To be memorable, a baby shower needs to be imaginative and very different from a typical event. Easier said than done. Everyone strives to achieve uniqueness but few have managed to reach that goal.
Every aspect of the baby shower should be well-selected and quite creative for the party to be memorable. True, it requires more thought and preparation but if uniqueness is your main aim, you should start working.
Choose Unusual Themes
A memorable baby shower will have an outstanding theme. Anything that is baby-related and excessively cute will drive you away from achieving uniqueness. You can certainly turn a traditional party into a memorable event but your task will be more difficult.
Unusual themes will make you a pioneer and will give people something to remember the baby shower by. You might be clueless about bright baby shower theme ideas but you will just need to utilize your creative potential.
Do you believe in fairytales? Why don’t you take guests back in time to their childhood years? They will have fun and they will remember the wonderful experience.
Mesmerize Guests at the Entrance
To achieve the ‘wow’ effect, you need a spectacular entrance. Get guests surprised even before they make it to the room.
You can have someone welcoming them and providing guests with items that will be needed for games and activities. Keep their purpose a secret so that guests are left wondering about the aim of it all.
Multimedia will also help you create something outstanding. A screen by the entrance, showing pictures of the mom-to-be or family videos will surprise guests and the mom in a pleasant way.
Engaging Games and Activities
Decorations can easily be forgotten. People remember emotions rather than items. Provide them with the chance to form memories.
Engaging games and activities will make your baby shower memorable. The entire party can be an activity. Holding a cooking party or a spa-themed baby shower will get guests socializing and enjoying each other’s presence.
The Food!
An amazing culinary experience will give people something to remember. Get them trying exotic and gourmet foods.
The selection of a nice menu is yet another step towards making the baby shower memorable.
Sometimes, it will even be an issue of decoration rather than an issue of cooking. A well-formed platter or a dish is a work of art rather than something to eat. You can purchase the food from a catering company or a restaurant. The decorations will be up to you. Unleash your culinary potential and use food to create art.
Handmade… Everything
Handmade items are impressive. They show creativity and they show desire to make something beautiful and interesting.
Having handmade decorations or baby shower favors will transform the event into a memorable one. The good news is that various types of favors are exceptionally easy to make. Key chains, candles and jewelry will all let you be outstanding.
A memorable baby shower takes some work. It requires effort. It requires brainstorming and running around to purchase supplies. Still, if uniqueness is your goal, go ahead and do it. When you see the smiles on the faces of your guests, you will feel perfectly satisfied.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more unique baby shower ideas or to shop for some unique baby shower favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Baby Shower Etiquette for a Second Child
A baby shower for a first child is something typical that most moms-to-be enjoy with close friends. When it comes to a second pregnancy, people hold opposing views.
Some believe that a second baby shower will be entirely unacceptable since the family will have most of the items needed from the first child. On the other hand, a baby shower is a wonderful celebration that brings together close friends and gives them the chance to mark a special occasion.
If you are thinking about having a baby shower for a second child, you should consider the following options. These will make the event appropriate and entertaining for everyone.
When is It Ok to Have a Large Baby Shower?
In some instances, a traditional baby shower will be acceptable for a second child.
Having a baby shower for a second child that is of different gender from the first child will be appropriate. Baby boys and baby girls need their specific toys and additional items.
Moms will also have a second baby shower if the second pregnancy is occurring a long time after the first one. A large gap may make it difficult for a mom-to-be to purchase all of the items needed for proper baby care.
Have a Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is an event that is most appropriate for a second pregnancy. The sprinkle is a smaller event than the shower. Though it does not differ greatly, a baby sprinkle has specifics of its own.
The sprinkle is usually smaller. It involves fewer guests, a smaller venue and less elaborate decorations.
Baby sprinkles are less demanding in terms of gifts and etiquette. These events are more informal and casual, giving guests freedom in terms of outfit selection and gift giving.
Invite Only Family Friends
To hold a second baby shower, do your best to make it smaller and more intimate. Inviting solely relatives is a good option.
The dearest people of the mom-to-be are the ones that will appreciate it and have fun attending such party. It is more about getting together and enjoying the occasion than about providing serious and expensive gifts.
Intimate surroundings will also affect the atmosphere of the party. It will be heartwarming. Breaking the ice in such instances is easier than getting large groups of people together.
Limit the Types of Gifts
To make it easier for guests attending a second baby shower, you can set limitations to the types of gifts that would be expected.
A mom-to-be will need certain items during her second pregnancy. Naturally, she will use the baby crib that was purchased for her first baby. Yet, the mom will need significant supplies of diapers, baby lotion, wet wipes, pacifiers and clothing, in case the baby is of different gender or born during a different season.
Defining what types of gifts will be appreciated will let guests know that the mom-to-be is expecting only practical items that she lacks after her first child has grown up.
Should you have a second baby shower? In case you want to have fun with friends, you should definitely get one organized. If you are still uncertain, ask friends for advice. Did they have a second baby shower? Do they think it is appropriate? Go ahead and organize one, as long as you have the right motivation.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for a second baby shower or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Some believe that a second baby shower will be entirely unacceptable since the family will have most of the items needed from the first child. On the other hand, a baby shower is a wonderful celebration that brings together close friends and gives them the chance to mark a special occasion.
If you are thinking about having a baby shower for a second child, you should consider the following options. These will make the event appropriate and entertaining for everyone.
When is It Ok to Have a Large Baby Shower?
In some instances, a traditional baby shower will be acceptable for a second child.
Having a baby shower for a second child that is of different gender from the first child will be appropriate. Baby boys and baby girls need their specific toys and additional items.
Moms will also have a second baby shower if the second pregnancy is occurring a long time after the first one. A large gap may make it difficult for a mom-to-be to purchase all of the items needed for proper baby care.
Have a Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is an event that is most appropriate for a second pregnancy. The sprinkle is a smaller event than the shower. Though it does not differ greatly, a baby sprinkle has specifics of its own.
The sprinkle is usually smaller. It involves fewer guests, a smaller venue and less elaborate decorations.
Baby sprinkles are less demanding in terms of gifts and etiquette. These events are more informal and casual, giving guests freedom in terms of outfit selection and gift giving.
Invite Only Family Friends
To hold a second baby shower, do your best to make it smaller and more intimate. Inviting solely relatives is a good option.
The dearest people of the mom-to-be are the ones that will appreciate it and have fun attending such party. It is more about getting together and enjoying the occasion than about providing serious and expensive gifts.
Intimate surroundings will also affect the atmosphere of the party. It will be heartwarming. Breaking the ice in such instances is easier than getting large groups of people together.
Limit the Types of Gifts
To make it easier for guests attending a second baby shower, you can set limitations to the types of gifts that would be expected.
A mom-to-be will need certain items during her second pregnancy. Naturally, she will use the baby crib that was purchased for her first baby. Yet, the mom will need significant supplies of diapers, baby lotion, wet wipes, pacifiers and clothing, in case the baby is of different gender or born during a different season.
Defining what types of gifts will be appreciated will let guests know that the mom-to-be is expecting only practical items that she lacks after her first child has grown up.
Should you have a second baby shower? In case you want to have fun with friends, you should definitely get one organized. If you are still uncertain, ask friends for advice. Did they have a second baby shower? Do they think it is appropriate? Go ahead and organize one, as long as you have the right motivation.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for a second baby shower or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Etiquette Tips: Inviting Your Boss to Your Party
Holding a party and working on the details can be exceptionally fun. Still, you will have to consider some issues very carefully.
The most perplexing aspect of holding a party or a reception is deciding on the guest list. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or your wedding, you will need to think whether to invite your colleagues or not.
What should you do when it comes to inviting your boss? Is it appropriate or maybe it would be understood in a wrong way? You will have to consider several aspects of your office relations before taking the final decision.
Decide if It is Appropriate
Are you going to have a large party or a small, intimate one? This is what you need to think about in advance. Deciding on the type of party will help you determine if you should invite any of your colleagues.
What are the relations at your office? Are you a friend with your coworkers or do you keep your interactions strictly professional? If you maintain professional relations, you should probably refrain from inviting people from your office to the party.
When it comes to inviting your boss, the situation changes somehow. The invitation will be a sign of respect and appreciation. You will have no problem with it if you like your boss. In case the two of you have difficulties, you may reconsider.
The Advantages of Keeping a Party Private
Which colleagues should you invite? Getting all of your coworkers to the party will be problematic. On the other hand, if you invite just a few people, you might get the others angry.
Keeping the party private in such instances will probably be the wisest decision. Make your colleagues understand your motivation and the desire to have only family and closest friends present.
What Are Your Sentiments About It?
How do you feel about having your boss present at the party? Is the thought making you feel uncomfortable? Will you be able to stand an entire party in the presence of your supervisor?
Trust your sentiments. Inviting a boss you dislike for the sake of it could really interfere with your party. You are supposed to enjoy the event. In case it makes you feel bad, refrain from having coworkers present.
On the other hand, inviting your boss could help you establish better relations and may eventually help your professional development. Weight the pros and the cons. Is your biggest priority enjoying your special occasion or working on your career? Think about these before sending the invites.
How Big of a Dilemma are You Experiencing?
According to etiquette, it will be good to invite your boss to a major party like a wedding reception. Still, you should also feel satisfied with your choice.
Are you experiencing a big dilemma? A relationship of hatred is rarely the case. In most instances, workers and bosses have polite and slightly distanced relations. If the situation is such, inviting your boss out of courtesy will be the right thing to do.
Is inviting your boss to a party the right thing to do? In most instances it is. Think of any special circumstances that will make this inappropriate. Friendly relations with your boss and well-established office sentiments will make it much easier for you to take the decision. Trust your senses and intuition and you will be making the right selection.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info on how to throw an office baby shower party or ideas for baby shower party planning, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
The most perplexing aspect of holding a party or a reception is deciding on the guest list. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or your wedding, you will need to think whether to invite your colleagues or not.
What should you do when it comes to inviting your boss? Is it appropriate or maybe it would be understood in a wrong way? You will have to consider several aspects of your office relations before taking the final decision.
Decide if It is Appropriate
Are you going to have a large party or a small, intimate one? This is what you need to think about in advance. Deciding on the type of party will help you determine if you should invite any of your colleagues.
What are the relations at your office? Are you a friend with your coworkers or do you keep your interactions strictly professional? If you maintain professional relations, you should probably refrain from inviting people from your office to the party.
When it comes to inviting your boss, the situation changes somehow. The invitation will be a sign of respect and appreciation. You will have no problem with it if you like your boss. In case the two of you have difficulties, you may reconsider.
The Advantages of Keeping a Party Private
Which colleagues should you invite? Getting all of your coworkers to the party will be problematic. On the other hand, if you invite just a few people, you might get the others angry.
Keeping the party private in such instances will probably be the wisest decision. Make your colleagues understand your motivation and the desire to have only family and closest friends present.
What Are Your Sentiments About It?
How do you feel about having your boss present at the party? Is the thought making you feel uncomfortable? Will you be able to stand an entire party in the presence of your supervisor?
Trust your sentiments. Inviting a boss you dislike for the sake of it could really interfere with your party. You are supposed to enjoy the event. In case it makes you feel bad, refrain from having coworkers present.
On the other hand, inviting your boss could help you establish better relations and may eventually help your professional development. Weight the pros and the cons. Is your biggest priority enjoying your special occasion or working on your career? Think about these before sending the invites.
How Big of a Dilemma are You Experiencing?
According to etiquette, it will be good to invite your boss to a major party like a wedding reception. Still, you should also feel satisfied with your choice.
Are you experiencing a big dilemma? A relationship of hatred is rarely the case. In most instances, workers and bosses have polite and slightly distanced relations. If the situation is such, inviting your boss out of courtesy will be the right thing to do.
Is inviting your boss to a party the right thing to do? In most instances it is. Think of any special circumstances that will make this inappropriate. Friendly relations with your boss and well-established office sentiments will make it much easier for you to take the decision. Trust your senses and intuition and you will be making the right selection.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info on how to throw an office baby shower party or ideas for baby shower party planning, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
Coming Up With Original Wording for a Birthday Invite
Most birthday party invitations resemble each other. They list where when and how the event will take place. Some may contain a verse, though the majority rely on a simple introductory sentence.
The invitation is the first aspect of the party that a guest will get acquainted with. It needs to impress or make people laugh. The invitation should suggest what the party will be, what people are invited to it and what atmosphere is to be expected.
The right selection of invitation wording can help you achieve all of these goals. It takes little time and brainstorming to come up with original wording for a birthday invite.
List the Important Information
Before focusing on the creative element, you need to list all of the important invitation information.
Who is inviting the person? When is the party taking place and which venue has been selected for it? RSVP information? Theme? Dress code? Any suggestions about the best choice of presents?
If the venue is difficult to find, you might consider adding a map or some directions. This will make it easier for guests to find their way.
Use Verses
How do you get the invitation started? The wording will be more original if you add some cute verse. The verse will also be used to set the mood and to provide hints about the party theme.
You can use some of the following verses to add to your birthday invite:
Candies, drinks and cakes are sweet, come to our party, we promise a treat!
Love is in the air, spring has come, we’re holding b-day party that is going to be fun!
The summer’s hot
But we know how to cool
You can do it too
Join our party at the pool
You are invited to (name of birthday person)’s birthday party
(name of birthday person) is (age)
And it’s time to get
Organized and ready
To hold a party (he/she) will never forget!
Join us to dance and laugh and sing
For such occasions true joy can bring!
Use Your Sense of Humor
A nice invitation will be a humorous one. It will make people smile the minute they see it. Use your sense of humor or pick one of the following samples to make the invite really amusing:
(name of birthday person) has grown one year older
And she/he would need a supportive shoulder
While we’re still looking for the fountain of youth,
Come to the party and help him/her handle the truth.
You are invited to a birthday party on (date) at (venue)
Our cute and energetic shorty
Has finally managed to turn 40 (for the third time in a raw)
Come and help us have a party
That we promise to be hearty!
Make the Message As Specific As Possible
You should remember to include specific details to add some clarity.
If the birthday is going to have a special theme, focus on it when wording the invite. The theme can be used in a humorous and creative way.
You should also select appropriate paper and fonts to make the message even stronger. Remember that every detail will count and provide the people invited to the birthday party with specific information.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out invitation ideas or to shop for some baby shower invitations, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
The invitation is the first aspect of the party that a guest will get acquainted with. It needs to impress or make people laugh. The invitation should suggest what the party will be, what people are invited to it and what atmosphere is to be expected.
The right selection of invitation wording can help you achieve all of these goals. It takes little time and brainstorming to come up with original wording for a birthday invite.
List the Important Information
Before focusing on the creative element, you need to list all of the important invitation information.
Who is inviting the person? When is the party taking place and which venue has been selected for it? RSVP information? Theme? Dress code? Any suggestions about the best choice of presents?
If the venue is difficult to find, you might consider adding a map or some directions. This will make it easier for guests to find their way.
Use Verses
How do you get the invitation started? The wording will be more original if you add some cute verse. The verse will also be used to set the mood and to provide hints about the party theme.
You can use some of the following verses to add to your birthday invite:
Candies, drinks and cakes are sweet, come to our party, we promise a treat!
Love is in the air, spring has come, we’re holding b-day party that is going to be fun!
The summer’s hot
But we know how to cool
You can do it too
Join our party at the pool
You are invited to (name of birthday person)’s birthday party
(name of birthday person) is (age)
And it’s time to get
Organized and ready
To hold a party (he/she) will never forget!
Join us to dance and laugh and sing
For such occasions true joy can bring!
