One of the most favorite among the African wild animals is the giraffe. It's one of the most popular animals in the zoos, with so many people milling around to get a glimpse. But what about in Africa? Where are the best places in Africa to see wild giraffes in their natural habitat?
Right now, the wild giraffes are under watch since they are a threatened species. It's because of man's eating into their habitat and the hunting that is being done to the African animals. But in West Africa, the tourism boom is helping the African people earn more money than they can get through hunting. This at least has ensured the wild giraffes will flourish.
Niger is one place in Africa which is a good place to see the wild giraffes. In fact, this is a place where man and animal have formed a symbiotic relationship of sorts. In the Yeni and Haoukoussa villages, the wild giraffes live side by side with the villagers. It's become a usual sight to see giraffe grazing while the villagers are working in the fields. This unusual relationship came about because of a conservation project that was started a few years ago that helps the villagers care for and watch over these gentle giants. This has uplifted the villagers in ways no one even thought possible.
Nairobi and Lake Nakuru in Kenya are among the best places to go. The famous Masai Mara is dwarfed by Mt. Kilimanjaro, the only place in Africa where there is snow all year-round. The highest mountain in Africa attracts tourists, who also fund the conservation of the wild animals, foremost among them the giraffes, by allowing their habitats to flourish and not become decimated as the others have become.
Among the more popular places to head to when the wild giraffe is being stalked by photographers is the Serengeti, which is Tanzania's national park. With the savannas that are the natural habitat of the acacia, numerous herds graze in plains that reach as far as the eye can see. There are other plains animals in the national park as well, with the zebras and the wildebeest leading the pack.
Known forever as the setting of Hemingway's “Green Hills of Africa” is Lake Manyara National Park. It's possible to ditch jeeps and safari trucks here and take walking safaris instead. Many wild animals can be seen here, from the wild giraffes to the hippo, elephant, buffalo, and the black rhino. Of course, one must be careful of predators like lions and leopards that also have free rein of the park. Many people also opt to watch the animals come to the lake at night to take some water. In the daytime, the lake is just as decorated with numerous flocks of pink flamingos around the water.
Near the famous Victoria Falls in South Africa is the Zambezi River. This is home to the Matetsi Game Lodge in Zimbabwe where not only do the wild giraffe come to the river but numerous birds, hippos, and elephants do, too. Leopards and lions, though, aren't that numerous in that area.
Jamie Highland writes about events like baby showers and food topics. To check out some giraffe baby shower theme supplies or other baby shower themes, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Do You Know How Frogs and Toads Differ?
Do you really know how frogs and toads differ? They're actually quite a lot more alike than different.
Toads and frogs are amphibians. This simply means that they can survive in water and out of it as well. Their backbone classifies them as vertebrates and of the same class as the salamanders. However, they look different from their long-tailed and sleek cousins since they are less sleek and more stumpy plus have lost their tails, earning them the name “anura” in Greek, which means tail-less.
Both frogs and toads have the same life cycle. Born as eggs, they hatch into little larvae known as tadpoles and grow to maturity under water. After they develop into froglets, they then have the ability to live either in the water or on the land. As people with bodies of water near them are aware, they both have vocal cords that allow them to make calls in and out of water. This is very important as they both breed and lay eggs in the water.
But frogs and toads are differently built. For example, you can usually tell them apart by their skin. Frogs are smoother and usually quite moist, perfect for staying in the water most of the time. Toads have dry and bumpy (or warty!) skin that allows them to travel a distance away from water.
Toads simply look for a body of water to lay their eggs in as they have a really bad taste because of the toxins they are full of. You'll know the toad eggs since they're in long chain-like forms. Frogs look for water without fish since frog eggs are a favorite food of theirs. These eggs are usually in rounded blobs.
Frogs are the champion jumpers and swimmers with their longer bodies and extra-long hind legs. Toads prefer a slow stroll and a hop, so their short bodies are rounder with stumpy legs.
This is why the toads have developed poison glands found near their eyes. They are much slower and need a little more protection. Unfortunately, any animal that thinks a toad would be a good snack would be in for a nasty surprise and may foam at the mouth or even die from the poison.
Frogs can escape much more quickly so they have less poison in their bodies. They have a poison in their skin which is more developed in some frogs than others, like the Brazilian tree frog which is used to give the Amazon hunters' dart guns more of a kick. That's why people are advised to wash their hands after touching frogs and toads since their mucus membranes can get badly irritated if they are touched.
Frogs have a more highly developed “ear” at the side of their head. It's covered with a thin piece of skin called a “tympanum” and allows them to hear noises both on land and underwater. Toads have a less developed pair of “ears” that are quite a bit smaller.
Toads are mostly left alone. Their eyes are recessed since they are usually the predators of smaller animals, not the food. Frogs, however, are delicious to more than one species and have since developed eyes that are bulging which allow them to see in almost all directions at once to escape their predators.
There is no way, finally that toads can cause warts and frogs can't. Warts come from a virus which toads don't have.
Jamie Highland writes about events like baby showers and food topics. To check out some frog baby shower theme supplies or other baby shower themes, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Toads and frogs are amphibians. This simply means that they can survive in water and out of it as well. Their backbone classifies them as vertebrates and of the same class as the salamanders. However, they look different from their long-tailed and sleek cousins since they are less sleek and more stumpy plus have lost their tails, earning them the name “anura” in Greek, which means tail-less.
Both frogs and toads have the same life cycle. Born as eggs, they hatch into little larvae known as tadpoles and grow to maturity under water. After they develop into froglets, they then have the ability to live either in the water or on the land. As people with bodies of water near them are aware, they both have vocal cords that allow them to make calls in and out of water. This is very important as they both breed and lay eggs in the water.
