Hawaiian Snack Foods For Kids

Tropical treats

It can be difficult to get children to try exotic foods. Hawaiian food, however, is a different story. Not only does it have the sweet and tangy flavors that children love, it often comes in a familiar form, such hot dogs, grilled chicken and pudding. In addition, if these snacks aren't available in your local stores, they're simple to make or you can order them online. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Hawaiian-Style Hot Dogs

The Hawaiian-style hot dog was created by an eatery called Puka Dog in Kauai. In this version, the buns wrap completely around the hot dogs and are filled with a variety of tropical sauces, mustards and fruit relishes. Many of the flavors are from plants native to Kauai. Although Puka Dog is located only in Hawaii, all of its sauces can be ordered online. Serving this snack to kids is a great way to give the run-of-the-mill hot dog some island flair.

Huli-huli Chicken

Huli-huli is a traditional Hawaiian marinade that's usually made of soy sauce, ginger and pineapple juice. It's most commonly used to coat chicken right before it is placed on the grill. In Hawaii, this dish is often served at outdoor school and church fundraisers and makes the perfect summer afternoon snack. The flavors are sweet and savory, but not too spicy. The chicken can be cut into bite-sized pieces to make it more manageable for small children to eat.

Hawaiian Sweet Bread

Hawaiian sweet bread is a treat that can be served as either an appetizer or dessert. It also can be eaten plain or as part of a sandwich. Like most tropical recipes, Hawaiian sweet bread has that extra kick of sweetness that makes it perfect for nibbling, especially for smaller children who are still forming strong teeth. The most famous brand is King's Hawaiian. If you can't find it at your local store, you can order it online from the company's website.

Haupia

Haupia is a popular coconut-based Hawaiian dessert, usually served at luaus. Although technically a pudding, it is similar to Jello in its consistency and served in block form. Not all supermarkets may carry this dessert, but it's simple to replicate. The ingredients are merely coconut milk, sugar, salt and cornstarch and there are plenty of recipes online to consult. Haupia is a perfect snack for kids who love coconut and Jello-style desserts.

Tags: Hawaiian sweet bread, makes perfect, snack kids, your local

Hawaiian Shaved Ice Recipe

Shaved ice as a dessert goes back 1,000 years in Japan and was in fact brought to Hawaii by Japanese craftsmen. While every culture has its own take on the combination, Hawaiian shaved ice is distinct for its fine-grated texture and often features syrups specially formulated for this texture. Add this to my Recipe Box.

What You'll Need

To make Hawaiian shaved ice you will need a blender or an electric ice shaver, ice, flavored syrup--popular flavors include watermelon, strawberry, lime, pina colada and pineapple--a cup and a spoon. You can purchase flavored syrups from online distributors such as Prairie Moon (see Resources). Prices for an electric shaver start at about $35.

Shaved Ice Recipe

To get the ice to the right consistency for Hawaiian shaved ice, put two cups of regular ice in the blender and crush into small pieces. Depending on the capacity of your blender, you may need to crush several batches if you are serving shaved ice to several people. You should ideally have ice shards the size of breadcrumbs, or as small as you can get them.

If using an electric shaver, process ice in the electric shaving compartment as directed by the machine's instruction manual.

Pour the ice into a cup or glass and top with one to two shot glasses of syrup, depending on personal preference. Now you have Hawaiian shaved ice. For a fun change, try creamy-style shaved ice by combining 7 ounces of evaporated or condensed milk with 1 ounce of flavored syrup, then pouring one to two shots of the cream syrup over your shaved ice. Leftover cream syrup will keep, refrigerated, for up to five days.

About Real Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Hawaiian shaved ice is distinct because the syrups do not sink to the bottom of the cup but remain suspended in the ice particles. Traditionally, red azuki beans are added to the bottom of a cup of shaved ice--or "shave ice" as the locals call it--but these days you may find ice cream lurking at the bottom of your cup. Hawaiian shaved ice is typically served with a straw and a spoon. Popular flavor choices can include tropical fruits like lilikoi or papaya, with a rainbow (of cherry, orange and blue vanilla) a frequent choice of children.

