Different Styles Of Wedding Invitations

Different Styles of Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are an important element when it comes to planning your wedding, and many couples want their invitations to reflect their personalities and their relationship. There are a number of different styles of wedding invitations available that vary in key characteristics such as design, printing, degree of formality and size.

Folds

Many commercially available wedding invitations are single cards that are mailed flat, with all of the information printed on the front of the paper. Others are folded in half, either with the printing on the outside and a blank inside, or with a design on the front and the printing on the inside of the card.

There are also a number of wedding invitation styles in the trifold family. One of these is the z-fold wedding invitation, which folds out like an accordion and has all the printing on the front of the three panels. Other wedding invitations are barrel folded, often with the edges meeting or interlocking on the front of the invitation and the invitation text printed inside on the center panel.

Sizes

Most classic rectangular wedding invitations have dimensions between 5 inches by 6 inches and 6 inches by 8 inches, depending on the style of the invitation and whether it is folded (flat sheets tend to be larger so all the information fits). Some companies produce square invitations, between 5 inches by 5 inches and 7 inches by 7 inches. Square envelopes require additional postage, though, because they cannot be machine handled.

Formality

Wedding invitations vary in their degree of formality. In general, the most formal invitations will have little in the way of design, but what they have will be classy and elegant. Informal invitations generally have bold designs and unconventional styles. Themed weddings often will have informal themed wedding invitations to match.

Ink Style

Traditionally, the lettering on wedding invitations was engraved through a process of stamping the paper with the desired text to raise it, then applying ink only to the raised letters. Today, a more commonly available option with a similar effect is thermography, where the text is printed in a glue, ink and powder combination that gives the raised look when heated. Basic flat ink printed wedding invitations are a less-expensive alternative. All options are also available in a variety of colors.

Do It Yourself

Although the above descriptions relate to commercially available wedding invitations, it is also possible to design your own style of wedding invitation. Many kits are available with paper and computer templates so you can lay out the text yourself and print your invitations at home. Other couples choose to make their own invitations from scratch, with personal designs, unique artwork and hand-written information.

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Free Party Invitation Ideas For Kids

You can create your own invitations for free.

When planning a party for your child, consider spending most of the financial resources on the party itself rather than the invitations. Thanks to the Internet, you can find a variety of ways to make fun, creative and free party invitations. Easily create invitations that illustrate kid-friendly party themes. Your child can even help. With no money spent on the invites, you can devote all the party funds to decorations, food and fun. Does this Spark an idea?

Internet Invitations

Create a free electronic invitation on a website, such as Evite, that offers Internet invitation management services. There, for instance, you will find over 200 themes for a child's birthday party alone, from Barbie to trucks, so you can select an invitation that best represents the party theme. Explore the "kids corner" section of the website to find even more party themes, such as slumber parties or team sports events.

With an Evite, you email the invitation to your guests, who can RSVP directly via the Evite's website. You can also provide a map and directions to the party's location, as well as a description of the event. Whether you are planning a party for a birthday, communion or graduation, Evite has a variety of templates on the website to create a free invitation.

Printable Invitations

Surf the Internet to find one of the many websites that offers free printable invitations. Some websites provide themed templates. For example, for a child's party at a bowling alley, there may be a background image of bowling balls and pins. If you're hosting a pizza party for after a soccer game, you can superimpose text on top of a soccer ball and field. For a broader child's party theme, look for images such as balloons and clowns. Simply fill in your information in the spaces provided, such as the time, date and place, and print.

Other websites allow you to further customize the invitation. You can add text wherever you like or change the font type, size and colors. Then print the invitation to the size you specify. Use fun colors and fonts that call kids' parties to mind. For example, choose a bubble font for the headline and make each letter a different color.

Homemade Invitations

If online templates lack the personal touch you want for the party invitation, you can make your own at home, which is a great way to involve your child. Use desktop publishing software to design your own invitation. Insert photos your child helps to choose and make the invitation pop with personality. Add a special touch by punching holes in the top and tying a ribbon in a bow. Let your child finish the invitation off by decorating it herself. She can glue on sequins or beads, sprinkle it with glitter or sign her name.

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Fun 60th Birthday Party Ideas

Throw a Woodstock-themed party for the flower child turning 60.

Many people celebrating their 60th birthday plan elaborate events to commemorate the occasion. The milestone birthday represents the beginning of retirement for some people, and it deserves to be recognized. Rather than throwing a boring, sentimental "This is Your Life" party, plan an exciting party to kick off the beginning of your second childhood. Does this Spark an idea?

Coming of Age Theme

If you are planning a large celebration with a long guest list, consider planning a coming of age party. People turning 60 can actually choose from two monumental decades -- the Rockin' 50s or the Hippie 60s. Choose a theme based on particular likes and dislikes, particularly the type of costume to dress up in. The 50s party should feature a jukebox with favorite songs from artists such as Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. Decorations might include classic car photos and cutouts, guitars and 50s diner colors of pink, white, silver and black. Ask guests to dress in old lettermen's jackets, poodle skirts and bobby socks.

For birthday men and women who remember the 1960s with a sense of nostalgia, throw a hippie-theme birthday party. Decorate the party area with peace signs, daisies and psychedelic colors. Play music from Woodstock artists and ask guests to dress in tie-dye and John Lennon-type colored glasses.

Pop Culture Theme

The guest of honor's favorite childhood or teenage show or band can also be a party theme, for example, a Star Trek-themed party. Decorate with shiny hanging stars, twinkling lights and silver and black streamers. Use a projector to broadcast past episodes on one of the walls. Ask guests to come dressed as a favorite character from the famous program.

If the guest of honor loves the Beatles, throw a Beatles-themed party. This type of event may feature a Beatles cover band or even have a karaoke machine set up for guests to sing their favorite tunes. Ask guests to come dressed in their favorite Beatles-era look.

Six Parties Theme

This party theme actually comprises six separate celebrations -- one for each decade of life -- and is ideal for birthday gals who have many circles of friends. This way, the guest of honor gets to share her birthday with all her different groups of friends and family, and the festivities are drawn out over a week or so. For example, her grandchildren may treat her to an evening bowling party, while her friends from church honor her at a brunch. Her garden club members can plan a formal garden tea party for her, and her co-workers may organize a happy hour event. Neighbors can organize a block party barbecue in her honor, and her children can plan a large dinner party for her at her favorite restaurant.

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Children'S Party Gift Bag Ideas

Kids will say "goody" for a goody party bag.

