspect by calling it a Hawaiian Luau.

Hula Dance-Off

Hula dancing is one of the main components of any good luau. This means that you can place a picture of a hula dancer on your invitation, call it a Hula Dance-Off and most guests will be excited about your cute, upcoming luau. Reinforce this by setting up a hula dancing contest at your party.

Hoohiwahiwa

Hoohiwahiwa is a Hawaiian word that literally means celebrate but can be used as a name for your luau. There are different words for different types of celebrations that you may find are appropriate for your luau. A promotion could be called a ho'opi'i, a wedding feast could be an 'aha'aina male and a sweet 16 could be called a momona 'umi kumaono. Other Hawaiian words you can include in your invitation include kono (invited), manawa (date/time) and kauwahi (place).

Aloha

Another cute way to phrase your luau party's name is to welcome in the upcoming season or event. For example, if you are having a luau at the beginning of the summer, call it an Aloha Summer party. For a promotion luau, you can call it an Aloha Jason's New Job party. Other examples include Aloha Baby, Aloha New Apartment and Aloha Engagement.

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Gift Bag Ideas For A Teen Party

Include items in the gift bags that relate to the party's theme.

A teenager almost always wants to have a party to celebrate her birthday. Whether your child is planning on hosting an intimate get-together with her closest friends or the biggest sweet sixteen bash the town has ever seen, some form of gift bag is an appropriate way to thank the guests for showing up. Teen party favors don't have to be expensive, but they do need to be reminders of an amazing party. Does this Spark an idea?

Girls' Slumber Party

For a slumber party, particularly one that includes facials, manicures and pedicures, give the girls gift bags filled with beauty accessories such as lip balm, nail polish, scented body wash and lotion, and a hair accessory. If there are a small number of girls whom your daughter considers to be her best friends, give them each a charm bracelet featuring a charm engraved with your child's name and birthday.

Boys' Man Cave Party

Teen boys aren't exactly expecting to take home a goodie bag, but if your teenage son is throwing a "man cave" type of party for a night of video game playing or having a game-watching party, his guests wouldn't mind a gift bag if it had cool items in it. If you can afford it, buy them all the hottest video game out that they came over to play at your house. Alternatively, if they stayed up and played video games all night, pass out to-go breakfast muffins and individual bottles of orange juice in the morning as they are leaving.

Rock Star Party

If your teen is having a rock star-themed birthday party, include temporary rub-on tattoos, a mixed CD of your teen's favorite rock songs, star-shaped sunglasses and glow sticks that could be used at the next rock concert attended. You can also include a key chain displaying a picture of your teen in a full rock gear get-up or a key chain in the shape of a guitar.

Formal Teen Party

If your teen is having a quinceañera, bat mitzvah or just a formal sweet sixteen, the party favors should be more formal in nature, or more consistent with an adult party. Include a box of chocolate-coated candies in one of the colors or themes of the party and a thank you note. Another idea is to hand out a party favor that displays your child's picture or name and the date of the event on it, such as a key chain or fountain pen.

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