Luau Party Centerpiece Ideas

Luau centerpieces use the same bright colors found in the other decorations.

Luaus traditionally have a lot of fresh flowers and bright colors, which carry over into the centerpieces. The centerpieces are used on each table at the party and can even be used to decorate a buffet table. The right centerpiece gets people talking and gives each table its own focal point. Take into account the other decorations used in your luau party and pick luau party centerpiece ideas that work around those colors and decorations. Does this Spark an idea?

Margarita Glass Centerpiece

A margarita glass centerpiece is made from a jumbo margarita glass or an oversize margarita glass. Lay fake bamboo leaves in the center of the table and set the glass on the leaves. Fill with real or artificial flowers, using bright colors that match your luau decorations. Wrap a flowered lei around the base of the glass, hiding it from party guests. Use colored margarita glasses, such as red or green to add even more color to your party. Alternatively, fill the glass with water and add floating candles, which add some light. Wrap the stem of the glass in a flowered lei that matches your color scheme.

Beach Centerpieces

Craft a beach centerpiece on each of your tables using shells, sand and other decorative elements. Cover the tables with tablecloths and set a sheet of plastic on top of the tablecloth, in the center of the table. Pour the sand directly on top of the plastic sheet and top with luau themed items, including seashells or shell necklaces. Look for luau themed confetti and add that to the sand mixture. Top with a homemade message in a bottle. Roll up a small sheet of paper and slide it inside a glass bottle. Keep closed with the bottle's lid or a piece of cork.

Fresh Fruit Boats

A fresh fruit boat serves two functions at your luau: it acts as a decorative element and also provides food for guests. Use pineapples, watermelons, yellow melons and any other type of large melon. Cut melon in half lengthwise and scoop out the fruit inside with a melon baller. Set the melon in a large bowl and top with lemon juice, to prevent browning. Mix the different types of melon with other fruits, including freshly cut apples or strawberries and grapes. Pour the fruit salad mixture back into the melon halves and set in the center of each table and surround with napkins and skewers for guests.

Tags: bright colors, each table, your luau, center table, luau party, luau themed

Unique Baby Shower Games

Baby showers are a great way to honor a mother-to-be.

Baby showers are a wonderful way to celebrate a friend or family member's pregnancy. Most baby showers include food, presents for the mother-to-be and games. Many hostesses make the mistake of playing the same games everyone has played before. Adding a unique game to a party can help make a baby shower unforgettable. Does this Spark an idea?

Name That (Baby) Tune

This game tests shower guests' music knowledge. The host should make a mix of songs that have the word "baby" in the song's title. Examples of this are "Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears and "Be My Baby" by the Ronettes. Each guest will get a pen and piece of paper. The host will play a 10-second interval of each song, and guests will write down the song's title and artist. The guest with the most right answers will win.

Who's the Celebrity Baby?

Pictures of celebrities' babies populate magazine covers and entertainment sites. Their faces have become almost as familiar as their famous parents. This game requires the shower hostess to tape up pictures of celebrity babies with numbers written in the picture's corner. Guests should be provided with a pen and paper, so they can write down the name of each baby pictured. The guest who gets the most names right wins.

Guess The Baby Food

This game has guests actually taste test different types of baby food. The hostess should remove the labels from 10 jars of different baby foods. The jars should be set out next to a large supply of plastic spoons. The labels should be taped to a poster board that is hung behind the table of baby food jars. Guests must take turns tasting a food and then writing down on a piece of paper which label they think the food matches. The guest with the most correct answers wins.

Tags: This game, guest with, guest with most, piece paper, song title, with most

What Are The Benefits Of Paying Salary Instead Of Overtime

Paying an employee a salary to avoid overtime pay requirements provides benefits for an employer, including payroll predictability and ease in budget planning. An employer must ensure paying an employee a salary that complies with federal regulations set forth in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A salaried worker may still require overtime compensation if the worker's pay and job description do not meet federal requirements.

Exempt or Just Salaried

Paying an employee a salary does not automatically mean an employer does not have to pay the worker an overtime wage under the law. The worker must meet the requirements as an exempt worker under the FLSA not to receive overtime pay. As of June 2011, an exempt employee must earn at least $455 per week and meet any one of the job duty obligations, including making daily business decisions for a company, supervising an entire department within a business or acting in a professional capacity that requires constant independent thought and decision making.

Recording Work Hours

The FLSA does not require an employer to record hours for salaried employees, as is the case for hourly workers. This minimizes an employer's paperwork and makes reporting worker wages for tax purposes easier because the weekly rate is the same no matter how many hours each employee puts in at the job. An employer can also reduce purchasing and maintenance costs for time-recording equipment.

Managing Employee Payroll

Employee payroll is easier to manage when paying eligible employees a salary instead of an hourly rate. This is because pay rates are the same for salaried workers no matter how many hours worked. An employer can also better predict payroll costs and plan the rest of the company's budget because there won't be any overtime in play to affect the bottom line. This leads to a more financially efficient company that can more accurately control its costs.

Mandatory Overtime Rules

There is no restriction at the federal level under the FLSA for an employer requiring salaried employees to work longer than a standard 40-hour workweek. This essentially means an employer can require mandatory overtime for eligible salaried employees without having to pay overtime wages. This can be a boon for a company's payroll, providing longer operating hours for the same rate of pay. An employer must make sure these requirements are in place only for salary-exempt workers. Forcing salaried workers who do not meet the requirements for exempt employees under the FLSA is illegal and could result in massive civil penalties and unpaid tax obligations.

Tags: employee salary, salaried employees, under FLSA, employer also, employer must, many hours, matter many

Third Grade Luau Ideas

Third graders can participate in Hawaiian activities indoors or out.

Luaus are Hawaiian parties known for exciting activities in a tropical theme. Luaus typically feature Hawaiian food and drinks, hula dancers, wearing leis, music, games and beach activities. Third graders can participate in luau party plans, crafts and games, a variety of foods and even help with classroom or party decorations.

Wearables

Have the third graders make their own Hawaiian items to wear. Make a hula skirt with crepe paper streamers. Measure and cut a streamer to fit around a child's waist, leaving room at the ends to tie the waistband on. Cut and staple several streamers all around the waistband. Let the streamers hang downward to about ankle length for each child. Make crowns from heavy paper or craft foam. Glue on some small shells, colored sand and paper cutouts, or stick some craft foam shapes onto each crown. Staple the crown at the back to fit a child's head. Make leis by pushing plastic lacing through the center of tissue paper flowers. Tie a lei loosely around each child's neck or waist or use them for headbands.

Table Accessories

Have the kids cut out palm leaves or fish shapes from paper to make place mats. Let the kids decorate the place mats with markers or crayons or glue on some tropical-shaped cutouts. Laminate the place mats. Make coconut-like cups from paper or foam cups. The kids can color the cups brown and glue on scraps of brown paper or yarn to look like the outside of a coconut. Kids may also cut out flower, shell or fish shapes from paper. Poke two holes in the shapes, about two inches apart. Slip a straw through the holes to make a party straw.

Treats

Place bowls of fresh fruits on a table. Let the kids make skewers with their favorites. Provide dips for the fruits, if desired. To give kids an idea of a roasted pig, a favorite at luaus, skewer a heated frankfurter from end to end, one frank per child. Have the kids use mustard, ketchup and pickles to create a pig's facial features, feet and tail onto each frankfurter. Let kids create their own tropical sundaes from ice cream and fruity toppings. Stick an umbrella decoration in the top of each sundae.