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Hawaiian Seaweed Preparation

Nori is one of the seaweed varieties found in Hawaii.

Hawaiian seaweed, often referred to as Limu, is prepared in a variety of ways on the Hawaiian Islands. Sea vegetables are common in Hawaii due to the fact that the islands are surrounded by oceans filled with them. Seaweed has many health benefits since it is high in vitamins, minerals and calcium. It is also low in fat and adds a different taste and texture to foods than many people are used to. Preparing seaweed Hawaiian-style showcases the flavors of the islands. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Chop pieces of limu into pieces and combine with other types. Common varieties of Hawaiian seaweed include nori and ogo. These come in different colors and sizes, so a common preparation is to mix them into a salad.

2. Combine chopped limu with pieces of raw ahi fish for a traditional Hawaiian dish known as Limu Poke. Use a smaller amount of limu than fish, but the portion size varies based upon personal preference. Season with sea salt, mirin cooking wine and soy sauce to taste. Add small amount at first until you have a taste that you enjoy.

3. Place sliced seaweed in a jar and cover with salt. Allow to ferment on your counter for two days. Refrigerate and use fo flavoring in salads, soups, fried rice and other dishes that need a salty kick of flavor.

4. Deep fry entire leaves of seaweed and serve as a snack or side dish. Add seaweed to a pan with enough hot vegetable to cover the leaves. Leave in until they turn brown and crispy. Remove from pan and drain off excess oil.

Tags: Hawaiian seaweed, with salt

Hawaiian Scrapbooking Ideas

Hawaii

If you've taken a recent trip to Hawaii, then you probably have plenty of pictures to document your vacation. A Hawaiian-themed scrapbook is a great way to organize all of your photos, and you can keep small mementos of your trip with those photos to sfriends and family. A Hawaiian scrapbook is also a great way to remember your relaxing trip when life gets a little hectic and stressful.

Hawaiian Islands

One of the most interesting parts about Hawaii are the different islands. Whether it is Oahu, Kauai or the big Island, each has its own distinct beaches and tourist destinations. If you have the opportunity to visit the different islands while on your vacation, document them well through photos.

Luau

Almost everyone who gets a chance to go to Hawaii takes the time to participate in a real luau. These luaus are often put on by the hotels and resorts, and are a lot of fun for everyone involved. Luaus offer great photo opportunities with the food spreads, the dancing and the elaborate costumes.

Beach Activities

Hawaii also boasts several world-famous beaches. Most tourists are able to go to at least three or four of the different beaches throughout their stay. Take lots of pictures of the sand, the surf and the wildlife. You can document what you liked about them, what you ate and what activities you participated in at each one, whether it was snorkeling, surfing or sailing. It's a great way to remember all of the fun you had while on vacation.

Tags: different islands, great remember, your vacation

Hawaiian Salt Substitutes

Alaea salt is harvested by hand along the coast of Hawaiian islands.

Hawaiian salt, also known as alaea salt, is an unrefined large-grained sea salt with an orange-pink hue. It gets its characteristic color from red Hawaiian clay, which is rich in iron oxide. Hawaiian salt is said to have a more mild and distinct flavor than traditional sea salt. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Uses and Availability

This salt has traditionally been used by Hawaiians to cleanse and purify tools, homes and places of worship. It is still used today in many Hawaiian dishes, such as roasted pork butt. Because the salt is often harvested by hand, it can be quite costly and difficult to find outside of the Hawaiian islands. If you cannot find Hawaiian salt you can use any large-grained variety as an alternative.

Sea Salt

Although there are a few different types of sea salt, all varieties are obtained through the evaporation of sea water. The natural mineral content of sea water is retained in the salt and gives it a unique taste. French grey salt (also called gray salt, sel marin or sel gris) is a popular variety. It is harvested from the Gu rande coastal area of France and is light gray to lavender as a result of the presence of clay in the sand there. Unlike regular sea salt, which is available at most grocery stores and supermarkets, fancier types such as the gray variety, may only be available at gourmet stores.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is an iodine-free, course-grained salt that gets its name from the fact it is used in the Koshering process of meat. It is also favored by many chefs who prefer the large grain size and its characteristic flaked texture because it helps the salt dissolve faster and adhere better to foods. Kosher salt is readily available in grocery stores and supermarkets.