The party bag, gift bag, goody bag or loot bag is a way for the birthday child to thank guests for attending her party and to cheer up guests who are sad over the end of the festivities. While loot bags often feature inexpensive candy and cheap toys, kids and parents alike may appreciate opening a bag filled with a different kind of bounty. For your next children's party gift bags, consider filling goody bags with a gift that keeps on giving. Does this Spark an idea?

Cool Collectors

A kid's party bag doesn't have to be just cheap candy; you can kick off a hobby of collecting by starting party guests on their quest. Kids' collections range from figurines to cars to coins to rocks--almost anything kids can hunt and track down can qualify as a collection. Let kids experience the excitement of finding, trading and collecting items such as PEZ Candy dispensers, which average under a dollar per piece for the new ones (and range into the thousands for some produced decades ago). Dispensers come in cartoon characters, animal shapes and sports figures; include a couple in each loot bag and let kids jump start a new collection.

Complete Crafters

Encourage children's artistic and creative sides by filling their party bags with a complete craft supply collection to help them create a project at home. Get kids started on knitting, for example, with a pair of thick, kid-friendly needles and an inexpensive ball of yarn. Another option, sun catchers, requires supplies such as a few tubes of paint, brush and the sun catcher frame. Prior to the party, ask your child about his friends' interests or theme the craft supplies to the party itself. If you're creating party bags for a birthday party, for example, include crayons, a small votive candle holder, a wick and easy step-by-step directions on how kids can make their own birthday candle after the party. Instead of a toy that breaks before the children even get it home, you'll be setting them up for a few hours or more of fun.

Friendly Photos

Help even the littlest party guests remember their time at your event by including a digital photo keychain in their party bag. During the party, have an older child or volunteer parent snap photos of the kids playing, eating cake, tossing balloons, opening presents and having fun. Take a group portrait as well. After the party, email the pictures to the parents and have them help their kids download the pictures to the keychains, which may feature a simple plug-and-play interface (where you simply plug the keychain into the USB port on the computer and transfer the pictures onto it). Kids can attach the keychains to their backpacks and scan through the images during recess and between classes.

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Cheap Favor Ideas

Design your own inexpensive party favors.

Coming up with cheap party favor ideas is simple. Making your own favors is an inexpensive way to go and can save you money. Favors don't have to be fancy or big. Even the simplest or smallest things will keep your event memorable for your guests, and your party favors can be cheap without looking cheap.

Cookie Cutters

Simple cookie cutters with colored ribbons tied to them make nice favors that guests can use for years. Various cookie cutter shapes are available to fit any theme, style or holiday. Matching a ribbon to your event's theme colors adds a nice touch to your cookie cutter favor. The shape of the cookie cutter can fit the season or can be in the shape of something the guest favors.

Candy Lollipops

Make your own chocolate-covered lollipops with just a few ingredients. Melt caramel or a similar chewy candy in a microwave and cover each side of the soft candy with small vanilla wafers. The caramel should just be warmed enough to soften it in order to insert the stick. Dip each of the homemade lollipops into melted chocolate. Lay them on wax paper and drop sprinkles of your choice onto the chocolate before it fully hardens. Wrap them individually in cellophane.

Soap

Make your own colored and scented soap for your guests. Simple soap-making kits are sold in craft stores, and various soap molds are available to create different shapes and designs. They are easy to make following the package instructions. Allow the soap to harden in the molds, then pop them out of the mold and they are ready to go for your party.

Tulle Bags

Tulle circles are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. Add small candies to the tulle circle, gather the edges to close it into a small bag and secure it with a ribbon. These make nice, simple favors with an elegant look.

Potpourri

Small bags of potpourri make simple and elegant party favors. Add a small amount of potpourri to an organza sachet. Tie the top of the bag closed with the drawstring ribbon. This is a quick and inexpensive party favor that you can make in just seconds.

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Cut & Glue Paper Crafts For Kids

Scissors, stickers and glitter can add flair to any children's project.

Children like to do things that keep them occupied. One of the easiest ways to keep children engaged is to set them to making something. Be it cards, puppets or holiday decorations, doing crafts with your kids is a great way to give them something to do while at the same time getting the opportunity to spend time with your child. If glue is involved, make sure the children are wearing clothing that can get messy, and have warm water and sponge ready for cleanup. The good thing about children's craft supplies is they're easy to clean up. Scissors should be used only with adult supervision.

Holiday Cards

Card making is an easy craft for children of all ages. The materials you will need are construction paper and colored pencils or markers. The simplest card is made by folding the paper in half and writing on it. To add variety and fun, show your child cut shapes out of construction paper (like hearts or Christmas trees) and paste them to the card. Glue sticks or Elmer's glue normally work best for this. For a bit of shine, sprinkle glitter on the glue. Just make sure to have a sponge handy for the cleanup afterwards.

Paper Chains

This is an excellent craft for young children. The directions are simple--cut strips out of construction paper and glue the ends together. Once one circle is made, you pass a strip through the circle and glue those ends together. The benefits to this project are that cleanup is very easy, most of the construction paper will be used and children's glue is washable, and multiple children can get involved. Kids can learn the basics of teamwork by having one child cut out the strips and another child glue them together. The chains can be used as decorations for any holiday by having red and green for Christmas, white and pink for Valentine's Day and red, white and blue for the Fourth of July.

Paper Bag Puppets

Paper bag puppets is another great craft to get involved in with your children. Materials you'll need are brown sandwich bags, construction paper, glue, and markers or crayons. When making a paper bag puppet, the bag will be upside down, with the opening at the bottom for the children to stick their hands into and the flold at the top to serve as the face and mouth. Have children cut out the features of their favorite animal (like mouse ears or a pig's nose) and glue them to the top flap of the paper bag where they'll be putting their hands to make the puppet "talk." They can use the markers or crayons to decorate the body of their puppet. For an added bit of creativity, get google eyes and pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners can be used to make features such as a cat's whiskers or a pig's tail. Children can make their puppets and put on a show with their friends, which keeps the fun going long after the puppets are completed.

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Differences Between Table Salt & Sea Salt

Sea salts and table salts have different origins.

Table salt and sea salt are more or less identical substances, though they are produced in different ways. Both are made up of sodium and chloride, chemicals that the body needs in moderate amounts (about 2 grams per day). Sea salts are produced by evaporation, while table salts are mined. Sea salts often retain color from their origins, while table salts are exclusively white. And table salts almost always contain added iodine. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Origins and Production

Table salts and sea salts have different origins. Table salts are mined underground from deposits; sea salts are obtained by evaporating seawater and collecting the remains. Both contain many impurities when initially harvested. Table salts are purified, removing other trace elements and leaving only the sodium chloride. Sea salts are not processed as much after evaporation and harvesting. In addition, sea salts come in a range of coarseness, while table salts are generally found in either fine or kosher (coarse) grades.