Games

Have the kids play the limbo, where they take turns trying to bend backwards enough to "dance" under a limbo stick (broom or other stick) without falling backward. Lower the limbo stick after each child has had a turn. Play Hawaiian music while the kids limbo. Change the game by having kids limbo through a hula hoop or limbo through a mud puddle outdoors. Hold surfboard races with big pieces of cardboard for each child to surf on. Place a tarp on the ground and keep it wet with a hose or sprinkler. Toss wet sponges for a wild and wet game of tag. Hold a hula contest. Play "pin the coconut on the tree" or play a game to make as many words as the children can think of from the word "pineapple."

Tags: each child, from paper, Have kids, place mats, craft foam

Surfboard Crafts For Kids

Sur boards are painted with bright colors and patterns.

Whether your child is planning a surfing-themed party, making items for a surfing-themed room, or just wants to be reminded of summer, surfboard crafts are a colorful, fun way to brighten up the day. The simple shape of a surfboard makes quick and effective results achievable even for young kids.

Party Invitations

Involve your child in planning a surfing party by having him help make the invitations. Draw surfboard shapes on thick, white card stock and ask your child to cut them out using safety scissors. Have your child decorate one side of the card with colored marker pens, using whatever colors or patterns he chooses. Hawaiian-style flowers -- hibiscus -- are effective. Print the details of the party on the other side of the card with a black marker pen.

Picture Frame

Draw two matching surfboard shapes on thick, white card stock. Ask your child to cut them out using safety scissors. Help her to cut one or two square windows in one of the pieces of card. Have her decorate each surfboard shape by painting or drawing a pattern on one side. Place favorite photos behind the windows. Stick the two pieces of card together with tacky glue, with the decorated sides facing outwards. Prop on a shelf to display.

Driftwood Mobile

Gather driftwood and shells from the beach. Draw six surfboard shapes on thick, white card stock and ask your child to cut them out with safety scissors and decorate them on both sides. Use a hole punch to make a hole in each board at one end. Use a large piece of driftwood as a frame. Help him to tie small pieces of wood, shells and the surfboards onto the driftwood using clear thread or fishing line, then hang the mobile up in his room to remind him of summer.

Necklace

Show your child make brightly-colored surfboard-shaped beads using air-dry modeling clay. Have her roll small pieces of clay into oval shapes then press them flat, tapering each end. Make holes in the beads for her at one end with a metal skewer. Leave them to dry. Have her thread plain beads onto a thin strip of leather, spacing the surfboard-shaped beads between them. Finish by tying the leather in a loose knot.

Tags: your child, your child them, card stock, card stock your, child them, safety scissors

Theme Ideas For A 21st Birthday

A 21st birthday is an occasion worthy of celebration.

A 21st birthday is a major milestone where a young adult officially turns the legal drinking age. A big celebration tends to mark this passage, and the festivities tend to include alcohol. Regardless of whether you're planning a sober party, a drinking party or a family party before a pub-crawl, there is a wide assortment of themes possible. Does this Spark an idea?

Casino Birthday Theme

A casino theme provides plenty of gambling entertainment.

Load on the bling and prepare a large budget for a big 21st birthday party with a casino theme. A club or convention room with a dance floor and DJ booth provides a basic setup for the party. Gambling games can include blackjack, Texas hold 'em, craps and roulette. Decorations can include metallic tablecloths, dice-shaped wall hangings, casino chip garlands and faux gold coin centerpieces.

Fancy finger food for the casino birthday party can include shrimp puffs, stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, mini egg rolls, stuffed celery and cucumber finger sandwiches. Drinks can include an open bar with water, soda, beer, wine, champagne and mixed cocktails. Dessert can include a fancy, three-dimensional, slot-machine birthday cake. The decadent party doesn't really require party favors, however small baggies of gold foil-covered chocolate coins are a nice gesture.

Childhood Birthday Theme

Party hats help get guests in the mood for a childhood-themed party.

Bring back one last flash of immaturity and throw a 21st birthday party with a childhood theme. The party is an amusing way to celebrate the occasion with family and friends before a pub-crawl or second "adult" party later that evening. Cartoon-themed paper party decorations provide a colorful kiddie style. Colorful noisemaker horns and traditional party hats help get guests into the party spirit.

Refreshments for a childhood-themed party can include chicken nuggets, fries, hot dogs, water, soda, juice and punch. Dessert can include a cartoon-decorated birthday cake or colorful cupcakes. Activities can include Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Cartoon Bingo and Hide-and-Seek. Party favors can include bouncy balls, yo-yos, giant lollipops and silly putty.

Luau Birthday Theme

Take advantage of warm weather with a luau birthday party.

You don't need a beach to throw a 21st birthday party with a luau theme. Decorations consisting of paper flower chains, bamboo-patterned tablecloths, seashell-covered pineapple centerpieces and cardboard palm trees provide a Hawaiian luau feel. Roasted pork, fruit salad, baked sweet potatoes and honey rolls make energizing snacks. Serve water, iced tea, lemonade, virgin margaritas, margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas to keep guests hydrated. Dessert can include a pineapple upside-down birthday cake.

Entertainment for the Hawaiian luau party can include dancing and, if possible, swimming. Games can include volleyball, a hula-hoop contest, a pineapple-carving contest and a flipper race where players must wear a pair of scuba-diving flippers as they race across the lawn. Party favors can include comical sunglasses, a paper flower lei, a can of macadamia nuts or a beach towel.

Tags: birthday party, 21st birthday, 21st birthday party, birthday cake, birthday party with

Perfect Pool Party Foods

A variety of easy and versatile foods can be served at a pool party.

When planning a menu for a pool party, it is important to choose foods that will not spoil when left in the heat. Additionally, it is also important to choose foods that can be eaten easily with just the hands or one utensil. Select foods that are light and refreshing, as they will be a perfect complement for the warm temperatures. When creating your pool party menu, consider adding these perfect pool party foods. Does this Spark an idea?

Main Dishes

Traditional main dishes for a pool party include hamburgers and hot dogs, which are easy to make and easy to eat. Party hosts simply need to fire up the grill and cook the burgers and hot dogs for a few minutes. Party guests can top their burgers and hot dogs with a variety of toppings, including ketchup, mustard, cheese, onions, tomatoes, relish and chili.

For a less traditional pool party main dish, consider making kabobs. Although kabobs are slightly more time-consuming to prepare, they are a fun and interesting alternative to the traditional main dishes. Kabobs can include nearly any ingredient that can be punctured by the stick. However, traditional components of a kabob include grilled chicken or steak, onions, peppers and mushrooms.

Snacks

One of the easiest snacks to prepare is a tray of fresh fruit and vegetables. This health snack is easy to eat while socializing; it's also perfectly light on a hot summer day. For the fruit tray, use pineapple, strawberries, grapes, melon chunks and kiwifruit. Popular vegetables include baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery and bell pepper strips.

