Friday, January 28, 2011




Happiness Is Unreasonable

Happiness, sometimes it is so near, but sometimes it seems rather far, everyone is looking forward to be close to get happiness.

Well, what is it? Fan Wei once said: "I am now hungry, if there is a bun in your hand, you are happier than I am." My father said: "if I can make a lot of money, it is happiness." Mom said: "It is a kind of happiness that everyone in the family has a healthy and happy life. "And I said: " Happiness is an unreasonable reason.

TV drama "Smile Blockbuster" is staged on TV, in the TV play, the "turtle girl " is so happy, because she always believes that as long as we laugh, nothing is difficult for us to pass. I think this sentence makes sense, because no matter how difficult the thing is, as long as we smile, no trouble can follow us. What the teacher criticizes? Are students misunderstand? As long as we smile, everything bad will be gone.

Lin Dai yu, a poor girl in the famous book "Hong Lou Meng", her Funeral Flower Words hurt many peoples' heart.In fact, Why is she so sad? Flowers down, and they will flower again the next year! How can they do even the flowers are buried? Eventually, they will be turned into soil. Therefore, Lin sister, not be too sentimental, and let it go wherever it wants, it knows its own direction.

"Jane Eyre" is a well written book! No wonder the name of the Jane girl is so famous.She treats people sincerely straightforward and friendly. But in the real world, the people who are like Jane are few. They are always worried, in fact, it is not necessary, if you lose troubles, the door of happiness will be open for you.

Dear friends, are you happy? If you are not, I can tell you a secret to be happy: it is "unreasonable" and not to worry about the boring and the major principles, living like the turtle girl and Jane Eyre, you'll be happy.

Happiness can be near for us, everyone can grab it if we know the way to relax us, to be satisfied and live far away from the unhappiness.

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



Accommodating Extra Guests

Unused space

Look around your home - is there any space that is not used on a daily basis? What about that spare room that has become a bit of a dumping ground? What better excuse than visiting relatives over the Christmas or New Year period to actually sort it out?

Work logically through the items you have accumulated and create three specific piles - rubbish, need and sentimental. Put the sentimental things into cardboard boxes and get them in the loft. Get rid of any paperwork etc that you no longer need to keep and organise the things that you do.

Once you have worked through your clutter, think about making the room multi-functional - this is space that you haven't utilised fully so make the most if it. Think about what would benefit the family? An office during the day come spare guest room or perhaps a kids room/den? - It doesn't matter how bizarre you might think the idea; if it works for the family then that is all that matters. Try to utilise a sofa bed when thinking about the seating arrangements - you can get some stylish, comfortable ones that come in handy on those rare occasions when you have a full house.

The main ruling in making any room multi functional is to keep the walls neutral and the window dressing and lighting simple yet effective - this will help to make the space more adaptable to its various uses.

Sleeping arrangements

If you haven't got the luxury of unused space then just be logical about it. When we had a family of four staying at our house, we gave up the main bedroom so that the family could stay together which helped the children to settle - the kids were placed on airbeds at the bottom of the bed and absolutely loved it! We used an airbed in the living room which we stored in our sons room during the day. Another year we turned the den into a bedroom for five teenagers -not easy, but it worked well. We also created some space for them in a wardrobe by putting some summer clothes away in a suitcase, a lot of work you might think, but our guests were staying for five days and we wanted them to be comfortable. Another year we put makeshift canvas wardrobes on the landing - cheap and cheerful temporary storage, purchased from Argos for around twenty pounds all in. We also placed lamps strategically around the room so that lights could be turned off without anyone having to get out of bed. We also splashed out on new pillows and quilts and covered them with luxurious bedding, throws and cushions making the whole room look very cosy and inviting.

The main thing to remember is that as long as people are comfortable, they are fairly adaptable so invest in a couple of good airbeds or a sofa bed. Just remember that wherever you place your guests, keep the kitchen and living room free. If the living room needs to be used, then sorry, but you will be the best ones to use it - this will help to avoid any unnecessary 'awkwardness' in the morning when you are waiting for your guests to wake up. Besides with a house full you'll be up early anyway - right?

Eating arrangements

Ideally everyone needs to be eating at the same time. Last year we borrowed my mums' dining table and chairs and crammed both tables into one room - it worked well but it wasn't the same as having everyone at one table. This year we are purchasing a large sheet of MDF and polystyrene sheeting to place over our current dining table allowing ten people to be sat round a table that normally hold six. Extra chairs needed? Borrow them! If you really are particular about creating a wow factor with your dining experience, then simply use white pillow cases to put over the back of the chairs and simply gather about half way down and tie with a big, luxurious ribbon. Same applies for all your plates, serving dishes and pans. See what you can borrow from the family and friends who may be spending Christmas elsewhere, again think about colour schemes if appearance is important to you. Alternatively, find some plates that can be purchased singularly - this year we have found some that match our dining set perfectly and for an extra four side plates, dinner plates and bowls we paid an amazingly fantastic price of forty eight pounds.

Getting ready

When you have a house full of guests, getting everyone ready can be quite a chore so give some thought to areas for doing hair and make-up. If you have guests for a while, it may be worth while thinking about an alternating rota - females cook breakfast and then get ready whilst males clean up, following day males cook breakfast then get ready whilst females clean up, and so on. Just make sure you have something to keep the kids and males entertained, allowing the females to get ready in peace.

The list could go on, but whatever your plans this year, remember, that spending time together is what is valuable, so accept all help that's offered, don't try to keep the house as tidy as you normally have it and most importantly - enjoy it!


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



Simple Steps For A Great Holiday Dinner

The holidays are full of hustle and bustle. It's full of travel and last minute shopping. It's full of wrapping presents and caroling. For some, it's also full of stress and bad weather. But holidays are also a great time to get together with friends and family. It's a time to reconnect with those we don't see as often as we like. And a big holiday dinner is a great way to do it. In order for it to be a great success, there are a few things that need to happen. Here're a few ideas.

First, pick a date early in the season or right after the holidays. From about the fifteenth of the month until Christmas, life goes into warp speed and no body enjoys being invited anywhere. So get those invites out early.

Before you make the invitations, decide what kind of dinner this will be. Are you going to make everything? If you are a gourmet cook, this might be right up your alley. But if you have been dreaming of your friend's shrimp salad, make the dinner a pot luck. You'll get much more variety this way. And you'll have less work to do. Feel free to ask people to bring certain dishes. They may even ask you what you need. So be prepared. You should be responsible for the main dish. Salads, rolls, and desserts are always good things to ask for.

Make the menu early. Decide what can be done the day before. Clean out the frig so there is ample room to store things. Make a grocery list of everything you need for the dinner and check and re-check the list. You don't want to run out of something at the last minute.

Since people will be mingling all over your house, take a quick walk through of what needs to be done. Toilets, counters, floors and mirrors are musts. You will also want to make sure you have enough paper products with extras on hand. The bathrooms especially need lots of toilet paper and the kitchen need paper towels. You will also want to dust any particularly dusty area.

Any last minute touches are fun but not necessary. You can light the candles and turn on some Christmas music. It will add to the spirit of the holidays. Once you've done that, remember to enjoy the time with your guests. It's easy to forget that. Forget everything else and just enjoy the moment.

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



Disposable Wine Glasses

A party is never complete without cocktails. It is important to consider where you are going to have the party to prevent glassware breakage. It is possible to have parties anywhere if you use disposable wine glasses. It is trendy to use plastic glasses particularly when entertaining outdoors. They often come in bright colors and patterns to match the ambiance of the outdoor setting. If you are concerned that people will frown if you use plastic wine drinking glasses you do not need to worry about it. Nobody seems to mind if you serve them drinks in plastic wine glasses.

Plastic glasses are easy to clean and store without fuss or bother. If you do not have time to wash piles of dirty dishes then disposable wine drinking glasses are for you. Disposable glasses are handy as they limit the mess the party host has to clean up at the end of it. If people wish to keep them they can as they are designed to last. If you want to boost the mood of your party you can buy or order customized glasses. Party hosts can have their disposable wine glasses designed to suit the theme and atmosphere of the event. Personalized glasses can be kept as souvenirs rather than being thrown out after use.

Disposable wine glasses have become popular as people realize the many benefits of using them at a party. They do not have to worry about glass related injuries as people they cut their feet, arms or hands. Children are prone to cut themselves on broken glass and plastic disposable glasses will prevent that from happening. The next time you decide to have an outdoor party do not hesitate to use disposable glasses as they are a great alternative to glass wine glasses.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Jacquez



Yes, You Can Relax With Comfort

Your school time friend had come over to your place on a dinner party. Your entire family, especially children had colossal amount of fun being there. Normal conversation was actually taking place with your family when you had heard the term benalmadena accommodation. He told you how nice it was to be part of a tour package that ensured he and his family didn't have to undergo though a tedious process of running pillar to post to manage these types of accommodations.

That is when you had decided you too would opt for such an option whenever there was a need for you. Now that you were about to go for a long holiday tour, you looked worried since you had absolutely no knowledge how to derive requisite information about said topic. Next time you are planning to secure more information on benalmadena night, you may take help from internet like the one many others have done previously. For this purpose, you will require to go a search engine. There is no restriction on choice of this search engine. It will all depend on your comfort level with a particular search engine. Once you are in the home page of any search engine, you will require locating a search box. Within just few seconds, a list of websites that match your query will be right in front of your eyes. As a rule, it is suggested you go through contents of few of these websites so that it allows you to understand these contents in a better way. Once you have understood its contents, you may then proceed and decide something, which suits your preferences and requirement. When you decide in this manner, the decision will be considered a prudent one.