Contents

After purification, anti-clumping compounds are added to table salts to keep it free-flowing, as well as iodine. Sea salts do not commonly have iodine added. Trace elements such as magnesium and calcium that are stripped out of table salt in production remain in sea salt. In addition, other substances (such as clay) remain in sea salts, giving each particular variety its unique appearance.

Health

While there are small elements of minerals necessary for health that are found in sea salt and not in table salt, according to nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic, there are no significant health benefits for sea salt over table salt. On the other hand, iodine is an important component of the diet, and sea salt contains a very small amount if it. Iodine is a vital element not easily found in other sources in the diet, which is important in preventing thyroid disorders.

Taste

Taste is the primary advantage of sea salt over table salt. As there are more impurities, sea salts are more distinct and less inert than table salt, given the more complex nature of sea salts. The differences in flavor are best appreciated where the salt is not diluted, such as sprinkled lightly over fresh tomatoes with olive oil. Besides the additional compounds, the difference in texture between sea and table salts can influence the way the taste of the salt is perceived.

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About Tomato Plants

About Tomato Plants

We use tomatoes for sauces, soups, stews and salads. Grandmother made preserves to bring sunny memories of summer when the winter winds howled. By themselves or used in other foods, tomatoes are one of the most popular fruits on earth. One of the reasons that this versatile berry is so popular is that it grows like a weed in many places. In fact, it is descended from a weed, and a well-travelled one at that. Does this Spark an idea?

History of

The first tomatoes are thought to have grown along the west coast of South America in Peru. Vines still grow wild in the region. The plants migrated northward and the Spanish found them when they occupied the Yucatan peninsula. It is thought that the plant was initially domesticated by the native people of Central America and that the plant brought to Europe was a vine that produced small, berry-like yellow fruit in sprays. Tomato plants were popular trade items around the Mediterranean region, where they grew most successfully. The plants were not reliably hardy in Northern Europe and were grown primarily as ornamental plants in England.

Evolution

The Italians used tomatoes plants as food, sprinkling them with olive oil, salt and pepper. The English carried the plants back to the New World, where they grew the vines as ornamentals. North American tomatoes were not used as food until the Creoles of New Orleans discovered their usefulness. By the 1820s, the secret was out and Americans began using the little fruit they had been cultivating as decoration. They also began hybridizing the plants, taming the tall vines into easily-managed plants for the garden. The little green and yellow berries carried on the end of the slender branches were bred to red, then to various shapes and shades until today there are hundreds of types of modern and heirloom tomatoes, all growing on sturdy vines or bushes.

The Facts

"Solanum lycopersicum" is a tender perennial vine or upright shrub that grows from 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on type. They are dicots, meaning that growth occurs along a lead stem and moves to side stems if the lead stem is pruned. Their hairy stems and leaves capture and save moisture from rain or humidity and will set beneficial additional support roots if planted deeply in spring. Most have compound, deeply lobed and veined leaves, although the leaves of some resemble leaves of potatoes or deadly nightshade, both of which are botanical cousins. The fruit of the vine is a good source of lycopene, potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Tomato plants are susceptible to verticillium and fusarium wilts, early blight and septoria leafspot.

Type

"Heirloom" tomato plants are genetically closest to the first domesticated plants distributed by the Spanish. They have small, berry-to-medium-sized green, yellow or pink fruit. Since tomatoes self-pollinate, botanists and agronomists have worked to breed plants specifically for disease resistance and compact growth. Today's hybrids include plants that produce fruit in as little as 60 days and continue to produce until the first hard freeze.

Misconceptions

Tomatoes are fruit, used like vegetables (there's no botanical classification of vegetable). Although Thomas Jefferson served tomatoes with French fries at Monticello, the poison tomato myth was (according to an old farm journal) finally dispelled by Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson who ate a bushel of tomatoes in front of the Boston courthouse in 1820.

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Fun Food For Kids Birthday Party

Ants On a Log is a fun party food that kids can make themselves.

Kids love birthday parties. The presents, the decorations, the cake and even the food can be both fun and intriguing. Make some fun foods for the next kid's birthday party you plan, and you may just find that everyone finishes their lunch before clamoring for cake and ice cream. Does this Spark an idea?

Meal Time

Birthday party meals for kids are typically kept simple. Don't serve boring options, however, or the kids will pass them by in favor of the awaiting birthday cake. If the options are fun, they'll eat their meal as eagerly as their dessert.

Cut sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Make sandwich roll ups by spreading fillings like peanut butter and jelly or tuna salad on a whole wheat tortilla. Roll it up and cut into rounds. The pinwheel look will appeal to the kids and they'll likely eat their lunch without squabbles.

Sides

Pass on greasy, fattening sides like french fries and go for fresh fruits and vegetables, providing nutritious options that are fun as well.

Cut star fruit into slices. Slice strawberries and kiwi fruit for fun colors, shapes and textures. Make a fruit salad out of cubed fruit and provide yogurt for dipping.

Serve a fresh veggie platter of carrot sticks, celery sticks and sliced cucumbers. Add broccoli florets as well. Provide a tub of ranch dressing for dipping,

Make Your Own

Kids like to eat foods if they can prepare them themselves. Try a couple of variations of Ants On a Log. Provide celery sticks with cream cheese or peanut butter and raisins, nuts, chocolate chips or candy sprinkles as the "ants."

Make garden scenes on paper plates with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables cut up into shapes. Use flower shaped cookie cutters on red, green and yellow peppers. Slice down the side of a large pepper and remove the insides. This will create a large clean sheet of pepper that can be flattened, and from which you can get one or two small flowers cut with the cookie cutters. Score cucumbers with a fork and slice into circles. Add broccoli florets as trees. Small stalks of celery make great trees or grass and carrot slices add flower buds or an orange sun. Hold a contest to see who can create the prettiest garden. Party guests must eat their "gardens" before having cake.

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40th Birthday Travel Ideas

Cake is a traditional food served at a birthday party.

The 40th birthday is a milestone for men and women alike. It is illustrative of the fact that one is not yet over the hill, but definitely not a child anymore. A 40th birthday deserves a unique celebration and traveling is a wonderful way to celebrate.

Traveling with Family

Aspen, Colorado is known for its skiing.

