Posts by RacquelKathey:
So, Your Daughter Has Been Asked To Be A Flower Girl ?
September 13th, 2011After the excitement of your daughter accepting the flower girl honor is over, you will be left with one question: What on earth will I buy for her to wear? More and more brides these days are leaving flower girl dress choices to her mother, though you may be asked to co-ordinate colors with the bridesmaids.
Fortunately for you, the Spring 2010 fashion catalogs contain excellent choices to ensure your precious petal thrower doesn’t look dated or out-of-style.
Here are some essential tips to ensure your flower girl looks fabulous for the forthcoming nuptials!
-Consider Age – Frillier flower girl frocks aren’t the vogue in Spring 2010. In fact, designers are moving towards simpler cuts, simpler styles and flattering fabrics. If you have an infant or toddler, stick to a tunic-style flower girl dress that draws attention away from the diaper bulge. Pale colors look wonderful on tiny tots, and with pastels making their reappearance in time for the Easter bunny, you can get away with a pale elegant mid-calf length dress embossed with pretty flowers.
-Consider The Wedding Style – If the wedding is a big white affair, you don’t want your precious little one lighting up the sky in a neon dress. Be certain to address the type of wedding and the desires of the bride before choosing an outfit. Belted waists have been given the nod from the fashion designers above, so a pretty white dress with a hot magenta pink silk belt will look stunning.
-Consider Material – You might have always dreamed of dressing your daughter up like a little princess for these occasions, but layers and layers of chiffon are a definite no-no for Spring 2010. Opt instead for simple silk or satin dresses. Your flower girl will thank you on the day for keeping her skin itch-free, and thank you again in years to come when she sees how trendy she looked!
-Consider Color – Black and brown are the major Winter 2009 colors, but as we move toward the spring, pastels are just as desirable. If pale colors make your little one look washed out, try a mixed-color flower girl dress instead. Fashionistas are trending toward a white tunic-style top, a belted waist, and a bolder skirt color. Orange, pink, blue, and green are hues worthy of the baby basket bearer.
-Consider Accessories – Big jewelry is another fashion frontrunner for the Spring 2010 fashionistas. With that said, your four year-old doesn’t have to be dripping heavy metal-wear to stay in vogue. Delicate earrings look pretty for pierced ears, and you might also want to consider colorful hair accessories, non-garish bracelets, and simple shoes.
Above all, just remember that all eyes will be on your pretty little flower girl as she undertakes one of the most exciting moments of her young life. So, opt for simple tunic-style dresses, one or two-color silky fabrics, and dainty jewelry.
Once you have that figured out, all you need to do next is choose your own outfit and you’ll be ready for the wedding day!
Jen has been writing for over five years. Her latest website is an expression of her love of fashion & dresses, with an emphasis on the latest styles and wedding fashions, including flower girl dresses.
Grilling in Winter
September 13th, 2011Ahh…those dog days of summer, hosting outdoor bbq parties and enjoying a grilled burger with the family-there’s nothing like it, is there? Really, there isn’t. For many of us who live in colder regions; however. When summer fades to autumn, we trade in our love of grilling for indoor cooking. Why? Mostly, because we think we have to; but really, you don’t have to! You can still grill outdoors in the snow and bluster, and enjoy charbroiled burgers, planked salmon, grilled veggies and the like; without being a diehard bbq-er. You just need to know how to do it by taking more precautions for you and your grill, than you normally would when the temperature was warmer. Below, we offer a great list of helpful tips on just how to extend your grilling season to all year long, and enjoy foods that will always taste better right off the grill.
While the following tips will work well for any bbq grill that you decide to enlist in your cooking needs, it should be noted that-if you know that you want to grill year round prior to purchasing your grill, you should always look for a gas grill that has a higher amount of BTUs-as this will offer more power to warm up quicker-even when it’s very cold outside. If a charcoal grill is your grill of choice, this won’t matter.