Use Your Sense of Humor
A nice invitation will be a humorous one. It will make people smile the minute they see it. Use your sense of humor or pick one of the following samples to make the invite really amusing:
(name of birthday person) has grown one year older
And she/he would need a supportive shoulder
While we’re still looking for the fountain of youth,
Come to the party and help him/her handle the truth.
You are invited to a birthday party on (date) at (venue)
Our cute and energetic shorty
Has finally managed to turn 40 (for the third time in a raw)
Come and help us have a party
That we promise to be hearty!
Make the Message As Specific As Possible
You should remember to include specific details to add some clarity.
If the birthday is going to have a special theme, focus on it when wording the invite. The theme can be used in a humorous and creative way.
You should also select appropriate paper and fonts to make the message even stronger. Remember that every detail will count and provide the people invited to the birthday party with specific information.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out invitation ideas or to shop for some baby shower invitations, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Five Non-Baby Related Gift Ideas for New Parents
Most of the presents that new parents receive will be focused on the youngest members of the family. Often, their needs are neglected and even forgotten.
You can provide new parents with wonderful non-baby related gifts that can make the transition smoother. They need some time for relaxation, which can be provided in various creative ways.
In the first months, new parents may enjoy a bit of leisure time or some quality food. If you want to make them happy, provide a relevant gift.
Babysitting Gift Certificate
New parents might find difficulties spending some quality time away from the baby. They will certainly be preoccupied and exhausted. If you want to surprise them pleasantly, provide them with a babysitting gift certificate.
The certificate will let them use babysitting services free of charge, whenever they want to go out or just relax.
The best aspect of the certificate is that it can be used whenever needed.
Offer Some Help
Instead of buying them an item, you can offer new parents some help. It can involve taking care of the baby yourself, buying anything they need or preparing a nice meal just for the two of them.
Any assistance will be appreciated. It will give the busy couple an opportunity to take their minds away from worries and to take a short break.
Offering your help is a nice sign of attention that demonstrates you are a reliable friend. Nothing could be more valuable than your loyalty and desire to land a helping hand.
Movie Rental Certificate
Most of the activities that new parents get involved in will be taking place at their home. They will seldom find the time and energy to go out and enjoy their leisure time at a restaurant or a movie theater.
A movie rental certificate is just a great option. It gives them the chance to have fun at home, while being able to take care of the baby. Providing the certificate with a supply of pop-corn will make the gift even more special and enjoyable.
Spa Treatment for Two
New parents will offer be in desperate need of relaxation. You can certainly pamper both of them.
Offer to babysit and provide the couple with a spa certificate for two. The certificate will let them experience a diversity of pampering procedures that will rejuvenate the body and relax the mind.
Select a quality spa center that offers various types of massages and procedures. Apart from being enjoyable, these are very healthy. Further, the young family will get the chance to experience a romantic day together and to bond.
Restaurant Delivery Certificate
Quality food can be a problem in the first months after the mom gives birth. She will be so busy with her baby that she may lack the time to prepare a nice meal or to go out and get restaurant food.
A restaurant delivery certificate may just as well be the solution of this problem.
Select a restaurant that the couple enjoys and that is located near their home. This way, you will be facilitating the delivery process and giving the two an option to eat healthy and tasty food without exercising any effort.
Non-baby related gifts for new parents are very easy to come up with. Think about their needs and the aspects of their previous life that they miss the most. Good food and good relaxation will be of major importance. Provide such gifts to make the young family happy and to prove that you really care.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more baby gift ideas or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
You can provide new parents with wonderful non-baby related gifts that can make the transition smoother. They need some time for relaxation, which can be provided in various creative ways.
In the first months, new parents may enjoy a bit of leisure time or some quality food. If you want to make them happy, provide a relevant gift.
Babysitting Gift Certificate
New parents might find difficulties spending some quality time away from the baby. They will certainly be preoccupied and exhausted. If you want to surprise them pleasantly, provide them with a babysitting gift certificate.
The certificate will let them use babysitting services free of charge, whenever they want to go out or just relax.
The best aspect of the certificate is that it can be used whenever needed.
Offer Some Help
Instead of buying them an item, you can offer new parents some help. It can involve taking care of the baby yourself, buying anything they need or preparing a nice meal just for the two of them.
Any assistance will be appreciated. It will give the busy couple an opportunity to take their minds away from worries and to take a short break.
Offering your help is a nice sign of attention that demonstrates you are a reliable friend. Nothing could be more valuable than your loyalty and desire to land a helping hand.
Movie Rental Certificate
Most of the activities that new parents get involved in will be taking place at their home. They will seldom find the time and energy to go out and enjoy their leisure time at a restaurant or a movie theater.
A movie rental certificate is just a great option. It gives them the chance to have fun at home, while being able to take care of the baby. Providing the certificate with a supply of pop-corn will make the gift even more special and enjoyable.
Spa Treatment for Two
New parents will offer be in desperate need of relaxation. You can certainly pamper both of them.
Offer to babysit and provide the couple with a spa certificate for two. The certificate will let them experience a diversity of pampering procedures that will rejuvenate the body and relax the mind.
Select a quality spa center that offers various types of massages and procedures. Apart from being enjoyable, these are very healthy. Further, the young family will get the chance to experience a romantic day together and to bond.
Restaurant Delivery Certificate
Quality food can be a problem in the first months after the mom gives birth. She will be so busy with her baby that she may lack the time to prepare a nice meal or to go out and get restaurant food.
A restaurant delivery certificate may just as well be the solution of this problem.
Select a restaurant that the couple enjoys and that is located near their home. This way, you will be facilitating the delivery process and giving the two an option to eat healthy and tasty food without exercising any effort.
Non-baby related gifts for new parents are very easy to come up with. Think about their needs and the aspects of their previous life that they miss the most. Good food and good relaxation will be of major importance. Provide such gifts to make the young family happy and to prove that you really care.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more baby gift ideas or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
How to Plan an Asian Theme Baby Shower Party
Asian countries have a specific charm and some degree of mysticism. The Japanese culture dates back in time, having its numerous rituals, philosophies and historic developments. The same applies to most other Asian countries.
Hosting an Asian-themed baby shower will be a wonderful way to make it more unusual and intriguing. Setting the theme is uncomplicated and you will need just a few objects to create realistic atmosphere.
When organizing an Asian-theme baby shower, you can adopt various approaches. You can even decide on a theme within the theme to make the event extra-special.
Hold a Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony is one of the most beautiful and delicate Asian rituals. Have fun by making it one of the focal baby shower activities.
A Japanese tea ceremony involves several preparatory steps. Get informed about it so that you conduct it in a proper and authentic manner. The preparation starts at the very door. A tea ceremony is attended only after shoes are removed. Guests address each other by bowing.
It is of uttermost importance to work on a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the room where the ceremony will be held. One of the characteristics of tea ceremonies is that they get performed without any noise being made.
You will need a bowl, a tray, pot of hot water, tea cups, dessert spoons and powdered green tea. The guest of honor, in this case the mom-to-be gets seated next to the host.
Guests sit on the ground, usually on a traditional rug. They need to sit their knees with their heels pressed against their bottoms. The host is then responsible for cleaning all dishes and utensils that will be used in the ceremony.
Learn about the manner in which tea is prepared. You can discover numerous online videos that present the process in details.
Chinese-Themed Baby Shower
A Chinese theme is exceptionally easy to introduce. Getting the food will be the easiest of tasks.
In terms of decorations, gets red lanterns and use hieroglyphics to decorate the walls. It would be best if you know what the messages are saying. Focus on positive emotions, greetings and notions like love, friendship and compassion.
If you live close to a Chinese district, you can purchase authentic decorations like ceramic dolls and fans.
Organize an Asian Cuisine Baby Shower
To get guests involved and to ensure that everyone is having fun, you can make cooking the main baby shower activity. To connect it to the theme, you should select several Asian recipes. Purchase the products needed for the preparation of these dishes and enjoy putting them together.
Chinese fried rice is a popular. The same applies to sushi, though it can be more difficult to make. Other intriguing Asian recipes include chicken katsu, Philippine chicken adobo, Thai basic chicken and Indian curry.
The best part will be getting together and eating the outcome of the culinary game.
Asian-Themed Favors
The favors you select will also enforce the theme and serve as wonderful souvenirs from a truly emotional event.
The Asian theme can easily be recreated through the favors. Miniature fans that include the mom-to-be’s name are one great option. Other gifts you can provide guests with can be Japanese chopsticks, Asian-themed bookmarks, a piece of Japanese art or a haiku.
An Asian theme is very favorable in terms of party organization. All of the items can be purchased from a store, including the food. You have various activities and games that will be perfectly suitable. Choose your focus and start exploring the theme.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for an ethnic baby shower or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
Hosting an Asian-themed baby shower will be a wonderful way to make it more unusual and intriguing. Setting the theme is uncomplicated and you will need just a few objects to create realistic atmosphere.
When organizing an Asian-theme baby shower, you can adopt various approaches. You can even decide on a theme within the theme to make the event extra-special.
Hold a Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony is one of the most beautiful and delicate Asian rituals. Have fun by making it one of the focal baby shower activities.
A Japanese tea ceremony involves several preparatory steps. Get informed about it so that you conduct it in a proper and authentic manner. The preparation starts at the very door. A tea ceremony is attended only after shoes are removed. Guests address each other by bowing.
It is of uttermost importance to work on a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the room where the ceremony will be held. One of the characteristics of tea ceremonies is that they get performed without any noise being made.
You will need a bowl, a tray, pot of hot water, tea cups, dessert spoons and powdered green tea. The guest of honor, in this case the mom-to-be gets seated next to the host.
Guests sit on the ground, usually on a traditional rug. They need to sit their knees with their heels pressed against their bottoms. The host is then responsible for cleaning all dishes and utensils that will be used in the ceremony.
Learn about the manner in which tea is prepared. You can discover numerous online videos that present the process in details.
Chinese-Themed Baby Shower
A Chinese theme is exceptionally easy to introduce. Getting the food will be the easiest of tasks.
In terms of decorations, gets red lanterns and use hieroglyphics to decorate the walls. It would be best if you know what the messages are saying. Focus on positive emotions, greetings and notions like love, friendship and compassion.
If you live close to a Chinese district, you can purchase authentic decorations like ceramic dolls and fans.
Organize an Asian Cuisine Baby Shower
To get guests involved and to ensure that everyone is having fun, you can make cooking the main baby shower activity. To connect it to the theme, you should select several Asian recipes. Purchase the products needed for the preparation of these dishes and enjoy putting them together.
Chinese fried rice is a popular. The same applies to sushi, though it can be more difficult to make. Other intriguing Asian recipes include chicken katsu, Philippine chicken adobo, Thai basic chicken and Indian curry.
The best part will be getting together and eating the outcome of the culinary game.
Asian-Themed Favors
The favors you select will also enforce the theme and serve as wonderful souvenirs from a truly emotional event.
The Asian theme can easily be recreated through the favors. Miniature fans that include the mom-to-be’s name are one great option. Other gifts you can provide guests with can be Japanese chopsticks, Asian-themed bookmarks, a piece of Japanese art or a haiku.
An Asian theme is very favorable in terms of party organization. All of the items can be purchased from a store, including the food. You have various activities and games that will be perfectly suitable. Choose your focus and start exploring the theme.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for an ethnic baby shower or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
Creative Ways to Decorate Your Own Baby Shower
The most entertaining part of holding a baby shower is deciding on the decorations and the general atmosphere that the venue will project. It takes some creativity to come up with suitable decorations that are both sophisticated and inexpensive.
How do you get started? The first step is to decide on the theme. The theme will be determining when it comes to decorations. The next consideration is the selection of the most appropriate color scheme.
Keep It Relevant to the Theme
Keeping decorations theme-related will make your task much easier. You will know what visuals to use and how to create a sense of cuteness, sophistication, elegance or casualty. The style and tone will all be determined by the theme.
Remember that overdoing any decorative item, even if it follows theme, is more likely to clutter the room. Follow this advice – less is more when it comes to decorations. Have one impressive, theme-relevant centerpiece and other supportive decorations that are less obtrusive.
Pick One Central Color for Consistency
Stylish decorations will blend in nicely with the overall atmosphere. Having something that stands out too sharply or needlessly grabs attention is more likely to spoil all of your efforts rather than impress guests.
Stick to the color scheme that you have chosen before getting started. Color consistency is of uttermost importance. You can have various types of decorations but if you manage to execute all pieces in the same nuances, you will achieve something stylish and classy.
Pick one main tone. Use that as the focal emphasis. Several complimentary shades can be used but refrain from introducing more than two or three additional colors.
A table centerpiece can be multi-colored but it will look much more elegant if all of the elements have matching tone.
Use Your Imagination
The key to good decorations is creativity. Otherwise, you risk falling into the trap of banality.
If you have a slightly unusual idea, go ahead and implement it. Being daring and different will help you create a party that will be remembered.
For example, you can schedule a professional photo-shoot for the mom-to-be. The main emphasis of the photographs will be pregnancy and motherhood. These pictures can do terrific job in terms of decorations.
Baby photos or cute baby clip art will be just as effective. Decorate the walls with quality baby pictures. Use clipart for candleholders and the table centerpieces.
Use the Traditional Items
If you fear that your originality attempts will result in a fiasco, you can simply stick to a traditional and well-accepted line of decorations.
The traditional items mostly used include flowers, balloons, banners and candles. You can either purchase these decorations or create some of them yourself. Floral arrangements are rather uncomplicated to create. The same applies to balloon arches and candles.
Traditional decorative items will always fit in. Remember to select the appropriate colors. If you want to use several types of decorations, make sure that they match each other. Decorate the entrance with balloons. Use flowers to decorate the tables and the buffet table. Getting everything appearing simultaneously will only add a needless degree of elaborateness.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. To check out some DIY Baby Shower Ideas or some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
How do you get started? The first step is to decide on the theme. The theme will be determining when it comes to decorations. The next consideration is the selection of the most appropriate color scheme.
Keep It Relevant to the Theme
Keeping decorations theme-related will make your task much easier. You will know what visuals to use and how to create a sense of cuteness, sophistication, elegance or casualty. The style and tone will all be determined by the theme.
Remember that overdoing any decorative item, even if it follows theme, is more likely to clutter the room. Follow this advice – less is more when it comes to decorations. Have one impressive, theme-relevant centerpiece and other supportive decorations that are less obtrusive.
Pick One Central Color for Consistency
Stylish decorations will blend in nicely with the overall atmosphere. Having something that stands out too sharply or needlessly grabs attention is more likely to spoil all of your efforts rather than impress guests.
Stick to the color scheme that you have chosen before getting started. Color consistency is of uttermost importance. You can have various types of decorations but if you manage to execute all pieces in the same nuances, you will achieve something stylish and classy.
Pick one main tone. Use that as the focal emphasis. Several complimentary shades can be used but refrain from introducing more than two or three additional colors.
A table centerpiece can be multi-colored but it will look much more elegant if all of the elements have matching tone.
Use Your Imagination
The key to good decorations is creativity. Otherwise, you risk falling into the trap of banality.
If you have a slightly unusual idea, go ahead and implement it. Being daring and different will help you create a party that will be remembered.
For example, you can schedule a professional photo-shoot for the mom-to-be. The main emphasis of the photographs will be pregnancy and motherhood. These pictures can do terrific job in terms of decorations.
Baby photos or cute baby clip art will be just as effective. Decorate the walls with quality baby pictures. Use clipart for candleholders and the table centerpieces.
Use the Traditional Items
If you fear that your originality attempts will result in a fiasco, you can simply stick to a traditional and well-accepted line of decorations.
The traditional items mostly used include flowers, balloons, banners and candles. You can either purchase these decorations or create some of them yourself. Floral arrangements are rather uncomplicated to create. The same applies to balloon arches and candles.