Chips and dip are an easy and popular snack for parties. However, many dips are made with large amounts of sour cream or mayonnaise, both of which will spoil in high temperatures. Instead of using these types of dips, make homemade guacamole with fresh avocados and homemade salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions and peppers. Serve the guacamole and salsa with tortilla chips for a light and healthy snack. Pita wedges can also be served with hummus, which will also manage the heat well.

Desserts

Traditional desserts--such as cake, ice cream and pie--are difficult to serve at a pool party. Not only are these desserts susceptible to melting in the hot temperature, but they're also difficult to eat while standing. Instead, serve cookies and mini cupcakes. These types of desserts are easy to eat, yet still allow guests to indulge in a sweet treat. You might also choose to serve ice cream treats. However, these treats will need to be kept chilled and should be eaten quickly.

Although fresh fruit may have been served as a snack, it is also perfectly acceptable as a pool party dessert. Offer a tray with an extensive array of fresh fruits. Include strawberries, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, cherries, pineapple and peaches. To make the fruit more dessert-like, serve it with whipped cream.

Tags: pool party, foods that, also perfectly, burgers dogs, choose foods, choose foods that, fresh fruit

Types Of Hula Hoops

The hula-hoop was invented by Arthur K. Melin in 1958.

Working out with a hula hoop, or "hooping" as it is lovingly called by hoop dancers is a fitness routine. The hula hoop has graduated from being a child's toy in the 1950s to an effective muscle-building, dance or performance tool--depending on the type you buy.

To avoid any confusion, Hula Hoop is a trademarked brand for a specific children's toy. The generic term, hula hoop, is applied to other types.

Children's Hoops

You will find these hula hoops in toy stores. The piping on children's hoops is usually thin and bends easily, making it difficult for adults to use them. Some of these hoops may even be weighted with water.

Weighted Hoops

Look in the fitness section of any sporting goods store for these specialty hoops. Designed for waist hooping, weighted hoops strengthen your abdomen. Any hoop that's larger than 45 inches in diameter and weighs more than 2 lbs. is bigger than standard adult dancing hoops, and considered a weighted hoop. A weighted hoop's size and bulk, however, doesn't allow for graceful movements around the body during chest, shoulders and leg workouts.

Adult Dancing Hoops

You can easily custom make your own adult hoop using PVC piping and some colorful tape. Adult dancing hoops are between 32 and 45 inches in diameter, depending on your height and weight, and weigh between 1 and 2 lbs. The hula hoop's piping is larger and more firm than children's hoops, but less heavy than a weighted hoop. This allows you to gracefully "dance" with the hoop, working on your chest, legs, arms, shoulders, hips and abdomen.

Fire Hoops

Fire hoops are regular hula hoops with torches attached around the diameter. Professional hoopers use these during performances, adding drama and passion to their dance. Only trained professionals should use fire hoops because they're extremely dangerous.

Travel Hoops

Travel or collapsible hoops are regular adult hoops made of four or six segments connected by a bungee cord. Collapsible hoops make it easy to take a hula hoop to work, the park or the gym without worrying about fitting a full-size, 42-inch hula hoop in a car or on a public bus. Understand, though, they're more expensive than standard hoops and don't last as long.

Tags: hula hoop, weighted hoop, dancing hoops, hoops regular, hula hoop, hula hoops, inches diameter

The Differences In Organizational Leadership

Different leadership styles create varying organizational climates.

There has been an explosion, over the past couple of decades, in research about organizational leadership. Much of this interest has come from the realization that leaders operate differently compared with managers. Organizational scholars continue research ways to define these differences, not only between leaders and managers but also among effective leaders. Each leadership style has its own idiosyncrasies, strengths and challenges. Three common types are autocratic, laissez-faire and participative.

Autocratic Leadership

A leader who exudes an autocratic leadership style, or what is considered the classic method, maintains tight control of all decision making authority. Typically, the leader doesn't ask mangers and personnel below him for input for important decisions. Autocratic leaders expect workers to obey their orders without any questions or resistance. This kind of leadership, which tends to result in low organizational morale and high staff turnover, is falling out of favor as the younger generation enters the work force. However, autocratic leadership is effective in some situations, such as training new and inexperienced employees, supervising unproductive employees and managing employees who need or want this kind of structure.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Laissez-faire leadership refers to a more "hands-off" method. These leaders provide little to no direction or input. Instead, they encourage employees to set goals, make decisions and address issues or problems in their own way. The laissez-faire leadership style may seem loose, but there are workers who make this style most effective, such as extremely competent, skilled and experienced employees or those who are self-motivated to continually improve their performance. This style is inappropriate for employees who are not confident or competent as well as those who need constant feedback. Leaders also abuse this style by using staff as cover-up for failing to understand the needs of a project.

Participative Leadership Style

Participative leadership, or democratic style, is a middle-of-the-road approach between autocratic and laissez faire. This leadership style encourages employee involvement in setting goals and decision making. The participative leader values communication and keeps employees in the loop of organizational changes. With this participative leadership, everyone has the opportunity to provide input, but the final decision is made by the leader based on good counsel. These leaders are known for motivating personnel to perform at a high quality level, building morale and a sense of teamwork. This form of leadership is not as cost-effective or appropriate when there is no time for input.

Tags: leadership style, decision making, These leaders

Tiki Gifts For A Kid'S Party

Dessert tiki masks are a fun giveaway at children's parties.

Party favors are tiny gifts that show your guests you appreciate their attendance at your event. Party favors should be memorable and suit the theme of the event. For a luau or tiki-themed party, choose tiki gifts that resemble a tropical setting, including sea-themed props. Tiki gifts for a children's party should be something kids can use immediately as they are not likely to store a keepsake for a long period of time. Does this Spark an idea?

Tiki Pencils

If you are hosting a party around the time children return to school from summer vacation, choose writing utensils as a party favor. Tiki-style erasers, pens, pencils and markers are all great options for elementary and middle school age students. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful contribution to their back-to-school shopping needs.

Tiki Treats

Turn toaster pastries or large shortbread cookies into tiki desserts for each child to take home. Purchase purple, orange and yellow decorative frosting for your masks. Using one of the colors you purchased, draw two parallel lines at the top of your pastry or cookie and two lines at the bottom. Between each set of parallel lines, draw a wavy line in a separate color. Finally, draw a face like those seen on tiki masks. Wrap the finished product in cellophane paper and cover the tiki treat so that the cellophane bunches at the top of the mask. Trim the excess cellophane wrap. Tie a piece of bold-colored yarn around the cellophane at the top of the mask. Place the tiki treats in a basket near the exit so each child can grab one on his or her way out.

Lei Necklaces

Use leftover party streamers to make lei necklaces for each guest. The children can wear the necklace during the event to complement the theme. A lei is a Hawaiian garland of flowers, shells and leaves that is worn as a necklace on special occasions. Fold the party streamer lengthwise so that you form a long narrow strip. Then use a needle and thread to sew together the two open edges of the streamer. Once you are finished sewing, pull the thread taut to bunch the lei into the semblance of a stack of flowers. Trim excess thread and tie leis around each child's neck.

Tags: each child, gifts that, parallel lines, Party favors, tiki masks, Trim excess

Places To Have Baby Birthday Parties In Allentown Pennsylvania

Celebrate your child's birthday in style with family and friends.

