Award Theme Ideas

Give awards for things from a starring role in a movie to perfect attendance at school. When you are having a spresent awards to people, a theme makes the night more special because people dress up and get involved with the theme.

Hollywood

Plan a Hollywood themed awards show. You can go either old Hollywood, like in the 1930s, or new Hollywood. Either way, you need some essential things. There must be a red carpet. This is how all people walk into Hollywood award shows. Also, have "paparazzi" on hand. Have camera men walking around all night taking picture of the guests, especially when they are walking in. Everyone should dress formally. In this theme, when you give out the awards, do so in a Hollywood manner, with someone opening an envelope and pulling out a card with the winner's name on it. Shape the awards like little Oscars as well.

Casino

A casino awards show is a lively, upbeat atmosphere that gets everyone excited for the awards. Have poker and blackjack tables set up so that people can go to the tables and gamble. If gambling is illegal in your state, then give people some chips to play with when they walk in. Neon lights and cocktail waitresses are a must to pull off this theme. When it is time for the show, usher people to their chairs and then let them return to the festivities after the show. This theme doubles as an after party. To hand out the awards, have a large slot machine set up on stage that flashes the winner's name when the host pulls the lever down. This may take some time to build and test out prior to the show, so make sure you have allotted the time.

Tropical

A tropical theme requires lots of planning but will pay off. Make sure you are at a venue with lots of plants, or have a way to fill a room with palm trees, ferns and other tropical plants. If possible, have some live animals, like monkeys and parrots, at the event. If the awards show is for a wildlife organization, this is the perfect theme. For a tropical event with live animals, have a monkey deliver the envelope with the winner's name inside and present the award, if possible. Or, if your event has no animals, have the awards and the winners' names set up on different parts of the stage (for example, on rocks and hanging from trees). Decorate the the stage as a tropical oasis no matter which method you choose.

Mardi Gras

A Mardi Gras theme means lots of music and celebration, which is perfect since the night is to celebrate the winners. Give people masks they can wear, or have them bring their own. Hand out Mardi Gras beads, and have a dance floor where people can dance the night away. For the show, decorate the stage with green, purple and gold, as these are the typically Mardi Gras colors. To hand out the awards at this type of event, have the band write a short melody to accompany each of the names. For example, you say, "The winner for most valuable person is..." and the band plays a melody that says, "The winner is Jane Jones." Have a screen flash the name behind the band as well.

Tags: Mardi Gras, awards show, winner name, animals have, hand awards, live animals

Farm Animal Preschool Activities

Make your own classroom barn out of an empty appliance box for preschoolers to enjoy.

Most preschoolers can quickly recognize a picture of a red barn and a group of cows in a pasture as a photo of a farm. Though preschoolers might not know 12 cows are called a flink, they probably know we get milk from cows. Put on your straw hat, slip into your boots, and get ready to bring the barn and the farm animals into your classroom.

Classroom Barn

Have preschoolers help turn a large appliance box into a classroom barn. Cut openings for doors and windows. Let preschoolers paint the barn red with white trim and add a weather vane. Preschoolers may suggest adding a straw floor, a hay bale to sit on or other props such as a horse saddle and horseshoes. Allow students to draw or paint animals inside the barn such as cows, horses, pigs, chickens, goats and barn cats. Provide play food or pictures of food so students can feed the farm animals.

Farm Animal Math

Print out pictures of farm animals such as horses, cows, chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, rabbits, cats, mice, llamas, sheep and barn owls. Print out several pictures for each animal, including adults and babies, then laminate pictures for durability. Encourage preschoolers to sort the farm animals by color, size, fur or feathers and other attributes. Have preschoolers put the animals in order by size. Provide a large drawing of a farm with a barn and field. Invite preschoolers to sort the animals on the farm by placing them in the barn or around the fields.

Sounds Around the Farm

Read books and sing songs about farm animals and the sounds they make such as "Who Says Quack?" by Jerry Smath, "Peek-a-Moo" by Marie Cimarusti or any musical version of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and "Animals on the Farm." Encourage students to sing songs while lining up for recess or while playing in the classroom barn. Place farm books in a reading corner so students can look at the pictures and practice the animals sounds. Provide laminated pictures of farm animals attached to craft sticks so students can pretend to be different farm animals while playing in the classroom barn.

Chicken Eggs

Invite your preschoolers to explore chicken eggs. Bring in a dozen eggs, some raw and some hard-boiled. Let preschoolers crack open some eggs to study the shells and compare the raw egg whites and yolk to hard-boiled egg whites and yolks. Encourage preschoolers to spin a raw egg and a boiled egg to see how each spins. Have preschoolers float raw and boiled eggs in tap water and again in saltwater to see what happens. If you have an incubator at school, try hatching baby chicks.

Tags: classroom barn, farm animals, farm animals, Have preschoolers, animals sounds, chickens goats, Encourage preschoolers

Decorations For An Outdoor Wedding By The Water

Whether you are holding your wedding by the ocean, a river or a swimming pool, you should choose decorations that somehow connect to water. The decorations don't necessarily have to be nautical, but they should be flowing and invoke the qualities of the body of water. Keep in mind that a seaside or river-side location may be windy, so choose decorations that you would mount firmly.

Lighting

Candles are a great choice of lighting for a beach or poolside wedding. Place small candles that float in the pool or use tiki torches or other large, dramatic looking candles at a beach wedding. If your wedding is by a river or lake, go for more classic lighting options, such as lanterns with candles inside or a string of paper lanterns. Candles and lanterns are great choices for a wedding in the late afternoon and early evening, before it gets too dark outside. For a more environmentally-friendly option, use candles made of soy instead of beeswax or petroleum.

Centerpieces

For a beach wedding, fill cylindrical vases with seashells and place in the center of each table. Carefully arrange more seashells around the base of the vase for a casual look. Skip the seashells and fill the vases with bits of sea glass, if you prefer. If the wedding is by a lake or river, choose flowers or plants native to the area for your centerpieces. You can also fill a shallow glass bowl with water and float petals or flowers on the water. Fill the bowl with blue glass pebbles and nestle tea lights into the pebbles if you prefer.

The Aisle and Seats

Unless you plan on walking down a sandy aisle, you may want to spread a runner across it. A runner made of blue sheer fabric will invoke the water in the ocean, pool or lake. Hold the runner down with river rocks or large seashells. If your wedding is by a lake or river, hold the runner down with potted grass or small potted flowers. You can also drape the seats with matching blue fabric and hold in place with seashell pins. To make the pins, simply hot glue a shell to a safety pin or brooch pin.

The Altar

Many couples may want to say their vows under an arch decorated with flowers. If your wedding is at a beach, though, that arch may come crashing down the second a strong breeze kicks up. Design your altar so that it matches the rest of the wedding instead. If your wedding is poolside, consider saying your vows on the diving board. If it is at a lake or river, say your vows balancing very carefully in a rowboat or canoe. At the beach, you may want to build a sand castle around the altar area or arrange seashells in a pretty pattern.

Tags: your wedding, lake river, beach wedding, bowl with, choose decorations, choose decorations that, decorations that

Allinclusive Trips To Hawaii With Kids

There are many ways to enjoy an all-inclusive, family-friendly Hawaii vacation.

While Hawaii is known as a romantic destination for honeymooners, it is also a great place to go to with kids. Hawaii's great year-round weather and unlimited outdoor activities means that all members of the family are sure to find something they can enjoy doing either individually or together. There are a number of ways to enjoy an all-inclusive Hawaii family vacation.

Kona Village Resort

Kona Village Resort is located in a secluded area along the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. There are 82 individual thatched-roof bungalows, called hales, for guests to stay in. Each is tucked away into a secluded area, giving guests privacy and a sense of solitude. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the resort's many activities, which include swimming and snorkeling in the secluded bay, tennis courts, a fitness facility, and arts and crafts activities such as shell hunting and lei making. Surfboards, snorkel gear, kayaks and paddle-boards are free for guests to use. An all-Inclusive Fare Deal package offered by Kona Village Resort includes three meals a day per person and $800 credit toward airfare.

