Christmas Lesson

Christmas Lesson
By Jim L Phillips

Remember that one Christmas you had that stands out from all the rest? The one that gets talked about at every Christmas thereafter? Well, this year we had ours!

Christmas last year was perfect. Chad was eleven and so excited each day as Christmas got closer. On Christmas Eve, Paula and I let him stay up pretty late, and even allowed him to open one of his presents. It was the kind of present that you forget to mention the next day when you report everything to your best friend. It may have been a new flashlight, I don't remember, but it helped to curb the anxiety.

It was nearly midnight before he finally dozed off that Christmas Eve. We then finished putting all the last minute presents under the tree that had been cleverly hidden throughout the house, and went to bed. Chad ended up sleeping in until 8am Christmas morning. Paula and I had risen early, consumed our morning coffee, and were in position when he finally awoke and began the shredding and cheering ritual. That Christmas was a parent's prayer answered. Perfect. We even had all the batteries for all the toys.

Naturally we assumed this year would be every bit as perfect as last year was. This year Chad fell asleep about 10:30, and by 11pm we were in bed and anticipating a good 8 hours of sleep and a couple cups of coffee prior to repeating the shredding and cheering of this year's Christmas morning.

As always, we seem to be scheduled to appear at several different family locations around the holidays. One of our schedules this year was to leave early on Christmas day, and go to Aunt Deb and Uncle Jim's. It was to be a nice leisurely 3-hour drive through the desert and over the mountains. It was looking like a great relaxing Christmas schedule that would satisfy us all. No stress; Calm and relaxing. However; we had overlooked a big clue to the contrary that Chad presented to us just prior to his going to bed that Christmas Eve.

As parents, you learn to recognize these clues. As a child comes into this world, God anoints the parents with the ability to decipher these clues. But something went terribly wrong with that anointed gift when Chad asked his mom if midnight was AM or PM. Paula answered his question, but the clue didn't register. She never heard in her head the little voice that says, "Why would Chad want to know if midnight is AM or PM."? The clue slipped past her. And as a result, we now have a well-remembered Christmas Lesson.

After the age of fifty, you no longer hit the pillow and drop into a deep restful sleep. It's usually more like a procedure of getting all the aching areas to relax, and slowly drift from fully awake and uncomfortable, to drowsy and almost comfortable, to comfortable but can't stop thinking about everything that still needs to be done around the house, to finally, a series of 10 or 12 good half hour naps until the alarm clock goes off. I was just entering into the good nap stages when I heard Chad whispering to his mom next to me. "Merry Christmas mom! Come and look at all the presents under the tree." I let one eye open just enough to allow the digital display on my bedside clock to come into focus. It was blinking 12:05 AM.

Something went wrong today. Someone must have missed a clue. Chad had set his alarm clock for midnight so he could wake us up and wish us a Merry Christmas. He wants us to see all the presents under the tree. He's 12! He knows we already saw all the presents under the tree just an hour ago! I closed my slightly opened eye and made a conscious decision to let mom handle this one. Paula got up with Chad and he had the tree lighted and was thrilled. Paula gave her best loving and understanding responses as any mother would, and after diffusing the situation, returned to bed. Slitting open my eye one more time, my clock blinks at me 12:20AM. Now that I have regressed back to the comfortable but can't stop thinking stage, I asked Paula, "What's up"? I don't remember her exact words, but they added up to... we're up!

It just didn't make any sense to think Chad might go back to sleep, or that WE could if we wanted too. So there we are at 12:30AM getting into position for the shredding and cheering ritual. Chad is all giddy with excitement, and Paula and I are wondering how we could have avoided this. What went wrong? What do we do next? How is this early morning change in plans going to affect the overall scheme of things? Should we brew some coffee, or go back to bed after the shredding? Some point in the middle of all this pondering is when Chad lifted up the heavy package behind the tree. The one that required him to stand on his tip toes and twist around to the right, and lean in a little. While coming back out of that stance with extra weight at the end of his extended fingertips, a slight imbalance occurred and caused a total collapse of both Chad and the overly decorated Christmas tree.

As parents, we received the whole episode in slow motion. Slow motion is another parent anointed gift from God. It usually allows you the extra few seconds you need to respond. Everyone knows that kids are way faster than their old parents can react. Sometimes though, even God's slow-motion gift is just not enough. This was one of those times. Chad climbed out from under the bent and twisted metal and plastic of our old fake tree, and declared without hesitation, one of his favorite sayings. The same thing we hear each time he falls off a scooter, or trips and falls, or crashes into something, He climbs out and shouts," I'm OK"!, And raises his hand over his head as a sign of verification.

Needless to say, we are wide-awake now. Paula brews some coffee while Chad and I take a brief intermission and upright the bent and twisted tree, and rehang the scattered ornaments. After completing the gift exchanges, and cleaning up the remnants, we figured as long as we are up, we may as well pack up the motor home and head out to Aunt Deb's and Uncle Jim's. We originally planned to watch the sun come up in the desert as we approached the mountains. The sun and shadows would be beautiful. Instead, our leisurely 3-hour drive through the desert was in complete darkness. We had crossed the desert and entered into the mountains, and the sky was still black. Luckily Uncle Jim was awake when we arrived at his house. It was only 6am and the sun was just rising somewhere behind the scattered grey clouds. Shortly thereafter, Aunt Deb and the kids were delighted to see us as our arrival woke them on that special Christmas morning. Everyone enjoyed a good laugh that morning as we told about our "Christmas Lesson" story for the first time.

To this day, our Christmas treetop "Dove of Peace" ornament still perches precariously from the crooked treetop as a reminder of that special Christmas; The Christmas that we learned our valuable lesson. If a twelve year old asks you if midnight is am or pm, it may be wise to ask why he wants to know.

If I ever have a Ground Hog Day event, I hope it's like this Christmas was. I could re-live this weekend over and over for years.

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Party Rentals For Easter Holiday

Party Rentals For Easter Holiday
By Kevin Headley I

Obstacle Courses

If you are planning to have party rentals for Easter, then you definitely need to have obstacle courses in your event. The obstacle courses will add tons of fun to your event as kids and adults will get to enjoy themselves and play. The course is a two person racing obstacle course that ends with a slide. It is great for building healthy competition among kids so that kids can learn that rivalry does not always have to be bitter.

Moonwalks

Kids love moonwalks and they are a must have for those who will need party rentals For Easter. They come in different shapes and sizes and this makes the selection process very exciting. You can even take your young kids so that they can help you choose the moonwalk that they like best. Since the moonwalks vary greatly in color and design, your kids, whether girls or boys, will not be disappointed. They will get something that they will really connect with and like. Some of the popular moonwalks include: Sport Bounce, Pink And Blue, Multi Colored and Deluxe Sport Bounce.

Snow Cones and Cotton Candy

It is that time of year again where kids get to eat as much candy and ice cream as they can. The weather at this time is perfect for that sort of thing, and kids and adults alike will surely enjoy eating candy. You can share the cotton candy with your better half or kids and that creates a picture of togetherness. It may even be the reason why the two of you will bond over the holidays. If kids are not able to have their snow cones and cotton candy, there is a high chance that they will be really disappointed. You can also receive extra supplies of snow cone or cotton candy in case you run out of them.

Water Slides

If you have a swimming pool or a backyard where you have access to water then you should surely think about having water slides as party rentals for Easter. They will be the center of attention and some kids may even have to be literally dragged away from them so that they can join in the other festivities. They are a good way of feeling alive and feeling the blood in your veins. The water slides can be used by more than one person at once meaning that more people will be using it at any one time. You are certain that there will be screams of joy and laughter from the people on the water slides.

Tables, Chairs and Generators

If you are planning an Easter party in your backyard there are items that you may need to make the day a success. You can rent tables and chairs that are comfortable and very portable. This will make arranging chairs very easy and smooth. You may lack a source of power for the party rentals that you have chosen, but you should not be worried since you can also rent generators. If you have a generator you can hold the party anywhere without having to worry about the source of power.

About the Author

If you are looking for inflatables Richmond, then check out Mighty Bounce Moonwalks at http://www.mightybouncehouston.com/.