Allentown is the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, and there are many places where you can hold your baby's 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th birthday party. If you're celebrating a child's birthday, the guest list will probably include other children ranging in age. Hold the celebration at a place where kids can have fun and where you won't stress over the decorations, preparation or cleanup. Does this Spark an idea?

BounceU

Invite guests to BounceU, an indoor bounce stadium facility. This venue specializes in children's birthday parties, supplying the food and games in a safe indoor setting. BounceU offers four different birthday party packages for kids of all ages. Cosmic Bounce is a glow-in-the-dark-themed party with special effects. Spectac-U-Lar Birthday Party is a one-hour party held in a private celebration room where each guest is treated to a souvenir. Have a party planner organize your child's birthday with the Premier Party package. This one-hour and 15-minute package includes video games and two bounce stadiums. The Valu-U Party package is for smaller groups of 15 people. This package includes an hour of private playtime in a bounce stadium.

Da Vinci Science Center

The Da Vinci Science Center offers three birthday packages for groups of 10 or more where the kids are at least 4-years-old. All packages includes admission to the exhibit, an hour in the party room, a grab bag for each child, drinks, an ice cream cake and food from either Domino's Pizza or Chick-fil-A. The Nano is a standard three-hour party package that includes just the basics. The Turbine Package is for a three-and-a-half hour party that includes all the basics plus a Science show. The Gyro Package is three-and-a-half hours long and includes a Science show, invitations and thank-you cards, tickets to the GyroSphere show and a $10 gift card to the gift shop for the birthday child. Parties can be held on both weekends and weekday holidays.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Ride the attractions and get wet at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. There are a variety of activities for your children 2-years-old and older to do. Everyone in your party gets in at a discounted rate and can enjoy all the rides and attractions the park has to offer. All parties are held in the Game Day Grille Restaurant. For one hour, you can feed your guests, open presents or just hang out before exploring the park. At least 15 people must attend your party in order to reserve a room in the restaurant. Food is included in the cost and includes hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, salad, cookies, a sheet cake and drinks.

Chuck E. Cheese's

Celebrate at Chuck E. Cheese's. There's one in nearby Whitehall in the Lehigh Valley Mall. Kids from 2-years-old and up can enjoy games, prizes and entertainment while parents sit back and relax. Chuck E. Cheese's menu consists of pizza and salad. It even serves cake at parties. Children are free to roam around without parents worrying as no child is allowed to leave the premises unless with an adult. Send electronic invitations to all your guests using Chuck E. Cheese's online invitation software. All you need is an email address.

Tags: Chuck Cheese, child birthday, birthday party, bounce stadium, Dorney Park, Dorney Park Wildwater

Things To Do In Waikiki Hawaii

Things to Do in Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki, where the legendary Duke Kahanamoku was "hanging 10" in the early 1900s, is probably one of the most famous beaches in the world. A statue of the Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer erected on Waikiki Beach reminds visitors this beach is really where surfing was born.

Waikiki Aquarium

Learn about the aquatic life of Hawaii at the Waikiki Aquarium, featuring more than 3,000 marine animals of 500 different species. Exhibits include: Corals Are Alive, Ocean Drifters and Hunters on the Reef.

Waikiki Beach Walk

Along the Waikiki Beach Walk, you can shop for authentic Hawaiian keepsakes by local artisans at stores such as Mana Hawaii-Spirit of Hawaii Nei.

Waikiki Historic Trail

Start at the Royal Hawaiian Center to follow the Waikiki Historic Trail to see the Royal Grove, where 10,000 coconut palms once thrived.

Royal Hawaiian Center

The Royal Hawaiian Center will dazzle you with torch-lighting ceremonies, live Hawaiian entertainment and Polynesian Cultural Center shows every day at 6 p.m.

Beaches

Kuhio Beach is protected by a "rock wall," making it an ideal location for swimming. Picnic at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki at Queens Surf Beach.

Snorkeling

Snorkel in the crystal blue waters of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The bay is 10 miles east of Waikiki at the southeast tip of Oahu. You can rent gear here or bring your own.

Tags: Hawaii Waikiki, Hawaiian Center, Royal Hawaiian, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki Beach

Tips On Sewing Hawaiian Dresses

If you happen to be headed to Hawaii, or just a summer beach party, a Hawaiian dress is festive and can double as a summertime bathing suit cover-up. There are two basic Hawaiian dresses, the pareo and the mumu. The mumu was a cloth wrap originally made of bark or plant fibers that was worn about the waist. Missionaries developed the mumu for Hawaiian women as a more modest dress than the native style. Making either dress is simple.

Materials

Select a lightweight woven fabric for your mumu or pareo. Depending on the size of the fabric, you can make an airy and cool pareo with no sewing involved. Some fabrics that are good choices include cotton, linen, rayon or a blend. The most popular fabrics for these types of dresses are called batik fabrics. Batik fabrics combine bold prints and vibrant colors with lightweight fabric.

Pareo

A pareo is a single, large square of fabric. This makes the pareo possibly one of the simplest designs that one can create from scratch, as there is no pattern required. Use 2 yards of fabric that is 36 to 45 inches wide. Fringe the edges of the sarong by pulling out the crosswise threads until you have around 2 inches of fringe on each end. Create tassels by knotting the fringe at the ends. Your selvage will make the side seams.

Mumu

A mumu looks much like a lady's nightgown with a bell shape. Although it looks easy to make, it actually has a very complex construction. The traditional mumu has inseam pockets, a yoked collar, tucks on the front and back and a front opening placket with buttons. The back has a deep pleat in the center. When working on a mumu, it is best to start with a pattern. Several pattern companies have mumu patterns that you can purchase online. One good place to find them is a website called Myriah's Polynesian Bazaar (see Resources).

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Sites To Make Party Flyers

You don't always need to buy expensive graphic design or layout software to design your own event flyers. Several websites have built-in online software programs. This way, you can create a custom flyer right on the site, approve the design and then immediately send it off for printing.

Identification

Party flyers are usually the size of postcards, about 4 by 6 inches or smaller, so that they can be handed out to promote the event. They can be one-sided or double sided, and are usually printed in full color on glossy card stock paper.

UPrinting

UPrinting's site has an online design tool that allows you to work with hundreds of templates or a simple blank template at jdoqocy.com/b9108shqnhp488C95AA465A8586C. For a party flyer, which is the same thing as a postcard, click "Create a Design Online" and then select "Postcards." Choose the "Art/Entertainment" or "Holidays" category and then browse the available templates. You can also simply choose the blank template and start from scratch.

Next, select the template that fits your party best, then verify the size (4.25 by 6 inches). Once you click "Edit This Design" you will be able to start dropping in text related to your event. You can change the font style, text size and upload your own images.

Overnight Prints

Go to Overnight Print's website to make a party flyer at dpbolvw.net/a2110dlurlt8CCGD9EE8A9ECECCB. Choose your desired flyer (again, same as the postcards) size in Step 1. There are six choices: 4 by 6, 5 by 7, 4.25 by 5.5, 5.5 by 8.5, 6 by 11, and 8.5 by 11. Then go to Step 2 where you will select from three options. Either use the "Express" designer, "Advanced" designer or upload your own artwork. If you use the site's designer, choose your background, add your event details text and upload images related to your party as you see fit. You can then submit the design for printing at the site.

Microsoft Template Alternative

If you want to have a little more control over the placement of the text and images in your party flyer design and have a choice of where to print it, go to Microsoft's template website to download a party flyer template at office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101432911033.aspx.