Traditional decorative items will always fit in. Remember to select the appropriate colors. If you want to use several types of decorations, make sure that they match each other. Decorate the entrance with balloons. Use flowers to decorate the tables and the buffet table. Getting everything appearing simultaneously will only add a needless degree of elaborateness.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. To check out some DIY Baby Shower Ideas or some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
Five Great Ideas on How to Plan Christening Parties
The christening of a child is a very special occasion. This is the first step that the baby takes in the world of Christianity and as such, it deserves to be marked and celebrated.
A christening party or a reception, as it is often called, will bring friends, relatives, the parents and the godparents of the child together. Planning a christening reception is not a simple task. The party needs to have special atmosphere and to correspond to the importance of the event.
You can make use of several great ideas when planning a christening party. These simple tips will help you put together the most amazing baby christening event ever.
Keep It Casual and Intimate
A christening party does not have to be flashy. The simpler it is, the better. Christening parties are usually very casual and relaxed, giving a group of people the chance to socialize and to celebrate a very special occasion.
The decorations can be exceptionally plain and minimalist, after all a christening is something far from luxury and vanity. Christening parties usually go without a theme but you can also dedicate it to anything baby-related. Crosses or a biblical theme will be appropriate.
Focus on the menu rather than on decorations. Ornate arches, table centerpieces and expensive tablecloths are unnecessary.
Think of Games
The games selected for a christening reception differ from the activities typical for a baby shower or a birthday party.
Board games will be best for this occasion. Such games give family members a chance to talk to each other while having fun and discussing issues of interest. Card games will also be quite appropriate.
If the reception is held outdoors, you can include sports. Volleyball, basketball, tennis and other sports that will give everyone the chance to participate will be a good selection.
Getting Guests Involved
The party will be extra special if you manage to get the guests involved in some way. Their input will be valuable to the family that is having a child christened.
The simplest option you can make use of is a guestbook. Have it available at the entrance, giving everyone the chance to write down a greeting or a special message. This guestbook will be a delightful souvenir from the christening reception.
Having video messages is another opportunity that you can utilize. You will need a small camera. Ask everyone to dedicate a personal message to the baby or the entire family. This option will give you the chance to create a very touching movie.
Decoration Ideas
Once again, the keyword that should guide all of your organizational activities is “simplicity.”
White is a color that is typically connected to Christianity, purity and innocence. Make it focal to the reception’s interior.
The items you can use include white balloons and white flowers. Refrain from overdoing it. Several centerpieces and delicate wall decorations will do just fine. In case the reception is held in the evening, you can make use of white candles.
Hold the Reception Immediately After the Christening
It will be easiest and most appropriate to hold the reception immediately after the baptism. Guests will be in a festive mood and you can extend the celebration.
Many churches have special halls that can be rented for special occasions. This makes it very convenient for you to hold the reception immediately after the baptism. Guests will be freed from the obligation to travel to another venue right after going to the church.
These are the basics of planning a christening party. It can be very simple, yet effective. Focus your efforts on creating intimate atmosphere. All other aspects of the reception hold secondary importance.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the christening party ideas or some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
A christening party or a reception, as it is often called, will bring friends, relatives, the parents and the godparents of the child together. Planning a christening reception is not a simple task. The party needs to have special atmosphere and to correspond to the importance of the event.
You can make use of several great ideas when planning a christening party. These simple tips will help you put together the most amazing baby christening event ever.
Keep It Casual and Intimate
A christening party does not have to be flashy. The simpler it is, the better. Christening parties are usually very casual and relaxed, giving a group of people the chance to socialize and to celebrate a very special occasion.
The decorations can be exceptionally plain and minimalist, after all a christening is something far from luxury and vanity. Christening parties usually go without a theme but you can also dedicate it to anything baby-related. Crosses or a biblical theme will be appropriate.
Focus on the menu rather than on decorations. Ornate arches, table centerpieces and expensive tablecloths are unnecessary.
Think of Games
The games selected for a christening reception differ from the activities typical for a baby shower or a birthday party.
Board games will be best for this occasion. Such games give family members a chance to talk to each other while having fun and discussing issues of interest. Card games will also be quite appropriate.
If the reception is held outdoors, you can include sports. Volleyball, basketball, tennis and other sports that will give everyone the chance to participate will be a good selection.
Getting Guests Involved
The party will be extra special if you manage to get the guests involved in some way. Their input will be valuable to the family that is having a child christened.
The simplest option you can make use of is a guestbook. Have it available at the entrance, giving everyone the chance to write down a greeting or a special message. This guestbook will be a delightful souvenir from the christening reception.
Having video messages is another opportunity that you can utilize. You will need a small camera. Ask everyone to dedicate a personal message to the baby or the entire family. This option will give you the chance to create a very touching movie.
Decoration Ideas
Once again, the keyword that should guide all of your organizational activities is “simplicity.”
White is a color that is typically connected to Christianity, purity and innocence. Make it focal to the reception’s interior.
The items you can use include white balloons and white flowers. Refrain from overdoing it. Several centerpieces and delicate wall decorations will do just fine. In case the reception is held in the evening, you can make use of white candles.
Hold the Reception Immediately After the Christening
It will be easiest and most appropriate to hold the reception immediately after the baptism. Guests will be in a festive mood and you can extend the celebration.
Many churches have special halls that can be rented for special occasions. This makes it very convenient for you to hold the reception immediately after the baptism. Guests will be freed from the obligation to travel to another venue right after going to the church.
These are the basics of planning a christening party. It can be very simple, yet effective. Focus your efforts on creating intimate atmosphere. All other aspects of the reception hold secondary importance.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the christening party ideas or some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
Make Your Own Adorable Baby Sprinkle Cakes
A baby sprinkle is a party dedicated to second, third and later pregnancies. Usually, the baby shower is a larger event while the sprinkle is held in more intimate surroundings. The number of people invited is smaller and the party remains elegant and less pretentious.
When organizing a baby sprinkle, you have significant freedom in the selection of foods and beverages. A baby sprinkle can go without a cake but having a small one decorated in a stylish manner will certainly contribute to the atmosphere of the party.
Several basics will help you if you decide on making the baby sprinkle cake yourself. Understand the fact that cake creation and decoration takes time and if you lack the patience, you should probably purchase the baby sprinkle cake.
Do You Need a Baby Sprinkle Cake?
The first decision you need to make is whether you really need a baby sprinkle cake. Keep in mind that the number of people invited is usually small so even if you decide to make a cake, you will need a small one.
A good alternative to a baby sprinkle cake is cupcakes. The advantage of cupcakes is that the number will be calculated so that no leftovers remain. A beautifully decorated cupcake will be just as spectacular as a cake.
Decide which option suits your needs better. If you decide on a cake, you will have to think about the most appropriate size – sufficient for everyone and simultaneously not large enough.
Make the Cake Less Elaborate
How should you approach cake making for a baby sprinkle? Remember one important keyword – simplicity.
The cake could be traditionally shaped – circular or rectangular. The flavor you select is up to you and the mom-to-be’s preferences. A plain and elegant white icing will add a degree of sophistication to your cake.
When it comes to additional decorations, you can use circular candies to create patterns. A dotted cake will be fun and appropriate for this type of party. A white cake can have one larger figure made out of fondant. The main decorative figure could be a baby, a crib or a baby carriage.
Cake Decorations Based on the Theme
A baby sprinkle, just like a baby shower could have a theme. One of the smartest and most logical moves is to use the theme when thinking of cake decorations. Understand the fact that even a plain cake will be good enough.
Use the theme to create the cake decorations. Even if you lack artistic skills that will help you make realistic decorative figures, you can get them stylized and simplified. Realism is not a precondition for a beautiful cake.
A sun and moon-themed cake involves simple figures that can be created effortlessly. You can also easily shape wooden cubes, a duckling, a teddy bear or a snowman. All these figures can be created in a child-like manner to add cuteness to the cake.
The cake that you bake is a simple one. Follow typical recipes and choose a flavor of preference. The fondant decorations will make your cake special. Pick an icing that corresponds in color to the baby sprinkle themes. You can either scatter small figures throughout the cake or have one large decorative item.
Cake making should be enjoyable. Have fun instead of feeling all stressed out. Still, if you feel uncertain in your cake baking skills, purchase one. Another option is to buy a plain cake and to decorate it yourself.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info about baby sprinkles or to check out some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
When organizing a baby sprinkle, you have significant freedom in the selection of foods and beverages. A baby sprinkle can go without a cake but having a small one decorated in a stylish manner will certainly contribute to the atmosphere of the party.
Several basics will help you if you decide on making the baby sprinkle cake yourself. Understand the fact that cake creation and decoration takes time and if you lack the patience, you should probably purchase the baby sprinkle cake.
Do You Need a Baby Sprinkle Cake?
The first decision you need to make is whether you really need a baby sprinkle cake. Keep in mind that the number of people invited is usually small so even if you decide to make a cake, you will need a small one.
A good alternative to a baby sprinkle cake is cupcakes. The advantage of cupcakes is that the number will be calculated so that no leftovers remain. A beautifully decorated cupcake will be just as spectacular as a cake.
Decide which option suits your needs better. If you decide on a cake, you will have to think about the most appropriate size – sufficient for everyone and simultaneously not large enough.
Make the Cake Less Elaborate
How should you approach cake making for a baby sprinkle? Remember one important keyword – simplicity.
The cake could be traditionally shaped – circular or rectangular. The flavor you select is up to you and the mom-to-be’s preferences. A plain and elegant white icing will add a degree of sophistication to your cake.
When it comes to additional decorations, you can use circular candies to create patterns. A dotted cake will be fun and appropriate for this type of party. A white cake can have one larger figure made out of fondant. The main decorative figure could be a baby, a crib or a baby carriage.
Cake Decorations Based on the Theme
A baby sprinkle, just like a baby shower could have a theme. One of the smartest and most logical moves is to use the theme when thinking of cake decorations. Understand the fact that even a plain cake will be good enough.
Use the theme to create the cake decorations. Even if you lack artistic skills that will help you make realistic decorative figures, you can get them stylized and simplified. Realism is not a precondition for a beautiful cake.
A sun and moon-themed cake involves simple figures that can be created effortlessly. You can also easily shape wooden cubes, a duckling, a teddy bear or a snowman. All these figures can be created in a child-like manner to add cuteness to the cake.
The cake that you bake is a simple one. Follow typical recipes and choose a flavor of preference. The fondant decorations will make your cake special. Pick an icing that corresponds in color to the baby sprinkle themes. You can either scatter small figures throughout the cake or have one large decorative item.
Cake making should be enjoyable. Have fun instead of feeling all stressed out. Still, if you feel uncertain in your cake baking skills, purchase one. Another option is to buy a plain cake and to decorate it yourself.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info about baby sprinkles or to check out some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
How to Choose a Baby Shower Theme
The baby shower theme that you select will be determining for the decorations, activities and foods that you will have to purchase and organize. How can you pick the best theme, making everybody happy and letting guests have real fun?
When picking a theme, you can rely on your imagination. Your options are boundless. It can be something cute or related to having a baby. It can be the dad’s favorite sport or the activities that the mom-to-be enjoys. Whatever you choose, make sure that you have the right reasoning and motivation for the decision.
Do You Really Need a Theme?
Before making any other choices, think if you really need a theme. You can certainly have fun scheduling a themeless party.
The theme can either help you or hinder your baby shower organization efforts. It can obstruct you in certain ways but it will also give you a chance to select relevant foods, decorations and favors.
Whichever option you choose, you can meet success. The baby shower is something wonderful, an occasion to celebrate with close friends and relatives. To determine if a baby shower is needed, take the following in consideration.
The Preferences of the Mom-To-Be
The person who should have the final say when it comes to the baby shower theme is the mom-to-be.
Ask her if she approves and likes your ideas. Limit it down to several options and present all of them to her. The mom-to-be could give you some fresh and original perspective that you have not really though of.
Time of the Year and Venue
Take into consideration the time of the year and the venue before you choose the baby shower theme. Certain themes are excellent for indoor parties while others are good if you are holding the baby shower in a garden.
The venue is another determining factor, as well. The size of the room and the facilities you can make use of will all play a role. A winter-themed baby shower will be inappropriate for a garden tea party.
Baby Gender and Occupations of the Parents
You can also select a theme on the basis of the gender of the baby. Some themes will be best for a baby girl while others are appropriate if the mom-to-be is expecting a baby boy.
Another way to go is selecting the occupations or hobbies of the future parents as theme setters. Decide whether the gathering will be all female or whether couples will be invited. Some themes that are certain to entertain ladies will probably get their partners bored.
Go Out of the Box
If you have a creative and unusual theme idea, you should go ahead and implement it. There is nothing wrong with digressing away from traditions and choosing something atypical.
Consult the mom-to-be and present her with your idea. Dedicate the baby shower to a favorite cartoon character, to love or to flowers. Anything that you consider appropriate can be carried out in a beautiful and impressive manner.
Evaluate your options. Think of the advantages of each theme. Some will let you have a diversified buffet while other themes can help you decorate the venue in the most outstanding way. The pros and cons of each option should give you hints whether it is the right one for you.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more baby shower theme ideas or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
When picking a theme, you can rely on your imagination. Your options are boundless. It can be something cute or related to having a baby. It can be the dad’s favorite sport or the activities that the mom-to-be enjoys. Whatever you choose, make sure that you have the right reasoning and motivation for the decision.
Do You Really Need a Theme?
Before making any other choices, think if you really need a theme. You can certainly have fun scheduling a themeless party.
The theme can either help you or hinder your baby shower organization efforts. It can obstruct you in certain ways but it will also give you a chance to select relevant foods, decorations and favors.
Whichever option you choose, you can meet success. The baby shower is something wonderful, an occasion to celebrate with close friends and relatives. To determine if a baby shower is needed, take the following in consideration.
The Preferences of the Mom-To-Be
The person who should have the final say when it comes to the baby shower theme is the mom-to-be.
Ask her if she approves and likes your ideas. Limit it down to several options and present all of them to her. The mom-to-be could give you some fresh and original perspective that you have not really though of.
Time of the Year and Venue
Take into consideration the time of the year and the venue before you choose the baby shower theme. Certain themes are excellent for indoor parties while others are good if you are holding the baby shower in a garden.
The venue is another determining factor, as well. The size of the room and the facilities you can make use of will all play a role. A winter-themed baby shower will be inappropriate for a garden tea party.
Baby Gender and Occupations of the Parents
You can also select a theme on the basis of the gender of the baby. Some themes will be best for a baby girl while others are appropriate if the mom-to-be is expecting a baby boy.
Another way to go is selecting the occupations or hobbies of the future parents as theme setters. Decide whether the gathering will be all female or whether couples will be invited. Some themes that are certain to entertain ladies will probably get their partners bored.
Go Out of the Box
If you have a creative and unusual theme idea, you should go ahead and implement it. There is nothing wrong with digressing away from traditions and choosing something atypical.
Consult the mom-to-be and present her with your idea. Dedicate the baby shower to a favorite cartoon character, to love or to flowers. Anything that you consider appropriate can be carried out in a beautiful and impressive manner.
Evaluate your options. Think of the advantages of each theme. Some will let you have a diversified buffet while other themes can help you decorate the venue in the most outstanding way. The pros and cons of each option should give you hints whether it is the right one for you.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more baby shower theme ideas or to see some baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
How to Stay Organized When Planning a Baby Shower
Planning a baby shower is certainly fun but it also involves some stress and havoc. The hostess will have to keep track of various aspects, including the guests, decorations, menu, baby shower favors, activities, games and cake.
Getting organized includes some preliminary steps that will make the process easier to follow. Monitoring progress is achievable through the creation of lists and a rough budget.
