Tuesday, August 26, 2008

How to Wrap Those Gifts

With the debut of more innovative wrappings, no longer is man (or woman!) limited by the mere traditional confines to deliver that gift in. Consider the following:



Step1
Bags with tissue paper have been one of mankind s greater contributions in the past decade, and now thanks to dollar stores they are even reasonably priced. But sometimes, more substantial support is called for especially for shipping. Then, the search begins for the perfect sized box. But, how many of us think to MAKE our own boxes? It s possible with a box-cutter, larger packing boxes, and strong packing tape. Make sure to tape the inside of the box for extra support.


Step2
Don t overlook other packing ideas. Baby shower gifts can be put into an infant tub, and pinned up with diaper pins and a hooded towel; bridal shower items work when placed in laundry baskets, bundled in tablecloths or bath sheets. Look for sales on scrap material, and use that for wrapping; burlap, felt or cloth pieces, bound by various cords make imaginative wraps.


Step3
If you are married to wrapping the old-fashioned way using boxes, don t overlook different types of paper to put them in. Colorful funny papers (pre-sprayed with hair spray to help prevent the ink from smearing), music sheets, and roadmaps are just some ideas that make great wrapping papers. Stack more than one box, in corresponding sizes atop one another, and bound together with one tie. Use associated materials for tying bows: ie. Twines, cords, wire, leather strips.


Step4
Bows are more able to be refreshed when you use fabric ribbon that has wire edges. No matter how smashed a box gets in-transit, it can more easily be revived when it is wrapped by wire ribbon. That type also makes it easier to create art, like flowers or other shapes. A beautiful look is plaid wired ribbon over a solid color wrapping paper.


Step5
When buying Christmas paper for holiday wrapping, choose a neutral pattern. Something with wispy, non-committal shapes, or in stripes can be used for ALL wrapping year-round. Especially look for paper that can be used for Father s Day or other masculine use; florals are very common, but male-oriented patterns are harder to come by.


Step6
Jazz up a package or gift bag with a small extra like a silk flower, beaded handles, sachet in satin and a sequin drawstring. Use your imagination, and customize it to the recipient; how about a tiny silver spoon for the baby gift, or something blue tacked on for the new bride?


Step7
Make your own gift tags, too, and save money. Use scrap-booking scissors, or sewing pinking shears, to fashion a tag out of the same wrapping paper and large enough to express your sentiments, then tape or wire it to the gift.

Find and buy tickets by places

Friday, August 22, 2008

How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Christmas Gift

Christmas can be a dicey time for men. It is often a time of judgment for us by the lady in our life. Take the wrong step in your Christmas search and it will be a long year. Read on to learn how to avoid buying the wrong Christmas gift.

Articles resource


Step1
Listen to your lady. Often they will drop numerous hints. Pay attention and you will be fine.


Step2
Stay out of the appliances, electronics, kitchen and hardware sections. There is nothing and I mean nothing there that will result in a positive gift.


Step3
Stay away from jewelry that is found outside a glass display case. That is the stuff she got when she was twelve-years-old. If you want jewelry go to a jewelry store, period.


Step4
Avoid clothing all together. This just doesn't work and besides clothing is something she gets from the in-laws, not her lover.


Step5
Stay away from anything that says work. If that means housework, her professional work or yard work. She is not a maid, she is your lover.


Step6
If your lover or wife is also the mother of your children, you can venture down that path. Anything kid related like a picture of you and your children is always a big hit.

Find and buy tickets by category

Saturday, August 16, 2008

How to Avoid Being Alone During the Holidays

For many people, Thanksgiving, even more than Christmas, is a time to share with others. Read on for ways to share the holiday spirit.

More articles


Step1
Gather other holiday "orphans" from your office, apartment building, church or synagogue, and stage your own dinner.


Step2
Volunteer to spend the day at a hospice, children's hospital or nursing home.


Step3
Sign on at a local soup kitchen or with a meal-delivery service such as Meals on Wheels or Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly.


Step4
Enlist in the Holiday Project, a group active in some 25 cities that visits people spending holidays alone in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons.


Step5
Treat yourself to a vacation, with Thanksgiving Day tucked into the middle.


Step6
Be brazen. Call a friend whose family you enjoy and announce that you'll be alone. You're almost sure to land an invitation to dinner. If you don't, try another friend.




