christmas: กันยายน 2008

วันอังคารที่ 30 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2551

Make it an Unforgettable Birthday!

The first known birthday celebrations began among the Egyptians with parades, circuses, and gladiatorial events ? all complete with feasts that sometimes lasted for days. Romans celebrated the birthdays of their gods with parades and chariot races. Mortals were not encouraged to celebrate their birthdays in Rome. Germany introduced the tradition of birthday cakes about 200 years ago. The cake itself was filled with gifts that predicted the recipient's life in the upcoming year. For example, if the slice of cake contained a ring, it symbolized impending marriage. A coin guaranteed riches throughout the next year. If the cake fell while baking, it ensured impending doom to the one celebrating a birthday. Today, various countries celebrate birthdays in unique ways.In the United States, the traditional birthday ritual calls for giving gifts to the one celebrating his special day. Selecting the "right" gift depends on the individual, his interests, and how well you know him. Instead of purchasing the "same old" thing, add a unique twist to your birthday gift selections this year and watch out for the positive feedback! Below are several ideas that you may wish to give thought to as you plan your next birthday gift list for every child, teen, or adult in your life.Birthday Gifts for Children-A craft-of-the-month complete with a kit is a sure bet to create a happy birthday for any child. Subscriptions usually entail receipt of a kit every month, every two months, or quarterly for one year.-Magazine subscriptions are also a huge hit with children and a great way to challenge their minds and enhance their knowledge. Popular subscriptions include Highlights, Cobblestone, AppleSeeds, Jack and Jill, Lady Bug, Nickelodean Jr., and Sesame Street.-Children enjoy individual attention from important people in their lives, i.e. mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, older sibling.-Give that special child the gift of time ? a day out with you complete with lunch, a movie, and/or shopping for the gift of their choice.Birthday Gifts for TeensTeens are probably the most difficult age group to buy for. Gift certificates are always a smart gift choice, although the concept requires little creativity. Implement some innovation by creating a unique presentation to an old concept.-Purchase a book of theater gift certificates and package them in a movie popcorn bucket lined with popcorn printed paper.-Magazine subscriptions are also a winning idea for teens. Favorites for that age group include Teen, Seventeen, Cosmo Girl, Boys Life, YM, American Cheerleader, Guideposts for Teens, Teen People, and Campus Life.-Teens love the gift of privileges. A coupon book that includes gifts they can cash in at random times may include an extended curfew, driving the family car on a date or special occasion, control of television or computer, double allowance for one week, etc.-What teen does not like candy? Check out specialty shops or online resources where you can purchase candy-making supplies and chocolate.-Present the gifts in a large mixing bowl tied up with cellophane.Birthday Gifts for AdultsFrom a family tree planner to a family history wall print, a gift of genealogy is a great pick for assisting the recipient learn about his family heritage and get back to his roots.-Create a scrapbook of special moments throughout the past year. Include photos from family events and keepsakes that are important to the event. Recapture these moments by journaling the story of the event and quotes from participants. Embellish the pages with stickers, captions, and other items that will enhance the memories for a long time to come.-Choose a selection of classic books to either add to or start a collection. Several choices to get you started include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Canterbury Tales, Wurthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Great Expectations, Tom Sawyer, and The Catcher in the Rye.-Purchase baskets from garage sales and gift shops and fill them with homemade or gourmet jars of pickles, jams, food mixes, and/or fruit.Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. You can find <a href="http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/wedding-shower-favors.htm" target="_new">Great Gift Ideas</a> at her site. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for <a href="http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm" target="_new">Gift News</a> her free monthly newsletter.

Going Solo on Valentines Day: Advice For Singles

The stores are decorated in candy hearts, flowers and bears. Every TV or radio commercial reminds you that it's time to remember your sweetheart on this special day for lovers. Your feelings range from sadness, to revulsion to anger. What's a single person to do? The following suggestions are designed to both answer that question and to help you have a good day after all, while working to make it your last solo one.Celebrate the day by planning an activity that is meaningful and enjoyable to you.Choose something that provides you with a special treat.* Go to a day spa for "the works"* plan an intimate dinner for 3 or 4* go ice-skating or to the movies with a fun friend* go out to dinner and a movie with a group of other singles* Focus on what you enjoy and make a conscious decision about how to mark the day* Un-Valentines Day parties are very popular and can be a lot of silly fun. You can attend one or throw one of your own.Design a relationship-building plan.Let the holiday provide you with the motivation to take risks, try new ideas and gain the knowledge that will enable you to find and create a lasting, intimate relationship.* Sit down at the computer or with pen and paper in hand and get your plan written down.* Begin by making a list of resources that can be used to help you meet available singles. These can include: on-line dating sites, singles groups, volunteer activities, or participation in sports or other activities that you enjoy.*Decide when and how often you will participate in any activity you have chosen.*Make a budget for both time and available funds for this purpose.*Do your homework and research each resource so the information will be available when you need it.Review those resolutions you made, or make some if you haven't yet.Think about what is really important to you. Remind yourself that implementing and sticking to these will help ensure that you are really ready for that special relationship. Being the kind of person you want to be with is the first step.Begin with concrete goals. For example:*stick with a healthy diet* exercise three times a week* plan one organizational task per week, etc.Taking care of yourself and living well will optimize your chances for relationship success. Start today.Work to eliminate negative thinking.When a negative thought comes into your mind, take a moment to think about what is beneath it. Then, tell yourself that thinking this way is not good for you. Make a decision to drop the thought and try to think of something (anything) that is positive. It can be as simple as focusing on what a beautiful day it is outside, to feeling grateful that you survived the current wave of lay-offs in your company.Use this technique for situations as well. Ask yourself how you can view the situation differently. Try to find one positive angle or outcome that could result from an otherwise bad situation. For example, you are being laid off from your job. You have been unhappy for a long time, but could not motivate yourself to do anything about it. Now, you have the motivation to look for a new job, or perhaps change careers. Think of all the possibilities that could open up for you.Negative thinking is a downward spiral that leads to negative behavior and possibly depression. Consciously choose to challenge these thoughts, and empower yourself with a more positive outlook and approach to life.Hopefully these tips will assist you in having a better "solo" Valentine's Day than you might have been headed for. Enjoy the day by doing something fun. Then focus on your relationship plan and empower yourself to build the healthy, lasting relationship of your dreams.Toni Coleman is a licensed therapist and relationship coach in private practice in McLean, Virginia. She specializes in working with singles who want to create lasting, intimate relationships. Toni has over 20 years of post-masters experience in relationship counseling and coaching with singles and couples. She is the founder and President of LifeChange Coaching and Consum-mate Relationship Coaching. She developed and teaches the Creating Lasting Relationships Training, a tele-workshop designed to help singles to define, implement and fulfill their life and relationship goals. She has also written numerous email classes for singles on all aspects of meeting, dating and relating. She is the author of the email newsletter, The Art of Intimacy, which goes out to thousands of subscribers monthly. <a target="_new" href="http://www.consum-mate.com">http://www.consum-mate.com</a>

