Baby Shower Etiquette

The baby will be the best gift of all.

Baby showers are foreign terrain for people who've never experienced one before--which can be a problem for the host, the guests and the expectant mother. The good news is that a baby shower is easy to plan and attend once the basic customs are understood.

Hosting the Baby Shower

Baby showers for expectant mothers are traditionally hosted by close friends, coworkers, siblings or mothers, who will be in charge of the planning, decorating, refreshments and the bill. The shower may be held before or after the baby is born, but most people opt to have it 1 to 2 months prior to the due date. Invitations should be sent out 3 to 4 weeks in advance, with a "Regrets Only" RSVP requested 2 weeks in advance. Directions to the location and gift registry information should also be provided with the invite. Acceptable locations for a baby shower include the hostess's home, a restaurant, a hotel, or a church or fellowship hall. Usually a theme is selected for the decorations, such as princesses (for girls), sports (for boys), zoo animals, nesting birds or teddy bears.

Typically, a baby shower is expected to last approximately two hours. When the guests arrive, the host is expected to greet them at the door. Snacks and beverages are usually served first, which may include coffee, tea, soft drinks and juice, taco dips, vegetables, fruits, tortilla chips, cheese, crackers, mini pizzas, candy and other finger foods.

Then sometimes shower games are played to help everyone get to know each other better, although it's not necessary. "The Price Is Right" can be played to have guests guess how much a pack of Pampers or baby booties cost. Another game--"How Well Do You Know the Mom-to-Be"--has guests speculate which traits the expectant mother wants her baby to inherit from her and from her husband (for example, hair, eyes, smile, nose, ears, intelligence, attitude, humor). They'll then compare their notes with the expectant mother's actual answers. "Guess the Baby Pictures" is a fun game, where baby photos of all guests are made into a collage, but this requires a little extra forethought. For "Baby Bingo," the host will number all the presents and pass out bingo boards with the number of squares based on the number of guests; as the expectant mother picks each gift, a number will be called out and the guests will try to get a straight line to win. These are just a few of many options, but hosts should be conscientious that the games don't take up too much time or appear too ridiculous. Games measuring the mother-to-be's tummy should also be avoided.

Next, main dishes and desserts are doled out. Chicken, roast beef, potatoes, veggies, pasta salad, green salad, ambrosia and tuna salad are some popular dishes to try. It's also a good idea to have a few vegetarian selections available. Usually the food is made by the host and a few delegated guests, although sometimes the food may be catered to make things easier.

The expectant mother will then open her gifts while the audience "oohs" and "aahs" and a family member writes down a record of who bought what (for thank-you cards later). Before guests leave, baby shower favors should be given out to everyone. Edible or practical favors are usually the best choice. Picture frames, baby cookie cutters, flower pots with flowers, pin cushions, homemade chocolates, cookies and coffee mugs are all viable ideas.

Attending the Baby Shower

If guests cannot make the baby shower, they should let the host know at least two weeks in advance. Unless stated otherwise, women should not bring children, husbands/boyfriends or other people with them. Guests who can't make it are not responsible for sending a gift in their absence, although it's considered a polite gesture.

Most people spend around $25 on shower gifts, unless they are wealthy or a very close relative or friend. There are many different angles to approach gift giving. There are practical gifts, like high chairs, baby monitors, bottles, bibs, diaper bags and car seats. There are cutesy gifts, usually clothing, books, blankets and homemade gifts. There are special gifts, maid service for a month, a gift certificate for baby pictures or a growth chart, for instance. Some guests like to put together their own gift baskets of little essential items, while others prefer just one big item.

Expectations for the Expectant Mother

Prior to the shower, expectant parents will need to visit a store like "Kids R Us" or "Target" to choose items they would like to receive for their newborn. In the past, gift registries were considered taboo, but they've gained tremendous popularity over the years, and many partygoers are appreciative of the heads-up. Expectant parents will want to make sure the items cover a wide range of prices for all budgets.

Deciding who to invite can sometimes be challenging. To make it easier, traditionally, men are not invited to the showers, but co-ed showers aren't totally unheard of. Often the dads-to-be make a cameo appearance at the end of the shower to pick up and transport the gifts and briefly say "hello" to everyone. It's up to the expectant mother, whether she would like children present or not. A polite way of discouraging children would be to write on the invitation: "Hire a sitter and meet us there at 1 p.m."

While the hostess will be in charge of the planning, expectant mothers may want to do a little research of their own. For instance, it's not uncouth for moms-to-be to make suggestions on food, customary party favors or party games (if there are any at all).

Usually showers are only thrown for the first child, since it's assumed the mother has most of the essentials covered already. However, it's becoming more popular to hold intimate parties, inviting close family and friends, for subsequent babies. Showers for adopted babies are perfectly acceptable as well.

At the shower, new moms are expected to greet guests and make any necessary introductions. Once everyone has arrived, she may make a welcoming announcement and let everyone know the order in which the events will proceed so guests know what to expect. She should be sure to thank everyone at the time, even though cards will be sent out later.

Tags: baby shower, expectant mother, expectant mother, weeks advance, Baby Shower

Family Fun Luau Party Ideas

Don't forget the leis for your luau party.

A family luau can be a fun and tropical way to get together with loved ones and enjoy some good times. Whether it be a family reunion, or perhaps a family member's birthday, there are a variety of activities you can do to make your luau more festive. Learn some of the fun ideas you can try for your next family luau in order to have a tropically good party. Does this Spark an idea?

Limbo Fun

Play the limbo game at your luau party. Having a limbo contest can make for some challenging fun. All you need is a pole and two people to hold it, then family members go under the pole proving how low they can go. You can even purchase limbo-themed songs from most party stores, or download some online and burn them to a CD.

Lovely Leis

Provide leis for your luau guests. Leis are a Hawaiian tradition of donning floral necklaces and are essential at any luau. Purchase leis from your local party store and have them ready at the front door. When your guests arrive, throw one around their neck and say "aloha," a traditional Hawaiian phrase for "hello" and also "goodbye."

Grass Skirt Attire

Provide grass skirts for your guests, which are just as essential as leis for any luau-themed party. Make your own grass skirts by stringing together long palm fronds, or you can find grass skirts in a variety of colors and sizes from most party stores or costume shops. Pair your grass skirts with a festive, tropical shirt or a bathing suit.

Tropical Foods

Decorate the food table with pineapples and coconuts, and make a tropical punch with coconut juice or pineapple slices. For food, serve a variety of seafood dishes, such as a crab or tuna salad, shrimp and fish, and goldfish crackers for the kids. Provide fresh, tropical fruit, or even a pineapple upside-down cake, for dessert.

Beachy Decor

Use beach balls, big beach towels, hanging flowers and surfboards to add to the beach decor. Pour some sand in your backyard, or in a sandbox, and have beach buckets and shovels--this can be a great little play area for kids at your luau. Bags of sand can typically be found at most hardware stores.

Tropical Music

Set up some sort of sound system and have Hawaiian or tropical island-themed music playing. Have a ukulele on hand for guests to play their own tropical sounds, or hire a ukulele player to come and play for you and your family. For a more realistic vibe, you can play ocean sounds to get the look and feel of being at an actual beach luau.

Island Invites

Send out tropically inspired invitations to your luau. Send a message in a bottle, or add some tropical flowers to your invites. Another idea is to purchase sea shells from a crafts store and write out the invites on the sea shells with marker or paint.

Tiki Decor

Use tiki décor to help make your luau more festive. Set up tiki torches around your backyard, in safe areas and away from things that can catch fire. Use tiki cups, statues and other tiki-inspired décor. Tiki décor can be found at most party stores or costume shops.

Tags: your luau, grass skirts, most party, most party stores, party stores, costume shops

Creative Party Invitation Ideas

Think outside the envelope for a creative party invitation.

To capture your potential party guests' attention, you've got to compete with a mailbox full of bills, junk, newspapers, ads, correspondence and magazines. Announce your party with a style they won't be able to miss by sending a creative invitation. Creative ideas need not be expensive or time-consuming. Take cues from around you and let your artistic side free to come up with something sure to put your party in every person's planner. Does this Spark an idea?

Invite in a Bottle

The story of someone sending a plea for help by placing a message in a bottle and throwing it in the ocean has been around for thousands of years. According to The Francis Asbury Society, messages in bottles date back to the Bible. Offer your party guests this very old-fashioned way of communication by creating your own messages in bottles as your party invitations. After washing out and drying the bottles, create your invitations on the computer or by hand. Curl them up and tie them with a thin ribbon. This will stop them from unfurling in the bottle, causing a problem with their removal. Punch a small hole at the top of each and thread a thin, pretty ribbon through the hole. Tape the other end of the ribbon to the bottle cap. When the recipient uncaps the bottle, the invitation will pull out. Place bottles in padded boxes, then take them to the post office to ensure the proper amount of postage is applied to them.

