Sweet 16 Summer Party Ideas

Sweet 16 Summer Party Ideas

For their sweet sixteens, another simple slumber party or dinner and a movie at the mall with friends will not cut it. Teens often want to go all out with an unforgettable, over-the-top bash. During the summer months, consider some sweet sixteen party ideas that will be fun, extravagant and memorable for the birthday boy or girl. Does this Spark an idea?

Color Crew

Throw a color party for the teen and friends. For instance, a chic All-in-White Sweet Sixteen Celebration is a sophisticated theme for an almost-adult. Put out white flowers, balloons, streamers and other party decorations. Invite guests to dress in white and bring gifts wrapped in white. On the menu, have milk and cream soda, white bean dip with white corn chips, trays of white cheese cubes and white pizza. For a dessert way more sophisticated than a birthday cake, have a fountain of liquid white chocolate with pound cake cubes and strawberries for dipping. Or, use the teen's favorite color as inspiration: a Sweet Sixteen Red Revelry Celebration, Everything Green Gathering or Blue Bash.

Fun Fraud

Fake it! During the long days of summer, beat the hot weather blues with a Winter Party. Crank up the air-conditioning for a few hours. Decorate the room with fake snowdrifts (cotton balls work great for this effect; sprinkle on some glitter or sequins for a snow effect), toboggans, skis, greenery and branches covered in faux snow and winter-themed party d cor in blue, silver and white. Use a mix of white and blue lightbulbs to cast a wintry glow. In lieu of a real bar, have a hot chocolate bar or coffee bar with choice of milks, flavorings and toppings, complete with bartenders. Serve winter foods: a hearty beef stew and salad and fresh-baked bread, or baked ham or turkey with all the sides and fixings. The birthday cake could look like a big snowflake or a s'more.

Island Life

Another fun summer party idea, especially for an outdoor venue or pool party, is a Sweet Sixteen Hawaiian Luau. Blast some island music and popular summer songs and decorate with plastic palm trees, surfboards, tiki d cor, beach chairs, large and colorful umbrellas and beach balls. Invite your teen's guests to dress down in flip-flops, shorts and tank tops. Upon their arrival, hand out leis for them to wear and set up activities such as water balloon toss volleyball, hula hoops, Ping-Pong, limbo and coconut decorating. For drinks, serve mango juice or pineapple punch, and for dinner, serve authentic luau fare: vegetable stir fry, pork fried rice, barbecued shrimp and steak. For the birthday cake, make a big pineapple upside-down cake and serve with refreshing pineapple sherbet.

Tags: birthday cake, guests dress, Summer Party, Summer Party Ideas, Sweet Sixteen, Sweet Summer

Types Of Steel Guitars

The steel guitar was developed during the late 19th century. Defined as any type of guitar that is set up to be played with device called a "slide," there are a number of specific types and configurations. A metal slide is placed on the strings and moved along the guitar neck to produce notes, rather than the traditional method of pressing down on the strings with the fingers.

Steel Guitar

The first steel guitar was invented and named by Joseph Kekuku in Hawaii in 1889. By raising the strings of a regular Spanish guitar to provide extra clearance from the guitar neck, Kekuku used a steel bar to play the guitar notes. His sound became known as the "Hawaiian-style," and prompted other guitar players and makers to adopt the playing style and develop other instruments. The steel guitar also is called the Hawaiian guitar and is the immediate ancestor of the electric lap steel guitar. Steel guitars of every type use tunings that differ from standard guitar tuning. The tunings used are numerous and depend on player preference and the music style.

Electric Lap Steel Guitar

The electric lap steel is a solid-body steel guitar fitted with an electric pickup. It is considered the first solid-body electric guitar and was developed in the 1930s. Like Kekuku's original guitar, it is traditionally played in a sitting position in the player's lap but is sometimes placed on a table or stand. Electric lap steel guitars are still produced and are used in all types of music. The most common lap steel contains one neck, but multiple-necked versions are also common. Several manufacturers make acoustic lap steel guitars, which resemble the original Hawaiian design.

Pedal Steel Guitar

In the late 1940s and early '50s, guitar players and manufacturers experimented with modifications to the lap steel guitar. By adding push or pull-rods to one or more strings, the player could change the tuning of the strings by use of a foot pedal or knee-lever. Pedal steel guitars are widely used in country music and can contain up to three guitar necks for different tunings, string configurations and playing effects. The pedal steel is sometimes mistaken for a Hawaiian guitar because of the similarities in sound and playing style, but it is more complex in construction.

Resoponic Guitar

Before the era of amplification and the electric lap steel guitar, the National and Dobro companies added metal resonators to standard acoustic guitars in order to boost volume. While standard guitar models were produced, others made expressly for steel-playing also were offered. These steel guitars have square necks as opposed to a standard guitar's rounded neck, and are played in the lap or while standing with the aid of a guitar strap. Several other companies, including Dobro, make current resonator guitar models for both steel- and standard-playing styles.

Modified Guitars for Steel Playing

Just as Kekuku, some players modify standard acoustic and electric guitars for slide playing. By raising the strings, any guitar can be tuned and played as a steel guitar. Guitars that are not modified can be played with a "bottleneck" slide worn on one finger. While not considered true steel guitars, the player can mimic the steel guitar sound and switch to the standard playing style with the fingers not encumbered by the slide.

Tags: steel guitar, steel guitars, electric steel, playing style, standard guitar, steel guitar, electric steel guitar

Sunset Cruises In Hawaii

Sunset cruises offer specatacular scenes in Hawaii

Sunset cruises in Hawaii offer breathtaking tropical scenery from three diverse islands, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii, the Big Island. Oahu, the state capital, is known for its North Shore and the very large winter waves and surfing competitions. Maui, the second largest island, has some of the world's best beaches. One visitor attraction is the winding road to Hana, Highway 360, with its 600 curves and dramatic scenery along the coast. The Big Island, also known as the island of Hawaii, has 11 of 13 climactic zones, and the topography ranges from beaches to mountains. The Big Island has clear and calm waters, and you can combine your sunset cruise there with a glass bottom cruise.

Atlantis Adventures Sunset Cruise in Oahu, Hawaii

The Oahu, Hawaii Sunset Buffet cruise sails on the indigo Pacific Ocean with venues such as Wakiki Beach, a local tourist hot spot, and the volcanic crater, Diamond Head. The 140-foot long Atlantis Navatek I is the only boat of its kind in Hawaii designed with Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) technology ensuring a smooth ride. Enjoy music playing while sailing and dining aboard the sunset cruise.

Two dining options are available, buffet or full course. The buffet is served in the Blue Hawaii Room and includes entrees of Mahi Mahi Navatek and Chicken Kahala, along with steamed white rice and vegetables and mashed potatoes. Additionally, fresh salad with dressings, fruit wedges, rolls with butter and coconut cake are served. Guests' choice of a premium cocktail, tea and coffee is also included.

A full-course, seated meal is served in the elegant Royal Ali'l Room. Its menu includes a seasonal appetizer, salad, steamed lobster, steak, garlic mashed potatoes, carrot and zucchini baguettes, rolls and butter and chocolate mousse cake. Guests' choice of three premium cocktails, tea and coffee is also included. Window seats are available for an additional charge, and reservations are required. Sunset cruises depart at 5:30 p.m. from Pier 6 every night, and tickets are available online.

Atlantis Adventures

1600 Kapiolani Boulevard

Suite #1630

Honolulu, HI 96814

800-548-6262

atlantisadventures.com/hawaii/oahu/activity-detail.cfm?eventID=39

Evening on the Reef Glass Bottom Dinner Cruise on Big Island Kona, Hawaii

Hop aboard the 150-passenger Spirit of Kona for a two-hour, seated, full dinner cruise with a fully stocked complimentary bar, and enjoy sailing into the sunset. This packed cruise has entertainment by local musicians, a hula show, viewing of underwater scenery and wildlife, underwater ballet and dancing. The Spirit of Kona, an eco-friendly boat, expels zero exhaust and has very low engine noise, resulting in a more positive impact on the marine environment.

A sample cruise menu includes a green salad with papaya seed or ranch dressing, teriyaki beef kabobs, chicken with mango chutney sauce, Hawaiian rice pilaf, vegetable ratatouille, dinner rolls, and for dessert, lemon raspberry chiffon. Beverages include coffee, tea and complimentary bar service. Complimentary bar choices are champagne, chardonnay, and merlot wines, and liquors such as Beefeater Gin, Dewar's Scotch Whiskey, and Jim Beam Bourbon. Several beers and other premium choices such as Grey Good Vodka, Kahlua Liqueur and Seagram's VO Whiskey are offered as well. Sunset cruises from the Kailua Kona Pier are on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Blue Sea Cruises, Inc

PO Box 2429

Kailua Kona, HI 96745

808-331-8875

blueseacruisesinc.com/

Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a two-hour Maui sunset dinner cruise as the Pride of Maui, a power catamaran, sets sail from the Maalaea Harbor at 5 p.m. for the beautiful scenic coastline of Maui. Listen to live music from a local Hawaiian acoustic guitarist as he plays a variety of rock and roll and jazz. Four wines from France, Italy and Sonoma along with premium cocktails and beer are served in the open bar. Upon boarding, the scent of prepared food cooking such as the aroma of baby back ribs greets guests.

