Start Christmas Shopping Early and Take Advantage of End of Season Sales

Posted on by LeahG

Tips For Finding Perfect Christmas Gifts – Rescue the Reason of the Season

By Catherine Bee

How to choose a christmas giftChristmas should be a time of joy and fun… yet many of us get so stressed out during the season. Part of that stress is due to gift shopping… and trying to find the best suited gift for those on your list — year after year.

It’s enough for some of us to just stay home and get slogged on egg nog. And likely–some of us do!

Avoidance becomes the watchword, and Ornament Saleyet, it needn’t really be that difficult. Finding the perfect Christmas gift for your ‘people’ could turn into a fun project with rewards that last all year! This simple act is an important one to do well as it can spark rewards far greater than the gift we give.

Here are some tips to help you become “The” Cool Gift Giver of the Year!

Finding cool Xmas presents requires a gift that leaves others wishing they were your giftee. The key is to find something that excites interest in others and elicits that ‘wow’ factor.

Say what?!… you gasp! It’s hard enough to find something ‘normal’ let alone a Christmas present with extra pizzazz that will make others drool… ! Your mind wanders to the fruitcake and re-gifting process for comfort…

Whoa Rudolph! No need to go there. With just a little time and a little effort from your heart, you can become the Gift Giver of the Century. It just takes a few moments of engagement.

Just take a breath and take the first ‘problem gift’ on your list… and think a bit about what that person likes to do. We usually give up without much fight because we think we don’t know anything about them. You likely know them better than you think you do.

What do you chat about when you get together?

Do their eyes light up when a certain topic is mentioned? Do they have pictures or objects in their home… or if a work colleague… on their desk that give clues?

What have they talked about repeatedly with gusto?

  • Are they politically oriented?
  • Love to travel?
  • Do they have a dog, a cat or a gerbil… or something more exotic?
  • What do they read?
  • Do they listen to music, Visit art museums for fun?
  • How about hobbies?
  • Do they bowl or dance? Hike or mountain climb?
  • Do they paint, knit or collect rocks?
  • Do they love autos or collecting miniature objects?
  • Are they active or sedentary?

And the list goes on. You can think about what you DO know about the person on your list… and things will start to look brighter.

If they love to cook, there are any number of handy new gadgets every year that could make the whole process for them even more delightful. Even a unique or well-designed cookbook could be just the ticket. Or what about putting together a gift basket of some gourmet treats so they can enjoy them without cooking… and dream about re-creating the recipe themselves? Or include the recipe you’ve managed to find…

The car and motorcycle buff will always go for special items that help them clean and shine the ‘apples’ of their eyes. The traveler would surely enjoy a novel carry-on bag, a basket filled with sample travel items such as soap, shampoo, mini toothpaste and brush, hand wipes, money belts or re-usable bottles for instance. Light, easy to pack, healthy travel snacks to take along would also be welcome. Books on the destination of their dreams could also bring them a step closer to fulfilling their desire. Good maps of the region can always be counted on to be appreciated.

Don’t forget the gardeners. Think hand tools, gloves or kneepads and organic fertilizers and sprays for gardening. Good garden guides for the area of their passion, be it organic, hydroponics, vegetables, landscaping, roses or other areas, will hold their hand and guide them to success for a lifetime.

Magazine subscriptions on the theme or subject of their interest can be a big hit as well. Not many people think to do that. That arm-chair archeologist or at home do-it-yourselfer would delight in a magazine subscription that they might not have splurged on for themselves. But what a treat to receive the ‘luxury’ they denied themselves — from you! You’ll be remembered! The hobbyist will appreciate the newest trend gadget or needed supplies to enjoy the pastime of their heart’s desire.

And pet lovers… well… you hit the jackpot there! Special toys, foods, supplies or accessories for their pet will win their hearts in no time. Or consider a t-shirt, sweatshirt, furniture throw, mousepad, calendar, stationary, iPhone or eye-glass case – or similar- for the human counterpart with a photo of their favorite domestic heart throb or a pet-oriented theme. You’ll have a winner! And a custom, made-by-you touch to boot!

Take some pictures of their special furry friends and make a nice collage in a unique photo frame you can purchase inexpensively at bargain stores. Or go for broke with a custom made frame you can order online as well.

And think about lessons for the activity of their interest or even throw in a gift certificate in a gift basket made custom with some special items you choose. These always have a ‘thrill’ factor, don’t take a lot of time, but appear to. They show you gave some genuine thought to the task… and that could be the greatest gift of all to anyone.