Traditional Anniversary Gifts Year by Year, the Twentieth - One Hundred Years

Twentieth through the twenty-fourth anniversaries traditional gift is china. Vintage china tea cups, bone china ornaments or a replacement piece for your own china are presents to consider along with a table for two at a Chinese restaurant or a trip to China.Traditionally speaking, silver is the gift for the twenty-fifth through the twenty-ninth anniversaries. Silver dated ornament, a silver frame, a watch, silver cufflinks, silver pen and jewelry are appropriate gifts. Anything from Tiffany's silver collection or an anniversary wedding band would be grand.The thirtieth through the thirty-fourth anniversaries traditional gift is pearls. Mother-of-pearl cufflinks, tie tack, frame and jewelry are wonderful gift ideas. Throw in an oyster dinner and you have an anniversary to remember.Think tropical for the thirty-fifth through thirty-ninth anniversaries gift of corral. Snorkeling, scuba lessons, a trip to the Coral Reef or coral colored ties, cufflinks or clothing with a tropical flair.Rubies are traditional gifts for the fortieth through forty-fourth anniversaries. A dozen ruby-red roses, ruby jewelry (maybe add a ruby into your wedding bands), ruby red clothing or lingerie and a bottle of vintage wine are lovely gift ideas.Forty-fifth through forty-ninth anniversaries traditional gift is sapphire. Sapphire tie clip, cuff links, jewelry, sapphire-colored apparel and Bombay Sapphire gin could be considered.Gold is for the fiftieth through fifty-fourth wedding anniversaries traditional gift. Without doubt gold jewelry or new wedding bands are in order. A gold themed party, golden oldie CD collection, gold watch, gold colored frames with a photo of the couple, gold clock or gold fabric accent pieces for their bedroom are good choices.A fifty-fifth through fifty-ninth anniversaries traditional gift is emerald. A few ideas could include a trip to the Emerald Coast, emerald jewelry or cuff links and emerald colored night clothes.The traditional gift for sixtieth through one hundredth wedding anniversaries are diamonds! For the inspirational couple making it through life together they certainly deserve all the diamonds they receive! To vary from year to year adding the stone from the couples' favorite year of marriage would be lovely such as diamond and ruby earrings. Bring on the diamond jewelry.Visit our web site for the complete article <a target="_new" href="http://www.cabinfevergifts.com/anniversary.html">"Anniversary Gifts Year by Year for One Hundred Years"</a>. Shop for unique anniversary gifts at <a target="_new" href="http://www.cabinfevergifts.com">Log Cabin Fever Gifts & Decor.</a>

Scary halloween Masks

There are countless Halloween masks available today. At Halloween specialty stores and online shops, you will find a mask in the likeness of every ghoul, alien, and creepy character of any and every variety. Everyone, from heroes like Spiderman and Superman, to movie bad guys, like Freddy Kruger, The Alien, and Hellraiser's Pin Head, are available in the form of latex. You will even find Halloween masks of today's most popular politicians, and masks of obscure characters like, zombie vikings, alien clowns, and mad scientists.The price of a Halloween mask depends on it's quality, subject, and the materials used to create it. You can pay anywhere from $30 to $300 and up for a high-quality mask. Expect to pay more for detailed masks of today's most popular characters from movies and television. Many Halloween masks are collector's pieces, true works of art -- and they are priced accordingly! Masks costing over $500 often include human hair, foam filled heads, and intricate custom paint jobs.The level of detail and animation in some Halloween masks is truly impressive. Masks are first sculpted by artists. The artist sculpts a head, or a full bust out of clay. A cast of this bust is made, and then that cast is used repeatedly, to make identical latex masks. After that, the masks are painted, and extras like eyeballs, adornments, and hair are added.When shopping for Halloween masks, remember that some may impair visibility. Also, latex gets hot, so try to say cool while wearing a mask for extended amounts of time!James writes for <a target="_new" href="http://ghoulish-halloween.com">Ghoulish Halloween</a>, a site that tries to entertain and inform. For more great Halloween mask ideas, visit our <a target="_new" href="http://www.ghoulish-halloween.com/halloween-masks.html">Halloween Masks</a> section.

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

The holiday season is upon us! It is a time when family and friends gather together. Some people love to entertain and enjoy bringing people together. Others feel stressed with these obligations. Whether it is a large gala for everyone you know, hosting the family holiday dinner or just having a few close friends over for a meal, planning and organization can make the difference between feeling stressed and being able to enjoy your event. The following simple tips can help you prepare your house, prepare the food and handle the final details.Preparing the HouseSo how organized is your house right now? So often people become overwhelmed with the idea of entertaining; they get stuck as to where to start. Think about how your house will be used. Will this be a sit down meal in your dining room? Will groups separate into different rooms to talk or watch TV? Will your guests be staying overnight? Start early enough and focus first on the rooms that will really be used. Don't worry about the ones that you think someone may wander into if they get lost on the way to the bathroom. Go through each room, one at a time. If there is a room that hasn't been de-cluttered in awhile, sort through everything by dividing items into toss, donate and keep piles. This is a great time to make your donations and get that tax deduction in before the end of the year. Throw out items no longer needed and put away the items to be kept in their appropriate place.Think about who is coming to your house. If you have items that are breakable or valuable, consider simplifying the items in the main gathering room so you and your guests (and their children) don't have to worry about accidents that could put a damper on the evening. These items can be put up or wrapped up and stored in a plastic bin, which can be hidden in a basement or bedroom during the party and brought out easily the next day.Depending on whatever else is going on in your life and if the budget allows it, treat yourself to a cleaning service before your event. If funds won't stretch that far, get the whole family involved and divide the tasks up. Another option is to trade blocks of time with a good friend. Also make sure you have enough supplies on hand (toilet paper, disposable hand towels for the powder room, paper towels in the kitchen, etc.) and that they are easily accessible if needed during the time your guests are in your home.If you give yourself enough lead-time and work at picking up and cleaning in manageable increments, you won't get burned out and will only need to do a quick tidy the day of your event.Preparing the FoodNow that your house is ready for guests, it's time to focus on the food. Many people dread the food preparation that goes along with entertaining. Whether it is because they are uncertain of their cooking skills or they just don't have the time to devote to it, the solution is the same.- Select menu items that can be prepared in advance- Simplify wherever possible- Clean up after yourself as you go alongDon't spend the hours before your event (or worse yet the hours of your event) racing madly around the kitchen. Many dishes can be partially or completely prepared in advance ? take advantage of that!Simplify your task list wherever possible. You can pick up some wonderful side dishes from the deli section of your grocery store or local specialty shop. Serve them in your own bowl or platter ? no one needs to know. This way you can focus on making one or two impressive items and wow everyone without stressing yourself out.Determine which serving pieces you'll be using and get everything ready to go. Rinse pieces that may not have been used in a while. Make sure you have all your glassware (or for informal events - plastic ware!) ready. If you must use silver, allow enough time to give it a polish. If it is a sit-down dinner, iron the tablecloth, get out place settings and, if possible, set the table. Note: if you have pets that might jump up and investigate, throw an extra tablecloth over the table until shortly before your guests arrive. When selecting these items, try to balance putting on a great presentation with the amount of work it will take to set up and clean up.It is so disheartening to spend hours preparing great food for your guests, only to be faced with a kitchen that is a disaster area. Clean up after yourself each step of the way. Wipe down counters, rinse your prep items and put them straight into the dishwasher, throw away any packaging. Try to have the dishwasher empty at the start of your party so as dishes are finished being used they can be immediately put in the dishwasher or easily at the end of the night, reducing the amount of time you need to spend cleaning up.Handling the Final DetailsAs mentioned before, go around and tidy anything up that may have gotten messy since your big cleanup. Consider setting up a drink area where guests can help themselves to refills on drinks. Rearrange any furniture to encourage conversation among guests.Decorating your tabletop or buffet can be as simple as moving some of your existing home d?cor to the party table or main room of the gathering. If your holiday decorations are out, use your extras or purchase some inexpensive evergreens. Candles of all sizes make a great filler. Use containers you already own, take it to your florist and let them do their thing.Your house is clean, the food is prepared and there is time to spare! You have done all the prep work. You can relax now and enjoy your event. Who knew entertaining could be so simple??2004 Bridget MessinoAbout the author: Bridget Messino is a Professional Organizer, speaker and co-owner of Clutter Free Living, Inc. Her work frequently appears on many Internet sites, on her own organizing site Clutter Free Living (<a target="_new" href="http://www.clutterfreeliving.com">http://www.clutterfreeliving.com</a>), as well as in her monthly Home Organizing Newsletter How to Be Clutter Free. Subscribe to the FREE monthly e-newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to mailto:cflnews-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com

