Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Youth Valentine Party Ideas

Young people bring their own brand of appreciation to Valentine's Day. Young people look at a cache of valentines as a sign of popularity and friendship. Entertain young people at a Valentine's Day party by bringing together elements to keep the kids interested. Attend to decorations, refreshments, activities and goody bags for a successful Valentine's Day party. Emphasize red's bold contribution to the color scheme. Put hearts at center decorating stage. For tweens, organize a party to appeal to budding ideas of love, while subtly encouraging the kids to be kids. Cut costs by printing your own invitations and party favors. Does this Spark an idea?


Theme


Decorate a tween Valentine's Day party with bright balloons.


A romantic movie, appropriate for tweens, will draw kids' interests in the party. Order or print your own movie ticket invitations. Print on pink stock with red type announcing the movie, date, time and location. Decorate with Valentine's Day colored streamers and sweetheart balloons. Invite each guest to take a party favor labeled with the guest's name on a child's paper Valentine.


Menu and Favors


Popcorn and movies go hand-in-hand.


Typical Valentine's Day fare makes the party colorful and tasty. Supply red, white and pink-frosted cupcakes, chips, popcorn, mini-sandwiches and soft drinks. Spread paper valentines around tables with colored pencils for guests to "send" quick valentines to each other. Fill Valentine's Day party favor bags with heart-shaped candy, Valentine's Day tattoo stickers and small chocolate samplers. Let the kids take home a balloon from the decorations.


Activities


Show a movie adaptation of "Cinderella."


Center party festivities on a movie and a drawing for prizes. Ask each guest to write his or her name on a paper valentine located on tables. Drop the cards in a bowl. Hold a drawing before the movie. The first person's name drawn wins a large heart-shaped box of chocolates. Draw two more names for winners of smaller Valentine's Day boxes of chocolates. Follow the drawing with a showing of a romantic movie. DisneyFamily.com lists a selection of movies appropriate and entertaining for tweens. Romantic movie ideas include "The Princess Bride," a romance filled with schemers, villains and humor, and "Ever After," the story behind of the Brothers Grimm's "Cinderella."

Tags: Valentine party, each guest, party favor

Youth Ministry Party Ideas

Have the youth group go on a pizza scavenger hunt.


When planning a party or special event with your youth ministry, you may be wondering what activities and venues are available to you. A wide variety of choices are available when planning an age-appropriate party for your youth ministry for special occasions, celebrations and fundraising events. When planning your party, don't forget to invite adult chaperons and choose safe and reliable venues.


Poor Man's Prom


Throw a prom in a community center or your usual meeting place that offers a banquet hall or large room for festivities. Decorate the prom with supplies and materials found at thrift stores, goodwill and garage sales. Make invitations with supplies found at these places and ask all of the invited guests to dress only in clothing found at thrift stores. Food trays, punch bowls, decorations, tables and chairs can all be found at thrift stores or among supplies the youth ministry already owns.


Awake-A-Thon


An awake-a-thon is a lock-in party event that is for celebrating with your fellow ministry peers as well as raising money for your youth ministry or missionary projects. First print out pledge forms for the ministry to get pledges based on a per-hour basis or flat-rate. Schedule the awake-a-thon for a Friday night to Saturday night so it doesn't get in the way of school obligations. Instruct each participant to bring their pledge forms as well as a sleeping bag, pillow and change of clothes. Plan ahead with games, activities, food and beverages to help the youth stay awake as long as possible. Arrange for chaperons to tally the total number of hours each youth has stayed awake during this 24-hour span. The venue for this party can be at a banquet hall, bowling alley, school gym or any other place that will allow a large group of people to stay overnight.


Karaoke Night


Plan a karaoke night at a local banquet hall, youth ministry member's home or other venue that fits the amount of people you want to invite. Ask around the ministry first to see if anyone owns a karaoke machine. If not, the machine can be rented from a party store. Before the party begins, check all of the music and videos to ensure they are appropriate for the youth ministry. Plan on having the youth ministry sing songs at the karaoke party, as well as providing food and drinks. You can also have prizes for the karaoke party, like a prize for the best performance and funniest song choice.


Pizza Scavenger Hunt


A pizza scavenger hunt starts as a scavenger hunt and ends with a pizza party for the youth ministry group. Split the group into teams, being sure each team has a vehicle that fits all of their group as well as an oven to make the pizzas. Have each team go door-to-door in their community, only to homes of people they know and trust. If you desire, you can choose to let each team purchase one item that was hard to find in their community. Give them a list of ingredients to request during their scavenger hunt such as pizza crust, cheese, meat toppings, vegetable toppings, pizza sauce, pizza pan, plates and napkins. Once they collect their items, each team goes to the home whose oven they will be using and makes their pizza. Once completed, they go to the meeting place where all of the teams have their pizza party.

Tags: youth ministry, each team, banquet hall, found thrift, found thrift stores, scavenger hunt

Young Single Adult Family Home Evening Ideas

Young Single Adult Family Home Evening Ideas


Enjoy adults-only evenings at home by employing classic card games, books or spicing it up with a lingerie-themed consultation. You can devote your evening to exciting entertainment with your spouse or friends. Does this Spark an idea?


Book Buddies


Step away from cable television and rented movies and enjoy an evening of adult reading and discussion with a book club in your home. Book clubs gather a small group of reading enthusiasts. You'll assign a common book to be read in a specific amount of time. The group reconvenes and participates in a discussion about the book's themes, characters and author's overall writing style. While many book clubs don't spend the entire evening discussing a book, the gathering is a way to make new adult friends and escape into fascinating literature. Take the event even further by theming your snacks and decorations to the book's subject matter.


Classic Board Games


Board games aren't just for kids. Invite a crowd of other young single adults to your home for a night of friendly competition focused on board games of your childhood. Adults who grew up in the 1980s, for example, may get some serious flashbacks when you reveal games such as Trouble, Operation, Connect Four and Hungry Hippos-which are still available at retail stores. Offer small prizes for game winners such as disco balls for a 70s game night or neon stretchy bracelets for 80s game nights.


Lights Out Lingerie


With kids out of the picture, focus your adult home evening by offering a lingerie party. A lingerie "consultant" will come to your home with a display of underwear, toys, lotions, videos and other adult items. You'll discuss products, make recommendations and take orders. "Entrepreneur Magazine" reported that 13.6 million people in the United States bought something at a home party in 2004. An in-home party also saves attendees the potential embarrassment of shopping in public for sexually explicit materials. Consultants from Sheer Expressions, Just for Women Online, Surprise Parties and Passion Parties are available for in-home parties.


Cool Cards


A couples' night in or roommate bonding evening doesn't have to be boring-grab a deck of cards and deal out a night of competition. While games like poker and euchre require at least four players, there are plenty of other games two people can play. Rummy, which has rules similar to poker in that players attempt to get "straights" and "sets," is ideal for two people and can be a fast-paced way to pass the time. Spades, traditionally played as a four-person, partner-style game, may also be quickly transformed into a two-person competition with a different way of dealing the cards. Competitors play with "trump," where spades beat anything else in the deck. Go Fish and Miles Borne (also spelled Miles Bourne), which is a French card game, are also ideal for two players.

Tags: your home, Adult Family, Adult Family Home, Evening Ideas, Family Home

Yard Party Decorating Ideas

Create a safari photo spot with an animal print backdrop.


With mother nature supplying natural party decor in the form of flowers and greenery, backyard get-togethers can get away with simple, yet functional decorations. Pull a party theme from the menu or take inspiration from the foliage, but remember to secure all supplies against temperamental weather -- even light breezes can wreak havoc on decorations. Does this Spark an idea?


Tropical Travel


Backyard palm trees and exotic flowers make an inspired tropical backdrop. Rent several faux stone island god statues to insert into flowering bushes. Slip a large cooler inside a steamer trunk to store drinks and ice. Create centerpieces from seashells, palm fronds, vintage travel cases and old post cards. Plant Tiki torches around the yard, and incorporate sand candles into the centerpieces as a thematic light source for when the sun goes down, or hang strings of novelty lights shaped like pineapples or pink flamingos. Cover buffet tables with bright, tropical-colored table cloths and trim with grass skirting, or sew together thrift store Hawaiian shirts for more eclectic table linens.


Cowboy Barbeque


Recreate the wild west by giving a backyard barbeque with a cowboy theme. Stop by the local feed store to pick up hay bales for decorative seating and several burlap sacks. Spread the empty sacks across the buffet to accent red-checked tablecloths, or stuff them full of newspapers for 3-D decorations. Buy inexpensive bandanas in bulk to wrap around silverware in place of traditional linen napkins. Scour flea markets and thrift stores for kerosene lamps and lanterns to serve as centerpieces that can double as light sources after sunset. Coil coarse rope around the lamps and finish the centerpieces off with antique spurs or horseshoes.


Jungle Safari


Pillage d cor tips from tribal cultures for a backyard shindig with a safari theme. Drape gauzy white mosquito netting around patio posts, using zebra or tiger print fabric strips as drapery ties. Tack pith helmets and African masks on the walls, along with decorative spears and shields. Tuck stuffed animals or rented cutouts of elephants and lions amongst the foliage for guests to find on their own or as part of a party game. Hang vines and fake snakes from trees, or prop up an overstuffed gorilla costume up as a comedic, jungle-inspired photo opportunity. Create table centerpieces out of tribal vases filled with tropical flowers, or go kitschy with a diorama-like display created out of miniature bamboo and plastic toy exotic animals.