After all, the old phrase… “it’s the thought that counts”… takes on true meaning. The concept of ‘I’m thinking of you’ in Christmas gifting shows love, respect or affection in honor of the gift of Christmas. The gift that such a gesture bestows to relationships colors them for the better, and mutual bonds grow as a result of taking a bit of time to care enough to find a gift that will delight your recipient.

Year after year those bonds strengthen, all due to that little bit of time given to actually come to ‘know’ a person better. Each year, your observations will be more rich, you’ll pay more attention to what makes another happy and it will be more like an adventure of discovery.

The result is a gift to both… and all those connected to both of you… that truly keeps on blessing. And our World needs more of such… and Love in every form. Our small contributions via a small but special thought from the heart – discerned from listening, observing and caring – can help make the world a truly better, happier place.

Improved relationships lighten our burdens, bring smiles and make the world a brighter place to be. And that is a gift that keeps paying forward.

Need more gift ideas for xmas! Find More Christmas present ideas to stoke your quest for the Perfect Xmas Gift–even those with ‘everything’ and the ‘impossible to buy for’! You’ll have your Christmas list wrapped up in no time – with xmas gifts that will be cherished.

Find the Perfect Gifts for Cat and Dog Lovers! Have Fun – and Make Their Hearts Sing Jingle Bells!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Catherine_Bee/38898
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Top 10 Ways to Save Money Buying Gifts

Posted on by LeahG

Ten Gift-Giving Tips While You Save

By Christiene Villanueva

Summer Fun GiftsWhen thoughtfulness meets practical sense, you have a sure-fire formula for sound gift-giving. No matter how good it feels to make someone else happy, the value of gift-giving should not be measured based on the amount fetched for it, but on the intent for which the gift is given – and the purpose it will serve the recipient. A gift worth a thousand dollars can spellbound for a while, but just like any spell, the magic will soon ebb away. In the final analysis, the gift that matters is one that touches a chord on someone’s heart, pastes a smile on the lips and lifts the spirit.

You have the power to make a difference in your gift-giving, in fact, it does not take much to make an impression. Below are tips gathered from various experiences, those that have succeeded to please – without putting so much dent on the wallet. For isn’t it, that most of life’s pleasures come free, they only become difficult to achieve when we put a price tag to it?

  1. Save on time.
    Choosing a gift should not be done in haste. “Haste makes waste” is a popular adage, and it applies on gift-giving, too. Before you set foot outside of the house, you should have a mental image of the gift you want to get for a specific person, otherwise the running around will tire you needlessly, and will rob you of the fun and excitement that go with gift-giving.

Shop Back to School on Zazzle

    PLAN AHEAD OF TIME. This is perennial as the sun that rises in the east. Nothing saves more time, effort and resources than planning.
    The internet hosts a wide array of online stores that will serve as your best stop, without leaving home. Make use of technology to deliver to you the gift that best describes your emotion, in your utmost convenience, and at a price you can afford.
  1. Keep a list.
    Maintain and regularly update your list of people – family, friends, relatives, close associates that you prefer to give gifts to. Keep a calendar of family events like birthdays and anniversaries, as well as milestones in other people’s lives, whose happiness you treasure. This will help you plan in advance the best gift for the occasion.
    Additional tips:
  • Choose an item that comes in a variety of colors or styles and give this to several people; buying in bulk can save you dollars.
  • For families, one item that they can collectively enjoy such as a board game, an appliance, or an exercise equipment will go a long way to making everyone happy.
  1. Find a substitute.
    When a particular gift you have in mind is not available or is costly, find a suitable but cheaper replacement or substitute. Exercise your imagination without loosening your grip on your purse strings.
    For a housewife, an occasional shopping spree, may sound just as costly as any kind of shopping. But a candlelit dinner for two may not only sound romantic, it can also put fun within the budget.
  1. Create a “fit”.
    The receiver and his gift. Gift-giving is all about the other fellow who receives the gift, what he likes. This is the charm of gift-giving: nobody is old enough to appreciate the gift, or young enough to take it for granted. Everyone just loves a gift! The trick is on how to make a “fit”.
    To effectively give a gift, be genuinely interested in the person for whom you wish to give a gift: what does he want, or need? Oftentimes, this information is communicated to us when we least expect to listen to it, or acknowledge it. Jot down any information or detail you can gather. This will serve its purpose later.
  1. Create a budget.
    Gift-giving need not be expensive if you know how to face up to the challenge of buying gift items, within your limits.
    To ease up the challenge, a list of gifts to buy can set up your focus, and an estimate of how far your budget can stretch. And stick to it!

  1. gifts for grads

    Shop regularly.