Kona Village Resort

Kohala Coast

Kilaua Kona, HI 96745

800-367-5290

konavillage.com

Hawaii Aloha Vacations

Hawaii Aloha Vacations offers all-inclusive vacation packages that allow guests to choose from a selection of hotels on the island of Kauai. One of the lodging choices, the Kauai Beach Resort, is a Hilton resort that is family-friendly and has a children's water slide and pool. Besides lodging, the all-inclusive package includes airport transfers, meals, adult beverages, gratuities and special tours. The five-day package costs $949 per person and does not include airfare, but you can purchase discounted tickets through Hawaii Aloha Vacations when you book your all-inclusive vacation package through them.

Hawaii Aloha Travel

6800 Kalanianaole Highway #127

Honolulu, HI 96825

808-589-2000

hawaii-oloha.com

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel

The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is a family-friendly resort that offers all-inclusive packages, with some including the cost of airfare. You can choose from the 5-night Best of the Beach or the 3-night Maui Getaway package, both of which include lodging, meals and amenities. Packages including airfare and car rental are available from the Ka'anapali's online partner, Get2Hawaii. Amenities at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel include two restaurants, a spa and salon, and a swimming pool. The Ka'anapali offers a special kids program for all guests under the age of 12. The program allows families to participate in activities such as hula lessons and lei making. Special family rooms sleep up to four people and children under the age of 17 stay for free when using existing beds.

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel

2525 Kaanapali Parkway

Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761

800-626-8450

kbhmaui.com

Tags: anapali Beach, anapali Beach Hotel, Beach Hotel, Hawaii Aloha, Kona Village, Kona Village Resort

Cheap Party Bag Gifts

Colored pencils make a cheap party gift.

Great parties don't end without loot bags, especially for kids. They look forward to party bags filled with candy and toys. However, filling these bags can be too burdensome in terms of finances. There are cheap and creative alternatives for party bag gifts. As for the actual bags, PBS Parents recommends substituting plastic party bags with inexpensive and greener alternatives, like bandanas.

Homemade

Make your own party bags using the materials you already have at home. For example, if you have scrapbook supplies you're not using anymore, recycle them by turning them into party bags, which you can fill with goodies for guests to take home. Fill the party bags with homemade things. Bake cookies or brownies, or create your own toys using clay, paint and buttons. Be creative and give yourself an adequate amount of time to complete the party big fillers before the party.

Free and Bulk

Do away with chocolates and matchbox toys. Keep the bags interesting for the kids by looking for items that will keep their owners entertained for more than a few minutes. Keep the party alive even after the guests have gone home by slipping in notes about where the party pictures have been uploaded online. For a themed party, find affordable items which come in bulk. For example, put whistles and baseball choco balls in the party bags for a baseball-themed party. Personalize it by printing the name of the guest on a sticker shaped like a baseball and use it to seal the party bag.

Small Treats

Smaller party bags are easier to fill. Consider the amount of goodies you will have to put in a bag before you purchase it. A small party bag is filled with around five sweets, a notepad and a pencil. This will do for a small party held at home. If you have extra pieces of candy or treats, put more pieces in every bag to fill it well. If you need to fill a bigger party bag, don't be afraid to do things differently. Get cardboard picture frames and buy them in bulk for a more affordable deal. Include a note with the URL of the photo album containing the party pictures. Give instructions on how their pictures can be printed and placed in the frame.

Tags: party bags, bags with, filled with, party bags with, party pictures, small party

Baby Shower Invitation Ideas & Free Printables

Prepare for baby with a themed shower and invitations.

Choosing a theme and preparing invitations for a baby shower can be challenging. If the parents have chosen not to discover the sex of the child until after the birth, you need a gender-neutral theme. Your creativity guidelines depend on the taste of the expectant mother and the guests. There are many suitable themes and free printable invitations for baby showers to choose from.

Angel Invitations

For an angel theme, choose free printable invitations such as the Cartoon Angel Birthday Party Invitation from FreePrintables or the Angel Baby Shower invitations from Plan the Perfect Baby Shower. Personalize the invitations with your own sentiments for the mom-to-be or add a pre-written one such as, "Come celebrate with us, a new bundle of love, soon to be sent, from heaven above."

Decorating options for an angel-themed baby shower include a soft white decor with pom-pom clouds, white feather boas hanging from doorways and child sized angel wings adorning the backs of chairs.

Childhood Memories

Celebrate the joy of a baby's birth with a trip down memory lane for the mom-to-be and baby shower guests. You can create a free childhood memories-themed invitation for the shower using a photo or card program on your computer. Place a baby picture of the mom-to-be along with a sonogram picture of the baby on it. You can also add your own pictures, stored on a Flicker account, to a free printable card at My Card Maker.

In the invitation, ask guests to bring a baby picture of themself to display or use for games at the shower.

Beach Baby

If the baby shower is going to occur during the hot summer months, try a beach theme for the party and invitations. Print out free beach-themed baby shower invitations free from AmazingBabyShowerIdeas.com. You can even buy beach themed scrapbook supplies from your local craft store and create your own baby shower invitations using tips from Plan the Perfect Baby Shower.

Give each guest a leis and serve baby hot dogs and hamburgers for them to munch on. For dessert, Celebration.com suggests decorated cookies shaped as beach balls and seashells.

Tags: baby shower, free printable, shower invitations, baby picture, baby shower, Baby Shower

Bar Mitzvah Invitation Etiquette

A Jewish boy's Bar Mitzvah signifies his passage into Jewish adulthood. The Bar Mitzvah is both a service and celebration that involves invited family, congregation and community members. The Bar Mitzvah invitation sets the tone for the Bar Mitzvah as a whole. By ensuring that everyone in need of an invitation receives one, the language is appropriate and invites are sent out in a timely fashion, the celebrant should be en route to a successful Saturday morning.

Invitation Distribution

Deciding who does and does not get an invitation can be tricky. In many cases, congregation members of the temple hosting the Bar Mitzvah will not receive individual invitations. Details of the service and Oneg, a reception following the Bar Mitzvah, will be distributed in a monthly temple newsletter or online. This saves those throwing the Bar Mitzvah and Oneg from spending even more on postage.

Invitations to Bar Mitzvah guests who are not members of the temple should be mailed out three months in advance. For guests needing to travel, three months is enough time to book and schedule travel accommodations. Three months also allows enough time for RSVPs to be returned to the family hosting the Bar Mitzvah. This will give them the count needed to properly order food for the Oneg.

Invitation Language

Bar Mitzvah invitations should be straight and to the point. Language should include the boy's Jewish name, the date of the service, the location of the temple (address and cross streets if needed), time of the service and reception details if the Oneg is to be held somewhere else.

For additional Bar Mitzvah related events, such as a party at night or services held on days different than the Bar Mitzvah, an insert should be included in the invitation.

An RSVP card should also be included. Guests should be able to check whether they are or are not coming. If they are coming, guests should have a spot to mark how many will be in attendance. For more formal Bar Mitzvah, Onegs or receptions where a food choice is required, an additional blank should be included.

Determining Who Should Be Invited

A Bar Mitzvah is a sacred and celebrated religious transition. While Bar Mitzvahs are attended by many family members, congregants and friends, you are not required to invite everyone you have ever met. Inviting your boss and close co-workers is acceptable, but inviting the entire floor of your building is excessive. With family members, however, even far-removed members should receive an invitation. Though not all family members will make the trip, it is important you still alert them to this joyous and important occasion.

Invitations should also be reserved for the celebrant's friends. A Bar Mitzvah is one of the few events at which young boys may feel comfortable having their friends present or that such an allowance can be made. Having a group of the Bar Mitzvah boy's friends in attendance can also bolster his self-confidence when called to read from the Torah.

