HOTH Parties

Cake Decorating Ideas for Fantastic Looking Cakes

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 04:45:24 GMT

by Cristy Smith

You don't have to be an expert cake decorator in order to make
fantastic looking birthday cakes. Here are some cake decorating
ideas to help you to make your cakes extra special that do not
require exceptional cake decorating skills.

First, determine a theme for your cake. If the cake is for an
adult, what are the likes, hobbies or interests of the birthday
person? For example, if the person likes to fish, make a fishing
theme cake. If the person likes to golf, make a golf theme cake.
If they like to play the guitar, make a guitar cake.

You could also make the cake theme match their profession as
well. For example, for a mail carrier make a mail theme cake or
for a carpenter, make a carpenter theme cake.

If you are making a cake for a child, have it match the theme of
the party or the child's favorite character, interest or even
sport.

You get the idea, just try to make the cake extra special for
the birthday person by making it match their hobbies or
interests.

A really easy cake decorating idea for making these theme cakes
is to purchase cake toppers that match your theme to place on
top of your cake. These come in many different varieties.
However, if you happen to want to make a certain theme cake for
which you cannot find a cake topper to match, try the miniature
section of any hobby or craft store.

For the examples above, you can purchase things such as a
miniature fishing rod and net for the fishing cake, a miniature
golf bag and golf clubs for the golf theme cake and a miniature
guitar for the guitar cake. You can then place them on top of
your cake. For a mail theme cake, purchase miniature mail boxes
and make little letters out of card stock that you laminate and
place them on the top and sides of your cake. For the carpenter
theme cake, put miniature saws and other tools on the top of or
on the sides of the cake.

These are just a few examples. The ideas really are endless, but
hopefully this has helped to get you started thinking of
different and unique cake decorating ideas that will make the
next cake that you make extra special.

About the author:
Cristy Smith is co-creator of a birthday cake decorating website
that is packed full of creative and fantastic looking cakes and
explains how each one was made. Visit
http://www.easy-birthday-cakes.com for lots of
great cake decorating ideas
http://www.easy-birthday-cakes.com/cake-decorating-ideas.html

16 Simple Ways to Celebrate Spring

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 04:22:16 GMT

Spring is here! Here are 16 simple ways to celebrate this fresh
new season.

1. Make chocolate pudding parfaits or fresh
strawberry shortcake and top with real whipped cream.

2. Take your kids on a trip to the zoo.

3. Put your spring and summer furniture back out on your porch
or deck. Indulge in a new wicker piece this season - or a new
rocking chair, hammock or tire swing.

4. Invite the neighborhood children over to share a jumbo box of
Popsicles on the front porch. Keep some sidewalk chalk handy and
engage them in a game of hangman or tic-tac-toe.

5. Look in the paper or call your local chamber of commerce or
historical society to see if there are any historic walking
tours of your town or popular attractions. Each spring, make a
goal to visit someplace new right in your own town.

6. Find a new, thick, and engrossing novel and sit outside - or
in front of an open window - and read for the simple pleasure of
it.

7. Just for the afternoon, open all of your windows, even if it
means you need to put on a sweater. This is really nice to do
during those first spring rains. The scent of rain is one of
spring's richest pleasures.

8. Tune up your bike and go for a quick ride.

9. Blow bubbles.

10. Tonight, set a simple table outside and dine al fresco.

11. Treat yourself to a new pair of sunglasses.

12. Make herbal sun tea.

13. Mix up a homemade fruit smoothie for breakfast.

14. Give each of your family members a disposable camera, and
take a walk through your neighborhood. Document the signs of
spring and arrange the resulting photos in a spring collage for
your wall or refrigerator door.

15. Brighten your home with essence of spring. Introduce some
light breezy fabrics and colors. A new tablecloth or set of
curtains can do wonders to bring indoors the beauty and
freshness of the outside world.

16. Sit on your front porch, inhale slowly, and reflect on the
beauty of the spring season.

Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com as well as Momscape's Online Scrapbooking Magazine and
Momscape's Organic Living Channel- all of which celebrate the simple
splendor in our everyday lives. Visit her site today to
subscribe to her free weekly newsletters featuring fresh new
ideas and inspiration.

Child Birthday Party Game Ideas

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 05:13:26 GMT

by Mike Dougherty "Grandpa Mike"

Need some fun child birthday party game ideas that will turn
your child's party into an instant success? Here are some great
games that your party guests will love.