Tags:

Wording Ideas For Bridal Shower Invitations

Make sure your invitation has all the necessary information.


Planning a bridal shower can be a stressful experience. The last thing you need is a mix-up on the invitations that leaves guests confused about the event. The wording of the invitation not only provides needed information, it can also set the tone for the shower.


Names


Put the full name of the bride for those who may not be as familiar with her. and include the name of her fiance so that guests from both sides of the family know who you're talking about.


Place


When giving the location of the shower, include the name of the venue as well as the address. If the location is a little confusing to find, add a map on the back of the invitation or as an insert.


Time of Day


Be specific about the start and end times of the shower. This ensures that your guests will know how long to plan to stay. Unless it's an open house, having guests come and go could create unnecessary stress on your celebration.


RSVP Information


Having guests RSVP for the shower will help decrease worry as you're making your plans. Be sure to have both the first and last name as well as a phone number and email address as the contact information. This makes responding easier for guests.


Gift Information


If your bridal shower has a theme (kitchen, bedroom/romantic, etc) and you would like the gifts to follow suit, make sure your guests are aware of that information. Including where that the bride and groom are registered is a good way to help guests in their gift-giving decisions.

Tags: bridal shower, include name, sure your, your guests

Wording Ideas For A 5th Birthday

Use invitation wording for your child's 5th birthday that sets the tone for the party.


Word the birthday invitations to your five-year-old's birthday party in a way that excites guests and gives them a hint about the party theme. Invitations are the gateway to any party, as they are the first glimpse of the party that guests see. Play on words that include the theme of the party or the number five. Does this Spark an idea?


Simple Wording


Simple wording is straightforward and hassle-free. However, it's still important to cover the basics, such as whose birthday it is, the fact that it's her 5th birthday celebration and the party details. For example:


You're invited to Carlie's 5th birthday party!


or


Let's dance, jump and jive


because Jessica's turning five!


Follow that with the date, time, location and RSVP information.


It's All About Five


Focus on the age of your child, as in the number 5. This will work with any theme or no theme at all. For example, Personalized Party Invites offers the following verse:


Soon he'll be grown,


and learning drive,


But for now let's celebrate


Justin's turning five!


Or, NoteworthyNotes offers this verse:


My big day is coming, my big day is near


Soon I'll be finishing my fifth year.


Mom and Dad are having a party,


they say it's for me.


To make it even better,


your smiling face we hope to see!


Dinosaur Theme


If your child's birthday is centered around a theme, incorporate that theme into the invitation wording. For a dinosaur-themed party, use words such as extinct, fossils and other dino-related words. For example, consider the following wording suggestion by Kids Birthday Party Guide:


Join Timmy for a 5th birthday dinosaur dig party.


There's sure to be dino-mite food, games and fun!


Don't be extinct! Please RSVP.


Princess or Fairytale Theme


If you're hosting a fairytale or princess party, use words and phrases that include pixie dust, happily ever after, once upon a time or other related terms. Announcingit.com offers the following verse:


Wishes do come true!


Brenda Baker


is celebrating her 5th birthday


with a


fairytale party.


Pirate Theme


Include pirate terms, such as booty or treasure, on the invitation for your five-year-old's pirate-themed birthday party. Announcingit.com offers the following verse:


Ahoy! There mates


Ye all be invited fer some fun at the


5th birthday party


of


Pirate Shawn Collins!


Western Theme


Invitations for western, cowboy or cowgirl themes could include terms such as buckaroos, giddy up or wanted. For example, Polka Dot Paper Shop offers the following verse:


Howdy Partner!


Get your boots on and get in gear


We're having a party


celebrating


Sarah Jane's 5th year.


Pool Party


Pool parties require special wording, such as splashing or swimming, so guests will know they'll need their swim gear. If the wording isn't completely clear that swimming will be involved, add a short note asking guests to bring towels and swimwear. Personalized Party Invites offers the following:


Davie is turning five,


so come on over to swim and dive!


There will be ice cream,


cake and our favorite treats,


and the pool will help


us beat the heat!

Tags: offers following, following verse, offers following verse, birthday party, turning five, your child, Announcingit offers

Wording For Bridal Shower Brunch Invitations

Wording for Bridal Shower Brunch Invitations


Invite friends and family to the next bridal shower brunch you host with clever wording that grabs the guests' attention and sets the mood for a fun party. Ask yourself what you would need to know as a guest attending this party. Then let the party's theme be your guide as you answer these questions in your invitation.


Planning Your Invitation


Plan your invitation wording by writing down the key information of the shower to ensure you include all of the key elements. Include the bride's name, event, date, time, location, theme (if applicable), host's name, RSVP deadline and contact phone number. Add the registry information if registry cards are not provided. Whereas it's considered offensive and tacky to include gift requests on a wedding invitation, these details are expected on a bridal shower invitation as the purpose of the party is to shower the bride with gifts.


Wording Your Greeting


Let the formality of the brunch direct your choice of words. Open a formal invitation with a request for the guest's presence at your event. "Please join us" and "You are invited" are two traditional ways to start an invitation. Get more creative with an informal or themed bridal shower. Rhyme your opening couplet: "It started with a kiss and now it's come to this," or "Jane's wedding is on the way, let's get her prepared for the big day." Set the scene for the guests. "Pots and pans and China dishes, help fulfill the cook's wishes" might begin a kitchen-themed shower invitation. Tailor your own poem to the information you want to include.


Completing Your Invitation


Follow your opening with the details of who, what, when and where, each on their own line until you end with the RSVP information. Include any additional information such as a brief note about dress and anything guests needs to bring to contribute to a game or group gift for the bride-to-be on the opposite side of the invitation or on a small business-sized card.

Tags: bridal shower, Brunch Invitations, Shower Brunch, Shower Brunch Invitations, shower invitation, Wording Bridal, Wording Bridal Shower

Wording For 40th Birthday Party Invitations

Wording for 40th Birthday Party Invitations


Milestone birthdays call for special acknowledgement. A 40th birthday party invitation lends itself to creative wording. Some people are more emotional than others over turning the big "4-0." Try to be sensitive to this fact and avoid, "Over the Hill"-themed parties and wording referring to being old. Getting the wording right for an invitation requires a little preparation time. Spend some time writing out lists of possibilities before coming up with the final invitation. It is also helpful to have someone else take a look at it before sending it to be sure the details are correct. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Consider the personality of the birthday person before deciding upon the angle for the wording of her 40th birthday party invitation. Is she dreading this date? Is she sarcastic, funny or shy? It can also be helpful to think of the birthday person's hobbies and interests. You can use a play on words regarding her profession or favorite things.


2. Make a list of words or phrases that relate to your friend. From there, add some rhyming words or phrases. Use a rhyming dictionary and thesaurus to come up with more possibilities. Brainstorm inside jokes to make the invite more personal.


3. Write out the party details. Even if you are sending a witty invitation to friends and family members of the birthday person, include his name, age, place and time for the party, including directions, if necessary, and any other relevant information such as what guests should bring.


4. Choose rhyming phrases or write your final poem to include on the 40th birthday party invitation. You can try "4-0" rhymed with "Oh no!" or "Lordy, she's forty." A surprise 40th birthday party poem could be something like this:


"An awesome party is planned


& you are invited to show.


But don't tell the Birthday Girl,


because she doesn't know!"


5. Put both the party facts and the customized wording together on a card. If you are using a blank card, the rhyme can go on the outside with the details clearly outlined inside. A one-page invitation can be made with a single piece of card stock with both the personalized phrase and the details one after the other.

Tags: birthday party, birthday party invitation, birthday person, party invitation, 40th birthday, 40th birthday party, 40th Birthday Party

Things To Do In Hawaii When It'S Raining

What is there to do in Hawaii when it's raining?


Just because it's raining doesn't mean there's nothing to do in Hawaii. On the contrary, Hawaii is home to a wide range of indoor and cultural events---as well as a few outdoor options---for a rainy day. Enjoy the islands' many art exhibits and galleries, go to a concert or a play or attend one of several film festivals. Or you could go swimming---really.


Art


Hawaii may be famous for sun and beaches, but it also possesses a plethora of art galleries---a viable option for a rainy day in the island state. Try visiting the Louis Pohl gallery, for example, in Honolulu's Chinatown, where the work of local artists is on display, or head over to Maui's Bella Vetri Gallery, a collection of original glass, ceramic and sculptural works. Honolulu Printmakers houses an interesting gallery of prints, and Eclectic Image in Maui features fine photographic galleries and pastel etchings from around the world. There are scores of other galleries, too.


Film


Besides the regular movie theaters, Hawaii is home to a number of film festivals. The Honolulu International Film Festival takes place yearly over several days, featuring new movie screenings, celebrity tributes, competitions, a filmmaker's luau and, of course, a showcase of films, short films, documentaries, action sports films, foreign films, Hawaiian films and more. Other film festivals include the Hawaii Student Film Festival, the Hawaii Ocean Film Festival and the Maui Film Festival.


Music and Theater


For rock lovers, myriad local clubs and bars in Hawaii feature live music. The Concert Hall at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu is Hawaii's top performing arts theater, both for opera and for the Honolulu Symphony. The hall regularly showcases Broadway productions like "Les Miserable," "Chicago," "Cats'' and "Phantom of the Opera." There's always something music-, theater- or dance-related going on at the University of Hawaii, too, or at the vibrant Polynesian Cultural Center (Brigham Young University-Hawaii).