But frogs and toads are differently built. For example, you can usually tell them apart by their skin. Frogs are smoother and usually quite moist, perfect for staying in the water most of the time. Toads have dry and bumpy (or warty!) skin that allows them to travel a distance away from water.
Toads simply look for a body of water to lay their eggs in as they have a really bad taste because of the toxins they are full of. You'll know the toad eggs since they're in long chain-like forms. Frogs look for water without fish since frog eggs are a favorite food of theirs. These eggs are usually in rounded blobs.
Frogs are the champion jumpers and swimmers with their longer bodies and extra-long hind legs. Toads prefer a slow stroll and a hop, so their short bodies are rounder with stumpy legs.
This is why the toads have developed poison glands found near their eyes. They are much slower and need a little more protection. Unfortunately, any animal that thinks a toad would be a good snack would be in for a nasty surprise and may foam at the mouth or even die from the poison.
Frogs can escape much more quickly so they have less poison in their bodies. They have a poison in their skin which is more developed in some frogs than others, like the Brazilian tree frog which is used to give the Amazon hunters' dart guns more of a kick. That's why people are advised to wash their hands after touching frogs and toads since their mucus membranes can get badly irritated if they are touched.
Frogs have a more highly developed “ear” at the side of their head. It's covered with a thin piece of skin called a “tympanum” and allows them to hear noises both on land and underwater. Toads have a less developed pair of “ears” that are quite a bit smaller.
Toads are mostly left alone. Their eyes are recessed since they are usually the predators of smaller animals, not the food. Frogs, however, are delicious to more than one species and have since developed eyes that are bulging which allow them to see in almost all directions at once to escape their predators.
There is no way, finally that toads can cause warts and frogs can't. Warts come from a virus which toads don't have.
Jamie Highland writes about events like baby showers and food topics. To check out some frog baby shower theme supplies or other baby shower themes, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Americanized Chinese Food that Was Not Created in Asia at All
The “Chinese cuisine” known in America is definitely not what is known in China at all. These are so different from what the native Chinese are used to that it's an entire cuisine all to itself. That's Americanized Chinese food that was not created in Asia.
What you would find on the menu of a Chinese restaurant in America under the label of “Classic Chinese” isn't classic at all. These are translated foods with Westernized tastes that are palatable to the Americans in particular. What traditional Chinese food is known for is the balance of the five main tastes – salty, sweet, sour, pungent, and bitter. “Classic” Chinese cooking is mostly sweet with touches of sour, a very traditional American taste instead! This is probably why one of the more favorite food choices is Sweet and Sour anything – crispy deep-fried pieces of pork or chicken smothered in sticky, thick, and gooey sauce.
There are original dishes from the mother country of course, but the changes and presentations are changed so that the new audience will find them delicious. It's also the way that the indigenous ingredients are integrated into the old style of cooking. It's a way that the new and the old blend and become acceptable to each other.
So, although General Cho never was as known for food as Colonel Sanders was, he nevertheless has a deep-fried chicken dish named after him in America, with a variation of the “classic” sauce all over it. And while the Chinese don't traditionally serve desserts, fortune cookies abound all over the Chinese restaurants in the U.S. Chop Suey especially, that ubiquitous dish of chopped vegetables and meats, is something that was not known outside the United States until after the First World War.
Chow Fun, or fried rice, isn't like what you get from the Chinese take-out at all. Chow Fun is white with chopped vegetables, scrambled egg, and chopped meat mixed into the white rice. The rice is never brown in China! What food historians think happened is that since Chinese railroad workers were forced into laundry and cooking jobs after their work in the railroad was done, they messed up the food they were paid to cook. Men didn't really know how to cook in those times, remember.
Chinese cooks were notoriously thrifty and these classic dishes were mostly ways of using up the leftovers of the previous meal or even the previous day. A story that has become an urban legend centers on a chow-chow or a Chinese restaurant that was besieged by a group of miners who got hungry late at night. Since the cook had nothing fresh left to cook, he combined all the leftovers he had and mixed them up in a seasoned sauce. This was served to the miners who forever knew it afterward by the cook's name for it - “tsap seui” or chopped pieces. Some stories even go so far to translate it as “garbage bits!”
The favorite fried noodles or Chow Mein get softened with a topping of Chop Suey. Other concoctions such as barbecued spareribs, Beef with Broccoli, or Egg Foo Yung are also Americanized Chinese food. But many eaters don't really care about that. They just know that the dishes they are eating taste great.
Jamie Highland writes about events like baby showers and food topics. To check out some asian baby shower favors or other baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
What you would find on the menu of a Chinese restaurant in America under the label of “Classic Chinese” isn't classic at all. These are translated foods with Westernized tastes that are palatable to the Americans in particular. What traditional Chinese food is known for is the balance of the five main tastes – salty, sweet, sour, pungent, and bitter. “Classic” Chinese cooking is mostly sweet with touches of sour, a very traditional American taste instead! This is probably why one of the more favorite food choices is Sweet and Sour anything – crispy deep-fried pieces of pork or chicken smothered in sticky, thick, and gooey sauce.
There are original dishes from the mother country of course, but the changes and presentations are changed so that the new audience will find them delicious. It's also the way that the indigenous ingredients are integrated into the old style of cooking. It's a way that the new and the old blend and become acceptable to each other.
So, although General Cho never was as known for food as Colonel Sanders was, he nevertheless has a deep-fried chicken dish named after him in America, with a variation of the “classic” sauce all over it. And while the Chinese don't traditionally serve desserts, fortune cookies abound all over the Chinese restaurants in the U.S. Chop Suey especially, that ubiquitous dish of chopped vegetables and meats, is something that was not known outside the United States until after the First World War.