The Magic Of Gift Giving At Christmas

Regardless of age, almost everyone can remember at least a few magic moments of their past at Christmas time. Even in our fifties and sixties, we can still very precisely recall how our parents celebrated Christmas. Those moments will never be forgotten because to all of us, Christmas is a very special time for our immediate families to be together. It is also human nature for us to pass along our family traditions to the next generation. It is without question, the most popular time of the year to show our appreciation for one another.It is also a time to celebrate with our extended families - our relatives and close friends. It is also the perfect time to recognize the people and customers we work with, to show our appreciation for their support. We also must remember that our associates at work also have the same appreciation for Christmas, making it the ideal opportunity to show them we are thankful for their efforts.Our customers are often the lifeline of existence. They are precisely the reason for your company's health and its ability to prosper. Christmas is a great time to show your thanks with a simple corporate gift. The more personal the better, because your close working relationship with that individual is why your companies continue to prosper together.Determining what to buy for each person at Christmas is a challenge much bigger than the shopping process itself. Despite having your Christmas list complete, negotiating through the crowds during the Christmas rush is not something we relish as a pastime.However, when it comes to shopping at hurried times of the year like Christmas, your best friend might be the Internet. Although still unexplored by many, shopping on the Internet has been popular with many for years and it has proven to be a safe, convenient way to shop for virtually anything. Buying gifts on the Internet is finally taking full advantage of the flexibility of your credit card. If you have an upgraded gold or platinum card, review the conditions of your card benefits. If you are a relatively light card user you may not realize the added benefits of buying with your card. Extra air miles, extended warranties, front of the line seating etc, are just some of the benefits we gain when buying with our upgraded cards.You will also be pleasantly surprised with the enormous number of specialized Websites for gift giving, for virtually any special occasion. Open your Internet browser (Yahoo, Google, Netscape, etc.) and punch in key words like Gifts, Gift Shopping, Gift Baskets, etc. You will be pleasantly surprised with the number of Websites that are listed and tantalize your every need.These Websites are very user friendly and most offer easy navigation, usually based on the gift occasion. Although most sites offer an enormous range of gift ideas, many also have a toll free number and on-line staff to answer any questions and even help put together a specialized gift for your particular situation. So avoid the crowds this Christmas, and for a relaxing change of pace, shop on the Internet.It will make gift shopping more fun because Internet sites will add a creative side to your gift giving that most department store simply can't offer. Surprisingly, Internet shopping is like walking through an exclusive shopping district, full of unique little shopping boutiques. You will likely see more gift ideas than you could ever imagine. So hop on the Internet and enjoy shopping this year.About The AuthorAdriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby, Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you'll find at her site: <a href="http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com" target="_new">http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com</a>. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at <a href="http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm" target="_new">http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm</a>.

A Thankful Thanksgiving

You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful Thanksgiving. Aren't all Thanksgivings Thankful? Unfortunately, no. As a person who has experienced over 70 Thanksgivings, I recognize that being thankful is something that we have to work at, even on Thanksgiving.If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving day will be very busy, with either traveling to where you want to go or preparing your home to have others over for the day. Either way, that can be very hectic and emotionally trying, which doesn't lend itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled weekend in America. Airports are full, and not always providing much room for contemplation of your good fortune.This means all the more that if we want to be the kind of people who are characterized by thankfulness, then we must make sure that we focus on it, and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times during the year.Here are a few key words as well as some thoughts that are simple and practical to apply; something you can use right away in your quest for becoming more thankful:Time. Set aside time regularly to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day in which we can be quiet and reflect, we will free our hearts and minds up from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it". But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things that you have that you may typically take for granted and then take a moment and give thanks for those. In fact, I make it a part of my reflection time to review a list of things that I'm thankful for.Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, "I sure wish I had what he does." That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go to work at a food bank. And not just during the holidays ? everybody works there then ? but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it.Ask. Ask a friend what they are thankful for. The next time you are at lunch with a friend, ask him or her what they are most thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question.Acknowledge. Lastly, tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take the time to craft the words to express to those closest to us what their presence in our lives means to us. Take the opportunity of Thanksgiving Day to write them a note or sometime during the day put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you'll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love.Of course we should do what we can to make the most of the day we call Thanksgiving, but wouldn't it be a shame if the only time we reflected on our blessings was that one Thursday in November? And the answer is, of course! So let's do our best to be aware of the many great gifts that we have each and every day of the year. As we do so we will see our hearts soar and our minds will experience more and more at peace as we regularly remember and remain aware of our good fortune.Happy Thanksgiving!Jim RohnReproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to <a target="_new" href="http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com">http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com</a>