Use Checklists
Checklists are used for various purposes. They contain all the activities and preparation steps that have to be completed for a successful and entertaining baby shower.
You can easily come up with your own baby shower checklist. Making it by yourself will help you list all of the specific items related to your party.
Start by including all the items you will have to take care of. Step one will be putting together the guest list and the invitations. Underneath that step, list all of the materials that you will need including paper, decorations, printing services and mailing. When you complete this step, you can note that in the checklist and move on to the next item.
In case you are clueless concerning where to start, you can discover baby shower checklists online. These feature all the basic steps and you can modify to include any party aspect that is uniquely related to the baby shower you are hosting.
Know What Materials You Will Need
Apart from listing the major preparation steps you will be involved in, make sure that you write down all of the items and materials that will be needed for the decorations, favors and food.
If you are making the decorations and food yourself, make a list of all the ingredients. In case you will purchase decorations and use catering services, make a list of the items and menu that you are interested in.
The ingredients and materials list can be very useful when it comes to determining the preliminary baby shower budget.
Draft a Preliminary Budget
Planning is also connected to calculating expenditure in advance so that you have an idea about the financial resources that will be needed.
Search online for the price of invitations, favors, finger foods and other items that you will have to purchase. List all the prices and add the figures together. The sum you get will be your preliminary baby shower budget.
The actual sum that you will need could be smaller or larger than your rough calculation but you will at least have an idea about your expenditure. Having some preliminary calculation can help you get the financial resources you will need.
Keep Track of Progress
The aim of all the lists you draft is to help you keep track of progress. Make note of every step that you manage to complete.
Tracking progress is the best way to stay organized and to know how much time you will need to get ready for the baby shower. Try to set realistic deadlines in your checklist and see if you will manage to keep up with those.
Baby shower planning will be as stress-free, as you want it to be. You will have to pay attention to all details before you even get started. Drafting a complete list of tasks will show you how much work you have to do and how much time will be needed to manage everything.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more baby shower party planning tips or to check out some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Getting organized includes some preliminary steps that will make the process easier to follow. Monitoring progress is achievable through the creation of lists and a rough budget.
Use Checklists
Checklists are used for various purposes. They contain all the activities and preparation steps that have to be completed for a successful and entertaining baby shower.
You can easily come up with your own baby shower checklist. Making it by yourself will help you list all of the specific items related to your party.
Start by including all the items you will have to take care of. Step one will be putting together the guest list and the invitations. Underneath that step, list all of the materials that you will need including paper, decorations, printing services and mailing. When you complete this step, you can note that in the checklist and move on to the next item.
In case you are clueless concerning where to start, you can discover baby shower checklists online. These feature all the basic steps and you can modify to include any party aspect that is uniquely related to the baby shower you are hosting.
Know What Materials You Will Need
Apart from listing the major preparation steps you will be involved in, make sure that you write down all of the items and materials that will be needed for the decorations, favors and food.
If you are making the decorations and food yourself, make a list of all the ingredients. In case you will purchase decorations and use catering services, make a list of the items and menu that you are interested in.
The ingredients and materials list can be very useful when it comes to determining the preliminary baby shower budget.
Draft a Preliminary Budget
Planning is also connected to calculating expenditure in advance so that you have an idea about the financial resources that will be needed.
Search online for the price of invitations, favors, finger foods and other items that you will have to purchase. List all the prices and add the figures together. The sum you get will be your preliminary baby shower budget.
The actual sum that you will need could be smaller or larger than your rough calculation but you will at least have an idea about your expenditure. Having some preliminary calculation can help you get the financial resources you will need.
Keep Track of Progress
The aim of all the lists you draft is to help you keep track of progress. Make note of every step that you manage to complete.
Tracking progress is the best way to stay organized and to know how much time you will need to get ready for the baby shower. Try to set realistic deadlines in your checklist and see if you will manage to keep up with those.
Baby shower planning will be as stress-free, as you want it to be. You will have to pay attention to all details before you even get started. Drafting a complete list of tasks will show you how much work you have to do and how much time will be needed to manage everything.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more baby shower party planning tips or to check out some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Fun Prizes for Baby Shower Games
Baby shower favors are much more fun when you plan some games and activities that will let guests interact and get to know more about each other.
Some of the games will have competitive character. To stimulate guests, think of some small, fun gifts that will add to the appeal of the activities. These prizes need to be symbolic and entertaining more than being something of significant value. The emotional aspect of it will be much more important than luxury.
Exotic Recipes and Fun Recipe Boxes
Most of the baby shower guests will be female. You can provide game winners with exotic recipes in a beautiful recipe box.
Focus on something atypical. Most people know how to prepare basic meals. If you want to make the prize a really special one, you should probably focus on exotic cuisine. The recipe cards could be decorated to correspond to the type of meals.
Select interesting Indian, Chinese or Arabic recipes. The recipe box could be wooden. Wood can be carved or additionally decorated to correspond to the cuisine you have picked.
Potted Plants or Pot and Seeds
Another very creative and intriguing prize is a potted plant or a bag of seeds and a pot, giving the winner a chance to start the process from the very beginning.
If you choose a plant, it should be something that requires little care. Some people are not that skilled when it comes to gardening. They will have difficulties taking care of a potted plant. A four-leafed clover is a good idea, since it has a symbolic meaning apart from being a beautiful plant.
When you provide the winner with seeds, it might be wise to add an instructions card that explains what type of care the plant requires.
Candles, Key Chains and Fridge Magnets
Candles, key chains and fridge magnets are very typical prizes and gifts. There is nothing special about them.
You can turn these common items into something spectacular and cherished. Get them personalized. The monogram can either mention the winner’s achievement or the name of the mom-to-be and the date when the baby shower was held.
The items can also be selected to correspond to the theme of the baby shower. It can be any baby-related image. Be creative. You can even make such a prize yourself. Candles are very easy to create and fun to decorate.
Homemade Skin Care Products
Anything that you produce at home will be of special value.
Have pampering cosmetic products prepared for the ladies who manage to win the baby shower games. Any homemade skin care product will make the very happy.
It is easy to make a body lotion, a lip balm or a body scrub at home. Various recipes are available online. Apart from being fun to make, such cosmetic products will be entirely organic and made of useful ingredients.
To get guests enjoying the prizes, you need to have fun selecting or making them. Pick items that will please the group. These can be very tiny souvenirs that hold huge emotional value. Several carefully chosen prizes will turn the baby shower into an unforgettable event.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the baby shower game ideas or to check out some other baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Some of the games will have competitive character. To stimulate guests, think of some small, fun gifts that will add to the appeal of the activities. These prizes need to be symbolic and entertaining more than being something of significant value. The emotional aspect of it will be much more important than luxury.
Exotic Recipes and Fun Recipe Boxes
Most of the baby shower guests will be female. You can provide game winners with exotic recipes in a beautiful recipe box.
Focus on something atypical. Most people know how to prepare basic meals. If you want to make the prize a really special one, you should probably focus on exotic cuisine. The recipe cards could be decorated to correspond to the type of meals.
Select interesting Indian, Chinese or Arabic recipes. The recipe box could be wooden. Wood can be carved or additionally decorated to correspond to the cuisine you have picked.
Potted Plants or Pot and Seeds
Another very creative and intriguing prize is a potted plant or a bag of seeds and a pot, giving the winner a chance to start the process from the very beginning.
If you choose a plant, it should be something that requires little care. Some people are not that skilled when it comes to gardening. They will have difficulties taking care of a potted plant. A four-leafed clover is a good idea, since it has a symbolic meaning apart from being a beautiful plant.
When you provide the winner with seeds, it might be wise to add an instructions card that explains what type of care the plant requires.
Candles, Key Chains and Fridge Magnets
Candles, key chains and fridge magnets are very typical prizes and gifts. There is nothing special about them.
You can turn these common items into something spectacular and cherished. Get them personalized. The monogram can either mention the winner’s achievement or the name of the mom-to-be and the date when the baby shower was held.
The items can also be selected to correspond to the theme of the baby shower. It can be any baby-related image. Be creative. You can even make such a prize yourself. Candles are very easy to create and fun to decorate.
Homemade Skin Care Products
Anything that you produce at home will be of special value.
Have pampering cosmetic products prepared for the ladies who manage to win the baby shower games. Any homemade skin care product will make the very happy.
It is easy to make a body lotion, a lip balm or a body scrub at home. Various recipes are available online. Apart from being fun to make, such cosmetic products will be entirely organic and made of useful ingredients.
To get guests enjoying the prizes, you need to have fun selecting or making them. Pick items that will please the group. These can be very tiny souvenirs that hold huge emotional value. Several carefully chosen prizes will turn the baby shower into an unforgettable event.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the baby shower game ideas or to check out some other baby shower games, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Five Foods to Serve at a Baby Shower
When planning a baby shower, you will have to consider numerous organizational steps. One of the most important aspects to keep in mind is food. The right selection of meals and beverages will improve the party atmosphere and will give guests the chance to try tasty treats while socializing.
You always have a number of options connected to the theme of the party, the time of the day when it is held and the preferences of the mom-to-be.
To make a good choice, you can pick one of the popular foods that are usually served during a baby shower. These are certain to make all of the people attending the party happy.
Finger Foods
Finger foods are great in terms of socialization. People will grab a sandwich or a mini-pizza from the buffet while chatting to other guests.
All types of finger foods will be great for a baby shower. You can make finger sandwiches and cut them in specific shapes that correspond to the theme of the party. For example, you can get them in the shape of a stylized duckling, a cowboy hat or a soccer ball. You can even decorate the sandwiches in a way that makes them resemble a specific object.
Platters are another great finger food option. Serve vegetable, fruit, cheese and marine food platters.
Mini-pizzas and various dips can also be added to the finger food buffet. All these options will provide diversity an at least one meal suited to a person’s taste.
Salads
Apart from finger foods, serve various healthy salads. Some guests will certainly be weight-conscious. Take into consideration their needs.
A menu of three or four salads will be sufficient. You can easily prepare or order a lettuce and tuna salad, a Greek salad and a seafood salad. If you want to add something sweet and more special, you can have a fruit salad included in the medley.
Salads are both a satiating and dietetic option. Most ladies love them and since you are probably targeting a female audience, several salads will be a good option.
Diaper Treats
Diaper treats are both thematic and very tasty.
You will need a napkin. Place some treat inside (mints, candies a mix of nuts or anything else that you deem appropriate). Fold three sides of the napkin towards the center and use a decorative pin to hold the edges in the center.
Make sure that you place no oily foods or moist treats inside since they will stain the napkin, especially if the diaper treat stays at the buffet table over a longer period of time.
Cakes and Cupcakes
A baby shower needs to offer guests various types of desserts and sweets.
All kinds of cupcakes will be good, especially that they will add some color and splendor to the buffet table. Use icing and decorations to make the cupcake corresponding to the theme.
The cake will be the centerpiece of the buffet. It needs to look good and it needs to be tasty. A stork-themed cake, a crib, a child book, or an angel-themed cake will all be appropriate. This is probably the most creative food piece. Use it to enforce the theme and to make a point. It can feature writing along the decorative items, congratulating the mom and the dad-to-be.
Beverages
Apart from finger foods and appetizers, your buffet should always offer at least three or four types of drinks. To show solidarity with the mom-to-be, it might be a good idea to include non-alcoholic beverages solely.
Make sure you offer several types of fresh juices. Other good suggestions include coffee, tea, sparkling water and virgin drinks.
Diversity is the key to a successful baby shower buffet. Taking into consideration the preferences of the guests is another important aspect. To impress all, have one leading piece and a medley of small appetizers and treats.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for baby shower foods or to check out some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
You always have a number of options connected to the theme of the party, the time of the day when it is held and the preferences of the mom-to-be.
To make a good choice, you can pick one of the popular foods that are usually served during a baby shower. These are certain to make all of the people attending the party happy.
Finger Foods
Finger foods are great in terms of socialization. People will grab a sandwich or a mini-pizza from the buffet while chatting to other guests.
All types of finger foods will be great for a baby shower. You can make finger sandwiches and cut them in specific shapes that correspond to the theme of the party. For example, you can get them in the shape of a stylized duckling, a cowboy hat or a soccer ball. You can even decorate the sandwiches in a way that makes them resemble a specific object.
Platters are another great finger food option. Serve vegetable, fruit, cheese and marine food platters.
Mini-pizzas and various dips can also be added to the finger food buffet. All these options will provide diversity an at least one meal suited to a person’s taste.
Salads
Apart from finger foods, serve various healthy salads. Some guests will certainly be weight-conscious. Take into consideration their needs.
A menu of three or four salads will be sufficient. You can easily prepare or order a lettuce and tuna salad, a Greek salad and a seafood salad. If you want to add something sweet and more special, you can have a fruit salad included in the medley.
Salads are both a satiating and dietetic option. Most ladies love them and since you are probably targeting a female audience, several salads will be a good option.
Diaper Treats
Diaper treats are both thematic and very tasty.
You will need a napkin. Place some treat inside (mints, candies a mix of nuts or anything else that you deem appropriate). Fold three sides of the napkin towards the center and use a decorative pin to hold the edges in the center.
Make sure that you place no oily foods or moist treats inside since they will stain the napkin, especially if the diaper treat stays at the buffet table over a longer period of time.
Cakes and Cupcakes
A baby shower needs to offer guests various types of desserts and sweets.
All kinds of cupcakes will be good, especially that they will add some color and splendor to the buffet table. Use icing and decorations to make the cupcake corresponding to the theme.
The cake will be the centerpiece of the buffet. It needs to look good and it needs to be tasty. A stork-themed cake, a crib, a child book, or an angel-themed cake will all be appropriate. This is probably the most creative food piece. Use it to enforce the theme and to make a point. It can feature writing along the decorative items, congratulating the mom and the dad-to-be.
Beverages
Apart from finger foods and appetizers, your buffet should always offer at least three or four types of drinks. To show solidarity with the mom-to-be, it might be a good idea to include non-alcoholic beverages solely.
Make sure you offer several types of fresh juices. Other good suggestions include coffee, tea, sparkling water and virgin drinks.
Diversity is the key to a successful baby shower buffet. Taking into consideration the preferences of the guests is another important aspect. To impress all, have one leading piece and a medley of small appetizers and treats.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more ideas for baby shower foods or to check out some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
What to Include in Your Baby Shower Gift Bag
All the guests to a baby shower will be bringing presents to aid and please the mom-to-be. It is a great idea to have little gift bags for everyone who has attended the event. These will be something nice to take home and to remember the event by.
A baby shower gift bag can contain nearly any favor. You have various options, depending on your creativity, budget, baby shower theme and personal perception of what will make a great present.
Consider the following, when putting together a baby shower gift bag. Certain basic tips and rules can make your task much simpler.
Make It Theme-Relevant
A thematic favor bag will make guests remember the baby shower. Follow the theme you have chosen when coming up with guest presents.
Baby shower themes are numerous. You can have a party connected to peas in a pod, angels, love, baby cribs and other baby items, diapers, ladybugs, fairytale characters and many more.
The theme will affect the decorations. It should also be determining when it comes to the selection of the favors to put in the gift bag. Anything that is appropriately shaped or monogrammed will turn out to be a great gift.
Personalized Baby Shower Gift Bags
Beautiful items will always be appreciated. If these beautiful items are personalized, guests are likely to cherish them even more. Make sure that the favors you give out are connected in some way to the event.
Personalization can be achieved in various ways. You can have the item monogrammed, in case the material it is made of permits such processing.
A keychain could feature the picture of the mom-to-be, her name and the date when the event was held. Adding a cute quote or a witty slogan to the favor will give it something extra special.
If the party decorations have a certain element, decorative pattern or clip art used throughout, include that in the favor personalization, as well.