    Perennial gift-givers have a novel and practical approach to gift-giving. They refuse to be smitten by the “spur-of-the-moment” bug, instead they shop regularly, and in constant look-out for bargain items they can

 

    save up until the moment comes.
    This is the more subtle way of “gathering up” for bigger celebrations like Christmas and birthdays. Buying items this way does not impose a load on the budget, instead it sets up the discipline of saving for the long haul.
    • 8.

Set a gift-giving fund.

“A penny saved is a penny earned”, that is one of the many credos

we grew up with, and soon forgot. Setting aside an amount for gift-

giving, on regular basis, will guarantee that when an occasion

calls for it, we are ready. A small amount saved each month will

add up overtime. With a budget to work with, gift-giving becomes

a more pleasurable exercise.

9. The shortest way to anyone’s heart is still through the stomach.

Food.

    There is something comforting in a good meal. No wonder, people from all walks of life appreciate a home-cooked or personally prepared menu. Discover your loved one’s favorites and whip up a meal that suits his tastes. Few men can resist the temptation of good food served in a platter of feminine charm, laced with intelligently carried-out conversations.

10. It’s the thought that counts.

    When you are given a gift, show courtesy by sending back a “thank you” card. Oftentimes, the thought counts just as important as the gift itself.

Don’t be fooled by the notion that the gift encompasses everything

there is in gift-giving. The gift is only the physical manifestation;

what is more valuable is that which is unseen.

Happy gift-giving!

Christiene Villanueva

Birthday Gift Idea

Christiene Villanueva – http://www.celebrateahero.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Christiene_Villanueva/47082

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Personalized Gratitude Journal – thankful Gifts

Posted on by LeahG

Focusing daily on what you’re thankful for on that specific day no matter how trivial brings you back to NOW

These unique personalized gratitude journals make wonderful keepsake gifts for women, children and men not only so that you or the gift recipient can record your daily blessings but as a keepsake to remind you of all that you’re thankful for on those days when its a struggle to lift your spirits.

mindfulness gift Gratitude Journal personalizedAdd a name or a mindfulness expression to personalize these qulaity Gratitude Journal Keepsake Gifts.mindfulness gifts gratitude journal thankfulgratitude Journal personalized thankful mindfulness gifts

Why Keep A Gratitude Journal?

No matter how hard we strive to be mindful and practice mindfulness there will always be days when we are down, things haven’t gone as planned and it feels like the mountain we have to climb to reach normality is insurmountable. It is times like this that looking through your gratitude journal can help.

Seeing daily records of blessings reminds you that not every day has been like it is today. It is all too easy to forget when we’re sad what it was to be happy. It’s easy to fool ourselves into thinking every day has been bleak and miserable. And that’s just not true. Also there is something no matter how small to be thankful for every day.

Something as insignificant as appreciating how comfortable your slippers feel on your feet today. How bright the sun shines through your kitchen window warming your cheek.

Gratitude Journals From Amazon


How To Complete A Gratitude Journal

It is best not to be dogged down by adhering to rules when mindfully recording what you’re thankful for. One day you may feel like writing a page about a single event or feelings and other days you may write half a page of one-liners about several small things you’re grateful for. As long as each day no matter how you feel you take a few moments out to think about what small or large thing today was welcome, comforting, appreciated.

Gratitude Journals For Kids


More Unique Mindfulness Gifts for women, men and children

How To Throw the Superhero Party of the Year!

Posted on by LeahG

Superhero Parties are hugely popular not just among boys, girls love them too!

How to throw a superhero party for kidsPut on your Supermom Costume and fly down this page to learn how to throw the best superhero party on the block! Make sure your party has some super villains to mhttp://www.stupid.com/error.asp?error=102&catalogid=4018&prdinc=1ix up the party fun. Featured here are ideas for superhero party games, party food, decorations and costumes as well as links to personalized superhero party supplies! We’ve even got your favorite themed superhero party sets including Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Marvel Comic heroes, Avengers and more!

Quick Links for Speedy Superhero’s!

superhero party ideas superman wonderwoman batman

How To Throw a Kid’s Superhero Theme Party!



By Colleen A Butler

Superhero Party Theme Ideas

How to throw a superhero party for kids

  • There are very popular superheros and more obscure ones – you are spoiled for choice – (you can even invent a superhero of your own!)
  • The focus of the party can be to “right some wrong” or to train at the “Superhero Academy“.
  • When the children arrive they can be set a “mission”.
  • A fun way to play it is to have the child pick out there own superpower and have them tell you all about it, (you could even video tape it… kids do say some funny things and their imaginations are a wonder to behold).

Send out Superhero Invitations with a poem:

How to throw a superhero party for kids“Superman or Spiderman…

or are you a Captain America fan?