Cool Cookies

Attract guests to your party through their stomachs by tempting them with a sweet treat invitation. Create an edible invite by baking large cookies (a precut batch or roll of cookie dough saves time) and frosting them with fondant. Fondant is a specialty topping created to look smooth and take on any color or pattern you can imagine. This will serve as the base for your invitation. Fondant is made in batches, so prepare enough to top all of your cookie invitations. Press the fondant around the top of the cookie and around its sides to form a "cookie cloak." Once the fondant is sealed over the cookie, use a fine-tipped icing gel or pipette to handwrite the party details on the cookie, such as time, place, date and RSVP. After the icing sets, place cookies in plastic zip top bags and hope that guests will read and respond before devouring their invitations.

Outrageous Origami

After you've created your party invitation or filled in the lines on the generic, store-bought boxed cards, your invite may feel a little flat. Pique guests' interest and add a little bit of artwork to your cards by folding your invitation into an origami shape. Origami, which dates back centuries, is thought to have begun in Japan or China (where paper was first invented). It involves making tiny, crisp folds to create recognizable shapes, such as flowers, birds (cranes in particular), animals and other items. While specialized origami paper is available for folding, you can make anything into an origami masterpiece. The thinner the paper, the better, such as if you printed your invitation off the computer onto standard copy paper. You can make items such as the five-pointed star and the basket with cardboard invites as well. Slip your newly created work into an envelope and wait for the responses to roll in.

Tags: your party, them with, your invitation, into origami, messages bottles, party guests

Activities In Maui

Activities in Maui

For more than a decade, Conde Nast Traveler has named Maui the "best island in the world" and "top travel destination." Maui offers visitors a wide range of activities to explore, from nature hikes to nightlife.

Snorkel or Dive

The nearby Molokini Crater is one of the best scuba and snorkel spots in Hawaii. Expect to see a variety of sea life from manta rays to parrot fish.

Golf

The beauty of lush Maui has served to draw in the world's best golf pros and course designers. Public courses include the Dunes at Maui Lani and the Kaanapali Golf Course.

Drive to Hana

The Heavenly Road to Hana is one of the most well-known stretches of highway in the world. Rental companies place no restrictions on travel to Hana, but the drive is not without hazards. There are more than 600 turns in the road and more than 50 bridges (many of them one lane).

Shop

During summer, the indoor, air-conditioned Lahaina Cannery Mall is a welcome refuge. Antique seekers should check out Wailuku in Central Maui.

Nightlife

Next to Oahu, Maui has Hawaii's second-biggest club scene. The center of this is in Lahaina.

Tags: more than, Activities Maui

Affordable Tours In Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see on the Big Island.

A Hawaii vacation is expensive under the best of circumstances. The plane tickets, the hotel rooms, the luaus and fishing excursions can add up to several thousand dollars for a family visiting the islands. One of the best things about visiting Hawaii, though, is the availability of self-guided tours that you can do without adding a dime to your travel expenses. Many of Hawaii's best experiences are free or will cost you very little money.

Hawaii Volcanoes

Entry to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the southern end of the Big Island is available 24 hours a day at the cost of just $10 per carload. The pass is good for seven consecutive days if you choose to prolong your exploration.

The park is located on active volcanoes. The world's most active volcano, Kilauea, and the world's largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, are located within the park. Explore the erupting crater of Halemaumau where ash and smoke billow daily, or take a drive down the Chain of Craters Road to see the active, glowing red lava flows pour into the ocean, where they explode into a mushroom cloud of steam. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be a dangerous place and you should follow all safety precautions provided at the visitor center.

Haleakala Summit

Haleakala is Maui's tallest peak. This dormant volcano serves as a major tourist attraction for the island, and a trip to the summit is a must for anyone visiting Maui. Haleakala is easily accessible by any type of private vehicle. You can tour this national park for $10 per car on a three-day pass.

A trip to the summit area is the highlight of the tour. Stand above the clouds to gaze down into the summit crater and become awestruck at a volcanic crater large enough to fit the entire island of Manhattan inside. Carefully walk among a species of plants known as the Haleakala Silversword and you'll discover that you are standing on the only soil in the world that can grow this rare plant.

Mauna Kea Sunrise

Mauna Kea means "white mountain" and it is so-called because the winter storms often dump considerable snow on the Big Island peak. One of the best ways to experience Mauna Kea is a self-guided tour to the summit in the pre-dawn hours. It is completely free, but it is not free of danger. You'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle and confidence in your driving skills. The pavement ends at 9,000 feet, but you'll still have 5,000 more feet of elevation to conquer on a rough, narrow and treacherous road in the dark.

Once atop the mountain, you can watch the sunrise as it breaks through the clouds and paints the sky in unimaginable colors. Dress warm, because the temperature up here is often freezing. You'll also want to pause on your way up and down at the 9,000-foot visitor center, and adjust to the new altitude to avoid feeling ill.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited sites in all of Hawaii. This Oahu landmark is still a working harbor, but in December of 1941 it was a war zone as the Japanese attacked Hawaii in an act of aggression that drew America into World War II.

Tickets are required to tour the USS Arizona, Oklahoma and Bowfin Memorials, as well as other sites within the harbor, but they are free on a first come, first served basis. You can spend the majority of a whole day seeing the ships and memorials related to the attack on the Honolulu harbor.

Tags: Hawaii Volcanoes, Hawaii Volcanoes National, Volcanoes National, Volcanoes National Park, active volcano, National Park

Exchange Trips To France

Student exchange trips to France improve language skills and cultural understanding.

High school students interested in improving their French language skills and gaining a better understanding of French life and culture may benefit from an exchange program. There are a variety of exchange programs to France, ranging from a few weeks to an entire school year. Students typically live with a French family and may attend French schools.

Organisme de S jours Educatifs Francais (OSEF)

Organisme de S jours Educatifs Francais (OSEF) was established in 1994 to encourage exchanges between students in Canada and Australia with those in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

For Canadian students interested in travel to France, OSEF offers a one-month summer exchange program during July as well as a 9- to 11-week program between the months of February and May. OSEF also has a 4-week reciprocal program designed for Canadian students aged 13 to 17.

In the 4-week program, students arrive in France at the end of June and meet their host families. They return home at the end of July with their exchange partner, who stays with them through August. While in France, students will also enjoy a tour of Paris that includes visits to the Eiffel Tower, Monmartre, Notre Dame and a boat trip on the Seine River.

OSEF France Canada

27520 Thuit H bert

France

+1-011-33-2-3242-2694

osef.ca

Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI)

Students aged 16 and over may be interested in one of the Center for Cultural Interchange's (CCI) independent home-stay opportunities. The program offers stays in Paris and its surrounding suburbs and the rest of France--students may request a preferred region, though placement is not guaranteed.

According to the CCI website, the makeup of host families varies. Some are individuals interested in learning more about the rest of the world, while others may be families with children, and everything in between. Host families are screened to ensure safety and an appropriate environment for exchange guests.

Program costs include lodging and half board (two meals per day) in Paris and full board (three meals per day) in the rest of the country. While families may elect to show guests the sites and attractions of their region, exchange students should also be comfortable venturing out on their own. Exchange participants will have access to a local coordinator to help with any questions, issues or concerns that may arise during their stay.

The program lasts for one to four weeks, and exchange students are allowed to select their preferred travel dates. Applicants must speak basic French and be at least 16 years old, though Parisian applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Center for Cultural Interchange

746 North LaSalle

Chicago, IL 60654-1879

312-944-2544

cci-exchange.com

Nacel

Students seeking an exchange program in a French school may prefer the Nacel program. Students may elect to live with a French family in or around Paris and attend a local public school, or to attend a private boarding school in the cities of Cholet, Oloron Ste Marie or Rodez. Students who select the boarding-school option will live with a French host family on weekends and holidays.

While attending a French school, exchange students can expect to study math, French, a second foreign language, physics, history, geography, art and biology.

Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of French language study, a solid academic record and undergo an interview process.

Nacel International

101 rue de Seze

69006 Lyon

France

+1-33-4-78-52-03-85

nacel.org

Tags: Center Cultural, Center Cultural Interchange, Cultural Interchange, exchange program, exchange students, live with

Birthday Party Favor & Gift Ideas

Birthday party gifts and decor

Birthday party guests are generally expected to bring gifts, a gesture some party hosts may choose to return with favors for the guests to take home with them. Use birthday party favors and gifts to provide enjoyable presents for the guest of honor and party attendants to take home as keepsakes. Does this Spark an idea?

Electronics Accessories

Small accessories for electronic gadgets are always appreciated, and they may be given to birthday celebrants of all ages. Cell phone cases, iPod speakers, tiny headphones, flash drives and other small items are practical and easy to find at many different retail outlets.

Gifts for Kids

Buy children's presents from popular collections, such as Lego and Barbie items, to give them a birthday gift that's both enjoyable and affordable. Board games and athletic equipment like Frisbees also make good gifts for children's parties, where many kids are socializing in a group setting. A group gift may be enjoyed by the birthday boy or girl right away.

Edible Favors

Edible favors are always a good choice for birthday parties, where guests know and expect that they will be eating sweet treats. Decorate cookies and candies with edible decals and photographs of the guest of honor. If photo-candies and cookies prove to be too costly, use icing to decorate the items with the age of the birthday celebrant.