The Secret Of The Mummy

Divide your party guests into two teams... Have each team choose
a player to be "the Mummy."

Then give each team three rolls of toilet paper... Then start
your party theme music and see which team is first to wrap up
their Mummy from head to toe... To make things more fun, you
might want to give them a two minute time limit... A great child
birthday party game idea!

Whats That Smell

Blindfold each party guest one at a time, then place something
in a paper bag for them to smell and see if they can guess what
it is...

Try a peppermint, gum, toothpaste, cheese, a slice of pizza,
cherry candy, grape candy, a banana, peanut butter or something
milder like a slice of bread.

The Great Detective

A child birthday party game idea they're sure to love.

Have your birthday child go into another room and make a slight
change in their appearance... Put on something different, one
different sock, reposition their hat, or take off or add some
jewelry... Then have them come back in the room with their party
guests and see which guest is "the great detective" and can
figure out what's different.

Quick Change Artist

Give each child a bag that contains a big over-sized shirt, big
pants, big socks and a big knit or floppy hat... Start your
party theme music and say "ready - set - go!"

Each player starts putting the baggy clothes over their own
clothing.,.. The first one to put on all the clothes from the
bag is "the quick change artist."

You might want to have your party guests remove their shoes to
make it easier to get the big socks on their feet.

Sneak Attack

Have your birthday child sit in a chair in the middle of the
room and place a blindfold over their eyes... Place an object
under the chair. It can be a stuffed animal, a toy, a small bag
of candy or a wrapped gift.

Keep everyone quiet as your party guests try to sneak up (one at
a time) and take the object under the chair... If your birthday
child tags them, that player is out and the next player must try
and take the object... Your birthday child can move their arms
around, but don't let them use their feet.

Silly Dress-Up

A great child birthday party game idea for everyone.

Take lots of wild - colored shirts, pants, hats, socks, scarves,
jackets and anything else you can think of and have your party
guests see who can come up with the silliest, funniest, craziest
costume.

Wild Animal Act

Write the name of an animal on a piece of paper, fold the paper
in half (so you can't see what's written) then put all the
pieces of paper in a bowl... Have one party guest take a piece
of paper out of the bowl and act out that animal... The first
player to guess the animal correctly then takes a piece of paper
from the bowl and acts out that animal... Keep playing until all
your party guests have had a turn.

Wacky Balloon Race

Divide your party guests into two teams... Have one player from
each team put a balloon between their knees... When you say
"go," start your theme music and both players race to the finish
line without dropping or popping their balloon.

If a balloon pops or the player drops their balloon, that player
has to start all over again with a new balloon...

Every player on each team must race with the balloon. The team
that finishes first wins.

Child Birthday Party Game Ideas

You can vary each of these games to make them appropriate for
the age group of your party...

Have fun, laugh, enjoy, take lots of pictures and shoot plenty
of video!

About the author:
Mike Dougherty has lots of experience putting together
successful birthday parties for his children. For more great
information and tips on kid birthday party ideas, take a quick
look at Fun-Kid-Birthday-Parties.com

April Fool�s Day Treats -You Are Serving What For Dinner?

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 05:34:35 GMT

By Susanne Myers

April Fool's Day is the perfect day to have fun with the meals
you serve. Surprise your family on April 1st with these fun
meal ideas.

Fake Hot Dogs And French Fries

Your kids will love fake hot dogs and French fries for lunch
this April fools day. Peel a banana and spread peanut butter
all over it to give it the appearance of a hot dog. Serve it in
a hot dog bun with some strawberry preserve drizzled over the
hotdog to make it look like ketchup.

For the fries, peel some apples and cut them into sticks
resembling fresh fries. Roll them in a cinnamon and sugar
mixture and bake them for 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 400 F
oven. Serve with a side of strawberry preserve as fake ketchup.
What a fun lunch.

Fool everyone in the family with these fun dinner and desert
ideas. They won't believe you are actually serving cake for
dinner and spaghetti for dessert.

Cherry Cake Or Meatloaf?

Your Family will be in for a big surprise with this meatloaf
cake. Prepare your favorite meatloaf and bake it in two 9-inch
cake pans. Reduce the cooking time from what you would usually
cook it since the meatloaf cake is thinner.

While the meatloaf cakes are baking, prepare some creamy mashed
potatoes. Spread a layer of mashed potatoes on one of the cakes
and top it with the second one. Use the remaining mashed
potatoes to "frost" your cake. Cut a few cherry tomatoes in
half and use them to decorate the top.