How to Create an Irresistible Valentine?s Day Centerpiece

Valentine's Day is just around the corner which of course makes us think of love, romance and of course flowers! It seems this special day wouldn't be complete without them. Flowers touch our souls and brighten our spirits which is why they have remained a popular choice for "lovebirds" all over the world!Depending on your mood and the flowers you pick, you can make this arrangement whimsical or elegant, so gather what you need and let's get started!Supplies:<ul><li>Store bought heart shaped basket (about 4 inches deep)</li> <li>Florist foam</li> <li>Plastic lining</li> <li>Flowers - at least two varieties</li> <li>Larger flowers (all same color) such as carnations or roses for center and filler flowers for accent</li></ul>Follow these simple steps to create your own Valentine's Day Centerpiece:<li>Line heart shaped basket with heavy plastic</li> <li>Cut a piece of florist foam in the shape of a heart~ foam should fill up entire basket</li> <li>Soak foam in water and place it in the basket</li> <li>Cut center flowers (carnations or roses) the same depth as the basket or slightly longer</li> <li>Stick these flowers into the foam in the shape of a heart~fill with enough flowers so no foam is showing</li> <li>Cut accent flowers to the same length and fill in around the heart shaped flowers until the basket is completely filled and no foam is showing</li> <li>Flowers should be flush with the top of the basket or slightly higher</li>Create this centerpiece for yourself or make one for someone you care about. It will be sure to bring a smile to their face because they will know it was made with love!Happy Valentine's Day! Visit me at <a target="_new" href="http://www.flowers-and-garden.com/valentines-day-flowers.html">Valentine's Day Flowers</a> for all of your gardening and flower delivery needs - for Valentine's Day and all year long!? 2005, Candee Stark and Flowers&Garden.com This article is provided courtesy of <a target="_new" href="http://www.flowers-and-garden.com">http://www.flowers-and-garden.com</a> - You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

Easy Gift Ideas For Dad On Fathers Day

Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking for a gift a little more exciting than the traditional tie, consider making up a men's pamper gift set. Personal care products, whether you purchase them or make them yourself, make wonderful pampering treats. Here are some ideas for men's pamper gift sets that you can put together yourself.The Fragrance Sampler: If Dad likes fragrance, give him a selection of men's colognes in a gift container.The Shaving Kit: Give the man who shaves a kit containing a shaving mask, a shaving soap or cream, an aftershave splash, and a fancy razor.The Foot Care Kit: If Dad is on his feet a lot, his feet could probably use some pampering. Give him a gift basket containing a foot soak, a foot wash, a foot spray, and foot powder. Include a pumice stone, nail clippers, or some comfy slippers.The Soap Basket: Give Dad a collection of luxury soaps in scents just for men. Include a towel and washcloth personalized with his initials for an extra special touch.To make your gift even more special package it in a unique gift container. Baskets in interesting shapes, small travel bags, or fabric gift bags can add interest to your gift and make it even more useful.Give Dad one of these gift sets on Father's Day and he will feel really special.Ololade Franklin is author of the book "Bath and Body Care Recipes For Men" For details about this book visit <a target="_new" href="http://my.lulu.com/content/84902">http://my.lulu.com/content/84902</a>

The Art of Giving a Toast

Today one of my clients is throwing one of her good friends a 40th birthday party. She actually used to date him and now they're good friends. She has the perfect dress, has supplied the beautiful country club for the party and now she was considering whether or not she should also give a host!My answer to her? ALWAYS give a toast if you can!!!First of all, whoever is throwing the party has a responsibility of welcoming people to the event. It's nice to publicly introduce yourself and welcome everyone. It also establishes your credibility when you speak in front of peopleNext, it's an opportunity to show off! When people see you completely composed in a somewhat stressful situation, they're impressed. Little do they know how much preparation when on behind the scenes. You can make it look like you pulled the toast out of thin air!When writing a toast, there are a few things to do that will make your job easier.How do you want to come across? Do you want the toast to be fun, lighthearted and funny or do you want it serious? This will help you determine the "story" that you share during the toast.How do you feel about the person? What do they mean to other people? How do people respond to them as individuals? Are they funny, articulate, smart, a great dresser or a terrific story teller? Be specific and write down all of the adjectives that you can to describe this person.What is a funny story or a really great story that you can tell about this person? Is there some secret passion that this person has that causes them to spend excessive time on something? Was there a time that the two of you were together that impressed you or made you laugh? What story can you think of that EXPLAINS what this person is to you? This can be lighthearted or serious, depending upon the tone that you want to create in the room and with the toast.Lastly, what does this person mean to YOU? Do you want to honor them? Do you love them? Do you admire them?After you've put together your toast it should look something like this:"Welcome to the 40th Birthday party for our friend Clyde. It's great to see everyone here. For those who know Clyde, you'll know that he is a determined, fun and successful individual. But there is something that you might NOT know about Clyde!!Tell funny or poignant story here?. And when the laughter dies down.."So tonight, we wish to honor you Clyde, for who you are to all of us. We appreciate you, we love you and we wish for you many more happy and healthy years to come."The story that you tell is extremely important. But even MORE important is how often you practice this speech! Practice it in front of the mirror dozens of times until the words role off your tongue gracefully. Tape yourself as you practice and rewrite it as you go along. Practice visualizing yourself in the room beforehand, and practice looking at people in the eyes so during your speech you'll be able to do that with ease. During the last part, when you're bringing honor to the person, look at that person RIGHT in the eyeballs with as much sincerity as you can muster up, to let them know that you genuinely do care.If you do all of these things, you'll blow the people away. The response you'll get is "wow, I wish I could just pull something like this out of my hat" and "that was such a great toast? good job".No one has to know that you practiced over and over until it felt right. No one has to know that you changed the toast dozens of times until you got the story right. But what you and everyone else WILL know is that after you've given the speech and knocked it out of the park, your status will be elevated.By presenting an incredible toast you will have created a great memory for the person you are honoring. And THAT is who its all about, after all!Mary Gardner, The Charisma Coach! is an Executive Communications Consultant and Trainer. She works with, coaches and trains individuals, sales teams, executives, and celebrities. She owned and operated one of the first coaching institutions on the east coast, CCI, in NYC, Philly and NJ. Mary has appeared on ABC's 20/20 and has self published a book on public speaking. Mary is married to Sway and is mommy to Jeremy 5, and lives in Orlando, FL.