Swim!


That's right---for some, swimming in the rain is the most fun. Avoid going out into the deep ocean, where storms can cause obvious safety concerns, but swimming in a protected bay or lagoon in the rain can be a blast. With the clouds roiling around you and the raindrops breaking the surface of the water in every direction, a rainy day in paradise can be just as fun as a sunny one. Plus, most people go indoors, leaving you and a perhaps a few other stragglers alone to enjoy the beauty of the coast.

Tags: Film Festival, film festivals, Hawaii home

Winter Festival Activities

Celebrations and festivals around the world celebrate the beauty of winter.


Strong winds, deep drifting snow and Arctic-like, sub-zero temperatures fail to dampen the spirits of winter revelers. Many countries and cultures have a tradition of winter festivities to brighten the drab, gray days of snow and cold. In North America, winter celebrations are made up of snowmobile, dog sled and ski races, ice fishing derbies, hockey, ice skating, curling, survival skills and polar bear swims. From small country towns to major metropolitan cities, young and old gather to celebrate winter.


St. Paul Winter Carnival


Held for more than 124 years, the annual St. Paul Winter Carnival and Festival is one of the oldest and largest winter celebrations within the United States. Snow sculpting and ice carving competitions, a giant snow slide, dog sled races, a Torchlight Parade and the King Boreas Grand Day Parade are a few of the highlights of the event. Ice fishing, hockey, polar bear swims, snowboarding and cross county skiing are enjoyed by many of the festival visitors.


St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation


429 Landmark Center


75 West 5th St.


Saint Paul, MN 55102


651-223-4700


winter-carnival.com


Snowfest, North Lake Tahoe, Nevada


Lake Tahoe offers a wealth of recreational activities year-round.


Named one of the top 100 events by the American Business Association and one of the top 10 in California by the California Board of Tourism, Snowfest is spectacular. North Lake Tahoe and nearby Truckee, Nevada, present 10 winter frolic-filled days and nights, both on and off the mountain. Fine dining, casino entertainment, lively clubs, parades and parties are but a few ways to celebrate winter. Held annually in early March, Snowfest is the perfect time to be in Tahoe. Daytime temperatures climb to the mid-40s F, with 20 to 30s overnight. Skiing at the many resorts is excellent; snow conditions in early March are normally the best of the season. Participate in more than 100 events during Snowfest. Ice carving contests, a polar bear swim in the lake, ski races and pet events are but a few of the favorites. A torch-light parade starts the festivities. Lodging is available at ski resorts, condos on the lake shore or a cozy cabin in the woods.


North Lake Tahoe Central Reservations


888-434-1263


gotahoenorth.com/lodging.


Tahoetopia.com


Niagara Falls Winter Festivals


Niagara Falls attracts visitors from around the world.


Enchanting and exciting, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is magnificent. Winter is celebrated in style at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Presenting more than 3 million tree and ground lights to showcase 125 animated light displays, the award-winning event entices more than a million visitors to the falls from November through January each year. "Fireworks Over The Falls" features breathtaking fireworks as part of Winter Festival of Lights. Celebrate the majestic winter wonderland at the Niagara Ice Wine Festival. Held in conjunction with the Festival of Lights, the Ice Wine Festival features the tasty offering of local vineyards.


Winter Festival of Lights Office


5400 Robinson St.


Niagara Falls, ON


Canada L2G 2A6


800-563-2557


wfol.com


Anchorage, Alaska Fur Rondy


The fur auction is an anticipated event at the Anchorage Fur Rondy.


Packed with more than 120 events unique to Alaska, the annual Anchorage Fur Rendezvous is one of the most attended winter festivals in North America. Held the last week in February, the World Championship Sled Dog Races attract competitors and visitors from all over Alaska and around the world. The fierce competition among dog sled teams has been a celebrated event since 1946. Native Alaskans also come to compete in the annual blanket toss and tribal dancing that is a featured event at the rendezvous. Men's Snowshoe Softball and the famous Grand Prix Auto Race are crowd-pleasing favorites.


Anchorage Fur Rendezvous


400 D Street Ste. 200


Anchorage, AK 99501


907-274-1177


furrondy.net

Tags: more than, Niagara Falls, Festival Lights, Lake Tahoe, Winter Festival

Winter Cutandpaste Activities

Cut-and-paste activities make adults and children happy.


Seasonal crafts are fun for kids, but sometimes the tediousness--and mess--involved makes them less than desirable for parents or educators. On the other hand, kids may benefit from activities that involve hand-eye coordination. Cut-and-paste activities are a nice compromise; kids get to make something crafty and adults don't have to worry about the mess that follows.


Simple Christmas Tree


During the holidays, kids like making crafts they can put on display for others to enjoy, and these simple Christmas trees from Danielle's Place will let them do just that. You'll need some green and brown construction paper, a toilet paper roll, glue and any craft items they may want to use to decorate their trees.


Trace a paper plate or some other round item on the piece of green construction paper, then let your child cut it out. Fold the paper circle into quarters, then have your child cut one of the quarters out. Holding the two ends where the quarter is now missing, roll the paper together to form a cone shape and glue in place. Meanwhile, cut a piece of brown construction paper long enough to cover the outside of the toilet paper roll and let your child wrap it around the roll and glue it in place. Your child can then place the green cone on the paper roll and use glue to attach it. If he wants, he can glue on some embellishments, such as pompoms, sequins and anything else he wants for decoration.


Paper Loop Snowman


This 3-D snowman craft just might put everyone in the holiday spirit. Provide your child with white construction paper and instruct her to cut out three strips, each slightly more narrow than the last. Once she has her strips cut, she'll loop them each together and glue each into a circle. At this point, glue the largest loop to whatever base she's using (consider using a sheet of white cardstock) standing upright. Have your child glue the medium-sized loop on top of that one and the smallest loop on top of the medium one At this point, she can decorate her snowman, giving him eyes, a nose, a mouth and buttons. Have her cut some white strips out of the leftover construction paper to glue on as arms, then tie a ribbon around the neck for a scarf. On the remainder of the white cardstock, add more snowmen to make a family.


Christmas Gift Tags


These adorable paper gift tags are fun to make and will save parents money when buying gift labels. Draw some simple Christmas-themed characters--such as Santa, a snowman, reindeer, a gingerbread man or an angel. Make sure that anything you draw has a hand of some sort (for reindeer, the antlers will be fine.) Have your child decorate the drawings and cut them out. Then he'll need to use a hole punch to punch a hole through the hands of his characters. Use the back of the characters to write the "To" and "From" information, then loop a mini-candy-cane through the hole in the characters' hands. You'll use the "hook" of the candy-cane to hang the character on the side of gift bags.

Tags: construction paper, your child, paper roll, roll glue, brown construction, brown construction paper

Winter Crafts For Prek Children Ages Four To Five Years

Crafts can be just the thing to fill a winter day when it's too cold to go out and play.


Structured crafts and activities can keep children from experiencing the winter blues due to boredom and the feeling of being stuck indoors. Winter crafts can keep kids involved and celebrate the season, with the added benefit of some new decorations for the home. Participate in some craft activities to keep your kids engaged and cure cabin fever.


Miniature Snow Globe


Make a tiny snow globe to display a favorite figurine or a plastic snowman from the craft store. Wash and dry an empty baby food jar and remove the label. Help children glue a miniature plastic snowman or other small figurine onto the inside of the jar lid. Glue it so that it stands upright when the lid is upside down on the table. Sprinkle a pinch of glitter into the empty jar and fill it with water. Screw the lid back on and set the jar upside down to see the finished snow globe with the snowman or figurine standing in the middle of the glittery snow.


Cotton Snowman


Take ordinary snowman drawing a step farther this winter with a three-dimensional snowman craft. Draw the outline of a snowman on a sheet of construction paper. Choose any color paper you want, but consider red or green if Christmastime is near. Fill in the outline with cotton balls to make a snowman appear to pop out of the page. Glue the cotton balls in place with white glue. Help the children cut a small carrot shape from orange construction paper and glue it on the snowman's face for a nose. Make eyes and a mouth with a black marker by making dots for coal. Find small twigs in the yard and glue them in place as arms for the snowman.


Winter Cap Magnetic Clip


Help kids make a winter-themed refrigerator magnet for their parents. Make it with a clothespin so that it will clip onto paperwork or maybe some artwork to hold it on the fridge. Draw a winter cap onto a sheet of heavy card stock. Help the children cut it out with scissors. Decorate the cap with crayons and markers. Glue a cotton ball at the top of the hat and glue the hat onto one side of a clothespin. Allow the glue to dry and place an adhesive magnet strip on the opposite side of the clothespin so it will stick to a fridge.

Tags: Help children, activities keep, construction paper, cotton balls, Glue cotton

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Winter Banquet Centerpiece Ideas

Winter Banquet Centerpiece


Centerpiece ideas can dress up a winter wedding reception, holiday banquet or charity event. You may want to make your own centerpieces to save money and add a personal touch to your evening. If you go to a florist bring your own winter banquet centerpiece ideas so your table stands out among all the other holiday functions.


Holiday Decorations


Holiday decorations can make inexpensive centerpieces. Use colorful glass balls in a bowl for a centerpiece that is practically free. If you're creating a winter reception centerpiece, use favorite Christmas ornaments that belong to the bride and groom. For a sleek look, place a single Christmas ornament on top of a pedestal. Have several pedestals in varying heights to add interest.