There are many family friendly places to celebrate a 40th birthday. Some destinations include Prague, Czech Republic; Venice, Italy and Aspen, Colorado. Each of these areas has activities that can involve the whole family. Visit the old churches in Prague, take a gondola ride in Venice and ski in Aspen.

Traveling with Friends

Scuba diving is a popular activity in Cancun, Mexico.

Traveling with friends takes on a life of its own for a 40th birthday party. Travel to a beach destination, such as Cancun, Mexico. Cancun is known for its beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife. Las Vegas, Nevada and New York, NY are both fun places to have a great time with friends and let loose.

Traveling Alone

The lincoln memorial is located in Washington, D.C.

Many cities are enjoyable to visit alone for a 40th birthday. Spend time in Washington, DC or take a cruise to the Bahamas. The US capital provides museums, caf 's and historic sites. A cruise is an enjoyable way to spend a 40th birthday eating to your heart's content and cruise's offer scheduled events perfect for the solo traveler.

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Good Ideas For Sweet 16 Parties

A masquerade ball is a good sweet 16 party idea.

When your teen reaches the age of 16, a way to celebrate this coming of age is by throwing your teen a sweet 16 birthday party. Times are changing. Teens nowadays want parties they are proud of and enjoy with their friends. Make the celebration more memorable by choosing a birthday party theme that everyone, including you, will enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

Hollywood Party Walk Of Fame

Make your teen's sweet 16 birthday party a Hollywood theme party. Purchase posters and hang them on foam boards all throughout the venue, whether it is in your home or a party hall. A Hollywood theme party is ideal for nighttime so that your teen and her guests can show their glitz and glamour. Make your teen and the guests walk the Hollywood walk of fame by placing stanchion and ropes to the main entrance. Use a roll of red carpet, or several pieces of red carpet runners taped together, for the grand entrance. Drape a white or black fabric on a wall to serve as a backdrop for the photo shoot with the "paparazzi." Add strobe lights or halogen uplights to brighten the way. Drape black and silver tablecloths over each table. Matching black or silver chair covers for the chairs will complement the tables. Use silver place settings, and decorate the location with silver and black balloons to blend with the color scheme. A band or disc jockey will give the party more life. Playing a video montage of your teen on the projection screen will make it seem like everyone is watching a motion picture with your teen as the main star.

Luau Theme Party

For a more relaxed atmosphere, your teen may prefer an island theme such as a luau party. Pull off this theme outdoors, whether in your backyard, or at the pool or beach. Decorating a wet bar by using hay or straws will make it look like a tiki bar. Stake bamboo light torches into the ground. Use bright colors that you normally see in an island setting, such as bright orange, yellow, green and blue. Ensure everyone who attends wears island clothing, such as a Hawaiian shirt, floral summer dress or swimwear. Serve island drinks, fruit cocktails, salad, open-faced sandwiches, hotdogs and barbecue.

Masquerade Ball

For a formal theme, choose a masquerade ball. Everyone who attends the masquerade ball will don evening attire, such as gowns for girls and suit and tie for boys. Each person wears a mask, preferably Venetian mask, to complete the attire. If you can afford it, hire an orchestra to play waltz and classical music. If you are on a tight budget, a band or disc jockey playing classical music will do. Decorate with jewel tones, such as emerald green, topaz blue and ruby red to evoke the Venetian masquerade theme.

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Glass Painting Instructions

Glass Painting Instructions

Glass painting is easy and can be done by almost anyone. Glass paint is see-through, comes in many colors that can be mixed within the product line and different mediums can be added to the paint to give an opaque or frosty look. Glass paint can be applied to any glass surface, but should not come into contact with food or beverage.

Choose a Surface

Paint can be applied to any glass surface. Drinking or wine glasses or glass plates are appropriate for gifts or decorations. Painting on windows is temporary and great for coffee shops or retail stores with front window displays. Decorate a glass door or glass Christmas tree balls with the kids for a holiday project. Create faux stained glass on a piece of glass in a frame, or on a piece of craft glass made specifically to be painted.

Types of Paint

Choose a type of paint based on the object or surface being painted. Glass paints are permanently adhered to a glass surface. There are water-based paints for craft projects and solvent-based paints for artist projects. Water-based are the most commonly used for arts and crafts and are easy to use. Some glass paint can be set by air-drying or can be fired in a kitchen oven. Fired glass paint is hardier than air-dried paint, and should be used for anything that will be washed in a dishwasher or heated in a microwave. Paints for window painting are different than glass paints as they are temporary and easy to clean off with soap and water or alcohol. Some are even drawn on vinyl, then the vinyl is stuck to a glass window.

Apply Paint

Prepare the glass by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. Some glass paints require a primer or undercoat that will come with a kit or will be sold separately, so be sure to read the directions to see if it is necessary. Put a pattern printed on paper behind the glass and trace it with a glass paint outliner. Outliner is thick, and using it is almost like drawing with transparent decorative cake frosting. It will hold the liquid glass paint in the lines like a dam. Use lead liner for faux stained glass since it will look like the metal in real stained glass. Let the liner dry (drying time depends on the product), and then brush on the glass paint with a natural-hair sable brush.

Setting the Paint

Firing is the best way to permanently set glass paint and prevent it from chipping. Any glass that will be washed and heavily used should be fired, although some brands can be air set. Put the glass in a cool oven to let it warm up slowly, then set the temperature to 325 degrees. Firing temperatures and times will vary, but once the time has been met, turn the oven off and leave the glass inside until it has completely cooled.

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Family Graduation Party Ideas

Plan a graduation party that's perfect for the whole family.

When a graduate is close to her family and wants to celebrate with everyone, from younger siblings to grandparents, a family-friendly party is ideal. Lots of different party themes are perfect for a family graduation party. Does this Spark an idea?

Backyard Barbecue

Plan a backyard barbecue as a way to congratulate a graduate. Cook some of the graduate's favorite foods and add some side dishes. Choose backyard games that members of the family of all ages can play, such as horseshoes or badminton.

Restaurant Party

Throw a more formal party that's appropriate for the entire family. Rent a banquet room at a restaurant the graduate enjoys. Decorate the space with balloons and other items in the colors of the school from which the graduate just finished her studies. If she's about to begin a career or another endeavor, choose decorations that coordinate with whatever she is about to embark on. Give toasts to congratulate her and encourage her in her life and celebrate her accomplishments.

Game Night

Have a low-key night of entertainment with the graduate's family. Invite all of the people who are important to him and prepare some of his favorite snacks. If you have a large number of people, set up a variety of games all over the house, such as a trivia board game, a charades game, chess and other games the graduate enjoys. Party guests can circulate throughout the home and take a turn at all of the games.