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



Unicorn Darts: Make Your Dart Game Experience More Entertaining

Anyone who has been playing a dirt game will definitely agree unicorn darts are most sought after among players of this game. With a rising demand for this brand, manufacturers have come out with electronic dartboard that adds up to a players delight. Besides having immense similarity with original metal and cork dartboards, the presence of an electronic score board is something where it scores a brownie point.

The increased popularity in these electronic dartboards isn't without reasons either. Whenever someone thinks of safety features in these boards, he/she is bound to think of presence of features like the blunter soft tipped metal darts and plastic pin-ridden board. The good news is, it not only has all these features in it but also has an electronic audible score board. This scoreboard in turn goes a long way in tracking points which players score. Moreover, these boards are comparatively inexpensive there by allowing you to make a major savings for your pockets. Besides this, you also get an option of choosing from wide varieties of such boards.

It has been found, there are many who prefer to have custom made darts. In order to understand this phenomenon of many players, it will be interesting to know evolution of this game as such. It is believed, this game came into picture in the medieval England. History says it was during this time when longbow was of very popular in society. It was the upper class of common man who can be attributed for leaving their own mark in bringing this game to limelight. If you delve deeper into history records, you will find Henry VIII had a clear liking and passion for this sport. The fact of the matter is, Anne Boleyn had given him a beautiful gift in the form of an ornate set.

History also speaks of presence of dartboards being present in pubs in England even before the First World War. Those days, soldiers used to exhibit their skills by taking help of short arrows to display how good they were at hitting their targets with perfection. It was only in later stage of history that these soldiers selected a cross section of a tree which played the role of a dart board where they were required to hit a bull's eye.

Of course, with changing times, form of this game too has seen a sea change in it. One of such changes can be found in choice of players to opt for personalized dart flights. This can be seen during those trophies and competitions that are being held worldwide. Since these sorts of tournaments require specific rules and regulations supervised by appropriate regulatory authorities, you will witness emergence of associations such as World Darts Federation (WDF), Darts Federation of Australia and British Darts Organization. These professional bodies ensure these tournaments and competitions are perfectly conducted.


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



Top 6 Budget Stag Weekend Destinations in Europe

With the advent of budget airlines and cheap stag do packages, everyone wants a stag do abroad. For those living in the UK, the most popular choices are European cities. Among these cities, some offer a dream stag do that fit into your budget. Top six have been selected among them based on the rates to fly from UK, accommodation, booze and activities for stag dos.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague was not on the list few years back. But with an aim to develop the tourism, the city has transformed itself as a popular stag and hen destination. This has led to Prague being a cheap yet fun filled destination for stag parties. The booze is very cheap compared to other European cities. You also save money on sightseeing as the city is small enough to roam around on foot. The city is packed with historic monuments and has a very efficient transport system.

Riga, Latvia

In terms of affordability, Riga will top the list. But when it comes to stag do activities and variety in sights, there isn't much other than castles and towers and cathedrals. The city is a shopper's haven, though, with good transportations facilities. You can party along all night. However, the city is slightly new to stag dos and hence is a bit conservative. So maintain decorum!

Bratislava, Slovakia

Like its neighbor Prague, Bratislava is full of antique buildings, awe inspiring architectures and cheap stay. The city takes the look of a city from the history books, but at night, there is a 180 degree change in its attitude and you will have the scene of a vibrant party town. Eating and shopping are two things you will love to do in this city without having the fear of going over the budget.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the most popular destination among beach lovers. For the water sports and adventure sports fans, Barcelona offers great avenues. Hire a bike for €25 and you can get around the city for good. The city has loads to see, eat, experience and buy all at very cheap rates. Key to saving is finding accommodation near the action area such as the beach, shopping centers and nightclubs.

Tallinn, Estonia

The cost of living in Estonia even for the locals is pretty low. Tourists hardly pay anything more than that. Sighting consists of the typical European castles, lovely architectural monuments and well constructed and planned city. All of these can be done on foot. At nightfall let yourself go with a pints of cheap but quality liquor.

Budapest, Hungary

Unlike the usual notion that Hungarians are vibrant people, Hungary is a quiet country. The country has an almost poetic feel to it. Most goods will cost less than rest of the Europe, including booze.

Treat the stag like a king on his stag do by opting got these cheap European stag do destinations.


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



Top 5 Reasons for a Manchester Hen Weekend

As home of the world famous Manchester United, most people relate this city with football, which obviously makes it one great stag weekend destination. But the North Capital of the United Kingdom has much more than exciting football games to its credit. If you are planning a hen party in UK, then it is one of the top destinations to host it in.

The city boasts a unique cosmopolitan culture, its streets bustling with designer shops, unique restaurants, funky bars, artistic cafes and lively clubs and pubs. Here are a few reasons why a Manchester Hen weekend is the perfect pick for your bridal shower:

Get the Best of Clubbing and Cocktail on your weekend.

Whether you are looking for budget or extravagant offers, it has a package to suit your pocket and taste. Many hen weekend organizers will offer you custom made packages for clubbing at the most famous pubs, including cocktails for free. If you book in advance, you will get some of the best deals for hen parties.

Your hen party should ideally start at Deansgate Locks with a free VIP entry to one of its happening clubs. Some of the most popular clubbing venues are Rock World and Phoenix and Paradise Factory if you enjoy rock 'n roll, heavy metal, trance, techno and house, and Prague V if you'd like to explore the gay scene. For more light-hearted fun, one of the student oriented venues like The Ritz, Club Underground, 5th Avenue, and The Brickhouse are great picks.

Pole Dance like a professional.

This is one opportunity you cannot miss, especially if you have ever fancied yourself as a sexy pole dancer. Many clubbing packages include pole dancing lessons. Go full throttle and show off those moves before a hooting audience. Click some great pictures and you have got the perfect keepsakes for years to come.

Some hen weekend organizers will include can-can or Moulin Rouge style skirts to add to the fun in your hen party. Additionally, you can learn all the moves and routines of a cabaret dancer and have a lot of fun with your friends.

Great last-minute Shopping options.

No hen party is complete without a little splurge on goods. Manchester's streets are full of great shops, be it designer boutiques or exclusive designer brands. Some very classy shops can be found in St Anns Square. King Street is for the best bargains, while Arndale Centre is for exclusive branded wears.

Cultural Tour

When you are in the mood for some cultural extravaganza, Bridgewater Hall is the place to look for classical music. The Dancehouse Theatre is for great contemporary dance and ballet performances. The Palace Theatre, Royal Exchange Theatre and Opera House are where you'll enjoy a lively theatre scene.

A tour of the Manchester Museum can also be highly educational, as well as fun. This museum has more than 6 million exhibits featuring items from India, Egypt, Mediterranean, Australia, and Americas.

Adventure on your Manchester Hen weekend.

If you are feeling particularly adventurous, Quad Biking is one activity that you will enjoy in Manchester. Additionally, there are countryside visits, horse-riding, and paintballing options to look into.

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



This Is The Sure-Shot Way To Have Fun

There was an incident that took place when you had visited at one of your friends place. It was during the time when you were seated in his guest room, that you saw images on giant TV screen that was installed in the room. Those pictures were a part of a documentary that was telling about Ibiza weekends.

It was there you came to know some interesting facts surrounding this event. Most men are scared to take part in these events expecting they might be subjected to a tough ordeal while organizing this event. Most men think, since organizing an event of this magnitude would require enormous amount of time efforts which they might have to undertake, that is one of the reasons why most man refrain from going ahead with such a plan. Over the years, service providers have seen a steady increase in number of customers who don't mind in spending large chunk of their hard earned saving, provided they get a chance to do their favorite activity. That was one of the reasons why more and more service providers are joining a mad race to woo their customers with lucrative offers and deals. These offers on most occasions help the customers to make a major savings which they can spend otherwise elsewhere.

At a time when you were too engrossed in watching this documentary that was also narrating about boat charter, you got an instant desire to choose a package that could give you what you were looking for. But, you soon became depressed after you realized you had no information on this topic. You don't have to feel depressed because you aren't the only person in this universe who is finding himself/herself in a similar situation. There have been many instances where people have found themselves in these circumstances. But, most of them were very fortunate to have adhered to suggestions and tips that are mentioned here. It is here that you will get to know how easily you can collect all necessary information while relaxing in a sofa of your house. There are scores of previous beneficiaries of this article who swear by the simplicity that these methods offer. So, if you too want to derive these benefits, you will just need to ensure you have read this article completely.

Next time you are looking for some vital information on say sunset cruise, you can help from a local newspaper or national newspaper. Pay attention to identify those adverts which are believed to appear in the adverts column that carry significant information like say telephone numbers. Be smart and do not hesitate to call these numbers. When you place your call, recipient of your call will help you with all answers that you want to know. In this way when you get all answers to your queries and you think there is no room of doubts in your mind, you can then proceed to arrive at a conclusion.