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Things to Do in Snowdonia During The Easter School Holidays

Things to Do in Snowdonia During The Easter School Holidays
By Steve J

What to do with the kids during the Easter school holidays is a question that has perplexed many parents over the years. If you're planning a visit to Snowdonia with your children during the holidays, you may wonder how to keep them entertained. But with so many things to see and do in Snowdonia that are just perfect for families, you'll be spoiled for choice - here are just a few suggestions.

Meet some Easter bunnies...

... and puppies, llamas, donkeys and other furry friends. With farming playing such an important role in Snowdonia's economy, no wonder so many of Snowdonia's attractions involve our furry and feathered friends! Gypsy Wood, Children's Farm Park and Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm are all great attractions for children wanting to pet baby animals. Black Rock Llamas offer the opportunity to take llamas for a walk around the beautiful countryside surrounding Porthmadog. Or if you're more interested in feathered friends than furry ones, pop in at the Dyfi Osprey Project, just on the outskirts of the Snowdonia Mountains and Coast region - their new 360 degree observatory is a great place to study Monty, Glesni and the other ospreys that have just come back from their winter migration.

Educational fun

Combining play and education is the holy grail of keeping kids entertained during the school holidays. Luckily, in Snowdonia there are plenty of opportunities to do just that! Penrhyn Castle is usually a good bet; there are plenty of kids' activities organised for school holidays, Easter included. The Lloyd George Museum is a great place to learn about Victorian life by dressing up in period costume, while there's more to learn about the Victorian age at the National Slate Museum in Llanberis (children of a gory disposition will be fascinated by the quarry hospital). Snowdonia's castles often have special events during school holidays - particularly Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle and Conwy Castle - while the Centre for Alternative Technology is a great place to learn about the science of sustainable living in a really fun way.

Full steam ahead

There are often special Easter events organised by Snowdonia's steam railways - but even without specific Easter events, a trip on a steam train is a real treat for all the family. The Ffestinog and Welsh Highland Railways travel between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon, while in Porthmadog there's the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. In the southern end of the region there's the Fairbourne Railway and the Talyllyn Railway, and for shorter rides there's the Bala Lake Railway and the Llanberis Lake Railway. There's even a train to the top of Snowdon - one of the most popular in the region, for obvious reasons!

Underground excitement

Of course, the weather will influence your choice of activity during the Easter holidays. If it's wet, don't despair - there's plenty of fun to be had below ground, where it doesn't matter what the weather's like. Corris Mine Explorers, Go Below, Llanfair Slate Caverns and Sygun Copper Mine are all lots of fun. At Llechwedd Slate Caverns you'll take an underground train ride; at Electric Mountain an underground bus ride; and at King Arthur's Labyrinth an underground boat ride - so if the kids are tired out from previous activities, they can take things a little easier at these attractions!

The coast with the most

Snowdonia's 200 miles of coastline offer plenty of fun, even in spring when the weather's that bit cooler. Swap swimsuits for wetsuits (or jumpers and wellies, as the case may be) and let the little ones poke around in rock pools, build sandcastles or just run around and tire themselves out - there's plenty of space for that! Snowdonia's beaches come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the beaches that families seem to enjoy most include Barmouth (where there's also a small funfair); Pwllheli (likewise); Black Rock Sands (absolutely enormous sandy beach) and Dinas Dinlle (children's playground and great ice cream shop). Shell Island is also very popular with families; it's a great place to collect shells - there are hundreds of different varieties there, and Easter is one of the best times of year to find them.

Active activities

Snowdonia is the UK's top activities centre, and children are very much included in many of the region's more active activities. Use the climbing walls at Beacon Climbing Centre, or zip through the trees at Tree Top Adventure. Try your hand at archery, bowling or go-karting at Glasfryn, or try out the giant slides and ball pools at The Fun Centre. Build dens at GreenWood Forest Park, or try paintballing with Dragon Raiders. Ride a horse or ride a bike... or try a RIB ride on the Menai Strait. If it's an active break you're after - no matter how young your family - Snowdonia's the place to be!

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose Visit Snowdonia website is the official tourism website for the Snowdonia region. Visit Snowdonia provides visitors with helpful information about the region, including Snowdonia activities and Snowdonia attractions.

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The Curious Tale of the Easter Bunny and The Goddess of the Dawn

The Curious Tale of the Easter Bunny and The Goddess of the Dawn
By Sharon Turnbull

Ostara, the Goddess of Dawn, was also named Eostre (the Eastern Star) since she brought the dawn from the East. She was the ultimate 'luscious lady'-so much so that estrogen, the juiciest of female hormones, was named after her.

Ostara was the goddess who was responsible for bringing spring to the earth each year. But one year she was feeling very guilty indeed; she realized she had arrived much too late. To make matters worse, the first thing she saw when she stepped onto the earth was a colorful little bird near death, his wings bent and frozen in the snow.

With great kindness in her sorrowful heart, Ostara scooped up the shivering creature and cradled him to her breast. The warmth of her saved his life.

Knowing he would never be able to fly because of his frost-damaged wings, the goddess was filled with compassion and turned him into a rabbit, a snow hare. She also gave him the gift of running with astonishing speed so he could easily evade any hunter. She named him Lepus.

To honor his previous life as a bird, Ostara also gave him the ability to lay eggs... in all the colors of the rainbow, no less. But he was only allowed to lay eggs on one day of each year.

Legend has it that she then made him her pet. In the racier versions of her myths, he became her lover. Eventually the rabbit managed to anger the goddess by being unfaithful to her.

The infuriated goddess hurled him into the skies where he remains to this day, known to us as the constellation Lepus (the Hare). His punishment was that he would be positioned forever under the feet of the constellation Orion (the Hunter).

But the soft-hearted Ostara soon took pity on him and allowed him to return to earth on the festival day held in her honor each spring. But she stipulated that he must give away all his eggs to the children in attendance.

And that's how the tradition of the Easter Bunny began!

In the holiday of Easter, Christian and pagan traditions are artfully interwoven, reminding us of the cycle of rebirth and the need for personal renewal in our own lives.

Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny, the dawn that brings the resurrection of life and the celebration of spring are cherished Easter traditions arising from the goddess myths of antiquity.

Sharon Turnbull, PhD, is the founder, muse and web-weaver of www.GoddessGift.com. Author of the bestselling Goddess Gift: Discover Your Personal Goddess Type, she is also the creator of the popular Goddess Quiz online--a personality assessment designed to help women recognize and use their natural strengths to create less stressful, more joyful lives.

Sharon believes in the power of storytelling and crafts stories from the ancient myths that entertain, illuminate and transform our contemporary lives. She's particularly fond of tracing the pagan roots of our holiday traditions.

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10 Steps Towards a Harmonious Holiday Dinner for All

10 Steps Towards a Harmonious Holiday Dinner for All
By Rhonda Rabow

For many, however, holiday dinners can be a very stressful time. On the one hand we are out of our regular routines, and can feel rushed and overwhelmed by family obligations. On the other hand, If your family members have addictions, or other impulse control behaviours, spending holidays with them can fill you with dread rather than adding to your list of loving memories.

Since you may feel obliged to attend your family dinner over this Easter or Passover holiday, here are some tips that may help things go smoother.

1. Be clear on your expectations. This year's list of dysfunctional people will likely be the same as last year. The only difference this year is that you can go with a strategy that will help you feel more empowered and less manipulated by their moods and behaviours.

2. Don't give away your power. Those members who know how to trigger you cannot do it without your permission. Remove yourself from toxic people. Don't argue, blame or discuss. Just leave the room, go for a walk, drink a glass of water or take several deep breaths.

3. Sit closest to the relatives you have a better time with and ignore the others.

4. Have an exit strategy. Plan a time to leave and agree on a signal you can give your partner when you have had enough.

5. Keep busy; help in the kitchen, entertain the kids or pass around the food.

6. Use laughter and humour to break the ice and ease the tension in the room.

7. Focus on why you are here and remember it is time limited. The reason behind these family get-togethes is a time to re-connect with relatives and friends who you care about and want to keep in close contact. You can fulfill this purpose with just one member of your family and focus on that relationhship and the happiness it brings to you and your children. If you are successful with that, then you have had a successful family dinner.