Tags: family members, enough time, hosting Mitzvah, members temple, Mitzvah will

Activities For Kids When There Is Air Pollution

Girls Playing

It can be challenging to keep kids entertained when there is air pollution or other bad weather and they need to stay inside. There are many different things that you can do with kids of all ages to keep them happy. Use a little creativity with a few things you have around the house and your kids will have more fun than they do on days they get to play outside.

Bake Something

Most kids love to bake. Those days where kids are stuck inside are the perfect opportunity to get them to help you make cookies, cupcakes or even dinner. Get them to help you make their afternoon snack. Even the littlest children can help in some way (dump in pre-measured ingredients and stirring). If you bake cookies or cupcakes, make the fun last longer by letting them decorate their creations after they are baked.

Crafts

If you're willing to let the kids make a mess, a fun craft is to let the kids use cookie cutters to trace shapes onto paper. Cut out the shapes, then spread glue on the shape and decorate it with glitter. You could also let them color the shapes (this would be less messy). If your kids are too young, you could do the tracing and the cutting.

Make cards to give to a parent who isn't home at the moment or to mail to grandparents or other friends or family members. Grandparents especially love anything their grandchildren make for them.

Make puppets out of paper bags. You can draw faces onto the bags or go all out and add googly eyes, buttons, yarn, felt decorations or anything else you have lying around -- let your kids use their imaginations.

Play Games

You could play leap frog with your kids. Be sure to clear a lot of space so that no one plunges into something that hurts.

Build a tent with your kids. Some sheets or table cloths, clothes pins and a table or some chairs will make a great tent.

Pull out some of those old board games and start playing. Kids love to play games. You can also play card games such as Go Fish or War (you can call it something else if you want).

Put on some fun music and have everyone dance. See who can come up with the most creative dance moves.

Pull out some of their toys they haven't played with in a while -- they've probably been forgotten and will be new and exciting again.

Don't forget that sometimes it's great to sit down and read some books. Reading is a great way to wind down after some crazy dancing or other rowdy games. Use your imagination and you can have a lot of fun with your kids on days when they are stuck inside.

Tags: your kids, with your, with your kids, cookies cupcakes, help make, Pull some

Cheap Hotels Near Makena Maui

A view of the setting sun off the coast of Maui

The town of Makena (officially Wailea-Makena) has some of Maui's most picturesque beaches and is filled with a variety of upscale resorts. Visitors looking for cheap accommodations need to keep in mind that cheap is a relative term in Makena; in this case referring to room rates ranging from $89 to $150. Visitors should also consider staying at a guesthouse or bed and breakfast as they often provide cheaper alternatives to the traditional hotel.

Days Inn Maui Oceanfront

Guests of the Days Inn Maui Oceanfront stay along Keawakapu Beach less than two miles north of Makena. This oceanfront hotel contains 87 guest rooms that feature a light and airy atmosphere and come with amenities like cable television, free high-speed Internet access, microwave ovens, refrigerators and coffee makers. Guests can enjoy the hotel's exercise room and beach activities like snorkeling and scuba diving arranged through the hotel. The on-site, beachfront restaurant is open daily for dinner only. As of August 2010, room rates began at around $150, including taxes and fees, during the high season.

Days Inn Maui Oceanfront

2980 S. Kihei Road

Maui, HI 96753

808-879-7744

daysinn.com

Maui What a Wonderful World Bed & Breakfast

The Maui What a Wonderful World Bed & Breakfast in Kihei offers cheap rooms approximately 2 miles north of Makena. This small B&B features four individually designed and decorated guest suites; all with free wireless Internet access, DVD players, cable television and a sitting area. Guests can relax and socialize with each other in the open-air barbecue area and garden; a complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning. Guests also have free use of the on-site laundry facilities and computer. Room rates begin at $89 a night (as of August 2010).

Maui What a Wonderful World Bed & Breakfast

2828 Umalu Place

Kihei, HI 96753

800-943-5804

amauibedandbreakfast.com

Two Mermaids on Maui Bed and Breakfast

Located two miles from Makena and less than a mile from the ocean, the Two Mermaids on Maui Bed and Breakfast offers just two guest suites, giving guests the feeling of having their own private residence on Maui. Each suite features digital cable, a kitchenette with fridge, microwave oven and coffee maker, separate bedroom and living room. The small pool and sundeck is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing, as is the on-site library where guests can borrow books and reading material. In-room breakfast is served each morning. Room rates as of August 2010 began at $115 per night.

Two Mermaids on Maui Bed and Breakfast

2840 Umalu Place

Kihei, HI 96753

808-874-8687

800-598-9550

twomermaids.com

Tags: August 2010, Days Maui, Days Maui Oceanfront, Maui Breakfast, Maui Oceanfront

Dance Instructions For Lovely Hula Hands

The hula must be danced using the entire body, not just the hips.

Hula is a Polynesian dance that is commonly used for entertainment purposes at luaus and other Hawaiian parties. The original dance was done as a spiritual ritual, but the hula is now performed in the spirit of fun and the rich culture of Hawaii. Part of dancing the hula is using the correct hand gestures. A good hula dance should include graceful, lovely hula hands that tell the story just as well as the other parts of the body.

Instructions

1. Hold your arms out at shoulder length with the palms facing down. Bend the left arm so that the fingers are positioned over your chest. The tips of your left finger tips should be pointing directly to the right.

2. Hold the position in your arms, extend your fingers, and keep your hand and finger muscles as relaxed and fluid as possible as you sway to the music.

3. Switch positions after a few sways, this time with your right arm bent in so that the right hand is over the chest pointing directly to the left. Continue to sway with the music, allowing the wave of each sway to travel through your arms and then to the fingertips.

4. Repeat, moving between the two positions every couple of sways. Focus on letting your wrists move in a controlled, solid manner, while still appearing loose.

Tags: your arms, pointing directly

Care Package List For Military Personal

You may be surprised by the number of gifts the troops would appreciate.

It is hard to imagine the life of those deployed to various countries on military missions. In an alien land, away from family and constantly in the line of fire, these men and women help to ensure a better life. Civilians often do their part by sending care packages for military personnel. These usually include several items of food, everyday medication, entertainment, and sometimes equipment. There are certain items that would definitely bring a smile to the battle weary soldier.

Food and Personal Care Items

Though the military supplies its personnel with plenty of food, there is a longing for certain items that do not come in the ration kit. In terms of beverages, it is a good idea to send the powdered variety: instant coffee, energy drinks, mixes for hot cocoa, and tea bags make excellent choices. You can also send food items that are nonperishable such as bubble gum, Slim Jims, crackers, dry cereals, and tuna tins. Power snacks such as granola bars and prepackaged trail mixes are nice gifts as well. Ready-to-eat packaged foods like soups, smoked sausages, and canned fruits as well as basic condiments in sachets are good ideas. Just don't forget to send a can opener if you are sending canned food. Candy and lollipops are also a good idea.

Items for personal hygiene, such as packets of wet wipes, travel packs of sanitizers, soaps, cleansers for greasy camouflage paint, toothpaste, and regular and battery- operated toothbrushes, make good gifts. Bug repellents, eye-drops, sunscreen, mouthwashes, prepackaged medical kits as well as deodorants are also good items to send.

Miscellaneous Useful Items

Sending some handy equipment in the form of knives such as folding or utility versions are a good idea. Swiss-army knives are also a nice choice for personnel who are comfortable with them.

Those in the military are also commonly looking for some form of entertainment so books and current magazines are a good idea. Games related to the individual's interest such as yo-yos, dartboards, Gameboys and of course, the necessary batteries are great choices. Always send some personalized items from home such as letters from loved ones and drawings and paintings from children. A phone card is also always welcome.

For Women

Female troopers will enjoy luxury items like wonderfully fragrant facial creams and soft cotton pads.

