Create a Perfect Game Closet With 10 New Games

During these cold winter months, nothing is better than sitting down as a family and playing games. It gives you a chance to be together, talk, laugh and have fun.

Playing in the dining room, at the kitchen table, or on the family room floor creates a whole different family dynamic than other activities. Conversations can start to happen -- you may learn things about your child academically or socially that you didn't know. It works much better than asking "what happened at school today", when you get that blank look like you are crazy or something.

When playing games, children learn to play as a team -- and they learn you don't always win. That's something, in this day and age, we don't teach our children very well. We set up school and sports environments so that our children always succeed. But in the real world, that does not always happen.

According to, Alvin Rosenfeld, M.D., a child psychiatrist and coauthor of The Over-Scheduled Child and four other books other benefits from games include: * Number and shape recognition, grouping, and counting * Letter recognition and reading * Visual perception and color recognition * Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity * Improved verbal communication * Increased ability to focus and lengthen attention span

Most traditional board games are not appropriate for children younger than 5 years old; they're not cognitively ready to handle all of the rules. However, there are some new games in the market designed specifically for 4-5 year olds that are great fun. The best games are not "characterfied". High School Musical and Dora the Explorer don't have staying power. In five to ten years, when you go to pull out the games over a long holiday weekend--no one will even remember High School Musical.

Most games with electronics lose some of their educational value. Monopoly without the money and the banker just isn't the same. If what you want is time with your family then you don't want to purchase games that are played on the computer. The idea of family time, is that you are sitting around together playing and laughing and having fun.

Below are 10 games all added to the market in the last eight years. They all meet the criteria that they don't have batteries, you don't use a computer to play them, the designer's created them with child development in mind, and they have staying power. You will want to continue to play them for many years.

The games are listed in age appropriate order and the description comes from the manufactures.

1. Zimbbos--Use your creativity and Sense of Balance to Build the Most Elephantastic Pyramid. Taking turns, roll the die to find out how many elephants you have to add to the pyramid. The player who puts the last elephant on the pyramid wins the game. It is a classic stacking game where kids can develop their spatial relationships and test motor skills. Appropriate for 3 to 8 years old

2. Horton Hears a Who! - You to the Rescue!--Go on a wild adventure to save the Whos! Put on the Horton hat and race around the house to find the clovers where the tiny Whos live. Pick them up with your trunk?then hurry back before time runs out! The player who rescues the most Whos is the winner! Appropriate for is 4-8 year olds

3. CARIBOO--In Cariboo you enjoy the thrill of unlocking secret doors and discovering hidden treasures! The matching activities in this game combines laugh-out-loud fun with four early-learning fundamentals -- letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. And, it grows with your child. Kids practice A, B, C and 1, 2, 3, 4 with the Beginner cards, then explore the full alphabet and numbers 1 to 10 with the Advanced cards. Each game of CARIBOO takes about 10 to 15 minutes to play. Appropriate for 4 and Above

4. Finders Keepers--Be the first to find the hidden objects. Choose 3 picture cards from the card keeper. One, two, three, go! All players at once hurry to locate and place colored chips on the matching pictures on the game board. Whoever is successful gets to claim the picture card. Play as many rounds as you want - whoever wins the most cards wins the game! Appropriate for 4-7 years old

5. ThinkFun Zingo--Players try to fill their Zingo! cards with matching tiles from the Zingo Zinger. The first player to fill his/her card wins! Rules can be adjusted to favor more or less competition among players, and to vary length of time that each game takes to play. Zingo teaches shape and pattern recognition, as well as observation, and short-term memory. Appropriate for 4 - 8

6. Blockus--Blokus encourages creative thinking. The goal of this game is for players to fit all of their pieces onto the board. When placing a piece it may not lie adjacent to the player's other pieces, but must be placed touching at least one corner of their pieces already on the board. The player who gets rid of all of their tiles first is the winner. Four players make this abstract game especially fast and exciting; however, it can be just as fun for two or three players. A game of Blokus typically lasts 30 minutes. Appropriate for 5 and up

7. Gobblet and Gobblet Jr. Gobblet--a four-in-a-row, tic-tac-toe game where you can move pieces around the board to increase your chances of winning - or losing. Simply move your piece to a vacant spot, or gobble up an opponent's smaller piece to gain the advantage. In Gobblet Jr. you are working on getting 3 in a row. Gobblet is for 7 and above, while Gobblet Jr. is for 5 and above