Step 1
If you have decided to take grilling through the colder months, you have to ensure that you have prepared your grill for grilling in colder temps. The first step-and this applies to any time you use your grill, but especially in the winter months-is to check all of its exterior and interior parts to see if any outdoor debris, insects, snow, and/or dust have been removed to prevent fires but also to keep your grilling as quality and clean as possible, for your grilled foods. Moreover, make sure to keep a path to your grill properly shoveled and salted for convenient and safe travel back and forth.
Step 2
Ensure that all parts to your grill are in perfect working order prior to setting yourself for cold weather grilling. This means checking the most common grill parts that regularly need replacing, such as: gas burners, jets, grates, and heating plates. If you are unable to determine it for yourself, do a little research online for what to look for and/or have your grill serviced by a specialist-before the snow flies. While it is a good rule of thumb to do this in any season, the more possible issue that you can sidestep prior to having to deal with the inconveniences of cold winds, frost, and piles of snow; the better. Just imagine yourself trudging out to your grill-after buying a delectable cut of steak-and realizing that you have to either replace one of its necessary parts yourself or have it serviced by a grill specialist; and in either event, you won’t be having that steak you have been looking forward to.
Step 3
Though your grill is probably already in a fireproof area-away from your house-and not close to anything that could cause a fire issue-such as foliage or a shed etc; you may have moved it during fall cleanup or just to get ready for winter. This is when you have to reevaluate its location and if it is now in a safe enough location for winter long burning, or if it should be moved. It should be noted that you cannot take the seemingly easy way out and choose an enclosed area-as this is a fire hazard waiting to happen. This means your garage, shed, etc. Though you may think it is unlikely that you will encounter a problem, even the safest of locales and grillers have had incident. So, make sure that your bbq is at least ten feet away from anything and everything, prior to using. Also, in choosing your optimum location for grilling, choose one that is as windproof as possible, while still being safe; so that a fire can properly ignite and keep lit for your grilling specialties.
Step 4
Set up grilling supplies in a convenient location. This is a must have, though something you probably never think twice about in the warmer months. This is an example of one of the must-dos to make your life better and grilling most convenient when it’s cold outside. So, keep all supplies that you might need for grilling in one easy to get to location-perhaps the garage-such as: lighters, paper, utensils, and grilling pans and accessories-so that you are hunting through the cold for your must have grilling accessories in a snowstorm or dastardly cold temps.
Once these most simple of necessary preparation and prevention tips have been attended to, it’s time to actually start grilling; but you need to heed a few words to the wise to make for the most successful of barbecuing experiences.
• Though it’s cold outside, avoid wearing loose clothing-such as scarves, hats, or oversized jackets-to prevent your clothes from catching fire. Especially where most often the wind will be blowing, fire is more likely to move accordingly, and you have to make sure you have nothing near it on your person when you are checking your food.
• This said, you need to still dress warm in order to be safe from frostbite or windburn during winter grilling, but in a more fitted way. Instead of loose or oversized jackets, try donning more fitted fleece jackets, gloves, cap, and a neck warmer.
• Get help for carrying a lot of foods to and/or from the grill. Though you may think that you can do it all-and in one trip-in the winter, you are much more prone to slipping and falling; so ask for someone to help, and avoid this problem waiting to happen.
• As regards grilling in cold temps, there are two things that should always be considered-no matter how much experience you have grilling. First, make sure that you allow for more time cooking that usual, as though it is a covered grill, cold air is still getting in; and delaying your grilled foods from cooking as fast. Second, try your very best to keep checking-opening and closing the lid-to a minimum, as the cold air is able to get in more often and slow down grilling times.
At Grill-Repair.com we not only repair barbecues and stock gas grill replacement parts — we love barbecuing and enjoying our home resorts. Our grilling and barbecuing blog has information about receipes and grilling tips to help you eat well and love being home.
Make it Yourself Christmas Gift Ideas
November 26th, 2008Christmas is a season of gifts and sharing, and every family will have their own traditions and ideas, such as hanging decorations together, having a big family feast, and exchanging presents.
Although we sometimes hate to admit it, choosing presents can be a headache, especially if you have a large family and a tight budget.