Tags: grocery stores, grocery stores supermarkets, harvested hand, Hawaiian islands, Hawaiian salt, salt also

Hawaiian Resorts On Maui

Maui is a world-class destination.

The island of Maui, with its miles and miles of golden beaches, presents a world-class destination for visitors from around the globe. From the beauty of Haleakala Crater to the lush gorges, rainforests and waterfalls of the windward side, to the quaint paniolo (cowboy) towns of upcountry Maui, this glorious Hawaiian island has earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful spots on earth. A number of resorts accommodate visitors with true luxury and the aloha spirit.

Hotel Hana Maui

Since 1946, the iconic Hotel Hana Maui has been hosting visitors on the windward side of Maui, one of the lushest, most beautiful areas of the island. Isolated Hana has presented a welcome and dramatically beautiful retreat far away from the bustle of Maui's busy tourist hubs. Elect to stay in a guest cottage on the property or at the renovated plantation manager's residence. The spa includes many tropical treatments such as traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage aromatherapy and herbal body wraps.

Hotel Hana Maui

5031 Hana Highway

Hana, Maui, HI 96713

808-248-8211

hotelhanamaui.com

Fairmont Kea Lani

Experience Maui's beauty in a two- or three-bedroom luxury suite and oceanfront villa complete with kitchen, private lanai and lap pools. Located in Wailea in West Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani offers one of the best locations in the world with 22 acres of lush tropical landscaping and genuine Hawaiian aloha, personal service and a full-service spa. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, full entertainment services, a DVD player and high-speed Internet service.

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

4100 Wailea Alanui Drive

Maui, HI 96753

808-242-7777

fairmont.com

Royal Mauian Resort

The Royal Mauian Resort in sunny Kihei offers oceanfront luxury accommodations on a stretch of idyllic golden sand. Balmy trades blow as visitors enjoy pleasures such as a private swimming pool, sunsets and whale watching. Views of Haleakala and vistas of the blue Pacific beckon to those staying at the Royal Mauian. Near the resort is convenient access to snorkeling, championship golf, shopping and dining.

Royal Mauian Resort

2430 South Kihei Road

Kihei, Maui, HI 96753

808- 879-1263

royalmauianresort.com

Tags: Hana Maui, Royal Mauian, Fairmont Lani, Hotel Hana, Hotel Hana Maui

Have A Boy And Girl Party

You want to throw a party for boys and girls but aren't quite sure what to do to ensure that everyone has fun. Making your bash a success is easier than you think. Follow these simple tips and make your next party the talk of the year. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create a neutral theme that both boys and girls will enjoy. A great neutral theme might be the "High School Musical," where guests dress up as their favorite characters, or a Luau where the girls wear hula skirts and the guys wear beach gear.

2. Send out invitations two to three weeks before the party and ask them to R.S.V.P. so you know how many to plan for. Three hours is enough time for everyone to eat, socialize and have a good time without getting bored.

3. Decorate according to your theme and coordinate the colors. Put up balloons, streamers, a banner and use disposable tableware to make clean up easier.

4. Prepare enough food and snacks so you don't run out. Most everyone loves pizza, chips and soda. If you want to do something different, have the pizza ingredients ready and have a contest between the boys and girls to see who makes the best pizza.

5. Plan games and activities that keep the boys and girls interacting during the party. Divide into teams and make each team create a dance routine. Appoint judges and have them decide which team won. You could also put a list of questions about you on note cards and whichever teams knows the most about you wins.

6. Put together prize bags for the teams that win or give "goodie bags" for all your guests to take home after the party. These could include lip-gloss and/or nail polish for the girls or gift certificates to a local restaurant or fast food place for the guys.

Tags: boys girls, neutral theme

Apply Fondant Icing To A Wedding Cake

Fondant can give a wedding cake a smoother appearance.