Pool Party

Graduations often happen in the spring or summertime, so consider embracing the warm weather and throwing a pool party. If you have a pool in your backyard, this party theme is a no-brainer. If not, try renting a pool from a community center or borrowing a friend's pool for the afternoon. Decorate the pool space with graduation-appropriate decor and serve traditional picnic foods, such as sandwiches, hot dogs or even a taco bar.

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About Mochi Ice Cream Nutrition

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made from pulverized glutinous rice that is then stretched to form a shape. By adding other ingredients, people use mochi as a dessert, snack, cake, in a soup or a part of a dumpling. Mochi is a specialty enjoyed at New Year's and celebrations such as birthdays and weddings. Mochi ice cream, however, is an East-meets-West twist on the popular Japanese pastry. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Identification

Mochi ice cream is an adorable, bite-size dessert, often the size of a golf ball with a soft, slightly sticky, chewy, outer layer and an ice cream filling. Both the outer casing mochi and ice cream come in a variety of flavors from chocolate-coconut to a more Asian inspired flavor such as green tea-azuki (a sweet, red bean paste often found in Asian desserts). Unlike the traditional ice cream and cone, the clever outer mochi casing prevents the ice cream from melting quickly.

History

Mochi ice cream was created in 1981 by Lotte, a food grocery corporation based in South Korea and Japan. In 1993 it was introduced to the United States by Mikawaya. For years mochi ice cream has been enjoyed in places with a high Japanese population, like Hawaii, but it has recently become popular in the mainland states. You can find it in many Asian grocery stores, as well as, bigger franchises like Trader Joe's and Costco.

Nutritional Value

Generally two main ingredients go into mochi ice cream: sticky rice and dairy. Mochi ice cream provides very little vitamins or nutrients. It is mostly carbohydrate, sugar and fat. It does not contain trans fats. Calories depend upon the flavors of the mochi but generally, one piece of mochi ice cream averages 100 to 120 calories.

Considerations

Unlike traditional American desserts, mochi ice creams are small. People on a diet can still enjoy a small piece of dessert without overindulging on sweets. Also, the sticky rice and milk are both gluten- and wheat-free, so those with celiac disease may be able to eat mochi ice cream.

Warning

People with diabetes or high blood sugar should not eat mochi ice cream. The outer layer is made of sticky rice, which is cooked and pounded until it is completely refined. Any sort of refined white rice is harmful for diabetics. The sugar content, as well, can be up to 30g per piece and will spike the glucose level in the body. Although there are a few soy mochi ice creams available, dairy ice cream is more common.

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Exciting Things To Do In Hawaii

Surfers have long known of the many exciting things to do in Hawaii.

The state of Hawaii is composed of eight "main islands:" Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kaho'olawe, Maui, and Hawai'i (or the "Big Island"). While many of the islands share similar biodiversity and ecosystems, there are unique aspects to all of them. While there are many exciting activities and sights to see on the islands, some of the most exciting things to do or see in Hawaii are located in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the archipelago.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Two active volcanoes, including the world's most active volcano, offer some of the world's most amazing opportunities to watch lava flow down the side of a mountain, and into the sea, while stationed on a tropical island. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, has been erupting since 1983. In addition to viewing this phenomena, the national park offers additional sightseeing opportunities such as lava deserts, steaming craters, lava tubes, and hiking through ancient rain forests. A World Heritage Site since 1987, the Park is open 24 hours a day year round.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

P.O. Box 52

Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718

808-985-6000

www.nps.gov/havo

Kauai

Unlike the main islands of Oahu and Maui, Kauai has been able to retain most of its authenticity and avoid being over run by commercial development and resorts. At only 550 square miles in size, the island is smaller than Maui, but offers a varied ecosystem that rivals that of Maui. The island is filled with opportunities to hike the coast, secluded beaches, unpaved roads, and opportunities to go snorkeling. For adventure travelers you can kayak along the Wailua River or go on a zip-line safari through the rain forest. Popular with backpackers and surfers, the island is well known as a respite from the consumerism and tourist traps that, some argue, have spoiled the natural wonders of Maui and Oahu.

Whales

If you visit Hawaii between the months of December through April, you will be there during Humpback whale migration season. Toward the end of the season, you may even be lucky enough to spot a mother whale and her calves. A variety of tour groups ranging from small inflatables to full-sized catamarans offer whale-watching tours around every island. Even when humpbacks have left for the season, pilot, sperm, false killer, melon-headed, pygmy killer, and Cuvier's beaked whales (as well as dolphins) can be found around the islands of Hawaii, year round. During the month of April, there are said to be more whales in Hawaii than there are visitors.

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Fun Things To Do In Kauai Hawaii

Waimea Canyon is one of the amazing sights you can see from above.

Kauai is an island of about 550 square miles in the Pacific Ocean. It's both the farthest north and the oldest of the Hawaiian chain of islands. Kauai features spectacular scenery, including lush tropical rain forests, gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs and deep emerald-green valleys. Visitors to the area can choose from several fun things to do, including seeing Kauai from the skies, aboard a slow-moving kayak or on board a catamaran.

Wings Over Kauai Tours

Wings Over Kauai Tours offers visitors a chance to see the island from above, providing passengers with views not possible from the ground. Choose from a two-passenger Cessna Skyhawk 172 or a six-passenger GA-8 Airvan. Your journey begins at the Lihue airport and takes about 70 minutes.

Highlights include incredible views of beaches, waterfalls, canyons, valleys, coastlines and craters. A few of the sights you might recognize from movies including the "Jurassic Park waterfall" and the beach shown in "Six Days Seven Nights." Custom air tours are offered, and all tours are narrated.

Wings Over Kauai Tours

3651 Ahukini Road

Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766

808-635-0815

wingsoverkauai.com

Wailua Kayak Adventures

Wailua Kayak Adventures lets guests experience the Wailua River, the only passable river on the island. Select from various guided kayak adventures or rent a boat and follow your own path along the waterway. Professional guides narrate as you travel along the river by boat on tours that include stops at different locations to explore the island by foot as well.

The tours range from three to five hours; custom tours are also available. Special points of the adventures include flourishing landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, secluded swimming pools, ancient ruins and ceremonial trails.

Wailua Kayak Adventures

6575 Kaamoo Road

Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746

808-822-5795

kauaiwailuakayak.com

Na Pali Makai

Na Pali Makai takes island visitors on incredible and adventurous tours of the Napali Coast aboard a six-passenger catamaran. The captain is the owner and operator; he grew up on the island and shares interesting facts and amazing stories of the area as you travel.