วันจันทร์ที่ 29 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2551

Making the Holidays More Meaningful

Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you feeling empty and unfulfilled during this time of the year? This year by making some simple changes you and your children can truly make the holidays more meaningful.Teach gratitude during the holidays:Gratitude should not only be for the material presents but for the little blessings in their lives. Begin to have your children tell you each day three things that they are grateful for. This helps children understand the true meaning of the holidays in several ways. First, the children begin to notice the little gifts that they sometimes take for granted, a butterfly, a sunny day, getting to sleep late. Secondly, once they notice these little gifts and are grateful for them they can start bringing more of them into their awareness.Empower your family with tools to make the holidays more meaningful:Spend time discussing topics like what are you the most grateful for? How can you make the world a better place? How can this holiday be more meaningful? What presents make you feel the best? Plan a kind deed day and see who can perform the most random acts of kindness. Write little spiritual notes and leave them in their lunchboxes.Give gifts from the heart:Write a story, a letter or a poem for your children. If you are artistic paint a picture for them. Put a photo album or scrapbook together. Record on audiotape your favorite family memories. Make a book of all the reasons you are grateful to have your loved ones in your life. Share a favorite childhood treasure that you saved, like a coin or a doll from your favorite collection. Finally, purchase gifts from charities that donate back to community.Learn and then teach the spiritual meaning behind each faiths traditions:Share with your children that the candles are lit on Hanukah to symbolize the light of the Creator in our lives. Explain that a wreath is a symbol of the eternal circle of life. Describe how the presents for Kwanzaa represent the deep connection between parents and children. Illustrate how the sun's return and warmth are celebrated during the Winter Solstice. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or the Winter Solstice share the beautiful miracles within each faith and then have your children share some of the miracles in their own lives.Celebrate differences:Attend a worship service with a friend or a family member of another faith. This exposes children to the marvelous ways we are more similar than different. For it is only when we embrace the differences, that we can truly come together in unity.Make community service and helping those less fortunate part of your family holiday activities:There are so many wonderful lessons when we give of ourselves to others. Have your children start or participate in a toy, clothing, or food drive for those less fortunate. By participating in charitable acts your children can learn that they can make a difference in the life of another, that they have a purpose, and that they can be part of the solution.Slow down enough to enjoy the essence of your children and of the holidays:Our children remember the time and the energy shared as a family not the gifts, the parties or how perfectly the house is decorated. Say no to commitments that are not going to serve the greater good of your family. As Kabril Gibran so eloquently said in The Prophet, "Our children are but ours for such a short time." Make this short time a time of wonder and reverence for your children to discover the true meaning of the holidays.About The AuthorDebbie Milam is a pediatric occupational therapist, life coach and educator. Her work has appeared on PBS and in Elle, First For Women, and Ladies Home Journal. She is the author of 7 Secrets to Creating Peaceful Relationships and the creator of The Miracle is You Children's Relaxation CD and Moments of Joy Spiritual Exercise Cards. Her uplifting products make beautiful holiday gifts for both adults and children.Sign up for her free e-zine: <a href="http://www.unlimitedinspiration.com" target="_new">http://www.unlimitedinspiration.com</a> and receive the transformational special report 35 Ways to Achieve Instant Calm During the Holidays<a href="mailto:debbie@unlimitedinspiration.com">debbie@unlimitedinspiration.com</a>

Valentines Day Love Letter - The Best And Most Romantic Gift Is Also The Least Expensive!

You don't have to spend a fortune this Valentine's Day to show your partner that you love them!One of the most romantic, creative and inexpensive gifts you can give your partner this Valentine's Day is a heartfelt love letter, written from the bottom of your heart!A heartfelt letter from a man can mean so much more to a woman than just a bunch of roses, box of chocolates or a piece of jewelry.However, most men feel challenged when it comes to expressing their love in words, especially in writing.But, with a little help, every man can write a love letter that is sure to move their partner to tears.You can write a breakthrough love letter by following these 6 simple steps:1. Remember, There Are No Rules In A Love Letter - A love letter is an intimate conversation between two people and there are no rules to be abided by. Yes, do watch for spelling errors, but do not get caught up in getting the letter right.2. Collect Your Thoughts ? Take some time to think about what you want to say before you start writing. Focus on only one or two ideas in your letter; this reduces the chances of feeling overwhelmed.3. Overcoming Writer's Block - For most people, the difficulty in letter-writing is the start and the close. You don't have to write the letter in a linear fashion. Write the part that comes to you first. You can always go back and complete the other sections later. Never feel that you have nothing to write about, as the simplest things can make a great letter.4. Write From Your Heart - Be personal, be yourself. Fill your letter with life. Let your letters be as if you were there talking to your partner face to face. Tell her how much you love her and why.5. Surprise Your Partner - Surprise your partner by sharing something very intimate with her, that maybe you didn't express in the past. Talk about something very unique about her that you cherish.6. Make An Offer She Cannot Refuse - Offer to do something that you know will make her really, really happy. It doesn't have to be in the form of an expensive gift. It could be as simple as making dinner or giving her a massage, but the key is for you to focus on her 100% and give her your undivided attention.A love letter written using the above steps is sure to be cherished, saved and read many times over, for many years to come!Write a love letter this Valentine's Day that is timeless and everlasting!Vijay Kannan is the founder and president of Breakthrough-Letters.com(<a target="_new" href="http://www.breakthrough-letters.com">http://www.breakthrough-letters.com</a>).At breakthrough-letters.com, you can write powerful letters online, in your own words, using breakthrough templates that guide you and make every letter special and unique by adding stationery, fonts and music, in minutes! Click on the link below to view a sample letter created at breakthrough-letters.com: <a target="_new" href="http://www.breakthrough-letters.com/letters/index.pl/11/view?r=2">http://www.breakthrough-letters.com/letters/index.pl/11/view?r=2</a>Kannan also offers a free, 7-Part e-course on "Letter writing skills to improve communication in relationships and Better Email Communcation" that can be obtained either by visiting their website or sending a blank email to <a href="mailto:subscribe@breakthrough-letters.com">subscribe@breakthrough-letters.com</a>