8. Qwirkle--This game combines well-thought out strategy with quick-thinking challenges. Qwirkle is played by creating rows and columns of matching colors and shapes. Since the simple play requires no reading, the whole gang can connect shapes and colors making the strategic multiple-tile moves that earn maximum points. Appropriate for 6 and up

9. Apples to Apples, Apples to Apples Jr. and Apples to Apples 7+--The name of the game is a play on the phrase "apples to oranges," and the game is about making comparisons between different things. General game play is as follows: players are dealt red cards which have a noun printed on them, and the judge draws a green card on which an adjective is printed and places it for all players to see. Each player then chooses a red card they are holding that they think best describes the green card. The judge then decides which adjective she likes best. Apples to Apples is for 12 and above; Apples to Apples Jr. is for children 9 and above; and Apples to Apples +7 for children is for 7 and above.

10. Stupiduel--Stupiduel is a simple but entertaining storytelling game. Use your hand of item and modifier cards to construct a diabolical weapon (such as "1000 electrified hamsters") with which to attack a fellow player. Then you must tell a story about how you will use this implausible but fearsome weapon to destroy your opponent. The other player gets to build a defensive item in the same way (maybe a "radioactive garden gnome") and describe how it prevents or deflects the attack. The rest of the group then decides who is the winner of the battle. Appropriate for 12 and above.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mara_Kaplan

Bakugan Card Types in the Bakugan Booster Packs

You will find several types of cards contained in the Bakugan Booster Pack , although the cards are varied and you will not always get one of each kind. I hope to shed some light on the different types of cards that you will run into while collecting or playing the Bakugan Trading Card Game.

Lets begin with the most common card that you will find in the Bakugan Booster Pack:

Normal Cards (silver) are the most common and basic of all of the Gateway cards are an absolute must have for Battling. The normal cards contain six G-Power sector bubbles along the edge. Each one has a specific plus or in some cases a minus depending on the Planet your Bakugan Warrior is from (Color your Bakugan is). Each card also has a HSP score allocated at the bottom of the card that helps to decide the overall winner of the game.

Character Cards (Gold) have one specific Bakugan Warriors name on it. There are the same number of Character Cards as there are Bakugans. Similar to a Normal Card, a Character Card consists of six G-Power Sector Bubbles with the familiar plus or minus scores and an HSP score at the bottom. The difference is that a Character Card will have that Bakugan's picture and name on it which will double its G-Power when the same type Bakugan lands on it. Standing a Bakugan on its character card dramatically increases the chances of winning that Battle.

Command Cards (Copper) add a surprise element to a Battle Sequence. They also like the other cards contain the standard six G-power Sector Bubbles and the HSP score on the bottom, but that is where the similarities end. The Command Card will have a direct order that both Bakugan players must follow. The command will systematically change the outcome of a Battle and could very well decide the fate of the final winner.

The Special Ability Card is the most valuable card found in a Bakugan Booster Pack , and whatever player is holding this card will have a huge advantage in battle. As a matter of fact the Special Ability Card is so powerful that only a single one can be brought into Battle. Different from the other three Gateway cards, a Special Ability Card does not have any G-Power Sector Bubbles. But it does have an HSP score and a unique instruction that all Players must obey. A Special Ability Card is quite forceful and when used with strategy can have a devastating affect on your opponents.

The Bakugan Booster Pack is the hottest Trading Card Game on the market, and is set to de-throne Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Hamel

Funny Icebreaker Questions

When people first meet they usually follow the standard communication protocol, it is hard for people to open up and get to know each other; the most difficult part is trying to "think" of something to say. More often than not people are just nervous when the first meet and have a hard time thinking of things to say. Icebreaker games alone can change this dynamic and funny icebreaker questions are the key to helping people relax and have a good time while they are learning, working or building unity.

Funny icebreaker questions need to accomplish 2 main objectives. First the icebreaker question needs to help you learn something new and interesting about the person you are meeting, and second; the icebreaker question should lighten the mood and help the two parties ENJOY themselves while they are getting to know each other.