Select the flyer template you like the most from the list, click "Download," accept the Microsoft Service Agreement, and then save the file to your computer. When you open the file the flyer template will show in Microsoft Word. You can then enter your event details and images. Move the text boxes and images around as you wish. When you use this method, it is best to simply print the flyer on your home computer or have the flyer printed at a local copy shop.

HP

The Hewlett Packard website also contains party flyer templates that can be used with Microsoft Word at hp.com/sbso/productivity/office/brochure.html. Scroll down to the "Flyers" section, select the template you like and then download it to your Microsoft Word program. The selection is limited, but you have the freedom to use the template as a basic guideline. Add and position text and images however you'd like in Word, confirm the design, and then print the flyers on your home printer (or at a copy shop).

Tags: party flyer, your event, flyer template, Microsoft Word, your party

Lunch Menu Ideas For Kids

Making your kids' lunches should not take up all your time.

If Martha Stewart had her way, you would spend hours cooking healthy lunches for your kids, and they would crave sophisticated foods like couscous with mint and crepes with Gruyere. But the reality is that you have about 10 minutes to prepare a filling lunch, and your kids eat only a few different kinds of foods. Here are some lunch ideas that are easy to prepare and not too far outside of your kids' culinary comfort zones. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Updated

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on toast are sure to elicit a blasé response from your kids. Luckily, a few minor tweaks will make this lunch staple much more interesting. Instead of traditional toast, use two whole-wheat or multigrain waffles. In place of jelly, which can contain a lot of sugar, use fresh banana, apple or strawberry slices. You can also use crushed pineapple from a can as a substitute for jam.

Dippable Foods for Lunch

Kids might not be enthusiastic about eating a salad for lunch because, without access to a refrigerator, lettuce and spinach can easily wilt. However, there is a way to make sure they get plenty of veggies. Pack celery and carrot sticks, broccoli pieces, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes and strips of bell peppers along with a container of hummus or Italian dressing. Grilled chicken strips, pita bread and whole black olives also make a great dippable lunch.

Cold Pasta

Ditch the notion that pasta dishes should be warm and send cold pasta lunches to school with your kids. Old-fashioned pasta salad with extra veggies is a good option. If you are pressed for time, purchase pre-made pasta salad or a pasta salad mix at the grocery store, along with a bag of frozen veggies. Heat the veggies, mix them with the pasta salad and put the mixture in a resealable container. Pasta and bell peppers smothered in marinara sauce make another excellent choice. Just make sure you do not send your kid to school in a white shirt that day.

Tags: your kids, pasta salad, along with, bell peppers, make sure

The Advantages Of An Angled Smith Machine

Workout equipment is intended to provide safety and assistance to beginners.

Smith Machine workout equipment assists with important full-body exercises such as squats and deadlifts. Before the beginner masters perfect form for any full-body exercise, doing them with assistance machines provides protection from injury, as mentioned throughout "The Men's Health Home Workout Bible." Angled Smith Machines come with supporting bars tilted at a 5- to 7-inch slant. This angle is supposed to support a more natural range of motion for the lifter.

Safety

Angled Smith Machines come with the safety advantages of all exercise assistance equipment. By setting the safety attachments on either supporting pole, you can ensure that the weight won't drop on you, should you accidentally let go. The barbell is permanently attached to the machine on a pulley system. If you must stop in the middle of a heavy squat or deadlift, you can step out from under or away from the barbell.

Range of Motion

Although manufacturers claim that this machine helps you move in a natural range of motion, no two lifters experience the same range. The angle of the Smith Machine may help you perform a squat, deadlift or other exercise more comfortably, take pain from your knees and hips and help protect your lower back. These advantages occur on a case-by-case basis and cannot be ensured unless you attempt to use the machine yourself.

Assistance

When you perform full-body exercises such as the squat and deadlift with free weights, you activate not only your major muscles but your stabilizer muscles as well. For example, a squat targets the leg muscles, but also incorporates the trapezius, shoulder and abdominal muscles. On the Angled Smith Machine, the stabilizer muscles take on much less of the load as the design of the machine assists the lifter instead. If you are a beginner lifter, it may be advantageous to train only your large muscles while using machine assistance. Once you become stronger and more confident with the movements and using heavy weights, you can move onto free-weight exercises.

Tags: Angled Smith, Smith Machine, squat deadlift, Angled Smith Machine, Angled Smith Machines

Luau Teen Party Ideas

Hosting a successful teen luau party requires planning ahead to help the teens feel as if they are at the beach or another tropical location. Choosing the proper decorations, along with some games to carry out the theme, will make the party a success. Food options are numerous, and making a variety of grilled items will continue the luau party theme.

Decorations

The decorations will set the theme of the party. Start by purchasing leis for each of your guests. Along with this, purchase grass skirts for your guests to wear at the party over their clothing. Continuing with the theme, allow the teens to wear their swimsuits to the party. Use pineapples or other tropical fruit as centerpieces on the tables and cover the tables with colorful tablecloths. If you own a surfboard, have that standing up against a wall; if not, consider purchasing a few small boogie boards and have them in the yard for decorations. The final touch can be a small pool set up, either for decorative purposes or, if it is large enough, for the guests to swim in.

Games

A party should have a variety of games, and there are plenty you can choose from for a luau. If you have a small pool, you can make a teenage version of the old duck pond game that is common at carnivals. Purchase floating ducks, fish, turtles and other items. On the bottom of each write a number. This number should correspond with a prize bag that is filled with prizes of your choice. Then let each teenager take a turn leaning over the pool and catching one of the floating objects with his mouth. Award him the prize bag that corresponds with the number on the object he catches. Remember to remove that object from the game after it is caught to avoid the spread of germs.

How about a relay race? Divide the teens into teams of two. Start at one line and tell each team to hold a plastic coconut between their two bodies without using their hands. If the coconut drops to the ground, they must remain there until the end of the game. The goal is for a team to cross a finish line 200 feet away; if nobody crosses, the team that gets the closest to the finish without dropping the coconut wins.

Food

Cookout foods work well for a teen luau party. Grill the standard hamburgers and hot dogs, but also consider having kabobs that include grilled chicken or pork with fruits and peppers on the skewers. Pineapple grills well on these skewers. Use a sweet-and-sour marinade or barbecue sauce to flavor the meat and fruits. Make nonalcoholic versions of popular tropical drinks. For dessert, grill pineapple and serve it over ice cream, or allow the teens to toast marshmallows over the grill and use them to make s'mores.

Tags: luau party, allow teens, prize that, small pool, teen luau, teen luau party

Unique Children'S Birthday Party Ideas In Central N Y

Head to a farm for a birthday party the kids won't forget.

Central New York offers many unique birthday party opportunities, particularly those that take advantage of the natural beauty of the state. State parks are speckled throughout the region, and the finger lakes provide many miles of wetland habitat ripe for exploration. For a more calming birthday activity, the region's many farms and apple orchards provide unique and educational kid-friendly activities year-round. Does this Spark an idea?

Apple Picking

During the fall months, apple orchards from Schoharie County to Oswego open their gates for apple pickers. Many orchards offer hay rides, pumpkin carving and face painting on the weekends. Apple picking is an inexpensive birthday activity that encourages kids to explore the outdoors while eating the healthy fruits of their own labor. Bring a barrel home and use some of the less pristine pickings for apple bobbing.