MAKE YOUR OWN UNIQUE AND INEXPENSIVE HOMEMADE GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS
If you are good in needlework, you can sew, knit or crochet small projects as Christmas gifts.
You can sew cute animal plush toys for children. They can double up as fridge magnets or pin cushions. Cute animals like a tortoise or food with faces are always hits with the kids and even adults.
Handmade throw pillows or knitted fleece blankets are excellent as gifts too. You can also knit scarves, mittens, and hats for everyone. They make practical gifts.
You can have the blankets or pillowcases embroidered with the recipients’ names to make them personalized. You can also let the children to pick their favorite cartoon fabrics as their pillow or cushion case.
PAPER CRAFTS
If you love paper crafts, you can make mini scrapbooks or altered journals. Mini scrapbooks are excellent as memory keepsakes. There are many samples available online that you can follow. Just make them according to the recipient’s favorite theme, add photos and sentiments on the pages, and that is it. This will be a very special gift and the recipient will surely appreciate your effort.
You can also compile poems and quotes for those who love collecting them. Altered journals are great for this purpose. Just print the poems and quotes, cut them nicely and stick them onto the journal pages. You can write your own messages too.
Another paper craft that you can make is personalized stationery. Print the stationery sets; add a nice writing pen and you have yourself a gift ready.
CONTAINERS MADE TO ORDER
Household items such as jars, bottles, tins and baskets can be made into beautiful Christmas gifts too. They can be altered, decorated with ribbons and other types of embellishments, and filled up with various items. Fill a nice tin can with homemade potpourri, while a jar can be decorated with ribbons and filled with goodies.
Be creative with the goodies, they can be anything from crafting materials such as buttons, brads, and ribbons, to delicious edibles such as candies. All these ideas can be personalized according to the recipients’ preferences.
You can fill baskets with goodies too, and they can be anything from food to perhaps sewing or other crafting materials. Make these gifts more personalized with photos and sayings.
MAKE A SPLASH WITH HANDMADE SKIN CARE AND BATH
For something adventurous, unique and wildly appreciated, you can make your own handmade skincare and bath items.
You can make bar soaps, shower gel, bath bombs, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and even homemade cream masks. These items can be scented or non-scented. Use essential oils for the extra benefits.
While you are at it, why not make some scented candles, these are a natural with handmade bath items for a spa experience extra-ordinaire.
The ingredients used to make scented candles are similar to those used to make soaps. You can make a range of items with the same scent, pack them up nicely in reusable plastic jars and bottles, wrap them together in a basket, and you have got yourself a nice Christmas gift.
HOMEMADE CAN BE INEXPENSIVE, EASY AND MORE FUN THAN THE MALL
Homemade gifts are not difficult to make and they usually don‘t cost much. All you need is your imagination and lots of effort.
Save some money this Christmas and make beautiful, thoughtful gifts for everyone.
You will be amazed how much your homemade gifts are appreciated.
Jan Ferrante is the author of Make It Special ? a DIY Christmas Gift Giving Collection. Includes homemade skin care items, packaging and lots of of fun, economical and easy ideas for gift giving and the Christmas season. Make Your Own Christmas Gifts Ideas.
Family Fun Christmas Ideas
November 26th, 2008Christmas is a magical time. A time of hope, spirit, love, and especially family. This year make it a season of family togetherness and fun.
In recent years, we’ve all noticed that the Christmas season has gotten to be more and more commercialized.
It’s tough to see past the store displays and the hustle bustle of present buying.
In fact, during the Christmas season, sometimes you can be so overwhelmed by the pressure and expectations that you can forget that you should be using this time to celebrate all of the blessings that you have with your family.
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
HOLIDAY DECORATING IDEAS
One of the best things that you can do to get your family ready for the season is to get everyone involved in decorating.
Of course there are the traditional types of decorating that you can involve everyone in like decorating the Christmas tree or hanging lights on the outside of the house.
However, you can really use your creativity and come up with some fantastic Christmas crafts to create together.
For example, even little ones can help you create a paper chain that you can use to count down the days to Christmas much like an advent calendar.
Or maybe you want to do something even more creative.