Depending on the setting, an icebreaker question can be personal or not too personal. It is important though that the parties learn something about one another. Whether it's what one would do in a specific business scenario or the brand of shampoo they prefer. What ever the case, people who know more about each other, trust each other and that is the key to communication.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Millett

Old Times, Hard Times, Good Times and Times to Come - The Ministry of Hospitality

I have the privilege of being a pastoral care visitor for All Peoples United Church and the people who call there who need someone to talk to. Part of our conversation will be about how we can we still serve God, our fellow humans and the natural world when we are losing faculties that we once took for granted - things like sight, hearing and mobility.

And it always happens that when my ministry partner, Irja, and I come away from a pastoral care visit - we always feel enlivened by the Spirit. We come empty-handed and we leave with hearts overflowing.

More and more I am appreciating the ministry of hospitality - when people invite you into the place where they live - be it a castle or a cottage - and offer you their time, their stories, a warm or cold beverage, and sometimes a snack. (There is a reason why people in ministry drape their expanding bodies in large robes.)

Reta (not her real name) gave me permission to tell this story. Reta has a disability where her limbs lock, for reasons unexplained, and for which medication is not always helpful. This means that she can take nothing for granted - right down to where she will find herself sitting or standing.

I can tell you that were I in that situation, what few homemaking skills I have - and my husband will attest that they are very few - would be abandoned. But not Reta. When you walk into her apartment you feel like you are walking into a wonderland and a bakery put together. Her home always is inviting - clean and tidy, yes - but also decorated for each season.

When you enter into her living room you practically feel the furniture give you a big hug and the trees outside of the bay window wave at you as if to say, "Welcome home." Irja, Reta and I talk about old times, hard times, good times and times to come - always with the understanding that life is a precious gift, no matter how difficult or easy the circumstances may be.

Reta might read to us a short inspirational story, Irja will delight us with the adventures of her canine nephew George, and I will talk about unusual meetings and unexpected outcomes. Reta will put on a pot of tea. You and I don't think of that as being a challenge - but when you cannot predict what your next step is going to be like or whether or not your arms will work - it's a leap of faith.

We move to the kitchen table, which has a lace covering and charming placemats. Our milk comes from a dainty pitcher, not a blue jug with a bulging milk bag. (Though I love being served this way too.) And Reta will have some home baking. This last time it was gingersnaps. You know how challenging rolling out dough can be. Think about doing it without bending your arms. Imagine opening an oven door when your balance is precarious at best.

We always end our visit by holding hands and praying. We give thanks for those blessings we can still experience and those we can't. We give thanks for our time together because we do not know what the future holds for us. That's why I appreciate this folksy but wise maxim.

Yesterday is history

Tomorrow is a mystery

Today is a gift.

That's why it's called the present.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_C._Steven

5 Tips to Great Entertaining

Have you ever been to a party that served frozen hors d'oeuvres, beer in cans, or some insipid wine from a box or jug, had no music playing and all the lights were on and said to yourself, "WOW, that was a great party"!

I don't think so. That party would break all the rules of entertaining.

Which are:
1- Good food
2- Good drink
3-Atmosphere
4-Atmosphere
5-Atmosphere

I can't go into detail here but I will cover the bases. Even the most casual party could serve fresh, quality food. I recommend finger foods, no utensils required. A mix of cold and hot appetizers would be perfect. I prefer warming trays to chafing dishes because you can serve the food on a nice platter and it stays hot without worrying about changing the sternos. One less thing to worry about, so you can enjoy the party too. Finger foods allow your guests to hold a drink in one hand and pick with the other.

Try to serve the type of beverage your guests prefer. Just remember to purchase beer in bottles(never cans). Unless it's a frat party. Wine should be purchased in 750ml bottles. There are many tremendous values in the $6-$9 dollar range. You will find some excellent deals in Spanish and Australian wines, but that's another article. Even if you don't drink liquor, you may have guests that do, so it's a good idea to accumulate liquor over time so you may only have to pick up one or two bottles for any particular party. Otherwise, you could spend a few hundred dollars on booze. I'll share some of my money saving secrets for liquor in a future article.