8. If you are stuck sitting next to a toxic relative, don't get into any heavy discussions. Keep it light; discuss the weather, vacations, or how much you enjoy the meal prepared here tonight.

9. Make an effort to avoid sitting next to difficult people when possible. Contact your host several days in advance and request where you would prefer to be seated.

10. Prepare mentally and physically for this dinner. Make sure you have a good night's sleep, don't drink too much before or during the dinner. Plan your schedule well, so you do not feel rushed or overwhelmed. Make sure the kids are not hungry and had a nap before leaving your home. Do some deep breathing exercises or listen to some relaxing music before you enter their home. When your body and mind feel more relaxed and prepared, you will also feel more confidant, more tolerant, more able to deflect unpleasant conversations leading to a more successful dinner for all.

Happy holidays,

Have a great week.

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5 Top Tips for Your Easter Celebration

5 Top Tips for Your Easter Celebration
By Mark Mazzola

Easter is a fun celebration for people of all ages. It provides you with an opportunity to relax, unwind and spend some quality time with family and friends. Here are five top tips to ensure that you celebrate Easter in style.

1. Plan An Easter Egg Hunt

Easter eggs are one of the most widely recognized Easter symbols, and by organizing an Easter egg hunt, you can have fun and incorporate these colorful eggs into your celebrations. To plan an Easter egg hunt, grab some multi-colored chocolate eggs and then hide them at various locations around the house. Then draw up some maps, write up some relevant clues and give them to the kids on Easter Sunday.

2. Get A Bounce House

A bounce house is another great way to keep everyone entertained during your Easter celebrations. You can get bounce houses that are just for kids, or if you prefer, you can get one that's suitable for all ages. There are lots of different types of bounce house to choose from including castles, slides, bounce house and slide combos and bouncy games. Two popular bouncy games are Dual Lane Bungee Run (where two people race and get as far as they can before being pulled back by the bungee harness) and the Two Person Joust (where two people joust on top of inflatable pedestals using inflatable joust poles).

3. Do Some Easter Crafts

Easter crafts bring everyone together and get their creative juices flowing. There are a wide variety of Easter crafts you can choose from, but one of the easiest and most popular is decorative Easter eggs. To add decorative Easter eggs to your celebrations, hard boil some eggs and then grab a crafts set which contains stickers, paint and markers. Then give each person an egg, open up the crafts set, and see who can come up with the brightest and most eye catching Easter egg design.

4. Take Your Easter Celebrations Outside

If you have access to a large yard or outdoor space and you know the weather is going to be fine over Easter, taking the celebrations outside is an excellent idea. It allows everyone to take in the fresh air and sunshine and is much more spacious than limiting the celebrations to inside. When taking your Easter celebrations outdoors, you should consider renting tents, tables and chairs to ensure that all your guests are comfortable for the day.

5. Go For Simple Food

Easter is a traditionally active celebration with lots of things going on throughout the day. This leaves little time for a big sit down meal. Therefore, to keep the day fun and allow everyone to enjoy the bounce house, crafts and other activities whenever they please, stick to simple foods. Burgers, cold meats, hot dogs, muffins and sandwiches are all great ideas that people can munch on throughout the day without breaking up the action.

Summary

By following these five tips, you can ensure that you have an Easter celebration that everyone enjoys and remembers. If you want to rent a bounce house, tents, tables or chairs for your Easter celebrations, make sure you check out party rentals. Here you'll find a huge range of bounce houses, different size tents, various table and chair packages and lots of other entertainment ideas that can enhance your Easter celebrations.

If you are looking for party rentals Vernon hills IL, then check out Bella's Bouncies at their website.

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Make Your Graduation Party One To Remember

Make Your Graduation Party One To Remember
By Al Graber

Graduation day is one of those special days in your life that's going to stay with you forever. If you want to make sure this event is going to be loved and appreciated by everyone, you just have to put all of your energy into planning it. All your friends and family will be there, cheering, laughing and having a great time, so you just have to do your best to keep them entertained. If you're part of the committee that's tasked with planning this event, then what can you do to make sure everyone is going to remember this day?

Get a party tent

If the Graduation Party is going to be held outside, then it's only natural to install some tents so that if the rain starts no one will have to worry about their hairstyle being ruined. Better yet, you can set a few tables on which you can bring food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. If you "season" the place with a few chairs, then no matter if it's raining or if the sun is burning up in the sky, people will have a great time. Just so you know though, if it's too hot, getting some fans inside will make things cooler in a jiffy!

Have fun with some dry slides

Let's face it. You don't come to a graduation party wearing a bow tie and expecting to hear a boring speech and then go home. You're there to have a very good time and there's no better way to do that than by sliding down an enormous dry slide! And you know what? You don't even have to take turns since you can just distract your friends with some drinks and you'll have it all for yourself. However, don't get too crazy and start rolling watermelons on it since some people will be angry for not being able to enjoy that delicious watermelon punch later!

Go for a photo booth

It's graduation day and you definitely want to take as many pictures as possible since this is a unique day in your life that's going to stick with you for many, many years. Therefore, stop wasting time and get in line for the photo booth right away. Bring your best friend or maybe ask a girl in your class that you had a crush on to take a picture or two with you and see what she says. It's now or never mate, so just bite the bullet and do it!

After you take as many pictures as you want, you can put them in your photo album and exchange them with those others have taken and see which ones are the best. You could very well award a special price to any of you (boys or girls) who manage to take a picture with your crush while attempting to kiss him/her cheek right before the picture is taken. His/her reaction would certainly be priceless!

Participating at your Graduation Party is a very special occasion and that is why everyone has to work together to make sure it's going to be perfect. With these fun ways of celebrating, everyone will remember it many years after as one of those memories that feel like they've been piped in from a beautiful dream!

If you are looking for party rental ideas for your graduation party, then check out A Bounceable Time at http://www.abounceabletime.com/.

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How To Spice Up Your Memorial Day Celebration

How To Spice Up Your Memorial Day Celebration
By Pete Berber

Water Slides

Everybody loves water slides but kids probably love them more. Sliding down the slide in the warm sun is something that most kids can look forward to on Memorial Day. They get to scream in delight and experience a small rush of adrenaline in their little bodies. The kids get to play with water and they can splash it around. Water slides are a really good way to help people relax and make the atmosphere more playful and friendly. The larger the water slide the better, though it is always important to have an adult supervising the kids as they play.

Combo Units

Inflatables are a huge source of fun. But the fun only lasts if the kids playing with the inflatables do not get bored. Combo units are really good for kids since they provide the kids with a choice and they can decide which game they want to play. There are many different types of combos in terms of designs and shapes. The combos also have magnificent paintings depicting cartoon characters that your kids will instantly recognize. The kids get to choose which games they want to play and this freedom makes the games even more interesting since they can switch to another game very quickly.

Face painting and Body Art

Kids love face painting and they really enjoy it. The face paintings may be of flags or of jungle markings such as the ones used by soldiers in the forests. These paintings will fascinate the kids a lot. Since they want to emulate their war heroes they will most certainly embrace the paintings with enthusiasm. This is a really good way of carrying out your Memorial Day celebrations. The American flag painted on their cheeks will fill them with pride and those small kids who know what patriotism really means may even start blushing. This is a good way to help them remember the fallen and instill a sense of pride and dedication to their country.

Interactive Games

There are interactive games that both adults and children alike will get to enjoy. One of the most popular games is the dunk tank. Kids will try and wet their parents and older relatives or family friends in the water. This game is always followed by cheers and screams and it will surely draw a crowd.

Tents, Tables and Chairs

For you to really enjoy the Memorial Day Celebration, holding the party outside would be a great idea. The tent would help ensure that the guests do not have to experience the extreme weather. There are also portable chairs and tables which can easily be carried from one place to another. Outside kids have more space to play and move around without the risk of them destroying something valuable and everybody gets to enjoy themselves.

If you are looking for water slides Bedford TX, then check out All American Inflatables at http://allamericaninflatables.com.

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Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Town Festival

Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Town Festival
By Susan Lorimer

When you're planning a large event such as a town festival or company picnic and it needs to be an exciting, fun, and entertaining experience for guests and visitors of all ages, then you should take advantage of a professional party rental company. Party rental companies have everything you'll need to host a spectacular event as large as a town festival with ease. This includes Inflatable play structures such as moonwalks and bounce houses, mechanical rides, water slides, carnival games, entertainers, concessions, full catering, outdoor movies, and even pony rides and petting zoos! You'll be surprised at all the high-quality items that are available. All of their rentals are safe for kids too.