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



Nottingham Stag Weekend - A Brief Discussion

Will you like to spend your stag party while touring some places in the United Kingdom? If the answer is yes, then why not head for Nottingham to enjoy the party along with a short weekend tour to explore the beauty of this British area.

Before entering the city of the legendary Robin Hood, you need to know a few things while coming here to spend some fun filled Nottingham stag weekend. There are vast lists of places that are present inside the city that attracts tourist from all over the world.

Therefore, you need to calm down first and make a complete list of how to proceed during your stay at Nottingham. Firstly, you should keep in mind that a Nottingham stag weekend is your primary target and for this to happen you may have to sacrifice some of the places of interest. Because, there also a lot of stag activities that are available in here and those will take up a lot of time to be complete with the fullest of satisfaction.

Let us see some of the stag activities that this city has to offer for the tourists

Clay shooting, paintball tank wars, trekking with quad bikes, rampages on off road tracks, driving of army tanks, rage buggy grand prix, rally driving competitions, driving of hovercrafts, zorbing activities, clay pigeon shooting, bike rally off the road tracks, pro kart racing, paintballing at the woodlands, and high rope activities. If you love water sport activities, then you can try out surfing, canoeing or even sailing.

The Nottingham stag nights will surely be a little more hot and erotic due the presence of a vast list of adult clubs and lounge bars. You will surely try out the strip lap dance once you enter the clubs.

You will find several world- class casinos there in the city. However, remember, you need to pay an amount to buy a ticket required to enter the casino place. Inside casinos, you may get your mind puzzled with so much gaming options and gorgeous glamorous environments created in here.

If you do not want to involve yourself into too much of adventurous activities, then you may try out the local tourist attraction sights. You will not get bored while visiting these places and will definitely enjoy them. Here is a list of some of the major tourist attractions at Nottingham.

The Castle of Nottingham, which have transformed into a major museum displays the history of the city along with the artifacts.

Sherwood Forest, part of which have transformed into sports football ground. The forest area also has several beautiful parks to visit and feel the flora and fauna of the place.

Arboretum is the botanical garden that is at the city centre.

Brewhouse Yard Museum, Industrial museum and the textile museum are also important place to see in the city.

There are several other places to see during your Nottingham stag weekend. However, the above mentioned ones are the most famous.

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

Thursday, January 27, 2011




The Classic Rocking Horse - A Rare Toy In The Plastic Era

Some of us, if not all, might have played a rocking horse when we were children. And perhaps you even had a picture of you on your toy horse. It was a popular toy that every child loved. And some of parents might want to heritage those fun memories to their toddlers. But in this modern world, among the jungle of plastic toys and electronic consoles, it's not so easy to find a classic rocking horse. Especially which is made of wood.

One of the manufacturer that is still producing them is Radio Flyer. The company which based in Chicago, USA, has been consistently producing kids ride-on toys since 1917. Their products has received numerous awards. These achievements prove the outstanding quality level of the company products, especially in comfort and safety factors, where they got the most rewards.

Some of Radio Flyer toys are still retaining the classic models as they were first launched at the early days. They didn't bother to change them because the demand is still consistently good. Instead they create several new models to adapt the new demand of modern styling, though you can still find the typical Radio Flyer simplicity and elegance style in all the new models. But if you really prefer the vintage ones, you can get the cool retro toys such as Classic Tiny Trike, Walker Wagon, Retro Rocket, Classic Bumper Car, and...of course the legendary Radio Flyer Rocking Horse. Not only retaining the classic model, but they are still using solid woods for the construction, and installing a real yarn mane and tail. Those things are hard to find nowadays.

I am glad to see my son can have a chance to enjoy the rocking horse these days. It still brings so much fun, and I hope it will still be entertaining many children for the long years to come, before finally swept off by a robot horse.


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



Curbing the 'Badly Behaved Brit' Myth on Your Stag Weekend Abroad

Every European country designated as a stag do destination fears the cultural impact that the Britons bring to their country. The notion that tourists, especially stag groups from the UK, are boisterous and unruly needs to shed.. The only way to do that is to have fun yet respect the country of your tour. While you enjoy your weekend to the fullest without compromise, here are some 'etiquettes' you need to follow while on the tour.

Research on the culture of the locals

Every country has a set pattern of behavior. Just brush up those trends. Try to maintain the decorum while sightseeing and stag do activities. Have fun but do not let it go overboard, hurting the locals' sentiments. If the city has restrictions upon large groups of stags entering the city, beware and try not to flaunt the rules!!

Do not be boisterous

Having fun is very different from making scene in front of others. If you find people staring at you in disapproval, best thing to do would be to change to a livelier location or keep the voices low. In full high it is going to be difficult to maintain the lads. So choose your stag weekend locations with care.

Be sane

If the holiday mood gets to your head, there is no stopping you. You will end up driving the locals crazy and if they are dormant enough, you might get out alive. Do not go around the city as if you have bought it with your money. In the high, revelers have known to attack the locals, barmen and even police men. Make sure your short fused friends have a chaperon nearby to stop them from doing something crazy.

Booze and women

The most important reason to choose destination abroad is for cheap booze and legalized sex. Is it really that? Does stag do boils down to having cheap booze and gala time with lovely ladies? Try to re-think. If you are unable to change your stag horde's mind, then at least pick destinations that do not mind group of stags loitering about with cheap prostitutes with bottle of beer in hand.

Many of the UK embassies in these cities have been reported to be overflowing with lost tourists from stag groups unable to recall their place of stay, without any contact numbers and

Do not do any act you would not do at home

Would you urinate on memorial monuments and places of historic importance? Well, some brits are notorious for being this insensitive towards the feelings of the locals. If you will not do it back home, never try to do the same act in your city of tour.


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



Budget Prague Stag Weekends

Prague is a cheap city but only for beer and few items on the grocery list. In fact, it is getting costlier by the day and if you do not watch your pocket, you might end bankrupt! On an average, you might spend around € 100 to € 150 during your two- day stag trip to Prague even in the tightest of the budget. However, you can save a lot more if you stick to a budget plan.

Flight

There are plenty of budget flights to Prague from most European countries. There are no visa requirements for Europeans, UK, Irish and Australian nationals if the stay is less than 90 days. If you book early, you might be lucky enough to get tickets for as low as £ 70 both ways! Check the budget airlines for their competitive rates before booking.

Accommodations

Cheapest accommodations are hostels. Even one star hotel is not a budget hotel. Since you are most likely to fly on weekends for your prague stag do, the rates will be hiked for tourists. However, if you book 3 months in advance, you can get two star hotel for € 140. Hostel rooms comprising of 5 to 10 beds with attached private bathrooms can come as low as € 20 during peak season.

Sightseeing and day activities

This city is plagued by stags and hens every year. Therefore, the tourist information center has loads of info for every kind of stag party group. The tourist info center has brochures and guides in English, which will be of great help while you enjoy your stay in the city.

There are lots of museum and castles to tour in the city. Cheapest way would be to roam the city on foot with occasional use of public transports. You can also use the paid guided tours to the attractions that give you more valuable information. You can also use the services of English speaking guides who can take you around the city giving information on the historic monuments.

If you decide not to drink your night away on your stag night, there are 15 museums in the city give free entry for any visitor but only for the night. This is a great opportunity for history buffs.

Prague is famous for its theater acts and opera. The tickets, however, are within your reach. They cost less than £ 7. Some of the theatre and opera have online booking. So consider various options before booking.

Night out and eating

The nightlife is definitely not electric, but is slow and has a relaxing tone to it. Beer is cheap in most of the places and chances of rip off are less. Budget restaurants are Bosna Grill and Iver. Do not be surprised if a complete stranger shares your table in such budget hotels.

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



Bournemouth Weekend Trip to Unwind

England is place where you will find many beautiful counties. One such county is Dorset. And in Dorset, lies the beautiful coastal town known as Bournemouth. As this beautiful town is situated on the southern coastal area of England, visitors from over the world (especially from the European continent) finds it really interesting to visit this place as a fun filled refreshing weekend trip.

According to a survey that was conducted around the year of 2007, Bournemouth was found to be the happiest place in the whole of Britain!

Due to being a coastal area, the town experiences excellent climatic condition and extremely comfortable temperature to enjoy.. This factor has also added in the popularity of this town and has made the tourist eager to spend some of their holiday time enjoying and relaxing in here.

So, if your mind says its holiday time, then take your bags and head for the county in order to spend Bournemouth weekend with your family and kids.

While you step foot in the town, you will find several lodges and guesthouses available, that you can avail in order to make your stay in the town. There are also costly expensive hotels, but many people will find it extremely difficult to afford staying in those highly luxury places.

Now let us have a look at the place of interest that you will surely visit while spending your Bournemouth Weekends.

The Aviation Museum: Located on the Christchurch area, this is a museum with a bit of uniqueness of its own. It is also called the flying museum as it features for a wide range of aeroplane models from the past. The museum also displays fighter jet planes that were used during the ancient times.

Bel Air Gallery: Situated on the Westover road, this is the place that will be loved by those who have a taste for art and sculpture.

Cotes Art Gallery & Museum: Situated on the Christchurch area, this is a museum that has collections of various art works from the past. Exhibitions also take place in here.

Throop Mill: Considered to be an ancient structure, this place now contains some of mill machineries that were used by farmers during the early 20th century. It is situated near the town hall area.