Do not forget the female trooper's needs. Feminine-hygiene-related products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and liners would be a good idea. Hygiene washes as well as sanitizers are also useful. Ladies will also appreciate portable mirrors as well as combs, brushes, hair clips, lotion, Chap Stick, perfumes, deodorants, and Q-tips.

Tags: good idea, items that, also good, certain items, certain items that

All Inclusive Resort Tips

All-inclusive resorts are most commonly found in the United States, Mexico and Caribbean.

All-inclusive vacations have become especially popular in recent years as a low airfares have encouraged a growing number of U.S. parents to take their children on vacations with them. All-inclusive vacation resorts, which are concentrated in the United States, Caribbean and Mexico, offer activities for children, as well as food and lodging costs.

Think First

Think about the time of year for your vacation. Most people will go during the summer, and that's fine. But be warned that the last half of August and first half of September is usually prime hurricane season. Have an exit strategy. Know when you can back out of your reservation without losing all or some of your deposit.

Online Deals

Look for deals online, especially on travel search engines like Expedia, Orbitz or TripAdvisor. Pay attention to reviews from previous customers, which can usually be found on these websites. You can often get a better price from companies that operate more than one resort if you're willing to be flexible about the resort where you take your vacation. You can also often get a better price by making reservations several months in advance -- or often, several minutes, if the resort isn't doing a lot of business.

Location, Location

Think about details like how you'll get to the resort, if you're flying or taking some other form of transportation. Do they have an airport shuttle? Also, make sure your interests aren't going to conflict with the focus of the resort. A non-golfer, for example, probably would rather skip the vacation than spend a week at an all-inclusive resort that focuses on golf.

Hidden Details

Be sure you know what you're getting. Does the resort offer all meals or just dinner? Are there surcharges for more than one child? Are tips covered? Read the fine print with any all-inclusive deal you choose.

Confirm Details

Confirm directly with the resort that your child or children are eligible for all activities. Some resorts will offer age-specific activities. You should also confirm your reservations at least one month before leaving.

Meal Time

Most resorts allow a limited number of a la carte dinners, with the amount depending on the length of your stay. Make reservations as soon as you arrive, since the seating is generally limited -- unless you really like the buffet.

Your Time

Unless you're genuinely interested, avoid sales meetings. You may be invited to a breakfast and asked to take a quick tour of the property. Ask if it's a sales presentation. You can certainly decline. It's your time to relax, not be pressured to buy something you might not need.

Tags: better price, more than, often better, often better price, resort that, Think about

Foods To Grow In Hawaii

Pineapple is an ideal food to grow in Hawaii.

The islands of Hawaii, with their rich, volcanic soil and year-round warm climate, are ideal locations for growing certain types of foods. While pineapple may be the first item that comes to mind when people think of foods from the islands, there are a number of other plants you can grow. Whether you're a home gardener who lives in the state or someone looking to start a small farm, there are several choices to consider. Does this Spark an idea?

Rice

Rice production in Hawaii began in the early 1960s in the area of Waikiki now occupied by skyscrapers. To cultivate rice, small seedlings are hand-planted into paddies which get filled with water. The rice plants form and develop in the water and produce a harvest once per year. Rice is ready to harvest when the color of the plant resembles parched straw. Before the harvest, the paddies must be drained.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are grown in orchards and found in yards throughout Hawaii. A typical tree reaches its peak production of nuts after 12 to 15 years. As long as a tree receives proper care, this production can continue for 40 to 60 years. Anywhere from between 60 to 120 inches of rain per year is needed for a macadamia nut tree to prosper. If you have only a few trees, you can harvest the nuts directly from the tree or ground around it. Mechanical shakers are commonly used in large-scale commercial orchards.

Pineapples

Pineapples thrive in Hawaii and are one of the state's most exported food products. The plants require a great deal of care to produce fruit, but it's also possible to produce it using only the crown of a fruit purchased at the store. New pineapple plants should start in a small red clay pot and should then be transferred to a larger pot when necessary. In Hawaii, the climate is mild enough so that you can keep the plants outside and eventually plant them in the ground. From the time the fruit begins to form on the pineapple plant, it takes more than six months before it is mature enough to harvest.

Tags: start small

Easy Bingo Games For Children

Purchase a bingo roller and allow the students to use it.

Introducing games into your lesson plan is a way to keep students engaged while allowing them to learn in the process. One such game is bingo, but instead of using the traditional bingo cards you can tailor the cards to suit different basic learning objectives, such as mastering math and reading basics.

Color Bingo

If the kids in your classroom are just learning their colors, then you can create a bingo card that has a host of colors on it. These can be the primary colors such as red, yellow and blue and the secondary colors violet, green and orange. Explain to the students that they need to get five colors in a row on the card to become a winner. Next, cut up small cards with each color on them and place those in a paper bag. Invite one of the students to be the "caller" and assist you with pulling the cards out of the bag. These games will be short since there are only six options. To make the game more complicated you can add additional colors. This will help the children expand their knowledge of colors and learn how mixing two or three colors produces another color.

Addition and Subtraction Bingo

If students are just learning to add and subtract, you can create a bingo card with math equations. Keep the math equations simple using numbers from 0 to 10. This will yield results no higher than 20 even if they are added together. Be sure to make an index card for each equation that appears on the bingo card. Then place those cards in the bag, and pull one card at a time. The student must physically fill in the answer on the card next to the equation. When the student calls "bingo" you must check to make sure all of the equations are right before declaring him the winner.

Farm Animal Bingo

Create a bingo card that is full of farm images with easy vocabulary words. Animal words such as "cow," "horse" and "sheep" are examples of words that can correspond with images on the bingo card. Place a copy of each image into a bag and pull them out one by one. As each image is pulled from the bag, ask the students to identify it before allowing them to claim the space on their bingo cards.

Historical Bingo

If the kids are learning about basic governmental figures such as the president of the United States or when the country was founded, you can create a bingo card that has an image of that person or event alongside the name or date when the event occurred. If you are focusing on the American Revolution you might create a card with the Declaration of Independence, a picture of George Washington or fireworks for July 4, 1776. Then place these images in a brown bag and pull them out one by one. The students must name the event before claiming it. To make it one step more challenging, the students must tell you a fact about the person or event before claiming it.

Tags: bingo card, bingo card that, card that, create bingo card, allowing them, before claiming

Accessible Hotels In Paris

Wheelchair accessible hotels can be found throughout Paris.

Traveling through Paris in a wheelchair can be a difficult experience since French building codes do not require wheelchair accessibility as U.S. codes do. Furthermore, in downtown Paris space is at such a premium that most restaurants and boutique hotels do not have the space for wheelchair ramps or, often, elevators. There are several Paris hotels that do offer special accommodation and services to guests in wheelchairs. In these hotels, common areas, guest rooms and/or parking are designed to make all guests comfortable.

Le Burgundy

Le Burgundy hotel is situated in the heart of Paris with easy access to the city's main tourist attractions. Guests requiring wheelchair access will find Le Burgundy comfortable since all common spaces in the hotel are wheelchair accessible. There are three rooms with specially adapted lighting and bathrooms. Complimentary regular and shower wheelchairs are available upon request. All hotel staff are fully trained on all customer service needs that guests with wheelchairs might have.

Le Burgundy

6-8 Rue Duphot

75001 Paris, France

011-33-01-42-60-34-12

leburgundy.com

Costes K Hotel

The Costes K hotel is situated in Paris's sixteenth arrondissement. The location gives guests easy access to both the Trocadero and the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower is about half a mile away. The hotel gives special attention to guests with physical limitations. It has four elevators, making any guest room wheelchair accessible, not a standard feature in many Parisian hotels, and some of the rooms have been designed for easy wheelchair access. The on-site spa facilities also have limited access for guests in wheelchairs.