DIY Party Favors

Give guests a lasting party memory with DIY T-shirts. Start by buying plain cotton Ts in white or solid colors in a range of sizes (XS to XXL). Download a photo of the guest of honor to your computer and print it out on transfer paper. Use a hot iron to transfer the design from the paper onto the T-shirts.

Tags: guest honor, Birthday party, parties where, take home, them birthday

Christian Youth Group Icebreaker Activities

Plan some Christian getting-to-know-you activities for a youth group.

Start Christian youth group activities off with icebreaker activities to help members and newcomers feel comfortable, as well as overcome anxiety and shyness. Icebreakers also give any newcomers a chance to meet and make new friends. Encourage everyone to play along and try their best by awarding small Biblical prizes like pocket Bibles and biblical bookmarks to game winners.

Easy Icebreakers

Have the players sit in a circle and select one player to go first. She must stand up and say her name along with an interesting fact about herself. She will then select the player to go next. Each player must share her name and an interesting face. Keep playing until everyone has gone at least twice. For a variation, pass around a bowl of candy and have each player take as many pieces as she wants. After everyone has candy, each player must tell a fact about herself for each pieces of candy she took from the bowl.

Paper Clip Games

Give all players 10 paper clips and select three players to be "it." When the activity starts, the three "it" players must try to convenience the other players to connect their paper clips with them. The players can connect all their paper clips to one "it" player or divide them up amongst the three "it" players. The team who ends up with the longest string of paper clips wins the activity. For added fun, each player must share one interesting fact about himself before attaching any paper clip to another paper clip. For a related paper-clip game, have the players sit in a circle. Go around the circle and have each play reveal one fact about himself for each paper clip he is holding.

Bingo Activities

Make bingo cards with descriptions of people in each square. For example, "wears glasses," "has blue eyes," "plays guitar "and "has two brothers." Give each player a bingo card. Have her walk around finding another player that matches each description. The player must sign the card in the square or each player can write that player's name in the square. The first player to complete a row wins a prize. For another variation, simply write down the name of players in the squares and give each player a card. Call out players' names and the first player to get a row wins the game.

Ball Games

Inflate a beach ball and hand it to one player. Have all the players sit in a circle. The player with the ball must say his name and toss the ball to someone else. Each player must say his name before tossing the ball to someone else. After each player says his name twice, players must say the name of the player they toss the ball to instead of their own name. For a harder version, have the players add a hobby to their name. When a player tosses the ball to another player in the circle, he must call out that player's name and hobby.

Tags: player must, each player, fact about, paper clips, must name, players circle, three players

About Hawaiian Polynesian Culture

About Hawaiian Polynesian Culture

While a remarkably diverse mix of ethnic groups contributes to the culture of Hawaii, the culture of the islands has been shaped most clearly by Hawaiian Polynesian traditions, some of which are said to be about thousands of years old. The original inhabitants of the islands were Eastern Polynesians from Marquesa and Tahiti, and came to Hawaii around A.D. 400. Migrating in waves, the Polynesians became isolated from the rest of the Polynesian world and soon developed a distinct Hawaiian Polynesian culture. The food, language, and ways of these early Polynesians have remained the vital center of Hawaiian life and tourism.

Language

Of all the languages in the world, Hawaiian has the fewest letters in its alphabet: only 12 in total, not including the glottal stop, which is represented by an inverted apostrophe. The Hawaiian dialect strongly resembles other Polynesian dialects, like Tahitian, Maori or Marquesan. However, native speakers of Hawaiian have decreased rapidly over the last century. Only 0.1 percent of the state's population speaks the old Hawaiian language, and many worry that the language is becoming endangered.

Food

Many Hawaiian Polynesian foods are popular today, and have experienced a resurgence in major American cities. Poi is a staple starch dish, created by mashing taro roots with water, and eaten with salt, sugar, or soy sauce. Poke is raw fish marinated in soy sauce, and "lomilomi" salmon is salmon broken into small pieces and mixed with tomatoes and onions. Roast pig was traditionally popular at luaus, as were sweet taro rolls.

Hula

Hula was originally a religious offering to the gods; the dance was performed at special occasions, accompanied by chanting and percussion such as gourds, rattles, and castanets. In these early days, only men performed the hula. However, once Europeans came to the islands, Hawaiians began performing the hula to Western music, and women began participating. Hula today serves the purpose of entertainment rather than religious ritual, but it is widespread across the state, and many Hawaiians continue the dance.

Class and Government

Ancient Hawaiians adhered to a strict caste system, in which a person remained in his given social class for all his life. The royal class was called Alii, who claimed a divine power called "mana" in order to govern the lower classes. The priestly class was called Kahuna, the commoners were called Maka'ainana, and the slave class was called Kauwa. These classes made up the Hawaiian feudal system, which was organized by a religious system of traditions and taboos called "kapu."

Religion

Hawaiian Polynesian religion is polytheistic, meaning that followers believe in many gods. Early Polynesians were intensely animistic in their beliefs, holding that gods were in every aspect of nature and could be seen and conversed with. Today, few Hawaiians adhere to this early religion, but the four major tiki gods (Ku, Lono, Kane and Kanaloa) are still acknowledged for the forces of nature they personify. Ku is the god of war, Lono the god of fertility and peace, Kane the creator-god of light and life, and Kanaloa god of the sea.

Tags: Hawaiian Polynesian, class called, About Hawaiian, About Hawaiian Polynesian, Polynesian Culture, system which

Hawaiian Customs

Hawaiian customs are influenced by the cultural diversity of the islands.

The Hawaiian islands conjure up visions of crystal-clear waters and inviting hula dances, but the islands are much more than just a relaxing vacation spot. Hawaii has one of the largest percentages of multiracial people in the nation -- 18.5 percent, according to the 2010 Census. The ethnic diversity of the islands, which includes people of Japanese, Polynesian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Portuguese ancestry, has created a compelling blend of customs and traditions.

Lei

Traditionally leis were exchanged between groups to signify peace two tribes. Giving a lei is a sign of welcome and friendship in Hawaii. Leis are made of flowers, shells, seeds, feathers and nuts and are worn gently draped around the neck. Leis are often given to welcome tourists and during special celebrations and occasions. It is customary to always accept a lei from someone and not to remove it in their presence.

Shoes

In a tropical paradise like Hawaii, surrounded by beaches and ocean, it is not surprising that sandals or slippers are an acceptable form of footwear everywhere you go. It is however, bad form to wear shoes in the home. Guests should always remove their shoes at the door before entering a Hawaiian home. The practice is a Japanese custom that came with immigration.

Luau

A luau is a feast in celebration of weddings, anniversaries, graduations, first birthdays and any other special event or accomplishment. A luau is usually held outside and includes musical entertainment and traditional dancing. The luau meal is centered around roasted pig, slow cooked in a traditional earth oven. Luaus for tourists are common at Hawaiian resorts and can seem a little cliche but it is still a well-establish and often-practiced custom of the local population.

Blessings

Hawaiian blessings are performed by spiritual leaders called Kahu. Blessings are carried out in new homes or businesses to rid the space of evil or negative spirits. The ceremony usually consists of sprinkling saltwater and saying a prayer that asks god to remove negative energy from the space. A lei is removed from across the threshold, similar to the cutting of a ribbon.

Tags: diversity islands, remove their

About Decorative Birthday Cakes

Birthday cakes have been around for centuries, although not as elaborate as in the past century or so. Today, there are many types of birthday cakes to suit everyone's tastes, from devil's food to ice cream cakes. The tradition of decorating the birthday cake using frosting and candles may be modified from its ancient beginnings, but is still the most common way to celebrate another of life's milestones. Add this to my Recipe Box.

History

The history of the birthday cake dates back to ancient Greeks. They had a tradition of making round honey cakes that they took back to their temple to worship Artemis, goddess of the moon, and the round cake resembled the moon. Some believed the tradition of decorated birthday cakes began in Germany in the Middle Ages, when people made a special cake for a celebration known as the Kinderfest. This cake was for young children's birthday celebrations. Later a special German cake baked in layers called Geburstagorten was designed This cake was sweeter than the usual coarse heavy cakes baked at that time. In the U.S. during Colonial times, birthdays were enjoyed by the wealthy who shared a glass of wine and a small piece of fruit cake or yeast cake. In the 1800s, due to the invention of the cast iron stove, layered cakes with frosting became the norm for many birthdays. In the nineteenth century, colored lighted candles on cakes became popular for birthdays and celebrations. In medieval England, tokens or coin were often baked inside the cake. Most decorated cakes are made to celebrate a birthday or special occasion. Before 1948, the cakes types were classified as butter or sponge.

Significance

In Western culture, the birthday cake is a pastry or dessert served to someone on their birthday. It is often decorated with a message or the person's name. Lighted candles on top of the birthday cake often represent the person's age. The person celebrating the birthday often gets the first piece of cake when it is cut. The words" Happy Birthday" did not appear written on cakes until the song was popularized in the early 1900s. In New Zealand, Happy Birthday is sung out of tune and clapping follows for each year of a person's age. Birthday cakes are often served to represent other birthdays, like a company anniversary or special commemorative occasions.