A Gender-Relevant Gift Bag
The gender of the baby can be used to add some cuteness to the shower gift bag. You can go for traditional colors and items associated to either baby girls or baby boys.
The color you pick is the first aspect that will determine if the favor was given in honor of a baby girl or a baby boy. You can select blue and pink or any other pastel shade that brings up some sort of association.
The favors themselves will also provide hints about the baby. They can be clever, cute or a combination of the two. A ribbon-shaped cookie will certainly speak of a baby girl. A baseball cap can represent the baby boy.
Wrapping It Up
As special as the favors are, they will fail impressing guests if you select an inappropriate wrap. Make sure that the outside is just as astonishing as the inside of the gift bag.
Pick the color that is predominant in the decorations and centerpieces and find wrapping paper or a gift bag that is in a similar nuance. The ribbon can either be matching or contrasting.
You can print the mom-to-be’s name on the gift bag, together with the date on which the shower was held. If you feel that this spoils your design, include this information inside, on a card or printed on the favor itself.
A well-chosen baby shower gift bag will make the event even more wonderful and heart-warming. Spare no effort when picking the favors themselves and the decorations. They will show how cherished and important each guest is. Do your best and be creative.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out more baby shower favor ideas or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
A baby shower gift bag can contain nearly any favor. You have various options, depending on your creativity, budget, baby shower theme and personal perception of what will make a great present.
Consider the following, when putting together a baby shower gift bag. Certain basic tips and rules can make your task much simpler.
Make It Theme-Relevant
A thematic favor bag will make guests remember the baby shower. Follow the theme you have chosen when coming up with guest presents.
Baby shower themes are numerous. You can have a party connected to peas in a pod, angels, love, baby cribs and other baby items, diapers, ladybugs, fairytale characters and many more.
The theme will affect the decorations. It should also be determining when it comes to the selection of the favors to put in the gift bag. Anything that is appropriately shaped or monogrammed will turn out to be a great gift.
Personalized Baby Shower Gift Bags
Beautiful items will always be appreciated. If these beautiful items are personalized, guests are likely to cherish them even more. Make sure that the favors you give out are connected in some way to the event.
Personalization can be achieved in various ways. You can have the item monogrammed, in case the material it is made of permits such processing.
A keychain could feature the picture of the mom-to-be, her name and the date when the event was held. Adding a cute quote or a witty slogan to the favor will give it something extra special.
If the party decorations have a certain element, decorative pattern or clip art used throughout, include that in the favor personalization, as well.
A Gender-Relevant Gift Bag
The gender of the baby can be used to add some cuteness to the shower gift bag. You can go for traditional colors and items associated to either baby girls or baby boys.
The color you pick is the first aspect that will determine if the favor was given in honor of a baby girl or a baby boy. You can select blue and pink or any other pastel shade that brings up some sort of association.
The favors themselves will also provide hints about the baby. They can be clever, cute or a combination of the two. A ribbon-shaped cookie will certainly speak of a baby girl. A baseball cap can represent the baby boy.
Wrapping It Up
As special as the favors are, they will fail impressing guests if you select an inappropriate wrap. Make sure that the outside is just as astonishing as the inside of the gift bag.
Pick the color that is predominant in the decorations and centerpieces and find wrapping paper or a gift bag that is in a similar nuance. The ribbon can either be matching or contrasting.
You can print the mom-to-be’s name on the gift bag, together with the date on which the shower was held. If you feel that this spoils your design, include this information inside, on a card or printed on the favor itself.
A well-chosen baby shower gift bag will make the event even more wonderful and heart-warming. Spare no effort when picking the favors themselves and the decorations. They will show how cherished and important each guest is. Do your best and be creative.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out more baby shower favor ideas or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Proper Dinner Table Etiquette to Teach Your Kids
Active involvement is needed at an early age to get children acquainted with proper dinner table manners and etiquette. Some parents prefer to wait but the fact is that the earlier etiquette education gets started, the better.
So many people believe that dining etiquette is solely connected to being able to use a fork and a spoon properly. The fact is that dining is closely tied to social interactions, proper behavior and ability to make use of everything available on the table.
It is important to point out that children should not be left to learn by mimicking adults. They should be instructed into learning dinner table etiquette. Turning the activity into a fun game is certain to make it a success.
Using a Napkin
Most children will use their hand to wipe their mouth. The napkin is rather neglected over this much simpler option.
Set personal example and show your kid how a napkin should be used. Demonstrate the manner in which it gets unfolded and how it is placed in the lap. Naturally, a napkin is to be used in a delicate manner.
Make it habitual for children to grab the napkin as soon as they sit at the table and one is available. This is one of the essential basics of dinner table etiquette and something that should be internalized at an early age.
Greeting Guests and Passing Items
Dinner table etiquette also involves welcoming guests, whenever you are the host of an event.
When greeting guests, make sure your kids are present. Teach them what an appropriate handshake is and how they need to say hello to everyone. You should also instruct children to refrain from sitting at the table before others do.
Even when you are alone at home with your kids, you need to get them used to passing around meals and spices at the table. Ask them for the salt and say thank you when the kid passes it. Respond in the same manner when your child wants to receive something that is out of reach.
Serving the Table
Children would love to play the host of a dinner event. Give them a chance to do so. Make children serve the appetizers and to fold napkins. Together, you can set and decorate the table. You will make your kids happy by giving them a chance to be part of the preparations.
If they are to host the event, children should know what questions to ask and how to address guests. Your kids should know when to refill glasses and when to ask guests if they would like a second serving of a meal.
Teach by Practicing and Setting Personal Example
It is of extreme importance to practice table manners at home. If you rehearse the dinner table etiquette during each family meal, you will get children accustomed to proper behavior.
Remember that children love mimicking adults. To behave properly, they will need a proper example. Instead of grabbing a quick sandwich and eating it while hurrying to go out, sit at the table and use a plate, knife and fork.
Give your children the proper example and instruct them. Explain what is right and what is wrong instead of reproaching them. Tell them what to do instead of what not to. Children will have difficulties following instructions, if they focus on a negative aspect (don’t eat with your mouth open, don’t put your elbows on the table). A positive approach is always more productive.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. To check out more etiquette tips including baby shower etiquette, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
So many people believe that dining etiquette is solely connected to being able to use a fork and a spoon properly. The fact is that dining is closely tied to social interactions, proper behavior and ability to make use of everything available on the table.
It is important to point out that children should not be left to learn by mimicking adults. They should be instructed into learning dinner table etiquette. Turning the activity into a fun game is certain to make it a success.
Using a Napkin
Most children will use their hand to wipe their mouth. The napkin is rather neglected over this much simpler option.
Set personal example and show your kid how a napkin should be used. Demonstrate the manner in which it gets unfolded and how it is placed in the lap. Naturally, a napkin is to be used in a delicate manner.
Make it habitual for children to grab the napkin as soon as they sit at the table and one is available. This is one of the essential basics of dinner table etiquette and something that should be internalized at an early age.
Greeting Guests and Passing Items
Dinner table etiquette also involves welcoming guests, whenever you are the host of an event.
When greeting guests, make sure your kids are present. Teach them what an appropriate handshake is and how they need to say hello to everyone. You should also instruct children to refrain from sitting at the table before others do.
Even when you are alone at home with your kids, you need to get them used to passing around meals and spices at the table. Ask them for the salt and say thank you when the kid passes it. Respond in the same manner when your child wants to receive something that is out of reach.
Serving the Table
Children would love to play the host of a dinner event. Give them a chance to do so. Make children serve the appetizers and to fold napkins. Together, you can set and decorate the table. You will make your kids happy by giving them a chance to be part of the preparations.
If they are to host the event, children should know what questions to ask and how to address guests. Your kids should know when to refill glasses and when to ask guests if they would like a second serving of a meal.
Teach by Practicing and Setting Personal Example
It is of extreme importance to practice table manners at home. If you rehearse the dinner table etiquette during each family meal, you will get children accustomed to proper behavior.
Remember that children love mimicking adults. To behave properly, they will need a proper example. Instead of grabbing a quick sandwich and eating it while hurrying to go out, sit at the table and use a plate, knife and fork.
Give your children the proper example and instruct them. Explain what is right and what is wrong instead of reproaching them. Tell them what to do instead of what not to. Children will have difficulties following instructions, if they focus on a negative aspect (don’t eat with your mouth open, don’t put your elbows on the table). A positive approach is always more productive.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. To check out more etiquette tips including baby shower etiquette, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
How to Pick the Best Paint Color for Your Baby's Room
Each aspect connected to the birth and life of your baby enchants you. You are busy buying toys, clothes and furniture. The selection of colors is an important part of the process.
Picking the right colors for your baby room is something very crucial when it comes to the wellbeing of your child. The correct choice of shades will keep your child happy and comfortable with the room throughout the years. You have numerous options to choose from. What are the best colors for a baby’s room?
When picking colors for your baby’s room, you can use various approaches. Make sure that you are using the correct reasoning.
Mood Setting
The colors you choose for the walls and the furniture should set the right mood. The room will have to remain a happy and cheerful place even during the cold and depressing winter days.
Pick pastel colors in bright and cheerful tones. Green, blue and pink are all such positive colors. Refrain from making the room too dark. Avoid colors like grey, black, brown or dark purple. The room should be a happy and welcoming.
The selection of the right colors will make your baby feel happy and will encourage creativity. Come up with a color scheme. It is a good idea to have all colors equally bright. Another option is to emphasize on one shade and to have additional, supportive colors.
Painted and Patterned Furniture
Apart from painting the walls, you need to select furniture in appropriate colors. The accessories and pieces you choose will add to the mood of the room.
Make the furniture corresponding to the wall color or contrasting it. You can even buy plain and unpainted furniture. Paint the pieces at home, in order to get a perfect color match.
Stripes and geometric figures will make the simplest chair or table something fun. Add colorful toy baskets in contrasting shades.
Use Feng Shui
Feng shui is an ancient philosophy that can be used to determine the most appropriate colors for the baby room. According to feng shui, each color has certain emotional and physical influence over people.
Colors are divided into cold (blue, green, purple) and warm (yellow, orange, red).
According to feng shui, a baby room should include all colors in a balanced manner. If the child is very active, cold colors should be predominant. Children that are unusually calm and inactive need a predominance of warm colors.
Feng shui seeks the harmony in opposites. If a wall has no furniture positioned in front of it, you should look for painting patterns. Having a large space featuring a single color could burden the child’s senses.
Emotional Significance
Think of the manner in which each color makes you feel. Colors are likely to influence your baby in the same way.
Most people associate yellow with the sun and green with the grass. Other colors are connected to unpleasant emotions and events.
Trust your own senses. Pick the colors that give you comfort and peace of mind.
It’s a Boy! It’s a Girl! Does Gender Matter?
Many parents will stereotypically paint a boy’s room blue and a girl’s room pink. Does it really have to be this way?
Refrain from limiting yourself. Gender stereotypes should not be enforced. Select pink or blue solely if you feel good about these colors. The furniture and shades in the baby’s room should be connected to positive emotions and happiness. This is the most adequate way to decide on the paint for your child’s room.
Trusting your senses is most important when you have to take important decisions related to your baby. Choose colors that make you feel good. Positive emotions and creativity should be encouraged in every way. Have fun with color selection and your baby will also have fun in the room.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. You can also get more ideas for room decorating and nursery themes by reading about baby shower colors or baby shower theme ideas.
Picking the right colors for your baby room is something very crucial when it comes to the wellbeing of your child. The correct choice of shades will keep your child happy and comfortable with the room throughout the years. You have numerous options to choose from. What are the best colors for a baby’s room?
When picking colors for your baby’s room, you can use various approaches. Make sure that you are using the correct reasoning.
Mood Setting
The colors you choose for the walls and the furniture should set the right mood. The room will have to remain a happy and cheerful place even during the cold and depressing winter days.
Pick pastel colors in bright and cheerful tones. Green, blue and pink are all such positive colors. Refrain from making the room too dark. Avoid colors like grey, black, brown or dark purple. The room should be a happy and welcoming.
The selection of the right colors will make your baby feel happy and will encourage creativity. Come up with a color scheme. It is a good idea to have all colors equally bright. Another option is to emphasize on one shade and to have additional, supportive colors.
Painted and Patterned Furniture
Apart from painting the walls, you need to select furniture in appropriate colors. The accessories and pieces you choose will add to the mood of the room.
Make the furniture corresponding to the wall color or contrasting it. You can even buy plain and unpainted furniture. Paint the pieces at home, in order to get a perfect color match.
Stripes and geometric figures will make the simplest chair or table something fun. Add colorful toy baskets in contrasting shades.
Use Feng Shui
Feng shui is an ancient philosophy that can be used to determine the most appropriate colors for the baby room. According to feng shui, each color has certain emotional and physical influence over people.
Colors are divided into cold (blue, green, purple) and warm (yellow, orange, red).
According to feng shui, a baby room should include all colors in a balanced manner. If the child is very active, cold colors should be predominant. Children that are unusually calm and inactive need a predominance of warm colors.
Feng shui seeks the harmony in opposites. If a wall has no furniture positioned in front of it, you should look for painting patterns. Having a large space featuring a single color could burden the child’s senses.
Emotional Significance
Think of the manner in which each color makes you feel. Colors are likely to influence your baby in the same way.
Most people associate yellow with the sun and green with the grass. Other colors are connected to unpleasant emotions and events.
Trust your own senses. Pick the colors that give you comfort and peace of mind.
It’s a Boy! It’s a Girl! Does Gender Matter?
Many parents will stereotypically paint a boy’s room blue and a girl’s room pink. Does it really have to be this way?
Refrain from limiting yourself. Gender stereotypes should not be enforced. Select pink or blue solely if you feel good about these colors. The furniture and shades in the baby’s room should be connected to positive emotions and happiness. This is the most adequate way to decide on the paint for your child’s room.
Trusting your senses is most important when you have to take important decisions related to your baby. Choose colors that make you feel good. Positive emotions and creativity should be encouraged in every way. Have fun with color selection and your baby will also have fun in the room.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. You can also get more ideas for room decorating and nursery themes by reading about baby shower colors or baby shower theme ideas.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tips for Inviting People to the Wedding Reception, But Not the Ceremony
Any special occasion involves two parts – a ceremony and a reception. This is most typical for weddings but the claim also holds true for christenings, baby showers, and various child-related occasions.
Sometimes, due to space limitations or sentimental reasons, people choose to have a small and private ceremony. Only close relatives and friends get invited to it, while a larger group of people are invited to the reception.
This decision is perfectly acceptable. After all, the couple getting married decides about the specifics of the event. It is important, however, to plan everything in advance and to let guests know how the wedding or other occasions will be taking place.
Why Have a Private Ceremony?
Many couples decide on a private ceremony. Having a small group of people present as witnesses makes the event much more special and intimate.
Usually, coupes decide on a private ceremony because of sentimental reasons. Having hundreds of people attending the event may take away from the charm of the wedding. Many individuals prefer to keep it smaller and more emotional.
A small ceremony can also be held because of space limitations. In such instances, it could be difficult to decide about the people to get invited.
Who Should Be Invited?
A small ceremony signifies that the bride and the groom will have to make some difficult decisions about the people who will get invited and those who will attend the reception solely.
Closest family members will certainly make it to the ceremony. The same applies to best friends and roommates. Distant relatives, coworkers and acquaintances can be invited to the reception after the ceremony.
Announcing the Decision
To have everyone comfortable with the decision, you need to announce it in advance. Otherwise, you risk getting some of the guests offended.
It is of uttermost importance to have two sets of invitations. The first set should list both the ceremony and the reception while the second should invite guests to the reception solely. Having only one type of invitation is the most certain way to get people angry with your decision.