Highcliffe Castle: An ancient structure, this is one of the finest cliff top castles to be found in this part of Britain. Various gift shops, as well cafeterias are situated inside the castle area. It is located at Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe.

Red House Museum: This ancient Gregorian workhouse is now a fine museum that displays and features for the ancient history of the town and surrounding county. This can be found on the Quay road in the Christchurch area.

Adventure Wonderland: This is one of the best parks in Britain and has been modelled taking the idea from the world famous book by Lewis Carroll, "Alice in Wonderland". This is also situated in the Christchurch area.

Bournemouth Oceanarium: This is a fascinating underwater journey, which is must to visit while your stay at Bournemouth. This is located at the Pier approach.

Other than these places, there are plenty of parks and other interesting places to see while you spend Bournemouth weekend in here. The beautiful locales will make your trip a never forgettable one.

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



Top Two Destinations For a Hen Weekend Tour

What is a hen party?

Hen parties are a type of bachelor party for girls that happen before a girl gets married. The main motto for organizing such a party is to make a girl enjoy one last day of full freedom & liberty as an unmarried one with friends.

These sorts of parties can happen for a single day, overnight or during a weekend tour. Nowadays, most of the girls like to have a blasting hen party while arranging for a short weekend trip outside their place of residence. This sort of ideas are much better as a new place can be toured along with the most of independence because no senior one will be present there to interfere in their activities or acts of enjoyment.

There are so many hot destinations around the world, which are very much suited for arranging a small weekend trip to get your hen activities take place.

Let us explore two of the top holiday destinations that can best serve your purpose of arranging for some perfect hen weekends.

New Castle: This is one of the finest places to hold for a bachelor party while having a brief weekend trip. The terrific scenic beauty along with the breath taking locales makes up for this location to be a fascinating one. Situated in the north-eastern side of England, the city lies on the northern bank of the River Tyne and is a city that lies under the county of Tyne and Wear.

The attractions offered in this place include great nightclubs, terrific spa facilities, fabulous restaurants, and some of the best pubs present in the entire world. Wait, I have not finished yet; here, in the city you will find Adonis Cabaret nightclub exclusively for the girls where full Monty shows are available all throughout the week. Finally, get yourself blessed by visiting one of the finest and most beautiful bridges present in the entire world: The Millennium Bridge.

Brighton: On the southern coaster side of the Greater Britain, lies the city of Brighton. The major attractions are the beautiful and attractive beaches found in this coastal city. Add to it the fascinating coastal line, which provides for a breath taking view. The city hosts for some of the fascinating nightclubs in the whole of Britain.

If you love adventure sports, then this is a place where you can find a plenty to deal with during your hen weekend tour. A variety of water sports is available here in the city, some of which are kite surfing, scuba diving, wind surfing, water skiing, sailing, etc

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



Berlin Weekend: A Fantasy Holiday Destination

A Berlin Weekend with your family or friends will be one of the most memorable holidays you had ever taken. We can tell you with confidence that a weekend in this beautiful German city will leave such a pleasant memory that you would like to come back for more. If you have not already visited this city we suggest that you make Berlin the next holiday destination either with your family or friends. We can tell you that your family/friends will simple love this enchanting city once they are there and will certainly enjoy every bit of their stay here. So what are you waiting for just pack your bags and take off to this unforgettable city that will leave you with sweet memories.

You do not have to worry for accommodation during your Berlin Weekend holidays. You will find world class hotels that take care of all your need for food and lodging. Depending on your budget you can choose to stay either in expensive, affordable or cheap hotels. The city is dotted with hotels for all class of people, so you really do not have to worry whether you will get a low budget hotel or not. But if you really have lot of cash then we certainly would like to suggest that you stay in one of the classy hotel and enjoy the hospitality there.

If you are a lover of plants and flowers we would certainly like to suggest that you visit the botanical garden during your Berlin Weekend. Go to the Koenigin-Luise-Strasse 6-8, or Botanischer Garten and Rathaus Steglitz. You will really enjoy seeing such a large collection of indigenous European and exotic plants. It also has the big palm house said to be one of the biggest in the whole world. The garden has arboretum; a garden for blind visitors; and a garden with water plants. These gardens are open from Tuesday to Sunday and charges entry fee for all except children under the age of 6 years.

After your trip to the gardens you must make the zoo and aquarium in Berlin your next holiday destination. We know that your Berlin Weekend will be incomplete without the visit to Zoologischer Garten, which the oldest zoo is Germany founded in 1844. You will be amaze to se more than 13,000 different animals living in their natural habitat. With so many animals it naturally has a big area. For those who love watching birds, you will lover the birdhouse that has 550 varieties of birds and is the best birdhouse in Europe. The aquarium is equally enchanting with over 9,000 fish; reptiles; amphibians; insects.

You might also like to visit the Egyptian museum, Berlin Cathedral, Marzahn Recreational Park, Brandenburg Gate, Knaack Klub Berlin and Berlin Film Museum during your Berlin Weekend. At the end of your weekend we are sure that your and your family/friends will feel that your visit to this German city was worth all the money.

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



Barcelona Weekend During the Holiday Vacations

Hello friends, what are your plans of spending the Christmas vacation?

Are you planning to spend it at your own city or will you be flying away to some other cities to spend it?

If you take my suggestion, then a Barcelona weekend can be a great tour to undergo during the Christmas vacation. The city of Barcelona is said to be the second largest city in the whole of Spain, lying only next to Madrid. It is the capital city of Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain.

Barcelona is one of the most populous cities and according to a recent survey; approximately five million people live in this city. The world famous football club, FC Barcelona, represents this city and their home ground Camp Nou is also situated in here, which is a major tourist attraction.

During your Barcelona weekend, you will find many attractive tourist spots to visit in this place. Let us have a focus on some of the top tourist spots that one prefers to see while staying at Barcelona.

Picasso Museum- One of the finest and biggest museum found in the city. You need to allow some quality hours of yours to spend on visiting this museum completely. Almost 3,800 works are there in display that you can see while you enter the museum.

Park Guell- It has been awarded as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. It is mainly a beautiful garden that has all the elements of a park and also you will mind architectural monuments and buildings inside it.

Barri Gotic- This is the old city of Barcelona and here you will find the cathedral, which is a wonderful resemblance of old heritage. In addition, you will mind several old tall building surrounding the area.

Sagrada Familia- It is one of the most famous catholic churches situated in the city. The building in itself is a work of art and you will be amazed to see the tall towers attached to the building. You may also climb the tower top to have exhilarating view of the city.

Casa Mila- Another resemblance of architectural brilliance, this building was built during the early 20th century and is a part of the world heritage sites by UNESCO.

Casa Batllo- It is also a magnificent building structure built during the early 20th century.

Torre de Collserola- It is the tallest tower present in the city of Barcelona and offers panoramic view of the city from its top floor.

Barcelona Aquarium- This place will surely be enjoyed by the kids as they will get to see the uncommon water bodies and get to know about their lives.

Montjuic Magic Fountain-This is not only a fountain to watch for. The light, music along with the fountain water uprising style is surely a visual treat to your eyes.

There are a lot more places to see but the above mentioned places catches the most tourist's attraction. So, you must visit all the above mentioned places while spending your Barcelona weekend.

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



6 Unusual Ways for a Stag Party

You get to be a stag just once in your life and it would be criminal to waste that one weekend doing the same old activities repeatedly. Try something new for this stag weekend with this list of out of the box ideas. They are adrenaline surging as well as funny and bound to give you the time of your life before the big day!

Go karting is old! Here comes the tank driving, Trabant driving and blindfold driving. What is a sport any more when you can beat anyone on the track and master the machine to its bolts? Try driving the big monsters with a twist. Blindfold yourself and drive around a treacherous track filled with hurdles by listening instructions from your friend. The instructions can only be half revealing and you got a lot on the tray to figure out on your own!

If you have strong guts, you have to try zorbing. Zorbing is to put you in a huge PVC sphere and roll down a hill. You might get sick to your stomach and start thinking it was all a bad idea. However, it is worth trying, even if you go sick.

If you thought snowboarding and Hover crafting are extreme, try tobogganing. Haul yourself on a sledge and into the tube to twist and turn your way out of the tunnel. You have minimum protection and that is what makes it dangerous and an arse kicking fun sport for your stag do.

Enough of individual sport? Well, the human table football is a game for all. Have fun watching your fellow mates twist and turn their bodies to the tune of the football pole.

Ever heard of the beer Jacuzzi? Warm beer bath and cold beer in hand. This one of a kind beer bath is actually beneficial. You might do your skin tone good by having this one-bit of spa like treatment.

Talking of beer, you must try the beer bike tour. The sightseeing across the city on a beer bike is amazing. Beer is amazing, the sights are amazing and the experience is incredible.

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



Convenient Grilling With Propane Grills

There are many things we can do to enjoy our family's company, especially when everyone's at home on weekends or the holidays. We can have our own home theater system where we can watch a movie together, and relax after a tough week in school or in the office. We can play pool with the kids just for fun, or we can sing our favorite songs on the karaoke after dinner, or we can invite friends for conversations, and some drinks and barbecues on a fine afternoon. The problem with barbecuing though is when things get too messy at the grill. Sometimes, starting a fire using conventional tools can take away our pleasure as a host as we get too engrossed with preparing the barbecues for our guests. One way to make things more convenient on those afternoon barbecues is having a propane gas grill.