Function

Cakes became round for different reasons. Some were associated with the cycles of nature. In early days, cakes were shaped by hand into rounded balls, then baked in shallow round baking pans on hearthstones. Cake hoops that were round wood or metal molds were used in pans to shape the cake properly. In early days, cake was more like bread than cake. The first icing used was made of sugar, egg whites and flavors boiled together. The icing was poured onto the cake then put back to bake in the oven for a short time. Molded cakes and fancy icing reached their peak during the Victorian times. Icing in medieval times was often a sprinkling of sugar put on sweet and savory foods. Butter creme is another type of frosting that often uses cream and butter.

Types

There are many types of cakes that people make as birthday cakes. Angel food cake is a light fluffy cake made with many egg whites and no yeast. It requires a special round tube pan for baking. Chiffon cakes became popular in the late 1920s. It is a light cake made with salad oil instead of butter. They were promoted from 1940s to 1960s and made great birthday cakes. There are many flavors of chiffon cakes; chocolate is a popular choice. In the later nineteenth century, the devil's food cake debuted. It was a rich chocolate cake that became a popular birthday cake for kids and adults. Red devil's food cake is made with the combination of cocoa and baking soda to give it the red color. Opera cakes are cakes layered with nuts and liquor that lead to many variations of birthday cakes. The earliest ice cream cakes were only enjoyed by the wealthy, but today they come in many flavors and shapes for everyone to enjoy.

Features

One of the most prominent features of decorated birthday cakes is the frosting and decorations on the cake. Frosting can be traced to ancient times when sugar paste and marzipan (a paste made of almonds and sugar) were used as frosting. Icing in early times was a sprinkling of sugar on cakes and even other dishes. Butter creme frosting has butter and does not require use of eggs or cooking. It is popular because of how rich it is. Royal icing is the type used for birthday cakes that hardens and will preserve the cake for a long time. The ingredients used in the frosting often distinguishes the composition of the frosting and flavor. Candles were put on birthday cakes to make them glow like the moon. This goes back to the Greek tradition of making round cakes to worship the goddess of the moon. Many cultures believe that smoke carries messages heavenward. Candles were put on cakes because people believed the smoke from the candles carried the wishes and prayers of the birthday person to the gods. Today, people still make wishes before blowing out the candles.

Tags: birthday cake, became popular, cake made, cake made with, cakes that, devil food

Bad Things About Hawaii

Hawaii has pros and cons.

Hawaii, known as "the aloha state," became the 50th state in the US in 1959. Since that time, Hawaii has become one of the country's most beautiful and sought-after vacation spots. Thousands travel to its beautiful islands each year, many for honeymoons. But for all of its picturesque beauty and tranquil serenity, there are some negative factors to consider if you plan on making Hawaii your permanent home.

Rock Fever

Living in Hawaii not only means isolation from the mainland, but it also means separation from the other islands of Hawaii. Each island is its own world and getting to any other island or state means having money for airfare.There is not a highway connecting the islands to each other or to any other part of the country. So, if you like to make frequent trips to the mainland to visit family and friends, this can become costly.

High Cost of Living

The cost of living in Hawaii is comparable to most major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. If you come from a small town with a lower cost of living, this may seem too expensive. Because the islands are separated, most consumer products must be shipped from the mainland, thus adding to the cost. Remember, there is no way to drive to Hawaii. So, when planning your move, be sure to factor in the cost of shipping your car.

Seasonal Changes

Temperatures in Hawaii are consistently between 70 and 85 degrees year round. If you are a person that enjoys seasonal changes, this may become an issue. If you enjoy chilly winters and brisk fall days, you could find yourself missing home during those times of year. Winter holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa may lose their charm because the climate is so warm during that time. If you're dreaming of a "white Christmas," Hawaii may not be the place for you.

Slower Pace

If you are used to the hustle and bustle of a major city like New York or Chicago, Hawaii may seem very mundane and boring. The laid-back lifestyle is vastly different from other parts of the country. The nightlife is minimal, with the exception of Honolulu, and if you are interested in doing more than surfing and soaking in the sun, you might find yourself a little bored.

Tags: find yourself, from mainland, from other, islands each, like York, that time, this become

Decorating Kid'S Rooms With Lilo And Stitch

Lilo & Stitch bedrooms are well suited for Hawaiian themes.

Lilo and Stitch is a Disney character franchise that is known for family values. Decorating a kid's room with Lilo and Stitch memorabilia and motifs can tie together warm, tropical Hawaiian color with characters that suit both genders and several age groups. Combine Lilo and Stitch-themed d cor and memorabilia with coordinating colors and themes to create a bright and colorful kid's room. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put a base coat of paint on the walls. Choose baby blue to emulate a beach, island or ocean theme. Choose red, yellow or a sandy tan if you plan to use decals or a border rather than a mural.

2. Decorate the walls. Paint an island, tiki or beach scene if you want to go with a full mural. If you would prefer sparse decorations, add sea shells, hibiscus flowers and other island motifs in conjunction with images of the characters, including Lilo, Stitch and their family and friends.

3. Replace night stand and dresser knobs with coordinating knobs like hibiscus flowers or sea shells. Add other Hawaiian themed or Lilo and Stitch themed accessories to bring the room to life.

4. Install curtains and bedding that match the theme. Choose Lilo and Stitch themed bedding or mix and match coordinating colors to create a bright and colorful bedroom set.

5. Add touches that make the room more like Lilo's. Lilo's bedroom has glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling. Lilo's bedroom also has photographs of her friends and family and other things on the walls. Recreate these same details in the bedroom to create a more authentic feel.

6. Tie in the Hawaiian and "Ohana" themes through the implementation of vinyl quote decals on the walls. Spell out "Ohana means family," "Ahola" and "Lilo and Stitch" on different parts of the walls.

Tags: Lilo Stitch, bright colorful, coordinating colors, create bright, create bright colorful

Fun Activities For Kids With A Hawaiian Theme

Let children design their own Hawaiian leis.

Create a tropical paradise for your child by throwing him a Hawaiian-themed birthday party. Plan several activities for party guests to prevent boredom and get everyone involved. Awarding Hawaiian-themed prizes, such as grass skirts, leis, coconuts and seashell jewelry, will keep everyone at the event ready for the next activity.

Hawaiian Jewelry

As children arrive to the party, let them make their own Hawaiian jewelry. Setup a table with elastic string, beads, flowers and glitter. The children can make necklaces, bracelets and flower leis. Kids can also take the jewelry home as favors after the party.

Have the children make edible jewelry by giving them Life Saver candies, cereal and other edible pieces to string on their elastic.

Pass the Coconut

Have all the children sit in a circle and hand one child a coconut. Play Hawaiian music and have the children pass the coconut around the circle. When the music stops, the person holding the coconut is out of the game. Keep playing until only one person remains, who is the winner. Give him the coconut or another Hawaiian-themed prize.

Prize Pool

Before the party, purchase several plastic flip-flops, pineapples, seashells and fish (be sure they will float). Write the number 1, 2 or 3 on the bottom of the plastic items. Fill a plastic swimming pool with water and put the plastic items in the tub.

Make prize bags with the same numbers and put to the side. One child at a time will pick one plastic item out of the pool. He will get a prize bag corresponding to the number on the bottom of the plastic item he plucked out of the pool.

Coconut Bowling

You will need 10 empty two-liter soda bottles and a couple of coconuts. Put a small amount of play sand in the bottom of the bottles to make them more stable as bowling pins. Make a starting line about 20 feet from where the bottles sit. Let the children stand at the starting line and take turns rolling the coconuts to try to knock down as many bottles as they can. Award prizes to the children who knock down the most bottles (pins).

Coconut Decorating

Purchase enough coconuts for each child to have one. Let the children decorate the coconuts with markers, paint, googly eyes, glue and puff paints. Tell the children to make their best coconut head. Award prizes for the best, funniest, scariest and silliest coconut head.

Tags: children make, Award prizes, bottom plastic, coconut head, knock down, make their, number bottom

Good Ideas For A 13th Birthday Party

A 13th birthday is cause for celebration.

When planning a 13th birthday party, you may find yourself facing a challenge. As this is the age that officially marks the transition from childhood to the teenage years, the birthday child may be expressing more grown-up interests that you are not used to accommodating. Throw a party that your 13 year-old and guests will enjoy by basing it on a theme that interests the birthday girl or boy. Does this Spark an idea?

Slumber Party

Memories that last a lifetime are made at slumber parties. Simple decorations include balloons and streamers. You can either provide pillows, blankets and sleeping bags, or ask guests to bring their own. Rent some favorite movies and let kids entertain themselves, or plan some activities for them--makeovers, video games and scavenger hunts, for example. For food, order pizza and a hero sandwich, set out bowls of chips and candy, and offer the ingredients for ice cream sundaes.

Lucky Number 13

Though some people consider the number 13 to be bad luck, others regard it as a lucky number. In honor of a 13th birthday, go the lucky route and turn it into a theme for the party. Hang horseshoes around the party area. If you are lucky enough to find actual four leaf clovers, place them in pots in the center of the table--if not, print out images of them, cut them out and scatter them around tables. A rainbow is another lucky charm--you can frame pictures of them and hang them on the walls, or blow up balloons in the colors of the rainbow and place them around the party area. Hand out rabbits feet as party favors.