Draw a clear line. No exceptions will be permitted. If you decide to have solely family member attending the ceremony, it will be inappropriate to invite one or two friends. Decide on the criteria and stick to them.
Refrain from yielding in to pressure. Some people will certainly try to negotiate the terms and conditions. If you make one exception, you will soon be forced to make another one. When you decide on the guest lists for the ceremony and the reception, you should accept no compromises.
Make Ceremony Attendance Optional
Another idea is to make the attendance of the ceremony optional. This way, you will be inviting people to the party without forcing them to be present at the official ceremony.
Some people feel uncomfortable with ceremonies and their etiquette. Making it optional for guests takes the pressure off. Instead of forcing them to do something they are uncomfortable with, you will be giving them the chance to celebrate your special occasion and to have fun.
Understand that there is nothing wrong with having people invited to the reception solely. This is your party. Have it the way you want it to be. Take the decision and make sure that everyone is aware of it. When you make your choices, you will be left with having fun with the people that you love.
Jamie Highland writes about various family, events, and baby topics. To check out some baby ceremony ideas or some baby shower invitations, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
Sometimes, due to space limitations or sentimental reasons, people choose to have a small and private ceremony. Only close relatives and friends get invited to it, while a larger group of people are invited to the reception.
This decision is perfectly acceptable. After all, the couple getting married decides about the specifics of the event. It is important, however, to plan everything in advance and to let guests know how the wedding or other occasions will be taking place.
Why Have a Private Ceremony?
Many couples decide on a private ceremony. Having a small group of people present as witnesses makes the event much more special and intimate.
Usually, coupes decide on a private ceremony because of sentimental reasons. Having hundreds of people attending the event may take away from the charm of the wedding. Many individuals prefer to keep it smaller and more emotional.
A small ceremony can also be held because of space limitations. In such instances, it could be difficult to decide about the people to get invited.
Who Should Be Invited?
A small ceremony signifies that the bride and the groom will have to make some difficult decisions about the people who will get invited and those who will attend the reception solely.
Closest family members will certainly make it to the ceremony. The same applies to best friends and roommates. Distant relatives, coworkers and acquaintances can be invited to the reception after the ceremony.
Announcing the Decision
To have everyone comfortable with the decision, you need to announce it in advance. Otherwise, you risk getting some of the guests offended.
It is of uttermost importance to have two sets of invitations. The first set should list both the ceremony and the reception while the second should invite guests to the reception solely. Having only one type of invitation is the most certain way to get people angry with your decision.
Draw a clear line. No exceptions will be permitted. If you decide to have solely family member attending the ceremony, it will be inappropriate to invite one or two friends. Decide on the criteria and stick to them.
Refrain from yielding in to pressure. Some people will certainly try to negotiate the terms and conditions. If you make one exception, you will soon be forced to make another one. When you decide on the guest lists for the ceremony and the reception, you should accept no compromises.
Make Ceremony Attendance Optional
Another idea is to make the attendance of the ceremony optional. This way, you will be inviting people to the party without forcing them to be present at the official ceremony.
Some people feel uncomfortable with ceremonies and their etiquette. Making it optional for guests takes the pressure off. Instead of forcing them to do something they are uncomfortable with, you will be giving them the chance to celebrate your special occasion and to have fun.
Understand that there is nothing wrong with having people invited to the reception solely. This is your party. Have it the way you want it to be. Take the decision and make sure that everyone is aware of it. When you make your choices, you will be left with having fun with the people that you love.
Jamie Highland writes about various family, events, and baby topics. To check out some baby ceremony ideas or some baby shower invitations, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
Planning the 1st Birthday of Your Child
A baby’s first birthday is a wonderful occasion that deserves to be marked appropriately. Organizing a first birthday party will give you the chance to unleash your creativity and to have lots of fun.
While your baby is still young, the birthday party will be a chance for family members, relatives and close friends to spend time together and to celebrate. The baby will feel all the love and warmth that special people hold.
Planning a first birthday party is relatively uncomplicated. You can decide on the decorations, food and party activities. If you want to, you can even have a special party theme.
Party Decorations
Each party needs to have appropriate decorations. A very special occasion, like the first birthday of a baby, deserves lots of creativity.
Most party stores offer supplies that are suitable for any kind of party. Decide on the theme and draft a list of everything that you will need. You can either purchase the decorations or the materials needed to create such at home.
Remember that the event is dedicated to your baby. You can incorporate pictures and videos from the baby’s first year to make the decorations. Come up with posters or table centerpieces that utilize these very special photographs.
Invitations
Once you have decided on the theme and other aspects of the party, you can work on the invitations.
These can be sent electronically or by mail. The traditional method is usually more appropriate, as it will leave people with something to put in their archives.
You can use a cute baby picture to decorate the invitation. Another option is to cut it in the shape of a baby item – a pacifier, a teddy bear or a crib.
Make sure that the invitation contains all the important information – date, location, RSVP information and party theme, in case you decide to have such. It is also important to give guests hints about the best types of gifts. It will make the task easier and will provide the baby with useful items.
Give Children a Chance to Have Fun
Relatives and friends are likely to come to the party together with their children. This signifies that a first birthday party will bring together children of all ages. Is it possible to keep all of these children entertained?
Certain games and activities can be used to make all the guests enjoy the party. Some activities will be suitable for adults and children and will help them have fun together.
Modeling clay is the perfect party supply. It appeals to both toddlers and older children. You can even launch a competition for the most intriguing modeling clay figure. The activity will keep children occupied for hours.
Painting is another engaging activity. Ask the children to draw a picture for the happy baby having a birthday. Adults can be encouraged to write notes, which would be archived and given to the child in time.
Have the guests share memories related to your baby. This game will get both adults and children involved. Ask them to say something funny or touching. Such activities will help you break the ice and create unique party atmosphere.
Some time should be dedicated to gift opening, as well. The unwrapping of presents can be exceptionally fun, as long as you know what to say and how to address each person.
A first birthday is a wonderful occasion for a friendly get-together. You can take preparations down to a minimum, in case you are unwilling or unable to spend time and resources on organizing the event. Having fun with loved ones is the most important part. Enjoy it!
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some first birthday themes or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
While your baby is still young, the birthday party will be a chance for family members, relatives and close friends to spend time together and to celebrate. The baby will feel all the love and warmth that special people hold.
Planning a first birthday party is relatively uncomplicated. You can decide on the decorations, food and party activities. If you want to, you can even have a special party theme.
Party Decorations
Each party needs to have appropriate decorations. A very special occasion, like the first birthday of a baby, deserves lots of creativity.
Most party stores offer supplies that are suitable for any kind of party. Decide on the theme and draft a list of everything that you will need. You can either purchase the decorations or the materials needed to create such at home.
Remember that the event is dedicated to your baby. You can incorporate pictures and videos from the baby’s first year to make the decorations. Come up with posters or table centerpieces that utilize these very special photographs.
Invitations
Once you have decided on the theme and other aspects of the party, you can work on the invitations.
These can be sent electronically or by mail. The traditional method is usually more appropriate, as it will leave people with something to put in their archives.
You can use a cute baby picture to decorate the invitation. Another option is to cut it in the shape of a baby item – a pacifier, a teddy bear or a crib.
Make sure that the invitation contains all the important information – date, location, RSVP information and party theme, in case you decide to have such. It is also important to give guests hints about the best types of gifts. It will make the task easier and will provide the baby with useful items.
Give Children a Chance to Have Fun
Relatives and friends are likely to come to the party together with their children. This signifies that a first birthday party will bring together children of all ages. Is it possible to keep all of these children entertained?
Certain games and activities can be used to make all the guests enjoy the party. Some activities will be suitable for adults and children and will help them have fun together.
Modeling clay is the perfect party supply. It appeals to both toddlers and older children. You can even launch a competition for the most intriguing modeling clay figure. The activity will keep children occupied for hours.
Painting is another engaging activity. Ask the children to draw a picture for the happy baby having a birthday. Adults can be encouraged to write notes, which would be archived and given to the child in time.
Have the guests share memories related to your baby. This game will get both adults and children involved. Ask them to say something funny or touching. Such activities will help you break the ice and create unique party atmosphere.
Some time should be dedicated to gift opening, as well. The unwrapping of presents can be exceptionally fun, as long as you know what to say and how to address each person.
A first birthday is a wonderful occasion for a friendly get-together. You can take preparations down to a minimum, in case you are unwilling or unable to spend time and resources on organizing the event. Having fun with loved ones is the most important part. Enjoy it!
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some first birthday themes or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.
Tips For Starting Your Garden With Seeds
Many gardeners want to get started from the earliest stage of the process. This involves planting flowers and vegetables from seeds. Starting a garden from scratch is possible, as long as you follow all the basics.
Flowers and the majority of garden plants are divided into three groups: annual, biennial and perennial. These are started from seeds. The seeds would grow into seedlings, which can be planted in the garden.
Preconditions
To get plants started from seeds, you will have to consider several factors. The first thing to plan is the type of soil. You may want to plant the seeds in pots and then to move the seedlings to the garden.
Go to a garden store, where you will be advised about the best type of soil for the needs of the specific plant.
The water that you use for the plants should contain no chlorine or salts. Fill a container and let it stay overnight before watering the plants.
When it comes to light, you will have to be more careful. Some seeds need darkness to germinate. These seeds should be covered by soil. Others need sunlight and have to be placed on the surface of the soil (petunias, for example).
The optimum temperature for the germination of the majority of seeds is 15 to 18 degrees Celsius during the night and 21 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day.
Planting the Seeds
For best results, you will have to plant seeds into pots before moving them in the garden. Fill a pot with soil and get it wet. Press the soil slightly with your hands so that it becomes more compact.
Put the seeds on the surface of the soil and use some more soil to cover them. Sprinkle water over the seeds. Place the pot on an even surface and cover the pot with plastic foil, which should not touch the soil.
Maintain the soil wet until the seeds germinate. Once the young plants sprout, the amount of moisture can decrease. The surface of the soil should be dry before you water the plants once again.
Fertilizing Seedlings
To grow, the plants use the nutrients and energy stored in the seeds. You will have to start fertilizing the plants only after several leaves get formed.
Fertilize the plants once a week. Choose a proper water-soluble fertilizer. You can also choose an organic fertilizer, in case you are planting vegetables and you want to keep the plant production ecological.
If the seedlings grow to be too tall before you plant them in the garden, you can cut off the top. Always cut the area above a leaf or above the place where a branch has formed.
Moving the Seedlings to the Garden
In order to get the plants naturalized, you should start taking the pots outside one or two weeks after the seed germination. Maintain the soil moist.
In the first few days, take the plants to a shady part of the garden. After that, you can position the pots in a sunny place. Before you plant the seedlings in the garden, you need to keep them outside at least two times overnight.
Plants That Can be Started from Seeds
Which types of plants can be started from seeds?
You can give various flowers and vegetables from seed. These are easy to take care of and grow.
Try some of the plants which are best for beginners. You can try more difficult tasks once you gain some experience and get acquainted to more complicated planting procedures.
Some of the flowers that you can grow from seeds include marigold, convolvulus, dahlia, petunia, nasturtium, cyclamen, primrose, mimosa and aster.
Other plants that are easy to start from seeds include hibiscus, mountain ash, juniper, chestnut and sycamore.
Jamie Highland is an article writer and enjoys plants and gardening as a hobby. If you enjoy gardening, then check out these baby shower seed packets, the perfect baby shower gift for gardening enthusiasts.
Flowers and the majority of garden plants are divided into three groups: annual, biennial and perennial. These are started from seeds. The seeds would grow into seedlings, which can be planted in the garden.
Preconditions
To get plants started from seeds, you will have to consider several factors. The first thing to plan is the type of soil. You may want to plant the seeds in pots and then to move the seedlings to the garden.
Go to a garden store, where you will be advised about the best type of soil for the needs of the specific plant.
The water that you use for the plants should contain no chlorine or salts. Fill a container and let it stay overnight before watering the plants.
When it comes to light, you will have to be more careful. Some seeds need darkness to germinate. These seeds should be covered by soil. Others need sunlight and have to be placed on the surface of the soil (petunias, for example).
The optimum temperature for the germination of the majority of seeds is 15 to 18 degrees Celsius during the night and 21 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day.
Planting the Seeds
For best results, you will have to plant seeds into pots before moving them in the garden. Fill a pot with soil and get it wet. Press the soil slightly with your hands so that it becomes more compact.
Put the seeds on the surface of the soil and use some more soil to cover them. Sprinkle water over the seeds. Place the pot on an even surface and cover the pot with plastic foil, which should not touch the soil.
Maintain the soil wet until the seeds germinate. Once the young plants sprout, the amount of moisture can decrease. The surface of the soil should be dry before you water the plants once again.
Fertilizing Seedlings
To grow, the plants use the nutrients and energy stored in the seeds. You will have to start fertilizing the plants only after several leaves get formed.
Fertilize the plants once a week. Choose a proper water-soluble fertilizer. You can also choose an organic fertilizer, in case you are planting vegetables and you want to keep the plant production ecological.
If the seedlings grow to be too tall before you plant them in the garden, you can cut off the top. Always cut the area above a leaf or above the place where a branch has formed.
Moving the Seedlings to the Garden
In order to get the plants naturalized, you should start taking the pots outside one or two weeks after the seed germination. Maintain the soil moist.
In the first few days, take the plants to a shady part of the garden. After that, you can position the pots in a sunny place. Before you plant the seedlings in the garden, you need to keep them outside at least two times overnight.
Plants That Can be Started from Seeds
Which types of plants can be started from seeds?
You can give various flowers and vegetables from seed. These are easy to take care of and grow.
Try some of the plants which are best for beginners. You can try more difficult tasks once you gain some experience and get acquainted to more complicated planting procedures.
Some of the flowers that you can grow from seeds include marigold, convolvulus, dahlia, petunia, nasturtium, cyclamen, primrose, mimosa and aster.
Other plants that are easy to start from seeds include hibiscus, mountain ash, juniper, chestnut and sycamore.
Jamie Highland is an article writer and enjoys plants and gardening as a hobby. If you enjoy gardening, then check out these baby shower seed packets, the perfect baby shower gift for gardening enthusiasts.
Minty Cookies – Recipe for Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies
Peppermint pinwheel cookies are tasty and they look great. Many people are intimidated by the aspect and they never really try to make pinwheel cookies. In fact, the technique is quite simple - you don’t have any reason not to make delicious peppermint pinwheel cookies. The basic ingredients for any cookie recipes are: two parts flour, one part fat (it can be butter, cream, fat yogurt, margarine or even vegetable oil), one part sugar, one egg for each cup of flour and some baking powder. You can add to the dough any flavors you prefer, small chunks of chocolate, or dried fruits pieces. Once you learn to bake cookies following this simple rule, you’ll be able to improvise and to create your unique, personalized cookies recipes, which will make a fun treat at home or for parties.
There is a basic recipe for mint cookies, a very versatile one that you can easily adjust, based on the ingredients you have on hand. The ingredients are: two cups of white flour, one cup of sugar, two sticks of butter, two eggs, cocoa powder, peppermint extract and baking powder. Take the butter out of the refrigerator and cut the butter into small cubes. Put them in a large bowl and add the rest on the ingredients one by one: sugar, eggs, flour, and then baking powder. Leave the cocoa powder and the peppermint extract aside for now. This type of dough doesn’t need a lot of mixing. You have to beat it only until the dry ingredients fully absorb the wet ones and the dough becomes elastic. If some unmelted pieces of butter are still visible in the dough, don’t worry as this is normal. The dough must be mixed in a cool place, preferably on a cold surface like a marble table.