Hawk and Eagle Watch

The banks of the Hudson River have seen an upsurge in hawk and eagle numbers from 2008 to 2010. Take your birthday boy and his friends on a picnic at one of central New York's state parks that border the Hudson, like Clermont State Park in Columbia County. Get a guide book and some binoculars and challenge guests to search for hawks and eagles and look up what they find. There is a pair of nesting bald eagles at Clermont that has been returning to the area every year since 2007. They can often be seen soaring high above the river and diving dramatically for snacks.

Fishing

Central New York is known for its fishing holes. Take a small group out on the boat for an educational and inspirational afternoon of birthday fishing. The Hudson River in Ulster County is teeming with private charter companies, happy to book their boats for special events. If you are not a fisherman, you can hire an experienced guide to provide you with equipment and take you to the prime fishing locations. You may also want to consider visiting the famous Salmon River in the Finger Lakes.

Tags: apple orchards, birthday activity, birthday party, Hudson River

Things To Do In Honolulu In November

In November, Honolulu locals and visitors enjoy a number of festivals and events.

November makes a wonderful time to visit Honolulu. As landscapes turn drab and cool throughout much of the continental United States, average Honolulu temperatures range from 71 to 84 degrees. In addition, many local festivals and parades take place during November. Take advantage of your trip's timing to supplement visits to year-round sights with some of the season's unique offerings.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

Learn about one of Hawaii's chief exports at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Attend pageants for "Miss and Little Miss Kona Coffee," watch an international lantern parade, sample tons of Hawaii-grown coffees, taste coffee-inspired recipes and tour working coffee plantations and mills. The festival takes place for just over a week in early November and is Hawaii's oldest food festival. First celebrated in 1980, it receives support from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Waikiki Holiday Parade

Set in late November to commemorate Pearl Harbor Survivors and the attacks' anniversary, the Waikiki Holiday Parade takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving. The parade is non-competitive and draws dozens of high school marching bands, both local and from across the United States, as well as military bands and dignitaries. The parade travels 1.5 miles along the ocean, from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park. In addition to the parade, spectators can view the USS Battleship Missouri, "adopt" a Pearl Harbor survivor, visit the USS Arizona memorial and attend events at the Polynesian Cultural Center. There are also coordinated Thanksgiving Day festivities at the Hawaiian Waters Adventures Park and the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

World Invitational Hula Festival

Held in Honolulu every November since 1992, the World Invitational Hula Festival attracts hula performers from around the world. Participants have hailed from the mainland USA and Alaska; from Holland, Germany and France; from Easter Island, the Pacific basin, New Zealand and the Orient; Central America, the Middle East and Africa. In addition to the performances, Hawaiian and hula-related vendors sell merchandise and visitors can even receive an authentic Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage while watching the program. Both single tickets and three-day passes are available.

King Kalakaua's Birthday Celebration

For a taste of Hawaiian history and musical culture, visit the statue of King Kalakaua on November 16, to celebrate King Kalakaua's birthday. Since 1993, the city and county of Honolulu have sponsored a birthday celebration, organized by the Hawaii Freemasons and hosted by traditional Hawaiian musician, Palani Vaughan. King Kalakaua reigned in Hawaii from 1874 to 1891. He is a popularly celebrated figure, credited for supporting traditional Hawaiian arts and culture and for reviving hula after past rulers had banned the dance. Kalakaua is also remembered for his support of Japanese immigration to Hawaii. The statue, one site of the birthday celebration, is in a small park at the intersection of Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues. Festivities continue at the Iolani Palace, where traditional Hawaiian cultural figures and artists perform.

Tags: King Kalakaua, Kona Coffee, traditional Hawaiian, birthday celebration, Coffee Cultural

Starwood Hotel History

The Starwood Hotels are part of the Starwood Capital Group, one of the largest hotel chains in the world.

Origin

The Starwood hotel chain began in 1994 with acquisition of Westin Hotels under Barry Sternlicht's management of the Starwood Capital Group. Sternlicht currently serves as the corporation's chairman and chief executive officer.

Aquisition

In 1997, Starwood purchased all remaining Westin properties and started its fight to obtain the ITT Corporation, a company once well known for its control of the Sheraton hotels and a string of casinos. After a bidding war with Hilton Hotels, Starwood acquired ITT in a $10.2 billion deal.

Brands

Westin Resort

The Westin brand was the first independently named Starwood operation. Other brands such as the Sheraton and Four Points were acquired with the ITT takeover in 1997.

Competitors

Marriott is a competitor of Starwood.

Starwood outbid the Hilton Hotel Corporation, a known competitor, in its fight to obtain the ITT Corporation. Other known competitors of Starwood have been Marriott International and the Four Seasons Hotels.

Statistics

Shortly after buying the Westin Hotels in the mid 1990s, Starwood Hotels had close to 50 hotels around the globe. By 2007, Starwood had boosted its numbers to over 750 properties worldwide, including close to 200 in China.

Tags: Capital Group, fight obtain, fight obtain Corporation, obtain Corporation, Starwood Capital

What Is The Value Of A Silver Piece Of Eight

Pieces of eight were silver coins made by the Spanish.

In the 18th century, American colonists used one ounce silver coins made by the Spanish. These "pieces of eight" were worth eight reales and could be fractioned into halves or quarters, as we do today with the modern dollar.

History

Spain was a rich resource for precious metals.

Pieces of eight were the most common coins used for commerce during the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as in 18th century America. Coins were made by countries like Spain, which was rich in the precious metals used to make coins. Although Great Britain was a major trading power, it had few natural resources to make its own coins. Likewise, there were no gold or silver mines in colonial America.

Eight Bits

The value of a pieces of eight coin was based on the weight of the silver. At the time the coins were made, one ounce of silver was worth one dollar. The coin could actually be cut into eight pieces, or bits. Each bit was thus worth 1/8 of a dollar.

Today's Value

Pieces of eight are worth much more than their original value.

In today's market, a pieces of eight coin is worth much more than a dollar. For one thing, the price of silver has increased considerably since the days when pieces of eight were used as currency. Coins were made by hand individually, so there was some variation in design. Collectors and museums prize coins with clearly defined images, and these coins can be worth thousands of dollars.

Tags: eight were, were made, 18th century, coins made, coins made Spanish, Coins were, Coins were made

Moulin Rouge Costume Ideas

Moulin Rouge Costume Ideas

Moulin Rouge is the name of a historic cabaret where cancan dancing originated, and is also used to describe the red-light-district nightclub life in Paris during the 1890s and early 1900s. Costumes can draw on this era or take inspiration from the 2001 Baz Luhrmann movie of the same name. A Moulin Rouge costume party gives its female guests the chance to dress as cancan dancers, saloon girls, courtesans or burlesque entertainers; however, male guests don't have to do much more than dress in tails with a top hat and cane. Does this Spark an idea?