Luau Party

Celebrate a 13th birthday tropical style with a luau-themed party. Decorate with fake palm trees, tiki torches, coconuts, pineapples and bouquets of tropical flowers. When guests arrive, greet them in the traditional Hawaiian way with flower leis or puka shell necklaces. You can give the girl guests grass skirts to sport. Play island-inspired music and have party goers compete in a hula hoop competition. See who can hula hoop the longest. Play a game of limbo. Serve guests Hawaiian-inspired fare including ham, pineapple pizza, coconut custard pie and virgin pina coladas in coconut shells.

Tags: 13th birthday, around party, around party area, hula hoop, party area

Fun Free Things To Do In Boston

Boston doesn't have to be expensive.

Boston is one of the oldest cities in North America and is home to many historic sites, buildings and events. The city has earned a reputation as being an expensive place to visit. But there are many free activities and attractions in Boston, helping to keep on budget.

Coit Observatory - Boston University

Look for celestial objects at the Coit Observatory.

The Coit Observatory, part of Boston University, offers free nights for the public each Wednesday, weather permitting. There are professional astronomers and scientists giving instruction and guidance on finding celestial bodies and objects, constellation identification and use of the equipment. During overcast and inclement weather, the public nights are canceled.

Coit Observatory - Boston University

725 Commonwealth Ave.

Boston, MA 02129

617-353-2630

bu.edu

Bunker Hill Monument

Enjoy the many historical statues and monuments in Boston.

Head to the Bunker Hill Monument, part of the Boston Historical National Park, and climb the 294 stairs to enjoy views of the Boston skyline. Talk with rangers to learn the history of the monument, financed hand-to-mouth, eventually using bake sales to help fund the project. Bring a camera to record the trip and the views of the city.

Bunker Hill Monument

Charlestown Navy Yard

Boston, MA 02129

617-242-5642

nps.gov

Harvard Book Store

Visit the Ivy League Harvard University.

The Harvard Book Store offers browsing, author events, book signings, guest speakers and displays on the history of the United States' first college. Walk through the aisles perusing the many new books and volumes, or head to the used section where there are thousands of used and out-of-print titles. The bookstore is decorated with trinkets and knickknacks purchased or donated by customers. Try spotting the ticket stub from the 1948 Republican Convention or the scribbled note saying, "I cannot contain my loathing for Kant."

Harvard Book Store

1256 Massachusetts Ave.

Cambridge, MA 02138

617-661-1515

harvard.com

Tags: Coit Observatory, Book Store, Boston University, Bunker Hill, Bunker Hill Monument, Harvard Book

Basic List For A Home Bar

Knowing the essentials of a home bar are vital to party success.

Entertaining at home ranges from cocktail gatherings to cookouts and dinner parties. If alcohol is involved, you'll want to show off your drink-making expertise. Doing that requires a well-designed home bar. Start with the basic items and build on your supplies. You'll be swinging a cocktail shaker with ease before you know it.

Equipment

Before you buy the alcohol, stock your home bar with the basic equipment. That means you'll need an assortment of glasses, such as high balls, shot glasses, wine glasses, Martini and Margarita glasses, and pilsner glasses for beer. Next you'll need a way to open the alcohol, so have a few bottle openers and corkscrews on hand. To mix drinks, get a blender for frozen drinks, and a cocktail shaker for mixed drinks, along with jigger shakers, a pitcher and long-handled spoons. Top off this stash with an ice bucket and a nice pair of silver tongs or an ice scoop. Now you're ready to buy the drinks.

Alcohol

Liquor stores are packed with varieties of alcohol, but instead of mimicking the endless supplies in a store, all you really need are a few bottles of the basics. That includes vodka for Sea Breezes, gin for Martinis, bourbon for Manhattans, rum for pina coladas and daiquiris, and tequila for Margaritas. You can add scotch, whiskey and liqueurs later, as you become more adept as a bartender. Have a nice selection of red and white wines on hand, as well as domestic and imported beers. Remember light beers for folks watching their calories.

Extras

Garnishes add the finishing touch on an alcoholic drink, and so you'll need items for specific drinks, such as olives for Martinis, bitters for Manhattans, and Maraschino cherries. Some drinks require citrus juice, so buy a small cutting board and knife, and have lemons and limes nearby. You can make drinks from scratch or you may want to buy drink mixes to keep in your bar, such as sweet and sour mix, Margarita mix and pina colada mix, which comes in a can. Make up some drink cards or keep a recipe book nearby so that you and your guests can make their own drinks.

Considerations

Before you spend a bundle on the world's best bar, think of your guests. Will they really need every possible kind of alcohol, or are these guys beer drinkers? Are the girls coming over for Margarita night? Stock your bar to the max if you choose or make it simple by providing just one red wine, one white, one kind of beer and one signature drink. Don't make it too hard on yourself. If you're having more than a few dozen people, consider hiring a bartender. Consider also how much alcohol you'll need. TV's Clinton Kelly suggests that you estimate five drinks per person for a 4-hour party.

Tags: cocktail shaker, really need, with basic, your guests

Couple Bridal Shower Theme Ideas

When the bride and groom both wish to participate in a shower it is a couple shower. Also referred to as a "Jack and Jill" or "Coed Shower", couple showers provide the guests of honor with the chance to share equally in the festivities. When planning the theme for a couple shower it is proper to invite both men and women as well as family. Typically the atmosphere of a couple shower is more casual and conversational and requires less entertainment than a bridal shower.

Memory Lane

Give the guests a more intimate look at the couple's journey to this point with a walk down memory lane. Decorations could include pictures of the couple from friendship, dating and engagement. If the couples have a favorite food or song, try and include it in the festivities and have them share why it is so special.

Movie Party

Everyone has a favorite movie the memory of which brings a smile to their face. Encourage guests to share their favorite movies with the bride and groom by throwing a movie party. Instead of traditional gifts, have each guest bring their favorite movie or movie related item to add to the couple's collection. If the couple is more of the bookworm type, consider throwing a book party instead.

Luau

Whether a full traditional luau with a bonfire and stuffed pig or a casual afternoon barbecue at the pool, a Hawaiian themed couple shower provides a creative and gender free unforgettable party. Decorations could include surf boards, tiki masks, tiki torches and palm trees. For an added mixer activity, consider hiring a hula dance instructor to teach the guests dance Hawaiian style.

Tags: couple shower, bride groom, could include, Decorations could, Decorations could include, favorite movie, their favorite

Carnival Game Ideas For Kids

Carnivals can include much more than just rides.

If you are interested in coordinating a church or school fundraiser or just want to create a family fun fest, organizing a kid-friendly carnival is an idea that many organizations find successful. When planning such an event, preparing a few carnival games for kids can be helpful idea to keep children of all ages entertained.

Balloon Stomp

Have kids stomp balloons to win a prize.

Balloon Stomp is a child-friendly variation of a popular carnival game where players toss darts at balloons to win prizes. As a safe alternative to throwing dangerously pointy objects, players stomp on balloons instead. Write the names of various prizes on small strips of paper and fold them into small squares. Insert the folded papers into several balloons before inflating. Inflate the balloons with the papers inside and also several empty balloons, and place them all in a specified area on the ground. Have children stomp on one, or a specified amount of balloons-perhaps three-for a chance at winning a prize.

Knockdown

Empty tin cans can create a knockdown game.

Knockdown is a simple carnival game that requires little work to assemble and, outside of the cost of prizes, very little expense. On a small table, stack 10 empty tin cans in the shape of a pyramid. Using tape or chalk, draw a line on the ground about 10 to 15 feet in front of the table. Have kids take turns tossing a small ball or bean bag at the tin can pyramid. The number of cans knocked down will determine the size or value of the prize. For outdoor carnivals in warm weather, use squirt guns in lieu of balls or bean bags.

Lollipop Tree

Every player receives a lollipop in this game.

Lollipop Tree is a game of chance where kids can win a prize by choosing a "winning" lollipop. Construct a "lollipop tree" to hold the candy by using cardboard, peg board, or any materials that can stand up and hold the weight of several lollipops. Make several holes in the treetop section to accommodate the lollipops. Divide your prizes in categories, such as small, medium or large, and assign each category a color. Color only the end tips of the lollipop sticks with with colors that correspond to the prizes and appropriate amounts. Insert the lollipops into the treetop keeping the sticks concealed. Kids who choose a lollipop with a colored stick can choose a prize for the category of that color, and all children can keep the lollipop they choose.

Tags: Balloon Stomp, Have kids, Lollipop Tree, stomp balloons

Activities In Maui Hawaii

Maui Beach

Maui, Hawaii, is a destination that is a paradise in every sense of the word. From the rain forests to the beaches to the volcanic craters to the wildlife, there is a beautiful abundance available to tourists visiting Maui. Plan to spend as much time as possible on this verdant Pacific island.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is at the top of a 10,000-feet high volcano. A popular tourist activity is to drive up to the summit early in the morning before the sun rises and watch the sunrise from the summit. Once in the park, there are many opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming, picnicking and nature-watching. There are also guided hiking tours available for tourists. Rare and native plants can be found within the park. There are also biking excursions available that transport tourist groups up to the summit and provide them bikes for biking down the volcano.