After you make the dough, leave it inside the fridge for a half an hour. Slice the dough in two separate parts. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder in one half and one tablespoon of peppermint extract in the other half. Then place each piece of dough on parchment paper and roll it carefully as the dough is very tender and breaks easily. Use powdered sugar to prevent sticking. After you stretch the two pieces of dough, put the minty one on top of the cocoa one and roll them together. Place the roll back in the fridge for another hour. In the meantime, preheat the oven and find a large pan. Put parchment paper in the pan. Take the dough roll from the fridge and using a sharp knife with a thin blade, cut the roll into 1/2 inch slices. Place the pan in the hot oven for about half an hour. The combination between the cocoa and the peppermint is delicious and the cookies will be tender and will remain soft for a long time. If you want the cookies to look festive, you can add some green food coloring into the peppermint dough.
Now that you know the basics of making mint cookies, you can play with the recipe. For healthier cookies, you can use whole flour instead of white floor and you can reduce the sugar quantity. You can also replace the butter with a less fatty ingredient like cream. These cookies will be a delicious treat for all occasions including just a snack at home on a normal day or party treats for birthday parties and baby showers.
Jamie Highland writes for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells mints, cookies, and other party food. To check out some baby shower mints, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
There is a basic recipe for mint cookies, a very versatile one that you can easily adjust, based on the ingredients you have on hand. The ingredients are: two cups of white flour, one cup of sugar, two sticks of butter, two eggs, cocoa powder, peppermint extract and baking powder. Take the butter out of the refrigerator and cut the butter into small cubes. Put them in a large bowl and add the rest on the ingredients one by one: sugar, eggs, flour, and then baking powder. Leave the cocoa powder and the peppermint extract aside for now. This type of dough doesn’t need a lot of mixing. You have to beat it only until the dry ingredients fully absorb the wet ones and the dough becomes elastic. If some unmelted pieces of butter are still visible in the dough, don’t worry as this is normal. The dough must be mixed in a cool place, preferably on a cold surface like a marble table.
After you make the dough, leave it inside the fridge for a half an hour. Slice the dough in two separate parts. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder in one half and one tablespoon of peppermint extract in the other half. Then place each piece of dough on parchment paper and roll it carefully as the dough is very tender and breaks easily. Use powdered sugar to prevent sticking. After you stretch the two pieces of dough, put the minty one on top of the cocoa one and roll them together. Place the roll back in the fridge for another hour. In the meantime, preheat the oven and find a large pan. Put parchment paper in the pan. Take the dough roll from the fridge and using a sharp knife with a thin blade, cut the roll into 1/2 inch slices. Place the pan in the hot oven for about half an hour. The combination between the cocoa and the peppermint is delicious and the cookies will be tender and will remain soft for a long time. If you want the cookies to look festive, you can add some green food coloring into the peppermint dough.
Now that you know the basics of making mint cookies, you can play with the recipe. For healthier cookies, you can use whole flour instead of white floor and you can reduce the sugar quantity. You can also replace the butter with a less fatty ingredient like cream. These cookies will be a delicious treat for all occasions including just a snack at home on a normal day or party treats for birthday parties and baby showers.
Jamie Highland writes for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells mints, cookies, and other party food. To check out some baby shower mints, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
How Much Coffee Is Too Much and Other Health Benefits of Coffee
If you like to drink one or two cups of coffee every day, you should know that it’s not only delicious but also good for you. Health benefits of drinking coffee are multiple, if you do it in moderation. One or two cups every day is the quantity that allows you to enjoy the health benefits of drinking coffee without experiencing the nasty effects of caffeine addiction.
Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants, which are good for your body and protect you against the pollution and the toxins from the environment. If you have low blood pressure, coffee helps you adjust it in a natural way without using drugs. Coffee can help you treat your addiction to sweets, sodas, and energy dinks. You have the impulse to eat and drink sweet stuff especially when you are tired and you lose energy. You can control this unhealthy habit by drinking a cup of good-quality unsweetened coffee with just a drop of milk. You can add a fruit to the coffee, and the healthy, nutritious combination will keep you up and running through the day.
You should know that a cup of coffee is better than an energy drink for your health. Energy drinks have a lot of chemicals, colorants, preservatives, sweeteners and a small percentage of caffeine. Coffee contains natural caffeine and has hundreds of other compounds that are healthy for your body.
Scientists have already identified a lot of very specific health benefits of drinking coffee. Drinking one or two cups of coffee every day reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson disease, and gallstone disease. Even more, coffee is associated with reduced risk of cancer – oral, esophageal and prostate cancer. Also, coffee enhances the effect of analgesics and protects your liver. If you are suffering from constipation, one cup of coffee in the morning will do wonders for you.
Coffee is a healthy way to help you wake up in the morning and to keep you functioning properly during the day. However, you shouldn’t overdo your coffee intake. Two cups a day is considered moderate consumption of coffee. With this amount, you will enjoy only the health benefits of drinking coffee and not the downsides. If you regularly drink more then two cups of coffee per day, it might cause you problems, like dehydration and insomnia.
People suffering from high blood pressure should talk to their physician about the coffee consumption. Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure don’t work properly if you associate them with coffee. But, if you want to enjoy the delicious taste of fresh made coffee in the morning, you can have the decaffeinated version. Decaf coffee still contains antioxidants and other healthy compounds, but almost all caffeine is removed. So, you can have decaf without worrying about its effects on your blood pressure.
When picking coffee, make sure you get the real stuff and not instant coffee. A lot of instant coffee brands add more than coffee to their products. You should try to stick with coffee beans that you grind up yourself. This way, the coffee will keep the natural flavor for a longer period of time.
Jamie Highland writes about events and parties, like weddings and baby showers, and is a coffee fanatic. To check out some baby shower coffee, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants, which are good for your body and protect you against the pollution and the toxins from the environment. If you have low blood pressure, coffee helps you adjust it in a natural way without using drugs. Coffee can help you treat your addiction to sweets, sodas, and energy dinks. You have the impulse to eat and drink sweet stuff especially when you are tired and you lose energy. You can control this unhealthy habit by drinking a cup of good-quality unsweetened coffee with just a drop of milk. You can add a fruit to the coffee, and the healthy, nutritious combination will keep you up and running through the day.
You should know that a cup of coffee is better than an energy drink for your health. Energy drinks have a lot of chemicals, colorants, preservatives, sweeteners and a small percentage of caffeine. Coffee contains natural caffeine and has hundreds of other compounds that are healthy for your body.
Scientists have already identified a lot of very specific health benefits of drinking coffee. Drinking one or two cups of coffee every day reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson disease, and gallstone disease. Even more, coffee is associated with reduced risk of cancer – oral, esophageal and prostate cancer. Also, coffee enhances the effect of analgesics and protects your liver. If you are suffering from constipation, one cup of coffee in the morning will do wonders for you.
Coffee is a healthy way to help you wake up in the morning and to keep you functioning properly during the day. However, you shouldn’t overdo your coffee intake. Two cups a day is considered moderate consumption of coffee. With this amount, you will enjoy only the health benefits of drinking coffee and not the downsides. If you regularly drink more then two cups of coffee per day, it might cause you problems, like dehydration and insomnia.
People suffering from high blood pressure should talk to their physician about the coffee consumption. Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure don’t work properly if you associate them with coffee. But, if you want to enjoy the delicious taste of fresh made coffee in the morning, you can have the decaffeinated version. Decaf coffee still contains antioxidants and other healthy compounds, but almost all caffeine is removed. So, you can have decaf without worrying about its effects on your blood pressure.
When picking coffee, make sure you get the real stuff and not instant coffee. A lot of instant coffee brands add more than coffee to their products. You should try to stick with coffee beans that you grind up yourself. This way, the coffee will keep the natural flavor for a longer period of time.
Jamie Highland writes about events and parties, like weddings and baby showers, and is a coffee fanatic. To check out some baby shower coffee, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Unconventional Beauty Tips and Tricks Using Household Items
There are many simple beauty tips and tricks, which will help you to look great without having to pay lots of money on expensive cosmetic products or on visits to the cosmeticians. Most women are concerned about the way their face looks and that’s only natural, since the face is the first thing that other people notice about you. Well, the best beauty tip you’ll ever get is to stay healthy, exercise and eat well. Beauty tips and tricks won’t help you as much if you have a lot of bad habits, like smoking, eating too many fats and sweets, or not getting enough rest. You can scrub your face with the most sophisticated exfoliating soap and you can use the most expensive facial cream on the market. That’s just not enough – you have to make all the right choices for your body. Not only is what you put on your skin important, but also what you put inside your body.
Supposing you already adopted a healthy life style, here are some beauty tips and tricks that with very little effort and very little money will help you to look flawless. The appearance of the skin on your face and body is very important. Beautiful skin means a beautiful lady. All those facial treatments and creams are pretty expensive. But you can find, inside your house, a lot of products that make great, natural and cheap facial treatments.
If you have oily skin, you can scrub it with some freshly ground coffee. Just put the coffee in some warm water for about 30 seconds. If you use it dry, it might scratch your face. This facial treatment will help you remove the dead skin cells, while the caffeine has a beneficial effect on the skin. For oily skin, you can use a homemade toner out of cucumber and lemon juice, which will remove the excess oil from the skin as it closes your pores. If you have dry skin, you can make a really helpful, soothing facial mask, using a crushed apricot, mixed with a heavy cream. This mask will hydrate and moist your skin, leaving it looking fresh and healthy.
Dry lips can be treated by spreading a thin layer of honey on them. Honey is very useful when it comes about healing dry, irritated skin. You can apply honey on your face, especially during winter, when the skin is damaged by the cold air. These beauty tips and tricks are great because you don’t put all the chemicals from commercial face creams and lotions on your skin.
For beautiful skin on our entire body, olive oil is the right solution. Before you take your shower in the evenings, massage your entire body with good-quality extra virgin olive oil. Don’t worry, once you shower, the soap will take away the olive oil odor and you won’t end up spelling like an Italian restaurant. Olive oil is extremely efficient. It makes your skin silky and smooth, in a way that regular body lotions can’t manage to do. After you apply the olive oil on your entire body, wait for at least 10 minutes before showering. These beauty tips and tricks will help you keep your youth for years to come.
Jamie Highland writes articles for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells beauty products, like lotion and mirror compacts, as party favors. To check out some mirror compact favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
Supposing you already adopted a healthy life style, here are some beauty tips and tricks that with very little effort and very little money will help you to look flawless. The appearance of the skin on your face and body is very important. Beautiful skin means a beautiful lady. All those facial treatments and creams are pretty expensive. But you can find, inside your house, a lot of products that make great, natural and cheap facial treatments.
If you have oily skin, you can scrub it with some freshly ground coffee. Just put the coffee in some warm water for about 30 seconds. If you use it dry, it might scratch your face. This facial treatment will help you remove the dead skin cells, while the caffeine has a beneficial effect on the skin. For oily skin, you can use a homemade toner out of cucumber and lemon juice, which will remove the excess oil from the skin as it closes your pores. If you have dry skin, you can make a really helpful, soothing facial mask, using a crushed apricot, mixed with a heavy cream. This mask will hydrate and moist your skin, leaving it looking fresh and healthy.
Dry lips can be treated by spreading a thin layer of honey on them. Honey is very useful when it comes about healing dry, irritated skin. You can apply honey on your face, especially during winter, when the skin is damaged by the cold air. These beauty tips and tricks are great because you don’t put all the chemicals from commercial face creams and lotions on your skin.
For beautiful skin on our entire body, olive oil is the right solution. Before you take your shower in the evenings, massage your entire body with good-quality extra virgin olive oil. Don’t worry, once you shower, the soap will take away the olive oil odor and you won’t end up spelling like an Italian restaurant. Olive oil is extremely efficient. It makes your skin silky and smooth, in a way that regular body lotions can’t manage to do. After you apply the olive oil on your entire body, wait for at least 10 minutes before showering. These beauty tips and tricks will help you keep your youth for years to come.
Jamie Highland writes articles for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells beauty products, like lotion and mirror compacts, as party favors. To check out some mirror compact favors, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
How Wine Stoppers Prevent Your Wine From Losing Its Zing After Opening
Everybody knows what happens to wine after the bottle is opened. If it is left opened, the wonderful drink will soon lose its zing and will become tasteless or even unpleasant.
Numerous manners of wine protection after opening have been designed. The simplest way to keep the bottle well closed is the usage of a wine stopper. Are wine stoppers really effective and how does it happen?
Wine and bottle stoppers in general are made of various materials. They can be made of glass, metal or cork. The material itself will also play a role when it comes to keeping wine tasty.
According to statistics, traditional cork wine stoppers can lead to some problems. Though they are widely used, one out of 20 bottles of wine gets spoiled after opening because of unstable compounds in the cork stopper.
Oxygen is the substance that spoils the taste of wine as time passes. Good stoppers will provide a tight seal, keeping oxygen out.
Glass stoppers are considered to be of good quality, though they are more expensive.
It is important to know that the tight seal is of uttermost importance. Quality wine stoppers fit finely into the mouth of the bottle, letting no air go inside. When it comes to seal, rubber stoppers are probably the most efficient ones, though they look less fancy and beautiful than metal or glass wine stoppers.
To make sure that the bottle is closed in an adequate manner, you will have to take proper care of your wine stoppers.
Most wine stoppers have rubber built into them, in order to provide tight seal. Examine the rubber parts to make sure that they are flexible. If the rubber becomes stiff or if it starts breaking apart, you should replace the wine stopper.
Cork stoppers, especially if they are made of natural cork can also get damaged after some time passes. If the cork starts breaking into small pieces, it should no longer be inserted into a bottle. The cork pieces can spoil the wine, instead of protecting it.
Knowing how to insert the stopper into the wine bottle will also prolong the life of an open bottle. The motion needs to be circular. Insert the bottle as far down the mouth of the bottle as it goes. Make sure that there are no hollow spaces.
Using the original bottle stopper is not always the best idea. The cork at the bottom is already moist and most of us just turn the stopper upside down. Though this is partially effective, it cannot deal with the fact that oxygen has already entered the bottle.
The most efficient methods of preserving wine include gassing and the use of wine stoppers. Pumps should be used to get the oxygen out, replacing it with a certain harmless gas. The insertion of gas before the use of a wine opener will further prolong the life of your wine. Such pumps are available for mass home use and you can easily purchase one alongside your wine stoppers.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the baby shower bottle stoppers 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.
Numerous manners of wine protection after opening have been designed. The simplest way to keep the bottle well closed is the usage of a wine stopper. Are wine stoppers really effective and how does it happen?
Wine and bottle stoppers in general are made of various materials. They can be made of glass, metal or cork. The material itself will also play a role when it comes to keeping wine tasty.
According to statistics, traditional cork wine stoppers can lead to some problems. Though they are widely used, one out of 20 bottles of wine gets spoiled after opening because of unstable compounds in the cork stopper.
Oxygen is the substance that spoils the taste of wine as time passes. Good stoppers will provide a tight seal, keeping oxygen out.
Glass stoppers are considered to be of good quality, though they are more expensive.
It is important to know that the tight seal is of uttermost importance. Quality wine stoppers fit finely into the mouth of the bottle, letting no air go inside. When it comes to seal, rubber stoppers are probably the most efficient ones, though they look less fancy and beautiful than metal or glass wine stoppers.
To make sure that the bottle is closed in an adequate manner, you will have to take proper care of your wine stoppers.
Most wine stoppers have rubber built into them, in order to provide tight seal. Examine the rubber parts to make sure that they are flexible. If the rubber becomes stiff or if it starts breaking apart, you should replace the wine stopper.
Cork stoppers, especially if they are made of natural cork can also get damaged after some time passes. If the cork starts breaking into small pieces, it should no longer be inserted into a bottle. The cork pieces can spoil the wine, instead of protecting it.