Batman, Robin or X-Man?

It’s a Superhero party – Come if you can!”

One fancy way to do the invites is to print the invite on acetate and tape that over a dollar store flashlight so that they can turn the light on and project the message on to the wall.

Have them RSVP to: ” Supermom / Superdad “

Superhero Party Decorations


DIY Superhero Party Decorations

  • Incorporate comics into your design, you can trace certain comic excerpts to poster board for vibrant decorations.

    FREE comic book printoutss for superhero parties
    Free Printout – For larger image and download click image
  • Cut the heads out of some old comics and substitute pictures of your child’s head (tape it to the back side of the comic and post it on the wall (easy to do with photo shop but can be done with scissors and tape.
  • Hang the action heroes that your child has from the ceiling.
  • Make a fake newspaper with a headline with your child as the hero, print it up ledger size (11×17) or bigger (blueprint size).
  • Break out the musical score from a superhero movie (like Superman).
  • Make bunting (a series of cut triangles attached to a string) out of brightly colored papers (that match the superhero of choice or out of comics that have been color photocopied on to office paper.
  • The decorations will be determined by the type of superhero party that you are having. Some kids can be very particular about their loyalty to certain superheros. We know a boy that loves Spiderman but doesn’t care for Superman. The most popular superheros would probably be Superman, Spiderman, and Batman.
  • For Superman try a phone booth (made with an appliance box)
  • For Spiderman a large web (made of ribbon/string/streamers). Make the radiating “spokes” of the web first and then weave the circular bits starting from the centre and wrapping around each spoke as you work your way to the edges.
  • Put signs up: “No villains/Doc Ocs/Green Goblins not allowed”.
  • Stick up signs with starburst shapes with “action words” on them: POW!, ZAP!, ZOWIE! BLAM!.
  • Buy Bat-related item at the post-Halloween discount sales.

Superhero Outfits


  • Ask your guests to come dressed in solid bright colours: red,yellow,orange,green,blue and violet.
  • After they arrive children can be “super-hero-ified” by adding “capes” (fashioned out of pieces of fabric/thin towels), and eye masks (can be made out of cardboard)
  • Cut out some foam symbols and stick/tape/pin it to their chests for a very effective superhero outfit.
  • Headbands and Belts can be made out of duct tape if you are crafty.
  • Get out the face paints and do face painting

Superhero Party Games and Activities


  • Pepper your speech with “Holy_________Batman!” (Holy Pinata Batman!… Holy Chocolate cake Batman! )
  • Play “Pass the Kryptonite”while playing the theme from Superman and whomever is holding the kryptonite is gone.
  • Have the children use plastic “sticky hands” to try to retrieve special items.
  • Give them silly string and watch them go wild (make sure you have your camera handy).

Give them tests to prove their superhero-worthiness:

  • Test their minds: Have How to throw a superhero party for kidsthem answer the Riddler’s questions, (maybe in order to recover some stolen item in a “treasure hunt” scenario). Do a memory test (show them a series of items and then secretly remove one and have them guess.)
  • Test their “brute strength”: Breaking things with their bare hands (styrofoam meat trays), breaking balloons with their bare hands (can be quite difficult).
  • Test their accuracy: Throwing frisbees, catching ping-pong balls, breaking balloons with a dart, throwing bean bags at a target.
  • Also try obstacle courses and relay races.
  • Interview the Superheros about their special abilities and videotape them (it’s even funnier to watch years later!)
  • One activity we’ve seen on the internet (via Steve Spangler) is to have the child stand in the centre of a wading pool filled with a bubble solution. You take a hula hoop that is submerged in the pool and pull the resulting bubble upward thereby encasing the child in a giant bubble and then snap a picture at the moment that the child is within the bubble walls… great fun!

Superhero Party Food


  • “Mr Freeze” punch (you can fill washed latex gloves with water and freeze for crazy wild ice hands to float in the punchbowl).
  • Jello is superhero brightly coloured and fun to eat… if you layer the bright jello colours one at a time it can look great (just make sure that the layer is fully set before you add the next layer). cut into squares or put them into clear glasses (plastic ones if the children are young).
  • Give them carrots and talk about vitamin A and laser vision (it is a fact that Vitamin A is good for your eyes!)
  • Cut out sandwiches in the shape of star bursts or diamonds or bats (depends on the superhero).
  • Try to get them to eat some spinach (tell them about it’s magical vitamin-rich powers!)