Mini Christmas lights add ambience to your centerpiece. Look for battery-operated lights so you don't have to hide cords. Wind the lights around candlesticks or place them in an ornament bowl.


Favor Centerpieces


Banquet centerpieces can have multiple functions. Boxes and foil wrapping paper make inexpensive table elements. Use wrapped boxes in various heights. The boxes can be empty, or fill smaller boxes with wedding favors.


Candlelight


Candlelight adds a warm glow to a room, dispelling that biting winter chill. Candles are inexpensive. Candlelight can be romantic and will transform the look of a banquet hall. Floating candles can be used in glass bowls filled with water for a big impact. Check with your venue to make sure that candles are allowed. If open flames are prohibited, try battery-operated candles for a similar effect.


Winter Foliage


During the winter, many trees are bare. Replicate this look by using tall, curly, willow branches as a centerpiece. The height adds a dramatic element to your space. Evergreen boughs at the base of a centerpiece give the table color and fragrance.


Berries


Berries can translate the winter theme of your wedding. Place them with traditional red roses for a monochromatic look. Berry wreaths or garlands can be wrapped around candlesticks or floral centerpieces. Berries come in every color, including red, white, silver and gold. Berries help add texture to your centerpiece.


Winter Wonderland


Turn your winter banquet into a winter wonderland. Red and green are traditional colors for centerpieces around the holidays. Instead, be inspired by snow and ice. Use cool blues, whites and silvers in your piece. Tall silver candelabra draped with chandelier crystals add formality and sparkle to the table. Your florist may be able to add small crystals to the center of your flowers for a distinctive touch.


Putting It All Together


You can use several different kinds of centerpieces on a winter banquet table. Place ornaments at the base of candle sticks. Ensure that there is still plenty of room for any food to be served or passed. Make your centerpiece low or tall so guests can see around the decorations to talk to each other.

Tags: your centerpiece, your winter banquet, around candlesticks, Banquet Centerpiece, make inexpensive, Winter Banquet Centerpiece

Who Is Responsible For Credit Cards If A Parent Dies

Most credit card debt is taken from the parent's estate.


After the tragic loss of a parent, money is often the furthest thing from your mind. But if your parent had active credit card accounts at the time of her death, you may be worried that you are responsible for any debt. Fortunately, in most cases you aren't responsible for credit cards after a parent dies.


Joint Debt


Some credit cards allow two people to use the card at the same time with both names on the account. Although these joint accounts are normally held by spouses, they can also work for a parent and child. If you hold a credit card account jointly with a parent and the parent dies, the credit card debt transfers to you, the other joint credit card holder. You would then be responsible for paying off the debt as if the credit card was exclusively your own.


Cosigned Credit Cards


If your parent wasn't able to get his own credit card due to bad credit, you may have had to act as a cosigner to help him get the card. Similarly to a joint account holder, you would still be accountable for the debt after the parent's death. This is the chance you take when becoming a cosigner on an account.


From the Parent's Estate


If you weren't a joint account holder or cosigner to your parent's credit card, you are not liable for the debt after death. In this case, the money owed to the credit card company is taken from the parent's estate. For instance, if your mother dies and has enough money in total estate funds after death, the creditor can take the total amount of the debt after funeral expenses have been paid, according to BCSAlliance.com. This is only the case if there's enough money left in the estate.


Without a Large Estate


There may be a chance that your parent's estate doesn't fully cover the debt incurred with the credit card. When this happens, the remaining estate amount after funeral expenses is divided up equally between all creditors, including credit card debt, though the creditors may not get the total amount they require. In cases where there is no estate money at all, the credit card company will incur a loss. Although they may ask you to pay for your parent's debt, you aren't responsible. If there is an issue, you can contact your parent's executor with any questions about money and the handling of credit card debt.

Tags: credit card, your parent, card debt, credit card debt, debt after

Wholesale Beach Theme Ideas

Throw an economical beach-themed party by purchasing supplies from wholesalers.


Coming up with different ideas or themes for birthday, weddings or gathering usually includes party supplies, favors and decorations. Purchase these items at wholesale prices from party suppliers specializing in specific themes, such as beach- theme events. These suppliers generally offer previously ordered merchandise at a low discount rate or at cost to make room for upcoming season inventory. Purchase the items in bulk to ensure a lower price per unit item.


Surf-Inspired Decor


Birthday parties at the beach for young surfers can also include extra party favors like cups and plates with surfing- inspired art. Set up tables at the beach with surfing d cor, like metal palm tree candleholders, tropical flower arrangements, surfboard napkin rings, and palm tree centerpieces. Pour colored sand in the center of the tables and add different water-related sport sculptures for each table, like windsurfers, sailboats, or jet skis.


Beach Luau


Floral leis, grass skirts, and tiny paper umbrellas are a few elements associated with a luau-inspired beach-themed event. Wholesalers generally sell these party decorations as favors and offer discounted prices by the dozen. The higher the number of units purchased, the lower the cost per piece.


Welcoming guests with floral leis, usually made out of plastic, sets the party mood at the door. Include sand in shallow containers as part of the d cor to create the outdoors within an indoor setting. Another option is to include colored sand as part of the d cor.


Beach or Island-Themed Weddings


Include a focal point from a beach or island scene, such as a mountain backdrop along the water, to create a romantic natural setting for a wedding. Carry the beach or island setting to the reception with beach-themed d cor, such as pathways lit with tiki lights or colored starfish and conch shells as table favors.


Wholesalers also sell fabric textures relating to specific themes. For example, include sheers or tulles in blue hues such as turquoise to decorate the head table and the bridal archway.


Caribbean-Inspired Parties


Tiki candles, flamingos, coconut ukuleles, starfish and seashell baskets are a few decorating ideas for a Caribbean- inspired party. If the party theme includes pirates, for party favors purchase small wooden boxes with trinkets found on a treasure hunt. Many wholesalers offer themed party kits that include decorating ideas with a list of products and pricing.

Tags: beach island, colored sand, decorating ideas, palm tree, party favors, specific themes

Swimming With Dolphins In Hawaii

Swimming with dolphins in Hawaii is a lifelong dream for many travelers.


Hawaii is still the number one destination in the world for those seeking paradise. With a lush, rich environment and a booming tourist industry, Hawaii welcomes visitors from all around the world to its island shores. Swimming with dolphins in Hawaii is one of the most popular activities for tourists. In this island paradise, interacting with one of the most beloved marine animals is a once in a lifetime dream.


Instructions


1. Book your air ticket to Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. If your final destination is another island, you will usually transfer to an inter-island flight at Honolulu airport.


2. Go to the official site for Hawaii's largest marine animal park, Sea Life Park, at sealifeparkhawaii.com (see Resource). Go to "Activities" and select "Dolphin Swim Adventure."


3. Read through the information and sign up to reserve your spot for swimming with trained dolphins. You can experience riding on their fins, enjoying a belly ride and receiving a dolphin kiss.


4. Go to the Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures website at koolinaoceanadventures.com (see Resources) if you are interested in swimming with wild dolphins on Oahu. This tour includes a guaranteed swim alongside wild dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and other natural marine life. Read through their tour information and reserve your spot online.


5. Go to the Dolphin Journeys website at dolphinjourneys.com if you are headed to the Kailua-Kona region on the island of Hawaii. Besides snorkeling with wild dolphins, they also offer a combo tour for whale watching during certain times of the year. Download their brochure and contact them via their online contact form or by calling to make a reservation.


6. Be aware that other islands, such as Maui, Kauai and Lanai, do not offer organized dolphin swims or tours. There is a possibility you may see some wild dolphins if you go on a scenic boat ride, but there is no guarantee. The Hawaii tourism board recommends you to either visit the Big Island of Hawaii or the island of Oahu if you want to organize a swim with dolphins.

Tags: wild dolphins, dolphins Hawaii, island Oahu, Read through, reserve your, reserve your spot, Swimming with dolphins

Which Airlines Fly To Maui Hawaii

Explore the beautiful island of Maui.


Many airlines fly to Maui, Hawaii. Airline travelers can compare different airlines and choose the best options for them. Maui is a popular area for beach lovers, because it offers visitors around 80 accessible beaches and over 100 miles of sandy shorelines. While you visit Maui, you can dive and explore the Molokini inlet, which is full of coral life and reef fish. During the winter months, visitors to Maui can also enjoy whale watching in the area.


United Airlines


United Airlines offers flights to two different airports in Maui. The airlines will take you to the Kahului-Maui Airport or the Kapalua West Maui Airport. The airline offers Economy seating, First Class and Business Class. On your flight, you can enjoy music brought to you by Zune on United, new release movies and current television programs. Flights to Hawaii have meal and beverage options available, since the flights are over three and a half hours. Meals offered include sandwiches, salads, soft drinks and tea. Special meal options are also available for children, vegetarians and those with special health needs.


Hawaiian Airlines


Hawaiian Airlines offers round-trip flights from several West Coast states. If you live in the central or eastern United States, you will need to find a flight to take you to one of the locations that Hawaiian flies from. Hawaiian Airlines flies out of Nevada, California, Washington, Arizona and Oregon. The airline flies to the Kahului Maui Airport and the Kapalua West Maui Airport. The airline serves complimentary meals and offers gourmet meal upgrades for those who are looking for a more gourmet meal choice. Snacks, champagne, wine and beer are also available for purchase in-flight.