The event planning staff can help you develop a theme, plan entertainment, set up concessions or catering, put together different types of rides and games that create an exciting atmosphere and are rarely seen at other town festivals.

Moonwalks and More

For high quality entertainment for kids, you can rent water slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses or combinations. These Inflatables provide hours of safe entertainment as they keep the kids active. Adults are amused as well, as they watch the kids slide down the water slides that end in a big splash and bounce around inside the structures.

Inflatable bounce houses include themes such as the popular five-in-one Inflatable Bear Combo and the Jump-and-Splash combination house that includes both a wet slide and bounce house. Inflatable obstacle courses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and themes that will have the kids playing and having active fun for hours!

Entertainers

To add to the festival atmosphere, entertainers are available as well. They offer temporary tattoos, balloon artists, caricature artists, clowns, magicians, story tellers, and more.

Mechanical rides

For the more adventurous visitors, full-sized mechanical bulls are available that test the skill of cowboys and cowgirls alike. There's also a mechanical pig, bumper cars and inflatable track, segways, trackless trains for the kids, and a crazy bungee trampoline that'll have your visitors gasping for breath as they soar through the air!

The Double Bungee Trampoline

This is an extreme sport jumping ride that propels thrill seekers up to 24 feet into the air as they bounce off the trampoline! This ride is extremely popular and will have visitors at your town festival lining up for more!

Catering

Professional party rental companies also provide full scale catering and provide everything from buffet dinners to burgers, polish sausage, baby back ribs, steaks, bratwurst, roast beef, an assortment of summer side dishes, and everything in between!

Concessions

Snacks are essential at any town festival; the kids and adults love these tasty treats!

Cotton Candy Machine

Kids adore this fluffy and colorful treat and enjoy watching it as it spins onto a stick. They also enjoy eating it too!

Popcorn Machine

The movie-theater style popcorn machines flood the air with popping sounds and the familiar smell of buttery, fresh popcorn.

Snow Cone Machine

Theses colorful delights are a big hit with the crowds, and they are perfect for cooling off in the heat.

Additional Items

All parties need party rental companies that carry party tents, chairs, tables, and more. You will also find generators for power where you need it, oversized ice chests, fans, stages, and more.

If you are looking for company picnic Indianapolis IN, then check out Big Bounce Fun House at http://bigbouncefunhouserentals.com.

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Tips to Hosting the Ultimate Celebration Event

Tips to Hosting the Ultimate Celebration Event
By Kevin Headley I

If you're hosting a celebration such as a kid's birthday party, company picnic, or holiday event and you want to make it a fun, exciting, and entertaining experience for kids of all ages, then you should check out the large selection of party rentals that are available in your area.

Party rental companies have everything from inflatable moonwalks, waterslides, and obstacle courses to extra chairs, tables, generators and more. They also make planning and setting up your event hassle free because they deliver, set up, and then break down and carry away the party rentals of your choice. Following is a short list of some of the items that party rental companies have available.

Inflatable Moonwalks, Bounce Houses, and Combinations:

Moonwalks and bounce houses come in a variety of themes that include the Sport Bounce, Deluxe Sport Bounce House, and the Multicolored Castle Moonwalk. Kids love these party rentals and their eyes light up whenever they see one.

Available Water Slides and Dry Slides:

Lil Pirate's Ship:

All the young pirates will enjoy bouncing and sliding down the slide to gain entrance into the pirate ship complete with cannons and lookout tower.

Title Wave:

The Title Wave is a large, double drop wet slide that ends with a big splash. Kids line up time after time to have another run down this 18-foot monster of a slide.

The Volcano:

This Water Slide includes a steep 15-foot drop and slides into a large pool of cool water.

Tahiti Island:

This is a double-lane water slide that includes a small bouncy area and indoor stairs that climb to the top of the slides. A large pool at the bottom allows kids to splash and play in the water rather than slide if they prefer and is great for toddlers to the age of 10.

Double Lane Surf-n-Slide:

The double lane lets kids glide side by side down this double lane slip-n-slide; provides hours of entertaining fun and keeps everyone cool in the warm sun.

The Ocean Combo Dry Slide:

This inflatable includes a bounce house and slide combo with an ocean wave theme and will keep kids busy climbing, bouncing, and sliding all day!

Inflatable Obstacle Course:

This massive 50-foot obstacle course adds tons of fun and quality entertainment at any event and will have the kids running and bouncing throughout the house and sliding down the slide until they have spent nearly all their energy.

Clubhouse 5 in 1 Combo:

This popular party rental has it all! This combo bounce house includes an obstacle course, a basketball hoop, a bouncy area, a ladder to climb, and a slide! Kids have their choice of activity, and will stay active and entertained for hours!

Glitter Tattoos and More:

For additional entertainment and fun, you can schedule a temporary tattoo artist. Kids can choose from a large selection of glitter colors and stencils. Tattoos are waterproof and last for several days, although they can be removed at any time using rubbing alcohol and a washcloth.

Concessions:

No party is complete without concession style snacks! You can rent snow cone and cotton candy machines to add color and flavor to any party event and the kids will eat it up! In addition, party rental supply companies carry generators for additional power, extra tables and chairs, tent covers, and more.

So when hosting your next event, get yourself some help and join in on the fun.

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Great Ideas to Celebrate Memorial Day

Great Ideas to Celebrate Memorial Day
By Mo Lotfy I

Memorial Day is a significant day to say the least. It is a day when all the fallen servicemen are remembered for their ultimate sacrifice. It is because of this sacrifice that we can enjoy all manner of freedoms and lead happy lives with our children. In this light, when this day comes around, it is worth celebrating every moment. In addition to paying tribute in your locality with a march or procession, there is need to have a party! This is the best time to introduce your kids to this day so that they can cherish it. Here are great ideas on how to celebrate Memorial Day in style.

Go for a military themed slide combo inflatable bounce house

Inflatable bounce houses will not just bring maximum fun, they will remind the party why the day is important. It is a way to spark discussion with kids and to inform them what the military is and why they are important. As they have fun, it is wise to remind them of the sacrifices that have been made to enjoy modern freedoms in this country. Therefore, parents can kill two birds with a single throw by adding fun in the party for their kids and talking about the glory of this special day.

Utilize jumpers

Another great way to add spice to your party for your kids is to hire jumpers. The good thing is that you can also get military themed jumpers to commemorate the special day. Jumpers provide loads of fun for adults as well as kids. Jumpers add a centerpiece to your space so that your friends can admire the kids as they sip their drinks. On the other hand, kids can fully express themselves by jumping away. The good news is that these jumpers are readily available to your delight. Adding a military theme will keep the focus on the reason for the party.

Hire a comic character

Imagine the red tickle monster or a fairy princess entertaining your party. This is possible and the best thing is that they can entertain your party carrying the theme of the day, Memorial Day. This way kids will enjoy fun games and learn something they will not forget on this special day. Do not worry about where to get these characters because they are available for hire. Other characters to find are sponge boy, iron guy, happy clown, beautiful mermaid, the list goes on. The exciting thing is that you can hire these characters at the same place you rent your themed inflatables and jumpers.

Get thoughtful happy games

To bring your Memorial Day party to life, get some fun games. Good ideas are boxing gloves, bubble machines, bean bag toss, parachute, spin art; to mention but a few. All the games above can be mixed with the theme and have all the participants learn a vital lesson about why this day is worth celebrating. In essence, you need to be creative and not lose focus in this regard.

There are many other ideas that will help you throw a wonderful party that incorporates kids on this day. The most important thing is to appreciate the fallen heroes because their sacrifice was not in vain.