Atmosphere has three components:
1 - Music
2 - Lighting
3 - Decoration

There is no excuse for not playing music at a party. Even if you don't own a stereo you can get free music of any kind on your computer or cable TV.
With good tunes comes the possibility of dancing. .Guests always have a better time at parties where people are dancing. No one will dance if the lights are all on and the music is way in the background. Parties improve dramatically when oral language turns into body language on the dance floor. This brings us to the party lighting. Have you ever been to a bright bar? Set up your lighting so that no area is too light or too dark. Candles are great, or you could replace the bulbs in your lamps with lower wattage ones. The way I solved the mood lighting issue is by changing all of the light switches with dimmers.

The hors d'oeuvres table will probably be the focal point of the party, so why just place a few platters on it with flowers and candles when you can easily create an impressive tablescape. Using different size boxes and/or pots, set up three or four levels and drape them with a tablecloth, making the tallest point at the center. Proceed to decorate the table with other theme or seasonal related decorations.

Unless your theme is Halloween, New Years Eve, or Mardi Gras, There's no need to turn your home into a circus. But a tastefully decorated theme party will not go unnoticed.

So there you have it. A theme party with an exciting appetizer tablescape, perfect mood lighting, great music and quality libations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Papantonio

Community Centers - A Popular Choice For Affordable Family Fun

These days, it seems like everyone is looking for a bargain. With the economy in shambles and unemployment reaching levels that haven't been seen for awhile, it's tough to justify any new expenses. That's why a place like a community center can be such a lifesaver for the average family. Many community centers have things like arts and crafts classes where children can play and learn things in a safe and fun environment. Sure, they may need to pick up some expenses like buying their own American art clay to bring to the class, but that may be a small price to pay for what you are getting. In addition to the class itself is the interaction the child and parent get with others in their community. This interaction is invaluable, and many items can lead to friendships that would never have been cultivated otherwise.

Community centers are public buildings that are used as a gathering place for events, activities, public information, and other purposes. They may be used to hold meetings for parent groups and civic groups, or they may have athletic facilities for youth and adult sports leagues. But what many parents think about when they think of a community center is the programs they usually offer for youth. These programs can take the shape of reading programs, art programs where kids learn to paint or use pottery glazes, or physical education programs that encourage kids to get off the couch and be active. While these programs are all educational, perhaps the best thing about them is they don't necessarily seem educational to the children. Since they are fun the children don't even realize that they are learning valuable skills they can use in other situations.

Regardless of what you do at a community center, however, it's a great thing to simply be involved with others in your community. Many times it's hard to really feel like you're integrated into your city or town. By involving yourself in the various programs and activities offered at your local community center, you feel a kinship with those around you. It's like you have a stake in your neighborhood, like you have roots. It doesn't matter if you're taking an art class and are learning about clay bodies or if you attended the most recent school board meeting. The important thing is you got involved and made your community a more vibrant place to live.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

The New Bakugan Toy Craze

Move over Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh, there's a new sheriff in town that is sweeping the collector card game community. New on the scene is Bakugan Brawlers.

Adapted from a Japanese Animation which made it's debut in 2007. The game was created which is a strategic card game, called Bakugan. Bakugan was developed by Sega Toys and Spin Master and was strategically released in conjunction with the anime series.

The Bakugan trading card game uses metal cards and magnetic spring-loaded miniature figures in the shape of marbles, called Bakugan. The objective of the game is to capture three of your opponent's gate cards or defeat all of their Bakugan.

What makes Bakugan unique from the other trading card games on the market, such as Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh, is that not only do you have to use strategy with the placement of your playing cards, but also the skill of shooting your Bakugan miniatures so that they end up landing on a card.

The Bakugan trading card game was such a hit in the 2008 Christmas season that tournament type events were held at various Toy's R Us locations around the U.S. Another thing that sets Bakugan apart from the other trading card games is that the rules are so easy to learn that children as young as four years old can learn and start playing right away.

Many add ons were created for the Bakugan trading card game such as a battle arena, and bakugan shooting devices, but the only thing that is required to play is three bakugan marbles and 3 bakugan cards for each participant. Bakugan Battle Brawlers battle packs are a starter set that was created for two children, which contain 6 bakugan and 6 battle cards.

Other offerings in the Bakugan Trading Card game is Bakugan Booster Packs, which come in Bakugan Starter Pack Red and Bakugan Starter Pack Blue. The game is already turning into a collectors frenzy with rare cards and unique desirable's similar to the other trading card games.