Delta


Delta Airlines travels to all three of the Maui Airports, which are the Kahului -- Maui Airport, Kapalua West Maui Airport and the Maui Hana Airport. Delta offers its Economy Class guests with in-flight Internet access, popular movie selections, live television, snacks and meal selections. Flights to Hawaii are offered selections off of the premium EATS menu, which includes items such as a fruit and cheese plate, smoked turkey wrap, candy and various beers and wines. First Class passengers are offered meals from Delta Chef Michelle Bernstein.

Tags: Maui Airport, Airport Kapalua, Airport Kapalua West, Hawaiian Airlines, Kapalua West

Where To Swim With The Dolphins In Aruba

If you want to swim with dolphins off a little island called Aruba, you might be in for a challenge. There are no organized dolphin encounters in Aruba. There is no tank or aquarium where you can go and swim, pet or otherwise connect with dolphins. They are in the wild only and, because of that, are not easily found. There have been talks of creating an area where captured dolphins can be kept for the purpose of letting tourists swim with them, but up to this point the idea has been blocked.


Instructions


If you stay in Aruba


1. Travel to Boca Catalina on the island of Aruba. This is where some have said they have seen dolphins.


2. Take snorkeling equipment so that you can see under water with little effort. It is always good to be prepared just in case you see a dolphin. The equipment also comes in handy for looking at other sea life.


3. Swim out as far as where the dive boats anchor, and hope you are lucky enough to see a dolphin. It has happened and is always possible, but it is rare.


4. Keep an eye out underwater as well as above. There is no set time when dolphins may be close to Aruba. The fact is that they generally do not swim near the island. It is strictly a hit-or-miss opportunity.


If you can get to nearby Curacao


5. Go on your planned vacation to Aruba.


6. Charter a boat for a day trip to Curacao, which is a short trip to the southwest of Aruba.


7. Travel to the Curacao Dolphin Academy and sign up for one of the Dolphin programs. There are several to chose from, and they are not all that expensive.

Tags: Aruba Travel

Monday, December 28, 2015

Where To Purchase A Tiki Bar

People need tiki bars for all kinds of reasons--from throwing a really great party with a Polynesian theme to filling an empty space near a backyard pool. These fun bars, often made of bamboo and covered with a thatched roof, make a perfect serving area for tropical drinks--think mai tais and rum punch. And best of all, tiki bars are easy to find--or you can buy plans to build your own. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions


1. Search for tiki bars on garden and patio furniture websites (see Resources below). You can pay around $1,000 for a complete bar set that's simple to assemble at home.


2. Improvise to save money. Just buy a thatched umbrella for less than $100 and some palm thatch for about $15. Use the palm thatch to camouflage an old desk, put up the umbrella and you have a tiki bar--plus hundreds of dollars left to spend on your party.


3. Instead of buying a tiki bar, purchase the plans and materials and build one yourself (see Resources below). Plans cost about $50; shop around for the best prices on bamboo and thatching. Buy the materials at local stores to save money on shipping.


4. If you don't want your tiki bar looking out of place, visit a website that specializes in everything tiki. To complete your decor, you can find bamboo furniture, tropical artwork, neon signs, water fountains, tiki statues, fake parrots, palm and banana trees made of silk and so much more.

Tags: tiki bars, palm thatch, Resources below, save money

Where To Find Cheap Allinclusive Vacations

Want to get away? Whether flying to an island resort or cruising to your tropical paradise, knowing where, and how, to find cheap all-inclusive vacations is paramount to your success on a budget.


Know Where to Look


Knowing where to look for cheap travel is the first step to being able to travel all-inclusively. The best known, and most professional, of websites thus far is Travel Zoo (www.travelzoo.com), which plays host to several additional travel deals. According to beachdestinations.com, "If you are looking for a vacation in which you can put your wallet aside and enjoy surf, sun, and sports--not to mention endless snacking and drinking--an all-inclusive resort may be just what you need for a relaxing holiday." This is where you will begin your search for the perfect all-inclusive trip, whether it is to the plentiful locations along the Caribbean or alongside any coast of your choice.


Cheap Caribbean Travel


With so many locations to choose from alongside the picturesque Caribbean coastline, Cheap Caribbean (www.cheapcaribbean.com) offers excellent all-inclusive trips to many of the top-rated spots, where you will receive "luxury for less." Here, you can create your own vacation or search various locations based on date, departure or price.


Beach Destinations


Perhaps you like the idea of an all-inclusive vacation but would rather visit a beach outside of the Caribbean. The Beach Destination (www.beachdestinations.com) travel site is packed with grand choices that will leave you feeling enchanted on any continent. Another excellent addition to this site is the "Bill Me Later" feature, which allows travelers to pay after the trip, but is subject to credit approval.

Tags: Cheap Caribbean, where will

Where To Create Your Own Invitations

Not everyone has Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Quark XPress or other common graphic-design software programs used to create attractive invitations for events. Thanks to some Internet-based programs, you can design invitations by simply going online. There are paid and free services that will allow you to produce a professional-looking invitation. Does this Spark an idea?

American Greetings


American Greetings, the greeting-card company, has a "create and print" online tool available for customers. You can design the card online and then have professional printed copies (plus envelopes if you want) shipped to you. Choose from provided templates or design your own invitation from scratch. There is a mail-merge tool that will allow you to print your envelopes with the names and addresses of your recipients. There is a fee associated with this service of around $20 per year---see "Resources" for the direct link.


Evite


If you don't mind an online invitation, use Evite.com. This service allows you to design and create your invitation online. Choose from template designs for your invitations. The service offers you everything from elegant looks for an engagement party to clown designs for a kids' party. You can also use your own images. Add text related to your event and preview the invitation. Once the invitation is complete, you can then email it to your friends and family. This online service is free.


Invitation Land


InvitationLand.com is a convenient service because you don't have to download any special software to design your invitations. All you need is your Web browser. Choose from free templates (or join the site to get a wider selection), add text, change colors and fonts and then save the invitation as a PDF file. This PDF file can either be taken to your local print shop or printed on your home machine. You can print the invitations 4-up (four to a page), 2-up or one on each 8.5 x 11 standard letter-size page.


Avery


Avery, the company that sells shipping labels, has an online design tool that will allow you to create cards and invitations. Start by picking a category and then a template. When you are again presented with a list of category options for the design you picked, choose "cards" to create your invitation. Design your invitations online for free and then print them on your home computer, on Avery paper (required as a condition of the service). There is a plug-in that must be downloaded to use this service. See "Resources" for a direct link to the tool.

Tags: Choose from, that will, that will allow, will allow, your invitation, American Greetings

Where To Create Baby Shower Invitations

Baby showers are an exciting event for the mother to be. The support she receives from the people who care about her is more important than the items she receives at the shower. There are many resources to create the perfect baby shower invitation. Does this Spark an idea?


Online


Using an online invitation site such as Evite is an easy way to invite guests and keep track of who is coming. An invitation can be made online with the selection of designs provided or you can upload a picture and choose your own colors. Guests are invited through e-mail with a link to RSVP. You can sign onto your account to view the Evite RSVPs. If changes are made to the shower such as the location or time you can notify guests by e-mail if desired. Evite is free to use.


Digitally Printed


Digitally printed invitations can be made through online websites. There are many options of designs to choose from. You just need to input the baby shower information to be printed on the cards. The invitations are mailed to you for you to send to the guests. Searching "baby shower invitations" through an online search engine will pull up results for multiple websites for creating baby shower invitations. Prices for digitally printed invitations vary from site to site.


Letterpress


Letterpress is a printing method using a printing press with metal plates that have a raised design on the plate. The plates are inked by hand then used with the printing press to print invitations. Letterpress creates elegant customized invitations. To find a letterpress artist search Etsy. Using letterpress invitations will be costly but the invitation will be a keepsake for the mother to be.


Homemade


Homemade invitations will be one of a kind. There are many ways to make homemade invitations. Using a computer to design and print the text is ideal because it ensures that the invitations are legible. Printing invitations makes the process faster. One fun idea is to scan a diaper into the computer. Print out a picture of the diaper with text about the baby shower on the other side of the paper the diaper image is printed on. Cut out the diaper and fold with the tabs of the diaper secure in front. When the guests open up the paper diaper the invitation is printed inside. Hand delivering baby bottles with invitations inside is another idea. Ask guests to fill the bottle with something useful for the mother to be and bring with them to the shower. If you are making invitations be creative.

Tags: baby shower, There many, invitations will, paper diaper, printed invitations

Where To Buy Toys Wholesale

Toys are great to have on hand for playtime, but they've also got endless potential as motivators, prizes, cheer-up items, trade bait and more. Every organization from schools to doctors' offices to religious organizations uses toys. When toys are needed at high quantities, it is economical to buy them in bulk. It is possible to buy toys wholesale without memberships or fees; many manufacturers sell toys in large quantities.


Oriental Trading Company


Oriental Trading Company provides a catalog and online warehouse full of party supplies, holiday decor, goodie bag items and wearables at low, bulk prices. The company even offers custom printing on items such as cups and pencils. Specializing in holiday accessories such as Christmas Ornaments, Valentine's Day Cards and Halloween candy, Oriental Trading Company has toys ranging from penny items for bubblegum machines to large stuffed animals and giveaway prizes. Orders often include free shipping and you can join their mailing list for specials and discounts. There is no minimum order, but free shipping often applies when you spend a specific amount (varies by special).