Knowing how to insert the stopper into the wine bottle will also prolong the life of an open bottle. The motion needs to be circular. Insert the bottle as far down the mouth of the bottle as it goes. Make sure that there are no hollow spaces.
Using the original bottle stopper is not always the best idea. The cork at the bottom is already moist and most of us just turn the stopper upside down. Though this is partially effective, it cannot deal with the fact that oxygen has already entered the bottle.
The most efficient methods of preserving wine include gassing and the use of wine stoppers. Pumps should be used to get the oxygen out, replacing it with a certain harmless gas. The insertion of gas before the use of a wine opener will further prolong the life of your wine. Such pumps are available for mass home use and you can easily purchase one alongside your wine stoppers.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the baby shower bottle stoppers 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.
Home Based Business Ideas - Making and Selling Bookmarks
Every home based business idea can be turned into a profitable one. The only prerequisite is finding a niche that features insignificant competition and offering a unique product in terms of quality and price.
Are you good at making bookmarks? Have you ever though about turning that activity into a business? A bookmark could seem like a small and very insignificant item but it can be used to make a living.
If you are intrigued in the idea of starting your own business, you need to do some planning and research. Making and selling bookmarks could be a business activity, as long as you do all of your homework.
Study the Competition
The first step you need to undertake before doing anything is studying the competition. Find out who sells bookmarks and what types of bookmarks are offered in stores.
Visit bookstores and libraries. Pay close attention to the bookmarks that are offered for sale. Are they made of paper or plastic? Do all stores offer the same items or is any featuring a unique line?
Compare your findings to the bookmarks that you are making. If you want to run a successful business, you will have to offer something that nobody else is providing customers with.
Focus on Uniqueness to Increase Price
The truth about bookmarks is that they are relatively inexpensive. It might be difficult to make a fortune through the sale of these. You need to find a way to increase the price of these items, while keeping expenditure limited.
Focus on uniqueness. You can offer your own line of trendy bookmarks. Make each piece a matchless one. When creating those, focus on atypical decorations or themes. A good idea is to come up with entire collections that are related in some way. People might be intrigued about purchasing several bookmarks from the same collection.
A successful business manages to get clients involved. The simple production of a bookmark will be insufficient to start a home based business. You will have to add some value to the item, if you want it to generate revenue.
Where to Sell?
Internet has given home business owners new opportunities.
You have two options when it comes to sales. One of them is using already existing online stores and the other option is creating your own website.
Having your website will aid your business in a number of ways. It will give you the chance to present the bookmarks in the specific way that you have always envisioned. When it comes to marketing, a personal website is a priceless tool.
Sites like Ebay on the other hand, are well-established and having their customers. You will be able to start immediate sales, without having to wait for people to discover your bookmarks website.
Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
Remember that a successful home based business is all about marketing. Discover the uniqueness of your bookmarks and put emphasis on that.
Use social networks and blogging to let people know what you are doing. Go out and distribute flyers. Make your business cards and include information about your business in your e-mail signature.
The most important part of it is analyzing results. If the revenue is insignificant, you will either have to diminish the production expenditure or you will have to change the type of bookmarks you offer for sale. Result analysis is the best way to get your home based business on the right track.
Jamie Highland writes for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells personalized bookmarks and other gifts. To check out some baby shower bookmarks, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
Are you good at making bookmarks? Have you ever though about turning that activity into a business? A bookmark could seem like a small and very insignificant item but it can be used to make a living.
If you are intrigued in the idea of starting your own business, you need to do some planning and research. Making and selling bookmarks could be a business activity, as long as you do all of your homework.
Study the Competition
The first step you need to undertake before doing anything is studying the competition. Find out who sells bookmarks and what types of bookmarks are offered in stores.
Visit bookstores and libraries. Pay close attention to the bookmarks that are offered for sale. Are they made of paper or plastic? Do all stores offer the same items or is any featuring a unique line?
Compare your findings to the bookmarks that you are making. If you want to run a successful business, you will have to offer something that nobody else is providing customers with.
Focus on Uniqueness to Increase Price
The truth about bookmarks is that they are relatively inexpensive. It might be difficult to make a fortune through the sale of these. You need to find a way to increase the price of these items, while keeping expenditure limited.
Focus on uniqueness. You can offer your own line of trendy bookmarks. Make each piece a matchless one. When creating those, focus on atypical decorations or themes. A good idea is to come up with entire collections that are related in some way. People might be intrigued about purchasing several bookmarks from the same collection.
A successful business manages to get clients involved. The simple production of a bookmark will be insufficient to start a home based business. You will have to add some value to the item, if you want it to generate revenue.
Where to Sell?
Internet has given home business owners new opportunities.
You have two options when it comes to sales. One of them is using already existing online stores and the other option is creating your own website.
Having your website will aid your business in a number of ways. It will give you the chance to present the bookmarks in the specific way that you have always envisioned. When it comes to marketing, a personal website is a priceless tool.
Sites like Ebay on the other hand, are well-established and having their customers. You will be able to start immediate sales, without having to wait for people to discover your bookmarks website.
Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
Remember that a successful home based business is all about marketing. Discover the uniqueness of your bookmarks and put emphasis on that.
Use social networks and blogging to let people know what you are doing. Go out and distribute flyers. Make your business cards and include information about your business in your e-mail signature.
The most important part of it is analyzing results. If the revenue is insignificant, you will either have to diminish the production expenditure or you will have to change the type of bookmarks you offer for sale. Result analysis is the best way to get your home based business on the right track.
Jamie Highland writes for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells personalized bookmarks and other gifts. To check out some baby shower bookmarks, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
How to Make Your Own Teddy Bear
You have decided to surprise a loved one. You know how important and amazing it is to create a present yourself.
Teddy bears are traditional gifts for children and for loved ones. The teddy bear is a classical item that will never go out of fashion. It is cute, it is fun and it is certainly connected to positive emotions.
You probably feel intimidated by the idea of creating the teddy bear yourself. Relax. In fact, making your own teddy bear is far from excessively complex. You will need to find a template and the appropriate materials. The rest is about putting your sleeves up and testing your creative skills.
Materials You Will Need
To make a teddy bear on your own, you will have to purchase a number of materials. You will certainly have to get the following:
- fabric for the teddy’s exterior
- stuffing (old pieces of clothing, cotton)
- buttons or beads for the eyes
- fabric in different color for the tummy and paws
- threads
- glue
- scissors
- vellum
- anything else you want in order to decorate the teddy bear – ribbons, glitter
Teddy Bear Making Procedure
You will first need to find an online template. This template will have the shapes of all pieces that you will need to cut out and sew together, in order to make the head, ears, hands, legs and body. Certainly, you can purchase one from craft stores. In this instance, you will need to pay for the template.
Draw the template pieces on vellum paper and cut these out. Use the pieces to draw them on the brown fabric. Cut out the pieces.
Follow the template instructions. Certain pieces will have to be sewed together, so that the different teddy bear pieces get formed. Leave small openings before sewing all the way through. These will be used to put the stuffing inside.
Use cotton or fabric to stuff the limbs, head and body. Make sure that the material is of sufficient quantity so that the teddy bear feels fluffy and dense enough. Sew the pieces all the way and remove any threat remainders.
Sew the head to the body along the neckline. Sew the legs and the arms to the body in the appropriate spots, as marked on the template.
Cut, sew and attach the ears. These can either be stuffed or one-dimensional. Glue on the buttons that you want to have as the eyes.
You can use a different color of fabric, glitter or a permanent marker to draw the nose and mouth of the teddy. The same applies to the belly button.
Stick fabric circles in different color to the tops of the arms and the legs. This will be the teddy’s paws.
Tie a ribbon around its neck or maybe you can even create an outfit (or several of those) for the teddy).
Remember that you will need some sewing skills to make a professionally-looking teddy bear. If you lack skills, you might ask a friend for some help. For best results, use a sewing machine. It is also important to keep in mind that even if the teddy looks far from store-bought, it will be appreciated. It is all about making an effort and trying to please a loved one.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the teddy bear baby shower theme 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.
Teddy bears are traditional gifts for children and for loved ones. The teddy bear is a classical item that will never go out of fashion. It is cute, it is fun and it is certainly connected to positive emotions.
You probably feel intimidated by the idea of creating the teddy bear yourself. Relax. In fact, making your own teddy bear is far from excessively complex. You will need to find a template and the appropriate materials. The rest is about putting your sleeves up and testing your creative skills.
Materials You Will Need
To make a teddy bear on your own, you will have to purchase a number of materials. You will certainly have to get the following:
- fabric for the teddy’s exterior
- stuffing (old pieces of clothing, cotton)
- buttons or beads for the eyes
- fabric in different color for the tummy and paws
- threads
- glue
- scissors
- vellum
- anything else you want in order to decorate the teddy bear – ribbons, glitter
Teddy Bear Making Procedure
You will first need to find an online template. This template will have the shapes of all pieces that you will need to cut out and sew together, in order to make the head, ears, hands, legs and body. Certainly, you can purchase one from craft stores. In this instance, you will need to pay for the template.
Draw the template pieces on vellum paper and cut these out. Use the pieces to draw them on the brown fabric. Cut out the pieces.
Follow the template instructions. Certain pieces will have to be sewed together, so that the different teddy bear pieces get formed. Leave small openings before sewing all the way through. These will be used to put the stuffing inside.
Use cotton or fabric to stuff the limbs, head and body. Make sure that the material is of sufficient quantity so that the teddy bear feels fluffy and dense enough. Sew the pieces all the way and remove any threat remainders.
Sew the head to the body along the neckline. Sew the legs and the arms to the body in the appropriate spots, as marked on the template.
Cut, sew and attach the ears. These can either be stuffed or one-dimensional. Glue on the buttons that you want to have as the eyes.
You can use a different color of fabric, glitter or a permanent marker to draw the nose and mouth of the teddy. The same applies to the belly button.
Stick fabric circles in different color to the tops of the arms and the legs. This will be the teddy’s paws.
Tie a ribbon around its neck or maybe you can even create an outfit (or several of those) for the teddy).
Remember that you will need some sewing skills to make a professionally-looking teddy bear. If you lack skills, you might ask a friend for some help. For best results, use a sewing machine. It is also important to keep in mind that even if the teddy looks far from store-bought, it will be appreciated. It is all about making an effort and trying to please a loved one.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the teddy bear baby shower theme 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.
Best Places to Go If You Are an Avid Bird Watcher
Bird watching is a hobby that increasing number of people are passionate about. Observation and photography of birds can be extremely exciting – walking around, remaining quiet and waiting for the perfect moment.
Experienced bird watchers know the places that feature greatest diversity and best observation options.
Learning where birds nest or stop during migration is essential to successful bird watching. If you are passionate about this hobby, you should get used to discovering the best places. Remember, bird watching is about observing nature rather than disturbing it. The right bird watching spots should give you the chance to take pictures without affecting the balance of nature.
City Parks
It might be difficult to observe birds in urban surroundings. City pollution and the hectic lifestyle might chase away birds from urban habitats. Still, some city places may still feature a diversity of bird species.
Parks are the best spots for city bird watching. Though the diversity of species there will be far from tremendous, parks will give you the chance to look at beautiful birds and to photograph some of those.
Parks are suitable bird watching places if you lack the time and finances to go on a trip or to walk to a more distanced region outside the city.
Mountains and Preserves
Mountain areas and nature preserves are probably the best places for the observation of various birds, including birds of pray.
Predators like eagles and falcons usually inhabit distant mountain areas and cliffy spots. These magnificent birds are easy to spot because of their flight manner and size. Observing an eagle in flight is incredibly exciting.
Preserves are created for the protection of certain plant, animal and bird species. The diversity there is great and often preserves have good bird watching conditions and infrastructure.
Lakes, Swamps and the Sea Shore
Many species of birds nest near lakes or in swampy areas. There, bird watching enthusiasts can observe pelicans, herons and other rare species. Sea gulls and herring-gulls can be seen in the coastal areas.
The types of birds that inhabit such regions differ completely from the species that can be observed in mountain areas. These experiences have nothing in common. Enthusiasts should give both a try.
Bird Migratory Routes
Bird migration routes pass over many countries. These are the air channels that birds use for their annual migrations. During their travel, the birds need to nest and stop for short periods of time.
Knowing where bird migration routes pass will give you a chance to observe a diversity of species. These birds are atypical for the country and can be observed solely during specific months.
Learning something about the behavior and habitats of birds is essential if you want to discover the best spots for observation and photographing. Bird watching is much more than just walking around and waiting for an accidental moment.
Bird watching is related to love for nature and the desire to explore distant spots. If you are unhappy with long hikes and mountain climbing, you should probably refrain from picking routes that involve camping and strenuous physical exercise.
Decide which species you want to observe and learn where these types of birds can be spotted. You can contact bird watching clubs or nature preservation organizations that will provide you with more information about appropriate venues and the manners in which you can observe birds without disturbing them.
Jamie Highland writes for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells party favors for all events, including various bird themed party supplies for bird lovers. To check out some stork baby shower theme favors or some duck baby shower supplies, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
Experienced bird watchers know the places that feature greatest diversity and best observation options.
Learning where birds nest or stop during migration is essential to successful bird watching. If you are passionate about this hobby, you should get used to discovering the best places. Remember, bird watching is about observing nature rather than disturbing it. The right bird watching spots should give you the chance to take pictures without affecting the balance of nature.
City Parks
It might be difficult to observe birds in urban surroundings. City pollution and the hectic lifestyle might chase away birds from urban habitats. Still, some city places may still feature a diversity of bird species.
Parks are the best spots for city bird watching. Though the diversity of species there will be far from tremendous, parks will give you the chance to look at beautiful birds and to photograph some of those.
Parks are suitable bird watching places if you lack the time and finances to go on a trip or to walk to a more distanced region outside the city.
Mountains and Preserves
Mountain areas and nature preserves are probably the best places for the observation of various birds, including birds of pray.
Predators like eagles and falcons usually inhabit distant mountain areas and cliffy spots. These magnificent birds are easy to spot because of their flight manner and size. Observing an eagle in flight is incredibly exciting.
Preserves are created for the protection of certain plant, animal and bird species. The diversity there is great and often preserves have good bird watching conditions and infrastructure.
Lakes, Swamps and the Sea Shore
Many species of birds nest near lakes or in swampy areas. There, bird watching enthusiasts can observe pelicans, herons and other rare species. Sea gulls and herring-gulls can be seen in the coastal areas.
The types of birds that inhabit such regions differ completely from the species that can be observed in mountain areas. These experiences have nothing in common. Enthusiasts should give both a try.
Bird Migratory Routes
Bird migration routes pass over many countries. These are the air channels that birds use for their annual migrations. During their travel, the birds need to nest and stop for short periods of time.
Knowing where bird migration routes pass will give you a chance to observe a diversity of species. These birds are atypical for the country and can be observed solely during specific months.
Learning something about the behavior and habitats of birds is essential if you want to discover the best spots for observation and photographing. Bird watching is much more than just walking around and waiting for an accidental moment.
Bird watching is related to love for nature and the desire to explore distant spots. If you are unhappy with long hikes and mountain climbing, you should probably refrain from picking routes that involve camping and strenuous physical exercise.
Decide which species you want to observe and learn where these types of birds can be spotted. You can contact bird watching clubs or nature preservation organizations that will provide you with more information about appropriate venues and the manners in which you can observe birds without disturbing them.
Jamie Highland writes for My Baby Shower Favors, a website that sells party favors for all events, including various bird themed party supplies for bird lovers. To check out some stork baby shower theme favors or some duck baby shower supplies, visit My Baby Shower Favors.
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