Serve Spaghetti As Desert

Since your serving cake for dinner, it only makes sense to eat
spaghetti for dessert. Put a slice of pound cake on a plate.
Spoon some softened ice cream in a pastry bag with a thin round
tip. Pipe the ice cream over the pound cake in a swirly motion
to resemble spaghetti noodles. Freeze for about 15-20 minutes
to allow the ice cream to harden back up. Top with strawberry
jam as tomato sauce and a few coconut flakes to resemble
Parmesan cheese.

Don't Forget The Drinks

Meals like these deserve a fun twist on a beverage as well.
Prepare some lemon Jello and pour it into glasses. Add a straw
and let it set. It will look just like a glass of lemonade. You
can even decorate the glass with a slice of lemon.

Have fun with these creative April Fool's recipes this April
1st. They are sure to make your family smile. Enjoy!

About the Author: Want more family friendly recipes and crafts
ideas? Visit http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/info for a sample
weekly menu plan your entire family will love and
http://www.kinderinfo.com for tons of kids craft and activity
ideas that are sure to keep your little ones entertained.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

12 Steps to Recover St Patrick's Day

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 04:36:34 GMT

by Clare O Hagan

1. Admit that Advertising Agencies are powerless in showing
images of Irish people celebrate St Patrick's Day without a
drink in their hand.

2. Believe that we need a power greater than the Global Drinks
Industry to overcome the stereotypes of Irish people drinking to
excess on St Patrick's Day

3. Come to believe that using innovative ideas we will be able
to celebrate St Patrick's Day without painting our face green,
getting drunk and falling over.

4. Made fearless decision to look at how we have used St
Patrick's Day in the past, as an excuse to buy and sell tacky
merchandise.

5. Admitted to ourselves, and to another human being the exact
nature of how we decided it was a great idea to wear big hats in
the shape of a pint of Guinness on St Patrick's Day

6. Are entirely ready to have a look at why it's not the best
idea to promote damaging racial stereotypes on St Patrick's Day.

7. Ask for help when planning a St Patrick's Day event.
Introduce novel images of the Irish, in addition to the
leprechaun with a pipe.

8. Make a list of all the ways to celebrate a St Patrick's Day
our children will remember fondly in the future.

9. Make direct amends for the bad taste you exhibited on past St
Patrick's Day by declining gifts of Irish Whiskey socks.

10. Continue to take personal inventory of your St Patrick's Day
wardrobe. Style hint - synthetic materials are suspect.

11. Lead by example in improving the image of St Patrick's Day
through conscious effort, starting this year.

12. Awaken to the joys of St Patrick's Day, and enjoy it with
gusto and good grace.

Wishing you all a very Happy St Patrick's Day on 17th March.

�2006 Clare O Hagan

About the author:
Clare O Hagan is the co-owner of O Hagans Irish Store. With
fellow artist Denise Wyllie, they design, produce and sell, fun
funky goods with an Irish twist.
http://www.wyllieohagan.com

On a more serious note, the artists are affiliated to leading
Women's Health Institutions internationally.
http://www.wyllieohagan.com

Games To Consider When You're Event Planning

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 04:55:19 GMT

by Brandon C. Hall

Children love so many things about birthday parties. The food,
the birthday cake and the ice cream are at the top of their
lists. Right below those favorites is party games. When children
attend a birthday party they look forward to the party games
they will get to play. A big reason for this is that party games
usually have a winner and that winner might get a prize. What
child doesn't love a prize?

If you happen to be in charge of event planning for a child's
birthday party you are in the enviable position of having a
whole host of games to choose from. One of the first things to
consider is the age of your young guests. Obviously if you are
in charge of entertaining a crowd of three-year-olds you'll need
to choose an activity that doesn't require the player to have a
long attention span. Standard favorites like pin the tail on the
donkey and hot potato are fun for children who haven't mastered
skills such as reading yet. Another fun game that keeps children
laughing is to have them sit on air filled balloons while trying
to pop them. This generally results in them rolling around on
the floor as they bounce off the balloons.