P.O. Box 2308


Omaha, NE 68103-2308


800-348-6483


Toy Connection


The online retailer Toy Connection has toys of every kind to suit carnival prizes, doctors' offices and birthday parties. Small toys include items such as planes and cars, bendies and superballs. Their collection of inflatables and kids' jewelry will thrill party goers. They also supply stationery (pens, pencils and stickers). Check out their selection of closeouts (previous holiday and seasonal merchandise). Toy Connection opened in 1995 and has no minimum order.


22 Lawrence Lane


Lawrence NY, 11559


877-TOY-TOY1 (869-8691)


Joissu


Joissu sells a wide variety of toys, including bubbles, plush, play makeup, candy, childrens' electronics and bounce balls. Founded in 1984, they have over 3,000 items. They have sections separated out by boys' toys and girls' toys and even sell childrens' vehicles such as skate boards, scooters and starter bikes. Minimum order from the website is $50.


4627 L.B. McLeod Road


Orlando, FL 32811


800-233-1681


Wholesalemart


Wholesalemart sells a whole lot of everything. Find them online at their corporate website where you can buy play toy musical instruments (bongos, guitars, chimes), state and national league footballs, racing cars, stuffed animals and more. Operating since 1998, Wholesalemart provides toys to shops, gift stores and fundraisers.


3923 139th Ave NE


Lake Stevens, WA 98258


866-311-5796


Dollar Days


The Dollar Days website's promise is to sell "everything under the sun." It sells toys and games by the crate (each item is a minimum order of one crate); items are separated by closeout, new listings and sale items. Offerings include hula hoops, feather boas, card games, sand molds, ninja swords and more. Shipping costs are 15 percent of the product price over $100, and $19.95 for anything under $100. You must create a profile on the website, then log in to see pricing.

Tags: minimum order, Oriental Trading, Oriental Trading Company, Trading Company, doctors offices, Dollar Days

Where To Buy Plastic Flamingos At Least 3 Feet High

Pink flamingo


Popular lawn ornaments in the United States, the iconic pink flamingo was designed in 1957. Plastic pink flamingos over 3 feet high have been decorating American lawns and beach communities ever since their inception. Commonly sold in pairs, these flamingos may be difficult to find and purchase; but it is not an impossible task. Does this Spark an idea?


Online Stores


The Internet may very well be the easiest way to find pink flamingos lawn ornaments of all shapes and sizes. Large online retailers, such as Amazon, have pink flamingos in stock and ready to ship. If you're shopping for flamingo garden decorations on the Internet, be sure to consider shipping charges and return policies before making your purchase.


Brick and Mortar Shops


Some home and garden stores may have pink flamingo ornaments available for sale. Call or visit your local retailers and you may be able to purchase flamingo ornaments over 3 feet high locally. Also, check out party-supply stores; they occasionally stock lawn decorations. Keep in mind that pink flamingo lawn decorations may be seasonal items for some retailers, so keep checking back if you're in the market.


Home and Garden Catalogs


Next time the mail arrives, be sure to take a close look at the incoming catalogs. Many stores and shops may make specialty items available through catalogs and direct mail. If you will be purchasing your pink flamingo ornaments through a mailer, remember that it may take a few weeks before your order is received, processed and shipped.


Yard Sales


Check the newspaper and area signs for estate, neighborhood, yard and garage sales. While your hunt may not yield pink flamingo ornaments right away, persistence may pay off, especially since shopping used decorations could result in substantial savings. If the height of the lawn ornament is important to you, bring along a tape measure to verify the size.


Online Auction


Online auctions are a source for pink flamingo decorations over 3 feet high. Websites like eBay will allow you to bid on many items including flamingo lawn ornaments. Most of the time, the dimensions are listed in the product descriptions; but if they are not, don't be afraid to email the seller to obtain the information.

Tags: flamingo ornaments, pink flamingo, lawn ornaments, over feet, over feet high, pink flamingo ornaments, pink flamingos

Where Play Nancy Drew Pc Games Online

The Nancy Drew teenage detective character has been popular for almost 80 years. Originally the lead character in her own series of books, Nancy Drew is now the protagonist of a series of online and downloadable games.


There are several places for you to get your fill of Nancy Drew games for free. You can play along as the famous detective tries to solve another mystery or indulge in one or more of a series of mini-games that have little to do with mysteries but are nevertheless diverting and fun.


Her Interactive


Game developer Her Interactive is responsible for the current production of Nancy Drew games, both online and for sale, so its website should be your first stop. Her Interactive not only allows you to play an array of Nancy Drew mystery games and mini-games online, you can also download free demos of your favorites to decide if you'd like to purchase the full versions.


Some of the games featured at Her Interactive are mini-games in which you perform fairly easy, non-detective tasks. "Danger By Design" is a fashion game in which you choose clothes and accessories for your heroine. In the mini-game in "The Train to Blue Moon Canyon," you need to time your clicks just right in order to jump your horse over hurdles. In "The Creature of Kapu Cave", you need to collect enough shells to make a specifically designed necklace before you run out of breath.


More complicated play can be found in the Nancy Drew Dossier Game "Lights, Camera, Curses!" In these, Nancy is trying to make her way through a puzzle by finding important objects and then using pairs of them together to accomplish her goals. "Legend of the Crystal Skull" is also a more complex game, during which you must unearth clues about the legend of the skull if you want to win three different rewards.


Other Sites


You can play the "White Wolf of Icicle Creek" game at Girl.com.au, in a much better, faster and clearer version than that at the official Her Interactive site. You can also play "Danger By Design" and "The Creature of Kapu Cave" in brighter, larger, easier-to-see forms here as well.


Big Fish Games features a large number of demo versions of Nancy Drew games you can download, and you also can play the online version of "Lights, Camera, Curses!"


The Game Zone, Y8, and Shockwave websites all feature one or more Nancy Drew online game for free.

Tags: Nancy Drew, Nancy Drew games, also play, Camera Curses, Creature Kapu, Creature Kapu Cave

Where Find Hawaiian Wallpaper For My Computer

Hawaiian images can be turned into monitor wall paper from a variety of sources.


Hawaiian pictures, and virtually all other types of image, can be found and made to fit your computer monitor as background "wallpaper" or screensavers that will activate when the computer is idle.


Your Own Photos


Look through your own photographs for a suitably tropical image. Even if you don't have your images stored digitally, physical photographs can be scanned into your computer's hard drive, sized appropriately and set as wallpaper.


Friends' Online Photos


Look through your friends' images for a display. If you see a Hawaiian image you like, email them and ask for permission to download the image, and set it as your computer wallpaper.


Wallpaper Websites


Hundreds of websites feature images already optimized for various computer screen sizes and resolutions available for free or a small fee. Other theme-specific sites also have free wallpaper options set up for download.


Internet Image Search


Plugging keywords such as "Hawaiian pictures" or "Hawaiian vacation" into any search engine will yield hundreds of options. If you find something you like, it is important to contact the owner of the original image to obtain permission to use the photo.


Scanned Images


Find a postcard or magazine photograph you like, scan it into your computer, size it appropriately and set it as your wallpaper.

Tags: your computer, Hawaiian pictures, into your, into your computer, Look through, Look through your, Photos Look

Native Hawaiian Crafts

There are many native Hawaiian crafts.


Hawaii is an island state whose residents have a rich history of arts and crafts. The craftsmen use different materials to produce these crafts, materials that are native to the island.


Leiomano


A leiomano is a traditional Hawaiian necklace made from cord and shark teeth. In the past, Hawaiian craftsmen strung leather cord through the holes in the roots of the sharks' teeth. Sharks' teeth were often used as weapons as well, although these necklaces were worn as an adornment. Today, craftsmen continue this tradition using various types of cord such as hemp, braided cord and leather.


Apu


This native Hawaiian household craft is used as a type of beverage-holder. The apu is made from coconut halves. Both the outer and inner shells are sanded down until they are smooth and shiny. Sometimes a string is attached to one side so the apu can hang easily from a beverage serving container.


Lei Pupu


Lei pupu means "shell lei." It is a type of craft that is made to wear as jewelry. The lei strings together a line of small shells which are native to Hawaii. Shells are typically worn on the wrists and ankles. When they click together they produce noise which is useful for creating rhythm for dance and song.

Tags: made from, native Hawaiian

When Is A Honeydew Melon Ripe

Melons are often used in fruit salads or fruit displays such as this one.


Honeydew melons are among the sweetest tasting and smelling of all the melons. They are unusually shaped, more elongated like a football, rather than round like a basketball. Honeydews are great eaten fresh, whether in fruit salad or simply cut in quarters and shared. They are a delicious treat for any summer day. Does this Spark an idea?


Judging by smell


Honeydew melons, an extremely aromatic fruit, become sweeter smelling the riper they become. With a good sniff of the rind, the ripeness of the fruit is instantly known. Melons that need to be shipped are often picked in an unripe state so that they will ripen during shipping and be sweet for selling.


Picking the honeydew


Honeydews will separate from their own stems when ripe. This natural process is called slipping and the ripe melons are easily picked out of the field as they don't need to be cut from the plant. Typically, melons sold in stores will be cut before they reach the full slip stage, and are often not as sweet as ones grown at home.


Softening of the fruit


Melons will get softer at the end opposite the stem when the fruit becomes ripe. When pressing on the rind, there should be a little give to it. If there is no give, the melon is not yet ripe enough to eat, but if the rind is too mushy then the melon has been sitting in the garden or store too long and is overripe.