Fondant icing can give a normal wedding cake a smooth look and extra design opportunities. The cake itself has to be completely cool, crumb-coated and frosted before you apply the fondant. The frosting will help the fondant keep its rounded appearance. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Sprinkle cornstarch on top of your work surface to keep the fondant from sticking and knead. The dough will be stiff. Heat it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or let it sit in room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Knead and sprinkle the work surface again with cornstarch to incorporate the coloring.

3. Roll the fondant out in the shape of the cake. To figure out the dimensions you will need, add the width of the surface, plus the length of the combined sides, plus two extra inches. For example, a 9-inch cake with 4-inch sides, plus 2 extra inches, needs a 19-inch circle of fondant.

4. Once the fondant is 1/8 inch thick, roll the fondant onto the rolling pin. Unroll the fondant onto the frosted cake going from one side to the other.

5. Dust your hands with cornstarch and gently smooth out the fondant. If there are air bubbles under the surface, poke them with a thin wire or needle at a 45-degree angle, then smooth out the fondant again with your hands.

6. Trim the sides of the cake with a sharp knife. Add a decorative edge to cover any imperfections in the fondant.

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Hawaiian Party Tips

Give leis to each of the guests at a Hawaiian-themed party.

Hawaiian parties feature tropical fruits and dishes, and nature (i.e. sunset, flowers, palm trees) often serves as a backdrop for the event. If you're having a party with a Hawaiian theme this year for a birthday, anniversary, or graduation, there are plenty of things you can do with the invitations, food, and activities that will ensure that you and your guests have a great time at the celebration. Does this Spark an idea?

Party Invitations

Use items your guests will readily associate with Hawaii to create your party invitations. Cut out the paper for your invitations in the shape of a seashell, and write the invitation details on one side of the paper. Or, purchase palm tree-shaped invites, and add your own accents like small brown strips of paper to make the trunk of the tree look more realistic,or pieces of green felt that are cut into the shape of the leaves on the invitation. Small bottles can also be used for your invitations to create a 'message in a bottle.' Add a small amount of sand, as well as tiny plastic starfish or seashells to the inside of the bottle, along with a sea foam green or aqua blue piece of paper containing the specifics about the party. The paper should be rolled in the shape of a scroll before being placed in the bottle.

Hawaiian Party Food

Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi are always a hit at Hawaiian-themed parties. Cut the fruit into cubes and serve it on skewers for ideal presentation. Items like egg rolls or spring rolls can be presented to guests as appetizers; place small dishes of roasted or chocolate-covered macadamia nuts at each table for guests to enjoy as well.

For the main course, serve a seafood dish like grilled salmon, or grill chicken, beef and pineapple pieces on a skewer. If you're serving a cake at the celebration, a pineapple upside down cake celebrates some traditional Hawaiian flavors. Have a cake in your favorite flavor decorated to display the picturesque Hawaiian beach scene, using plastic hula girls, blue icing for water, and cinnamon and brown sugar to represent the sand on the beach.

Activities

In addition to providing delicious food for the guests, organize a few activities that all the party-goers will enjoy. Purchase a few grass skirts from the party supply store, and have a hula contest. Give each guest a chance to 'hula' to their favorite song, let the rest of the party vote by their applause, and hand out prizes to the man, woman, or child or dances the best. Or, set up your karaoke machine and buy a CD of traditional Hawaiian hits for guests to sing along to; let guests vote on who is the best singer, and award the winner with a prize. Limbo is also a popular game at luaus; have two people hold opposite ends of the limbo stick, while guests attempt to go under the stick without touching it. For kids, or a luau party where there is swimming, you can play water limbo by using the water hose as the limbo stick--the person who touches the 'stick' while going under gets sprayed with water.

Tags: activities that, Hawaiian Party, stick while, traditional Hawaiian, your guests

Hawaiian Party Gifts

Bring a Hawaiian-themed gift to your next luau.

Hawaii-themed parties and luaus are a popular way to kick back and relax. Few things are worse, however, than strapping on your open-toe sandals, grass skirt and coconut bra only to realize that you've failed to prepare a gift for the party's host. Save yourself this potential embarrassment by thinking ahead---bringing a Hawaiian gift to the luau will ingratiate you with the host and impress other party goers. Does this Spark an idea?