Find Real Lovers

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

How to Attune to the Wiccan Horned God

A guide to attuning to the Wiccan Horned God, sometimes known as Cernunnos or Herne, but most generally referred to as the God of the Sun, the wild places and animals, the hunt, sexuality, fertility, abundance and the underworld.


Find and buy tickets by states


Step1
Wake at dawn and go out of doors, somewhere where you won't be observed or disturbed. If you live in a rural area, this will be quite easy. If you live in an urban area, you can use a patio, balcony or even stay indoors near an open window where you can watch the sun rise.


Step2
Bask in the rays of the dawning sun, concentrating on the energy and warmth of the God. Feel him fill your spirit and most importantly, reach out. Visualization is an important skill. Visualize the God as virile and strong, perhaps in his youthful or fatherly guise.


Step3
You may wish to chant or pray. You can use a memorized chant to help focus your concentration or just speak/chant/sing from your heart. Continue this exercise as long as you wish.


Step4
Throughout the day, notice the abundance of the earth around you and reach out mentally to any wild animals you encounter. See the God in all things and all people. Feel him with you, in you and around you.


Step5
At night before bed, you may want to perform a small ritual in his honor. If you have a shrine or altar, this is a good place to perform this rite. Light a yellow or gold candle (representative of the God and Sun) and concentrate on the male energy of Deity. Visualize the God as he has revealed himself to you and once again, let him fill you. Chant or pray to help shift your consciousness.


Step6
Perform these simple rituals as often as you like, preferably on a daily basis, to attune with the God. Eventually, you will grow closer and closer to Him. Observe the changes in the seasons and see the God's hand in all of nature's moods. Enjoy your growing relationship with the Great Father!

http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/holidays-celebrations/4.htm#1

Monday, August 11, 2008

How to Attend the St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin

Dublin, Ireland is the center of the Irish world. Accordingly, the St. Patrick's Day Festival is the pinnacle of all Irish celebrations. The St. Patrick's Festival is 5 days long and features many lively events that highlight the best of Irish music, comedy, music and food. Not surprisingly, many people from all over the world choose to travel to Dublin during the week of March 17th each year to attend this citywide party. If you would like to participate, be sure to consider a few important things as you plan your trip to Ireland.


Step1
Attend the opening ceremonies held at Dublin City Hall. This event is the official beginning of the St. Patrick's Day festival and is usually hosted by the mayor of Dublin. In previous years, elaborate light installations have been used to decorate City Hall in green, lighting up each night throughout the festival.


Step2
Bring your children, or yourself if you are feeling playful and adventurous, to the Fun Fair held each year during the St. Patrick's Day Festival in Dublin. This event is a full-fledged carnival including amusement park rides and exciting activities for kids. A 150-foot tall Ferris wheel is the centerpiece of this event and is an excellent way to take in a full view of the entire city of Dublin.


Step3
View the fireworks over the Liffey River. The fireworks are usually held on St. Patrick's Day itself and can be seen from miles around the river, though it is nice to find a spot along the river to be able to see the reflection of colors off the water.


Step4
Visit the local pubs during the St. Patrick's Day festival and try out some locally brewed beers. Pubs are an important part of the social scene in Dublin and are always filled with celebrators during this holiday in particular. Most pubs in Dublin will also feature live music both during the day and at night throughout the week of the festival.


Step5
Purchase some authentic St. Patrick's Day Festival souvenirs to bring home with you to commemorate your trip to Dublin. Official festival merchandise, including hats, t-shirts, masks and pins, are likely to be available from street vendors throughout the festival grounds. You may also want to buy some souvenirs to bring home to your Irish friends in the United States.


http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/holidays-celebrations/3.htm#2

Saturday, August 9, 2008

How to Attend the Lowell Indiana Labor Day Parade

The Lowell, Indiana Labor Day Parade is one of the oldest in the Midwest. A beloved tradition since 1919, the parade pays homage days of old with floats honoring the police force, marching bands and an old-fashioned parade float contest. The parade also has the distinction of being one of the largest parades held in a town with a population under 50,000.



Step1
Stay around for the competitions. The Lowell, Indiana Labor Day Parade rewards the best marching/walking unit, the best musical float and the best marching high school band, among others. The prize to best motorized entry is one of the highlights of the parade.


Step2
Participate in the parade. Many of the local floats post a call for "riders" to join in and ride their floats. The posts are advertised in the local newspapers or on the Internet and include a common meeting point so people can just drop by and join in the fun.