Color and texture


Honeydew melons should be a creamy yellow color and feel somewhat waxy when ripe and there are veins tracing through the rind that become more detectable by touch when the fruit is ripe. If the fruit feels smooth then it needs to sit a while longer to reach full maturity.

Tags: Honeydew melons, reach full, when fruit, when ripe

When I'M On My Webcam For Yahoo It Is Just A Black Screen

Restart your computer after each troubleshooting move.


Outdated drivers or software can lead to a black screen when you are attempting to use the webcam while chatting on Yahoo! Messenger. You can perform basic troubleshooting such as uninstalling and reinstalling the application to resolve the black screen. If issues continue, contact Yahoo! for assistance.


Webcam Requirements


Ensure your webcam meets the requirements for Yahoo! Messenger if your screen is black during streaming. Webcam requirements include support for certain image sizes and having at least Microsoft DirectX version 9.0 installed on your computer. Yahoo also recommends the use of a camera that supports an RGB or I420 format. If your webcam does not meet the requirements, the black screen may continue to display or your video stream may be blurred or choppy.


Yahoo! and Windows Update


Check Yahoo! Messenger for an update if the black screen continues. Updates are downloaded and installed through the application's help menu. You should also check that all available updates for Windows is installed on your computer. Access Windows Update from the computer's Start menu. Restart your computer after updating Yahoo! and Windows. Relaunch the Yahoo! Messenger application and test the webcam to determine if the black screen is resolved.


Update Webcam Driver


Your webcam's drivers may need updating if the black screen in Yahoo! Messenger is still displayed. The quickest way to check for an update to the drivers is by visiting the webcam manufacturer's website. Access the downloads or support section of the site and search for any available updates. If you need to disconnect your webcam while the update is installing, you will be prompted to do so before the process starts. After installing the updates, restart your computer.


Additional Troubleshooting


Continued issues with using your webcam with Yahoo! Messenger requires additional troubleshooting. Download and install the Xvid video codec on your computer. The video codec is available to download from the Yahoo! website. You can also uninstall and reinstall Yahoo! Messenger if the black screen continues. Run the Video and Voice Setup Assistant from the application's help menu after reinstalling the software to check for the black screen.

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School Projects On The "Island Of Blue Dolphins"

The Island of the Blue Dolphins is a beautiful story that offers students opportunities to create and learn.


The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell was published in 1960 and won the 1961 Newberry Award for children's literature. It is based on the true story of Juana Maria, a Nicoleño Indian woman who lived alone on San Nicolas, one of California's Channel Islands, for 18 years. O'Dell changed the woman's name to Karana and imagined much of her tale. Still, it is a rich story of relationships and survival that lends itself well to cross-curriculum projects, for individuals and groups.


Writing


Island of the Blue Dolphins lends itself naturally to a number of writing projects. Students imagine themselves in the place of Karana, her brother Ramo, Tutok, the dogs Rontu and Rontu-Aru or any of the other characters, and write journal entries in that character's voice--or as themselves. Through an essay, short story, journal entry or poetry, they can explore the bond between animals and humans, feelings of abandonment and loss, tentative friendship, and the experience of being alone among strangers. You can also divide the class into small groups and have each responsible for writing a vignette or screenplay of an important scene, which they will act out (and possibly be filmed) before the class. To introduce students to literary criticism, have them study the criteria for the Newbery Award, and discuss how they believe the book meets (or doesn't meet) those guidelines. Have them compare and contrast O'Dell's book with another Newbery winner, either from the same or another era. You can also divide the class into two groups, and ask them to pretend they are the Newbery Awards committee considering Island of the Blue Dolphins and another book. Hold a debate in which each group must defend its choice, then have the class vote on whose arguments were most persuasive.


History


Ask your students to research the true story behind Island of the Blue Dolphins. What did O'Dell change? What facts remain the same? Why? Have students read Theodora Kroeber's fictionalized Ishi: Last of His Tribe, and compare and contrast Ishi and Juana Maria's experiences. Explore the history of California settlement, the Aluets or California's many Native American peoples, and have students prepare reports, posters and other projects to present to the class. You can also use Karana's story to initiate a discussion of the movement of peoples throughout the history of civilization. How does the repeated story of conqueror and conquered affect each side? What are the benefits? The damages? Are similar events happening today? Should they? Why or why not--and if not, how can they be stopped?


Art


Have students explore Karana's world through sketches and painting. They can paint scenes and characters from the book, or explore the book's emotional landscapes. Introduce the class to Native American art and crafts. Examine art from different American tribes. How are they similar, different, and why? Consider themes, materials, time period, colors and use. How (and why) does exposure to other cultures affect art?


Science


To survive, Karana must be able to interact successfully with nature. Explore her environment with your students. What kinds of animals does she encounter? What are their habits? How does she relate to them? Why does she relate differently to the feral dogs than she does to the "devil fish"? Discover mankind's long history with dogs; how is it similar or different to our relationships with other domesticated animals? How does Karana communicate with the dogs? Is it possible to truly communicate with animals? Students can explore these, or other topics, through reports, posters, presentations and experiments.

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Friday, December 25, 2015

What Vegetables Grow In The Rainforest

Approximately 50 million people rely on rainforests for survival.


The vine-draped canopy of a rainforest provides habitats for a vast range of exotic and endangered animals and plants. Rainforests also provide important habitats for humans. Approximately 50 million indigenous people "rely almost exclusively on rainforests for their survival needs," according to Rainforest Information Centre. Several endemic vegetable species are important staples of the diets, cultures and economies of rainforest communities. Vegetables of the rainforest are adapted to the balmy tropical climate--these plants do not tolerate cold weather and typically have a long growing season. Add this to my Recipe Box.


Chayote


Chayote is a squash with only one seed.


Chayote (Sechium edule) is a squash that grows in the rainforests of Asia and the Americas. The vegetable was cultivated by the Aztecs and Mayans in Central America and is believed indigenous to this region. Chayote grows well in the higher altitudes of mountainous rainforest regions and vast farms are often trellised along mountain slopes. Today, the squash is grown by indigenous communities for food and for export. Chayote is eaten widely throughout Asia and the Americas and referred to by different names in each region---"xuxu" in Asia, "christophine" in the Caribbean and "mirliton" in the United States.


Hot Peppers


Chili peppers have been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes.


Hot peppers or chilies (Capsicum spp.) are believed to be indigenous of the lowland rainforests of Central and South America. Peppers were domesticated by Native American shamans for their pungent spice, which was used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Approximately 25 wild hot pepper species originated in the rainforests of the Americas and migrated across the globe to Asia and Africa. Chilies are the hallmark of many ethnic cuisines and "are firmly believed to have a supernatural element" among indigenous cultures, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).


Cassava


Cassava is grown for its starchy roots.


Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also known as "manioc" or "yuca," is a root crop grown in Africa and in the Americas. According to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), "as many as 300 million people in the tropics consume cassava daily." The vegetable is thought to have originated in Brazil and Paraguay and requires eight continuous months of warm weather. According to Perdue University, cassava is classified as a "cultigen," meaning "no wild forms of this species are known." Cassava contains a form of cyanide that renders the vegetable toxic if not prepared properly. Cassava is prepared similar to potatoes or is ground into flour. Cooking cassava flour yields tapioca. Cassava leaves are sometimes steamed and eaten like spinach.

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What Vegetables Go With Halibut

Halibut is often served cut in a fillet instead of a fish steak.


Vegetables can be cooked with halibut to give the mild tasting fish flavor, or it can be served on the side to complement it. Depending on the style in which you plan to serve the halibut, pick different vegetables. If you want to serve it for a casual meal, stew the fish with tomatoes and squash vegetables. Halibut is a white fish that has a buttery flavor. Because it is so mild it easily absorbs the strong and acidic flavors of vegetables like tomatoes and onions. Add this to my Recipe Box.


Roasted Squash


Roast halibut with squash and aromatic vegetables to flavor the fish and the vegetables as they cook. Butternut squash is a good sweet squash to complement the flavors of halibut. Peel and dice one butternut squash, one onion and four cloves garlic. Arrange the halibut on top of the vegetables in a shallow roasting pan and cook it on the center rack in the oven until the halibut is flaky and moist. Remove the halibut and put the butternut squash back in the oven on broil until the tops are golden brown to caramelize the squash.


Medley


If you prefer a more formal presentation, cook vegetables such as baby carrots, mushrooms and broccoli florets until they are tender crisp with bright color and serve them on the side of the halibut. For an even more formal presentation of a vegetable medley, add hericot vert green beans and cut a flute design in the mushroom by holding a tourneau knife perpendicular to the top of the mushroom cap and cutting a multi-point star design as you turn the cap. The center of the mushroom cap should be the center of the star.


Artichokes


If you are grilling halibut, cut the bottom off of an artichoke low enough that all of the leaves stay attached, but high enough to remove the woody stem. Season the artichoke top with salt, pepper and garlic powder and a pat of butter. Place it in a piece of foil on the grill to cook as the halibut cooks. Seal the foil to allow steam to cook the artichoke, and then open it up before removing it from the grill to allow some of the grill flavor to get in. Serve it with melted butter to dip the leaves in as they are eaten. The butter flavor of the artichoke goes very well with the buttery halibut. This is a great vegetable to serve with halibut if you are serving it family-style.