Pit-Roasted Pig

Ask the host ahead of time if the party will be a potluck, or if you can help out by providing sustenance for the festivities. If so, consider roasting a pig in traditional Hawaiian style to bring some Hawaiian flavor to the party---literally. One recipe calls for a 100-lb. whole pig, which should be enough to feed about 100 ravenous pork lovers. Chop off the pig's head and knuckles, and either cut or break its spine so that it can lay perfectly flat while cooking (you may prefer your butcher to do this). Roasting it in a hand-dug pit for 12 to 18 hours should do the trick---and don't forget to thank the pig for his noble sacrifice and wish him luck. Toast him with a mint julep---for the sake of tradition, of course.

Tiki Idol

Tiki décor---often characterized by carved wooden heads and faces---is a popular icon of the Pacific islands. Present your host with a small tiki idol to enhance the party's Hawaiian ambiance. Be sure, however, that it was not unlawfully taken from an ancient Hawaiian burial ground, lest you subject the gift's recipient to a cursed taboo that could render him victim to the spider attacks and near-fatal surfing accidents that once plagued the Brady Bunch.

Barack Obama Merchandise

America's 44th president, Barack Obama, was born and raised in Hawaii---use this connection to your gift-giving advantage and bring your hostess something nobody else will have thought of. Because of the fanfare that followed him during his presidential campaign, Obama merchandise is easy to come by---treat the hostess to a bottle of Obama wine or an Obama lighter for igniting the party's tiki torches.

Hawaiian-Themed Movies

Bring some Hawaiian-themed DVDs to play at the party. Movies like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "Lilo & Stitch" and "50 First Dates" all feature the 50th state as backdrops for comedy, while TV shows filmed in Hawaii like "Hawaii 5-0" and "Lost" may also foster feelings of appreciation for the Pacific islands in your fellow party goers.

Tags: Barack Obama, Pacific islands, party goers

Hawaiian Party Games For Adults

Make your Hawaiian party complete by organizing adult games.

You've picked out a stunning Hawaiian shirt and set up the tiki torches, and the pork is marinating. You've completed most of the finishing touches for your Hawaiian-themed party, but are concerned that there is no entertainment. Not to worry--there are a range of games suitable for adults that fit your luau theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Classic Games With Cocktails

Mix up a batch of your favorite Hawaiian cocktail--mai tais, pina coladas or blue Hawaiians, for example. Offer a nonalcoholic version as well. Fill shot glasses with your chosen cocktail liquid. Organize a limbo, hula hoop or hula dance contest incorporating the drinks. Participants take small sips from the shot glasses and then must complete the challenge holding the almost-full glasses in their mouths. Whoever hulas the longest or limbos the lowest without spilling his drink wins.

Ulu Maika

Ulu maika is a traditional Hawaiian game. According to Activity Connection, participants rolled stones shaped similarly to hockey pucks between two wooden stakes. In your backyard, set up two stakes or posts one foot apart. Paint each stone a different color so the players can keep track of which stones belong to them. Start players 10 feet away from the "goal" and challenge them to roll the stone through the stakes. If the stones are not round ask them to toss the stone instead. Have several rounds during which players toss or roll from increasing distances away from the stakes.

Hawaiian Name Game

For a crowd of linguists, organize a Hawaiian name game that tests memory skills. Before the party, look up the Hawaiian names of your guests. For example, Samantha is "Kamanaka" and Andrew is "Analu." The Aloha Friends website has a list of Hawaiian name translations. Before the game, tell guests what their Hawaiian names are. Participants stand in a circle. Each guest must say his Hawaiian name and create a distinctive motion, like a hula move or clapping his hands twice. Start the game by saying "Aloha (Hawaiian name)" and imitating that person's motion. That person must say "Aloha (Hawaiian name) and imitate the next person's motion. Once players are warmed up, challenge them to play without hesitation. If it is someone's turn and she pauses for more than two seconds, she is out until the next round.

