Posts by BryantVehrm:
Homemade Baby Shower Favors That Will Complement a Baby Shower
October 30th, 2011Although there are thousands of party favors available in the market that are easy to buy, there is something special about favors that are homemade. If you are planning to organize a baby shower, you might think of making favors at home instead of buying pre-made ones at party store. Homemade baby shower favors are personally thought of and most of, which made them always appreciated. There’s nothing else that come with homely warmth than homemade gifts.
When you decide to go for homemade baby shower favors, the first thing you need to do is to think what favors to make. You can ask friends or research online if you are short of ideas. Chances are that some of your friends have hosted a baby shower or any kind of party before with homemade party souvenirs. Browsing the Internet is also an excellent way to gain ideas and tutorials when it comes to making homemade party favors.
Homemade baby shower favors should cost you less than buying pre-made at a retail store. However, there are some people who don’t mind spending more as long as the favors look great and impressive. You can think of either edible treats, candles, toys, handkerchiefs, or scrapbooks as little gifts for the guests.
Aside from the favor itself, another key to make the presentation impressive is through wrapping. There are several materials you will need to package each item, like ribbons, organza, tulle, wrapping paper and the like, depending on your taste. Get creative in designing the favors of the look you want. They have to be attractive on the eyes of the guests to make them crave to get one and take home.
If you are good at baking, you can bake cookies or cupcakes. There are various recipes for cookies and cupcakes, and you can get very creative when adding touches on them. You can talk to a friend who is a good baker to help you in baking the treats. Or if your mom or sister can bake, then count yourself lucky. You can ask for their assistance or if they are willing to bake all the treats themselves, it would be much easier for you to go ahead with the things you need for packaging, like creating favor bags or other containers you want.
Bookmarks, candles, soaps, and scrapbooks are also great options when it comes to homemade party gifts. These are actually easy to make and you can get your materials at craft store. These ideas, however, need to be made as early as possible. If you have a specific theme in mind for the party, it would also be best to bring that them to the favors you are making.
Online, you can find so many websites that offer a wide variety of baby shower favors and other baby shower accessories and baby shower ideas. Aside from pre-made items, you can also find DIY kits on these sites that you can purchase and assemble at home. Add a personal touch on the favors to make them more special and appealing. If the baby already has a name, you can put it on nice small note card together with the date.
Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics including weddings. If you’re looking for personalized baby gifts, visit the website Prettybabygifts.com and browse their extensive collection. Find baby shower themes more online!
Fire Safety Preparedness – An Ounce of Prevention!
March 29th, 2009Each year there are many residential fires resulting in the loss of life and damage to property. The majority of fires are caused by incidents of smoking, cooking, children playing and the deliberate setting of fires. Most of them could have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken.
A few important and easy steps can be taken to prevent the majority of fires or to contain the damage to a minimum when a fire occurs.
Smoking:
• use large ashtrays to eliminate ashes
• check in and around furniture for dropped butts
• dampen and dispose of butts into large tin cans as quickly as possible
• do not smoke lying down or when drinking alcohol as drowsiness may occur
• keep cigarettes, cigars, matches etc. out of reach of children
• safely dispose of old matches and lighters
Cooking
• never leave cooking unattended – turn off the burner when leaving or answering the phone
• don’t cook while drinking alcohol or on medication that can cause drowsiness
• wear tight fitting clothes when cooking
• always use oven mitts when handing hot pots and pans – no dish towels please
• never put flammable towels, mitts, etc. on the stove
• never use the oven as storage space
• keep pot handles turned in to prevent bumping or children grabbing them
• heat cooking oil slowly while supervising carefully
• if a pot catches on fire put a lid on it and turn off the stove – do not attempt to move the pot
• call 911 if the flames do not go out
Children Playing
• keep matches, lighters and smoking materials out of sight and reach of small children
• teach older children the responsible and safe way to use matches or lighters
• teach children not to play with the stove or other electrical heating elements
• never leave lighted candles unattended or in reach of small children
Other Fire Hazard Precautions
• have the fireplace chimney swept by a professional every spring
• use extension cords with circuit breakers – never overload a circuit breaker
• do not have electrical cords under carpets or hung from hooks
• consider having your electrical panel inspected regularly by a master electrician
Deliberately Set Fires
• have a quality security system in your home
• have good lighting around your home and yard
• when away have a someone monitor your home regularly
• make sure your home always appears lived in
• keep your home, garage and yard clear of rubbish and combustible items
If a fire does occur in your home:
• get down on hands and knees and crawl out – stay below the smoke
• keep doors and windows closed
• if clothes catch fire STOP, DROP AND ROLL to smother the flames
• use a damp towel or cloth to protect exposed skin and/or cover nose and mouth to facilitate breathing
• get out and stay out – call the fire department from outside
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!
Some things to keep in mind include:
• plan and regularly practice a fire escape plan including an area to meet family members if you should get separated
• have an emergency survival kit within easy reach if you need to evacuate your home – in the trunk of your vehicle is also a good place
• always sleep with bedroom doors closed – this provides some protection against fire
• keep at least one fire extinguisher within easy reach on each level of your home – know how to use it
• keep doors and windows clear of obstructions for safe, easy exit
• install a smoke detector on every level of your home – one close to bedroom doors
• test your battery and electric smoke alarms each month
• carefully clean your alarms every 6 months
• charge the alarm battery at least once a year – twice is better
• replace old alarms that no longer work
• if alarms go off regularly for no apparent reason, consider moving them to a different area – away from direct heat sources
Be Prepared – Before Disaster Strikes!
Lorrie Streeter has been involved in emergency preparedness for over 25 years. She also writes for the site http://www.SurvivalStreet.com, which offers 72-hour survival kits, emergency food and water.