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Keeping Kids Busy in the Holidays Without Summer Camps

Keeping Kids Busy in the Holidays Without Summer Camps
By S A Sudha

It's that time of the year again when mothers of all varieties-stay-at-home, working-from-home, working part-time or full time-anxiously look for ways to keep their children engaged during the long hot summer vacation. And there are a whole lot of options available nowadays with summer camps catering to every creative activity ranging from art and craft, reading and writing and science and math projects to sports and swimming camps. In fact, a friend complained that there was so much choice that she and her daughter were finding it difficult to choose! However, I believe, that it's better to have too many options than none at all which was the case when my son was growing up in tier II towns of north Karnataka. Though I heartily cursed the lack of opportunities at the time, it all worked out for the best as this spurred me to think of ways to keep my son engaged and indoors during the hottest part of the day-some parts of Karnataka experience temperatures of 44-48 degrees in May.

Here is a list of the things I tried:

Reading: Introducing my son to books formed a big part of keeping him engaged. We generally visited Bangalore during the Dasara vacation and the visit compulsorily included a trip to Mecca Stores and The Select Book Shop to pick up books. I generally bought several story books by a number of authors (Roald Dahl, Hardy Boys, Enid Blyton, Richmal Crompton), abridged versions of some classics, the horrible series (Horrible Histories, Horrible Science etc) and a single volume of Tell Me Why/What/When/How-more than one was unwelcome as then holidays would 'seem like school'. As he grew older, I tried including a couple of history books and one on study skills, both of which proved extremely unpopular!

Writing: Simple writing tasks based on what the child has read can be a lot of fun, especially if done with a peer. This can be difficult as children are never willing to write at the best of times. I varied this by coaxing my son to write to his grand-parents in Bangalore-the experience included a trip to the post office to buy stamps and drop the letter in the post box as well as an explanation of how his letter reached his granddad in Bangalore. They really appreciated his missives and replied by return of post! If you try this, request your parents/in-laws to address the letter to the child-children feel very excited and thrilled to see a letter addressed to them in the letter box, so much so that my son eagerly awaited the postman when he knew a letter was due.

Quizzing: Conduct a short quiz on a book the child has read recently-this means that you will have to read the book too! Better yet, seize the opportunity to bond with your child by reading it together. As the child grows older, ask them to set a quiz for you-this is generally a great hit as children love the opportunity to turn the tables on us and come up with difficult questions to catch us out.

Dictionary skills: If the child takes to reading, there will be scores of new words that they come across. Introduce the concept of looking up words in the dictionary-you will meet with some resistance here as the easiest way out is to ask an adult. Make a pact with your child-tell them that they should look up three new words daily and you would help them with the rest.

Building: I bought a DIY craft book, which explained how to build paper models of cars and planes, dreaming of spending hot afternoons creating the beautiful models shown in the book. This was not much of a success because neither of us had nimble fingers and the whole thing was more complicated than it looked. But we did have a lot of fun comparing what we had made with a picture of the real thing in the book! However, the Mechanix set was a big hit and my son spent many a pleasant afternoon building cars, bikes and planes and displaying them in our showcase. His goal was to have a different model on display every evening by the time his dad returned from work.

Movies: Watch your old favourites with your child-watching an old favourite through your child's eyes may give you a fresh perspective and even help you discover that you share the same tastes. My son and I watched The Sound of Music, Golmaal (the old one with Utpal Dutt and Amol Palekar), Parichay (the Bollywood version of Sound of Music), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (the V Santaram movie on rehabilitating criminals), and Angoor (based on The Comedy of Errors) during his grade six holidays. We also watched For a Few Dollars More, Party, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Home Alone and many more over the years. I even introduced my son to the Doordarshan comedy show, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, which he enjoyed, much to my surprise!

Picnics: Arrange picnics to places of interest in the vicinity with other families with young children. Planning, shopping and preparing for the trip can be great fun besides being a learning experience, and creates several fond memories. Look for places to visit within your town-may be a museum or a park or any other place that your child is interested in.

You could also try cooking simple recipes with your child and help them learn some basic cooking skills. You could introduce them to the joy of gardening-planting, watering and tending a plant and waiting for it to flower and bear fruit can be magical for young children-but take care to choose something that is easy to grow and has a short growing season. If your child likes drawing, colouring and painting, stock up on art materials and help them explore their capabilities for self-expression in their chosen medium. Also, organize board games with the neighbourhood kids-this will enable the child to mingle with peers, and give you a break!

Summer camps introduce kids to a whole range of activities and help them discover their interests and abilities and are now a given for most children living in urban/metropolitan areas. But if you lack access to such camps, talk to your child and come up with activities to keep them occupied during the holidays. Allow the child to choose what they want to do to keep them interested. And, most important, keep it relaxed and enjoyable... and you will create a memorable vacation that your child is bound to remember with pleasure in the years to come!

S A Sudha is a content writer/editor and helps create marketing collateral for clients from different verticals. Sharing her varied and, at times, volatile parenting experiences, and reading about the parenting adventures of other parents has helped her to look at issues from a different perspective, and gain valuable insights on how to connect with teens. While not arguing with her teen, she loves to read, listen to music and watch Hindi movies. http://www.parentedge.in

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Graduation Party Tips and Ideas

Graduation Party Tips and Ideas
By Bruno Moreno

Graduating from school is a big deal, no matter what type of school or grade level. People can have a graduation party for a child going from kindergarten to first grade, a high school student or even an adult who has just completed college. Organizing such an event can be as simple as calling friends and family and having a simple dinner to ordering the local caterer and musicians and having a grand party. Whatever type of celebration you desire, here are some amazing graduation party ideas.

Theme

A good theme helps bring consistency to the whole event. Make sure you go for a theme that not only matches the occasion but is also a hit with the youngsters. A 'twilight theme' could be one great idea since young people can dress up like vampires and still look gorgeous. For the high school graduation party, you can choose a good high school theme or an Archie comic theme. You can also try sports themes; they are very popular with college and high school students.

Guest list

When planning a party, it's very important that you pay close attention to your guest list. For younger kids, choosing your guests is not a difficult task but for adults this may be quite challenging. The best way to make sure you invite the right people is to ask the guest of honor to decide who he/she wishes to invite to the party. To make this easier, ask a few close friends for assistance. As soon as this list is finalized, the next step is to send the invitations.

Invitations

Make your invitations as exciting as possible. This is because they will be the very first glimpse of your event. Take your time and make some creative and unique invitation cards for your friends and relatives. For example, you can make your invites appear like a rolled graduation diploma with similar font. In the invitations, mention your theme, date, dress code, venue and other necessary details.

Decorations

Your decorations must scream 'SUCCESS'. You can make huge photocopies of your own graduation diploma and then hang it on walls. Balloons and confetti are a must at your graduation party. Another great thing you can try is creating a collage of all your special photos from your school years depicting all the special achievements

Fun activities

Make sure you come up with some engaging and fun activities for your guests. You can hire professional performers to entertain your friends such as dancers, singers, jugglers, magicians and belly-dancers. Apart from this, entertainment rentals can really make your graduation party very special. Wow your guests with classic arcade/pinball machines, jukebox, a photo booth, a caricaturist and carnival games.

Food and drinks

Delicious and healthy food is important for any great party. Arrange for several different dishes that all your guests will enjoy. Make sure the food is filling and also easy to eat. For example, you can try cold cut sandwiches, baked veggies and grilled chicken. Also stock up with bottles of soft drinks, or even champagne if your guests are over 21 years old. Make sure the menu has something appealing to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

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Get More Than You Bargained For With a Gag Gift

Get More Than You Bargained For With a Gag Gift
By Rick Martis

When it comes to gift giving, it's great to be sincere and choose a gift that you know the recipient will love and treasure. But why not mix it up a little and give a gift that will induce side-splitting laughter? Depending on who the gift is for, you will likely find many options from funny t-shirts to hilariously named candles. Giving someone a gag gift can be the ideal way to spread some laughter and fun, and if it makes you laugh more than the recipient, then that's okay too.

The pressure of finding the ideal gift can be somewhat overwhelming for many shoppers. To lessen the pressure, why not choose to go with humor rather than spending hours and perhaps days trying to find the perfect gift. Humor is one of the best gifts you can share, and giving someone a giant pair of underwear may be just what the occasion calls for. You can bet that your gift will likely receive more attention than the blender someone else purchased. In many cases, the gift of laughter is something that will last a lot longer and give more joy than a set of bath towels.