The age old game of marbles combined with the 20th century craze of the trading card games, combined into a new Trading Card Game is unique and makes for great excitement for young and old alike.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Hamel

Having Fun With Boxes

Did your children have as much fun with the empty boxes that their presents came in or more fun with the empty boxes than their presents? I know that our children did, it all started with one particular toy a cash register, with a scanner and a micro phone and some weighing scales with several packets of sweets.

The children had the idea that they wanted to build some shop counters out of the now empty boxes that all their presents had come in.

So we got some scissors and some selotape and cut some of the larger boxes to make a counter top and put this over three smaller boxes to form the checkout. The till that was received as a present was proudly stuck on top of the middle box. Then the children took it in turn to be the shop assistant and the customer with the money.

The children pretended to scan each item with the scanner and weighed the sweets with the scales tipping a few sweets back if they thought that the customer had too many ( basically if there wouldn't be enough for there turn as the customer). They played it for a good hour that day and have been back several time since. It amazing how their minds work and what they pick up on, they took it one stage further and the assistant would greet the customer and ask the customer if they need bags and if they needed help packing. Till only cost a samll amount of money, but the empty boxes were brilliant. If you havn't got any around ask at your local shop or television shop they may have some empty boxes you can take away. If we had bought the counter at the shops it would have probably cost a couple of hundred, but we made it and it has kept the children entertained for hours.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Dodds

Enjoy Your Martini Using Cocktail Coasters!

Cocktail coasters do a lot more than protect your furnishings from the liquid that accumulates on the bottom of the glass. These coasters can also be used as a medium of advertising your business, a service you provide or to help celebrate a special event in your life.

You can never underestimate the power of giving sets of coasters as gifts from your business. They will help to promote it in a way that business cards cannot achieve because customers will use these in their lives whereas a business card remains in a wallet. If you do a comparison search on the cost of printed coasters compared to paper business cards, you will see that there is very little difference in the overall cost but there is a vast difference in the effect the coasters will have on getting your name noticed.

There is a wide array of material used in making all kinds of cocktail coasters. At one time, these coasters were only made of wood, but today you can get glossy material imprinted with all kinds of decals and designs. The coasters made from glossy board are heat resistant, which means they could be used under hot drinks. They are also available in almost any shape you can imagine to add to the decor of the room in which you serve your cocktails.

Cork cocktail coasters are very versatile. They are soft and will not slip on the table top causing the drink to spill. They are usually circular in shape, although you can have square coasters made of cork. These are inexpensive and easy to find in all locations both online and off. Aluminum coasters are also versatile in that they are small and round for using under a cocktail glass and do come with all kinds of scenes of nature, sports or whatever decal you wish.

Leather cocktail coasters work well when you have a leather sofa. They will certainly compliment the decor of your room. They come with all kinds of designs imprinted on them and can have gold or silver edgings. They are very soft and will not harm your surface finishing in any way. There are also disposable coasters that you can just throw away, but these are usually made of paper and are not very practical for use at home.

When buying cocktail coasters for using in your home when entertaining, the most durable types to buy are those made from clay products. They are very absorbent because they are made from porous materials, such as sandstone, which will actually hole about 1/4 cup of liquid.

They have cork backing which keeps them from slipping and protects your furniture at the same time. The wide range of colors and designs enable you to match the coaster to your decor and the event. Choose nature scenes or ones that have humorous images or wording.

A set of cocktail coasters makes a great gift idea for any occasion. You can choose a set of absorbent coasters containing the image of a cocktail glass which will suit just about everyone on your list. This is a very suitable gift for a housewarming or a wedding shower or even as a birthday or of anniversary present.

A simple online search will help you see just the extensive range of designs in which you can get the coasters you need. Choose elegant expensive coasters for special events or to have in a holder on your coffee table and inexpensive ones for everyday use.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Martin

Chair Cover Rentals Make Decorating Easy

One of the necessary features of decorating a venue for an event, whether it is large or small, is that of the chair cover. Rentals of these small items are very inexpensive, often less than $2 per chair. When you are decorating the venue, you spend time and money on making sure you have the table cloths in place and decorations on the table to suit the event.

Many people forget about the chairs and leave them bare. If you want to see how chair covers can transform the scene, take a look at some before and after pictures of events that have used chair covers and wedding linens to get an idea of what such an addition will do for you.