Costes K Hotel

81 Avenue Kleber

75016 Paris, France

011-33-01-44-05-75-75

hotelcostes.com/costesK

Fontaines de Luxembourg

The Fontaines de Luxembourg hotel is situated between the Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain des Pres church in the heart of the Left Bank. The hotel has 30 rooms, two of which are specially fitted to accommodate guests with disabilities. An inner courtyard adds charm, while the rooms come with an LCD TV, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms with showers or bathtubs or both. Room service is available, although there are dozens of restaurants and bars nearby.

Fontaines de Luxembourg

4 Rue de Vaugirard

75006 Paris, France

011-33-01-43-25-35-90

hotel-luxembourg.com

Radisson Blu Ambassador Hotel

The Radisson Blu Ambassador Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Opera district in Paris, with views of Opera Garnier and the Eiffel Tower. The hotel offers guests driving services and wheelchair-accessible parking to take the stress out of driving and sightseeing in Paris. All guest rooms were renovated in 2010 and feature en suite bathrooms. Other guest services include a complimentary breakfast, expedited laundry service, on-site restaurants and bar, a fitness center and 24-hour concierge services.

Radisson Blu Ambassador Hotel, Opera Paris

16 Boulevard Haussmann

75009 Paris, France

011-33-01-44-83-40-40

radissonblu.com/ambassadorhotel-paris

Tags: Paris France, Ambassador Hotel, Fontaines Luxembourg, guests with, hotel situated

Fun Things For Kids To Do In Maui

Sunset in Maui

A family vacation to Maui offers sand and surf and can be the ultimate relaxation getaway. Along with fun-filled and educational activities such as snorkeling, volcanoes and whale watching, Maui is a great vacation spot for kids of all ages.

Maui Ocean Center

A comprehensive and educational aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center has collections of sea creatures found throughout the waters in Hawaii. The center features exhibits on whales, tiger sharks, reef sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish and other varieties of marine life. The aquarium also offers walking tours, interactive displays and the 100-foot-long tank at the Turtle Lagoon and Discovery Pool that features starfish and sea urchins.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling in Maui, under adult supervision, is an exciting and educational activity that allows kids to explore the undersea world. Baby Beach in Lahaiana, which has calm water due to the surrounding reef, is ideal for exploring the tropical fish, plants and coral. The Molokini Crater is good for older kids, who can venture to an offshore location. The area also features an inactive volcano that is now home to various marine creatures.

Beaches

Relaxing in the sun and sand is the pinnacle of a Maui vacation, but with kids it can be a challenge. Luckily, Maui offers a plethora of options such as Baby Beach with its calm and tranquil waters and Launiupoko Beach Park, a great beach for kids that has a picnic area. There are also several beaches that are great for kids in Maui including: Kaanapali Kapalua, Olowalu, Kamaole, Big Beach and Wailea Beach with its nearby boardwalk. Many beaches feature recreational areas where kids can enjoy activities such as volleyball, biking and basketball.

Sugar Cane Train

An exciting adventure for a kid who loves trains, the Sugar Cane Train is a 12-mile round trip that provides a stunning view of Hawaii's neighboring islands and its surrounding landscape. The train ride starts at Kaanapali station and crosses a 325-foot wooden trestle. The conductor narrates the tour, noting interesting points and historical facts along the way.

Hana Lava Tubes

The ultimate adventure for kids who love science and volcanoes can be found at Hana Lava Tubes. The caves, which have bright lights and railings, allow kids to explore vegetation, rocks and stalagmites. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the grounds and explore the Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze.

Tags: activities such, Baby Beach, Beach with, Cane Train, Hana Lava, Hana Lava Tubes

Fifth Grade School Dance Ideas

Themes for fifth grade dances should be youthful and casual.

Fifth grade, on the eve of attending middle school, is often when children are making their transition to the world of adolescence. A part of that experience is often school dances. Fifth grade marks the period when students begin attending co-ed school parties that involve socializing. It is important that young students are not only comfortable, but also excited about this important event, and choosing the right kind of dance can often make the difference.

First Dance

Since fifth grade is often the time of first dances, you might consider doing a first dance theme. These events can be nerve wracking for many students, as they have never danced with the opposite sex and are unsure of act. If your school is smaller, you may want to do a themed type of dance where students come in and learn a group dance at the beginning of the event. It can be country line dancing, ballroom dancing or even a simple swing.

Student Chosen Theme

Let your fifth graders choose the theme. It can often be difficult to decide what is important to 12-year-olds and you want the students to be comfortable. You also do not want to choose a theme that is too grown-up or too childish. Choose three themes: a fifties sock hop, a costume party or an Old West theme and let the students vote!

Activity Theme

A theme that involves activities is a good idea for fifth graders, in order to avoid a dance floor with no movement. For example, if you do a Hawaiian or Luau theme, you can have a luau-dancing contest. Hand out leis and grass skirts to lighten the mood. A Candyland theme is also fun. Set up a table of various candies, blindfold students and have them guess what they are eating. You can also have a Candyland game board on the floor where students can follow the game path to the D.J. in order to request songs.

Rock Band

The most important aspect of a fifth grade school dance is that students interact socially. A "rock band" theme can be fun and get students talking. Break up some of the students in groups of three or four and have them choose a song to sing on karaoke. Other students can serve as judges. Decorate the space like a popular singing show. For the first hour, have a contest until everyone is comfortable and then turn to dancing.

Tags: choose theme, comfortable also, fifth grade, fifth graders, have them, theme students

Golf Courses Near Kona Hawaii

Golf courses on Hawaii's Kona Coast come with ocean views.

There aren't too many golf courses in the United States where an ocean serves as a water hazard and an errant golf ball could just end up in the Pacific Ocean. But that's a possibility for golfers playing coastal courses on the Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island. The mountain courses have their own special hazards, such as wild goats and turkeys roaming the greens, too.

Kona Country Club

Kona Country Club, located just six miles from Kailua-Kona, offers two 18-hole courses for golfers, who can choose between an ocean course and a mountain course. The ocean course, designed by William Bell in 1966, borders the Pacific Ocean. The club's websites says golfers may want to bring cameras as well as clubs when playing the ocean course. A blow hole is visible from hole 13, and humpback whales can be seen November through March. This par 72, 6,613-yard course has hosted national golf tournaments.

William Bell also designed the front nine holes of the mountain course in 1985, with Rodney and Nelson Wright designing the back nine in 1991. The country club notes the mountain course served as a playground for Hawaiian royalty. It's possible to see wild goats on this course, the club says. Hole 14 is the highest on the course and provides views of the ocean as well. This is a par 72, 6,494-yard course on the championship tee.

Kona Country Club

78-7000 Alii Drive

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

808-322-2595

konagolf.com

Makalei Golf Club

Makalei Golf Club is a more wooded course but also offers views of the Pacific. It's a bit cooler than other local courses, sitting at elevations that range from 1,800 to 2,850 feet above sea level. Golfers compete for playing space with more than 100 peacocks as well as wild turkeys and pheasants, the club notes. The course was designed by Dick Nugent & Associates to show off the locale's scenic beauty. And even though the beach is just yards away, the golf club says it imported high-grade sand from Idaho for the bunkers. The par 74 championship tee is spread over 7,091 yards.

Makalei Golf Club

72-3890 Hawaii Belt Road

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

808-325-6625

makalei.com/golf/proto/makalei

Waimea Country Club

In a previous life, the Waimea County Club was a big pasture; its neighbors still include cattle ranches. The course is still wide open, though the club's website notes, "there are many ironwood trees that can affect your golf shots." The course follows a Scottish links design, the website further notes. This is another Kona course where golfers are expected to share the links with wild turkeys, ducks and pheasants. The Waimea course is a par 72, 18-hole course.

Waimea Country Club

P.O. Box 2155

Kamuela, HI 96743

808-885-8053

waimeagolf.com/

Tags: Country Club, Golf Club, Kona Country, Kona Country Club, Makalei Golf

Dj Party Tips

A DJ who comes prepared will create a successful party and even secure future bookings.