Food dishes for vegan guests are offered a vegetable medley such as zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, garlic and onions on a serving of fettuccini along with a side dish of artichoke and parmesan dip. Indulge in a dessert of Maui fruit platters and strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. Sunset cruises sail on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening and tickets are available online.

Pride of Maui

Maalaea Harbor Main Loading Dock

101 Maalaea Rd

Wailuku, HI 96793

808-242-0955

prideofmaui.com/trips/sunset.html

Tags: Sunset cruises, along with, also included, Atlantis Adventures, available online, coffee also

The Best Hotels For Toddlers At Walt Disney World

Let your toddlers enjoy Walt Disney World as much as you do.

Walt Disney World is one of the biggest resort areas on Earth. Complete with four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of hotels, this place offers endless options of entertainment for the entire family. If you happen to have toddlers with you and are looking for a place to stay within the resort, you will be pleased to know that every hotel is child-friendly. However, if you are looking for the ideal places to stay for toddlers, there are some hotels within Walt Disney World which suit toddlers well.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

This hotel, located near the Magic Kingdom, is modeled after the many lodges in American national parks. Complete with crafty architecture and heavy-wooded landscape throughout the hotel, toddlers will feel at home here because of the inviting atmosphere this hotel brings. Not only is the rustic decor not too sophisticated, but there are also many services for toddlers. Besides the babysitting services, the Wilderness Lodge also offers the Cub's Den, which is a children's play space complete with arts and crafts, video games and snacks. There is also a pool with a small water slide, the Whispering Canyon Cafe, an all-you-can-eat family-style buffet and even a children's playground.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

901 Timberline Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-824-3200

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Disney's Port Orleans Resort--Riverside

Located near Epcot, what the Riverside part of Disney's Port Orleans Resort brings for toddlers is its peaceful setting. Themed after a small town on the Louisiana Bayou, this hotel dawns back to a simple, friendlier time which toddlers will feel right at home in. The hotel also offers babysitting services, a pool area with a water slide, a four-acre playground, an arcade and even a fishing area. Because of its tranquil atmosphere, this is a good place for toddlers to relax and wind down after a long day at the theme parks.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort--Riverside

1251 E. Lake Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-934-6000

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Disney's Caribbean Beach Hotel

The lively warm colors that make up the buildings of this resort will make your toddlers excited to stay here. Located just south of Epcot, this hotel is themed after the Caribbean islands, complete with a lake with tropical beaches, six pool areas, landscaped palm trees and even pirate-themed rooms. Toddlers can also make good use out of the babysitting services as well as Parrot Cay Island, an island in the middle of the lake with a playground and tropical caged birds. Toddlers will also like the children's pool area, which is complete with three water slides and squirt hoses.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Hotel

900 Cayman Way

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-934-3400

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Tags: Disney World, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, babysitting services, Buena Vista, Buena Vista 32830, complete with

Snow Theme Ideas

Pristine, white snow makes a dramatic backdrop for an event.

If you are throwing a party or social event during the winter, incorporating snow into your theme is a fun way to celebrate the season. Whether your guests are office co-workers, schoolmates or neighborhood friends, a number of theme ideas are available that will turn your entertaining space into a snow-filled wonderland everyone can enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

Winter Snow Ball

If you are in charge of an elegant party or formal school dance, turn the space into a winter "snow ball." Rent an artificial snow machine that will drop delicate snowflakes from the air. Most machines allow you to choose the size of flake and how heavy or light you want to make the snowfall. Dangle glass icicles from the ceiling and door frames. Decorate the space with cool blue lights. If you want guests to take pictures in their suits and dresses, either rent or design an ice palace backdrop with arches and statues.

English Village

A unique idea is to turn your entertaining space into a quaint village that could be found in a Charles Dickens story. Draw lampposts on large sheets of paper, cut them out and paste them on the walls. Along with the snow machine, scatter swaths of cotton on the floor so guests can feel like they're walking on snow. Make a village mural with a general store, blacksmith and horse and carriage. If you want guests to dress the part, ask the men to wear top hats and old suits. Women can don Victorian lace dresses.

Peppermint Park

If your event is geared toward children, consider making an outdoor park filled with snow and sweet treats. Draw or purchase a mural with a shiny lake and snow-capped mountains. Cut out large peppermint shapes, gumdrops and candy canes and stick them on the walls. Make a large snow mound with your cotton so children can play together. Scatter real candy on the floor or hide pieces so the children can go on a scavenger hunt. Since the setting is an outdoor park, everyone can dress casual.

Tags: space into, entertaining space, entertaining space into, mural with, outdoor park

Outside Party Games For Adults

Guests at adult parties don't need to stay dry to have fun.

At any party, a host needs a way to get guests to interact and have fun. This is especially true with adult parties, since adults can leave at any time if they aren't entertained well. Some of the best games for adult parties are outdoor games because these games typically accommodate more people. They also get guests off their duffs and into space perfect for grilling, relaxing, celebrating and being silly.

Hula Hoop Ring Toss

Hula hoop ring toss is an adult outdoor game suggested by partygameideas.com. To prepare for the game, the host sets up a large post in the ground--a dowel or metal rod works just fine. About 12 to 18 inches of the post need to be above ground. The host marks a throw line with chalk or a scratch in the dirt at least 10 feet away from the post. One at a time, the guests try to get a hula hoop around the post. Those who succeed go on to the next round. Play continues until only one player is left. A variation on this idea is to use two posts and two to four hula hoops for a hula hoop version of horseshoes.

Water Wars

Water wars is similar to paintball, except that the players are equipped with water squirt guns. The host sets up obstacles anywhere on the property to give players somewhere to hide. The host then draws two end zone lines on either side of the obstacles. Players are divided into two teams. The teams then line up at the end zone lines, and on the host's signal, have to make it to the other end zone without getting squirted. The team with the most dry players at the end of the game wins. A tip for this game is for the host to leave some buckets of water at every obstacle so players can reload their squirt guns. The host also can add a challenge by requiring players to squirt only certain areas of the body.

Toilet Tag

Toilet tag comes from greatgroupgames.com. Three players volunteer or are selected by the host to be "it." The players who are "it" try to tag all the other players. When the players get tagged, they must sit on the ground and put their hand out like a handle and pretend to be a toilet. To get back into the game, a "toilet" has to be used--another player has to come sit on the toilet and pump the toilet's arm for a flush. If the volunteers haven't turned everyone into toilets in five minutes, then they lose the game and everyone else wins.

Tags: adult parties, game host, guns host, host sets, squirt guns, squirt guns host, zone lines

Surprise Anniversary Invitation Wording

Celebrate a wedding anniversary with a surprise party for the couple.

Celebrate the wedding anniversary of a loved one by throwing a surprise anniversary party. One of the biggest obstacles in planning a surprise party is keeping the surprise from the couple while informing family and friends about the party. Create your guest list and send everyone invitations that make it clear by the wording that the party should be kept a secret from the couple.

Instructions

1. Use a phrase or term on the front of the invitation that stresses the party will be a surprise to the couple. A simple "Shhh" or "We're going to celebrate, but it's a surprise!" will work.

2. Write the couple's names on the inside of the invitation, along with the number of years they have been married, so potential guests know who is being surprised. This will keep them from spilling the beans about the party and get them excited to join the celebration. For example:

"Join us as we celebrate

Jenna and Mark's 10th wedding anniversary"

3. Include a short poem or verse about love, marriage, the specific anniversary being celebrated or something specific to the couple, if you want. Write your own or use the couple's favorite verse or a poem from their original wedding invitations.

4. List the party details as you normally would. Include the date, time and location for the party as well as your name and contact information. Listing your details should avoid potential guests from contacting the couple.

Tags: wedding anniversary, about party, Celebrate wedding, Celebrate wedding anniversary, from couple, potential guests

Respite Care For Children In Middlesex County New Jersey

Respite care can provide caregivers of special needs children a much-needed break.

Caregivers of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses need a mental and physical break from the long hours required to parent a child with special needs. Respite care programs give these caregivers much-needed time to run errands, see a movie or simply spend time alone. While many programs in Middlesex County, New Jersey, focus on adults, several organizations help families of children with specific conditions.

New Horizons in Autism

Located in Neptune City, New Horizons in Autism (nhautism.org) has branch offices in various New Jersey cities, including Dayton and South Plainfield, and provides in-home respite services to caregivers of children with autism and offers families direct guidance on parenting. The respite program serves families in the lower and upper-central regions of New Jersey, including Middlesex County. The organization also has a Saturday drop-off program at its Monroe Township facility that aims to help autistic children with social and other skills for $85 to $150 per day as of July 2011. Most of New Horizon's programs require clients to be eligible for services under New Jersey's Department of Human Services' Division of Disabilities.

Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey

The Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey (www.efnj.com) offers a program called STRESSpite, which gives caretakers of children with disabilities access to "STRESS aides." These helpers can provide respite care as well as tutoring, companionship and general support. Families design their own schedule according to their needs. The foundation's main office is in Trenton, and it offers STRESSpite in Middlesex and 14 other New Jersey counties.

Eden Autism Services

Eden Autism Services' (edenautismservices.org) respite program sends a trained therapist into a client's home for a specific number of hours per month. The therapist sets goals to help families live successfully with a child with autism. Eden also offers drop-in services when a family emergency arises. Eden is based in Princeton, in Mercer County, but also serves families in adjacent Middlesex County.

The Arc

The Arc of Middlesex County (arc-middlesex.org) in North Brunswick provides in-home support specialists to families with children with developmental disabilities in Middlesex County. The specialists give caregivers a break while teaching children social and living skills. A Saturday respite program, at the Arc's Jamesburg and Edison locations, offers socialization and structured leisure activities to children with disabilities twice a month. A Monday through Friday program, running from 3 to 6 p.m. at the organization's North Brunswick and Edison sites, features age-appropriate activities -- planned in conjunction with each child's school district -- that complement classroom learning.

In A Pinch

In A Pinch (inapinchnj.com) is a childcare referral service in northern New Jersey with hundreds of prescreened caregivers that offer families help -- from a minimum of four hours to overnight. Caregivers associated with In A Pinch can provide respite care for ill children as well as those with physical or emotional needs. The caregivers are photographed and fingerprinted, and undergo background and reference checks and in-home interviews. Families pay In A Pinch a set placement rate of about $35 per day, plus the caregiver's rate. In A Pinch services 11 counties, including Middlesex.

Tags: children with, Middlesex County, children with disabilities, respite program, with disabilities, Autism Services

Sweet 16 Birthday Party Menu Ideas

Create a sweet 16 menu with theme-specific foods.

Sweet 16 birthday party celebrations are important milestones for teens. Along with family and friends, they celebrate their journey towards adulthood. And no sweet 16 party is complete without a teen-friendly, theme-conscious menu, filled with delicious food and delectable desserts. Does this Spark an idea?

Fun Finger Foods

For a casual sweet 16 celebration, serve guests finger foods, which are ideal for for parties, as guests can easily carry the finger foods around while they mingle. Try foods like chicken wings or chicken fingers, served with blue cheese and ranch dressing, tacos, quesadillas, french fries, slider burgers, onion rings and chips and dip. For dessert serve cupcakes, fruit skewers, cookies, brownies, marshmallow treats and ice cream cups.

Japanese Sushi Bar

If the guest of honor is a fan of Japanese culture or frequently visits local Japanese restaurants to dine, an Asian-inspired sweet 16 menu is suitable. Include a variety of sushi rolls such as California rolls, shrimp tempura rolls and grilled eel rolls. Avoid serving raw sushi rolls to teens. Serve guests miso soup and fresh salad, topped with a orange sesame dressing. Include chocolate dipped fortune cookies on the dessert menu, along with green tea ice cream.

Fiesta Foods

Fiesta-themed sweet 16 parties can include a variety of Mexican-inspired foods and flavors. Create a taco bar and serve shrimp, beef and chicken variations to guests. Give teens the freedom to add the taco fixings of their choice such as sour cream, cheese, salsa, tomatoes and lettuce. Offer a variety of tortilla chips paired with dips like guacamole and queso. Create a seven-layer dip teens can enjoy by layering refried beans and taco mix, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, olives and green onions. For dessert, serve apple enchiladas and churros.

Tropical Surprise

Hawaiian or beach-inspired sweet 16 celebrations are typically held outdoors, so grilled-food options are ideal. Offer teen guests classic grill treats like hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as grilled teriyaki steak and barbecue chicken, along with an assortment of salads, from grilled chicken Caesar salad made with pasta noodles, tomatoes, Caesar dressing and croutons to potato and macaroni salads. Display a large bowl of healthy fruit filled with strawberries, pineapples, grapes, cantaloupe and watermelon. Set up a smoothie bar for teens to create their own fruit smoothie combinations. Include fruit pizza, mango cheesecakes and an ice cream bar--complete with toppings--on the dessert menu.

Hollywood Nights

For a Hollywood-themed, star-studded sweet 16, opt for a more mature party menu that's still teen-friendly. Start off with shrimp cocktail as an appetizer, and for dinner serve chicken breast stuffed with crab, crab cakes or steak. Offer potatoes au gratin, macaroni and cheese, a medley of mixed vegetables and baked potatoes as side items. For dessert, serve miniature cheesecakes or crème brûlée, and set up a chocolate fondue fountain stocked with marshmallows, pretzel sticks, pound cake and assorted fruits for dipping.

Tags: dessert serve, along with, dessert menu, filled with, finger foods

Places To Have A Sweet 16 Party

Sweet 16 parties vary widely in their overall feel, from formal balls to casual gatherings with a few close friends. Some considerations when selecting a location for a sweet 16 party include budget, the size of the guest list and the type of party the teen would like to have. Does this Spark an idea?

Reception Hall

For a large sweet 16 celebration that includes at least 50 guests, a reception hall is an ideal location. A party at a reception hall typically includes a sit-down meal followed by dancing, although people on limited budgets can skip the meal and just serve snacks during the dance. The hall should provide space for guests to sit while they eat, along with a dance floor large enough for all of the guests. Many reception halls have their own catering service or a preferred list of vendors, so that might limit the choices for food or music. Because these locations end to book quickly, it's a good idea to start planning the party a year in advance if it will be at a reception hall.

Home

Hold a sweet 16 party at home to save money. This works best for gatherings with a guest list that's small enough for everybody to fit in the main room of the house. If the guest list is large, accommodate everybody by setting aside different areas of the house for different purposes. For example, set up one room of the house as a lounge with funky lighting and plenty of seating. Keep the food in another area and let guests mingle around the buffet tables as they snack. Set up a dance floor in the garage or in another large room.

Outdoors

If the birthday occurs during the spring or summer in a temperate location, hold the party outdoors. Have a backup location as well in case the weather does not look good on the day of the party. Pools and beaches are popular party locations for teens. Another option is to plan a backyard luau party decorated with tiki torches, inflatable palm trees and a variety of bright, tropical colors.

Retail Establishment

If the sweet 16 party has a small guest list, have the party at a retail establishment. Many restaurants have party rooms that provide some privacy for a celebration. For a girl's sweet 16, plan an outing to a day spa or a salon. If a popular movie is opening around the date of the birthday, have the party at a movie theater and go out to eat before or after the movie.

Tags: guest list, have party, sweet party, dance floor, gatherings with, reception hall, room house

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Centerpiece Ideas

Add a "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" theme to your next party for added fun.

"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" is a beloved children's show feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and other familiar Disney characters. The show is marketed to preschool-aged children, and it teaches basic lessons about shapes, colors and numbers. The show is an appropriate theme at a birthday party or event for preschool children, and this theme can be incorporated into centerpiece decorations. Does this Spark an idea?

Licensed Centerpiece

Disney has released licensed Mickey Mouse-themed tableware items, including paper honeycomb centerpieces, that you can purchase. You can purchase licensed tableware at the Disney store, party supply stores or big box stores. Use a primary colored table cloth, and set the centerpiece in the middle of the table. Surround the centerpiece with shredded metallic paper or Mickey Mouse confetti.

Candy Topiary Centerpiece

Make a homemade "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" centerpiece using simple craft materials, such as a Mickey Mouse candy topiary. Make Mickey Mouse's head out of three Styrofoam balls connected with toothpicks and a glue gun. Use candies in primary colors to cover the head, securing each piece with glue. Black licorice pieces can be used to create a black Mickey Mouse head centerpiece, or use silk flower buds on the topiary for a more feminine centerpiece. You can even make the Clubhouse out of Styrofoam balls and modeling clay, using small Mickey Mouse and friends figures to embellish it.

Useful Centerpiece

Create a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse centerpiece that serves a second purpose. Consider using a wicker basket to hold napkins, paper plates and eating utensils as a centerpiece, adding a plush Mickey Mouse inside. This type of centerpiece is not only attractive but utilitarian. Or, consider using a cake -- like a birthday cake -- decorated in a Mickey Mouse-theme as a centerpiece. Surround the cake with crepe paper streamers in primary colors.

Clubhouse Centerpiece

Create a "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" centerpiece by wrapping three boxes -- one small, one medium and one large -- in themed wrapping paper. Use coordinating ribbons and bows to embellish. Add a bouquet of flowers in a clear vase next to the Clubhouse. Wrap a ribbon around the vase, and fill the bottom of the vase with clear or colored river rocks. Or, focus on balloons in primary colors and a stuffed Mickey Mouse as a table centerpiece.

Tags: Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Mouse Clubhouse, Clubhouse centerpiece, Mouse Clubhouse centerpiece, primary colors

Places To Hold A Wedding Ceremony & Reception In Macomb Mi

Macomb, Michigan, is located about 35 miles north of Detroit. With a population around 75,000, it is the best of all worlds: Not a metropolis by any means, but not so small as to limit your choices for your wedding ceremony and reception. Whether your taste is simple and refined or you are searching for glitz and glamour, Macomb has the place for you.