When you decide to have chair covers, rentals can include the cost of setting up the venue for you. You can discuss this with the rental agency to find out whether the agency will deliver the covers and place them on the chairs for you. This also includes coming to the event and collecting the covers once the dinner is over. However, placing the covers on the chairs yourself won't take a lot of time. You can easily cover 100 chairs in about 40 minutes.

You can pick up the chair covers yourself if you live in the same area as the rental agency. They will easily fit in the back seat and the trunk of a small car. You don't have to worry about getting stains on the covers either. Cleaning the chair covers is a normal part of the business. As long as the stains can be washed out, you will not incur any extra charge. If there are stains that cannot be washed out or if you accidentally tear a chair cover, rentals will charge you for the cost of replacing these covers.

When your guests enter the room and see that you have taken the time to cover the chairs as well as the tables, they will gaze in awe and compliment you on the elegance of the décor. They will appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to make sure that they have comfortable seating. Chair cover rentals do not just come in one style or color so you can easily match the covers to the theme or the décor of your event.

Before contacting a rental agency, you do need to know the style and the measurement of the chairs that the venue uses. Chair cover rentals have all sizes and shapes of covers because there is really no such thing as a standard chair. This will ensure that you have the right covers for your chairs and that they will fit perfectly.

Depending on the time of the year for the event, you may have to book your chair covers well in advance. Most rental agencies will tell you that a good choice is to book six months in advance if you are holding the event in one of the busy seasons of the year, such as for a wedding in the summer or an event during the Christmas season.

You will have to make a deposit at the time of the booking, but you don't need to have exact numbers at this time. You can make changes to the numbers for chair cover rentals at any time up to two weeks before the event, at which time you make the final payment.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Martin

Creating Quality Time With Family

When I was a little girl I spent many a summer afternoon visiting my grandmother. My grandmother had a front porch. I still can see it today even after she has passed on. There was a glider swing on her porch that we really enjoyed. We would sit on her porch for hours and visit with gram and some other family members that would stop by.

We even had a few family BBQ's at gram's. There was a picnic table out in the field. The grandchildren would run and play. Then we would enjoy a dinner. Outdoor cooking tastes so good. Not only was the food good but the conversation and interaction with other family members was so much better. Picnic Tables are great for family gatherings as they provide lots of seating.

We now have some outdoor furniture of our own. After working all day we enjoy quality time sitting out on the deck with just a table set for two. We don't have any grandchildren yet but it gives us time together relaxing, having a cold drink, and enjoying the summer evening with some one on one conversation time. We have a picnic table out in the yard for when we get company with some garden benches and folding chairs for additional seating . On cooler evenings we set up the folding chairs in front of the fireplace and enjoy our drinks and conversation there in front of the fire. It gives us a chance to burn some brush or sticks that have accumulated around the yard.

We have a swing set up in the back of the yard that the cat really enjoys. She sleeps there all summer. We just have to remove her cushion with all the fur so we can sit and enjoy some shade when we are out there on hotter days.

One on one quality time together after a long day at work or after working out in the yard is healthy for a relationship.

It is good for the body to have a place to sit and relax and just take short break when you've been working hard..

Be good to yourself. Get away from the Television. Get out of the house and get some fresh air. Get closer with your loved ones. You'll be glad you did.

I hope that you will invest in lifelong memories and healthy relationships. Spoil yourself while spoiling others.

Here at Cedar Hideaway we provide you with a selection of Outdoor Furniture and Garden Products that are built to last and priced below our competitors. You have the option of purchasing our outdoor furniture and garden products as and unassembled kit that is designed to keep your costs down. Or as an assembled knock-down version that is 70-90% assembled depending on the product purchased. With both kits holes are pre-drilled. Kits come with fully illustrated instructions. Some of the products we offer are: Garden benches, Swings, Chairs, Tables, Window Boxes, Potting benches, Cedar Planters and more. We also have a line of Teak and Chinese Oak furniture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Allaire

December Celebrations - Beyond Christmas

December is the time for festive celebrations. Of course, most of us excitedly look forward to digging into our traditional Christmas Roast Turkey or Prime Ribs. But why not invite friends to something a little different in honor of multiculturalism, and begin some new traditions. Here are some other celebrations (along with their great menus) to ponder and salivate.