Road to Hana

The Hana Highway is a 52-mile-highway that lies between the cities of Kahului and Hana. It is a popular, scenic, curvy drive that includes waterfalls, gardens, bamboo forests, one-lane bridges, breath-taking views and roadside stands. The drive typically takes at least 3 hours each way due to the winding nature of the highway. At the end of the highway is the town of Hana. In Hana, you can hike, visit a black or red beach, splash in waterfalls or find a quiet place to picnic. Many people choose to drive to Hana on one day, spend the night in Hana and drive back to Kahului the next day.

Beaches

There are many beautiful beaches along every shore of Maui. On the south shore, find family beaches in the towns of Kihei, Wailea and Makena. In central Maui, tourists can visit Kahana Beach Park in Kahului. West Maui boasts some of the best beaches on Maui, including numerous beaches in the towns of Lahaina, Ka'anapali and Kapalua. Surfers will find waves of their dreams along the north shore in Pa'ia and Ha'iku. The beaches of Hana on the east shore feature caves and waterfalls as well.

The beaches vary in features and styles. Some are more family oriented than others. Some have lifeguards and some do not. Some are known for being better windsurfing and body surfing spots. Some have white sand, some have black sand and some have red sand.

Whale Watching

Between the months of December and April, humpback whales winter off the shores of Maui. These beautiful creatures can be seen both from shore and from excursion cruises that leave the harbors daily. Often, female humpback whales will give birth in the Hawaiian waters and they can be seen with their young.

Tags: available tourists, beaches towns, Haleakala National, Haleakala National Park, Hana Hana, humpback whales, Maui Hawaii

Cupcake Birthday Cake Suggestions For A Karate Party

So, the karate birthday party theme won out over pirates and ballerinas and now you need a cake. Or more specifically you need tidier, already portioned, portable karate cupcakes to complete your party motif. Karate cupcakes come in a variety of festive designs. Whether or not your cupcakes are delicious depends on your baking skills or that of your local professional. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Karate Paper Doll Cupcakes

These docile karate cupcakes feature a smiling, unisex, fondant paper doll-type cutout donning a traditional white karate uniform or Gi and a black belt. This cake is perfect for the less aggressive martial artist. This cupcake uses chocolate cake and a layer of vanilla frosting with the paper doll fondant set on top. (See Reference 1)

Karate Belt Tie Cupcakes

The essence of any Gi is the belt. Karate belt cupcakes feature a tied belt made out of fondant on a basic vanilla frosting backdrop that signifies the uniform. You can go with the traditional black tie or you may choose yellow, orange, blue, purple or red to showcase what level of karate your child is on. (See Reference 2)

Karate Funny Face Cupcakes

These cupcakes feature a red and black Gi with a yellow belt. You can take this opportunity to make all the faces on the karate cupcakes have different expressions. You can pipe in a traditional smiley face or a fierce martial arts grunt. (See Reference 3)

Ninja Karate Cupcakes

The more aggressive martial artist may opt for the ninja karate cupcakes. These cupcake toppers are completely edible and feature a ninja donned in all black and his trusty sword against a red backdrop. You can adhere these toppers to your cupcakes with a little frosting. These hand-painted, hand-cut ninja toppers come in four different poses and can be purchased on Etsy. (See Reference 4)

Tags: karate cupcakes, cupcakes feature, aggressive martial, aggressive martial artist, martial artist

Easy Meals For Elderly Parents

Some elderly people may be exceptional in the kitchen while others may need extra help.

Your elderly parents may have trouble making their own healthy meals. Meal creation is generally time- consuming as it can include an abundance of preparation and attention. Elderly people can suffer from loss of vision and movements, so extensive meal preparation work of cooking may be beyond their capabilities. Help your parents learn easy meal ideas so they aren't forced to commit to daily fast-food runs.

Meal Salads

Teach your parents to make meal salads in a matter of minutes by keeping plenty of fresh vegetables available at all times. Slice the vegetables in advance and put them in resealable plastic containers so they're easily accessible. To save your parents from having to cook meats, buy a variety of precooked lunch meats, such as smoked turkey and oven-roasted chicken, to put on top of the salad. Buy several kinds of salad dressing or oil and vinegar. Buy shredded cheese or shred blocks of cheese for your parents if they need the help.

Frozen Foods

Though many people look down on frozen dinners, there are healthy frozen dinner food options. Usually these meals can be heated in the oven or microwwave in a matter of minutes. These dinners will save your elderly parents the hassle of spending back-breaking hours in the kitchen. Look in the frozen food section of your grocery store for brands offering healthy food options.

Bulk

Give your parents ideas of meals they can make in bulk and save. Casseroles are one idea, as they can be created in large quantities and the leftovers can be frozen and reheated later. Many stews and soups can also be made in bulk and then frozen. If your elderly parents aren't capable of making these dishes, prepare them for your parents and package the leftovers so they have meals for the future.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches and wraps are meal ideas in and outside of the home. These are also easy for the elderly to put together. Slice lettuce and vegetables such as tomato and onion, if you parents need the assistance. Purchase presliced cheese in several varieties. Buy condiments such as spicy mustard and mayonnaise. Buy prepackaged lunch meat or cook meat, such as chicken, at home and bring your parents slices for sandwiches.

Tags: your parents, elderly parents, food options, matter minutes, meal ideas, save your

Do It Yourself Photo Invitations For Kids For Free

Your child's birthday is coming up. You know you want to have a big birthday party and invite all of his friends, but you also do not want to do the same old thing. Use your child's birthday as an opportunity to get creative: design the invitations. You can create and print your own invitations. Make those invitations personal by adding photos, either of your child or the children invited to the party. If you own a computer and a printer you can do this by yourself for free.

Instructions

1. Decide on a theme for your child's party. Use that theme idea to create your photo invitations.

2. Choose a picture of your child for the front of the card. Crop it and do any touch-ups that are necessary. Save the changes to the photo.

3. Import the photo into your card-making software or copy and paste the photo onto the invitation. (To copy and paste click on the actual photo, hit "Ctrl" and "C." Go back to your work page, click where you want to place the photo and click on "Ctrl" and "V.")

4. Add text to the front of your invitation. Use a font that matches with your party idea theme. Get creative and use the shaped text option to write at an angle, use 3-D or shadows, or whatever else your card-writing software allows you to do.

5. Insert clip-art characters on your invitation that match your party theme.

6. Save all the work you've done for the front of the card, since this has been the most labor-intensive section, and you do not want to lose your work.

7. Continue working on the inside information of the invitation. Make sure to include all necessary information such as the time, date, place, and any other special instructions such as bringing swimwear or sleeping bags for a slumber party. Add another photo in the same manner as in Step 3 if desired.

8. Save the information for the inside of the invitation.

9. Run a test print on scrap paper to make sure everything will prints out correctly. Make any adjustments, if necessary.

10. Print out as many invitations as you need.

Tags: your child, child birthday, copy paste, front card, your invitation

Birthday Party Snacks For Children

Make birthday snacks kid friendly.

A child's birthday party is a raucous, fun-filled event. With so much activity, it is important to make your birthday guests' dining experience as neat as possible. Serve kids party snacks that are handheld and tasty. Easy-to-eat treats promote neater nibbling and less mess. For small parties, just offer a couple of snacks. Offer a larger selection of foods for bigger parties. Does this Spark an idea?

PBJ Cutouts

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are kid pleasers. Prepare these sandwiches on white and wheat bread. Use fun-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars and circles in the sandwiches. Arrange the mini-sandwiches on decorative plastic plates. Have plenty of this party favorite on hand. Ask guests ahead of time if anyone has peanut allergies. If so, then stick with simple jelly sandwiches.

Little Pigs

Divide crescent roll dough, and roll up tiny smoked sausages in them. Bake them, and let them cool before serving on platters. If you like, skip the smoked sausage and use hot dogs instead. Cut the hot dogs in four sections, and roll them in the dough. Use fat-free or kosher dogs for kids if you like serving healthier foods. Corn dogs come with stick holders that allow kids to carry them and eat. Bake a batch before the party. Corn dogs look good standing up in decorative bowls or sitting on a plate.

Roll-Ups

Serve roll-ups at your party. Drain ham or turkey sandwich slices. Lay them flat with a slice of cheese on the inside. Roll up the snack, and slice it into two rolls. Skewer them with dressy toothpicks if kids are older. Skip the toothpicks for younger children. You can also unroll fruit-wrap snacks, and fill them with bananas or apples slices. Roll them back up, and slice. Kids already love these treats, so these variations will be popular.

Stuffed Foods

Core out tiny cherry tomatoes. Fill them up with cream cheese, and top with bacon bits. Place them on tiered plates. Slice celery sticks into 2-inch pieces. Fill the celery sticks with peanut butter.