There are other types of grills such as natural gas and charcoal which work for days when you just feel like grilling for the family. But if you don't like all that mess, you can go for a propane grill which will make grilling so much more convenient to use. It also allows just the right temperature for cooking your meat in a way that will be appreciated by everyone. On top of that, a propane grill is also very easy to operate.

If you're planning to get a propane grill, make sure it's the right style and size for you and your needs. If you're only cooking for a few people, then a simple grill will do. But if you're always throwing parties, you can go for the double-range grill which will be perfect for cooking meat enough for a feast. You can throw in those pork chops, hotdogs and patties for that nice, grilled treat for your palate. A propane grill can even come with built-in storage and a counter to make everything more convenient.

When you decide to buy a propane grill, make sure you have it installed by professionals who can guarantee safety. Usually, you will have a line running from your propane source to your grill. If you think you may have to move the grill around your backyard from time to time, you can inform the ones installing so they could plan how to run the line so that it is convenient for you as you move your grill from one spot to another.

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



Mate's Best Man Mania - Putting You Out of Misery

To be the Best man for your friend can be exhilarating, speech jabbering and even scary. Scary? Well, yes, you have to organize the best stag do ever. You have to get the number of people, collect money, book and the list is endless. However, no worries. Planning is the key to everything. Follow the 10 steps and be out of misery:

Book early: Early should flash 'at least 2 months in advance' in front of your eyes. You could book in the last minute, but that is just going to blow your budget quite out of proportion. You will not only be paying more, you might also not get the right accommodations and packages. This might knead to heavy compromise and wrath of your mates.

You cannot wait until every person confirms his arrival for the stag weekend. Just book it. You can always cancel the extras in the last minute. Wait and pay more or book now and pay the right amount.

Create a budget that works this way: even if few lads drop out, the budget should not blow. Make it work, somehow so that it works for all.

Pool the money as early as possible. Net transfer or cash, whatever method they wish, ensure it is all done well in advance. You cannot be paying out of your pocket.

For the money matter, appointing another friend will be a great idea. He can ask the people to pay up and you can take care of the bookings.

Activities: try something that is realistic, new and fits the budget. In addition, stay away from activities that the groom to be has no interest in. after all it is his day.

Hiring an agent for tour and activities and flight booking will relief your pressure and you might save yourself from nervous breakdown.

An agent can give you the list of accommodations and activities that fit your budget and taste. This way you would not be beating around the bush.

Respect the city to which you are travelling. If the people frown upon boisterous behavior, maintain decorum and still have fun. Brief the lads in advance of the city and its culture and how they should behave

Finally, it is an age-old tradition. Do all that the tradition demands! Make it memorable.


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

Monday, January 24, 2011




Stag Dos - Don't Feel Scared

It has been found that a large number of men are too scared whenever they get to hear about stag dos. Their fear and apprehension is understood. They believe it ends their bachelorhood. In addition, to organize an event of such a magnitude would definitely require tremendous amount of efforts and time from their end. That is one of the main reasons why most men refrain from undertaking to indulge themselves with these events.

Even you were thinking on same lines. It was only when one of your friends narrated you about good time he had when he had gone for such an event that you really got interested in it. There was a slight problem on your part. You didn't have necessary information on this topic. There are scores of instance where people were found to have resorted in relying on half-baked truths and hearsay. It is only later in their life they realized what a grave mistake they have committed. By the time they realize their mistake, it becomes too late for them to take any corrective measure.

Therefore, if you too do not want to commit same mistake in your pursuit to know more on stag weekend activities, it will be better for you if you can take any form of initiative of your own.

Next time you feel there is a need to collect necessary information on stag party weekends; you can take help from that simple newspaper which arrives at your doorsteps each morning. Whenever you give a closer glance at these newspapers, you will be able to find numerous adverts that appear in these newspapers. It is in these adverts that you will find some of the crucial details like say, website address, telephone numbers, email address, communication address, postal address, etc. You should make use of this information intelligently and then derive all information you have been waiting for.

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



Reasons Behind Choosing Prague As Your Stag Weekend Destination

If you want some fun filled stag weekends, then why not head for Prague that is considered a paradise for wild party lovers.

Prague is in the country of Czech Republic. It is the largest city here and is the capital city of the country. The river Vltava flows from within the city of Prague and is located in the absolute centre of Bohemia. It is a historical city and if you go through the historical surveys then you will find that the origin of the city dates back to 1st century- wait, my writing is not over: it's 1st century B.C and not A.D!

The city enjoys relatively warm comfortable summer season and extreme cold winters. Therefore, visiting Prague during the summer season to spend for a stag weekend is ideal to plan for. Although you also can visit this beautiful place any time of the year, but March and April is ideal to enjoy.

While you land at Prague for your stag weekend tour, the first thing you will notice is the creative geniuses that are highlighted in the buildings and bridges. Next thing you will surely notice is the excellent climatic condition and the neat and clean roads found in here. The next you will notice 24 by 7 working bars, pubs, strip clubs and casinos. Finally, the babes of Prague will drive you crazy who can be described as pure sensational creation of the almighty God.

While you put down your luggage in the hotel room, you may be wondering about what to do to make your stag weekend a memorable one, isn't it? Therefore, for your information let me tell you one basic fact that there are so many things to do in this gothic city that you may end up spending 20 weekends to finish them all!

If you want to have a visit at the local historical spots and attractions, then there are plenty to see for and you may spend up your entire while visiting only a few from the vast list.

Next, if you want to make your night colourful, then there are many adult clubs that feature for private lap dances, strip shows, and even private sessions to make you feel the heat. Other than these ones, you will also find a lot of bars, pubs, discos and most importantly gorgeous casinos to try your luck in there.

During the daytime, if you don't want to tour for the local historic places then surely get involved in some of the adventure activities to fill up your weekend tour and enjoy the stag in its fullest. Some of the activities that you may surely like to get involved in are white water rafting, go karting, paintballing and clay shooting to name a few.


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



Marquee Hire Advice and Tips

Marquee hire is becoming increasingly popular as a means to accommodate guests for special occasions, including (but not limited to) Weddings, Corporate events, Fund raising, Fete's, Garden party's and so much more. If you are planning a special event and your plan includes hiring a Marquee then this article will give you some helpful tips to help to make sure that your big event is a success. Remember, there is likely to be plenty of photographs taken to remind you of the day, whatever the outcome.

There are different types of Marquee tents available for hire, the main two being a 'pole type' erected the same way as a tent with ropes, and the more popular metal frame 'wide span' construction. The metal frame type is a stand-alone Marquee with no ropes to trip over, always worth considering if people are drinking alcohol. You should ask your hire company to show you the Marquee that they are recommending for your event so that you can see what to expect. Once your Marquee is erected it is unlikely that the hire company will change it free of charge if it is not to your liking.

Check with your Marquee hire company exactly what is included in the quote, many hire companies will offer a bespoke service and include furniture, cutlery, crockery, table decorations and such like. Some Marquee hire companies will be equipped to offer you a catering service and licensed bar if you so wish.

The inside decoration of your Marquee is normally lined and it is possible to have the lining colour match the occasion, but note that there may be an extra charge for this service. It is also important to make sure that the company you use is adequately insured for public liability. Make sure that you check your Marquee for any damage as soon as the Hire company have completed the job of erecting it, disputes over damage after the event are always more difficult to resolve.

Another point worth noting is the power arrangements, you should make sure that any power equipment supplied by the hire company is of the correct rating and compatible with the equipment you intend to supply, such as if you have arranged your own entertainment (disc jokey or live band) then point that out to the hire company so that they are aware. You should also be fully briefed as to the location of the power cut off and also lighting switches, if your event starts off in afternoon daylight and goes on into the evening you will need to know where to turn on the lighting. I know that this sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many people forget and end up fumbling around in the dark trying to find a light switch, even more tricky when under the influence!

It is always best to get more than one quote and be very wary of a company that will keep trying to undercut their competition. Check the company's references and ask to talk to customers that have hired from them before, if they are reluctant to let you do this then you have to wonder what it is they are trying to hide. If you hire a car and it doesn't meet your expectations or breaks down then it is very easily replaced, you just swap it over. However, if you hire a Marquee for your daughter or sons Wedding and the Marquee that you have hired is not of the standard you expected or were promised then it is a bigger problem to solve, if at all.


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



How To Plan Your Christmas Party

One of the most popular tradition during Christmas is getting together for dinner with family and friends at a well decorate table, with delicious food typical for the season. What we eat during that day varies from one country to another, but the food, sweets and drinks are the most delicious food that you can eat in the entire year, at least for me. The food that we prepare for this dinner usually demand a lot of work, not only for the type of food but also for the variety and the amount.

Here, I will give you some tips to plan your Christmas dinner and avoid the hassle during the Christmas day so you can enjoy together with your guests and family no only the food but the night with them.

Remember, the holiday is to be enjoyed... stress free. Be simple, with good taste and do as much as you can in advance, so when the holidays come it not much what you have to do and... get help, do not try to do everything yourself.

1. Create a check list, three weeks in advance, and write backward from the holiday day, what you can do everyday o every week, what chores can be done three, two and one week before, even a few days before Christmas day.