No Paws from Santa Claus

The Holidays are coming and children have thought long and hard about the gifts they would most want to receive this year. Trucks, trains, Groovey girls and scooters are popular gifts this year. Each year lists are filled with the "most popular" toys of that year. There is one thing each year that can be found on many children's lists. A puppy. The image of a bright eyed plump adorable pup dressed in a red bow is an irresistible one. Or is it? Giving a life for a gift is something to think very carefully about. Puppies grow up quickly, cost a lot and need a life long commitment.As a Professional Dog Trainer and Breed rescue volunteer, I have seen many sad endings for these once so irresistible pups. Spring comes around and the pup is now sixty or so pounds and full of unappreciated energy and spunk... The issues of teething and housebreaking are sore subjects for the entire family. The pup is out of control and no longer the highlight in the kid's day. Many times this leads to a decision to "re home" the pup. This is the worst case scenario. Unfortunately it is all too common. Preparing ahead of time is essential to the success of a new puppy in your home.If your family has made a decision to get a puppy please keep several things in mind. Getting a puppy is at least a 13 year long commitment depending on the type of dog. The most enjoyable dogs are well mannered. It is advised you seek out a dog trainer for instruction that suits your needs... All dogs need monthly heartworm prevention as well as yearly medical check ups. Please research the type of dog you are interested in. Different breeds have traits specific to them. Find traits that suit your family's lifestyle there are many options for where to get a dog or puppy from. The internet is a great resource of information on this. Most breeds have a rescue group of some kind. There are many wonderful dogs that are without homes.So, if you see a puppy on the top of your child's list this year. Might I suggest that you go out and purchase the cutest stuffed puppy that you can find? Get it a leash and collar with tags. Get a food bowl and some biscuits for effect and then research together the many options you have in deciding when and what type of furry family member you would like to bring into your family. Preparation, Education and dedication are the best recipe for a perfect happy ending for all. Happy HolidaysAbout The AuthorJennifer Shryock, Canine behavior consultant - <a href="http://www.familypaws.com" target="_new">http://www.familypaws.com</a>U.S. Coordinator for <a href="http://www.doggonesafe.com" target="_new">http://www.doggonesafe.com</a><a href="mailto:Jen@familypaws.com">Jen@familypaws.com</a>

Ready to Skip This Holiday? Why No Just Make It Your Own?

Do you feel panicked, or exicted? Are you experiencing joy or depression? Do you have childlike visions of toys and celebration with the people you love? Or pressure, loneliness, alienation and annoying relatives?Sometimes we really can't help but ask "What is celebration? Do we really need it?"I can tell you there were times after my divorce and my daughter's death that I asked myself those questions. My kids had moved out. I was alone. Holidays were just painful reminders of the life I no longer had. So I worked. I worked long hours just to avoid the malls with all that chirpy pain-in-the-neck holiday merriment. Bah humbug.But the truth was, it hurt too much to celebrate. And I was the loser.But you know what? Celebration is a ritual of life. It gives us a set of patterns, symbols and actions that mark important events and transitions in our lives. Right now, we're about to celebrate the ending of one year and the beginning of the next. It's important to do that. It's important to mark these times in our lives. You might say "It's just another day." and that might be true. But there's also a spiritual reality at this time that we need to recognize if only to celebrate the incredible, wonderful miracle of you."We can think of sacred ritual as the intersection of ordinary reality and spiritual reality. Ritual provides a safe framework, or container, for us to experience the sacred." Rachel Pollock - The Power of RitualOver the years I've found a number of different rituals and practices that have given me that connection. That spiritual reality. None of them are time consuming or difficult. In fact, I can honestly say they restored my sense of joy and wonder.Releasing the past. This is the first step to recognizing endings and embracing beginnings. It doesn't mean we have to forget all that came before. It just means that we're releasing all the negative energy and stress from the past. When we take time to release the energy of disappointment or hurt, we open ourselves to forgiveness and love.Write out the name of any limiting feelings you may be having. It could be sadness, or guilt, or a feeling of lack. If there are a lot of them, put each on a separate piece of paper. Then take each one and burn it. Then the next, then the next, until they're all gone. You may throw them into a fireplace, or burn them over a candle. As you do, watch them go up in smoke, rising upward and leaving your heart. Feel the release. Isn't it wonderful?Invite new feelings to come in to take their place - love, sharing, friendship, creativity, or whatever you want more of in your life. You just created a vacuum, and nature rushes in to fill a vacuum. Make sure it is filled with all the good stuff you want in your life. Then seal the deal with another ritual. Celebrate each new feeling with a sip of a warm drink. Like hot cider. Or hot chocolate. Or mulled wine. Be sure you savor the taste and sensation as it warms and fills you. Know that these new qualities you are inviting into your life are now part of you and will grow with you in the coming year.Gratitude. During the season of giving and receiving, it is easy to get caught up in the material hustle. So ask yourself: why the gifts? When you stop and think about it, they don't have to be an obligation. A burden. If you choose to buy gifts, recognize they're just a human way of showing our love and care. They're an opportunity to show our gratitude for what comes to us.Think of other ways to express your deepest gratitude for all that you've been given. Allow yourself to notice it all around you, then honor it with thanks the moment it comes to you. This can be a game you can play by yourself or with others. Every time you smell a holiday scent, like cinnamon, turkey, evergreens or cider, think of a specific thing for which you are grateful. Or you may want to pick out holiday symbols, like snowmen, stars, angels, reindeer or Santa to trigger your sense of gratitude. Have fun coming up with ideas, and appreciating the rich symbolism we have during the holidays.Renewal. As you get ready for the New Year, start fresh by releasing whatever hold you may have on the past. Release any negative thoughts you may have or people who don't support your excellence and growth. Take time to acknowledge any darkness in your heart and replace it with light and possibility. You can honor yourself by making this the best holiday yet.Having learned from experience how to grow from adversity to outrageous fulfillment and abundance, Carole Hodges shares her expertise through workshops and private coaching. She works with adults ready to re-vision the second half of life. Learn about more holiday offerings at <a target="_new" href="http://www.OutrageousChoice.com">http://www.OutrageousChoice.com</a>

Creative Kid Birthday Cake Ideas

A Creative Dream Come TrueA hush falls over the room as you bring out your child's birthday cake.With its candles glowing, your cake masterpiece sits at its place of honor for all to admire as the room fills with the oohs and aahs of your envious party guests. Your creative birthday cake is wonderful and it fits your party theme perfectly.Your birthday child makes a wish and your guests join in singing the birthday song followed by cheers and applause. Then it's finally time to enjoy the taste of your delicious birthday cake creation.Now that's the kind of reaction you want for your child's birthday cake!Kid Birthday Cake IdeasLet your creative imagination run wild when you plan your child's birthday cake, because just about anything is possible. Here are just a few ideas.Princess Birthday CakeSkate CakeButterfly CakeLadybug CakeHot Dog and Fries CakeVolcano CakeBug Mountain CakeLego CakeMadeline's Hat CakePrincess Castle CakeGreen Eggs and Ham CakePanda CakeTreasure Chest CakeFirst Birthday Cake IdeasBaby's Bib CakeBaby CakesBaby's BootiesPuppy Dog CakePail of Sand CakeLike I said, when it comes to kid birthday cake ideas for your child's party, the only limit is your imagination.Kid Birthday Cake RecipesFor the recipes for these and other creative birthday cakes, take a quick look at <a href="http://www.fun-kid-birthday-parties.com/kid-birthday-cakes.html" target="_blank">Fun-Kid-Birthday-Parties.com</a>Once you and your child decide what thier party theme will be, start thinking about your birthday cake masterpiece.All it takes is a little imagination and your kid birthday cake will be a huge success!Mike Dougherty has years worth of experience putting together birthday parties for his two children and now his grandchildren. Mike is now the webmaster for <a target="_new" href="http://fun-kid-birthday-parties.com">http://fun-kid-birthday-parties.com</a> and the movie site <a target="_new" href="http://best-dvd-movie-club.com">http://best-dvd-movie-club.com</a>

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 28 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2551

Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One!