Gag gifts have become so popular in recent years, that the industry has become even more profitable. Rather than hosting a traditional party where the same boring types of gifts are given, many people are now hosting gag gift parties. These parties often have a common theme and gifts are chosen to fit that theme. Perhaps someone is turning 50; the theme for that party would be over the hill. Gifts could range from novelty canes, funny t-shirts, prop glasses, fake teeth and so much more. Regardless of the theme you choose, you will more than likely be able to find a gift that will ensure laughter.

In some instances gag gifts tend to take on a life of their own, being passed along to family members and friends throughout the years. These are the gifts that have survived over the years and became a staple at any family event.

Anyone who receives these gifts understands that they are to keep it and re-gift it to someone at the next family gathering. This ritual often becomes a tradition and one of the most anticipated events at any family function.

So, if you're tired of spending countless hours searching for the perfect gift; why not give the gift of laughter instead.

It will likely be one of the most talked about and favorite gifts that person will receive. Depending on the occasion, you will likely find a gift that will make you laugh out loud in the store and again when you give it to the person it was intended for.

Rick Martis is the Founder and CEO of StinkyCandle.com Inc. and Yank King. Yank Me Candle is your premier source for the best gag gift candles. While our 100% high quality soy candles are designed for humor, they will also provide an enjoyable aroma once they are lit. You can't go wrong when you purchase Yank Me Candles. 50% off all proceeds go directly to animal shelters in need. To learn more about Yank Me Candle gags, visit Yank Me Candles.

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Father's Day Gifts for the Men in Your Life

Father's Day Gifts for the Men in Your Life
By Susie K. Adams

Dear Ole Dad. Father. Poppa. Pops. Whatever you call him, his special day is coming. Many of us no longer have an earthly father yet we do have men in our lives that we want to show love and appreciation.

It seems difficult for most of us to find gifts for the guys. I think our own tastes interfere as does our practical side as we shop. I am hoping this little note will spur your thinking as you celebrate the day with the fathers in your life. They may be your children who are now parents; uncles or cousins; or simply someone who has impressed you as a great father this year.

Make it simple this year; if it truly is the thought that counts, make it a meaningful gift.
Think of him before you buy anything.

1. Does he have a sweet tooth? You could make his favorite candy or (if like me, you'd best buy it) think about fun ways to wrap up a candy bar or cookies. For a more festive treat check out some freshly made delicacies at the local candy shop or online. Did you know about Rebel Rocky Road? Yum! Hesitate to say this but, you do need to make sure of dietary restrictions on edible gifts!
2. If you generally give a shirt or tie or socks, does he really need another? Wouldn't it be more fun to surprise him with something totally different? And, if you settle on shirt, etc., make sure it's one terrific find-just for him!
3. What little something does that man really, really need that they won't buy for themselves? Perhaps they don't know they need it! I recall grabbing a pair of brown corduroy house slippers off a rack because they were so, so cheap. My husband never wanted house slippers because he didn't think he needed them. But, as I said, these were so cheap! Needless to say, he wore them out and would now never be without a pair.
4. It has been said, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." There is some truth in that. If he has been doing his own cooking, he will appreciate a good casserole dish, dessert, or simply a plate of home-baked cookies or rolls.
5. An inexpensive gift could be as simple as a small book, newspaper subscription, a magazine about things they enjoy like gardening, racing, sports, etc.
6. The most important gift you can give is yourself. Spend time with those you love. Call on the phone with no agenda other than listening to his stories. Send a card a week for awhile with little personal remembrances of how he impacted your life.
Give hugs and smiles-everyday!

Are there men in your neighborhood or your church who have stood by their families in difficult times? Consider giving a few special gifts to those lonely guys who need to know someone still cares about their needs. It is a fact: it is more blessed to give than to receive. Happy giving!

Visit http://www.susiekinslowadams.com for more helpful articles. She is offering a free gift: 8 Basic Tips for Caregivers. Susie's book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD, shares her passion to help those who care for others.

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Mom, I Am Proud Of You! Mother's Day Special

Mom, I Am Proud Of You! Mother's Day Special
By Farhan Majid Chughtai

They say that the most thankless job in the world is parenting. Our parents are the ones who care for us, love us, clothe us, feed us, help us and are there for us in every single way imaginable. After her wedding, a girl will miss her father more than anyone because he is her protector. A guy can survive even if every person in the world is against him if he has his mother's love. It is a thankless job because in return they want nothing; expect nothing apart from love and respect.

On the parenting level, a father gets his due up to some extent as the children know he's paying for them but the mother truly remains thankless. She cooks, she cleans, she loves unconditionally but if her soap opera conflicts with a cricket match, she sacrifices. That is what defines a mother because she can never see her children in pain, not the slightest bit.

These days, in most middle class households, both parents are working and even though she is employed 9 to 5 in an office, a mother is always there for her children. A never ending cycle beginning with waking up with the sun, breakfast, work, parenting, house chores and sleeping at hours we cannot even imagine. We say our lives are hard with all our petty problems that feel like monstrosities, but they are nothing compared to what a working mother has to go through.

Having all said that let's take full advantage and cherish our time with our mothers whilst we can. A mother's job i.e the job of care-giving is very exhausting whether emotionally or physically. Mother's day comes every year but sadly there are children who fail or forget to even wish their mums on that day. You do not require to buy something expensive or do something grand to wish her. Mothers are mothers afterall, one can melt their sensitive hearts with just a few words. Only wishing her by mere words and telling her how much you love her is what her ears crave for. Respecting her and giving her regard for all she's done and will do in the future will surely make her feel very special. However if you do wish to give her a present every now and then that will be cherry on the cake and that's how in my view it is supposed to be.

As humans, we have the power to empathize, to understand. So, once in a while watch her soap opera and watch the match replay, cut her vegetables for her, clean up for her, do the dishes, sacrifice for her. For once don't say "You don't understand me," say "I get you, mama." At the end of the day tuck her in, kiss her on the forehead and say "I'm proud of you, Mom." Don't wait for Mother's Day once a year as every day can be Mother's Day because for a mother; every day is Children's Day. "Mom, I'm proud of You."

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Celebrate Independence Day

Celebrate Independence Day
By Manny Kaloti

Independence Day is rapidly approaching. You can host a super celebration with inflatables, games, concessions, and equipment available.

Bounce Castles

Kids love jumping up and down in bounce castles. They get a sense of freedom that they are not used to and they will make sure they enjoy it completely. This is a really good way to celebrate Independence Day with your kids. More than one kid can use the bounce castle at a time so it is very rare for you to find kids arguing over who is supposed to be getting a turn in the castle. This will result in peaceful celebrations as you remember fallen heroes and appreciate what they did for the country.

Water Slides

Slides are a lot of fun. Water slides especially will get the kids really excited. Summer is now here and the weather will most likely be warm on that day. If you are able to rent a water slide so that your kids can enjoy themselves during the day then you will have done them a really good favor. They will slide down the slide almost all day and parents can be around cheering their kids and playing with them. Minimal child supervision will be needed since the health risks posed are very minimal.

Generators

If you are planning to celebrate Independence Day in the back yard or in the park, then you will almost certainly need to have a generator to power the inflatables that you will be using. Renting a generator is much better than buying one since you are going to need it for just the day. It will help power the rentals that you will love and you can also use it if you have a sound system. This will help things move smoothly instead of getting to the venue and starting to look for places where you can get power.

Combos

Kids get bored more quickly than adults and this is something you should take into consideration. When planning the celebration it is important that you know what types of kids are going to be present. If they are hyper-active and love playing a lot you should seriously consider getting them combos. The combos combine various games and this means that the kids will be able to play different types of games and they will not easily get bored. The kids will get to try out new games and will immerse themselves in what they are doing. This will give you more time to enjoy the party.

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Plan the Perfect Independence Day Celebration

Plan the Perfect Independence Day Celebration
By Al Graber

To some, party planning seems like a huge challenge that only experienced party planners know how to do. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Planning the perfect Fourth of July party should be a stress free experience that allows you to celebrate Independence Day without the worry. By planning ahead and covering your bases, you'll be able to gather with your family and friends and have a great summertime celebration in no time.