2. Three weeks before send your invitation to your family and friends, and ask them to confirm at least two weeks before their assistance.
Think about your table setting, are you going to use the traditional red and green, or the sophisticated gold and silver, or are you going for something more updated as blue, shades of green, fuchsia... this is a good time to decide. So you will have the time to check what you have already at home or get ready to look for new decoration item in the stores. If you do not want to spend too much money for decoration, keep it simple, a bed of fresh-snipped greens is more modern than a table runner, you can also add inexpensive grasses with a color or white candles inside, decorate with group of Christmas ball, the same that you use for your Christmas tree. You also can create a jolly napkin ring, simply tread a jingle bell onto a piece of ribbon, wrap around the napkin and knot and add a name tag.

3. Two weeks before, decide your Christmas menu -by now you should know who is attending your dinner-, traditional or with flavor from other countries. No matter while you are comfortable with your choice, then make your shopping list - make also a list for soft drinks, wines and spirits, glasses, ice and all related to the beverage. Also decide if you will have an open bar - make sure that you have everything you need in term of glassware, bar tools etc -or just a selection of wines and soft drinks or juices.

4. The Christmas menu is very important, if your guests are coming at least 2 hours before dinner time, you may have to serve some finger food or a selection of cheese, bread, grapes, nuts and wine, it always look good and keep your guest busy but ready for diner. The Christmas menu usually has one ore two type of meat (turkey, pork or chicken), salad, carbohydrates (rice, potato or corn meal treats), in some places "pan de jamon" is bread filled up with bacon, ham and raisin. Offer at least two type of sweet.

If you want to tray any new recipe, do it 2 weeks before the date of the dinner.

5. One week before, prepare and cook in advance are anything that can be prepare and refrigerate to be use during the diner day. Remember that is impossible to make everything, so get from the super market cookies, bread, cake or anything that other people can make for you. This will make your week stress free. Think about the trays where you plan to serve the food and get them.

6. Two days before, clean the house, and all the social areas where your guests may go around. Wash and dry cutlery, glasses and serving plates or trays. Set up the bar area.

One day before, finish making any grocery that you need. Marinate the meat. If you are making cooked salad, boil and cut the carrots, potato and put in the refrigerator. Prepare the cake, cookies or purchase them. Make any food that can hold until the party start. Set the table, table cloth, napkings, table runner, Make the place card.

Dinner day, early in the day, purchase the ice, enough to chill the drink and to use with the soft drink and drinks, you can never have to much ice. Use a laundry tub or the children wadding pool to contained or any fancy container to keep the drinks cold. Finish cooking as much as you can, try to cook every thing at least two hours before any one arrives, so you will have time to be ready by the time your guests come.

Plate whatever food you can in advance and cover with foil. Set the table with the plates, cutlery, napkin and the place card. In the social area, plate the finger food and the wine, make sure that the drinks are close by. So your guests can help themselves. You may offer them drinks the first time.

When you are ready to have dinner, do not doubt to ask for help to bring the food to the table. Most important that all is that you enjoy the night as your guests do. I hope these tips help you to organize your dinner and have a very pleasant time with your family and friend... away from the kitchen as long as you can....


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



Pleasure Beach Blackpool - A Guide to UK's Top Attraction

Pleasure Beach Blackpool is the most famous amusement park in the United Kingdom and is visited by more than 5 million visitors every year. The holiday resort is located along UK's coastline and offers a plethora of attractions for tourists of all age groups.

Features

These resort offers plenty of exciting weekend packages for families and youth groups. The Pleasure Beach Park itself promises many thrills and unlimited enjoyment. With around 125 rides, 40 of them major rides, the Park is excitement personified.

Some of the main features of amusement park are:

Infusion: an inverted rollercoaster, completely suspended over water and the first of its kind in the world. The ride takes you five loops and does a double line twist.

Valhalla: loyal to its name, this indoor ride takes its passengers through fire, ice, wind and snow. The experience goes beyond a few twists.

There are also many smaller rides for children. Age bar restrictions are applicable on some rides.

Ripley's Believe it or Not!: those who are familiar with Ripley's will have much to enjoy at this museum. Those who are entering for the first time will discover a new and exciting world.

Accommodation here is suitable for young families, couples, older couples and even backpackers. The following is a few tips to choose the right accommodation:

The South shore is for families with kids or elderly parents. The famous Pleasure Beach is actually situated here and the place enjoys a quiet atmosphere. The central town is not too far off. A stroll along the promenade or a tram or bus will land you in the middle of exciting nightlife. You can enjoy late nights in many pubs and bars to return to your peaceful seaside destination.

Young couples who are looking for great clubbing nights, should stay in the North or Central Pleasure Beach areas. The distance between burlesque and bed is remarkably short.

Couples looking for a quiet, romantic stay can opt for South Shore accommodation. Two of its three casinos are located in South Shore, so entertainment is not far off if you do not wish to travel to the Central or North.

Stags and Hens should head for Central Blackpool, especially since budget accommodations are plenty in these parts, and because many of the reputed establishments refuse to check in large stag and hen groups.

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



Murphy Bed Desk - What Is It and How Do You Use It?

I first saw a Murphy bed desk while traveling in Europe.

Some friends that I have in Poland invited me to their home, and I saw the desk but didn't even realize there was a bed behind it!

A Murphy Bed Desk Makes Double Use of Available Space

The primary use for a Murphy bed desk is to use the available space for both a desk and a bed.

In Europe, space is particularly limited. Apartments can be quite small, and making full use of the available space is why Ikea has become so popular. Ikea offers items that are space-efficient as well as practical.

My friends in Poland, for example, live in a one-room flat. There is a small kitchen cooking area, the bathroom, and a living area that doubles as study, bedroom, dining area and parlor. Since space is limited, everything in the apartment must serve a useful purpose.

Hence the need for a bed and desk combination.

What Does a Murphy Bed Desk Look Like?

The desk looks like a typical study area attached to a large cabinet/bookcase. The cabinet houses the queen-sized bed. When it's time for sleep, the desk pivots down from the cabinet and the cabinet wall comes down, revealing the mattress.

Best of all, with many Murphy bed desks, you don't have to remove all the items on the desk - the desk simply rotates down out of the way under the bed so that everything on the desk stays in place.

It's ingenious! When the bed is folded up into the cabinet, no one would ever know that it's there.

The hidden bed and desk idea is great for avoiding that awkward "I'm entertaining in my bedroom" atmosphere.

Does a Murphy Bed Desk Require a Carpenter to Install?

No, not at all. If you or a friend is handy with simple tools, then you can install your hidden bed/desk unit.

Typically the bed mounts to the floor and the cabinet to the wall, so if you can drill a few holes and follow simple directions, you'll be able to install your bed and cabinet yourself.

What Does a Murphy Bed Desk Cost?

You can buy the complete bed and desk combination for as little as $1600 and as much as $5000 or even more.

It depends upon what you want for your bed and desk unit.

For example, if you're fairly handy and want to make your own cabinet and desk, then the folding wall bed hardware runs about $300. The hardware is just the equipment to mount the mattress and have it fold up against the wall.

If you'd like to find a bed and desk combination that is ready to install against your wall, then of course, prices will be more. I've been able to find several very nice-looking units for a little more than $2000, ready to install and add your own mattress.

Of course, if you want a cabinet that is custom-made or complex, then you can expect to pay more.

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



Ideal Personalised Gifts For Any Occasion

New Baby Presents

New baby gifts include items like the photo blanket, which is available in three different sizes. As an alternative to choosing a single image and having that printed on the blanket you could decide to have a montage created of a collection of photographs and then have this added to the blanket instead. Photo montages can be added to many of the items on the Bags of Love website furthering your options of personalised gifts even more.

Personalised Birthday Presents

For birthdays, the possibilities are nearly endless and will depend largely on the recipient and the type of item they would prefer to receive. Photo cubes and again the photo canvas are perfect, while photo calendars can be customised with up to twelve images; one for each month of the year. The photo calendar can also be customised to include a caption on each page and as well as being able to choose the series of photographs you would like to use you can also pick the start and end month of the calendar.

Photo Anniversary Gifts

Anniversary gifts like the photo album and the photo book enable you to update old wedding and honeymoon photographs or to celebrate your years together. Photo cubes, photo blocks, and many other different items can also be used to display one or more images of your choice. Good looking, personalised gifts are bound to make the right impression on the recipient whether it's their birthday, anniversary, or it's a Christmas gift.

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



How to Ease Tensions at Your Dinner Party

We've all experienced it: tensions around the dinner table at a party, family gathering or celebration.

Nobody wants to invite trouble into their home, but when it comes in the form of recently broken-up friends or fallen-out family that you can't not invite, then you need to look at ways you can diffuse the tension and salvage your party.

Table tensions can kill the mood and ruin the hard work you put into the food, presentation and planning of your dinner party, so here are some tips to ensure all your guests have a good time.

1. Seat the tension-bringers apart

Although the fighting parties would prefer to avoid each other, they could end up seated next to or opposite each other by process of chair elimination. In order to avoid this, you need to prepare a seating plan.

Draw a picture of your table and plan where all your guests will be seated. Place people in positions you think they'd be comfortable, and while you're at it, mix things up by separating people who automatically become cliques and put together those you think will enjoy each other's company.