We have loads of birthday party supplies, birthday plans, and free printables! Not only for superhero parties but other themes too! Check us out at:

http://partyfunbox.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Colleen_A_Butler/1597883
http://EzineArticles.com/?Throw-a-Delightful-Kids-Superhero-Theme-Party!&id=7791384

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  • Batman Birthday T-shirt
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  • Justice League Birthday Birthday Card
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Glamping Party Ideas, Supplies and Invitations

Posted on by LeahG

Glamping is super popular for adults and teens alike – perfect sweet 16 Birthday Party Idea – here’s a how to guide to get that party started

Glamping Party ideas planning partyware

Glamping – How To Plan The Perfect Glamping Party / Weekend

From Invitations to Tents it’s all here for the perfect Glamp Out!! Page down for Glamping Ideas, Planning tips, What You Need Checklist, Party Invitations , Decorations and more.

Glamping How To – By Angel StJohn

Camping has reinvented itself and has become more appealing to even the most glamorous, high-class population. A trend is gaining popularity across the globe known as glamping or glamorous camping.

Described as a really unique experience with a strange mix of wild and refined, roughing it and taking it easy, glamping is sure to give a whole new meaning to setting up for camp. Inspired by wealthy concertgoers and luxurious safaris, the days of rough tent camping are in the past. Who says camping can’t be five-star?

High-end, designer camping gear has hit the shelves and glamping resorts are opening their doors in the most beautiful places all around the world. Glamorous camping is all about comfort and luxury.


Eco-consciousness is fashionable and going green is a strong theme at most glamping resorts. Activities are part of the package at most resorts. Horse-back riding, kayaking, fishing, private boats, swimming, safari, hiking, river rafting, wild-life watching – this list goes on. These resorts vary in price but most can be very expensive, fully stocked with room service, massage and butlers.

For instance, in the summer months two adults can pay about $8,500 to spend three nights in a tent at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, Canada. Entire families routinely spend $50,000 on a week-long glamping trip at Clayoquot.

Don’t let this disappoint you if you cannot find it in your budget to visit one of these posh glamping resorts. Many glampers have taken things into their own hands and are glamping up their camping trips themselves. Start camping in Style. Create your own oasis wherever you go. Both Polly and Barbie have their own glamping set-up and you can too. Here’s how.

Choices of shelter:

 

The first thing to do is to establish what kind of shelter you want for your glamping trip. If you decide to use a tent you want to make sure that it is water-resistant. Look for tents that can access electrical power if necessary. Also many companies rent and hire out there shelters for your use. Sometimes this is very good option, especially when it comes to big tents. It allows you to get a taste before you pull out your wallet.

  • Tent (Search for color and patterns. More and more camping retailers are offering choices other than the military green that we are so used to seeing.)
  • Bell Tent-camping
  • Large tent with standing room
  • Yurt
  • Tipis
  • Cabin


Glamping Accessories and Supplies List:

Here is a list of ideas. It is a good idea to make your own list. Everyone has different tastes and different things that make them feel comfortable. Glamping is all about comfort so be creative. The more creative the better. Glamping is all about fun. Fashion is included. Layering clothing is a good idea. You also want to have some water-resistant clothing as well. Remember to try to be Eco-conscious as much as possible. If you love the earth she will love you back.

  • Shatterproof bar-ware
  • Mirror
  • First aid kit
  • Ice
  • Can opener
  • Garbage bags
  • Frisbee
  • Umbrella
  • Radio
  • Heater
  • GOGIRL Portable urination device (For those times when you are far from a toilet and cannot afford to wait).
  • Fan
  • Comfortable Chairs
  • Firewood
  • Fire starters
  • Citronella candles, Insect repellent
  • Add style to your shelter by using rugs as floor covering.
  • Rope
  • Extra batteries
  • Tent repair kit
  • Candles
  • Heater
  • Assortment of bungee cords
  • Clothes pins
  • Fabric (to flutter in the wind). For your bed, of course.
  • Nails and screws
  • Tent organizers (collapsible storage bins, shelves, etc.)
  • Air pump
  • Small hand ax
  • Small tool kit
  • Scissors
  • Hand axe
  • Books to read
  • Cooler (preferably on wheels)
  • BBQ and BBQ Grill
  • Salt and pepper
  • Condiments
  • Foil and Plastic Wrap
  • Stylish dinnerware
  • Camp Lantern
  • Cooking Oil
  • Toiletries
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Music
  • Acoustic guitar and a guitar player
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Pan for heating water
  • Heating pads or gloves
  • Kitchen towels
  • Lighting options – headlamps, flashlights, lamps, etc
  • Portable shower tent
  • Biodegradable shampoos and soaps
  • Dustpan and hand broom for your tent
  • Outdoor rug
  • Coffee or tea and a way to make it along with cups and saucers to match
  • Tablecloths
  • Towels & Wash cloths
  • Wind break
  • Hammock
  • Portable shower unit
  • Portable Toilet Unit
  • Utensils
  • Wardrobe unit
  • Door mat
  • Cooker/ Stove
  • Blankets
  • Laundry Basket
  • A hammer for pounding in stakes (if you have a tent) or anything else that requires a little bit of work.
  • Slippers
  • Robe
  • Games
  • Pajamas
  • Comfortable and cute wardrobe
  • Wellies (Wellington boots)
  • Electric hook up plug adapter
  • Table and stools
  • Good nights sleeping-bag that looks just as good as it makes you feel.
  • Comfy and luxurious bedding from sheets to pillows to comforter.
  • Bed Frame (You can purchase this from Cabela’s).
  • Inflatable mattress with repair kit