The main tour consists of a five-hour Napali Coast adventure that includes going through waterfalls into sea caves, stops for snorkeling and potential sightings of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, whales and tropical fish. Other possible tours include private fishing charters, seasonal whale watching tours, surf/kite boarding tours and customized private Napali Coast tours.

Na Pali Makai

Kikiaola Harbor

Kekaha, Kauai, HI 96752

808-639-9352

napalimakai.com

Tags: Kauai Tours, Kayak Adventures, Napali Coast, Over Kauai, Over Kauai Tours, Pali Makai, Wailua Kayak

Chicago Beach Hotels

Chicago's Navy Pier lies along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Chicago lies along the shores of Lake Michigan, with beaches up and down the length of the city. Chicago weather allows for little beach time each year, but when summer rolls around, you can count on the beaches being packed. If you're visiting the Windy City, hotels along the lake shore will give you easy access to the beach.

The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel is one of Chicago's most well-known hotels, especially as it is visible from Lake Shore Drive and pictured in many famous shots of the city's skyline looking south. The Drake is just north of the John Hancock Building, and right off the city's famed Magnificent Mile. If it's the beach you're looking for, though, you're in luck. Oak Street Beach, one of the city's most popular beaches, is right in front of the hotel. You can walk there in just a few minutes via a walkway underneath Lake Shore Drive.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is located about a block from Michigan Avenue in the city's Gold Coast neighborhood. Around the corner from the historic Water House and across the street from the John Hancock Building, the Sofitel is within easy walking distance of Lake Michigan. Walk north to Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, or take a stroll south toward the beach near Navy Pier and Grant and Millennium parks.

The Whitehall Hotel

The Whitehall Hotel is located on a small street in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, a half-block west of Michigan Avenue and west of Rush Street. This area is home to some of the city's more high-brow restaurants and nightclubs, as well as boutique and designer shops. The Whitehall Hotel is also located just a few minutes' walk to Oak Street Beach, making it an ideal hotel for a trip to the Windy City during the hot summer months. Jog or ride a bike north to Belmont Harbor, or even as far north as Montrose Harbor, to enjoy the breeze off the lake. Also, the farther north you go, the more secluded the beach, making it more ideal for a quiet picnic or just time to yourself.

W Chicago-Lakeshore

The W Chicago-Lakeshore is located on Lake Shore Drive, a stone's throw away from Ontario Beach. The hotel's location offers not only spectacular views of the city to the south and west, but it also has unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and its beaches. When you decide to go sit in the sand and sun, find the nearest underpass, as Lake Shore Drive is too dangerous to cross.

Tags: Lake Michigan, Lake Shore Drive, Shore Drive, Lake Shore, Whitehall Hotel, along shores, along shores Lake

About Coed Baby Showers

Co-ed baby showers incorporate the baby's father and the couple's male friends into the celebration. They're a progressive way to celebrate the more involved role that fathers are now expected to play in their children's lives. Does this Spark an idea?

History

By tradition, baby showers were female-only, and it was considered by many to be effeminate for men to take much of interest in baby clothes and other gifts for the new arrival. During the mid-1990s, however, the changing expectations of fatherhood paved the way to what was called a "Jack and Jill" baby shower, which veered away from traditional baby-shower activities.

Significance

Co-ed baby showers are still gaining acceptance, so if you're hosting one, try to make male attendees feel comfortable. For example, choose invitations that are less feminine and select a theme that doesn't center on pregnancy. A co-ed baby shower may have a theme like a luau or a movie theme. The party doesn't have to take place indoors with a circle of chairs like traditional baby showers. Some co-ed showers are held as outdoor barbecues.

Features

Instead of party games about babies, a co-ed shower often centers on social interactions. The shower can be less formal and simply rely on conversation for entertainment. The gift-opening stage of the party can include gifts for the expectant father as well as the expectant mother. At a co-ed shower, both parents can open the gifts for the baby.

Benefits

With a co-ed shower, the father of the baby can be as involved as the mother in planning for the baby. He gets his own gifts, and can also talk to other fathers at the shower to get pointers and learn from their experiences.

Considerations

When planning a co-ed shower, select decorations that won't be seen as too feminine. Pink hearts and storks with bows may make men uncomfortable, particularly if they have never attended a baby shower before. The food should be plentiful and also be as gender-neutral as possible. Tiny plates of finger sandwiches and petite fours can be replaced with deli trays and cake.

Tags: baby showers, co-ed shower, baby shower, Co-ed baby, Co-ed baby showers

Cheapest Hawaiian Vacations

Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii while traveling.

Hawaii is a popular vacation destination for people all over the world interested in tropical weather and the beauty of the islands. As a popular destination, a number of companies offer competitively-priced vacation packages.

Hawaii Aloha Travel

Hawaii Aloha Travel offers its Oahu Super-Saver package to travelers looking to enjoy an all-inclusive travel experience. The six-night, seven-day package allows guests to travel to and explore the island of Oahu. The package consists of accommodations at the Park Shore Waikiki Hotel, daily breakfasts at the hotel's on-site restaurant, dinners at adjacent restaurants, and round-trip airline tickets. A number of activities are also included in the package, including sailboat cruises, a day trip to the North Shore, a tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor and a tour of Hanauma Bay. Guests will also have access to a rental car while they visit the island.

Maui All-Inclusive Vacation Package

Maui is one of the most frequently visited islands in the state of Hawaii and Aloha Hawaiian Vacations offers an affordable, all-inclusive package. The company offers a six-night, seven-day package that includes accommodations at the Royal Lahaina Resort. The resort sits right on the beach and offers guests easy access to a number of activities also included in the package. While on Maui, guests will be able to experience a whale-watching tour, a nature safari tour, a sunset sailboat cruise, and a bike ride down Haleakala Mountain.

Big Island All-Inclusive Vacation Package

Aloha Hawaiian Vacations also offers the Big Island All-Inclusive Vacation Package. This vacation package is set on Hawaii's largest island and offers guests the chance to experience a variety of attractions including snorkeling, lava tube tours, bay cruises, a tour of Waipio Valley and a tour of the waterfalls near the city of Hilo. Guests will stay at the Royal Kona resort for seven days and six nights and enjoy meals at the hotel as part of the package. Couples will appreciate special amenities designed for them such as complimentary champagne upon arrival and massage services.