Simple Elegance

For more than 25 years Tina's Country House has been hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions. Located just south of 23 Mile Road on North Avenue, it provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Consider Tina's if you are looking for a full-service banquet facility. Use their services for your invitations and accessories and let them point you in the right direction for photographers and nondenominational ministers if you don't already have your own.

The Wedding Garden at Tina's, adjacent to the banquet area, contains a beautiful Italian fountain that is surrounded by lush gardens. Monochromatic tones set the stage for elegance in the banquet center. The reception room comes complete with upholstered chairs, twinkle lighting, floral arrangements and decked-out wedding party tables. If you stress easily, allow the accommodating full-service staff to tend to the smallest details.

Country Club Style

If everything you do is larger than life then you won't be disappointed in the country club facilities available in Macomb. Sycamore Hills Country Club boasts an 8,000-square-foot banquet center that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Located on North Avenue, the banquet center makes use of its large picture windows to give guests a panoramic view of the gardens and golf course. Invite your guests to take full advantage of the country club's exquisite gardens while you and your fiance meet on the gazebo to exchange your wedding nuptials. Use their audio and visual equipment, which is already on site.

Burning Tree Golf Club, located on Twenty-One Mile Road, offers a renovated dining room and large entertainment patio. Exchange your vows on the patio or indoors. Both areas offer ample seating for your guests. Rest assured that the Burning Tree staff will be on hand to ensure that your special day runs smoothly.

Houses of Worship

If you prefer to be married in a house of worship, Macomb is home to several churches with reception space. St. Isadore's Church is one of the largest Catholic churches in the area, you can use the facilities for large weddings and receptions. If you don't necessarily have a denominational preference, consider Immanuel Lutheran Church. The church is built in a traditional brick style with steeple and lovely grounds.

Tags: banquet center, Burning Tree, country club, Country Club, Mile Road

Sentimental Present Ideas For A 60th Birthday

A 60th birthday is a major milestone.

A person's 60th birthday is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated with above average offerings. Sentimental present ideas for a 60th birthday allow you to shower your loved one with tokens that truly express your appreciation for six decades of a person's existence on planet Earth. From dirt cheap to especially expensive, there are myriad ways to convey deep sentiment through a well chosen 60th birthday gift.

List

Make a list of 60 things you love most about the birthday girl or boy. Make each item on the list as personal as possible. Print the list on fine paper or write the list out by hand. Decorate the list with art or pictures of your loved one. Roll the list up like a scroll and place it in a fine box for presentation.

Wine

If you have a bit of money to burn, purchase a wine or liqueur that was bottled in the year of your loved one's birth. The longer a fine alcohol lays down in the cellar, the more decadent it will be when the cork is finally popped. Show your loved one how valuable he or she is to you by splurging on a truly lavish 60th birthday gift that is fraught with sentimental value.

Gift Basket

Create a 60th birthday gift basket full of your loved ones favorite treats. Personalize the gift by selecting items that the birthday girl or boy has expressed interest or delight in at some point. Select items that keep well, such as chocolate, wine, nuts and cheese. This allows your recipient to enjoy your birthday offerings slowly, over time, without sacrificing freshness. Also throw in a few vintage candy items that were popular during your recipient's youth.

Poem

Pen a poem that expresses your love and appreciation for the person that is turning 60. If you are not a natural born poet, opt instead for a famous poem that expresses your sentiments. Purchase the entire book of poetry in which your particular selection is located, mark the birthday poem with a bookmark, and read the selection aloud to your loved one when he or she opens the gift.

Tags: your loved, 60th birthday, 60th birthday, 60th birthday gift, birthday gift, items that, birthday girl

What Vegetables To Serve At A Luau

Hula dancing is a typical activity at a Hawaiian luau.

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast featuring food, dancing and celebrations. The word luau comes from the taro plant which is used often in Hawaiian food and culture. Luaus are held for birthdays, graduations, weddings and other special occasions. The main feature of a luau is usually one or more pigs slowly roasted in the ground, as well as a variety of seafood, fruit and vegetables. Hula dancing is sometimes included for entertainment at the event. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Poi

Poi is a purple-gray paste made from pounded taro root and water mixed together to form a paste. Taro is a nutritional plant that has many uses in Hawaiian cooking and culture, so it makes sense that this dish is ubiquitous with luau feasts. Poi can be purchased at many international stores in the U.S. in powdered form; it just needs to be mixed with water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes grow throughout Hawaii, so they are often included on luau menus. Hawaiian sweet potatoes often have purple centers instead of the usual orange, which gives them visual appeal on a luau buffet. The recipe for Hawaiian sweet potatoes is simple; they are just washed and baked before being brushed with butter and served. Sweet potatoes need to cook for approximately 30 to 40 minutes in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven.

Pickled Onions

At ancient Hawaiian luaus many years ago, barrels of pickled onions were often served to guests. This tradition continues in the culture today. The onions are sliced and placed into a glass jar with a seeded, green bell pepper, salt, water, vinegar and red pepper flakes. When covered and refrigerated overnight, the onions develop a slightly salty, spicy and pickled flavor that accents rich, fatty meats, such as pork and flank steak.

Other Options

Other vegetable items that are prominent at luaus include potato salad, spinach salad and green salad. Greens are tossed with cherry tomatoes and carrots. Potato salad is sometimes made out of baked, sweet potatoes that have had time to cool down. A carrot and cucumber salad is made out of julienned vegetables mixed with dressing. Salads are often dressed with ranch, thousand island or papaya salad dressing.

Tags: Hawaiian sweet, Hawaiian sweet potatoes, Hula dancing, mixed with, sweet potatoes

What Happens When A Mortgage Holder Dies

A mortgage is typically the biggest debt that most people have, and the thought of leaving this debt to someone else after you die may be disconcerting. When you die, your beneficiaries can choose between several options to handle the debt. Your loved ones will not be responsible for the debt, but they can take it over if they choose.

Joint Ownership of House

If you own the house jointly with another individual, it can pass on to that person without any changes being made. For example, if you own the house jointly with your spouse or with an adult child, it can pass on to them without any problems. At that point, the joint owner will become the sole person responsible for the mortgage. If you are worried about burdening a spouse with a mortgage payment, you can buy life insurance to pay for the mortgage debt.

Pay From Estate

When you die without a trust set up, your assets will have to go through probate before they can be distributed to your beneficiaries. During the probate process, all of your creditors can also make claims to be paid. At that point, your mortgage holder can request to be paid out of the assets of the estate. If the estate has enough liquid assets, the executor of the estate can simply pay off the mortgage.

Selling the House

In some cases, selling the house might make the most sense. If you do not own the house jointly with anyone and your beneficiaries do not necessarily want to take on the burden of the mortgage payment, they can sell the house. The proceeds from the sale can pay off the mortgage, and any extra money is divided among the beneficiaries of the estate. If the house does not sell, the lender may foreclose on it.

Refinancing

If you have adult children that would like to keep the house, another option to consider is refinancing the property. Your children can decide to refinance the mortgage debt and move the property into their names. When this happens, they could potentially take money out of the equity of the house. They could also just take out a mortgage for the amount that is owed on the property and keep the equity in the home.

Tags: house jointly, house jointly with, jointly with, your beneficiaries, mortgage debt

Night Clubs In Honolulu

Night owls in Honolulu can take advantage of a wide variety of night clubs and bars.

Honolulu, Hawaii is a tourism magnet thanks to its year-round warm weather, beautiful scenery and wide variety of activities, both indoors and out. Tourists can explore Honolulu's historical royal palaces, museums, art galleries, surf towns or the nearby active volcanoes. But the large beach city also has a hip and trendy night club scene, some with wine bars and live entertainment.

Oceans 808

Oceans 808 is a stylish urban night club where deejays spin the latest top 40, hip hop and rhythm and blues. It's also a full-service night club, offering a variety of popular dishes such as sushi and pupu platters, as well as three elevated bars. The club also caters to bachelorette parties and other special events.

Oceans 808

500 Ala Moana Blvd.

Honolulu, HI 96813

808-587-5838

oceansnightclub.com

Zanzabar Nightclub

With room for up to 1,000 people, the trendy Zanzabar Nightclub has plenty of space for tourists and locals alike. The club says it plays the most recent music hits until dawn, including top 40, hip hop, Caribbean and rhythm and blues. Zanzabar offers VIP cards and guest passes for members, allowing them to enjoy soundproof rooms and special private entertainment. Though the club caters to adults 21 years old and over, it occasionally sets aside special nights for crowds 18 years and older.

Zanzabar Nightclub

Waikiki Trade Center

2255 Kuhio Ave.

Honolulu, HI 96815

808-924-3939

zanzabarhawaii.com

Nashville Waikiki

Nashville Waikiki says its DJs spin the most recent country hits and classic rock music until dawn. The club offers nightly drink specials, special events and contests such as Pub Crawl, where the best-dressed cowgirl and cowboy win cash. Nashville Waikiki is open to adults 21 years old and above, with a small cover charge at the door.