Cancan, Saloon or Burlesque Costumes

You can base a Moulin Rouge costume on cancan dancers, using details faithful to the costumes of Parisian dancing girls. Reviews of the time noted that their outfits had lacy, peep-show underskirts, black stockings, garters and frills galore. If you are making your own Moulin Rouge costume, begin with store-bought lingerie and add on lace, net, rhinestones and feathers for an over-the-top, revealing, show-business look. High heels are almost mandatory. Low-cut necklines, three-quarter sleeves, dresses cut high in front to show off legs and high headdresses also fit the bill. Saloon girl costumes usually are very close to cancan costumes, in bright colors, black accents and sequined garters. Accessories are key to the look: black lace fingerless gloves, glittering choker necklaces and feathered tiaras. Fabrics should be stripes and diamond patterns, satins and silks, laces and nets. Nothing is muted or subtle in a Moulin Rouge costume; colors are garish, ruffles are everywhere and no opportunity should be lost to add glitz with beads, jewelry, sequins, glitter and rhinestones.

Movie-Inspired Costumes

The popular movie "Moulin Rouge" offers costume ideas, with its beautiful dresses, outrageous characters and detailed, gorgeous costumes. Several sewing patterns are available online to recreate costumes from the movie, such as Satine's performance costumes and dancing girls' dresses. But you also can turn existing items of clothing into movie-like costumes. Consider altering a red satin bridesmaid or prom dress by adding a bustle and pairing it with elbow-length gloves, or sewing netting and fur trim onto the bottom of a bustier for a bedroom peignoir. Glue rhinestones all over some black lingerie and a top hat for a homemade version of the "Black Diamond" movie scene, or find a silvery bra and sari outfit with tons of mock jewels, as in the Hindi wedding scene.

Men's Costumes

The classic Moulin Rouge men's costume is that of a show patron: Black tuxedo with tails, white bow tie and gloves, top hat and cane. However, men may want to try something a little different. For instance, a theater impresario costume might feature striped pants, waxed mustache and a sequined bow tie and hatband. Dressing as a character from the "Moulin Rouge" movie could open up some costume possibilities, such as a turbaned Indian prince, a bare-chested manservant or a tango-dancing Argentinean.

Tags: Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge costume, Rouge costume, cancan dancers, dancing girls, Moulin Rouge Costume

What Are Cheap Birthday Parties

A picnic is a cheap birthday party option for families.

Many parents would rather spend more money on birthday presents than on an expensive party for the birthday child. A cheap birthday party does not mean that the fun, food and festivities have to suffer. Rather, a cheap party refers to the fact that the party hosts have chosen to take the economical route to save some money.

Location

When parents rent party halls, facilities, restaurants or entertainment venues such as arcades and pizza parlors, it costs money in renting fees, food and beverages. An effective way to save money on the birthday party location is to host the party at home or to have a picnic at the local park. Birthday parties at home or in parks are free of charge and can still be just as festive.

Food and Beverages

A cheap birthday party serves cake and beverages --- milk for the kids, coffee for the adults --- rather than providing a full-course meal for all the attendees. Snacks may be provided, too, in case the kids at the party get the munchies from their activities, but a bowl of chips and pretzels is a lot cheaper than preparing burgers or ordering pizzas for everyone at the party. When it comes to the cake, another way to save money is to make the cake yourself or have a relative or friend make it for you instead of purchasing a cake from a bakery.

Invitations

An economical birthday party means not spending money on invitations. Inviting people to your child's birthday party can be done via email, phone calls, text messages, electronic invitations (evites) or by creating your own invitation notes that you pass out in person. This saves you money on stationary and postage.

Party Favors

People expect party favors when they attend, and leave, a party. The favor is an area that can save you money. Rather than getting all of your child's friends expensive parting gifts, make them bags of candies or buy silly items from a discount store. You can also bake cookies and wrap them in colorful cellophane wrap, tied with a ribbon.

Guest List

A cheap birthday party might not have a huge guest list. The smaller the guest list, the more money you will save on the party because you do not have to account for as many people to eat the food or take home gifts. Invite only those relatives and friends who are closest to the birthday child.

Party Decorations

Keep the decorations light for a cheap birthday party. Decorations have the potential to become costly, especially for themed birthday parties. Just having one or two types of decorations such as balloons and streamers can still give the party atmosphere a festive look, while sticking within an inexpensive budget.

Tags: birthday party, cheap birthday party, cheap birthday, save money, birthday child

The Candle Napkin Fold Instructions

Enhance a basic cloth napkin with a simple folding technique.

Transform a plain cloth napkin into table d cor using a candle fold. Use a simple technique to make a napkin look like a taper candle. Creating candle-inspired napkins is ideal for birthday bashes, wedding receptions, anniversary parties and other celebratory events. Use napkins featuring any hue -- from basic white to bright red -- to coordinate with the party color scheme or design theme. Place one candle-shaped napkin by each guest's place setting. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay a cloth napkin face-down on a flat surface, such as a table. Use your hand to smooth out any wrinkles.

2. Pick up the napkin's upper left corner and fold the napkin diagonally.

3. Position the napkin on the table so the triangle shape's flat edge faces you.

4. Fold the napkin's flat edge up 1 inch. Press the fold down firmly to flatten it.

5. Grasp one of the napkin's diagonal edges and begin rolling it toward the other side to form a cylinder shape. Create a tight, straight roll.

6. Fold the end of the napkin roll into the cuff at the base to create an even surface. Stand the napkin up on its end to resemble a taper candle.

Tags: cloth napkin, flat edge, taper candle

Party Boats In Lake Grapevine Texas

Party boats can seat up to 100 people.

For birthdays, family reunions, weddings, or for people who simply want to enjoy the summer with friends, party boats get groups of up to 100 people out on the water for swimming, drinking and food. Lakes Grapevine and Lewisville, in the Grapevine area, offer groups on-the-lake fun with touches such as an on-boat slide or a dog as ship's crew. Does this Spark an idea?

Black Watch Sailing Charters

Located in the city of Grapevine, Black Watch Sailing Charters offers chartered rides on a 38-foot blue sailboat called the Black Watch. The Black Watch services small parties of no more than six people including a BBQ picnic at $80 per person (as of October, 2010). The ship also offers romantic dinner cruises featuring a four- to five-course meal. The ship sails Lake Grapevine, and is captained by Captain Dave, who has spent his life sailing the world. His bosun's mate is his dog, Hatch.

Just for Fun Lake Grapevine

Party boats from Just for Fun come in two classes: casual party boats that seat up to 50 people and are suitable for birthdays or office parties and the Lone Star Lady, a luxury party boat that holds as many as 100 people. The casual party boat, Club Fred, does not provide food but does have a water slide on the top deck and propane BBQ tanks. The Lone Star Lady offers a large main cabin with seating for 60, kitchen, LCD projector and wet bar. The boats sail out of Silver Lake Marina, about a seven-minute drive from Grapevine.

JT's Boat Rentals

The See Breeze, JT's Boat Rental's flagship party boat, seats up to 40 people and cruises Lake Lewisville. The ship is a 2009 twin-engine catamaran with LED lighting for night cruises. Swim equipment, such as noodles and tubes, come with the boat rental, and the stereo system includes an iPod hookup. Beverages are not provided, and JT's offers recommended caterers. Nearby restaurants include Sneaky Pete's, a sports bar, caterer and banquet facility that also serves Sunday brunch with live music. JT's Boat Rentals is located 20 minutes north of Grapevine

Tags: Black Watch, Lake Grapevine, party boat, Black Watch Sailing, Boat Rentals, casual party, Grapevine Party

What Make For A Christmas Potluck

Bring along all necessary serving utensils.