Tags: All-Inclusive Vacation, All-Inclusive Vacation Package, Hawaii Aloha, Hawaiian Vacations, activities also, activities also included

About Cake Decorations Using Plastic Trees

Plastic trees can add dimension to cake toppers.

If you are looking for decorations to add to your cake topper, consider using plastic trees in the scenery. Plastic trees come in different colors, shapes and styles, and are used for both birthday cakes and holiday cake decorating. Small plastic trees are found from cake decorating and craft stores, and also in the toy section of department stores. They bring a three dimensional element to any cake they are added to. Does this Spark an idea?

Styles and Themes

Plastic trees that are used for cake decorating and cake toppers come in many different styles and themes. Decorate holiday and winter cakes with miniature Christmas trees, or a forest of snow topped fir trees. Look for palm trees for beach themed cakes and for summer parties. Small plastic fruit trees, like apples, are great as accents for farm cake toppers. Group trees in a forest or use as an independent backdrop for a small outdoor landscape. For cupcakes look for small plastic trees that can be stuck easily on the top of the frosting.

Materials

Plastic trees that are purchased from cake decorating companies will be made from materials that are food safe. Small trees are also available in the toy section of most department stores, found in bags with tiny soldiers or farm animals. For toys that are used as cake decorations make sure each tree is solid plastic, that has no moving parts or metal screws that will touch the frosting. If there are moving parts to the plastic trees, use a small base to keep frosting from interfering with the parts. Cut out a small cardboard disk and place it on top of the cake for use as a base for the toy scenery, which can protect the small trees and toys from each other.

Size

Find the size for the plastic trees that is appropriate for the cake and all the other decorations on it. Use a scale that is similar for the other pieces because the plastic trees will look more realistic if the proportions of the pieces look natural. For small cakes or cupcakes with only trees on them, such as a single palm tree or a group of fir trees, keep the size down to prevent the cupcakes or single layer cake from toppling over from the weight or height of the plastic trees.

Color

Plastic trees will have green coloring to them, with some having brown trunks or black trunks for a more realistic look to the landscaping. But for whimsical cakes look for brightly colored or neon colored trees, leaves and branches. These styles of trees go well with topsy turvy cakes, and fairyland scenes where a certain color is the main focus. A farm scene should have natural looking colored plastic trees on the cake, but a bright pink and purple imaginary landscape could incorporate pastel colored trees and leaves for a fanciful scene.

Tags: cake decorating, plastic trees, trees that, cake toppers, Plastic trees, colored trees

Disney Theme Ideas

Most people have been lucky enough to grow up in a world that included legendary Disney characters. From Snow White to Wall-E, Disney characters have been having a profound on children and adults since the 1920s. It's natural to want to include some of these characters in your everyday life and celebrations. Whether that's in a theme you're using to decorate a room or prepare for a party, introducing a Disney element is never a bad idea. Does this Spark an idea?

The Princesses

The fantasy worlds that populate the Disney universe are loaded with famous princesses. There's Ariel, Jasmine, Cinderella and more. There are plenty of Disney princesses to reflect the personality of any young lady. There are ways to incorporate your favorite Disney characters at adult events as well. For example, consider holding a Disney princess bridal shower. Use Disney themed invitations to let people know about your shower. If you really want to take it to the extreme, ask the guests to come dressed as their favorite princess.

The Villains

Disney's cavalcade of villains is a popular theme for any children's Halloween party. Decorate your house with your typical Halloween gear, pumpkins and monsters, but sprinkle in a bit of Disney magic to elevate the fun. Invite your friends and family and have them dress like their favorite Disney villain. Find some fun costume ideas by looking for inspiration in villains such Jafar from "Aladdin" or Ursula from "The Little Mermaid."

The Classics

Your children might like the idea of decorating their bedrooms with the classic Disney characters such as Donald Duck and Mickey or Minnie Mouse. Paint the walls of your child's room in bright colors or apply wallpaper with his favorite characters on it. You can purchase bedding with classic Disney characters at many retail stores. Nothing celebrates the Disney classics like sleeping underneath a comforter with Goofy's face on it.

The Movies

If your love of Disney characters is less about character types and more about specific films, then there are options for you as well. If you're looking to theme a child's birthday party you can purchase everything from cups to streamers that are decorated with Disney films. These decorations range from the classics such as "The Little Mermaid" to newer Disney films such as "Toy Story 3." Check in advance with a local bakery to see whether it can make you a cake that features your child's favorite Disney film.

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Christmas Potluck Ideas

Use flatware in holiday colors to add to the decor.

Save money while spending time with family and friends by hosting a Christmas potluck instead of a catered event or formal dinner. Serve holiday dishes, family favorites, local delicacies or a dessert-only potluck complete with gingerbread houses and Christmas candies. Be ready with games and include a visit from Santa at larger potlucks for churches or schools, with candy cane or mini-stocking favors for all recipients. Does this Spark an idea?

Food

From classic Christmas dinner dishes to simpler picnic fare, tailor your potluck to the time, budgets and abilities of your guests. Offer to cook the main dishes -- goose, ham or turkey -- and ask guests to bring a variety of sides. For church or office potlucks, purchase a precooked meat dish and organize groups of people to bring sides, desserts, breads and drinks.

Decor

Garlands, wreaths, pine cones and a Christmas tree create warm and inviting decor no matter where your potluck is held. Clusters of red and green candles accented with ornament balls and candy canes create elegant centerpieces, while simple snowmen and reindeer are ideal for children's tables or to create a less formal atmosphere.

Activities

Be prepared to host indoor and outdoor reindeer games as well as a visit from Santa. Offer guests of any age the opportunity to have his or her picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and have a gift box set up for children to deliver their letters to Santa.

Gifts and Favors

Personalize miniature stockings for each guest and fill with trinkets and candies, or give each guest homemade cookies and fudge. Santa hats with the guest's name and "Merry Christmas" or decorated with snowmen, reindeer and candy canes offer gender- and age-neutral gifts that are more versatile for office or school potlucks.

Tags: candy canes, each guest, from Santa, snowmen reindeer, visit from, visit from Santa, your potluck

Children'S Devotionals & Activities

Proverbs 22:6 admonishes parents to train their children in the ways of God.

Setting time aside daily to meditate on God's word is an important part of a dedicated Christian's service. However, it can be a challenge to keep children interested in doing daily devotionals, which are brief religious services. One way to keep them interested and excited about studying the word of God on a daily basis is combining a devotional reading and an enjoyable activity. For very young children, it helps to use a picture Bible that presents illustrated and simplified versions of classic stories, rather than reading the more complex Scriptures.