Chow Fun, or fried rice, isn't like what you get from the Chinese take-out at all. Chow Fun is white with chopped vegetables, scrambled egg, and chopped meat mixed into the white rice. The rice is never brown in China! What food historians think happened is that since Chinese railroad workers were forced into laundry and cooking jobs after their work in the railroad was done, they messed up the food they were paid to cook. Men didn't really know how to cook in those times, remember.
Chinese cooks were notoriously thrifty and these classic dishes were mostly ways of using up the leftovers of the previous meal or even the previous day. A story that has become an urban legend centers on a chow-chow or a Chinese restaurant that was besieged by a group of miners who got hungry late at night. Since the cook had nothing fresh left to cook, he combined all the leftovers he had and mixed them up in a seasoned sauce. This was served to the miners who forever knew it afterward by the cook's name for it - “tsap seui” or chopped pieces. Some stories even go so far to translate it as “garbage bits!”
The favorite fried noodles or Chow Mein get softened with a topping of Chop Suey. Other concoctions such as barbecued spareribs, Beef with Broccoli, or Egg Foo Yung are also Americanized Chinese food. But many eaters don't really care about that. They just know that the dishes they are eating taste great.
Jamie Highland writes about events like baby showers and food topics. To check out some asian baby shower favors or other baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
The Top 5 Healthiest Baked Treats to Eat
With all the baked treats that come your way, wouldn't you want to know what the top 5 healthiest baked treats are?
You can really find choices there that won't wreck your health or your diet. You just have to be informed what kind of baked goods are good for you to eat. These aren't diet foods, though; it's just choosing the ones made of the best ingredients and not gorging on them. These are those top 5 healthiest baked treats you can eat:
1 - Biscotti, especially ones with chopped nuts and dried fruits, make one of the healthiest baked treats available. These are low in calories (about a hundred per slice only) and with the right additions, boost up your intake of fiber. Take the plainest ones possible, if you can. These are the ones that are just served plain, not chocolate dipped or drizzled with glace icing.
Cranberries are among the healthiest fruits you can have whether it's the holidays or not. Apart from looking so jolly, they are really good at keeping you fit. They contain a lot of anti-oxidants that keep you healthy and young. Choose dried cranberries over raisins, which are full of fiber but have more sugar and not as many benefits.
2 - Apples and oranges make for everyday favorites. They can be called into play during the holidays too, and offer more of a punch when put into baked treats. Orange peel and Cranberry Muffins, anyone? What about a Marmalade Cake decorated with orange supremes all over the top of its cream cheese frosting? Don't overdo the Dark Chocolate Brownies with Candied Orange Peels, though. Even if they have the healthy choices of dark chocolate and orange, the sugar in it completely negates any health benefits.
3 - Why not opt for a carrot cake instead? It's full of fiber and the nutritional pluses of carrots and walnuts. You could even go a step further and substitute a portion of the flour with a Dutch Process Cocoa and make yourself a Chocolate Carrot Cake. Mmm, good! Just don’t each too much of the icing – a little is all you need anyway.
4 - To further please the chocoholic, why not have chocolate-chip banana bread available with your dessert choices? There's no better homey combination than banana and dark chocolate. You get the kick of potassium from the bananas and lots of anti-oxidants from the dark chocolate. Talk about a win-win situation! If you throw in a handful of chopped walnuts or hazelnuts, you add in the benefits of fiber, too.
5 – Although they are not commonly thought of as healthy, one party favorite is cookies. It's great if you offer your guests healthy choices along with the decadent. Why not have some chewy oatmeal cookies beefed up with chopped nuts and dried fruits available? Why not pair these with some healthy beverages like a fruit juice punch, cocoa or tea, or a glass of red wine?
When you're faced with baked goods, all you need to remember to eat them in moderation. Just one or two pieces would be enough. It's best if you choose ones made with healthy ingredients as well.
Jamie Highland writes about events like baby showers and food topics. To check out some decorated cookies or some baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
You can really find choices there that won't wreck your health or your diet. You just have to be informed what kind of baked goods are good for you to eat. These aren't diet foods, though; it's just choosing the ones made of the best ingredients and not gorging on them. These are those top 5 healthiest baked treats you can eat:
1 - Biscotti, especially ones with chopped nuts and dried fruits, make one of the healthiest baked treats available. These are low in calories (about a hundred per slice only) and with the right additions, boost up your intake of fiber. Take the plainest ones possible, if you can. These are the ones that are just served plain, not chocolate dipped or drizzled with glace icing.
Cranberries are among the healthiest fruits you can have whether it's the holidays or not. Apart from looking so jolly, they are really good at keeping you fit. They contain a lot of anti-oxidants that keep you healthy and young. Choose dried cranberries over raisins, which are full of fiber but have more sugar and not as many benefits.
2 - Apples and oranges make for everyday favorites. They can be called into play during the holidays too, and offer more of a punch when put into baked treats. Orange peel and Cranberry Muffins, anyone? What about a Marmalade Cake decorated with orange supremes all over the top of its cream cheese frosting? Don't overdo the Dark Chocolate Brownies with Candied Orange Peels, though. Even if they have the healthy choices of dark chocolate and orange, the sugar in it completely negates any health benefits.
3 - Why not opt for a carrot cake instead? It's full of fiber and the nutritional pluses of carrots and walnuts. You could even go a step further and substitute a portion of the flour with a Dutch Process Cocoa and make yourself a Chocolate Carrot Cake. Mmm, good! Just don’t each too much of the icing – a little is all you need anyway.