When someone decides to hire a DJ for a party, she expects happy guests and the best mix of music. This happens if the DJ is prepared and ready to get the party started. Whether you're a DJ starting out or one who has been in the game a while, keep these tips in mind to make sure that your event is a success.

Point of Contact

Before you prepare to perform at any party, find out who the main contact is for the event, big or small. This will be the person you confirm the location and event details with--and also the person who will also pay you. Find out if there are any special requests or suggestions for music, or if there is a sequence of events that have to be followed ( birthday toasts, giveaways, among others). The contact will also be the one to address any last-minute changes.

Let the Music Play

Music is the main focus of the party and if the DJ comes prepared with a variety as requested or by simply "reading the crowd," the party will be a success. It's important to play according to the demographic of the event but also mix it up to give some variety to the crowd. Find out from the contact what genres she prefers to hear and what she doesn't. Don't start the evening with fast tempos---ease into it was some low to mid tempo tracks and pay close attention to the crowd's reaction.

Have a Backup

If you are deejaying alot of parties and events, it's best to have your equipment serviced. Your equipment will last longer and eliminate any problems during a performance. It's also a good idea to have a backup set or two. The last thing a DJ wants to happen is equipment failure during a set without a backup plan and another set will help eliminate that. In addition to extra equipment, bring extra extension cords and tables. Don't assume the event will have everything for you--this should be clarified when the details are being planned with the client.

Have Fun

The crowd not only reacts to the music playing, but to the DJ who is playing the music. When the DJ looks like he's having fun and is really into the party, the crowd will feed off that vibe and become more excited to be there. The crowd will also remember how much fun you and other guests were having and you could potentially secure future gigs as a result. Remember, even if no one is on the floor dancing, the DJ shouldn't show any disappointment or discouragement.

Tags: will also, comes prepared, crowd will, secure future

Diy Party Favor Ideas

creativecommons.org

Party favors let your guests know how much you appreciate their coming to your party. Party favors needn't be expensive, but they should be creative. They should also be useful or serve as a reminder of the event. Does this Spark an idea?

Dipped Spoons

If your party is for adults, dipped spoons make wonderful party favors. Since most adults drink some form of hot beverage like coffee or tea, the spoons are both appropriate and useful.

If you're creating your party favors on a tight budget, use plastic spoons to make them. Visit your local party supply store and choose plastic spoons in a color that complements the party decor. Buy chocolate melts at your local craft supply store. You can find ribbon and decorative cellophane there as well.

Melt the chocolate in the microwave oven or in a double boiler. Dip the spoons into the chocolate and lay them out on wax paper to harden. If you'd like, you may sprinkle jimmies or colored sugar over the chocolate spoons. Once the chocolate has hardened, wrap the spoons in decorative cellophane and tie with a ribbon. Add a hand-written note card thanking everyone for being a guest at your party.

An eclectic variation to this party favor is to seek out vintage teaspoons at thrift stores and dip them in chocolate instead of using plastic spoons. This costs a bit more, but creates even lovelier favors.

Recipe Jars

Scour cookbooks for simple homemade recipes for brownies, cookies, or even soups.

Assemble all of the dry ingredients required for the recipe and layer them in clear glass jars. Add a recipe card that explains mixing and cooking instructions as well as any wet ingredients that must be added to the recipe.

These jars make wonderful favors, as they look decorative sitting on a kitchen shelf and are even better when prepared and eaten.

Attach a small wooden spoon to the jar with a ribbon for an extra special touch.

Kid Stuff

Keep party favors for children fun and frivolous. One idea is to buy an assortment of round balloons. Before blowing them up, stretch them top to bottom and left to right. Slip a few pieces of penny candy inside once each balloon is amply stretched. Sprinkle some confetti inside, too. Blow up each balloon and tie with a brightly colored ribbon. Attach a card that thanks them for attending the party and instructs them to pop their balloon once they return home for an extra party surprise.

Tags: your party, plastic spoons, card that, decorative cellophane, each balloon, make wonderful, party favors

Games To Play At A Luau Party

Play some luau games at an outdoor tropical bash.

Luaus bring to mind beaches and palm trees. A luau is a festive theme for an outdoor party in warmer weather. There are plenty of tropical-themed games that can be played, so grab your leis and grass skirts and head outdoors for some Hawaiian-style fun at a luau party. Does this Spark an idea?

Limbo

You can't have a beach-themed party without doing the limbo. Use a broomstick or long dowel to create a limbo stick and put on some tropical music. Have guests wiggle under the limbo stick and see who can get down the lowest without falling to the ground. Adjust the stick a bit lower every round to present more of a challenge. Present the winner with a pineapple or a grass skirt.

Seashell Search

Hide some seashells in a sandbox full of sand for younger guests. You can also hide summer-themed toys such as water guns and squirting starfish. Give each guest a plastic pail and shovel to search for treasures, and they can keep whatever they find as party favors.

Pass The Coconut

This game is similar to Hot Potato, but you'll use a coconut instead. Blast some hula music and allow guests sitting in a circle to pass around a coconut and whoever has the fruit when the music stops is "out." Play until there is only one person left, and that person gets a prize.

Hula Dancing Contest

Teach party guests the basics of hula dancing and hand out grass skirts. Hold a contest to see who can come up with the most creative hula dance, funniest hula dance, best hula dancer and any other categories that you can come up with. This will be a laugh for all of the guests.

Tags: come with, grass skirts, hula dance, limbo stick

Beach Party Crafts

Use seashells to make beach-themed crafts.

You don't have to actually go to the beach to have a beach party. Spice up your next summertime, outdoor party by giving it a beach theme. Keep the guests entertained, no matter how old they are, by having them make beach-themed crafts together. If you have the time, you can also make some crafts before the party to use as decorations or table settings.

Seashell Picture Frames

A bit of hot glue and some shells can spruce up plain, inexpensive picture frames. If you don't live near the seashore, you can still probably buy a bag of shells at a craft store. Look for picture frames wide enough to glue the shells onto, or crush the shells and arrange the pieces, mosaic style, around the frame. To use the frames as party decorations, fill them with photos of you and other guests in beach attire or with postcards from beautiful beaches.

Silly Shells

Children will have fun turning plain clam or conch shells into silly friends to take home. Set out the best-looking, largest shells you can find, along with some googly eyes, magic markers or poster paint, pom-poms and white glue. Help younger guests decorate their shells by gluing the eyes and pom-poms to the outside top of the shell. They can also paint the shells, or use the markers to write their name or the name of their shell on the outside of it.

Beachy Tableware

Dress up a beach party with seashell-decorated tableware. Glue small shells to cheap, plastic napkin rings, and insert ocean-blue napkins. Make wine charms by threading marine animal charms and blue, green or tan beads onto small hoop earrings.

Castles in the Sand

If you have room at your party, set up a sandbox, and let guests try to build a magnificent sand castle or other sculpture made of sand. Since space is limited, have guests sign up for a time slot when they arrive. Give each guest half an hour to build a castle. Take a photo of each sandcastle before knocking it down so the next guest can build.

Sandy Art

Purchase several bags of colored sand and small glass bottles of various shapes. Make sure the bottles have lids. Pour the sand into squeeze bottles, and let party guests fill the bottles with layers of sand. Provide small sticks so that they can create waves and dips in between the layers of sand.

Tags: beach-themed crafts, layers sand, make beach-themed, make beach-themed crafts, party decorations, picture frames

Funny Retirement Party Ideas

A blindfolded wine tasting can be a funny after dinner activity.

After years of work, many retirees look forward to a change of pace. Planning a fun and funny retirement party is a great way to celebrate this change. But remember that while some retirees are excited, for others the prospect of retirement can be sad and frightening. When planning a funny party for a retiree, be sure to take into consideration the retiree's sense of humor and his or her feelings around retirement.