Cheese Shapes

Serve cheese as a party of your appetizer selections. Buy pre-sliced cheese, or cut block cheese yourself into 1-inch squares. Arrange them on small plates. Use cheese varieties that children's palettes appreciate. Some of those are cheddar, white cheddar, mozzarella and Colby-Jack cheeses. Cut a thick block into slices, and use tiny cookie cutters to cut out swirl and star shapes from the cheese. Cut the cheese later rather than earlier. Cheese prepared too early can dry out and become less tasty.

Tags: them with, celery sticks, cookie cutters, Corn dogs, jelly sandwiches, them Bake

Family Reunion Gifts

Create souvenirs for your family reunion.

A family reunion might be a one-day event or a series of days to make a family reunion vacation. Family reunion gifts are often part of the festivities. The gift might be something presented to a family member for accomplishing a specific feat (such as traveling the most distance to the reunion), a thank you for the reunion organizer, or a gift presented to all family members or the heads of their families.

Photo Disks

Prior to the innovation of digital photography, sharing family heirloom pictures with all family members was expensive. This typically meant only select family members received family albums, filled with photographs of their ancestors. Today it is relatively inexpensive to share those images with everyone in the family, by creating photo CDs or DVDs, to pass out at the reunion. Encourage family members to scan and email you the heirloom photographs in their collection. Add all the collected digital images onto a disk, and make copies of the disk for each family member. Some online print-on-demand vendors provide this copying service for a fee, which may include a decorative CD label.

Holiday Ornament

Create a family holiday ornament to commemorate the family reunion. This is something family members can pass down to future generations. There are companies, such as Corporate Christmas Ornaments, Howe House and Fundraising Ornaments, which market custom holiday ornaments for bulk orders.

Coffee Mug

If a family member has designed a logo for your family reunion vacation, put that logo on coffee mugs. Each morning, when family members gather for coffee, they can use their family reunion coffee cups. Prices vary, depending on the amount of coffee cups ordered and if the logo is in one color or full color. When ordering online, from a company such as Zazzle or Cafe Press, there isn't an additional charge for multi-colored mugs, yet the price per piece tends to be much higher than when ordering custom mugs from a marketing company. You have the option of ordering just one cup from a site like Zazzle or Cafe Press, while marketing companies require bulk orders.

Family Tree

Family reunions are an opportunity to exchange genealogy information. If you have a family member who is actively pursing your family history, and has the information stored on genealogy software, or a site like Ancestry.com, use that information to create decorative family tree posters. Some software programs will automatically generate the family tree, which you can print out on your computer. At Ancestry.com, they have a printing service which allows you to create and order family tree posters, printed on quality paper.

Tags: family members, family member, your family, Zazzle Cafe Press, bulk orders, Cafe Press

Free Luau Invitation Ideas

Hawaiian luau invitations often picture pineapples and exotic cocktails.

Luau invitations provide important information about the event and also set the tone for what's to come, whether an enchanting Polynesian evening under the stars or tropical fun in the sun. The invitation should have enough space for the date, time, address, RSVP contact information, name of the host, and if applicable, guest of honor. Luau party invitations may also include the party's theme, preferred attire and directions. Does this Spark an idea?

Print Luau Invitation Templates

One way to obtain free luau invitations is to create them from free, printable templates. In some instances, there is a required action such as signing up for a free newsletter. Two of the several web sites that do not require any action to download their free templates are Hoover Web Design and Hawaiian Luau Party. Hoover Web Design offers templates in a variety of brightly colored designs featuring luau traditions such as a hula dancer, pineapple, Hawaiian shirt, tropical drink and more. Their templates also leave blank spaces where you can add your luau information such as time and place. Hawaiian Party Supply offers vintage hula designs in black and white and color. Prompts are included in Polynesian style fonts with spaces for the name of the guest of honor or occasion, date, time, place and RSVP information. Once folded, you will have a blank space inside the invitation for adding information.

Create Luau Invitation Designs

Creating your own design can make it easier to coordinate the invitation with the luau's theme. This requires basic word processing skills because you will need to type the text, insert an image (and border if desired) and format the page for printing. Options for images include clip art, free downloadable coloring page images and photographs (that aren't copyrighted) with a Hawaiian or specifically luau theme. With photo editing skills, you can make a fun invitation using the photograph of the guest of honor in a tropical setting.

Transform an Everyday Object into a Luau Invitation

An everyday object transformed into a luau invitation is another type of invitation that can be coordinated with the party's theme. This type of invitation is best suited for handing out but can be mailed. If the luau has a beach theme, an invitation in a small bottle or written on a sea shell or flip flop is fitting. A small card tagged to a silk flower lei provides guests with both information and something Hawaiian to wear to the luau. A kitchen sponge cut into the shape of a Sponge Bob cartoon character is a fun invitation for a Hawaiian Sponge Bob luau. Imagination is the main requirement for this type of invitation. Coconut postcard invitations made from real coconuts is another fun option (dry coconuts cost less to mail than fresh ones).

Tags: guest honor, type invitation, date time, Hoover Design, Luau Invitation, Luau Invitation

Bingo Games For Kids & Teens

Bingo games can be designed to fit the interests of kids and teens.

Bingo is a well-known group game that can be played in many settings. Kids and teens can play Bingo with a wide range of age-specific topics. The Internet offers printable cards, or participants can design traditional or unusual cards and game rules to fit the needs or interests of his group.

Download Printable Cards

Download and print themed cards. Many age-appropriate themes are available for free from the Internet. Holiday, birthday and other common themes are offered at several sites.

Blank Cards

Blank Bingo cards are also available for free printing from the internet. Provide a list of numbers, letters, symbols, names or words for teens and kids to write in the blank spaces where they choose. Have the list contain a few more items than the available blanks on the cards, so that everyone will not have all the same things on their Bingo cards. Consider having the teens and kids use stickers, ink stamps or craft foam cutouts in a common theme to create their cards.

Patterned Cards

Have kids or teens draw their own Bingo card spaces. Instruct the group as to how large to make each space and how many should be on the card. Participants can arrange the blanks in a circle or other pattern. They can make blanks on a card in the shape of a large X with a circle around it, in order to provide an interesting shaped Bingo card. Or they can arrange the blanks to form their first initial. The rules should be that participants fill the entire card, since each card will have the same number of blanks, but a different pattern.

Ultra Game Bingo Cards

Plan a scavenger hunt with Bingo cards and ink markers to mark the items found. Groups can hunt for a list of items inside a building, around a yard or go door-to-door (with adult supervision) to find and mark items from their Bingo cards.

The game can also be played by having the groups search through reference books or textbooks to find words or pictures that are listed on their Bingo cards.

Form small groups of teens or kids. Play a familiar game such as Hangman or other guessing game on a large drawing pad or on a whiteboard. Each team can have one Bingo card. When the team wins a round, they may choose a blank on their Bingo card to mark off. Decide whether the teams will win with a row, pattern or by filling the whole card.

Tags: Bingo cards, their Bingo, Bingo card, teens kids, their Bingo cards, arrange blanks

Games For Teaching Positional Words

Games for Teaching Positional Words

Teaching young children new concepts can be a challenging undertaking, especially when the concept is difficult, such as that of positional words. Examples are over/under, in/on, up/down and so on. Positional words are important for children to learn and understand. You can use many different hands-on games and activities to help young children get a good grasp on positional words.

Chair Directions

Gather the children together in a half circle on the floor. Place an empty chair in the open space of the half circle. Make sure you have flash cards with the positional words on them. Demonstrate to the children using the chair and the flash cards the different positions and the words that go with them. After the demonstration, have one child at a time come up to the chair and choose what position they want with the chair (that is, "beside the chair"). Have the other children say what position the child is in. This enables the children to practice their positional words.

Hiding a Teddy Bear

Use a teddy bear to practice positional words with the children. Hide the teddy bear somewhere around the room. Ask the children to find him. When they find him they have to say in what position they found him (that is, "behind the plant"). Let the children take turns hiding him in different spots and in different positions. This activity enables everyone to have a chance to hide him and find him, giving everyone practice in saying what position he is in and in putting him in different positions.

Look and Find

A fun game to play to practice positional words with the children is a look-and-find game. Have the children sit in a circle where they have a good view of the room. Begin the game by describing to the children where an object is in the room by using a positional word that they have been learning, and then have them look around and tell you where it is. For example, you can say, "Look for a book on top of the table." Let the children find a few of the objects, then let them take turns being the ones giving out the directions.

Matching

Playing an old-fashioned matching game can help the children hone their skills with positional words. Put pictures showing examples of the positional words up on the blackboard. Hand a flash card of a positional word to the children, and let them take turns matching the words with the pictures. The pictures can be of anything, as long as they are clear representations of a positional word. For example, you can use a picture of a cat sleeping "on" a table or a child hiding "behind" a tree.

Tags: what position, different positions, positional word, positional words, positional words, take turns

Aloha Party Crafts & Foods For Nursing Home Residents

Pineapple is a perfect food choice for an Aloha Party for nursing home residents.

When planning an Aloha Party for nursing home residents, there are a few simple rules to keep in mind. Everything that is eaten or enjoyed must be easy to handle and not require a great deal of dexterity or diligence to maneuver. Since many nursing home patients can have manual dexterity issues, everything made or presented for their enjoyment must be brought to them and offered in a manner that is easy to use or eat. Does this Spark an idea?