4 - To further please the chocoholic, why not have chocolate-chip banana bread available with your dessert choices? There's no better homey combination than banana and dark chocolate. You get the kick of potassium from the bananas and lots of anti-oxidants from the dark chocolate. Talk about a win-win situation! If you throw in a handful of chopped walnuts or hazelnuts, you add in the benefits of fiber, too.
5 – Although they are not commonly thought of as healthy, one party favorite is cookies. It's great if you offer your guests healthy choices along with the decadent. Why not have some chewy oatmeal cookies beefed up with chopped nuts and dried fruits available? Why not pair these with some healthy beverages like a fruit juice punch, cocoa or tea, or a glass of red wine?
When you're faced with baked goods, all you need to remember to eat them in moderation. Just one or two pieces would be enough. It's best if you choose ones made with healthy ingredients as well.
Jamie Highland writes about events like baby showers and food topics. To check out some decorated cookies or some baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Practical Baby Shower Ideas – 5 Popular Foods to Serve at a Baby Shower
Food is the number one consideration when a baby shower is being planned. You need to scour your brains when thinking of baby shower ideas to find those 5 popular foods to serve at a baby shower that everyone will like. It's tough when you're dealing with food restrictions when you're planning the menu.
What woman doesn't like dessert? In fact, you could just serve a beverage and cake at the baby shower and you won't hear any complaints. Be creative with your choice of cake and you'll have a menu choice that will be talked about for a long time. Why not experiment with cake flavors instead of cake decorations? Although they look sweet, it's really the taste which is important here. A dark chocolate-raspberry truffle cake would be a huge surprise as would an extreme coconut cake with coco cream filling and shavings of snow-white coconut all over it. Or go back to the classics and have an Angel Food Cake with a flavored glaze or a White Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting.
Everyone eats pasta! Diets or not, this is a food just about anybody craves. It's the best choice if you have to limit your menu to just one hot item. Perhaps the best option in this case would be a dish of baked ziti or that super cheesy favorite of lasagna. It's just a single dish which everyone eats and is filling as well. Serving a meal like this is something very easy on the host, a fact that no one dislikes. Complement it with a light green salad for the best accompaniment.
What about a deli platter? With the wide variety of choices available on it, this is a one-dish meal that requires no cooking, minimal preparation, plus can feed everyone, despite their likes or dislikes. And people serve themselves with this type of meal! It's simple: Set up the deli tray with preserved meats, preserved vegetables, fresh salad fixings, and cheese slices, choose a selection of breads to go with them, a complementary beverage, a simple dessert and the food is served!
A selection of soups would be a wonderful meal in itself. The soups can be cooked in advance, even up to a month before, and then reheated on the big day. Or if the day is hot, prepare a selection of cold soups and chilled salads instead. With just bread and cheese or a salad, it's an extremely filling meal. Just choose about three soups that are different in texture, main flavor, and color so they look good on the buffet table.
Last but not least is chili. It can be a pot of gastronomic dynamite or one filled with the healthiest dish possible. It's up to the hostess as to what type of chili would be served but it's still something that everyone enjoys. Why not have this bubbling away at the back of your next autumn-themed baby shower? With a large square of cheddar and corn bread, it's meal like no other.
Jamie Highland writes about baby showers and other parties. To check out some more baby shower ideas or some baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
What woman doesn't like dessert? In fact, you could just serve a beverage and cake at the baby shower and you won't hear any complaints. Be creative with your choice of cake and you'll have a menu choice that will be talked about for a long time. Why not experiment with cake flavors instead of cake decorations? Although they look sweet, it's really the taste which is important here. A dark chocolate-raspberry truffle cake would be a huge surprise as would an extreme coconut cake with coco cream filling and shavings of snow-white coconut all over it. Or go back to the classics and have an Angel Food Cake with a flavored glaze or a White Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting.
Everyone eats pasta! Diets or not, this is a food just about anybody craves. It's the best choice if you have to limit your menu to just one hot item. Perhaps the best option in this case would be a dish of baked ziti or that super cheesy favorite of lasagna. It's just a single dish which everyone eats and is filling as well. Serving a meal like this is something very easy on the host, a fact that no one dislikes. Complement it with a light green salad for the best accompaniment.
What about a deli platter? With the wide variety of choices available on it, this is a one-dish meal that requires no cooking, minimal preparation, plus can feed everyone, despite their likes or dislikes. And people serve themselves with this type of meal! It's simple: Set up the deli tray with preserved meats, preserved vegetables, fresh salad fixings, and cheese slices, choose a selection of breads to go with them, a complementary beverage, a simple dessert and the food is served!
A selection of soups would be a wonderful meal in itself. The soups can be cooked in advance, even up to a month before, and then reheated on the big day. Or if the day is hot, prepare a selection of cold soups and chilled salads instead. With just bread and cheese or a salad, it's an extremely filling meal. Just choose about three soups that are different in texture, main flavor, and color so they look good on the buffet table.
Last but not least is chili. It can be a pot of gastronomic dynamite or one filled with the healthiest dish possible. It's up to the hostess as to what type of chili would be served but it's still something that everyone enjoys. Why not have this bubbling away at the back of your next autumn-themed baby shower? With a large square of cheddar and corn bread, it's meal like no other.
Jamie Highland writes about baby showers and other parties. To check out some more baby shower ideas or some baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
The Most Popular and Adorable Themes for a Baby Shower
Anybody who is stumped for ideas when planning a baby shower would definitely appreciate knowing the most popular and adorable themes for a baby shower. These would be something that everybody would enjoy and also could be a foundation for making the baby shower reflect more of the mommy-to-be.