Glamping Fine Dining:

Don’t forget to bring your spice rack. Your menu is important when it comes to glamping. Make this a picnic to remember. Top the table with a beautiful cloth and dinnerware, plates, cloth napkins and utensils. Dress up the table with a local wild flower arrangement. Light candles. Pour some of your finest red wine or try a specialty beer. Be creative when deciding what meals you choose. Plan ahead. Many meals can be prepared or partially prepared ahead of time, giving you many more options when it comes to your glamping menu.

Closing Notes:

Glamping is perfect for weekend festivals or concerts, for vacationing or even as a honeymoon. With so many options available you can have a different experience every time you go glamping. Remember that glamping is all about comfort and most importantly HAVE FUN!

Angel StJohn http://loveofcamping.blogspot.com/

Article Source:  http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Angel_StJohn/1067987
http://EzineArticles.com/?Summers-Newest-Trend:-Glamping&id=6369030

Gorgeous Glamping Party Invitations and supplies

Glamping is a far cry from roughing it in a tent in a field. You can wear your Tiara when Glamping because this is Glamorous Camping and comfort is prime! I’ve chosen some adorable tea party and garden party accessories for this Glamor Packed Glamping Party and let’s not forget a Glamorous tent and Sleeping / slumber Bags that are fit for Princesses!


If you want a theme for your Glamping Camp Out, Alice In Wonderland is trending as are Disney Princesses! If you’re older gals celebrating a Bachelorette or enjoying time away from the boys, Go Pink – add drink!

Designers Description“Fun and fabulous Glamping Party Invitation with tent, lantern, campfire and roasted marshmallow on old vintage paper against a rustic wood plank background. Great for Girl’s night out, sleepover, pajama party, birthday party or bachelorette party. Please contact me with any special changes or requests and I’ll whip it up for you. Hand drawn illustration by McBooboo.”

Gorgeous and Customizable Glamping and Outdoor Garden Party Supplies

 

 

ps4 News – How to turn on Pro Boost Mode and best old games worth playing in boost

Posted on by LeahG

Amazon has great offers on PS4’s

Check them out, meanwhile the list of ps4 Pro Boost games is growing – see top 5 along with latest PS4 Gaming News below!!


Latest News on Ps4!

Old Games are being revisited thanks to ps4 Pro Boost Mode!!
Best identified so far

How to turn on Pro Boost Mode

Go to Settings > System.

Note: Boost mode increases the performance of games not meant to be patched for ps4 pro. It is not guaranteed to work with all titles. Any difficulties uncheck the box and go back to system settings.

THE NEW ARK Survival Evolved PS4 update is here

Lego Worlds ps4 is the new open environment of procedurally-generated Worlds made entirely of Lego bricks that can be found on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

STREAM PS4 games – here’s how 

PlayStation says that the streaming service costs £12.99 per month and is offering a seven-day free trial on its website.

PlayStation blog: “In the next few weeks we’ll kick off a private test with PS4 games on PS Now. If you’re an active PS Now subscriber, keep an eye on your email in case you get an invitation.”


New PS4 game coming to PlayStation Plus

From April 4, PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to download the new PS4 game from the creator of God of War, titled Drawn to Death.

What To Do With Ashes After Cremation

Posted on by LeahG

You Wish to Honor the Memory of a Loved One or Make Plans for How You Would Like Your Own Cremation Ashes to be Stored or Scattered

If you’re at this page you’re What to do with the ashes after a cremationeither considering what to do with your own ashes or seeking advice on what to do with the ashes of a loved one. If the latter then let me first express how sorry I am for your loss. This is I know is a very sad time and I hope my matter of fact approach to the subject matter isn’t in any way upsetting.