Nashville Waikiki

2330 Kuhio Ave.

Honolulu, HI 96815

808-926-7911

nashvillewaikiki.com

Tags: Nashville Waikiki, night club, Zanzabar Nightclub, adults years, Honolulu 96815, Kuhio Honolulu

The History Of Dutch Wooden Clogs

The History of Dutch Wooden Clogs

Wooden shoes have been popular in the Netherlands for about 700 years. Wooden shoe wearers claim the shoes are warm in winter, cool in summer and provide support for good posture. The wood also absorbs perspiration so that the foot can breathe. Wooden shoes, as icons of Dutch culture, appear in customs such as the practice of young Dutch men presenting their fiancees with a pair of carved wooden shoes.

Early History

The Dutch have been wearing wooden shoes, or clogs, or "Klompen" since medieval times. Originally, they were made with a wooden sole and a leather top or strap tacked to the wood. Eventually, the shoes began to be made entirely from wood to protect the whole foot. Originally, alder, willow and poplar woods were used. The first guild of clog makers dates back to around 1570 in Holland.

Industrial Footwear

In Holland, wooden shoes are worn by farmers, fishermen, factory workers, artisans and others to protect their feet. Nails, fishing hooks and sharp implements that might pierce a regular boot will not go through a wooden shoe. On boats and docks and in muddy fields, wooden shoes also keep feet dry.

Clog Dancing

Wooden shoes are also worn as an essential part of the traditional costume for Dutch clogging, or Klompendanskunst. Clogs for dancing are made differently so that they'll be lighter. The soles are made from ash wood, and the top part is cut lower by the ankle. Dancers create a rhythm by tapping the toes and heels on a wooden floor.

Wooden Shoe Making

Today, wooden shoes are mostly made by machine. There are not many wooden shoe makers left, but they can be found in some of Holland's tourist areas. These artisans demonstrate the many tools they use and how they select a tree trunk or log according to the size shoe they are going to make. Both shoes of a pair must be made from the same kind of wood, even the same side of a tree, so that the wood will shrink at the same rate. Usually, sycamore, alder, willow and poplar woods are used for handmade clogs, and birch is used for machine-made. Clogs made in Holland must pass certain tests that measure how they endure extreme temperatures and heavy weight.

Decoration

Dutch wooden shoes can be plain, painted or carved. Painting the shoes is an old custom that goes back to the beginning of their history. The first artist to paint wooden shoes was Pieter Brueghel the Elder in 1550. Carved clogs are traditionally the choice for grooms to give their brides in that old custom.

Fun Clog Fact

Each June, The American Baseball Foundation of the Hague sponsors an American-style baseball game where both teams play in clogs.

Tags: History Dutch, wooden shoes, wooden shoes, alder willow, alder willow poplar, Dutch Wooden

What Do I Need To Make A Tiki Hut

Building a tiki hut is one of the best ways to feel like you're in the Pacific Islands, and no luau would be complete without a tiki hut in which you can serve guests their favorite tropical drinks. If you have the right building materials and decorations, it will be simple to build an authentic tiki hut fit for the islands. Does this Spark an idea?

Plans

Before you buy any materials and decorations for your tiki hut, you'll need a plan. Consider everything you'll need. For example, do you have a pre-existing bar with stools that you can build your tiki hut around, or will you need to build a freestanding tiki hut? Do you want to make a permanent tiki hut or one that you can disassemble after use? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can begin to create a plan for your tiki hut.

If you're making a tiki hut around an existing bar, you won't need much except for a few design details you can add to the bar. If you're building a hut from scratch, you'll have to plan for how many people the hut will seat, the actual dimensions of the hut, the materials and decorations you will use, and what you'll be using it for. Will it be a functional tiki hut? If so, you may want to add electrical outlets and accessories such as a small refrigerator and provisions for bar accessories such as shakers, glasses, bottles and a blender.

Building Materials

The essentials of a tiki hut are bamboo poles, plywood and palm leaves. Of course, you'll need a few nails and a hammer to put it all together. The base of the tiki hut is the bar, so use the plywood to build it. There's no need to paint the plywood since tiki huts are supposed to have a rustic look and feel. Keep the plywood, which can be found in hardware stores, bare and natural. Use the bamboo poles to create the roof, and attach them to the bar. You can also use them to add trim to the corners and edges of the finished base. Finally, cover the roof with dry palm leaves.

Decorations

The final step in authenticating your hut is to add the finishing touches. Party supply shops often carry tiki hut decorations, such as hanging lanterns, tiki lights and torches, a grass mat and tiki bar stools. Hang tiki masks on the poles to add to the ambiance, and make a rustic sign with your bar's name from any leftover plywood and hang it on your bar with a rope. For a real feel of the tropics, add potted palms and tropical flowers and arrange them around the tiki hut.

Tags: materials decorations, your tiki, accessories such, bamboo poles, decorations will

Simple Christmas Crafts For Kids

A felt Christmas tree ornament

Celebrating Christmas with children by making crafts can help fill time, plus you will get some wonderful decorations. Children's Christmas crafts can be used as gifts, too, and they are often precious keepsakes. Best of all, there are simple Christmas crafts that can be made by kids of all ages. Does this Spark an idea?

Felt Ornaments

Kids can make Christmas tree ornaments out of felt easily. Using green and red felt, you will have the kids cut Christmas shapes from the felt. You can make stencils so that the kids can trace the shapes on the felt with a fabric pencil. You can also have the kids cut images from old Christmas cards, glue them to the felt and cut them out. They can use glitter to decorate the ornaments and a piece of ribbon to make a hanging loop. The ribbon can be sewn on or run through a hole you punch at the top of each ornament.

Pine Cone Christmas Tree

You can use pine cones gathered from the outdoors, or purchased in a craft store, to make tiny decorative Christmas trees. This is more of a free-form craft in that you will simply provide the kids with a lot of different things to decorate their pine cones with and let their creativity take hold. Good items for decoration are glitter, tiny pompoms, foam shapes, ribbon and candy. Don't forget glue.

Walnut Animals

Kids have been making walnut animals to hang on the Christmas tree for decades. This is a simple Christmas craft that requires little in the way of supplies or crafting skill. Give each kid several walnuts and have the kids cut ears and a tail from felt. Then, they can either draw a face on with marker or paint one on. They can also glue google eyes on. The most common animals to make are mice, reindeer and bears. They will glue a loop of ribbon to the top of the ornament to hang it from the Christmas tree.

Reindeer Candy Canes

Reindeer candy canes are a very simple Christmas craft, and they can be used to decorate your Christmas tree, or you can use them to decorate Christmas presents. To make them, give each kid a candy cane, pipe cleaners, a small red pompom and a set of google eyes. The kids will make antlers by wrapping the pipe cleaners around the top of the candy cane. Then, they will glue the google eyes and pompom nose on, and they are done.

Tags: Christmas tree, google eyes, have kids, candy cane, Christmas craft, craft that, from Christmas

Outdoor Beach Party Decorations

An outdoor beach party is enjoyable for guests of any age.

Whether you live on a beach, in the mountains or near the rolling plains of the Midwest, you can turn virtually any setting into a beach party oasis. With just a bit of imagination and the right decorations, create a beach party atmosphere worthy of The Beach Boys.

Backyard Set-Up

Turn your backyard into a beach scene with a variety of beach chairs and beach balls. Hang striped beach towels and bathing suits from the clothesline and scatter large beach umbrellas around the yard to provide shade. If kids will be at the party, fill a sandbox with buckets and shovels.

On the Beach

If your beach party actually is being held at the beach, allow the shimmering sand and sparking waters to take center stage as your party backdrop. Line the perimeter of the party area with tiki torches or hanging lanterns. Drape tables with lightweight fabrics that flutter in the breeze. If you will be partying into the night, build a small fire pit for guests to enjoy.

Table Decorations

Cover tables with a fabric tablecloth in a soft color, such as blue, green or pale yellow. Fill tall vases or colorful buckets with sand and nestle flickering tealight candles into the sand at the top of each one, For your table centerpiece, fill a large plastic bucket with sand and arrange seashells on top. Scatter seashells and starfish along the length of the table.

Balloons

Colorful balloons provide a festive party atmosphere for any party theme. Use balloons in beach-related colors, such as blue, light green and pale yellow. Since you will be outside, be sure to tie down your balloons tightly to tables, chairs or fences. If you are feeling creative, make a few balloon palm trees, as shown by the Theme Parties "N" More website.

Tags: beach party, beach party, green pale, green pale yellow, into beach, pale yellow

Pool Games For High School Swimmers

A friendly game of water polo enhances fitness and teamwork.

High school swimmers often put in hours of daily pool training, churning out miles of laps in a necessary but sometimes monotonous routine. With a little creativity, coaches can add spice to an otherwise bland workout without sacrificing physical benefits for athletes. Pool games build teamwork, friendly competition and stamina while helping teenage swimmers avoid burnout.