Trying to fit all the planning and preparing and celebrating of the holiday season into an already busy schedule can bring a lot of stress to a time of year that's supposed to be full of peace. These days, even Santa needs help making his list and checking it twice!Fortunately, help is available. Virtual Assistants, or VA's, offer a wide range of services designed to save you time and lighten your workload, which is more important than ever at this busy time of year. Here are a few ways a VA can help make your Christmas merry:<li>Research gifts online<li>Plan work for the new year<li>Online Christmas shopping<li>Send e-greetings to your contacts<li>Make holiday travel arrangements<li>Plan your Christmas event or party<li>Add special holiday content to your website<li>Send out announcements of your holiday promotions<li>Send out "handwritten" Christmas or New Year cards<li>Handle some of your office staff's regular work so you can give them some time offYou can even give a gift certificate for VA services to someone you know - you'll both save time!Of course, Virtual Assistants can be an asset to your business any time of year!Many entrepreneurs, especially those working from home, find that business ownership is not as rewarding as they expected, either personally or financially, because administrative tasks are keeping them from the work they are truly passionate about. By using a VA for your word processing, spreadsheets, database development, mailing list management, research, or other administrative tasks, you'll have more time for the work that you enjoy and which increases your bottom line - and isn't that why you started your own business in the first place?--Permission is granted to use this article, as long as the "About the Author" section including the link to <a href="http://www.organizedassistant.com" target="_new">http://www.organizedassistant.com</a> remains intact. An email letting me know which article you have used and where would be appreciated.About The AuthorJanet Barclay, Organized Assistant, is a Professional Organizer, Virtual Assistant and Time Management Consultant. For more information visit <a href="http://www.organizedassistant.com" target="_new">http://www.organizedassistant.com</a>.<a href="mailto:info@organizedassistant.com">info@organizedassistant.com</a>

Mothers Day, Do You Know What Youre Giving The Woman Who Gave You Life?

Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman who gave you life? by DeAnna SpencerI decided to deviate from my normal discussion of marketing and advertising to discuss a major gift giving holiday.Mother's day is coming soon. May 8th to be exact. That is right around the corner. Did you ask your mom what she wanted for Mother's Day? Did she give you one of those "Whatever you think of is fine, dear." answers? Or even better, did she say, "Oh you don't have to get me anything." Here are some suggestions of things to get your mom for Mother's day.Gift Certificates to a spa. Tickets to the theater(movie, opera, musicals, whatever she's into). Something personalized with your picture on it. There are lots of places online that will put your picture on a wide array of items: hats, tote bags, mugs, the list goes on and on. This is especially good if you live far away from your mother. She will always have something to remember you by while you are away. Time to herself (see the spa idea). Cook instead of waiting all day at a restaurant. Spend some time with her. Sometimes that is even better than the most expensive thing you could find in the store. A coupon to do the laundry (or whatever other chore your mom hates) for a month. If you have small children in the family, offer to babysit.Those are just a few ideas that I have come up with. Feel free to post some other ideas in the comment section of the ezine.It's true that you should not wait until Mother's Day to show your Mom how much you appreciate her. However, since this day has been set aside to honor mothers, then take some extra time to make it special for your Mom.Copyright 2005 by DeAnna SpencerDeAnna Spencer publishes the ezine, Prospecting and Presents. You may subscribe to it by going to <a target="_new" href="http://www.pnewsletter.com/subscribe.html">http://www.pnewsletter.com/subscribe.html</a> The ezine can be viewed at <a target="_new" href="http://prospectingandpresents.blogspot.com">http://prospectingandpresents.blogspot.com</a>This article may be distributed freely on the Internet and in print as long as the resource box remains intact.

Sweet 16th Birthday Party Ideas

Is there any party more delightful than sweet 16? If you're stuck for 16th birthday party ideas, then you need to sit back and start counting! It's easy enough if you remember that a sweet 16 party is all about that magic number. How many sweet sixteen balloons do you buy? Sixteen, of course!Turning 16 can be the perfect time for an all-girls party or for a co-ed gathering. No matter what you choose to do, talk with your sweet 16 birthday girl first for her ideas. She might be hoping for a good old fashioned slumber party or something a bit more elegant that announces she is approaching adulthood.Sweet Party IdeasIdeas for an informal 16th party can take advantage of the classic teen foods like pizza, ice cream sundaes, sub sandwiches, nachos, and lots of soda. When thinking about a more "sweet" party, consider sixteen delicate and tiny birthday cakes surrounding one floral arrangement. Another idea is to keep the guest list to sixteen friends.Need more ideas?How about a party where the guest of honor opens sixteen mystery boxes to find one final gift tucked inside? Or a cluster of small items like sixteen favorite candy bars, sixteen colors of nail polish, sixteen gift certificates to favorite fast food restaurants or sixteen movie tickets?What about invitations for your sweet 16 party?Invitations to your party could be presented on candy bar wrappers for the chocolate fiend. For mystery, you could send out a small key enclosed in each of the sixteen invitations. Once your guests arrive, let them try their luck at opening a small chest which contains sixteen special prizes. Keep in mind that often the most creative and appreciated items are the least expensive!John Lenaghan writes about party planning and other tips for the <a target="_new" href="http://www.party-ideas-4u.com">Party Ideas 4u</a> website, where he provides valuable tips and advice about <a target="_new" href="http://www.party-ideas-4u.com/halloween-party-ideas.html">Halloween party ideas</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.party-ideas-4u.com/birthday-party-ideas.html">birthday party ideas</a> and other party planning topics.

วันเสาร์ที่ 27 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2551

Gifts: What Do You Give A Couch Potato?

So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in front of the TV and you're looking for a gift for him or her. There are three ways you could go with your gift idea.Option 1: Get them something that fits right in with their couch potato persona.You're not trying to change them, you just want to get them something they will enjoy. Well, there are no shortage of TV and movie gifts out there. You could choose a gift membership to Zip.ca (Canada) or Blockbuster Online (US), where they can rent unlimited DVDs every month for one price. Or get a snazzy universal remote control. They'll be in control from the comfort of their couch - how fitting! They'll enjoy their TV and movies more with a home theater system or a liquid crystal TV. Or how about converting them into a "chair potato" with a robotic leather massage recliner!Option 2: Get them physically active.Your couch potato can still watch TV while they exercise. Our favorite gift idea in this category is a portable mini cycle that you can use while still sitting on the couch (or at a desk, etc.). Best of both worlds! Similar to that (but not quite as "convenient") is a stair climber or side stepper. But they have to actually get off the couch for that.Option 3: Get them out of the house.This is, basically, contradictory to all that is dear to your couch potato. But it could be the best thing for them! Try getting them golf lessons, cooking classes, a tent and sleeping bag, or a weekend getaway. They might just like it!A Heath is a gift researcher for <a target="_new" href="http://www.the-gift-wizard.com">http://www.the-gift-wizard.com</a>

Its Party Time - Lets Decorate!