Asparagus and Broccolini


Asparagus and broccolini are both long-stemmed vegetables that go well with steamed or poached halibut. Soak asparagus and broccolini in warm salt water overnight before steaming them until they are tender crisp. The salt water draws out the bitter flavors of the vegetables and makes them taste clean and crisp after only being lightly steamed. Serve the vegetables on the side of the halibut, or pile it in the center of the plate and rest the halibut on top of it.

Tags: butternut squash, flavors vegetables, formal presentation, more formal, more formal presentation, salt water

What Types Of Items Can Be Recycled

There are many different items that can be recycled.


According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there are many reasons to recycle and reduce waste. Recycling can save energy, decrease emissions from greenhouse gases, conserve natural resources, prevent pollution and sustain the environment for the next several generations. Several different types of items can be recycled through curbside collection, drop-off centers, buy-back programs and deposit programs.


Steel


Steel cans and other steel products can be reused and made into new steel. Material recovery facilities sort steel into bales, before it is returned to steel companies and combined with other scrap to create new steel. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, most steel generated in the United States contains between 25 percent and 100 percent recycled content. Recycling steel is also more cost-effective than mining the ore needed to produce a completely new product.


Textiles


Textiles can be reused by others when clothing is donated to organizations. However, textiles can also be recycled. Both synthetic and organic textiles can be recycled at textile recovery facilities to create wiping or polishing cloths, paper or car insulation.


Paper and Paper Products


Paper and paper products can be recycled. Newspapers, magazines and other scrap papers can be reused by organizations or can be recycled and turned into new papers or printing surfaces.


Computers and Electronic Equipment


Computers and consumer electronic equipment contain many different types of materials, which can make them difficult to recycle. As a result, there are limited facilities for recycling these items. But materials recovered from recycled electronics can prove valuable; recycling facilities can reclaim gold from computer processors and cell phones. When possible, consumers are urged to reuse the items by donating them to organizations or people who can put them to use if local recycling facilities are not available.


Used Oil, Antifreeze and Tires


Items recovered from automobiles include used oil, antifreeze and tires. These items are most often recycled by businesses, although the Environmental Protection Agency encourages individual consumers to recycle these items when possible. Used oil can be refined and made into new motor oil; antifreeze can be reconditioned and turned into new antifreeze. Used tires can be used for many different purposes including fuel, synthetic mulches for landscaping and rubberized asphalt.


Plastics


There are many different types of plastics manufactured today. Examples include polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene. Recycled plastics are ground into flakes and turned into pellets before they are used to make other plastic products. Plastic manufacturers use a coding system developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry in order to identify different types of plastics. By identifying plastic types, consumers and businesses can determine which items are eligible for recycling in their areas.


Batteries


Used batteries can contain hazardous heavy metals including lead, mercury, nickel, and cadmium that can harm the environment when placed in landfills. These toxic substances can pollute nearby water supplies. Used batteries can include dry-cell batteries often used by consumers to power flashlights, toys and remote controls, or they can be automotive batteries used to power equipment and cars. Used batteries can be made into new batteries and plastic and metal components can be processed and reused by other industries.


Glass


Glass is a common recycled item that is used over and over again to make new containers. In fact, 90% of recycled glass is used in container manufacturing. Items such as jars, furniture and consumer electronics can be recycled for their glass content. Recycled crushed glass, also known as cullet, can be used to make tiles, counter tops and insulation as well.


Organic Materials


Organic materials including food waste such as coffee grounds, vegetable peels and fruit rinds can be recycled. Additionally, yard waste and wood waste can also be recycled to create recycled wood products and pressed boards or papers. Some organic materials such as food scraps and yard trimmings can be recycled by individual consumers to develop compost piles for gardening. Some used vegetable and animal oils are reprocessed to fuel engines and other equipment.

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What To Write On A 20th Wedding Anniversary Invitation

Marriage is a difficult and worthwhile struggle to compromise, to give your partner unfailing love and to trust him implicitly, so a 20th wedding anniversary is an important occasion to celebrate. A party brings together family and friends, and the couple celebrating can serve as an example for younger couples in attendance. Deciding whom to invite is easy, but knowing what you should write on the invitation can be much more difficult. Does this Spark an idea?

The Basics


Include the basic information the guests will need to know to attend. While fretting over the creative options you have, you may accidentally overlook the most vital details. Tell guests where and when the celebration will be held, where to park and any other information that may be useful. Provide a phone number so they can contact you with questions.


History and Future


Collect some ideas from the children or relatives of the bride and groom. With a few kind sentences from a son, father, aunt and best friend, your anniversary invitation will present the guest with a full range of thoughts from the people who love the married couple the most.


Recycle prose that played a significant role in the original wedding. Look for the wedding invitations or the program from the wedding to see which quotes or poems were used to celebrate the couple's love at its beginning.


Provide a personal anecdote that relates to the bride and groom from the beginning of their relationship or from later in the relationship. This is particularly appropriate if they met in an interesting way: "Zach and Melissa met on a blind date, and they have only had eyes for each other ever since."


Classic Thoughts From Others


Inspire a tear to leap to the eyes of the invitees by featuring a sweet, touching message that will reflect the happy couple's love. Depending on the vendor you use for your invitations, you can write your own verse or use a message suggested by the printer. For example, one online printer features invitations that read, in part, "Marriage is like a garden/With love and tender attention/It will flourish with abundant beauty." Another suggests a message that includes the lines, "This home that you have built is made of love/Hope and happiness, hard grit and tears."


Look back to the great literature of the past. Such sites as TheRomantic.com collect love poems from timeless poets. It is hard to go wrong with a poem, such as Matthew Arnold's "Longing," which begins: "Come to me in my dreams, and then/By day I shall be well again." Best of all, you can compose your own poem to celebrate the 20th anniversary. If the poem comes from your heart, people are likely to appreciate it.

Tags: bride groom, couple love, message that

What To Wear When Going To A Luau

Traditionally, a luau is a Hawaiian feast featuring entertainment such as hula dancers and music. These days, just about anyone visiting the Hawaiian islands can get in on the Polynesian celebration at commercial luaus. If you're one of many tourists who are new to this type of party, you may be asking yourself just dress for the occasion. Going along with the relaxed, "hang loose" spirit of Hawaii, the answer is almost anything, as long as you are comfortable in it.


Instructions


1. Consider the weather conditions at the luau you'll be attending. Though most Polynesian islands where authentic luaus take place have mild to hot weather, temperatures can drop at night and there may be unexpected rainfall. So don't forget to bring along a light sweater or jacket.


2. Decide whether you want to go the more touristy, yet fun, route of dressing in "aloha wear." This includes short-sleeved, button-up Hawaiian shirts and shorts, khakis or white pants for men and Hawaiian muumuu dresses for women (see Resources for examples). To complete this look, opt for either a flower or kukui nut lei or bracelets.


3. Wear a comfortable summer outfit that you'd wear to an event other than a luau. This might be a sundress or a flowery white skirt and top for women, while men might opt for cargo or board shorts and a T-shirt. Keep up with the Hawaiian theme by placing a flower in your hair or wearing a traditional Polynesian sarong as a wraparound skirt.


4. Put on sandals or other comfortable, breathable footwear before you head out for the night. Luaus are traditionally outdoors, and are oftentimes at the beach, so you'll be better off wearing casual shoes you can easily kick off and that won't sink into the grass or sand.

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What To Wear To A Luau Party

A luau is a great way to celebrate the summer, and a fun, festive theme for any party. Luaus are Polynesian-style parties filled with great food, colors and decor. A luau also gives guests a great opportunity to get in the spirit by dressing up in brightly colored, floral attire. Here are some great ideas for what to wear to a luau party. Does this Spark an idea?


Hawaiian Prints


Grab that Hawaiian print shirt you bought on vacation and get ready to hula. A Hawaiian print shirt or dress is the most obvious and easiest piece of clothing that you could wear to a luau. Pair the shirt with some nice khaki shorts, or for women, a casual jean skirt. Another good option is a nice tank top or T-style shirt that has a Hawaiian print. Okay, so you you might match the tablecloth, but that's the point. Luau's are festive events full of color!


Go for Tradition


A traditional sarong is also a great wardrobe option for a luau. There are more than 20 ways to tie a sarong; it can look like a sundress or a skirt. You can pair it with a cute tank top, or if the luau is a pool party, a sarong is a great piece to use to cover your swimsuit. You'll arrive in Hawaiian style and be ready to enjoy the fun.


Let the Sundress Shine


A sundress for a woman is also a really good idea. If you have a floral-print one, that would be more festive. A brightly colored shirt with a Hawaiian printed or floral skirt is an easy way to dress festive for a luau. You may just have these items in your closet. If you are anti print opt for bright colors; it gives you a solid choice without being to floral.


Surfs Up


If the budget is thin and you don't want to buy anything, you can always try a simple solid-colored shirt or tank top with a pair of board shorts. This is a more surfer-style look, but Hawaii is known for its surf, so this is actually a good option.


Go Grassy


If you are really in the spirit and don't mind doing your best hula, you might as well get out the ole grass skirt from Halloween--just don't forget to wear a bathing suit or shorts under the it. Pair it with a pukka shell necklace, and you can't get more festive than that. Girls may even want to put a flower in their hair to add a finishing touch. Try to go for a more tropical flower such as an orchid or lily.

Tags: Hawaiian print, brightly colored, good option, Hawaiian print shirt, more festive, print shirt, shirt with