I have sourced a variety of cremation ashes storage and scattering options and answers to many questions that people have about the process of cremation to help you reach a decision.

The options for cremation ashes have increased over the years from burial, display and scattering to sending into space. Here we look at some of those options.

Eternal Reef Creamtion Ashes BurialEternal Reefs

The cremation (cremation refers to the ash remains) is mixed with concrete to create orbs. These orbs are then placed in aquatic areas where reefs require restoration. The cremation orbs become part of the natural watery habitat attracting fish and other organisms. This is an eco-friendly way of honoring ashes of loved ones and may be popular with those who in life enjoyed Scuba Diving, Aquatic Nature and other such things.

Cremation isn’t itself though as eco friendly  as a natural burial due to the combustion process, If you are an eco warrior, that is worth considering. A natural burial with a shroud, being reabsorbed into nature is much more eco-friendly.

Space BurialCremation Ashes sent into space

Rockets already destined for a journey among the stars will carry a tiny amount of cremated remains into space allowing them to enjoy zero gravity before returning to Earth. This ‘trip’ costs around $1000. Personally, if space travel is your thing, I’d try this while you’re still alive and try to create a lasting memory.

If you want your remains to orbit Earth and eventually burn up in the atmosphere you’re looking at $3,000. “Dedicated space-lovers can have themselves launched to the moon or into deep space for $10,000 and $12,500, respectively”.

Freeze-drying

Freeze-drying or Promession was invented by a Swedish marine biologist named Susanne Wiigh-Masak. The body is immersed in liquid nitrogen which makes it very brittle. In this brittle state vibrations are able to shake the body apart. The water evaporates and any implants, fillings etc are removed. The powdered remains can then be laid to rest in a shallow grave. The shallow grave allows for the remaining elements to turn into compost.

Your Questions

How much cremation ash is produced when a body is cremated?

The weight of ashes varies and generally men’s ashes weigh more. It is believed to be around 3 to 10 pounds for an adult with 5lb being the average.

What are human ashes made up of?

“Cremated remains (cremation) are mostly dry calcium phosphates with some minor minerals, such as salts of sodium and potassium. Sulfur and most carbon are driven off as oxidized gases during the process, although a relatively small amount of carbon may remain as carbonate”. source Wikipedia

What is the cremation ash made of?

“Much wood ash contains calcium carbonate as its major component, representing 25 or even 45 percent. Less than 10 percent is potash, and less than 1 percent phosphate; there are trace elements of iron, manganese, zinc, copper and some heavy metals”.- source Wikipedia

How do you bury cremated ashes?

You can bury, store or display ashes at a cemetry, funeral home for a lease fee. You can bury them in a natural burial ground, your own garden or scatter them. You can also have them divided up for family members. If you want to bury cremated remains in a cemetery they are often entombed in a columbarium, buried in a plot, or buried in an urn garden. They have gardens of remembrance where remains can be scattered.

What do you mean by interment?

Interment is placing the deceased body (corpse) in a grave.

Featured next are some options for the storage of ashes that you can access yourself. Many are personalized and include cremation ashes jewelry, urns, biodegradable urns, teddybear urns, creation ashes rings, glass ashes rings and more.





These cremation of ashes options are also suitable for pet remains. Featured next are some human and pet memorial options and gifts.

what to do with ashes after cremation teddybearMy own choice for my ashes:

When I die I want to be cremated, but I don't want to end up in a 'pot' or be 'scattered'. I'd quite like to be put inside a strong little bag with some Lavender and then popped inside a very nice cuddly teddy bear. My family is not enthusiastic about this idea. But to me it seems 'warmer' somehow and while they might be creeped out by the possibility of a teddy bears eyes following them around the room, I like the idea they can give me a cuddle if they want to.

How would you like to be remembered?

How To Make Beeswax Candles – 2 methods

Posted on by LeahG

How to Make Beeswax Candles By Jeanne De Villiers

(Youtube tutorial below) You will need:

Before we start making beeswax candles, let’s make sure we know where beeswax comes form. Beeswax is a natural wax produced in bee hives and honey bees. It is mostly esters and fatty acids and various long chain alcohols. Beeswax is a soft, yellow-amber colour and produce a natural honey scent. Being a natural product from nature it is extremely environmental friendly and it will save you money.

There are two ways to make beeswax candles. You can either roll the sheet of beeswax around a cotton wick or you can do it the normal way by pouring melted wax into a mold. I will cover both these methods.

METHOD 1: ROLLING YOUR OWN BEESWAX CANDLES

What you will need: Sheets of wax, Hair dryer, scissors and a cotton wick.