Plan Ahead

The first step to any party is to make a plan. Start thinking about who you're going to invite and what you're going to serve. Nothing says Fourth of July better than being outdoors and enjoying the summer time with fresh food and cold drinks. Once you've settled on a guest list, it's time to start thinking about the amount of food and how it is going to be served. Having a small variety allows you to cut down on costs and making food ahead of time can really free up a lot of time during your celebration.

The next thing to think about is cooking food the day of the party and providing seating or eating areas for your guests. Luckily, A party rentals has party supplies like cooking and concession equipment as well as tables and chairs for rent. You can get these items for a fraction of the price of purchasing them and you will be assured that you have plenty of space on the grill or at tables for everyone to enjoy themselves.

The last thing that people always look forward to is the entertainment. Music, fireworks, and the outdoors are all great focal points for any Fourth of July party. Inflatables provide a great inexpensive entertainment option for children that will allow their parents to enjoy themselves and relax with their friends. Party rentals have multitude of bounce houses, water slides, and combo units available. Music and fireworks are always welcome at any party, but just be sure you're being safe.

Set Up

Whether you're having an intimate gathering of close friends or a neighborhood block party, set up is the most essential step. If you've rented tables and chairs or other equipment, be sure to have it all arranged before the guests arrive. This way, once the party gets started, you're able to celebrate Independence Day without the worry of trying to scramble for things at the last minute.

Having prepared foods and food that needs to be cooked, organized, and ready to go is another essential part of any party. Be sure to put your beverages on ice and have everything set to go once everyone starts to arrive.

Have Fun!

The best part of every holiday is spending time with friends and family. Be sure to enjoy your party and relax knowing that you've thought ahead and planned a great party that everyone will enjoy. Whether the kids are bouncing in a rented inflatable or the adults are enjoying beverages by the grill, you can be certain it will be an Independence Day everyone will remember.

If you are looking for party rentals for independence day celebration, then check out A Bounceable Time at http://www.abounceabletime.com/.

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How Do You Plan to Enjoy the Holidays?

How Do You Plan to Enjoy the Holidays?
By Susan Leigh

The Summer months are a busy time for holidays, especially for those people with children. Some people are fortunate enough to be able to go away for the whole of the Summer period. Those with children may find it convenient to decamp to a holiday resort where there are plenty of other children and activities arranged to keep them amused.

Other people may prefer to enjoy the Summer months, longer daylight hours and better weather by taking time off work to go for day trips to the countryside, beach or to go out sight-seeing.

Let's look at some ways you can plan to enjoy the holidays:

- Plan ahead. Share dates with people in the same position as yourself, making arrangements in plenty of time so that everyone's available to hook up. That way both children and adults can have fun and good times enjoying each other's company.

- By organising things in a group you can share the driving, expense of petrol and the hassle of catering, as well as the responsibility of amusing and supervising children as they play. Alternatively, as a parent, it may be worth volunteering to look after several children at once for a play date; that way you'll get plenty of reciprocal free time.

- Use what's free. Parks, museums, beaches don't charge for admittance. Also look out for the many venues that provide special offers at holidays for entrance fees or meal deals. Organising a treasure hunt, nature watch, craft activities, ball games can occupy many a happy afternoon for minimal or no expense.

- Have a plan B. Yes, arrange a barbecue or a picnic, but what if bad weather ruins those plans? Children love an indoor picnic; a tablecloth on the lounge floor can seem quite exciting to them. Adults are often surprised at how much fun they can have playing board games or charades. And these unexpected, impromptu occasions are often remembered months later with affection.

- Do things as a family. Make the effort to plan time for outings with your partner and/or children. A bike ride, day at the beach, walk in the park or time spent planning a mini-project in the garden are inexpensive ways of enjoying each others company. It's good to take time to de-stress and spend time together sharing happy moments and building stronger relationships.

- Holiday times spent on one's own can be enjoyable, especially if planned well. If you're dreading spending Summer by yourself try to plan some lovely treats and activities, so turning a potentially difficult time into something relaxing and pleasant. Plan your viewing, schedule your favourite meals, freshen up your home with clean sheets and vases of flowers. Organize things that make you feel good. Be proactive and occasionally invite friends or neighbours round for a coffee or light lunch. Join a walking group or social club where you have the opportunity to mix with people who have similar interests to yourself.

- Don't forget to leave some time free for being spontaneous. Not every moment has to be choreographed. Enjoy time spent pottering in the garden, reading, watching a film or simply relaxing and doing nothing. And then if an unexpected opportunity arises or you suddenly feel the urge to get up and go somewhere, call on someone or visit a place you're in a position where you're able to do so.

Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples experiencing relationship difficulties to improve communications and understanding and with business clients to support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams.

For more articles, information or to make contact please visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

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America's Celebration of Independence: What You Need to Know

America's Celebration of Independence: What You Need to Know
By Robert D Clay

How are you celebrating Independence Day this year?

If you're like most Americans, you're probably looking forward to firing up the grill, watching fireworks, and generally having a good time with family and friends. And let's not forget the Independence Day parades.

All those things are great-we all look forward to having some downtime at the end of a crazy workweek. Not to spoil the fun, but beyond the fireworks and the merriment is the true reason why we celebrate Independence Day. It's not because of the food on the table or the sound of laughter everywhere (although these are great too.)

What's the big deal with Independence Day, anyway?

Every Fourth of July, Americans commemorate the liberation of the United States from Great Britain. Imagine what Americans from the late 1700s must have felt after their emancipation. It's inexplicable in most ways, and thus, the event is worth commemorating year after year.

Think of Independence Day as America's birth as a free nation. After years of being under the British rule, the United States has finally broken free.

But America's Independence was not actually declared on the Fourth of July. The Second Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1772, but it was on July 4 of the same year when the current Congress president of the time, John Hancock, signed the Declaration of Independence.

It sounds confusing, and many Americans have followed the incorrect date for more than 200 years. However, tradition continues and we celebrate America's independence on the day we have always celebrated it.

Time to go out and have fun

Up to this day, the United States hold Independence Day as one of the most important events in history-to some, it's probably even more monumental than Christmas Day. And it's no wonder: Americans are among the most patriotic people in the world.

Want to see the evidence? Just go out on the streets on the 4th of July, and you'll surely see people brandishing their own brand of patriotism, from the United States flags in front of their houses to the red, white, and blue paint streaked on their faces.

Independence Day also happens to coincide with summer, so there are plenty of reasons for people to go out and have fun. And just like any other celebration, food will always be on the table. Grilled food, to be exact.

In fact, many take grilling seriously. So seriously that people buy all sorts of grilling accessories that makes barbecuing an art form.

As with any festivity, the Fourth of July is also a great time for gift giving. More specifically, it's a great time to give patriotic gifts-gifts that capture Americans' patriotic spirit.

It's not peculiar to send out gifts during Independence Day. In fact, the gesture will be very much appreciated. From holiday gift baskets and patriotic-themed clothing to aircraft models and gaming accessories, there's no limit to what you can give in commemoration of America's day of independence.

This Independence Day, send the gift that truly captures the American spirit. Wooden aircraft models are perfect for those who want to take home a piece of history with them.

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Using Free Printable Calendars To Plan Your Holiday

Using Free Printable Calendars To Plan Your Holiday
By Shalini Mittal

People go on holidays every year to different destinations across the world. Even though such holidays include lots of personally arranged activities to enjoy in a relaxing way, many travellers still miss out on events that would have added a spice to their holiday experiences. Every country has key holidays, festivals and events. They are celebrated with such pomp and honor that they create memorable experiences even for visitors rooted in a different cultural and patriotic background. It is actually these events that make a destination attractive as many people wish to take part or witness these events and share in the holidays.

Planning For the Perfect Holidays

For visitors travelling from other countries, it is unlikely that they would know the local festivals and events that attract the most crowds. The dates usually coincide with peak seasons. However, there are other equally interesting local festivals that showcase the cultures and the traditions of the place. They are low-key affairs and hence there is not much hue and cry about them.

Despite the lack of information, one can partake in the celebrations This is thanks to free calendar sites which will keep you in the know about the upcoming events in your holiday destination. The calendars can be within your locality or targeting different holiday destinations. When you know where you wish to enjoy your holidays from, you can get the year event calendar.