Step3
Appreciate the adherence to old traditions. The Lowell Labor Day Parade has not changed much since it's inception. The longest-running parade in Northwest Indiana, the Lowell parade even includes antique cars making their way around the city center, which draws curious looks from locals and visitors alike.


Step4
Be prepared for some unconventional entertainment. Along with local schools and emergency response teams, area businesses commonly send out representatives to march in the parade. In past years, these teams have marched to everything from current tunes to bagpipes.


Step5
Stick around for the finale. The late-night firework display is well worth sticking around for the whole day.


Step6
Attend the annual Harvest of Fun, which traditionally cushions the Labor Day Parade. Starting in late August, the town of Lowell puts on its annual Harvest of Fun, with local crafts and entertainment. Held at the American Legion Grounds, the Harvest of Fun also has a parade designed entirely by children.


Step7
Take advantage of the many festivities surrounding the parade, such as unique sales in local shops, restaurant specials and outdoor markets.


http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/holidays-celebrations/3.htm#1

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

How to Attend Two Thanksgiving Dinners in One Day

If you're fortunate enough to have both of our families live in the same town, this may seem easy. However, this does create somewhat of an issue when certain holidays come. One of those holidays is Thanksgiving Day.


Step1
Explain to both parties about your day. Apologize that you won t be able to be at the Thanksgiving dinner as long as the other guests will be. In a situation where you have to be at two Thanksgiving dinners in one day it is almost guaranteed that both parties will understand.


Step2
Get to the first Thanksgiving dinner a little early. This will give you plenty of time to socialize with all of the guests since you won t be able to stay and chat with them for a long period of time after dinner.


Step3
Don t eat too much during the first Thanksgiving dinner. Remember that you must save room for your second dinner of the day. You should probably stay away from desserts during the first Thanksgiving dinner.


Step4
Get to the second Thanksgiving dinner roughly 30 minutes before the dinner begins. This will give you time to get settled in and briefly talk with guests.


Step5
Make sure to eat enough during the second Thanksgiving dinner so not to offend the person who prepared the meal.


Step6
Stay for awhile after Thanksgiving dinner has concluded and socialize with the guests. Since you didn t have a good chance to do so before dinner this is a good chance to talk with everybody at your second party of the day. It s also a good time to rest after a long and filling day.


http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/holidays-celebrations/2.htm#2

Sunday, August 3, 2008

How to Arrange Hanukkah Symbols

It's easy to tell when Hanukkah is approaching. Each December Hanukkah symbols are proudly displayed across the globe. Knowing how to recognize the symbols of Hanukkah, as well as understanding how to arrange them in your decorating scheme, can make for a memorable holiday. Share the blessings of the Feast of Lights with others by learning how to arrange Hanukkah symbols.


Step1
Arrange a grand display of traditional Hanukkah symbols across the mantel of your fireplace, if you have one. Freshly cut evergreens, a menorah, a few dreidels with some gelt (chocolate coins wrapped in gold or silver foil) create a festive atmosphere.


Step2
Include the "shamash" among your Hanukkah symbols. This is a candle that is lit each night during the eight days of Hanukkah in addition to one candle of the menorah for each night. The shamash, which translates to mean guardian or servant, serves as a reminder that the Talmud prohibits the lights of Hanukkah to be used for anything other than reflecting upon the story of Hanukkah. (In other words, not for illumination). According to tradition, you should arrange the shamash so that it is either higher or lower than the other candles of the menorah and use it to light them each night.


Step3
Bring the symbols of Hanukkah to your holiday table. It is customary to eat foods fried in oil. This is done to honor the Hanukkah miracle of the eternal flame of the Temple of Jerusalem being kept lit for eight days from a small flask of oil found by the Kohen Gadol, or High Priest. Traditional fried foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (deep fried doughnuts).


Step4
Celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Lights, by arranging strands of blue and white lights in and around your home, such as over doorways, windows and outdoor greenery.


Step5
Keep one or more dreidels on your coffee table, accompanied by a bowl of gelt. The Dreidel Game is a popular pastime for children during Hanukkah. It also presents an opportunity to teach children the meaning of the Hebrew symbols that appear on the four sides of the dreidel, which mean "A Miracle Happened Here!"


Step6
Make some Stars of David from foil, or from blue and white cardboard or construction paper. Hang them around the house as decorations. You can also work one or more into a table centerpiece arrangement to symbolize Hanukkah.

http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/holidays-celebrations/2.htm#1