Make sure you seat the tension-bringers apart, and the best seating plan is to put them on the same side of the table, but a few seats apart. It's all about keeping them out of eyesight. Have you ever noticed that it's much harder to crane your neck to talk to someone on your side rather than on the opposite side of the table? Make it that much harder for them to interact.

Turn the allocated seating into a positive by making the seating card a fun favour, for example a candy with their name on it or an ornament related to the occasion (Christmas, Easter, etc).

2. Set a warm atmosphere

Restaurants do it. Shops do it. Through the subtle influence of music and lighting, you're psychologically encouraged to eat faster or slower, or to linger longer in a shop. You can do the same: use warm lighting and music to set an atmosphere that's welcoming and friendly, and not conducive to ugly displays.

3. Invite extras to diffuse the tension

Tension is like a bad odour. The more contained the space, the more intense the smell.

If you only have a few guests at your dinner party, the tension will seem stronger because the tension-bringers won't easily be able to avoid each other. By inviting extra people to your party, you can diffuse the tension and lighten the mood.

4. Have a quiet word beforehand

If it's appropriate, have a tactful and discreet word with the tension-bringers (separately of course) and appeal to their better nature. They are far more likely to make an effort and show restraint if they know their tension is causing others discomfort too.

Alternatively, ask people you can trust to keep an eye out to diffuse any potential situations.

5. Keep a positive attitude

If you're looking for trouble out of the corner of your eye, you're more likely to cause tension that ease it! Keep a positive attitude to create a light atmosphere, as most guests will look to you for cues.

As the host, you can set the mood, so set a positive one with your manner and attitude.

Ultimately, as the host, your aim is to set an environment in which your guests can feel comfortable and have fun. Using these tips, you can diffuse any potential tension and host a party your guests will love.


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



Saving Time and Money With Christmas Food Hampers

Have you realised how much of a life saver Christmas food hampers are? You may already be fully into the swing of Christmas, having put up the decorations, bought most of the gifts, and ordered as much food as you think you'll need; then the unexpected guests arrive.

If you're one of these exceptionally organised people you'll probably have had a list, crossed everything off as you've bought it, allowed for unexpected guests, and, spread the cost out over the year so that Christmas won't see you suddenly maxing out your credit cards; but how many of us are really that well organised?

Oddly enough, buying Christmas food hampers can let you do all of that.

There are many companies that offer Christmas food hampers these days, and you'll probably start to see them advertising a couple of days after Christmas has finished this year. Most people won't take any notice, but the smart shoppers out there will already be getting their Christmas food hampers ready for next year.

The thing that these people realise, and most of the rest of us haven't quite managed to get our heads around, is the fact that they can get a range of luxury foods delivered, without any fuss and last minute dashes to the shops on Christmas Eve, and they spread the payments out over a full year.

Just think about it for a moment. You know that you'll have your food when next Christmas rolls around, it will arrive at your door meaning you aren't having to battle with people in the supermarket for the last scrawny old turkey on the shelf, and, most of all for the people with a lot to buy and little money to buy it with, you'll be free to spend it on gifts because the food has been taken care of.

What you actually get in the hamper will largely be down to its size and the company you choose to go with, of course, but they're going to have all of the Christmas essentials, and there won't be a scrawny old turkey in sight.

What about using Christmas food hampers as gifts? It seems like an odd idea, but there is some method to the madness.

Often we have members of the family who may be on their own over Christmas. They may not have a great deal of money and a good Christmas meal isn't within their budget. Just how much do you think they would appreciate one of the small Christmas hampers?

If you have family overseas, and the cost of posting a gift works out to be far more than the cost of the gift, then a great alternative is to send them one of the Christmas food hampers. There are a number of companies in other countries that will let you buy hampers and have them delivered to your loved ones in time for Christmas.

So, the next time you're looking to spread the cost of Christmas, or just cut back on the shopping list, there are more ways than you may have first thought of. Just remember that not only can they save you money and give you a lavish meal, they're also a great idea for a gift.


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



How To Give A Kids Playhouse An Angelic Look For The Holidays

White goes with a kids playhouse the same way that a red-nose works for a reindeer. It can make the play house stand out and be extra special. This holiday season, you may want to consider sprucing up your family's kids playhouse to reflect some of the more ethereal or angelic themes of the season.

For those that celebrate Christmas, angels sitting atop a tree are a norm when it comes to interior decor during the holidays. Along with the holiday play house look comes a renewed feeling that can help to refocus Christmas from simply gift-giving to recognizing the amazing miracles that happen in our lives everyday. This is especially true during the holiday season.

Here are a few ways to make your family's wooden playhouse glow as if an angel has ascended on it just for your child and his or her friends:

Outline the kids play house with a blend of plain white lights or icicle-inspired lights, and small angel ornaments. The way to meld the look is to hang the angel ornaments repeated after a certain number of lights, for example, 12 lights then an angel, 12 lights then an angel, etc. The hanging angels will almost look like they are floating around the play house.

Go over the top, literally, and set an "angel" on the roof of the children's playhouse. You may consider doing some fancy artwork or use of lights to make it look like the angel is hugging the playhouse. You can create "wings" from white fabric netting that can be hung on either side of the playhouse for a truly uplifting effect!

Place angels in the windows and on the door of the outdoor playhouse. Children will love looking at their angel friends as they enter and play inside.


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

Friday, January 21, 2011




Setting Up a Home Entertainment System - What Is the Best 60?

The most enjoyable 60 HDTV is the LCD as it provides a much clearer and sharper image than plasma's or rear projection sets. There are so many reasons you will want to look LCD's sets instead of the other ones available. Plasma as well as rear projection will not be as easy to repair as the LCD's and the cost for repairing will be quite expensive.

When you begin, you will need to look at specifics of the sets in order to get the best 60 inch for your home entertainment system. You will need to look at the screen resolution, how you mount the set, the HDMI, and the cost.

Screen resolution will be found in 720p or 1080p. 1080p provides a much better image quality, which is noticeable in 60-inch sets. The smaller sets either size screen resolution is fine, as you will not really notice the difference.

LCD HDTV's offer more options for mounting which can be placed on the wall or on a stand. This way you have more options than you would with a plasma set that is very touchy and can be damaged just by tipping.

HDMI also known as high definition multimedia input is a TV connection that allows large amounts of video and audio to pass through a bundled cable, which actually improves the picture quality. If you plan on using your Blu-ray player, gaming console, or your computer with your 60-inch then you will want to purchase a set with multiple HDMI inputs.

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



Three Reasons Why Newquay Weekends Are Ideal for Stag Groups

A small town in England, Newquay is located along the north Atlantic coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. To the west of Newquay is the River Gannel. Miles of sandy beaches and waters of the Atlantic Sea have made Newquay one of the best-known surfing destinations in the British Isles. Surfing apart, the pleasant climate and great food and nightlife options in Newquay makes it a wonderful place for a short holiday getaway.

Newquay Weekends are ideal for stag groups looking for a relaxing and fun filled weekend destination in England. The picturesque county of Cornwall has ample green and its gorgeous landscape offers many opportunities for exciting adventure hikes and treks. The town swarms with many gaming options, as well as casual bars and pubs, and accommodation is diverse to suit every pocket and taste.

Newquay Weekends have long been one of the popular choices among stag groups for bachelor party celebrations and short breaks from work. Here are top 3 reasons that make Newquay special:

Surfing and Games

Newquay is a surfer's town ad beaches here are stunning. Rolling waves and steady winds make surfing the most popular sport here, and the town holds regular surfing competitions. There are also many other water sports like paddle surfing, body and mountain boarding, and kite surfing to enjoy. State of the art facilities for water sports are available from the hotels on the beach. Surfboards and other swimming and water sports gear can also be hired from the beachside shops.

Surfing and water sports apart, Newquay Weekends offer scope for Go-karting and paintballing games. Golf clubs are also available for golfing games and refreshments. Besides, the lush Cornwall landscape offer plenty of scope for Nature explorations, long hikes, trekking, bicycling, and camping.

Great Food and Nightlife

Newquay has many wonderful local cuisine restaurants that serve English traditional favorites like fish and chips. There are also many other multicultural restaurants to be found in the town. Alcohol is reasonably priced here and the bars offer a lively atmosphere. There is live music and dance and seasonal festivals gives restaurants and bars a carnival like buzz.

Newquay offers good clubbing options too, and assuming stags will wander on the beach looking for nighttime fun, beachside bars and café night- clubs is the place they should head for delirious excitement. By day, the beachside cafés and bars are great for quick refreshments and half meals.

Interesting Sightseeing Options

A Newquay Weekend is not complete without a visit to the historic towns of St.Ives, Mousehole, Padstow and St. Mawes. For Nature lovers, the gardens of Trebah, Heligan, Trelissick and the Eden project are great picks. The Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium is for those interested in tropical marine life and the underwater tunnel in the Aquarium is must see item. The National Maritime Museum is a prime attraction for men. The Goon hilly Downs and Tate Gallery can also be visited.

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



Weekend Spa Breaks - Relax, Enjoy and Rejuvenate!

Stress is a part of life, but it does not have to be a way of life! Short to long breaks are imperative to relax and rejuvenate the body. Complete mental and physical relaxation should be the motto, which is achievable by spending a couple of hours in a Spa. Therefore, if you have got nothing planned for your upcoming weekend, it can be the perfect excuse to enjoy a Weekend Spa Break.