Modified Water Polo

Divide swimmers into two teams for a modified version of water polo. Set up a net in the deep end of the pool and provide a regular water polo ball or Nerf-style ball. On offense, players must pass the ball to other teammates, trying to score by throwing the ball into the net. If the other team intercepts the ball, or if a point is scored, the teams reverse roles with one become defense and the other offense. By treading water non-stop, swimmers will be building leg strength, stamina and endurance while participating in fun competition.

Sharks and Minnows

Swimmers build lung capacity and learn to work together as a team by playing the classic sharks and minnows game. Gather swimmers on one side of the deep end with one person treading water in the middle. When he yells "shark," each swimmer attempts to make it across the pool without being captured by the shark. If a swimmer is underwater, the shark must pull her to the surface. Players who are caught become assistant sharks, and the game continues until all players are caught.

Creative Relay Races

Using the length of the pool, divide swimmers into teams for relay races with one team per lane. Half of the team members should line up on one end and the other half on the other. Start each race after declaring a theme of normal swim strokes or crazy strokes, such as corkscrew or dolphin dive. To make races more competitive, give faster teams a handicap by having them carry objects while swimming, or simply give slower teams a head start. For another twist, use inner tubes or flotation noodles as props during the races.

Aquatic Center Field Trip

To break from the routine, take a field trip to a local college that has a modern indoor aquatics center. Some innovative schools have developed new forms of water exercise such as artificial surfing environments, water climbing structures, rope swings and zip lines. For a warmer weather option, high school swimmers and their coaches can head to a local water park for games and activities such as water basketball, indoor wave pools or kayaking.

Tags: water polo, into teams, swimmers into, swimmers into teams, treading water

Tropical Food Ideas

The tropics are generally considered to be those regions of the world located near the equator. Whether your thoughts turn to the Carribean, the South Pacific, Mexico, Hawai'i, Africa or South America, there are no doubt certain foods that come to mind when you hear the word "tropical." There are tropical cuisines that range from the hot and spicy to the very simple and cool. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Appetizers

Fruit appetizers are always appreciated by guests that are watching their weight. Just cut up bite-sized pieces of popular tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, mango and banana and stick toothpicks in them for easy grabbing. Set out bowls of tropical nuts, such as macadamias. For something a bit more upscale, mix together some crabmeat, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and chopped artichoke hearts to taste, and spread the mixture on crackers.

Main Course

Fish are natural as the centerpiece of a tropical main dish. Consider filets of a light fish, such as mahi-mahi or even sole, dipped in crushed macadamia nuts and then baked, or sauteed. Teriyaki or sweet and sour chicken are tropical dishes that won't break your budget. Ham with pineapple can lend a luau feel to a meal.

Dessert

A small bowl containing a scoop of coffee ice cream, studded with a large macadamia nut cookie is very Polynesian. Coconut pudding, or haupi'a, is another dish from the tropics and is very easy to make. Ice cream balls rolled in coconut or nuts, halved papaya with a scoop of ice cream in the center, and, of course, any type of pineapple cake can all lend tropical flavors to dessert.

Beverages

Coconut milk blended with ice is delicious, with or without the addition of rum or vodka. For other non-alcoholic beverages consider guava, pineapple or passion fruit juice on ice. Don't forget the paper umbrellas and a slice of fresh fruit on the rim of the glass.

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Rv Parks In Citrus County Florida

Citrus County is located in west central Florida on the Nature Coast. Just north of the Tampa Bay area and northwest of Orlando, Citrus County is an ideal vacation spot for RV enthusiasts. Nicknamed "the water lover's Florida," Citrus County is popular for its kayaking tours on the Withlacoochee River and manatee encounters at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

Sandy Oaks RV Park and Resort

Located in Beverly Hills, Florida, between Inverness, Crystal River and Dunnellon, Sandy Oaks RV Park and Resort offers 48 full-hookup sites. There is a 3,200-square-foot clubhouse with big-screen TV, full kitchen, fireplace and in-ground swimming pool. Other amenities include: video security surveillance, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, showers, horseshoes and shuffleboard.

Sandy Oaks RV Park and Resort

6760 N. Lecanto Hwy.

Beverly Hills, FL 34465

(352) 465-1601

sandyoaksrvresort.com

Nature's Resort and RV Park

Nature's Resort is located in Homosassa, Florida, on the Halls River with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. RV sites offer electrical service, water sewer and cable TV. The on-site clubhouse has a swimming pool, laundry room, arcade games, banquet hall/meeting room, basketball, volleyball and playground.

Nature's Resort and RV Park

10359 W. Halls River Road

Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 628-9544

naturesresortfla.com

Quail Roost RV Campground

Located in Crystal River, Florida, Quail Roost is an active senior RV campground. There are 72 open or wooded full-hookup sites. Other amenities include: cable TV, computers for camper's use, fitness center, laundry, library/media center and heated swimming pool.

Quail Roost RV Campground

9835 N. Citrus Ave.

Crystal River, FL 34428

(352) 563-0404

quailsroostcampground.com

Lake Rousseau RV Park

Located on Lake Rousseau in Crystal River, Florida, this RV park is also a popular fishing resort. The clubhouse offers laundry facilities, swimming pool, bathhouses, and bait and tackle shop.

Lake Rousseau RV Park

10811 N. Coveview Terrace

Crystal River, FL 34428

(352) 795-6336

lakerousseaurvpark.com

Riverside Lodge RV Resort

Located on the Withlacoochee River near Inverness, Florida, Riverside Lodge RV Resort offers hookup sites, cabins and tent areas. Amenities include: laundry, picnic areas, boat/canoe rental and bathhouses.

Riverside Lodge RV Resort

12561 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy.

Inverness, FL 34450

(352) 726-2002

riversidelodgerv.com

Tags: Crystal River, Citrus County, swimming pool, Lake Rousseau, Lodge Resort, Nature Resort, Oaks Park

What Restaurants Are Located Near Port Orleans Disney Resort

Port Orleans Disney Resort offers five on-site restaurants.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort comprises two distinct resort areas. The French Quarter celebrates New Orleans' French Quarter and offers jazz music, parades and cajun food. Disney's Port Orleans Resort---Riverside celebrates rural Louisiana along the Sassagoula River. This waterfront resort showcases the bygone era of garden parties, mint juleps and steamboat travel.

Riverside Mill Food Court

Located in Disney Port Orleans Resort---Riverside, the Riverside Mill Food Court offers American cuisine, including roast beef, pizza and fish. All meals cost less than $15, as of August 2010.

Boatwright's Dining Hall

Located in Disney's Port Orleans Resort---Riverside, Boatwright's Dining Hall also offers American cuisine at a slightly higher price. All dishes cost between $15 and $36, as of August 2010. Boatwright's serves both American and Southern cuisine.

River Roost

Located in Disney's Port Orleans Resort---Riverside, River Roost offers affordable American cuisine, with dishes priced under $15 a piece, as of August 2010. In addition, River Roost offers beer, Southern specialty drinks and live entertainment.

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court

Located in Disney's Port Orleans Resort---French Quarter, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court offers affordable American cuisine for less than $15 per dish, as of August 2010. In addition to burgers and pizza, the restaurant offers New Orleans classics like jambalaya, muffaletta sandwiches and gumbo.

Scat Cat's Club

Located in Disney's Port Orleans Resort---French Quarter, Scat Cat's Club offers affordable American cuisine for under $15 per dish, as of August 2010. In addition to traditional American cuisine, Scat Cat's Club offers appetizers, cocktails, and the house specialty beverage, a Hurricane.

Tags: Port Orleans, Disney Port, Disney Port Orleans, American cuisine, August 2010

Rv Parks In Palm Springs California

RV Parks in Palm Springs, California

With warm temperatures even in the winter, Palm Springs, California, is a great destination for RV travelers. The greater Palm Springs area, which includes Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, offers a wide assortment of RV parks. The services and quality of the parks run the gamut from the basic to the luxurious. The locations are spread out in the area, and RV travelers should consider if they want to be close to downtown Palm Springs, the area's golf courses, or the many natural attractions.

Happy Traveler RV Park

Located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, this park is within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs. It offers full hookups, picnic tables, cable TV, social areas, a pool, a spa and Wi-Fi access. Maximum RV length is 40 feet. Daily rates start at $40.00.

Happy Traveler RV Park

211 West Mesquite Avenue

Palm Springs, CA 92264

(760) 325-8518

happytravelerrv.com

Two Springs Resort

Located in North Palm Springs, this resort offers quiet, spacious lots that average 2400 square feet. There are full-utility hookups, a nine-hole putting green, a swimming pool, a spa, a tennis court, a bocce ball area and a recreation hall. Daily rates start at $45.00.

Two Springs Resort

14-200 N. Indian Avenue

North Palm Springs, CA 92241

(760) 251-6162

twospringsrv.com

Outdoor Resort Palm Springs

Spread out on 137 landscaped acres that include seven lakes, this is truly a resort destination. The resort and country club offer a 27-hole golf course, 14 lighted tennis courts, eight swimming pools and spas, an on-site restaurant, a hair salon, an espresso cafe, seven laundries, a fitness center and 24-hour security. There is also an owners' lounge complete with a stadium-seating theater, card room, and billiards, and an RV parts and convenience store. Daily rates start at $66.00.