Color showers are always going to be popular. While many would go for the tried-and-true pink, blue, and white, there's nothing wrong with being more adventurous and trying out a Tiffany blue or chocolate brown theme instead. And if they're combined with one or two complementary colors, they'll be really exciting.
The Disney baby theme is one that could cause a lot of reminiscing. While the Disney babies are a relatively new variation, they're still the classic characters that everyone knows and loves. So whether the baby shower is focused on a specific one or on the whole gang, it's sure to be a theme that will elicit a lot of comments that start with “Do you remember...” and “When I was small...”
Ducklings and the rubber duckie are another favorite baby shower theme. The rubber duckie especially is so adorable that it even has a song dedicated to it! Why not use this childhood icon for a Rainy Day baby shower? Imagine a rubber duckie and an umbrella together and you've got the basis for a really adorable shower.
A bunny is a quintessential baby symbol. “Bye Baby Bunting” talks about babies and bunnies, although a much gentler and cuter theme would be “Peter Rabbit” and his brothers and sisters. With a baby shower based on Beatrice Potter's classic children's books, you'll have a celebration that will have people talking.
Chirping chicks are another symbol that is easily connected to babies. These little yellow balls of fuzz are a pretty icon for a Barnyard Baby Shower or one that emphasizes its fun nature. Henny Penny or Chicken Little are great examples of that.
Frogs can be cute, too! Although Mr Toad in “Wind in the Willows” isn't a frog, it's still a nice theme for a baby shower. To pull from Beatrice Potter again, “Jeremy Fisher” may be a story that is worth basing a baby shower on. What's nice about this theme is that it can work for boys and girls alike!
The adorable monkey is one beloved icon. And if the popular Coco Jocana is used as a theme, it may get the mommy-to-be planning changes for her nursery as well. And remember, where monkeys are, bananas and coconuts are, too.
What about Sweet Pea? While it could be the green pea or the aromatic flower that's being talked about, why not make it something unexpected and base the baby shower on Sweet Pea in Popeye!
Racing cars would be another great topic. And don't get started on whether this is gender specific or not! There are quite a few gifted female racers out there.
And lastly, why not take the opportunity to create a feeling of heritage around the parents-to-be? Plan the party around their own parents, and even their grandparents. It will be a great way to get those stories together on where the clan started.
Jamie Highland writes about baby showers and other parties. To check out some more baby shower themes or some baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Color showers are always going to be popular. While many would go for the tried-and-true pink, blue, and white, there's nothing wrong with being more adventurous and trying out a Tiffany blue or chocolate brown theme instead. And if they're combined with one or two complementary colors, they'll be really exciting.
The Disney baby theme is one that could cause a lot of reminiscing. While the Disney babies are a relatively new variation, they're still the classic characters that everyone knows and loves. So whether the baby shower is focused on a specific one or on the whole gang, it's sure to be a theme that will elicit a lot of comments that start with “Do you remember...” and “When I was small...”
Ducklings and the rubber duckie are another favorite baby shower theme. The rubber duckie especially is so adorable that it even has a song dedicated to it! Why not use this childhood icon for a Rainy Day baby shower? Imagine a rubber duckie and an umbrella together and you've got the basis for a really adorable shower.
A bunny is a quintessential baby symbol. “Bye Baby Bunting” talks about babies and bunnies, although a much gentler and cuter theme would be “Peter Rabbit” and his brothers and sisters. With a baby shower based on Beatrice Potter's classic children's books, you'll have a celebration that will have people talking.
Chirping chicks are another symbol that is easily connected to babies. These little yellow balls of fuzz are a pretty icon for a Barnyard Baby Shower or one that emphasizes its fun nature. Henny Penny or Chicken Little are great examples of that.
Frogs can be cute, too! Although Mr Toad in “Wind in the Willows” isn't a frog, it's still a nice theme for a baby shower. To pull from Beatrice Potter again, “Jeremy Fisher” may be a story that is worth basing a baby shower on. What's nice about this theme is that it can work for boys and girls alike!
The adorable monkey is one beloved icon. And if the popular Coco Jocana is used as a theme, it may get the mommy-to-be planning changes for her nursery as well. And remember, where monkeys are, bananas and coconuts are, too.
What about Sweet Pea? While it could be the green pea or the aromatic flower that's being talked about, why not make it something unexpected and base the baby shower on Sweet Pea in Popeye!
Racing cars would be another great topic. And don't get started on whether this is gender specific or not! There are quite a few gifted female racers out there.
And lastly, why not take the opportunity to create a feeling of heritage around the parents-to-be? Plan the party around their own parents, and even their grandparents. It will be a great way to get those stories together on where the clan started.
Jamie Highland writes about baby showers and other parties. To check out some more baby shower themes or some baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Learn How to Look Great on a Budget
Looking chic and elegant doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money in order to do so. You'll find women that can max out their credit cards yet still be a complete mess. Then there are those who shop on sale or at thrift stores and be ready for an impromptu photo shoot. All these women do is have the right look together and make the right choices since they know how to look elegant on a budget.
Anyone who knows what works best on them doesn't need to spend a ton of money. Money that is allotted to the right sort of expenses will be money well spent.
One thing that people notice the most about others is the hair and the face. So it is logical to spend the most you can afford on these two necessary parts of your look. Having a hairstyle that suits you by making your best features stand out plus having skin that is clear and soft through the right toiletries and facials would be all that you need to look good.
One thing that makes a person look messy is to have hair where it isn't wanted. Keep yourself fuzz-free with at-home hair removal. The main points that need to be hairless would be the legs and armpits; the eyebrows in particular should be kept well-groomed. You wouldn't need excess hair on the upper lip or the chin, either. This in turn means that less makeup is needed. The basics – a sheer foundation, a suitable shade of lipstick or gloss, blush and mascara - keep your face looking young and takes no time at all. If you add perfume, shower well before you do and choose a simple scent that both expresses and suits you.