For older children you might consider a treasure hunt. This is a
great activity that can keep children busy and occupied while
you tend to the other aspects of the event. You just hide some
objects in your home and draw out maps for the children to
search for them. Another twist on this idea is the scavenger
hunt. In this instance you give the children a list of items
they have to search for and whoever finds all of the items
first, wins a prize. If your child is really enthusiastic about
this idea you can make it the center of your event planning
process. Perhaps choosing a scavenger hunt theme for the entire
party including invitations shaped like a magnifying glass or a
hunt to find the pizza you've hidden in another room for dinner.
Children love activities like this and it's a great way to
encourage their junior detective skills.

For the more mature crowd, you can incorporate fun activities
into your event planning as well. Perhaps a game of charades or
a fun board or card game will entertain a more adult crowd.
These types of games are a great way to socialize and they also
act as stress relievers. Many men do this already when they have
their weekly poker night with their buddies. They may not view
it as an event, but it's a great way for them to get together
and challenge one another's skill.

Depending on the event you are planning, it can be a plus to
play a game or two. It keeps the event moving along and the
guests will appreciate having a fun activity to engage in. The
smaller ones will appreciate it even more if they win a prize
for their efforts.

About the author:
Plan your next baby shower like a pro by picking up your
baby shower kit. For more articles and information on
event planning visit our site.

Great Christening and Baptism Keepsake Ideas

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 03:47:24 GMT

by: Sara Haese

A baby's christening or baptism is a very special occasion. It is the very first step in their spiritual life so there should be as many keepsakes of the day as possible. Since the baby won't have any first-hand memories of this special day, it's up to the parents, godparents and family members to create lasting memories for them.

There are always the popular items that make treasured keepsakes, but there are many other ideas that might get overlooked. For instance, are the invitations just for inviting guests to the celebration and providing all the important details? That is their main purpose, but saving just one of them to be framed or placed in a memory album/scrapbook will create a lasting souvenir of the occasion.

Here is a list of some more obvious and not-so-obvious items that make great baptism or christening keepsakes creating lifetime memories for the baby.

Gown or Outfit- Choosing heirloom quality fabric and taking the proper storage measures will help preserve the gown or outfit for future generations or just for a lasting remembrance.

Accessories such as shoes, socks, bib, blanket, bonnet, towel, headband, boutonniere - They all add an extra special touch to the gown or outfit and make great mementos.

Favors- These are perfect for showing appreciation to guests and giving them a take-home token. Many types of favors can be personalized.

Certificate- This is a great way to create a written record of the baptism or christening that can be framed and displayed.

Bracelet- What could be more precious and beautiful than a baby bracelet adorning the infant on her special day?

Personalized Gifts - These are normally items designed specifically for a christening or baptism such as a photo album, photo frame, Bible, cross plaque, doll, prayer bear, or candle. They are extra special because of the personalization.

Godparents, in particular, should really consider giving their godchild a keepsake gift since part of their responsibility is to help the child grow in their spirituality. Since their baptism or christening is the beginning of their spiritual life, it should always be remembered. There are special godchild, goddaughter, and godson gifts available that can be personalized with the baby's name and the date.

Keepsakes are a wonderful way to honor the memory of a baby's christening or baptism through the years as they grow, both physically and spiritually.

About The Author
Sara Haese is the owner of www.baptism-and-christening-keepsakes.com which is your premier online resource for everything you'll need to make your christening or baptism unforgettable including gowns, outfits, invitations, favors, personalized gifts, accessories, godparent gifts, etc.

Children Birthday Party Advice

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 05:14:40 GMT

by George Meszaros

Birthday parties for children are exciting events. To make a
thrilling experience for the children, we must work hard.
Careful planning is essential.

The younger the participants the less structure you need to
worry about. The younger the kids, the more relaxed they will
be. Keeping it simple is important. Kids can entertain each
other better than adults, so you don't need to worry about too
much structure. Minimal structure does not mean minimal parental
supervision. A successful children party's most important
component is responsible adult supervision.

Planning the Party

Before you buy anything, you must set your budget. Don't spend a
dime before you set a budget. Your budget will determine many
things such as the food, how many you can invite, entertainment,
etc. Set the theme of the party before you go out for shopping
for the party. The number and age of kids will determine what
kind of games you should consider. Games are no an absolute
must, but it may help with some of the older kids. Choosing the
proper location is an important success factor. Kids need lots
of space; they don't like to sit around, so you have to give
them space. Most importantly the location must be safe, and it
must be large enough to accommodate your guests. A party at
someone's house is fine, as long as it meets your requirements.