For Hanukkah Dinner, start with tray passed Mini Cheese Blintzes topped with Warm Blueberry Maple Sauce.

Then there's nothing like a Slow Braised Brisket (you don't have to be Jewish to love this special treat) with Potato Pancakes and Chunky Apple Compote, accompanied by Roasted Winter Vegetables.

Desserts for the kid in all of us- Hanukkah Cupcakes, decorated with blue and silver sprinkles and Stars of David, and the updated version of jelly filled doughnuts, Beignets sprinkled with Powdered Sugar and served with a Tart Cherry Compote.

Celebrate family, culture and community with a first-fruits Kwanzaa party. Put out a spread of selections from the African Diaspora.

Start with Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers and Cod Fish Cakes- full of flava', mon...

Then a buffet of West African Roast Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Okra, Fried Catfish, Fresh Corn Pudding, Candied Yams and a Melange of Collard, Mustard, Spinach and Turnip Greens Sautéed with Garlic inspired by the American South.

And to finish-what else but Pecan Pie?

To pay tribute to our neighbors from the up North and across the pond, how about a Boxing Day Brunch serving Quiche Lorraine, Pumpkin Waffles with Cinnamon Poached Apples and Canadian Maple Syrup (of course).

For dessert- a Fruit and Rum Trifle.

This year we have a weekend to recover after all the ringing out of the old and in with the new year. How about a "Hair of the Dog" Champagne Brunch showcasing an Omelette Bar with All the Fixings. Spring for a young culinary student to come in and do the cooking honors, If that's not in the budget consider Frittatas, which are basically open-faced omelettes, which can be baked ahead of time in the Pyrex pie dishes and taste great at room temperature. Add some Fresh Salmon or Crab Cakes and French Toast, which your guests can dip and then cook themselves on an electric griddle set up on the buffet.

There's no better way to get the New Year off to a great start than sharing a wonderful time of feasting with family and friends.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gisele_Perez

Holiday Centerpieces - Make Your Own Inexpensively

Around the holidays you will find several centerpieces available to buy or send as gifts, but they are usually very expensive. Especially if shipping is involved. Try making these simple, yet very elegant centerpieces for your next party.

• The 5 Minute Centerpiece--Pull out some of your crystal serving bowls or hurricane vases. Fill them up half way with fresh cranberries, and if you have them, push a few pine branches down the inside of the glass. Fill with water and float a few white candles in the water. Beautiful!
• Centerpiece with Aroma--Place a round candle about 4 inches high into a hurricane vase. Surround the candle with whole cloves and cinnamon sticks almost to the top of the candle. As the candle warms, your home will be filled with the most wonderful smell. Just like you baked for hours. Very nice on buffet tables and in bathrooms.
• Fruited Garland Centerpiece--Buy live pine garland from your local nursery. Run it down the middle of your table weaving it back and forth so it is laid out like a snake. Fill the spaces you created with fruit. Lemons, limes, pomegranates, apples and oranges work well. Then mingle 6-10 votive candles in between the pine and fruit. Use unscented candles so they do not compete with your food. This one works great for a dinner party because it is low and allows your guests to easily see across the table.
• Sparkly Ornament Centerpiece--Fill a hurricane vase with inexpensive glass ornaments. They come in all shapes and sizes, can be used year after year and they add amazing sparkle and color to any room, buffet table or dining table.
• Glass Beads and Flower Centerpiece--Find small glass vessels around your house. Anything will work like votive holders, creamers or glass teacups. Fill them up with an inch or two of colored glass beads which can be found at craft stores. Buy your favorite fresh flowers and cut the stems really short so that the flowers fit tightly in your vases. These little centerpieces can be used in so many different ways. You can surround larger centerpieces with them or place them in smaller areas like bathrooms, on bartops or on mantles. Really any place that you want to spruce up.

Why spend a fortune on centerpieces when you can make them yourself using glassware that you probably already have around the house and inexpensive items from a craft store?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandee_Lembke

Icebreaker Games For Small Groups

Using the word "Icebreaker" in an acrostic poem we learn the simple principals required of any icebreaker game if it is to be successful.

I.C.E.B.R.E.A.K.E.R.

Introduce
Capture
Educate
Benefit
Recognize
Effective
Amusing
Knowledge
Endure
Remember

Introduce: All icebreakers should have an objective. Whether it be to introduce people, introduce a topic or to just have fun. Your must have a goal.