Pay attention to your nails, especially if you usually use your hands to express yourself. Buffing is the best way to go as it won't discolor the nails, it won't chip, and it looks better than an obvious French manicure. Keep your toes clean as well; a clear coat of polish would actually look better than any other color.
If you know what clothes to buy, then you'll be able to really get what you need without needing the latest fashions or having designer labels emblazoned all over yourself. Once the clothes are cut to fit the body properly, are kept well without any faded or worn patches, isn't wrinkled or ripped somewhere, then they'll look good on you.
To start with, classics are the best choice. Then make the clothes your own with the right accessories for it. The basic wardrobe consists of properly fitted blazers or suit jackets for the top and pants and skirts for the bottoms. Jeans that don't pull or wrinkle in unwanted places plus blouses and t-shirts that fit well and suit the character just right round out the wardrobe. If the foundation clothes are dark colors that can allow them to mix and match, then the bright colors can come in with the shirts, bags, scarves, and jewelry.
Again, well chosen, none of these things ought to max out your credit card or clean your wallet. Keep your look fresh by changing the accessories and tops seasonally.
Never ever buy “cute” shoes. Types like these will change in extreme ways every season and will cost you a ton of money. Choose good pumps, pretty sandals, ballerina slippers, and very plain sneakers as your staples.
Neither do your bags have to be expensive. Just because it's a designer bag doesn't mean that it will suit your look.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some elegant baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Anyone who knows what works best on them doesn't need to spend a ton of money. Money that is allotted to the right sort of expenses will be money well spent.
One thing that people notice the most about others is the hair and the face. So it is logical to spend the most you can afford on these two necessary parts of your look. Having a hairstyle that suits you by making your best features stand out plus having skin that is clear and soft through the right toiletries and facials would be all that you need to look good.
One thing that makes a person look messy is to have hair where it isn't wanted. Keep yourself fuzz-free with at-home hair removal. The main points that need to be hairless would be the legs and armpits; the eyebrows in particular should be kept well-groomed. You wouldn't need excess hair on the upper lip or the chin, either. This in turn means that less makeup is needed. The basics – a sheer foundation, a suitable shade of lipstick or gloss, blush and mascara - keep your face looking young and takes no time at all. If you add perfume, shower well before you do and choose a simple scent that both expresses and suits you.
Pay attention to your nails, especially if you usually use your hands to express yourself. Buffing is the best way to go as it won't discolor the nails, it won't chip, and it looks better than an obvious French manicure. Keep your toes clean as well; a clear coat of polish would actually look better than any other color.
If you know what clothes to buy, then you'll be able to really get what you need without needing the latest fashions or having designer labels emblazoned all over yourself. Once the clothes are cut to fit the body properly, are kept well without any faded or worn patches, isn't wrinkled or ripped somewhere, then they'll look good on you.
To start with, classics are the best choice. Then make the clothes your own with the right accessories for it. The basic wardrobe consists of properly fitted blazers or suit jackets for the top and pants and skirts for the bottoms. Jeans that don't pull or wrinkle in unwanted places plus blouses and t-shirts that fit well and suit the character just right round out the wardrobe. If the foundation clothes are dark colors that can allow them to mix and match, then the bright colors can come in with the shirts, bags, scarves, and jewelry.
Again, well chosen, none of these things ought to max out your credit card or clean your wallet. Keep your look fresh by changing the accessories and tops seasonally.
Never ever buy “cute” shoes. Types like these will change in extreme ways every season and will cost you a ton of money. Choose good pumps, pretty sandals, ballerina slippers, and very plain sneakers as your staples.
Neither do your bags have to be expensive. Just because it's a designer bag doesn't mean that it will suit your look.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some elegant baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
5 Inexpensive but Elegant Gifts You Can Make
It's never necessary to give out expensive gifts when an occasion comes around. The latest of everything don't make the perfect gift, either. Why not be inspired instead by these 5 inexpensive but elegant gifts you can make?
No one will turn up their nose if you present them with something handmade. In fact, they'll most likely admire your talent and be awed by the time and creativity it took for you to make something so personal for them.
The only thing you need to do differently when making your own gifts would be to be a little more meticulous in the preparation and planning your shopping trips. But you can be sure that you'll spend less on a gift that will make the earth breathe a little easier.
You'll never have a problem if you give out something that you've concocted in your kitchen. Whether it's a sweet pastry, candy, even a savory pate, or jams and jellies, you'll always get a warm reception for these gifts.
You could always come up with unique packaging that will create an impression. Why not do the earth a favor and recycle some of those pretty glass jars? With the top covered up with decorative paper cut just big enough to drape over the bottle's neck and held in place with a coordinating ribbon, your decorating is done. Or why not decorate the glass jar itself using different colors of nail polish or special glass paints?
Beverage mixes are wonderful gifts in themselves. Whether you decide to concoct a hot coffee/cream/sugar combination jazzed up with spices or a hot tea mix with iced tea powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it's a mix that is used by everyone. A special Mexican Hot Chocolate mix is concocted with a pound of unsweetened Dutch process cocoa, a third of a pound of whole dry milk powder, 3/4 cup of whole or muscovado sugar, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or to taste, a teaspoon of Spanish paprika, and a tablespoonful of cinnamon. Mix together thoroughly and spoon into jars. Package with instructions: “For every cup of hot cocoa, bring a cup of hot milk or water to a boil with three heaping tablespoons of cocoa mix. Let it boil for fifteen seconds and serve with a cinnamon stick, a dollop of whipped cream, or marshmallows.”