Creation

Read the story of the creation from Genesis Chapter 1, or a summarized text that tells the creation story. Stress the idea that God created everything is good, and that we should be thankful for the things that we have.

Reinforce the idea of creation and thanks by planting flowers. Prepare a window box with potting soil. Take turns as a family planting seeds or flower bulbs in the soil. As you take turns pressing seed into the soil, take turns thanking God for things He created, such as flowers, trees, puppies, snow or the ocean. Each day, as you return to the garden box to water the flowers, have your child give thanks for the things in creation and pray for help to grow as a Christian, as the flowers are growing.

Humility

Read Obadiah 1:11-21, or a paraphrased version of the Edom story. Explain to your child that the Edomites were proud and thought they were stronger than God. Point out that God wants Christians to be humble, protected by God's strength and not their own power.

To demonstrate the idea of God's strength and man's humility, have children build a "Mountain of Pride." Inflate a simple latex balloon, then let the air out. This softens the latex. Slide a funnel through the balloon's throat, and fill the balloon with sand. Give the child a marker and have her draw a mountain and eagle on one side, and a crown on the other. Explain that the mountain and the eagle represent God's strength and the power in which Christians should place their trust, and the crown represents the power of man, which can fail.

Friendship

Read 1 Samuel 20 or a paraphrased version of the story of David and Jonathan's friendship. Stress the importance of friendship in our Christian lives, and emphasize that God wants us to be good friends to one another.

As an activity, help your child make a friendship bracelet. Friendship bracelets are made by braiding embroidery thread together. A number of patterns for special designs can be found online or in craft books. Encourage your child to give the bracelet to a friend.

Obedience

Children are instructed to obey their parents, and adults are commanded to be obedient to God. Read John 10:14-27 or a children's reading of the verses. Talk about the relationship between a sheep and a shepherd. The sheep are the responsibility of the shepherd, who works to protect them. The sheep learn to rely on the shepherd and follow his voice. Like sheep, Christians should follow God's voice.

To reinforce the idea of being like sheep, print out a sheep coloring page from the Internet. Instead of coloring the sheep, have the child glue cotton balls to the sheep's body to represent its wool. Write Bible verse John 10:27 on the back of the sheep.

Provision

Read John 6:1-14 or a simplified version of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Stress to your child that Jesus provided for all who came to him, even though Christ had only five loaves and two fishes.

Create a basket with loaves and fishes. Accordion-fold two pieces of gray paper. Cut a fish shape into each folded piece of paper, in the same way paper dolls are cut from paper, with each fish connected to the next. Accordion-fold five pieces of tan paper. Cut a bread shape into each piece so that each loaf is connected to the next. Glue the bottom loaf and fish in each folded stack to the inside of a paper plate decorated to represent a basket. Pull on a single fish or loaf, and it will cascade into a long chain of loaves to demonstrate the way Christ multiplied the meal.

Tags: your child, loaves fishes, your child that, child give, child that, Christians should, connected next

Dance Exercise For Seniors

It is important for everyone--including seniors--to find and enjoy a fitness routine. For senior citizens, low-impact dance can be a fun and healthy way to add exercise while enjoying a social atmosphere.

Choose Your Dance

Types of dancing for seniors are ballroom dancing, tap dancing and square dancing. These kinds of low-impact dances are not only fun, but they strike a sentimental chord with seniors. And they allow everyone to interact in a lively and social way, without causing too much stress on aging joints.

Livestrong.com (Lance Armstrong's exercise-focused group) describes the dances as follows:

• Ballroom dancing may bring back a memory from the past that makes it enjoyable and sentimental.

• Tap dancing is their chance to stomp it out on the dance floor, while improving their coordination and balance.

• Square dancing is a dance type that engages the seniors as couples working with a group. Many seniors belong to square dance clubs which travel to dance conventions where they meet and dance with other seniors enjoying life.

"Dancing is a great way for seniors to get more cardiovascular exercise in their lives," report experts from Livestrong. "The movement of the dances improves their circulation, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and eases tension. In addition, dancing helps seniors become heart healthy."

Chair Dancing

Another great way to utilize dance as a senior is to do the "Chair Dance" workout. This program developed by Jodi Stolove allows seniors to groove to the music without leaving their chairs. The workout can help coordination and offers a fun activity for those who may not be so sure on their feet. The exercise videos provide short workouts--some just three minutes long--that are easy enough for any senior, even if their movement is restricted. Stolove tells seniors that this fun and upbeat low-impact workout can be done at any time of day and requires no aerobic ability.

MUVE to the Beat

Created by Maggie Kunkel, MUVE is a multi-generational dance video class that allows both young and old to work out together. MUVE videos provide the music and on-camera dancers to demonstrate the movements. Suggestions appear around the dancers as the video progresses. "It provides an easy getaway from our busy everyday life and creates quality time using the power of original music and dance," said Kunkel at Muve.com. "MUVE strengthens muscles and improves flexibility for all your body parts in a natural way." Seniors can order the DVDs and organize dance groups where they live to get a group of friends dancing together.

All dance improves cardiovascular circulation, and the movement, and especially the camaraderie in a class setting, have been known to lift the spirits of participants.

Many local gyms and senior citizen clubs offer dance classes. To find one that suits you, check with your local organizations catering to seniors. If a dance class isn't offered--start your own!

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1st Birthday Elmo Decorations

Babies respond with smiles to Elmo and other Sesame Street characters.

Elmo is the joy-filled red furry character who lives on Sesame Street. Celebrate a first birthday with Elmo decorations for the baby that chooses the huggable character as a favorite toy. Does this Spark an idea?

Primary Colors

Use primary-colored streamers, tablecloths, tableware and balloons to decorate. Make a poster that reads, "This party is brought to you by the number 1 and the letter __." Fill the blank with the first initial of the baby's name. Decorate with orange paper goldfish for Elmo's pet, "Dorothy."

Wall Decorations

Cutouts, posters and copies of Elmo coloring pages brighten the walls of the party room. Cut the Elmo body, head and facial features separately from poster board or foam for a wall hanging. Add hook-and-loop tape to the nose for a pin-the-nose-on-Elmo game. Simple colored paper number "1s" can be secured to the walls.

Elmo 3-D

Place Elmo toys and stuffed characters around the party area. Toss primary-colored pillows around the room for toddlers to sit on. Give red party favor bags with cutouts glued to the front to resemble Elmo's face. Make a simple paper mache Elmo-head pinata for a featured decoration.

Tags: Sesame Street