Steal the Lei

Steal the Lei is a game recommended by Themed Party Ideas and lasts all night. As guests arrive, give each person a lei to wear around his neck. Once everyone has arrived, tell them their challenge for the night is to steal as many leis as possible. Pick a taboo word of your choice, such as "beer," "bathroom" or "yes." Tell guests that if they hear someone say the taboo word, that they can take his lei.

Tags: Hawaiian name, Aloha Hawaiian, Aloha Hawaiian name, away from, challenge them, Hawaiian names

Hawaiian Party Games And Crafts

Add Hawaiian decor to your Hawaiian-themed party.

When the beach is too far away, bring a Hawaiian-themed party to your own backyard. Put out tiki torches, make Hawaiian crafts and play several Hawaii-themed party games. Party games get your guests involved in the party and break the ice for any newcomers. Award Hawaiian-themed prizes such as leis, hula skirts and beach balls to all game winners. Does this Spark an idea?

Hawaiian Leis

To get party guests in the Hawaiian mood, start by allowing each guest to make his own lei. Purchase some elastic, small beads and artificial flowers from a craft store. You may also use real flowers to make the leis. Let guests string the flowers to make their own necklace, bracelet and anklet leis.

Bowling with Coconuts

Purchase at least 10 pineapples and three or four coconuts from the grocery store. Set the pineapples up like bowling pins. Let each party guest practice rolling the coconut to try to knock down as many pineapples as possible. After everyone has practiced, give each player four turns to knock down as many pineapples as he can with the pineapple. The player with the most points wins the game.

Sand Art

Let guests make their own sand art to take home as a party favor. Purchase several glass jars with lids, artificial flowers and several bags of colored sand at a craft store. Place the items on a table and give each guest a glass jar. Each guest uses a funnel to pour a layer of sand in her jar and then puts an artificial flower on top of that layer. She then puts another layer of sand and another flower. Keep this pattern going until the jar is full. Seal the lid with glue and let the guest write her name on the jar.

Musical Waters

For a wet game, try musical water. Place several large pans of water in a circle; you will need one fewer pan than you have players. Play Hawaiian music and have the guests walk in a circle beside the pans of water. When the music stops, each guest must sit in a pan of water. The guest who is not sitting in a pan of water is out of the game. Take a pan away after each player is eliminated. The last person standing wins the game.

Tags: artificial flowers, craft store, down many, down many pineapples, each guest

Hawaiian Party Games

Palm trees create a Hawaiian-themed cake.

You can throw a Hawaiian-themed party to celebrate several occasions. If you decide to have a luau-type party, for instance, decorate with grass skirts and other tropical items. In addition, there are several party games you can tweak to fit your Hawaiian-themed party. Does this Spark an idea?

Hula Mania

You will need a few hula hoops. Give each person (depending on how many hula hoops you have) a hula hoop and set the timer. Write down how long each guest can hula. Do this until everyone has had a turn. Whoever has the best time wins the game. You also can make the kids wear a grass skirt to keep in the spirit of the luau. The prize can be a hula hoop to take home or some type of Hawaiian-themed gift. Be sure to play tropical music during the contest.

Tropic Volley

This game takes a tropical twist on a common game. Set up a volleyball net. If you do not have one, hang a clothesline across the yard. Divide the guests into two teams. Play regular volleyball, but instead of points, the teams will earn letters that spell out "Tropic." The team that gets all the letters first wins a prize. You can make this extra fun by having them come up with tropical-themed team names.

Hawaiian Musical Towels

This game gives a Hawaiian twist to musical chairs. Instead of chairs, place beach towels around the yard or in the house. Find some tropical music to use for the game. As the guests move around the room, play music. Tell them they have to hula dance while they move. If they do not, they are automatically out. When the music stops, everyone must sit on a towel. The player without a towel is out and one towel is removed. Continue doing this until there is only one player left. The winner gets a Hawaiian-themed gift.

Beach Relay

Divide the guests into two teams. Set up a beach chair or beach towel at one end of the room or outside. Give each team a grass skirt, leis and coconut top. When you say, "Go," one team member must put on the skirt, leis and coconut top, race to the towel and return to the start line. They will pass the outfit to the next team member. They continue to do this until all team members have gone. The team that finishes first wins a tropical prize.