Bath and body treats are easily made in your kitchen, too. Why not create a facial scrub with ground almonds and whole oats whizzed together in a blender? Add up to a third of white sugar to the mix and pack it into a pretty jar. With a deep-moisturizing hair treatment of almond and coconut oils, it's a home spa in a basket.
Another home spa idea would be a massage kit. All you need to do is put together a bottle of virgin coconut or sweet almond oil scented with the recipient's favorite organic scent, candles in a complementary scent, and a CD of relaxing music packaged in a beautiful scarf.
A piece of specially-commissioned artwork is one gift that will surprise the recipient. A special scene or that special someone captured in a photo can be translated into a painting. There are online galleries that can do this for just a small fee.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some inexpensive baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
No one will turn up their nose if you present them with something handmade. In fact, they'll most likely admire your talent and be awed by the time and creativity it took for you to make something so personal for them.
The only thing you need to do differently when making your own gifts would be to be a little more meticulous in the preparation and planning your shopping trips. But you can be sure that you'll spend less on a gift that will make the earth breathe a little easier.
You'll never have a problem if you give out something that you've concocted in your kitchen. Whether it's a sweet pastry, candy, even a savory pate, or jams and jellies, you'll always get a warm reception for these gifts.
You could always come up with unique packaging that will create an impression. Why not do the earth a favor and recycle some of those pretty glass jars? With the top covered up with decorative paper cut just big enough to drape over the bottle's neck and held in place with a coordinating ribbon, your decorating is done. Or why not decorate the glass jar itself using different colors of nail polish or special glass paints?
Beverage mixes are wonderful gifts in themselves. Whether you decide to concoct a hot coffee/cream/sugar combination jazzed up with spices or a hot tea mix with iced tea powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it's a mix that is used by everyone. A special Mexican Hot Chocolate mix is concocted with a pound of unsweetened Dutch process cocoa, a third of a pound of whole dry milk powder, 3/4 cup of whole or muscovado sugar, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or to taste, a teaspoon of Spanish paprika, and a tablespoonful of cinnamon. Mix together thoroughly and spoon into jars. Package with instructions: “For every cup of hot cocoa, bring a cup of hot milk or water to a boil with three heaping tablespoons of cocoa mix. Let it boil for fifteen seconds and serve with a cinnamon stick, a dollop of whipped cream, or marshmallows.”
Bath and body treats are easily made in your kitchen, too. Why not create a facial scrub with ground almonds and whole oats whizzed together in a blender? Add up to a third of white sugar to the mix and pack it into a pretty jar. With a deep-moisturizing hair treatment of almond and coconut oils, it's a home spa in a basket.
Another home spa idea would be a massage kit. All you need to do is put together a bottle of virgin coconut or sweet almond oil scented with the recipient's favorite organic scent, candles in a complementary scent, and a CD of relaxing music packaged in a beautiful scarf.
A piece of specially-commissioned artwork is one gift that will surprise the recipient. A special scene or that special someone captured in a photo can be translated into a painting. There are online galleries that can do this for just a small fee.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some inexpensive baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
It's Easy to Make Your Own Cheap Favors
It's quite usual for the host or celebrant to hand out little favors when a celebration is over to say “thank you” to their guests. Whether the celebration was formal or informal, something planned for a long time or done last-minute, even just a little something would be wonderful to receive. But these gifts don't need to be expensive. In fact, you could make your own cheap favors and be really sure that these are truly different from what everyone else hands out.
You could choose to give an edible or a non-edible favor. Both have their advantages: while the edible favor doesn't need to be kept, a non-edible one can be prepared ahead of time. Just take the type of celebration and your own likes into consideration when planning what to give so you're actually giving a little piece of yourself.
Why not make something that you are famous for? There was one woman who was famous for her excellent preserves. There was no complaining to be heard at all when she gave out small jars of her famous wild berry preserves at her daughter's wedding. So if you're gifted at coming up with personal kitchen creations, these will definitely be something that would be much appreciated.
A gift of homemade truffles may be something to die for. These are easy enough to make from a good recipe with a simple ganache molded into balls and rolled in unswetened cocoa or in ground nuts. For an extra-special truffle, dip each nugget into molten chocolate. Packaged in an individual box and nestled in a gold foil case, there's nothing more special than this.
Or you could team your thank-you cards with your favors. It's very simple to make cards that are embedded with seeds to be planted. Or, you could cheat a bit and attach a parchment paper packet of seeds to a thank-you card that you've printed out. They don't need to be flowers, either. Why not give a packet of mixed lettuces and cress for a Peter Rabbit-themed baby shower? Or a Spring-themed wedding could have a trio of lily bulbs wrapped up in abaca net. Print your text on a larger-than-usual gift tag and you're done.
One gift that's sure to be appreciated would be a bath set. A nylon tulle scrub can be easily made with strips of tulle stacked one on top of the other, sewn together with a running stitch, gathered tightly, and held in place with a few back stitches. Epsom salts are a perfect companion, tinted one drop at a time with edible food coloring and scented with essential oils. Pack it into a woven basket that can be used as a bathroom container in its next life.
Why not make something store-bought more personal if you have neither time nor talent to make something from scratch? A beexwax pillar candle can be embellished with a wide ribbon collar that is further decorated with perhaps a small “bouquet” of miniature wheat, dried flowers, or even a small Christmas ornament pulled into use for something else.
These favors are great because they're customized just for you. What better way to show your guests how much you care for them by making them something that can't be bought?