Capture: Get there attention!!! Icebreaker games should promote something exiting and fun.

Educate: If you have an objective, it is important to pick a game idea that will help implement the concept, to educate.

Benefit: Icebreakers should only be used when they are needed, don't over do it. The perfect idea will benefit the people you are working with.

Recognize: Find the perfect game for your group. Make sure your idea helps the people recognize the concept you are introducing in the best possible way.

Engage: Involve the group as much as possible. When people are physically engaged, they are mentally engaged too.

Amusing: Make sure the game idea is as entertaining as possible considering your group and setting.

Knowledge: Icebreakers are fun by nature but if at all possible let your group leave your activity have benefited in some way.

Endure: "The mind can only absorb what the butt can endure." If you have a longer meeting, you might need 2 icebreaker games for your small group.

Remember: You can judge the effectiveness of an icebreaker by whether or not the ideas and principals taught were retained.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Millett

Tips For a Great Book Group

1. Invite friends, friends of friends, coworkers, people you meet at the library. Just about anyone you know who enjoys books is a good choice. People will become friends and diverse groups make for better discussions. Those who don't "fit-in" (every group has its own "ambiance") will drop out.

2. Decide on logistical concerns as a group. The person starting the group is a defacto leader but allowing the others to have some say will make it a more cohesive and responsive group. You should have a wish list of how you want it to be organized, time concerns, type of reading, etc. but you should be open to the group's wishes.

3. At your first meeting, include time to develop policies on how books will be selected, who will lead the group, how meeting places will be determined, who is allowed to participate, etc. These things should be understood by the group at the beginning and explained again to newcomers. They can always change as the group matures and evolves, but they do need to be discussed and decided upon!

4. Don't allow the group to turn into a social outing. While you are there to share, you are there to share a specific topic - the book! Start the meeting about ½ hour early to get out the socializing (and so late comers won't interrupt the flow of the great discussion!).

5. Choose reads which the group members might not attempt on their own. Classics not read (or understood) in high school often make for great discussion. Award winners, such as the Pulitzer, Manbooker, Agatha winners work well. Try reading banned books or those that someone in the community may be against. There are books available and ideas on the internet to help with selection of titles.

6. Everyone should read the book! And be prepared to discuss it. While some of the members will not finish, this should be a strong stated goal!

7. Don't let discussion lag. The leader should be prepared with discussion questions to throw out to the group as conversation slows. The leader needs to prepare! Because of this, consider allowing the group leader to rotate.

8. Be honest and polite in the discussions. Allow all to speak and don't let discussion turn into argument - sometimes you will have to agree to disagree! Be sure to listen to others and don't be too concerned with waiting to get your two-cents in - you may miss some great insights!

9. Do not ask, "So, did you like the book?" Get into specifics - are your responses to the reading emotional or intellectual? How does the narrative style of the author, the character development, and/or the setting affect the overall story? Feel free to read passages out load to illustrate your point.

10. Respect everyone's opinion - there is no wrong and wrong answer to interpretation. This should be a shared exploration of literature and a learning experience!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bethany_Hacker

Social Etiquette (Confronting Anti-Social Habits)

The subject of personal hygiene is very sensitive, be it at work, social gathering, public or at college. The big question before us is how one can address the problems without embarrassing or hurting the feelings of those concerned. Also that the person who think is offended does not engage in the same offensive malady.

It is largely suggested that most people believe a lot of things can be done to encourage friends, workmates without tearing asunder the rapport, be it in the work place or at home.
Nose picking some investigation suggest that males have high habits of picking their nose. This seem to have its ancient roots in ancient time not only in Africa, but also in Europe.
It is disgusting and alienating especially when the individual sees it fit to eat whenever they have "dug out". Men are said to have developed this habit much more than women. At times your girlfriend will notice this and feel shy to tell you to use a handkerchief.

Different cultures have different ways of maintaining their health. Men and women have got different roles and expectation they are required to follow. At times a person can offend the table manners depending on the culture that he follows. Culture as define by Cumming et al as a totality of life transmitted from one generation to the other. Scholars like Fiske 1980 views "culture" as something that is ordinary. What one does be it at workplace, home, school or at church can be defined as culture.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caven_Masuku