Free printable calendars have the upcoming events, national and international holidays marked against the date. They provide information on the best time to arrive and also the mode of arrival for a particular time of the year. For instance, during certain festivals and carnivals, especially those that attract large crowds the tube stations and public travel is closed and private road travel is the only available option.

Thus, you are in a position to plan your holiday so that you are right in time at your destination to enjoy the events you are most interested in. In case you wish not to travel during such times when everybody else will be headed for the same, you can book the best travel time based on your calendar.

The Benefits

Apart from making sure that you are aware of events, holidays and celebrations, free calendar sites also provide you with detailed information on international or national holidays and events. You will therefore know much about the celebrations and what they are all about even before heading to the destination. Familiarity of such historical information enables you to easily engage in discussions. The sites also offer tips on how to make sure that you enjoy the celebrations to the fullest.

The free printable calendars are easy to keep. You simply need to print and save then and refer to them when the need arises. They are free and with just one click you will be updated on the upcoming events and holidays in the different parts of the world. You can actually plan your next trip using the updates that you get from these free calendar sites. They offer a simple way of getting the most from your holiday trip regardless of where you are or wish to go to during the vacation.

Click Here to know more about Canada Stat Holidays.

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5 Ways to Celebrate National Aviation Day

5 Ways to Celebrate National Aviation Day
By Robert D Clay

It was in 1903 when the Wright Brothers completed their first successful flight. To this day, we look up to the feat as one of the most inspiring acts in history. And now that National Aviation Day is approaching, it is more appropriate than ever to look back and see how far we've gone in aviation.

On August 19, we celebrate National Aviation Day, an event that honors the Wright Brothers' contribution to society. Want to partake in the celebration? Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Do you want to see where it all began? A visit to the Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina will give you a good glimpse of aviation history. This is the location where the Wright Brothers launched their first controlled, powered aircraft. In 1932, a 60-foot granite monument was established on the site. This is what we now call the Wright Brothers National Memorial. From there, you will see markers representing the launching and landing points of Orville aircraft, as well as various exhibits and a number of museums within the area.

2. Check out aviation museums.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museums have the largest collection of aviation artifacts. Located in Virginia and Washington DC, the museums also hold educational activities and programs to the eight million visitors that go to the museums each year.

3. Go on an aerial scenic tour of your city.

See your city in a new perspective when you go an airplane or helicopter tour. With a bird's eye view of the buildings and other landmarks, you're bound to have a new appreciation for your city. The tour usually takes less than an hour (depending on where you're headed) and cost a couple hundred of dollars per person. If money is no object, and you'd like to go on a quick adventure, aerial scenic tours would be perfect.

4. Teach children about the history of aviation.

Children are familiar with modern aircraft-the one with gigantic wings and multi engines. But only a few of them know about the rugged wooden glider that was the Wright Flyer. Read to them books about airplanes and see their eyes light up with curiosity.

5. Build your own model plane.

As a kid, you probably have built paper planes. Relive the memories of your childhood by building your own model aircraft. But if you're not into scale modeling, you can check out the already built aircraft models. These collectibles are great to put on as displays, but most importantly, they represent the aircraft's history.

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Yes, It's Time: 5 Tips for Planning for the Holiday

Yes, It's Time: 5 Tips for Planning for the Holiday
By Karla Humphrey

Chances are, if you have been to any store recently you have seen Halloween, Thanksgiving, or maybe even Christmas decorations for sale. On top of that, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit faster than a Pumpkin Spice Latte, which Starbucks will be brewing starting on September 2nd! There is no doubt about it (and no denying it): the holiday season is upon us. To help you jump-start your holiday marketing plan, we've put together a list (and checked it twice, of course) of things you can do to be ready.

1. Learn from last year. Taking a look at what you did last year, and the results you saw, is a great way to start planning for this year. It allows you to see where you did really well, and where there is room for improvement. With that in mind, make a plan of action on how you will do more of what worked and take advantage of areas of opportunity.

One area ripe for testing and tweaking is the type of mailer that you send. Maybe you want to use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) one time and a targeted mailing list the next. Maybe you want to change up your usual postcard routine and send out a postcard, followed by a letter or booklet.

2. Plan the timing. When did your holiday season start last year? When did it peak? Were there any lulls? Plan your marketing strategy around those ebbs and flows. For example, if you had a lull between Halloween and Thanksgiving, send an extra mailer out around that time to entice your customers to come in. Coupons are always a great incentive!

3. Get started early. Many systems allow you to you plan your mailings up to 90 days in advance, so there's nothing stopping you from getting a head start. Especially around the holidays, when everyone is advertising, staying ahead of the curve is a huge advantage. Another great way to increase your holiday business is to participate in a Small Business Saturday (November 30th) initiative. Start looking into that now; check to see if there is a local merchant association that you could co-market with on a mail piece.

4. Make sure your mailing lists are up-to-date. If you have an in-house mailing list make sure it is up-to-date with correct names and addresses. If you purchase a mailing list, revisit your selection criteria to ensure that your list still matches your target audience.

5. Plan your execution - Once you have a strategy for how you will market, when, what, and to whom, create a calendar that maps out your plan.

With these 5 tips and a head start, marketing this holiday season doesn't have to be stressful.

Email Karla at khumphrey@click2mail.com to request a free Holiday Marketing Plan 2014 guide template and to get additional tips and tricks as the season progresses, subscribe to our monthly Click2Mail newsletter.

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3 Stunning Examples Of Beautiful Holiday Plants

3 Stunning Examples Of Beautiful Holiday Plants
By Joanne A Shaw

During the holiday season I am sure your garden is the last thing on your mind. However, there are a variety of plants available at this time of year to enhance your holiday decorating or to put on your gift giving list.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis Bulbs and kits can be found almost everywhere as soon as the pumpkins are out of the grocery stores and nurseries. They are one of the easiest bulbs to bring to bloom and the large showy flower is well worth it! They would make a great gift for beginning gardeners or for people with young children. Once the plants start to grow kids really love waking up each morning to see how tall they have gotten.

They come in a nice variety of vibrant colours and sold usually in convenient kits that include the pot, bulb and potting mix. Once planted, place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light. Water sparingly until stem appears then increase as bud and leaves appear. The blooms will last for several weeks.

You can also find Amaryllis as cut flowers around Christmas time in your local florist.

Christmas Cactus

In my opinion this a great plant for a keen gardener or plant person as its needs change throughout the year in order to enjoy blooms throughout December and January. Despite its name, the Christmas Cactus is not as popular as the Poinsettia but it still puts on a nice show this time of year as well as makes a nice gift especially because it can last for years. It is not a true cactus but is a succulent that stores water in its leaves. The plant needs medium light and soil should not dry out. Its flowering during the season has to do with day length and night time temperatures.

Here's a handy little guide:

- November to January: Flowering

- February to March: Resting, infrequent watering, 55 degrees

- April to May: Water well when plant dries out

- June to August: Place outdoors in a shady spot

- September to October: Plant prepares to flower, reduce daylight hours, keep drier and in a cool spot 55 degrees until buds form then you can gradually increase water and temperature

Norfolk Pine

While this evergreen is not really a pine, it is a nice Christmas tree shape plant that would make a great gift or accent in your home. Some things to keep in mind; these trees are NOT cold hardy and should be kept away from cold drafts. Also keep this in mind when shopping for one. Do not leave it in the car while you continue shopping. Since they are actually a tropical plant they also require humidity, especially in the winter months but this can be easily achieved by placing pot on a tray of pebbles or misting the plant with water. Norfolk Pines also require bright light and can even tolerate direct light. It grows slowly so buy the size accordingly. They would make a great gift for someone with a large sunny kitchen or even someone in a condo or apartment.

I know I have left off the ever popular Poinsettia from this list but I have written about it in the past.

I hope this article helps with your gift giving during the holiday season!

Joanne Shaw is the owner and operator of Down2Earth Landscape Design. A graduate of Ryerson University in Landscape Design, Joanne has over 15 years experience in designing gardens and more than a decade in landscape and related business, both for her own clientele and established local nurseries. Sign up here http://www.down2earth.ca/ to receive Joanne's free report "Seasonal Landscaping Tips" and as an added bonus you'll receive her monthly newsletter, "Down the Garden Path", providing useful tips and tricks for keeping your garden as low maintenance as possible.

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