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some cheap baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
You could choose to give an edible or a non-edible favor. Both have their advantages: while the edible favor doesn't need to be kept, a non-edible one can be prepared ahead of time. Just take the type of celebration and your own likes into consideration when planning what to give so you're actually giving a little piece of yourself.
Why not make something that you are famous for? There was one woman who was famous for her excellent preserves. There was no complaining to be heard at all when she gave out small jars of her famous wild berry preserves at her daughter's wedding. So if you're gifted at coming up with personal kitchen creations, these will definitely be something that would be much appreciated.
A gift of homemade truffles may be something to die for. These are easy enough to make from a good recipe with a simple ganache molded into balls and rolled in unswetened cocoa or in ground nuts. For an extra-special truffle, dip each nugget into molten chocolate. Packaged in an individual box and nestled in a gold foil case, there's nothing more special than this.
Or you could team your thank-you cards with your favors. It's very simple to make cards that are embedded with seeds to be planted. Or, you could cheat a bit and attach a parchment paper packet of seeds to a thank-you card that you've printed out. They don't need to be flowers, either. Why not give a packet of mixed lettuces and cress for a Peter Rabbit-themed baby shower? Or a Spring-themed wedding could have a trio of lily bulbs wrapped up in abaca net. Print your text on a larger-than-usual gift tag and you're done.
One gift that's sure to be appreciated would be a bath set. A nylon tulle scrub can be easily made with strips of tulle stacked one on top of the other, sewn together with a running stitch, gathered tightly, and held in place with a few back stitches. Epsom salts are a perfect companion, tinted one drop at a time with edible food coloring and scented with essential oils. Pack it into a woven basket that can be used as a bathroom container in its next life.
Why not make something store-bought more personal if you have neither time nor talent to make something from scratch? A beexwax pillar candle can be embellished with a wide ribbon collar that is further decorated with perhaps a small “bouquet” of miniature wheat, dried flowers, or even a small Christmas ornament pulled into use for something else.
These favors are great because they're customized just for you. What better way to show your guests how much you care for them by making them something that can't be bought?
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some cheap baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
The Best Way to Write Thank-You Notes for Anything to Anyone
You may have received a gift or a favor for which an email or a phone call won't be enough. This is the time to write a thank you note. You'll find that the best way to write a thank-you note would be to be straight to the point and be quick about saying thanks. There's a little bit more you can do to make that note special.
Although it seems selfish, you'll be sure to get special treatment next time around. You'll be sure to be remembered. It's not often that people do take the time to thank those that did something for them.
When you start to write your note, you'll need to pay special attention to the paper that you will put the note on. Plain note cards would be the best choices for you. If you collect pretty stationery, you could use those as well. Just remember, these are what will express your personality so be sure that these are what you really love. It's what makes these notes heartfelt and personal.
Don't forget to greet the person you're writing the note to! Strangely enough, this is one of the most common mistakes of those who write thank-you notes. And do write the notes by hand. If you feel that your handwriting is not good enough, print it out. It won't be right to use the computer in this case. And while you can be a little more creative now with the choice of ink colors, just make sure that the recipient will be able to read the message.
Don't get all stilted when you write. But don't make your note a telegram, either. “That was a great gift” is OK for a start but it's best to tell the person what you intend to do with that gift. You could say something like this: “You know, that phone that you sent me was a real surprise. The last thing I thought you could do with it was watch television! Now I don't need to miss my favorite show.”
When you receive money for a gift, never say how much it was. All you need to say is, “Thanks so much for sending your gift! It's just what I need for that new project I plan to do with my home. Thanks again!”
Renew ties with the person in your note. You want to do more than just tell them you received the gift. This can even be the start of a new correspondence. You could always say something in this vein: “We've not been able to chat so often lately and that makes me feel a little bad. I hope we can get to see each other online soon.”
Always leave an open question in the note so that the recipient feels like it's a real conversation.
The last point – don't brag about yourself here. This isn't the time to tell the recipient what a lucky break you've had lately or how wonderful you've made your life. Remember, this letter is about them, so concentrate just on that.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some baby shower thank you cards or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Although it seems selfish, you'll be sure to get special treatment next time around. You'll be sure to be remembered. It's not often that people do take the time to thank those that did something for them.
When you start to write your note, you'll need to pay special attention to the paper that you will put the note on. Plain note cards would be the best choices for you. If you collect pretty stationery, you could use those as well. Just remember, these are what will express your personality so be sure that these are what you really love. It's what makes these notes heartfelt and personal.
Don't forget to greet the person you're writing the note to! Strangely enough, this is one of the most common mistakes of those who write thank-you notes. And do write the notes by hand. If you feel that your handwriting is not good enough, print it out. It won't be right to use the computer in this case. And while you can be a little more creative now with the choice of ink colors, just make sure that the recipient will be able to read the message.
Don't get all stilted when you write. But don't make your note a telegram, either. “That was a great gift” is OK for a start but it's best to tell the person what you intend to do with that gift. You could say something like this: “You know, that phone that you sent me was a real surprise. The last thing I thought you could do with it was watch television! Now I don't need to miss my favorite show.”
When you receive money for a gift, never say how much it was. All you need to say is, “Thanks so much for sending your gift! It's just what I need for that new project I plan to do with my home. Thanks again!”
Renew ties with the person in your note. You want to do more than just tell them you received the gift. This can even be the start of a new correspondence. You could always say something in this vein: “We've not been able to chat so often lately and that makes me feel a little bad. I hope we can get to see each other online soon.”
Always leave an open question in the note so that the recipient feels like it's a real conversation.
The last point – don't brag about yourself here. This isn't the time to tell the recipient what a lucky break you've had lately or how wonderful you've made your life. Remember, this letter is about them, so concentrate just on that.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some baby shower thank you cards or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
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