Roast

A roast with friends is a decades-old way to celebrate a person's career. A roast involves guests making lighthearted jokes about the retiree. In general, it is best to go over roasters' material ahead of time. When assessing the material, be sure to take into consideration the comfort level of the retiree. Also consider the other guests in attendance. When planning a roast, be sure to choose a good roast master. The roast master serves as a master of ceremonies and is responsible for keeping the roast tasteful and fun. Generally he or she provides an introductory roast. Often roasts will conclude with the retiree making a brief counter roast of his or her own.

Clock and Tool Trashing

One of the funniest and most cathartic retirement party activities can be the smashing or throwing out of clocks and other work-related items. For example, if the retiree worked at a computer during his or her career, try smashing an old computer monitor or keyboard. If the retiree worked in a kitchen, make a ceremony of throwing out all of his or her hairnets or aprons. In all instances, be careful and be safe. When smashing items, the retiree and those within a close proximity to the activity may want to wear protective eye wear. If you want to be extra safe, try smashing a clock-shaped piñata instead.

Quiz Show

A quiz show can be a fun and funny activity for a retirement party. A retirement quiz show could either involve people answering questions about the retiree, or the retiree themselves answering questions posed by guests. Questions can either be prepared ahead of time or thought up on the spot, though in the case of the latter some caution should be exercised in case uncomfortable questions come up. Consider giving away prizes for correct answers, or for the guest who gets the most questions right over the course of the game.

Other Activities

If the retiree likes to sing, try some retirement-themed karaoke incorporating either songs the retiree likes, or songs about aging and work. If the retiree likes to dance, gather music that spans the retiree's career and put on a lighthearted dance contest. Also consider putting together a funny video montage in advance of the party. The video could consist of brief humorous anecdotes related by friends of the retiree. At an opportune moment, gather the party guests and show them the video.

Tags: retiree likes, retirement party, about retiree, ahead time, Also consider

Barbecue Party Food Ideas

Get ready for summer with some fresh barbecue ideas.

Each summer, Americans gather around the backyard grill over appetizers, conversation and drinks while they wait for their favorite cuts of meat to come fresh off of the grill. A barbecue is the perfect way to celebrate, or just hang out while enjoying some good food and the beautiful summer weather. Add even more fun to your summer barbecues this year with ideas and themes to spice up your party. Does this Spark an idea?

Bring Your Own Meat

Have a BYOM (bring your own meat) barbecue party. Ask guests bring their favorite cuts of meat and barbecue it for them at the party. This is a great way for everyone to experience a little bit of everything. Provide the sauces and allow them to choose which sauce they want on their meat.

Seafood Only

Host a seafood only barbecue. Serve grilled skewers of shrimp, blackened catfish or salmon fillets, rock lobster tails, clams and even whole crabs if your budget allows. Stuff different fillets of fish with a mixture of bread crumbs, seasonings and crab meat and wrap them in foil to keep the stuffing in as you grill them. Keep some melted garlic butter, homemade tartar sauce and cocktail sauce in bowls or even in separate 2 ounce portion cups so guests can easily mingle while eating.

Vegetarian Barbecue

Though barbecue usually means meat, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes you can whip on the grill. Serve grilled eggplant, grill-roasted corn on the cob with red peppers, garlic and onions. Set up a veggie bar so your guests can choose all the toppings they need to dress up veggie burgers or their grilled eggplant sandwiches.

Babecue Themed Desserts

Make a dessert to fit the barbecue theme. Make a round cake and decorate it with frosting to look like a hamburger, or make a sheet cake and cut it into the shape of a steak or some ribs. Use food coloring to match your icing colors to the colors you want on the cake. Make hot dog pastries by laying two lady fingers so that they are shaped like a hot dog bun. Use a thick bead of brownish red icing down the center to look like a hot dog. Add curvy strips of yellow or bright red icing to look like ketchup and mustard.

Tags: look like, cuts meat, favorite cuts, favorite cuts meat, grilled eggplant

Activities For Senior Citizens In Minnesota

Enjoy senior outings with new friends.

Minnesota offers seasonal outdoor activities and excursions as well as indoor clubs and events to keep seniors entertained throughout the year. Whether you are located in the north, south central or southern part of the state, various programs and organizations are available. You can choose from quilting clubs, sports teams and recreational nature trips.

Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program

Winner of the "Minnesota Nonprofit Excellence Award," the Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program offers trips, clubs and single events at various times throughout the year. Several options are regularly available, including exercise classes, card games, Bingo, quilting, birthday parties and movie night. This center also offers a fitness facility, computer lab, library and game room with a pool table. Meals are served daily. The only requirement for participation at this property is to be 55 or older.

Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program

115 Lincoln Ave. West

Fergus Falls, MN 56537

218-736-6842

ffsenior.org

Let's Go Fishing With Seniors

Let's Go Fishing With Seniors in Alexandria offers boating and fishing outings in seasonally appropriate months. This nonprofit organization prides itself on conducting excursions at no cost to participants. The only requirement is that you be 55 years of age or older. A specially designed pontoon with high rails, captain's chairs and wider access for wheelchairs is used for these trips, which take place on various Douglas County lakes. Experienced volunteers lead these expeditions.

Let's Go Fishing With Seniors

809 Elm St. Suite 1195

Alexandria, MN 56308

320-762-3047

lgfws.com

Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation Services

Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation Services hosts a biking club exclusively for seniors that meets a couple times a week, weather permitting. The group has a guide that leads them down pathways and trails. You also can join one of the summer softball leagues. These teams also meet twice a week and fall under two age categories: 55+ and 70+ for a slower-pitch game. If you're more interested in single event activities, various hiking, canoeing, wineries and shopping excursions are held throughout the year.

Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation Services

14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

Minnetonka, MN 55345

952-939-8200

eminnetonka.com

Tags: Fergus Falls, Senior Citizens, Citizens Program, Falls Senior, Falls Senior Citizens, Fergus Falls Senior

Good Dishes To Take To A Potluck Dinner

Potluck food can be appetizing and nutritious.

When preparing a dish to bring to a potluck dinner, whatever you make should be easy to transport. It should also taste and look good after sitting on a table for what may be several hours. The dish ought to appeal to a range of people, and it should not require more than warming up, at most, once it arrives at the party. Here are some ideas for dishes to take to a potluck dinner. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Appetizers and Finger Foods

Some dishes work well for appetizers or finger foods at a potluck dinner. A savory cheese ball with some crackers to accompany it can be an excellent choice. Try homemade hummus with pita bread or Brie cheese topped with a fruit sauce. An antipasti platter can also be transported easily to a potluck dinner. The platter can include pitted olives, cherry tomatoes, pieces of Italian sausage, cubes of provolone cheese, slices of sweet red and yellow peppers, and other vegetables, all arranged on a bed of lettuce.

Salads

To keep them fresh, salads should be prepared as close as possible to the time when they will be served. The exception is potato salad. Salads are, however, good for potluck dinners because they travel well and do not require heating. Two of the best salads for potluck dinners are spinach salad with mandarin oranges and Italian potato salad made with olive oil instead of mayonnaise, no eggs, thinly sliced sweet onion and fresh basil. Cold cooked asparagus salad made with pineapple is also a good choice.

Main Dishes

Although dishes like casseroles and shepherd's pie can be tasty, they are also predictable. People bring them to potlucks time and time again. For something different, try Mexican lasagna, which is made in the same way as Italian lasagna, except that it is made in a round pan. Instead of lasagna noodles you use tortilla shells, and salsa instead of tomato sauce. Stack layers of cooked ground beef, salsa, sour cream if desired, refried beans, tortillas, tomatoes and cheese. Try to make two layers of each ingredient. Cover the top in cheese and bake it at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, until it is bubbly. Many Italian dishes are also good for potlucks. For instance, you could take tortellini in a tomato sauce with caramelized onions and fresh basil.