Have everyone in the family sit down and cut out paper snowflakes. Take clear fishing line and hang them from the ceiling for instant holiday ambiance.
SPREAD SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER
Another great thing to try with your family is to go out Christmas caroling.
It’s fairly easy, and is sure to get you get you into the holiday spirit and will put a smile on your audiences’ faces.
Neighborhood caroling has gone pretty much out of style, but you can still have fun and be especially appreciated by arranging a trip to a hospital or nursing home.
During the holidays, visits like this are welcomed and you’ll leave feeling great about yourself and the younger kids will enjoy dressing up in Christmas costumes for their ‘performance’.
CHRISTMAS BAKING NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE
Do not forget about including your family in your annual Christmas baking as well. No matter what you are baking, you will be able to find jobs for family members of all ages.
Not only would it be great to have the help, but it will help to create memories that you won’t soon forget.
And you’ll have very tasty treats all season long!
HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Of course, one of the best ways that you can really engage your family’s creativity in the holiday season is by having everyone make homemade Christmas presents.
This will get you families creativity going like no other craft because there is a motivation to make it a really great project, especially with an early start.
Recipients can’t help but be touched by knowing that their gift was made with care and love by the gift giver.
Additionally, your family is sure to save some money on the presents that you will be making rather than paying the expensive sticker price for something from the store.
There are great ideas for homemade presents and you’ll just have to get your wheels turning to come up with the best one for you!
Jan Ferrante is the author of Make It Special ? a DIY Christmas Gift Giving Collection. Includes homemade skin care items, packaging and lots of of fun, economical and easy ideas for gift giving and the Christmas season. Homemade Christmas Ideas
Homemade Christmas Gift Giving
November 25th, 2008Finding the perfect Christmas gift can be difficult for even the most experienced gift giver.
By deciding to have a homemade Christmas you can cut down on costs, be friendly to the environment, spend family time while you are also putting a lot of love and care into the gift that you are going to be giving.
Think back to when you were little, and it seemed like nothing meant more to your dad than receiving a macaroni tie that you spent time making in school.
The same concept still applies with a little more refinement.
By hand making your Christmas gifts, the recipients will not be able to help feeling touched that you spent so much time and effort on them.
However, now you’ll be able to put in more care and skill to give them something truly unique and well made.
STICK TO YOUR CHRISTMAS BUDGET
By choosing to have a homemade Christmas you can actually make it a fun family activity that gets everyone involved while saving you some money. Homemade gifts are quite often less expensive than store bought gifts and more cherished.
Additionally, you could set each family member with a budget to purchase supplies, either individually, or go together to make a ‘batch’ for various family members and friends. This can be extremely economical and it could become a much anticipated family tradition for both the creators and the recipients.
FAMILY FUN
Making homemade Christmas gifts can simply be a fun activity to do together, something that seems harder and harder to make time for in this day and age.
Planning and creating is something that can be done throughout the year as well, with Christmas in mind. The stress alone that this can save is mind boggling if you are typically late with your Christmas gift shopping.
By having a family wide homemade Christmas you will be able to share something together that is truly unique and perhaps start a generation wide tradition that will bring your family together for years to come, especially if you start early.
MAKE IT GREEN
With handmade gift giving, you will also be able to reduce your carbon footprint.
Everyone is “going green” these days, and by making your own gift you will be able to control the materials that you use and how you make it. This reduces purchases from manufacturers who use heavy polluting factories and over packaging.
A CARING AND UNIQUE GIFT
The recipient of any homemade gift is bound to be surprised and touched at how much effort the gift giver has put into making their Christmas gift.
They will always be reminded that you cared about them enough to construct something with your own two hands. Every time that they look at your touching handmade gift, they’ll be reminded of you and how dear you are to each other.
By having your family create a homemade Christmas, you will be able to create a fun activity for you and your family while making a magical and unique Christmas Memory.
Jan Ferrante is the author of Make It Special ? a DIY Christmas Gift Giving Collection. Includes homemade skin care items, packaging and lots of of fun, economical and easy ideas for gift giving and the Christmas season. Homemade Christmas Gift Giving