Food

Aloha Party food is fairly simple. An easy take on the roasted pig could include cocktail weiners encrusted in crescent rolls. These are small, easy to chew and perfect to serve as finger food. A variety of dipping options like ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey and mustard offer some variety to this staple. Mango salsa with crackers or chips is a nice side dish. Cubes of fresh pineapple or plastic cups of fresh fruit cocktail are both nutritious and party appropriate, too. Grilled sliced fruits are a nice touch, as many people have only eaten fruit chilled. Slice and grill mango, pineapple and papaya for a delicious treat. Finish off with a slice of white coconut layer cake or coconut creme pie for an authentic taste of the Hawaiian islands.

Crafts

An easy craft for nursing home patients to make at an Aloha Party is a take-off on the ever-popular lei. Purchase or cut out foam flowers at a craft store and punch a hole in each flower's center. Purchase extra long shoelaces in a variety of colors. Patients can string the flowers onto the shoelace. The plastic tip make the stringing process simple and the removed flower centers allow the flowers to slip easily onto the lace. Party workers can assist with tying the finished lei onto each guest.

Keepsake Craft

Party planners can collect or purchase white sand and a variety of seashells. Small jars or miniature fish bowls (available for about $1 each at craft supply stores) and even clear glass ornaments can be filled with sand and then topped with shells for a reminder of the Aloha Party. Write the date of the party or simply the phrase "Aloha Party" on the outside of the jar or bowl with acrylic craft paints.

Tags: Aloha Party, nursing home, Aloha Party nursing, home patients, home residents, nursing home patients

Beauty Colleges In Hawaii

Students learn advanced anti-stress touch therapy and aromatherapy in cosmetology programs.

The beauty schools in Hawaii offer intensive programs in cosmetology, manicuring and aesthetics. The cosmetology programs include training in both nail care and aesthetics and prepare students for the broadest career options. Graduates are prepared for a career in a salon or spa or may pursue self-employment opportunities in the field.

Big Island Beauty College

The Big Island Beauty College offers a variety of courses in cosmetology, manicuring and aesthetics. Graduates of these programs are prepared for a career as a nail technician, aesthetician, makeup artist, cosmetic adviser and theatrical makeup artist. Students of the cosmetology program must complete 1,800 hours of school work and practical experience. Courses include facial and makeup application, hair coloring and bleaching, shop management, and manicuring and pedicuring. The manicuring program requires 350 hours of curriculum work, which includes courses in fundamental nail care theory and manicures and pedicures. The aesthetics program involves 600 hours of learning through classroom studies and practical application. Courses include facials, spa treatments and makeup application. Prospective students must be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Big Island Beauty College

78-6831 Alii Drive, #125A

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

808-322-0765

bigibc.com

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College offers an associate in applied science degree in cosmetology as well as four certificate programs. Graduates of the degree program are eligible to write the State Board of Cosmetology examination for licensure in Hawaii. Throughout the 1,800-hour program, students participate in classroom learning and clinical application, where they learn hairstyling, texture services, skin and makeup, and acquire the skills to ascertain enhancing makeup applications and hairstyles for clients. Students also learn give European facials, pressure point facials, fiberglass and acrylic nail enhancements. Applicants to the program should have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent.

Honolulu Community College

874 Dillingham Boulevard

Honolulu, HI 96817

808-845-9211

honolulu.hawaii.edu

Paul Brown Institute at Remington College

The Paul Brown Institute at Remington College prepares students for a career in cosmetology, including hair styling, nail care and aesthetics. Students learn about multicultural beauty and hair care, techniques involved in hair cutting, coloring and styling, nail care and skin care. At the beginning of the program, students learn the fundamentals of cosmetology and then later apply these newly learned skills and techniques in the full-service clinic. Students also learn the essential business skills to prepare them for self-employment in the field. Applicants to the program must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must write an entrance exam.

Paul Brown Institute at Remington College

1132 Bishop St., Suite #550

Honolulu, HI 96813

808-772-5970

paulbrowninstitute.com

Tags: nail care, Beauty College, Brown Institute, Brown Institute Remington, Community College, diploma equivalent

Condo Resorts In Maui Hawaii

Maui offers several condo resort rentals for visitors to rent.

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaii islands and is home to approximately 118,000 individuals. The island is home to the Haleakala mountain and features a warm climate all year long. Visitors to the city have the ability to travel car, bike, shuttle or public transportation to tour all the sites of the island. The island features several island condo resorts including privately owned condo rentals.

Makena Surf

The Makena Surf Resort is a gated community set on 15 acres of land. The community features four tennis courts, two swimming pools, hot tub and golfing nearby. The condos available are two or three bedrooms with mountain, beach or ocean views. The condo resort is just behind the Padi dive resort, 13 miles from the Maui Ocean Center, eight miles from the Pacific Whale Foundation, 19 miles from the Lahania-Lani Passenger Ferry and 16 miles from the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. There are more than 10 casual and moderate dining restaurants within one mile of the resort.

Makena Surf

3750 Wailena Alanui Dr. #B51

Kihei, HI 96753

808-879-1595

makenasurfresort.com

Polo Beach Club

The Polo Beach Club is a 100 percent smoke-free condo resort featuring a Wii, lani, beach location, marble floors throughout, espresso machine, two CD players, flat panel television, cable, blender, food processor, mixer and free fruit basket. The condo is two miles from Shops at Wailea, nine miles from the Maui Cultural Arts Center, 22 miles from the Ulalena at Maui Theatre and four miles from the Maui Ocean Center. There are are 11 restaurants within 10 miles of the hotel including Indian, Thai and casual American dining establishments.

Polo Beach Club

3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.

Wailea, HI 96753

808-879-1595

polobeachmaui.com

Wailea Ekahi Village

The Wailea Ekahi Village is located near golf, Keawakapu Beach, four swimming pools, paddle tennis, shuffle board and beach pavillion. Units available at Wailea include studios, one bedroom and two bedroom condos. The resort is located 17 miles from the Maui Cultural Arts Center, less than one mile from the Shops at Wailea, eight miles from the Maui Ocean Center and 15 miles from the Maui Tropical Plantation. The resort is located less than five miles from more than 10 casual and fine dining restaurants.

Wailea Ekahi Village

3300 Wailea Alanui Dr.

Kihei, HI 96753

808-879-2770

waileaekahivillage.com

Tags: miles from, from Maui, miles from Maui, Beach Club, condo resort, Ekahi Village

Beach Decor And Decorating Ideas

Shells

Beach decor is peaceful and tranquil. It is not difficult to add a touch of beach whimsy to your beach shack, or to utilize the motif to create a cool cottage. To really get to the heart of beach decor, you'll need to use natural colors found at the beach like sand, aqua and tans. You will also need to add some texture to your room to boost the beach experience for all your senses. Following are some simple beach decor and decorating ideas that are sure to make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation. Does this Spark an idea?

Define Your Beach

Beach decor can range from the shuttered cottages of Cape Cod to the Art Deco inspiration of Miami. The first step in planning your beach decor is to define specifically what type of beach look will you be using. Know what you have in mind before you go shopping for accessories or begin major remodeling projects. If you and your spouse are working on this project, you most certainly want to get together on your ideas. There is a big difference between decorating your space like a Hawaiian luau or a weather worn cottage. Start defining your beach style by choosing which colors you will work with for the project. Do you want bright and bold or colors that are more on the soft side?

Lighten Your Room

The area you will be decorating will really adapt the beach feel if it is light and airy. Take away heavy curtains and drapes. Instead install some white or natural wood shades to control the flow of light. If you don't have access to too many windows in your area, add some light. Track lighting or concealed lighting will give you a warm summer glow in your room. Take the illusion a step further by lightening the load in your room. The beach look works great in an uncluttered area. Tuck away items that you don't need for this decor. Remove any excess furniture. Less is definitely beach more.

Paint and Texture

Add some colored paint to the walls using a color from your scheme. Sand is a great color for any wall of your home. Paint the trim and shutters white to get a clean beach look. Try a white washed look on an old wooden piece of furniture like a rocking chair. Add texture to your room by bringing in a white shag beach rug. Bring in some handwoven rag rugs. Another layer of texture could come in by bringing in summer time throws and throw pillows.

Furniture

Beach furniture is relaxed and inviting. Wicker furniture can really boost the beach feeling in your room. Add a wicker sofa and wicker rocker with some beach themed pillows. Even plain blue and white ticking is a great fabric for this decor. Utilize light colored woods for a sofa and coffee table. End tables can be quirky wicker or simple wooden styles.

Accessories

Beach accessories can be found right on your neighborhood beach. Use a coffee table to display your latest beach finds like driftwood knots and colorful shells. Add a small water feature in your room for the comforting sound of water. Include some bowls of sand dollars, star fish and shells. Use clean beach scented candles on warm wooden pedestals to add a cozy glow. For a real personal touch, be sure and include a photo album of beach pictures on your coffee table.

Tags: your room, beach look, coffee table, your beach, beach decor