Outdoor Resort Palm Springs

69-411 Ramon Road

Cathedral City, CA 92234

(760) 324-4005

outdoorresort.com

Sky Valley Resort

Located in Desert Hot Springs, this resort is popular for its mineral hot springs. There are nine hot springs and three mineral pools on the grounds. The resort offers daily activities and events as well as a nine-hole executive golf course and Wi-Fi. It is about six miles from the Coachella Valley Nature Preserve. Daily rates start at $44.00.

Sky Valley Resort

74-711 Dillon Road

Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241

(760) 329-2909

skyvalleyresort.com

Emerald Desert Golf & RV Resort

This Palm Desert resort is the newest crown jewel for Sunland RV Resorts. The golf resort offers driving ranges, putting greens, clubhouses, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts, pools and spas. There are also laundry facilities, indoor RV storage and Wi-Fi. Daily rates start at $47.50.

Emerald Desert Golf & RV Resort

76000 Frank Sinatra Drive

Palm Desert, CA 92211

(760) 345-4770

emeralddesert.com

Tags: Palm Springs, Daily rates, Daily rates start, rates start, Desert Springs, Palm Desert, Palm Springs California

The Checklist For Organizing A 50th Birthday Party

Organize a fun-filled 50th birthday party with ease, with the use of a checklist.

Creating a checklist is the first vital step when planning a 50th birthday party, as it helps keep all of the details organized so that nothing is left out. A checklist can make the difference between a mediocre party and an unforgettable celebration. Does this Spark an idea?

Guest List and Invitations

A guest list is the starting point when organizing a birthday party. The size of the party--small and informal or large and formal--will determine how many guests you should invite. Send invitations at least one month ahead of time. Include the date, place, and time, and request that guests RSVP, so you will know how many to expect. Customize the invitation with a picture of the guest of honor as a child.

Decorations

Decorations are a big part of planning a 50th birthday party. Black is the common color used, as it jokingly refers to a 50-year-old as being near death. Use black and silver balloons and streamers to decorate the party area. A fancy black tablecloth, napkins and plates can adorn the cake table. A centerpiece of black flowers, such as roses or carnations, will complete the look. An "Over-the-Hill" banner can be placed above the main entrance to the party or over the food table.

Food and Beverages

How you organize the food will depend on whether you're planning an informal buffet or a formal, sit-down dinner. Make the food ahead of time, if serving finger foods, or have a formal dinner catered. Serve a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea and punch. If serving alcoholic drinks, have non-alcoholic varieties available, as well. Decide on the type of cake you will serve; use black and white frosting to decorate it.

Entertainment

Select games and other entertainment to get the guests interacting. Include games such as charades or "This is Your Life," in which guests share memories of the birthday person. Music should be from the year in which the guest of honor was born or from high school days. Set up a dance floor and have a karaoke machine available.

Tags: 50th birthday, 50th birthday party, ahead time, birthday party, birthday party, guest honor

The Best Places For A Romantic Vacation In Florida

Florida has romantic towns and resorts all throughout the state.

Florida is home to many beautiful towns and resorts and, because of the warm weather, couples can enjoy them year-round. Whether you are looking for a romantic beach getaway or a quaint cottage experience, there are romantic places all throughout Florida.

Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

Swimming with dolphins is one of the many activities for couples to enjoy at this resort.

This ultra-private resort is located in the Florida Keys, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Thirty thatched-roof private luxury suites are located on this beachfront property that spans 5 and a half acres. Couples can swim with dolphins, go snorkeling and dine on gourmet food created by the island's chefs. Rates start around $650 per night.

Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

28500 Overseas Hwy.

Little Torch Key, FL 33042

800-343-8567

littlepalmisland.com

Seaside, Florida

Look no further for a cottage on the beach.

This little town is known as a destination for couples because of its tranquil location and romantic cottage rentals. Couples can bike, stroll and browse the quaint local shops, all set to the backdrop of a white-washed ocean town. Located along Florida's Emerald Coast, this town offers beautiful scenes of white sand and ocean. Book a room at the Watercolor Inn and Resort for full amenities and private access to the beach, with rates starting around $350 per night.

Watercolor Inn and Resort

34 Goldenrod Cir.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

850-534-5000

watercolorresort.com

Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn

An on-site spa adds extra romance to this charming resort.

This cute resort has been a Florida favorite for couples and weddings for 75 years. The resort is in the town of Lake Wales and is made up of several themed chalets, each with a different decor. There is a spa on the grounds for couples massages and wraps. Hotel rates start around $150 per night. Pop into the small town of Lake Wales to see its historic architecture or one of its many quaint parks.

Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn

3800 Chalet Suzanne Dr.

Lake Wales, FL 33859

863-676-6011

chaletsuzanne.com

Historic Bok Sanctuary

The bell tower in this lush garden plays romantic music for strolling couples.

This garden sanctuary in Lake Wales is on 245 acres of lush plants and flowers with walkways for strolling. Different instrumental pieces of music can be heard throughout the day from the resident bell tower with a carillon instrument inside. The gardens are open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5 p.m. General admission starts at $10 for adults.

Historic Bok Sanctuary

1151 Tower Blvd.

Lake Wales, FL 33884

863-676-1408

boktowergardens.org

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Fireworks over the park make this amusement park a couples' destination.

Disney World is not just a children's amusement park. Many couples head to Disney World each year for a romantic experience. From extensive dining options to regular fireworks displays, Disney World offers unexpected romance inside its gate. The Victorian-style Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the park's most adult hotel, and its private beach provides couples an escape from the park. Rates start around $410 per night.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

4401 Floridian Way

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-939-7429

disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa

Tags: Lake Wales, around night, Chalet Suzanne, Disney World, Floridian Resort, Grand Floridian

Party Favor Ideas For A Ladies' Banquet

Votive candles in delicate holders make good party favors for women.

When you're hosting an elegant, ladies-only banquet, you want to do everything you can to make the occasion memorable. Add a touch of class to the event by setting a small, richly-wrapped gift at each place setting--it will look beautiful and create a pleasurable feeling of anticipation. After all, no matter how grown up we are or how refined our "party clothes" may be now, we never outgrow our excitement at receiving a present at a party. Does this Spark an idea?

Bookmark

This favor is adaptable to any budget or party theme. If you're hosting a banquet for your book club or to meet a favorite author, make a bookmark featuring the writer's picture or a copy of the cover art for that month's reading selection. Make or buy bookmarks featuring inspirational quotes for any occasion or make them to look like first-place ribbons for awards or appreciation gifts. If you have a slightly bigger budget--or your banquet is a more formal occasion--buy slender bookmarks made of silver or gold. Have them personalized with engravings of the recipients' names or other sentiments.

Seasonal Ornament

If your banquet is taking place at holiday-time, use the holiday as the theme for your party favors. Give small plastic jack-o-lanterns filled with penny candy in October, tiny menorahs or Christmas tree ornaments in December and marble "eggs" at Easter. Another option is to give small gifts that reflect the season of the year, such as garden gnomes in the spring, beach balls in the summer, mittens in the fall and bayberry-scented incense in the winter.

Potted Plants

Give an assortment of flowers, houseplants or herbs in small terracotta pots. Give plants that match the banquet's theme, such as pots of rosemary and basil for a cooking club or Forget-Me-Nots for a reunion. Tuck each pot into tissue paper and tie it with a colorful bow to match your decorating colors. Bunch the plants together to use as a centerpiece and encourage each guest to take one when she leaves.

Candles

Most ladies love candles, so they make excellent party favors. Choose richly-scented votive candles in jewel-colored holders, pairs of hand-dipped taper candles (perhaps with several shades of wax) or handsome pillar candles, in addition to novelty candles in various shapes, colors and sizes. The thoughtful host will have an unscented candle or two on hand for the guest who is allergic to scented products.

Tags: party favors, your banquet

Things To Do With Babies On Kona

There's lots to do and see in Kona.

Kona, also known as the 'Big Island' of Hawaii, is known for its sportfishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee. But the Big Island isn't just for big kids -- babies can enjoy its array of offerings as well. From beaches and parks to swimming and sun, babies can partake in many activities geared toward them.

Parks

There are a number of parks to take babies to on Kona in Hawaii. Kona Coast State Park and Magic Sands Beach Park Laaloa Beach Park both offer plenty of sand and surf for baby to play in. Kona Coast State Park also has picnic benches so that you can picnic with your baby out in the sunshine. Another park on Kona, Harold H. Higashihara Park, has a specially designed playground for babies that includes pint-size play structures and a choo-choo train.

Sightseeing

Kona offers many different sights that babies would love. Whale watching tours both on land and at sea, as well as glass bottom boat tours in the bays, are ideal for curious tots. If your baby has never seen Hawaii before, these and other sightseeing trips in the area are perfect to expose them to new and exciting sights.