Choose a flat surface for your working area. Place your beeswax sheet on the working area. Folding the beeswax in a simple square for making a traditional tall thin candles. Remember, you can be creative and make your ons shapes like a diagonal cut for a tapered candles.

Cut the crease (where you folded the beeswax) with the scissors. Try to stay on the even edges.

Now use the hair dryer to blow warm air on the beeswax (+/-20 seconds) to soften it.

Cut your wick about one inch longer than the piece your beeswax. Place your wick on the edge of the sheet and start rolling it with both hands. The wick must be placed with half and inch sticking out on both sides of your sheet of beeswax.

When you completed the roll process use the hair dryer to warm the edge of the sheet to seal it. Use your finger tip to softly smooth the edges.

Cut the one end of the wick completely and the other side to one quarter inch and that’s it, you can now leave het to cool and you are ready to light your first beeswax candles!

METHOD 2: BEESWAX CANDLES IN JARS

What you will need: Double boiler, spoon, mold, scissors, wick, beeswax

This method is exactly the same as making a normal candle. Only difference is the beeswax. Start by placing the beeswax into your double boiler and heat on the oven. Stir the wax until it reaches +/-160 degrees. Wax melt on 145 degrees.

In the meantime you can prepare the wick. Cut it to the height of your mold plus 2 inches. Dip your wick in the melted wax to make it stiff and easy to stay straight while you pour in the melted wax. Use a pen or knife to hold the wick in place over the jar. When you done, cut your wick to the desired length and your done. Allow about 24 hours to let your new candle dry before your test it.

Beeswax makes a very nice gift and like I said beeswax candles is very environmentally friendly. It also burn without releasing smoke and toxins into the air. Hope you will have lots of fun making beeswax candles.

With 3 years of crafts experience and specializing in candle making and creating the perfect romantic evening

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jeanne_De_Villiers/455441
How-to-Make-Beeswax-Candles

How To Make A Polymer Clay Fairy Cottage Gift

Posted on by LeahG

Adorable Polymer Clay Fairy Homes and Cottages make perfect gifts for enchanting young children or for adults who still believe in magic!
DIY Fairy Cottage Gift polymer Clay
I believe in magic and as a fan of all things Polymer Clay I am beside myself over these wonderful Polymer Clay Fairy Cottages which fellow crafty people have made (see pinterest for more). I’ve had a go at making fairy doors from polymer clay and this is my next project!! Let’s do it together.

fairy door fairy home polymer clay mould setI have seen fairy cottage moulds for creating these (see left) but another way of making them is to mould the polymer clay around an oven proof jar. The glass jar holds the shape and creates a great base and perfect round cottage shape. It also lends itself well to being adapted with LED fairy lights (inside) or a tea light. These make great lanterns.

Youtube tutorial re how to make a fairy home using a jar!

If you want a more structured way of crafting your fairy home, you there are many wonderful fairy home craft kits available from Amazon, including DIY fairy garden kits.


fairy door cottage cobblestones wall cladding mouldsEnough talk, let’s get started!! I’m going to try out the jar method myself. I do have a fairy door mould which I shall use in conjunction with the jar. I will post pics when I’m done 🙂 I hope you do too via comments below. You can also email them to be via creativeblogger@aol.com.

What do we need?

There are two approaches regarding the Polymer clay colors. You can buy individually colored clays and combine as required or use a single block of white polymer clay for the entire project and then paint it and varnish afterwards to add the color.

how to make fairy door polymer clay
My fairy door!

Featured below are both options along with Polymer Clay tools which make life a LOT easier. I have all of these things from previous polymer clay projects.

Get yourself a nice storage container (I use a tin garden tools box) to keep everything tidy and accessible.






Super cute ready made minitaure polymer clay beads that you can use to decorate your fairy home. Imagine a fairy home covered in sweets!!

How To Make A Quadcopter At Home

Posted on by LeahG


Making Your Own Quadcopter and Drones at home is a great way to have some geeky fun, and to make that possible I’ve sourced some guides , materials and tutorials to get you started! Please post your homemade quadcopter success stories, Heck tell us about the failures too!

Online Quadcopter DIY turorials that are trending!!
How to Make a Mini RC Quadcopter at Home – DIY Tutorials – YouTube

Watch this step by step video tutorials to learn how to make a miniRC Quadcopter at home


How to make a Quadcopter at home – YouTube


“How to make a DIY Mini Quadcopter Drone for beginners by using Popsicle sticks. How to build a homemade rc quadcopter- very simple to make and cheap”.


How to Make a Mini RC Quadcopter at Home DIY Tutorials

“This is very easy all of thing I use is easily found in market as well as in your home hope you enjoy many things.”