Holidays are here and so is the spirit of partying. Here are some wonderful ideas for transforming your home into an innovative party scenario and giving your guests an occasion that will forever remain etched in their memories.1. Entrance: Do up your entrance. The entrance to your home should be magnificent and welcoming. Line the driveway with luminaries. Place a guest book at the front door for expressing sentiments. Clean up clutter near your entrance. Decorate the entrance traditionally or with something unusual to set a celebratory mood. You could also decorate according to the theme of your party. Sleigh Bells or wreaths for Christmas, ghoulish figures for Halloween etc.2. Lighting: Lighting sets the mood for the party. Interesting ways to play with lighting are to cover light bulbs with multi-colored cellophane strips, cover lights or battery-torches with soft white cloth and place them separately to give the room an air of mystery, or use all your beautiful candles together instead of lights to create a romantic mood. If using candles, combine candles of various colors, shapes and sizes together.3. Flowers: Flowers will never go out of Fashion. Use lots of seasonal flowers to add freshness and fragrance to your decor. Use garlands to decorate tall structures, floral arrangements on mantels and corners and floating displays of seasonal flowers and floating candles for an eye-catching centerpiece. Visit our Flower Arrangement Gallery by Chrissie Harten (<a target="_new" href="http://www.dotcomwomen.com/home/floral.shtml">http://www.dotcomwomen.com/home/floral.shtml</a>) for some great ideas. If you expecting kids at your party, place such arrangements out of reach of children or use wooden or metal vases and bowls instead of glass and porcelain.4. Fabric and Linen: The color and texture of the fabric in the room should be decided according to the occasion, theme, season etc. Cool fabrics go for summers. Rich brocades and Velvet go with a Victorian theme. Red, Golden and White will give the room a Christmassy feel.5. A Special Touch: Give the party scenario a special touch by placing an object which will be the center of attraction for your guests. A party is the right time to show off your beautiful collection of dolls or your set of original oils by a famous artist. A set of rare books placed together as a 'mini-library' in your party room will also become a major attraction if your guests are Literature-Lovers. Apart from collections, you can use mini-aquariums, waterfalls, miniature indoor gardens etc. These will not only beautify the room, but also give your guests a beautiful theme to start a conversation.Happy Decorating!About The AuthorLata Budhrani is the Founder/Editor of Dot Com Women, a premier women's website and online community. Visit her at <a href="http://www.dotcomwomen.com" target="_new">http://www.dotcomwomen.com</a>.<a href="mailto:lata@dotcomwomen.com">lata@dotcomwomen.com</a>

Free Christian Ecard and Christian Ecards

A free Christian ecard is comprised of inspirational quotes, musical greetings, messages of love, get well soon, and a plethora of other familiar greeting card options free of charge. Family and holiday Christian ecards are also available. Individualized free Christian ecards are offered by a multitude of websites on the Internet. A popular method of communications is the use of email, or electronic mail. Emails avoid the time restraints that other avenues of mail cause. Christian ecards can be delivered instantaneously to a friend or family members email account and can then be forwarded to others for all to enjoy.A free Christian ecard choice can be made from a large variety of colors and designs with scripture verses to encourage fellow Christians in every situation from any walk of life. Christian ecards or electronic cards are defined as a digital greeting cards created online and sent to someone through the Internet. Imagine how comforting it would be to receive a free Christian ecard focused on the birth of Christ that could be shared at no cost to other Christians. It is no wonder the business of Christian ecards has more than tripled in past years. Christians love receiving expressions of compassion and love from one another.Most free Christian ecard website companies are funded by banner ads which are made visible for ecard givers while they are creating their free Christian ecards. Some sites offer visitors a free Christian ecard to attract them to their site in order to sell them the many other Christian products and services offered by the website. Christian ecards are sent via email or electronic mail usually with a link to its originating website. The process of free Christian ecard advertising allows Christians from all over the world to have access to information and products offered by a particular organization providing Christian ecards.In addition to a personalized text, a free Christian ecard allows a consumer to create different backgrounds, images and music to attach to their Christian ecards. The most effective way to locate a free Christian ecard company is to use a search engine. Using common keywords that may be within the domain of a Christian ecard company can ensure success in finding the website desired. Keywords for finding a free Christian ecard website include: Christian ecard, Christian e-card, Christian digital card, Christian virtual card, or Christian digital greeting card.For more information about free Christian ecard and Christian ecards, visit: <a target="_new" href="http://www.christianet.com/christianecards/index.htm">http://www.christianet.com/christianecards/index.htm</a> <a target="_new" href="http://christian.christianet.com/articles.htm">http://christian.christianet.com/articles.htm</a> <a target="_new" href="http://www.christianet.com/">http://www.christianet.com</a>

Contact Lenses for Halloween

It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect Halloween costume, and frequently the best ones require a lot of planning and special effects items. Luckily for all the Halloween fans out there, there is now a huge line of contact lenses for Halloween. The different styles of lenses range from the funny to sports and then to really, really scary. Regardless of the costume genre you are interested in or are planning there is a Halloween contact lens for you.If you are interested in the specially designed contact lenses for Halloween, then the best idea is to visit your optometrist for an eye exam. The majority of these lenses are available on the Internet and do not require prescriptions; however you will want to make sure your eyes are healthy and able to wear contact lenses. It would be unfortunate to spend the money on a pair of lenses that do not fit your eye. Also, it is possible you need a prescription or need to update your prescription and it would be good to know this before ordering as well.Once you have your optometrist's approval and know you can wear contact lenses, you can begin searching for the perfect lens to compliment your Halloween costume.If you are planning on being something scary for Halloween, there are many selections of contacts from full eye sclera that blackout your entire eye or bird eyes, spiral eyes or even flame eyes!If you are dressing up as a member of your favorite sports team then you might consider ordering contact lenses emblazoned with your team's logo. If you are going for something a little lower key or on a fun note, then you might want to get the smiley face lenses or the moon and star lenses. Regardless of your Halloween costume there is certainly a contact lens available that will complement your outfit and make you the best dressed for Halloween.Maria Gonzalez is webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://contact-vision.com">Contact Vision</a>, a site dedicted to bringing you up to date information on vision related topics. For more details on scary contact lenses for Halloween visit <a target="_new" href="http://ghoulish-halloween.com">Ghoulish Halloween</a>.