Deadlines at work are the modern lexicons and if you are a working mother, stress is bound to take a toll on your physical and mental health. Too many women ignore treating their health problems to save finances for family. Taking ill and lying on the hospital bed is hardly the desirable outcome. Weekend Spa Breaks is a necessity and not a luxury. Although 5-star Spa treatment will cost you quite a bit, it is the indulgence will help your body function longer and better.

A Weekend Spa Break is all about pampering yourself. Blending the timeless art of healing and restoration of mind, body and soul, Spas offer soothing therapies through a vast collection of aromatic oils, delicate herbs and subtle spices. Typically, an extensive Spa menu will include traditional massages, facials, and body treatments.

Spas treatments help revitalize your senses, mind and body through ministrations at the hand of expert therapists. You can choose from a range of massages including massages for the back and muscular problems, and aromatic massages. There are also a number of herbal treatments and scrubs, and special sun treatments for severe tan removal and relieving damaged skin. Anti-stress and aroma facials are also available and these will leave you feeling exceedingly refreshed.

If you are a Spa novice, you should opt for steam baths, Jacuzzi and relaxing body massages. There is absolutely no need to dive straight into waxing, facials, mudpacks and body scrubs. Your aim should be to ease those muscles and relax before taking on any specialized treatments. Understand what healing therapies your body needs first. Beauty treatments can wait.

Before booking a Spa weekend, note:

* The Spa should be fairly close to where you stay. There is no point traveling miles from a relaxing session to return home completely exhausted.
* Cost options are many. Choose a package that suits your pocket and needs of the moment and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
* A simple massage can work wonders for your body. Choose a basic massage package instead of a full Spa menu. It will cost you less.
* Go for partner packages if you wish to tag a friend along. You will save on overall individual cost.
* If you are choosing a Spa package for a friend or family member, options are many depending on the occasion.

In conclusion, Spas of today are not just for bored homemakers and brides-to-be. The numbers of men booking Weekend Spa Breaks have increased through the years. A Spa package with steam, massage, Jacuzzi, and beauty treatments may be just the perfect gift for the corporate male.

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



POOF-Slinky Reveals the Real Magic of Learning Magic Tricks

Conjuring up something to take a child's attention away from the latest pop culture electronics fad and the video game system is a tall order for many parents today. However, the Canadian Toy Testing Council thinks that POOF-Slinky and IDEAL magic consultant Ryan Oakes can succeed.

The Canadian Toy Testing Council has honored POOF-Slinky by awarding them with two Best Bet 2011 awards for their duo magic kits: "My First Magic Set" and the "Ryan Oakes Magic Show."

With professional quality props designed with the hands of children four years and older in mind, kids can have tons of fun as Ryan Oakes, the youngest recipient ever of the Society of American Magicians' National Magic Competition grand prize (1990), teaches these budding magicians the techniques and skills that they need to masterfully perform magic for their captive audiences. The still-young Oakes travels throughout the world to perform about 150 magic shows every year, and among his clients are Fortune 500 companies and the United States armed forces.

"My First Magic Set", approved for ages four and older, is designed for younger magicians in training. However, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The kit includes a bilingual instructional DVD and 13 magic tricks guaranteed to bring out the passion for magic in any youngster. Young children can soon enough learn how to amaze and dazzle their friends.

"Ryan Oakes' Magic Show" received a Best Bet for 2011 award. With a 60 minute bilingual instructional video and props for 16 magic tricks included, this set will move older children (eight years and up) and young adults into the exciting world of magic. Additionally, Ryan Oakes teaches budding young conjurers 101 different magic tricks.

For the parents, however, the real magical powers here are found in the benefits children and families gain. Practicing and learning magic tricks turns out to be a fantastic way of teaching children self-confidence, creative thinking, and hand-eye coordination while bringing families and friends closer together.

Here are some of the reviews from real users of these magic sets (reviews found on Amazon):

"...Got this for my daughter and she had so much fun learning her magic tricks. We had so much fun watching her. Oh, and any toy that doesn't take batteries, that doesn't make tons of noise, that uses lots of imagination, and that can involve brothers and sisters is a great toy in my book."

"...It is brilliant! I have had the best time playing with my son learning how to do the tricks. Of course, he has to perfect them but, oh my gosh....we have got to get the video camera out! He needs to follow directions. He needs to explain his trick to his audience (worth a million dollars)...:"

In an interview on Activity TV, host Ryan Oaks talks about how magic helps build a great set of long term life skills. Magic is performed in front of people. Did you know most grown adults' greatest fear is getting up on stage to speak or perform in front of people? Perhaps the earlier you can conquer that fear the better off you are throughout life. Magic is also very creative and encompasses the use of important artistic qualities and skills including the believable dramatic persona. But most importantly, Oakes goes on to say, practicing magic builds interpersonal relationships.

In this era of attention-consuming electronic gadgets that have kids growing more and more disconnected from family interaction, maybe some old-time magic will be the trick to bringing them back together again.

Poof-Slinky, Inc is the maker of the well known Poof foam toys and world famous Slinky toys. Who can't remember playing for hours on end with a Slinky? Over 300 million Slinkys have been sold since their introduction in 1945. Even today, the slinky still stands out in the minds of children and adults alike as a timeless favourite. With the guidance of veteran magician, Ryan Oakes, Poof-Slinky's new magic duo is a best bet to be a new classic favourite.


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



Spend a Relaxing and Enjoyable Weekend in Bournemouth

The city of Bournemouth in the United Kingdom is well known for its sunny weather, great beaches and splendid Victorian architecture. This is one of those places to enjoy great weekends with your family or friends or partner.

Top 5 Reasons to Spend a Weekend in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is full of exciting beaches. Its coastline is miles of long, clean and sunny sands. For many years now, Bournemouth has held the distinction of a very popular weekend holiday destination, especially with European tourists. A Weekend herewill provide enough recreational activities and a calm rejuvenating atmosphere.

Dorset coast is the most popular tourist attraction with its great summer like climate and sun drenched golden sandy beaches. Besides, the city boasts of natural gardens and party zones for the weekend crowd. There are also many fun filled recreational activities, which help you to unwind and enjoy your time at the beach. Bournemouth's Boscombe Reef is known to be one of the best beaches for surfing.

A Weekend here offers unlimited fun. Dorset coast is also known for its fishing. While spending a day at the beach, you may even catch your dinner. With kids in tow, it means times filled with excitement and laughter.

Many varieties of fish are available in the local market, especially mackerel and cod. Most seafront restaurants will serve you fried, baked, grilled or roasted fish, as per your choice.

In between enjoying fine food, you can go trekking, clay pigeon shooting, or go-karting, and even include sightseeing in your weekend itinerary. You can also visit the Oceanarium, Christchurch Priory, New Forest or Poole Harbor, and then spend the evening in the many pubs and bars.

There is great food and nightlife waiting for you. This place can satisfy every tourist's desire for good food, good pubs and bars, and a rollicking nightlife.

International cuisines, from an exotic Oriental fare to traditional European dishes, are available in great number of restaurants and bistros dotting the city. Fast food and snacks are also easily available.

There are great shopping and hotel options here. Bournemouth has many good shopping centers catering to rich and budget tourists alike. Bring home a souvenir or shop around for fabulous clothes, jewelry and traditional items, this city will not disappoint shopping enthusiasts.

As regards accommodation, it has them all, from luxurious hotels to budget inns and apartments. The beachfront resorts are where you must stay in your Weekend in Bournemouth and enjoy all the fun and exciting water activities, including a lovely English summer.

You must go out in Bournemouth because the city has wonderful places to see. Starting at Westbourne, which lies west of it, you can walk to the beach promenade at West Cliff and head opposite to East Cliff, on the way seeing the Bournemouth Pier, which is the throbbing heart of the city. In east, you can visit the Russell Cortes Art Gallery and Museum, and the Railway Station.

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



If you're looking for more about how to choose a good spare bed check out inflatable beds for guests options, or for more information on choosing one

A picnic is an excellent way to take some time out to connect with friends and family. Share and create memories that will last a lifetime, over a delicious meal.

You want your picnic to be relaxing and stress free. So keep it simple. Look up some simple recipes so the it doesn't require a lot of preparation. Finger foods are always simple and easy to manage. A suggestion might be to have an assortment of meats, cheeses, rolls and condiments, packing your bread separately so it doesn't get soggy - part of the fun is making your sandwich on the picnic. Prepare some pasta salads and other dishes marinated the day before.

Make a list on the fridge of items you will need as you prepare for your picnic a few days in advance that you can keep for some more spontaneous get a ways. Think about how you can pack your picnic basket so it's easy to get items out - like foods that you might eat last on the bottom.

A sample list of items you might want to keep on hand for a great picnic might be:

* A quality picnic blanket
* Ice or frozen blue 'cold packs' to keep your food & beverages at just the right temperature
* Paper towels and/or moist towelettes
* Plastic bag and plastic wrap for any leftovers that are not packed in their own container
* A plastic bag for trash
* Condiments: salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, sugar, etc.
* Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection
* Insect repellent
* Basic first-aid kit
* A camera, so you can capture the memories of this perfect picnic!
* A fully loaded picnic basket from the Basket Mart

Are you ready now to go have a great relaxing time outdoors, stress free. Oh, and don't forget to have fun.

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