Desserts

Numerous desserts are good to take to a potluck. Fruit cobblers and crisps, for example, are well-liked, nutritious and easy to prepare. Fruit salad with a separate container of whipped cream is also a good choice. Bundt cakes and carrot cakes are excellent for potlucks because they are well-liked and easy to transport. An alternative to the usual cake would be a selection of cupcakes; children love them and they are much easier to serve than pieces of regular cake.

Tags: also good, potluck dinner, also good choice, because they, easy transport, fresh basil, good choice

Doityourself Tropical Decorations

Use votive candles to give your party a gentle glow.

A summer tropical party is an excellent way to get your friends and family outdoors and enjoying the warm weather. Add to the party through the use of tropical decorations and d cor that you make yourself. While ordering decorations adds more expenditures to the party budget, creating your own d cor gives the party a personal touch without extra expense. Consider how much time you have to devote to the DIY tropical d cor when selecting decor styles. Does this Spark an idea?

Flower Garlands

If you have a yard full of flowers, do some early pruning and make flower garlands. Use a large tapestry needle and cord or yarn to string the flowers together, creating colorful garlands that can be hung around the edges of the party. For a fun touch, knot the ends of the strings together and present your guests with flower necklaces as they walk in.

Fruit Vases

To add a splash of color to the celebration, fill glass vases with whole fruit. Find all the clear glass vases you can and fill them with oranges, limes and bananas for a tropical look. When filled, the glass vases can serve as inexpensive centerpieces. Top tall vases with an entire upright pineapple to create a palm-tree-like effect.

Luminarias

Give your evening tropical party a warm flickering glow with luminarias. Luminarias are small paper bags weighed down with sand that hold votive candles or miniature sticks of incense. The light from the votive candle is diffused through the bag, creating a soft light that illuminates the area. Place your luminarias along the driveway, near a pool or on tables as centerpieces. Use paper punches to decorate the bags with designs, allowing more light to shine out.

Seashell Centerpieces

Scatter seashells on the tables to give the party the look of a seaside beach. Use seashells you have gathered from the beach yourself or seashells purchased by the bag from the craft store; both will imbue the area with charming rustic appeal. For a more put-together look, fill a narrow glass jar with seashells and place it in the center of the table.

Tags: glass vases, tropical party, vases with, votive candles

Classy Theme Party Ideas

Anyone can throw a summer picnic, luau or birthday party for kids, but once in a while an occasion calls for something more upscale and elegant. A charity event, adult birthday party or just a really memorable dinner party may be a time when you really want to shine. Does this Spark an idea?

Follow the Stars

In most instances, celebrities should not be role models--except when you're throwing a party. Look to the stars for great theme party ideas. Party king P. Diddy (aka Sean Combs or Puff Daddy) throws an annual black-and-white party that is one of the most sought-after invites of the season. All guests must show in impeccable black or white attire; those who don't are denied entrance to the party. (Tip: Don't try that at home unless you want to lose friends.)

Another beautiful concept is the annual Fire and Ice Ball; same idea, only guests wear red, white and diamonds.

Other Elegant Themes

When choosing an elegant theme for your next party, let fantasy be your guide. How about a winery tour followed by dinner or lunch overlooking the vineyard?

Perhaps a tailgate picnic at a polo match. Check local charity calendars, many charity polo matches are open to the public.

If you have a nearby arboretum or open-air theater (whitepages.com), call and inquire about booking it off-season for a private, candlelit party.

Attention to Detail

When hosting an elegant theme party at home or at another location, the key is to use the good stuff. No paper napkins, tablecloths or plastic cups and cutlery. Use real linens, cloth napkins and real flatware and glasses, even if you have to rent them (rentalsite.com, costhelper.com, rental hq.com). Decorate with unscented candles and fresh flowers. Make sure that any food is very fresh and of good quality. Elegant doesn't mean going overboard; you can take a minimalist approach when you're using high-quality items.

Tags: birthday party, elegant theme, party that, theme party

50th Anniversary Party Invitation Ideas

Design an invitation that guests will want to keep forever.

Fifty years of marriage is certainly an important milestone reason to invite guests and host a celebrate. Make the invitation fun, heartwarming, memorable, and one that invited guests will want as a keepsake. Include design elements that feature the couple, the times they've shared, and memories they cherish. Use the invitation design to announce a highly noteworthy celebration that every invitee should be honored to be invited and attend. Does this Spark an idea?

Classic 50th Anniversary Symbols and Colors

Gold is the color and violet is the flower used to symbolize and honor a 50th anniversary. If you are using an invitation designer, make sure that these colors are used. For example, the cover could feature a beautiful illustration of a violet with a gold border. Envelopes could be addressed with a metallic gold pen to send to recipients, and the invitations can be scented with lavender perfume.

Headlines From 50 Years Ago

Go online or to the local library to get copies of top news stories and headlines from the year and on the day the couple were married. Design an invitation that looks like a newspaper front page. Use real stories and rewrite history by including the couple in the articles. Make their wedding the top news for the day. Include stories that feature the wife or husband as the president for that year or the head of a major company that had a news breaking story. Use actual pictures from the date in history and insert pictures of the husband and wife.

Fifty Reasons Why Guests Should Attend

Create a fun and clever invitation by writing 50 reasons why guests need to attend the party. Ideas can include amusing quips about the husband and wife, memories about their children and grandchildren, and way-out ideas on how they can weather the world's problems--having survived together for the last 50 years. After cake and champagne recap the 50 reasons why over a toast to the couple and to add fun to the celebration.

Balloon Bouquet of 50 Thoughts and Well Wishes

Get 50 balloons and attach them on the cover or inside of the anniversary party invitation. Include a small strip of paper, 1 by 5 inches. Instruct guests to write a note or wish to the couple, and insert it inside the balloon and bring with them to the party. Collect balloons as guests arrive and blow them up to create a balloon bouquet. Have the anniversary couple pop the balloons and read the wishes from their guests over a champagne toast after cutting the 50th anniversary cake.

Tags: 50th anniversary, Design invitation, Design invitation that, guests will, guests will want, husband wife

Event Places To Rent In Oklahoma City Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, the state's capital and largest city, draws visitors from all over the world due to its combination of Southern charm with big-city appeal. With so many people living, working, and visiting here, it's not uncommon to find parties, business meetings, and social events around the city. Many venues of all sizes and styles are available throughout the area for any type of formal or informal occasion. Does this Spark an idea?

Farmers Public Market

Built in 1928, this facility can host an intimate get-together or a lavish party for as many as 1,500. Farmers Public Market is on the National Register of Historic Places and features original maple floors, a 1930 Deco bar, 30-ft. ceilings, and 15-ft. windows with views of the city's skyline. Lots of free parking, proximity to hotels, and easy access to highways make this a convenient location for any event.

Farmers Public Market

311 South Klein Avenue

Oklahoma City, OK 73108

405-232-6506

okcfarmersmarket.com

Harn Homestead

The Harn Homestead Museum is available to rent for all special events, such as weddings. Couples can exchange vows in front of family and friends on 10 acres of artfully landscaped grounds complete with large dining hall and gazebo. The two-story, 3,000-sq.-ft. Event Barn is perfect for receptions, fundraisers, or corporate events. Children's birthday parties are held in the quaint one-room schoolhouse with cake, drinks, supplies, crafts, and games for the children all provided.

Harn Homestead

1721 North Lincoln Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

405-235-4058

harnhomestead.com

Lansbrook Event Center

Lansbrook Event Center has four banquet rooms including what is described as the "lush" Garden Room or "cozy" Fireside Room suitable for events such as birthday parties or board meetings. Utilize the fully equipped kitchen as you see fit, or get their team of professionals to help you select a caterer and entertainment.

Lansbrook Event Center

6009 Northwest Expressway

Oklahoma City, OK 73132

405-720-2100

lansbrookeventcenter.com

Tags: Oklahoma City, Event Center, Farmers Public, Farmers Public Market, Harn Homestead, Lansbrook Event