Tags: this until, Divide guests, Divide guests into, first wins, Give each

Hawaiian Party Activities

Plastic leis are fun for Hawaiian parties.

Hawaiian theme parties, or luaus, are used to celebrate everything from birthdays and graduations to engagements and retirements. An easy way to make your party feel more authentic is to plan some Hawaiian party activities to entertain your guests. Whether your guests are kids or adults, planning some activities can help keep your party under control and make it more enjoyable. Does this Spark an idea?

Limbo Contest

Whether you participate or just watch from the sidelines, a limbo contest is a lot of fun. Get a Hawaiian music CD, and have the contestants see how low they can go.

Hula Hoop Contest

A hula hoop contest is fun for both children and adults. Have the guests put on faux grass skirts and hula hoop to music. The last person left hooping is the winner.

Collect the Most Leis

Give all your party guests a lei each when they arrive. Tell them they can't say the word "Hawaiian"; if they do, the party guest who hears it gets to take their lei. The guest with the most leis at the end of the party is the winner.

Pass the Pineapple

Pass the pineapple is just like the game hot potato, but with a pineapple. Have all your party guests sit in a circle. Then, put on some Hawaiian music and have the guests pass the pineapple around the circle. Stop the music from time to time. The guest holding the pineapple when the music stops is out of the game. The last person in the game is the winner.

Fun Hawaiian Photos

Create scenes for photo opportunities for your guests. For instance, you could make a surfing theme photo opportunity by putting a surfboard on a blue tarp or blanket. You can create a backdrop on a solid wall with roll-out paper. Having kids make the photo backdrops is a fun way to have them help with party preparations. Have dress-up items at your photo opportunity; bermuda shorts, Hawaiian shirts, leis, grass skirts and coconut bikini tops are good picks. You can also ask your guests to come dressed for the party.

Hula Dance

Hiring a hula dance instructor is another fun way to celebrate at your Hawaiian theme party. You can have all your guests dress up in grass skirts and learn to hula together.

Tags: your guests, your party, grass skirts, Hawaiian music, Hawaiian music have, Hawaiian theme

Hawaiian Luau Party Activities For Babies & Kids

Have the kids decorate coconuts for an easy and entertaining luau game.

A luau is a fun and creative party idea for kids, especially if the weather is nice enough to throw the party outside. Luau parties are not just for adults. Younger kids can enjoy them as well. Throw a luau party for kids as a fun summer party. Have the kids come dressed for a luau in floral shirts and skirts, and then give them leis and flower crowns when they arrive. Does this Spark an idea?

Hula Dancing

Hula dancing is a fun and cultural activity that the kids at your party will love. The best part about hula dancing is that the basic move is pretty easy to pick up, so it is ideal for kids of all ages. Hire a professional hula dancer to come and teach the group dance, learn the moves yourself so that you can teach them, or simply use a video to show them the steps. Keep them focused by telling them they will get to perform their dance moves for their parents later. When everyone seems to get the hang of it, have all of the kids put on hula skirts and leis, and perform their dance when their parents come to pick them up. Also video the dance and send it online to the parents who didn't get to see it.

Pineapple Relay

A fun and active game for the kids to play is a pineapple relay. Separate the kids into pairs, and give each pair a pineapple. For younger kids and toddlers, use something smaller, such as an orange. Mark a starting and ending point. The kids must transfer their pineapple from one end of the course to the other by holding it between them without using their hands. They can wedge the pineapple between their hips, stomachs or backs. If the pineapple drops, they must start all over.

Surfing Poses

Set up an area with a backdrop that looks like an ocean. Place a surfboard on a blue tarp, and a camera in front of the set. Have the kids come and strike a pose on the surfboard, pretending they are surfing. Babies can have pictures taken with the older kids or their parents. Print the pictures before the end of the party and send them home for the kids and parents to enjoy.

Coconut Faces

Set up a craft station with puffy paint, gems, glitter, tissue paper, construction paper, glue and plastic grass. Give each kid a coconut and have him decorate the coconut like a face. Point out the three dark circles that can be the eyes and nose, and let him go from there. The outcome is likely to be hilarious.