Preparing a dish that appeals to a crowd is essential when you're invited to a Christmas potluck, particularly if kids are invited. Once you find out what part of the meal the host wants you to bring, choose a recipe that you've made before and that your family has enjoyed so you're sure that it will turn out well. Does this Spark an idea?

Appetizers

Dip is the ideal appetizer to bring to a holiday party, because serving it doesn't require any effort on the host's part. A warm dip is appetizing during the holiday season, so make a nacho cheese or spinach and artichoke dip, and serve it with a basket of crackers and pretzels. Bring the dish in a small electric crock pot so it can be kept warm without taking up valuable oven space. An antipasto tray is also easy to put together yet elegant. Arrange marinated chunks of cheese on a tray with slices of Italian bread and prosciutto.

Entrees

Many casseroles can be made weeks in advance and kept frozen until party day, and one 13-by-9-inch dish can feed up to 20 party guests. Eggplant parmesan is warm and comforting, and it's an ideal choice if any vegetarians are on the guest list. Chicken tetrazzini made with pasta, mushrooms, peas and cheese sauce is also easy to make ahead and will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Add some diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to give the casserole both red and green accents.

Vegetables

Many people gain weight during the holidays, so guests will appreciate having tasty and healthy vegetable dishes to enjoy. A green salad is one of the healthiest dishes you can prepare, and because it's served at room temperature, it's easy to transport to a potluck. Top the greens with red and green peppers and cherry tomatoes so it's decked out in Christmas colors. For a warm and filling dish that's quick to prepare, cook green beans before the party. Just before serving, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in the microwave and toss it with the beans, toasted walnuts and salt and pepper.

Desserts

If you have a favorite family Christmas cookie recipe, a potluck is the time to share these treats with your friends. Even if you don't a favorite recipe, cookies can be quick to whip up. Decorate sugar cookies with white frosting and edible silver sprinkles, or bake up a batch of brownies topped with minty frosting. If you prefer to make a cake, choose something rich and dense so guests will only need a small piece, meaning the cake will feed more people. Make a flourless chocolate torte topped with crushed peppermint or an eggnog-flavored cheesecake.

Tags: also easy, dish that, guests will, topped with

Tropical Decoration Ideas

Choose colorful but elegant flowers and decorations for a tropical-themed party.

Decorations for a tropical-theme party should be fun and colorful. Everything, from any motifs you use to the colors to the lighting, should reflect an island paradise. Choose decorations that evoke the theme without being overt. Too many plastic palm trees and faux leis can make your party kitchy, rather than elegant. Does this Spark an idea?

Lighting

Choose lighting that reflects the tropical theme of your party. If the gathering is outdoors, place tiki torches around the patio area. Have hanging lanterns to augment the lighting, as well as candles on tables. For creative candleholders, choose small glass fish bowls and layer sand and seashells under the candles. Or purchase floating candles to fit in these bowls. If you have a pool or water feature in the yard, larger floating candles would accent these areas beautifully.

Colors

Choose bright colors for a tropical theme, such as fuchsia, turquoise, orange or yellow. Choose one of these as a main color for large areas, such as tables, and accent with the other colors, such as in napkins. If you have acrylic plates and cups for using outdoors, they would work in these colors as well. Accent sparingly with other tropical motifs that bring out these colors, such as parrots and tucans, bright tropical fish or colorful butterflies.

Flowers

Flowers and greenery should reflect the tropics. You can purchase palm leaves to run along the center of the tables as a unique table runner. Choose tropical flowers, such as orchids or birds of paradise to add to the theme. If you can't find these flowers, look for brightly colored flowers that will accent the tropical colors, such as lilies. Group a bunch of identical flowers in each arrangement for more impact.

Fruit

Fruit is a natural decorating choice for a tropical-themed party, and it can be used as part of the buffet as well. Include a separate table with a wide variety of tropical fruits to provide the most impact. Include pineapple, mango, coconut and papaya on your fruit table, along with other colorful fruits such as berries, grapes and citrus fruits. Use a watermelon shell to hold some fruit, and if you have cut up pineapple, save the shells for your guests' pina colodas.

Tags: colors such, with other, floating candles, should reflect, these colors

When Do I Need To Send Out Baby Shower Invitations

Baby shower etiquette recommends sending out invitations early.

When planning a baby shower, show respect and consideration for party guests by sending out invitations as early as possible. Determine how far in advance to send out baby shower invitations by carefully considering your guest list and baby shower theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Formal Shower

To allow party guests plenty of time to prepare for a formal baby shower, send out invitations six to eight weeks in advance of the shower. A formal baby shower will likely require guests to arrange childcare, select an appropriate outfit and purchase a gift. Guests will be grateful for the early notice.

Informal Shower

If the baby shower will be casual, send the baby shower invitations out just two to four weeks before the party. With a more informal affair, guests likely will not need as much time for preparation. However, giving them several weeks of notice allows them to schedule it into their calendars.

Out of Town Guests

If you are inviting any guests out of town or out of state, inform them of the baby shower date as soon as it is set. Although you do not need to send a formal invitation at this time, a simple telephone call or email allows them to plan for the occasion and make travel arrangements. Follow up with a formal invitation when you send them out to all.

Tags: baby shower, allows them, baby shower, baby shower, baby shower invitations, baby shower will

Secret Things To Do In Maui

For those who value privacy over social times with strangers, Maui is the most private and quiet of the major Hawaiian tourist destinations. For some visitors, however, even the seclusion of Maui as compared to Oahu is not the guarantee of privacy that they seek. There are some private things to do on Maui for those looking for a more secretive vacation.

Ka'eleku Caverns

Three hours from Lahaina, near the town of Hana, are some of the most spectacular lava caves in the world: Ka'eleku Caverns. Open Monday through Saturday and sometimes Sundays, the caverns offer self-guided tours free of bats and mosquitoes. For those not prone to trust the land under the ground, the cavern site also boasts the only Red Ti Garden Maze in the world, a perfect place to play, or steal a kiss with a lover.

Kula Botanical Garden

Kula Botanical Garden in "Up Country" Maui, near the town of Pukalani, is a garden lover's delight. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the lush 8 acres of exotic plant life complete with information on each of the hundreds of types of plants shown. Children will enjoy the garden's chameleon exhibit, and various birds of the garden's aviary. Family-owned and operated since 1968, the garden hosts thousands of visitors per year and yet still offers seclusion for those seeking a quiet day "away from it all."

Take a Hike

Maui is a hiker's paradise. With waterfalls and lush fauna and endless trails, there is little on Maui more secretive than the places you discover yourself. Bring a picnic lunch, a good book, and that special someone and make a day of it. Make sure you stay on or near the beaten path, but know that "beaten path" takes on a whole different definition when you are speaking of Maui. When hiking on Maui, remember the most important rule of visiting nature: Take all of your trash with you when you leave.

Maui's Variety

Unlike other destinations where you have to search to find secrecy, Maui makes secrecy easy. For example, in a single day you can shop in the bustling seaport town of Lahaina and then enjoy a quiet swim in a mountain stream.

Tags: beaten path, Botanical Garden, Bring picnic, Bring picnic lunch, eleku Caverns