Markets

Let your little one bite into some delicious fresh fare from the Kona Farmer's Market. This farmer's market is famous for selling local produce and locally made items for bargain prices. Kona Farmer's Market is located in the Kona Inn parking lot and is open weekly every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to skip the stroller and use a baby carrier here because the market can get very crowded.

Aquariums and Zoos

For animal-loving babes, visit attractions such as the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, where you can learn all about these sea animals, and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, where babies get the chance to enter a rain forest and see animals from that environment such as the Spider monkey and Hawaiian birds. The zoo has a petting zoo specially designed for little ones. The petting zoo is open Saturdays from 1:30 to 2:30 and includes baby friendly animals such as ducks, goats, guinea pigs and llamas.

Tags: Beach Park, Coast State, Coast State Park, Farmer Market, Kona Coast, Kona Coast State

Tropical Name Tag Ideas

A tropical party calls for tropical name tags.

When planning a theme party or event, paying attention to the details is important because the little touches reinforce the theme throughout the celebration. Having tropical name tags will help put your guests in a tropical mood from the moment they arrive. Whether you're planning a tropical-themed birthday party, company picnic, summer class or community education workshop, take name tag design inspiration from the flora, culture and iconic images of the tropics. Does this Spark an idea?

Palm Tree Name Tags

Augment plain plastic name tag holders with palm tree silhouettes cut out of craft foam. Green is the obvious color choice for the tree silhouettes, but you could use other tropical colors like blue, fuchsia and orange. Cut out the silhouettes and attach them to the tags with dabs of hot glue, one tree per tag. Print name tags with each person's name and insert them in the holders.

Flower Name Tags

Hibuscus flowers are colorful and recognizable tropical blooms.

Make name tags out of craft foam cut to resemble hibiscus flowers. Cut the foam in the shape of a hibiscus flower's outline. Use black paint or permanent marker to write each person's name in the middle of a foam flower. Hot-glue each foam flower to a pin. Alternately, buy fake hibiscus flowers, cut the stems off and glue one fake hibiscus to the side of a standard plastic name tag holder. Print off the event attendees' names in an ornate font and put them in the holders.

Postcard Name Tags

Use photo editing software to turn a tropical beach photo in a postcard name tag.

Flaunt your creativity with name tags made to resemble miniature postcards. Start with a photo of a tropical scene, such as a palm-tree-lined beach, a surfer riding perfect waves, or a person in a hammock with a tropical drink. Use photo editing software to crop the photo, saturate the color and add a border. Print versions of the tweaked photo with each event attendee's name arching through the photo scene like the "Wish You Were Here!" on a stereotypical postcard. Print the postcard name tags on sturdy cardboard stock and glue them to pins.

Surfboard Name Tags

Surfboards come in different shapes, including "egg" and "pintail."

Cut peel-off adhesive name tags into surfboard shapes to invoke the laid-back, "hang ten" vibe of the tropics. Alternately, cut craft foam into surfboard shapes and write each person's name horizontally along the longest axis of the shape. Glue the shapes to pins.

Tags: name tags, craft foam, each person, each person name, person name, editing software

What Are Morale Calls

Morale calls allow soldiers to keep in touch with loved ones during deployment.

Morale calls allow soldiers to keep in touch with their love ones while they are deployed. A soldier who is stationed anywhere in the world can make morale calls to friends and family.

How it Works

Morale calls are made by using calling cards, which can be used on base or off base. The commanding officer typically will let a soldier know when he can call home.

Calling Cards

The calling card that is most common for morale calls among soldiers is the MCI World Traveler card, according to the website CallingAdvice.com, whose stated mission is "to bring together the best and cheapest calling information into one place, so that all telephone users can know the easiest ways to call nationally and internationally, find area codes for the US, and country codes for international calling." It also states that AT&T is also a popular calling card used by soldiers.

Connection Fees

Unlike phone cards from AT&T and other providers, MCI World Travel does not charge a connection fee. Using MCI World Travel will allow a soldier to make her morale call from over 130 countries.

Time Limit

Each soldier has a 15-minute time limit during a morale call. After their time is up the call will automatically be dropped.

Obtain

According to Calling Advice.com, subscriptions are better than actual cards because there's no postal expense or waiting period; the codes can be sent via email. To obtain a MCI World Travel card, soldiers can go to the MCI world website or purchase a card in-store. All the soldier needs is a subscription and authentication code. AT&T and other calling cards are available from department and drug stores.

Cost

Morale calls are an inexpensive way to keep a soldier connected to loved ones. A morale call on an average can be between 4.8 cents to 5.5 cents per minute.

Tags: morale call, Morale calls, World Travel, allow soldiers, allow soldiers keep, calling card

School Carnival Games & Ideas

School carnivals offer entertainment for everyone involved.

Running a school carnival is a twist on traditional fundraising efforts. Students, parents, teachers and people in the community donate money at the carnival, with all the proceeds going to the school. For a successful school carnival, parents and students play just as big a role as the students. School carnival games and ideas increase the amount of money brought in by the event.

Clown Contest

Host a clown contest for any willing participants, including students, younger children and parents. Advertise the contest on the fliers and posters for the carnival. Hold the contest in the middle of the day, when the carnival is at its busiest. Divide the event into different age groups and offer small prizes for the winner or winners of each group. Require participants to have their makeup and costume ready by the time the contest starts. Let the audience pick the winner by cheering for their favorite clowns.

Art Display

Ask the art teachers at the school to pass along the word that the carnival will boast a large art display. Students and teachers donate their favorite pieces, and each piece hangs in a central location at the carnival. Raise money by displaying the art in different tents and asking for a small donation to view the pieces. Or sell some of the artwork. Make sure that the participants know that the work is for sale. You can even offer a small percentage of the sale price to the artist to encourage more people to donate their work.

Face Painting

Run a face-painting and/or body-painting booth at the carnival. Fill the booth with nontoxic paints and colored hairsprays like those sold at Halloween. Carnival guests pay a small fee, and volunteers paint their faces, arms, legs or hair with the paints and sprays. If the volunteers don't have much experience in face painting, offer a few set designs, including cat faces and stars.

Wheel of Fortune

Ask for donations of plastic bottles and remove the labels from the bottles. Write fortunes on small slips of paper and place one slip of paper in each bottle. On some of the fortunes, draw a small star, which indicates a winning bottle. Cap the bottles and toss them in a large plastic pool filled with water. When a guest makes a donation, he picks a bottle from the pool. Keep small prizes on hand for the winners.

Tags: donate their, offer small, small prizes, their favorite

Luau Bridal Ideas

A luau bridal shower is easy to plan and fun for guests.

A luau is one idea for a bridal shower. If you are having a beach wedding or if you aren't a luau is a fun party that your guests will remember and enjoy. With your luau you can have Hawaiian food, decorations, party favors, and games. A luau will give you the feel of a nice warm beach.

Luau Food Ideas

Make fruit platters with pineapple, kiwi, mango, and other tropical fruits. Fruit platters look attractive in a carved watermelon, creating a basket. Add crackers with cheeses, shrimp dip and crab dip. Shrimp, coconut shrimp, and crab are good additions to your menu. Shish kabobs, Hawaiian chicken, chicken fingers, and mahi mahi filets are some main entree options. For deserts make a pineapple upside-down cake or a large sheet cake with blue icing and a beach theme on it. For beverages choose margaritas and pina coladas, blue lemonade, punch, iced tea and tropical slushies.

Decorations

Having leis for your guests will add a personal touch. Have a bowl or someone with leis waiting for your guests as they arrive. Another added touch is Hawaiian flowers for the women's hair. Just remember for the single ladies that they place the flower behind their right ear and married women place the flower behind their left ear. Having grass skirts for the bride and her bridesmaid is also an option. Taking a grass skirt and putting it around your buffet table with a green table cloth will add another Hawaiian touch. Place sea shells, sunglasses, Hawaiian luau girls that wave their hips, and Hawaiian flowers around your table. Tiki masks on the wall, inflatable palm trees, and candles with seashells lit around the table are other decoration ideas. For outside parties tiki torches and pink flamingos will be an authentic addition.

Party Favors

Display a plastic beach pail filled with sunglasses, flip-flops, sunscreen, a beach ball, and some lip balm. Other party favor ideas are a luau frame, seashell candles, or Hawaiian flower hair combs. Have a floral gift bag with coconut or Hawaiian floral scented lotion, bath soap, body wash, and a colorful loofah. Another fun thing to have out for people to do while they are there is to make their own Hawaiian lei. This is also something that they can take home to remember the occasion.

Luau Party Games

The traditional limbo will be a fun addition to your bridal shower. Another game is musical beach towels or mats, which is just like musical chairs but uses beach towels instead of chairs. For a memory game take a tray and put about 15 different beach items on the tray and have everyone look at the tray for a short time, then see how many of the items they can write down from the tray. The person that has the most items written down wins.

Banana race will have your guests laughing. Take string and tie a banana around the participants' waists; the banana will hang between their legs. Then the participants take the banana and try to hit a table tennis ball down to the finish line.

Tags: your guests, bridal shower, around your, beach towels, behind their, flower behind