The Checklist

Make sure you don't leave home without a checklist. Shopping by
a checklist will enable you to only buy what is necessary. In
addition, it helps to avoid impulse buying. You should have a
list including everything important for your party. Such a list
can help you relax, because you don't have to worry about
remembering everything. Your list should include items such the
cake, party favors, ice cream, games, etc. Depending on the
particular party you may not need a long list, but make sure you
have one.

Invitations

Depending on the kind of party you are planning, formal
invitations may be necessary. Make sure you send invitations at
least two-three weeks prior to the party date, to allow parents
planning and buying gifts. Using e-mail to notify the parents
may save you a lot of time instead of mailing invitations.
Always offer an RSVP so you know how many children and parents
to expect for the party.

Games, Favors, & Activities

The number and kind of games you have at the party depends on
the age of the kids and the location of the party. You don't
have to worry about games for a beach party as a party held at
someone's house during the winter. As much as you can, get the
children involved with the planning. The more involved they are
in the planning the more they will enjoy the party

Now that you have some birthday planning advice, get planning.

About the author:
Party Favors Chocolate
party favors for birthday, graduation, birth announcement, baby
shower, weddings and more.

10 No Cost Valentine's Day Gifts

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 17:16:09 GMT

by Adriana Copaceanu

Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those we
love, and money should not stay in the way of it.

Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas that won't cost any
money.

1. Surprise your partner with a new set of vows, complete with a
lovely candlelight dinner. Take care of all the details before
the actual day, so you can be relaxed and enjoy it too.

2. Window-shop for your dreams together: go "house hunting" for
the perfect getaway cottage...mountain cabin...or even your
first house. Those dreams will become a reality sooner than you
think.

3. Bake some heart-shaped cookies or fudge: this one is really
easy, and if you have kids, you can involve them as well.

4. Create a list of "100 reasons I love you" and present it
nicely wrapped and tied with a red or pink bow.

5. Read love poems/stories together.

6. Share romantic greeting cards that you made: these can be
adorned with silk, hearts, pressed flowers, or a nice drawing by
you, if you have the talent. .

7. Leave love notes in unexpected places. Suggestions include on
the bathroom mirror, in the fridge, under his pillow, in his
checkbook, or any other place you think he'll come across during
the day.

8. Find a babysitter for your kids and have a picnic in the
living room.

9. Say "I love you" for 12 entire months with a coupon book
filled with favors that she can redeem throughout the year.
Choose a different favor for each month of the year that she can
redeem on any day of the month. Suggestions include a foot
massage, a back rub, cleaning up after dinner, a night out
alone, etc. 10. Prepare a romantic spa evening at home: run a
hot bath, add some bath oil, and some of your partner's favorite
music. Don't forget a sensual massage and some home made
chocolate treats.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day!

About the author:
Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that
don't blow the bank. You can find Valentine's Day Gifts at
http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/

Cool Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 18:08:51 GMT

by Kenia Morales

Valentine's day is around the corner again. You have no clue
about what to get your significant other and simply want to give
him something different than the typical button down shirt and
tie. Well lucky for you I have created a list of cool gifts for
men.

1. A gift basket- Yes, I know! It seems a little weird but, the
gift basket business is "in" right now and they even carry gift
baskets for beer lovers. An example of this basket would be: 6
beers from different countries and all type of munchies to go
with it. If your mate enjoys drinking beer this is the perfect
gift for him. Price range can be anywhere from $30 and above.
Champaign gift baskets are available for those of you that are
thinking about a sexier, sophisticated night.

2. Jewelry- Women love it when men give them jewelry as a
present but, it does not mean he would not enjoy it also.

3. Electronics - I do not know about your partner but my husband
drools all over electronic items. The same way women drool over
shoes.

4. Collection- Does your mate have a collection of any type. Buy
him one of the missing pieces.

5. Cigars- Just make sure you give them to a guy that smokes or
is at least is interested on trying them.

6. Bath & Body products for men- I am sure a man can also
appreciate being pampered.

7. Video/computer games- Does he enjoy playing video games Games
are no longer for kids only. So if he is into playing, surprise
him!

8. Gift Card of his favorite store-If you have no clue of what
to get him.

9. What he needs- If you can find something that he needs; buy
it for him. What best present than a present that he will truly
use.

10. Last but not least, sexy robes and underwear are always cool
gifts for the man in your life. For a more sexy/sophisticated
try velour and silky robes.

About the author:
Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine
http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her
site to find a variety of women related issues and topics" click
here http://kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to read more
inspirational articles written by her.