Tags: Have kids, their parents, Have kids come, kids come, perform their

Hawaiian Luau Invitation Ideas For Kids

A luau party can include pirate influences.

A Hawaiian luau is a good party theme for people of all ages. A kids luau birthday party can be fun and include treasure hunts and hula dancing. The invitations for a luau party can be just as much fun as the party. Luau invitations include tropical designs and bright colors that reflect the tone of the party. Does this Spark an idea?

Designs

One of the most important choices for a luau invitation is the design. There are many options for luau-themed designs. For general luau parties, a parrot, surfboard or lei are good choices. The colors in these designs are bright and vibrant. You also can choose to use a pirate ship and emphasize a planned treasure hunt during the party. Sandals and palm trees are other options, as well as tropical fruits such as coconuts or pineapples. The invitation can include more than one design, but be careful to not use too many or the invitation will become cluttered.

Colors

To reflect the tropical climate of Hawaii, the invitations for a luau should be bright and colorful. Good color choices include orange, yellow, red and blue. To make the invitation pop, contrast the background color with the color of the design you choose for the invitation. If you go with a parrot, consider a dark but vibrant blue or purple. If you choose a blue surfboard or a pirate ship, an orange sunset color may be a good choice.

Wording

The wording of a luau invitation can include phrases that work with the luau theme. The words can include references to the tropics, grass skirts or leis. Pirate-themed parties can include invitations to join the treasure hunt or walk the plank.

Additions

Another way to attract attention to the luau invitation is to include an addition, such as an umbrella toothpick. Additions to the invitation will give kids a reason to anticipate the party. For a pirate-themed party, include a treasure map to get kids in the mood for the festivities. Stickers or an activity sheet with a Hawaiian theme are other things you could include with the invitation.

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Hawaiian Luau Games

Create a tropical environment with Hawaiian luau games.

The tradition of the Hawaiian luau goes back to the early 1800s when a Hawaiian King broke from convention and feasted with both men and women. The festivities included mostly dancing and eating on the ground outdoors, with large numbers of people attending. Replicate the spirit of the Hawaiian luau in your own backyard with palm frond, hula skirts, finger foods, leis and fun summer games to keep guests entertained. Does this Spark an idea?

Musical Beach Towels

When you think of Hawaii, you think of the beach. To bring the beach closer to your own backyard, you can play the game "Musical Beach Towels." Before your party guests arrive, line up some beach towels (one for every guest, minus one) on the ground of your party area, suggests TopPartyIdeas.com. Place a pair of sunglasses on top of each towel. Have your guests line up behind each other on one side of the line of towels. Then, when you start playing some Hawaiian music, your guests follow the leader and circle the line of towels. At a random moment, stop the music. Each player then has to find a towel to sit on and quickly put on the pair of sunglasses. Similar to musical chairs, whoever does not find a towel to sit on is disqualified from the game and one towel is then removed. Play continues until only one towel and one person---the winner---remains.

Pineapple Relay

No Hawaiian party would be complete without the state's popular tropical fruit, the pineapple. In this game suggested by DLTK-Kids.com, players are divided into two teams and given a pineapple. After the two teams line up side by side, the first two players from each team have to place the pineapple between each other. This could mean placing the pineapple between their backs or their stomachs. Either way, they cannot touch the pineapple with their hands. Each pair has to run to a finish line at the opposite side of the yard and head back towards their team with the pineapple still between them. If the pineapple falls, they have to put it between their bodies again and continue with the race. Once the first pair has completed their run, the second pair from their team does the same. The game ends when the members of one team have all paired up and made it back to the starting line before the other team. This fun competition will get the party going and have everyone in stitches by the end of it.

Tacky Tourist Relay

You can spot most tourists pretty easily in Hawaii as they wear the Hawaiian-print shirts, leis, sunglasses, flip-flops and beach hats. This game suggested by Party411.com celebrates this unique fashion sense by letting your guests play a game of dress-up with these touristy clothing items. Gather some of these items, making sure you have two of each, before the start of the game.

Divide the players into two teams, lining them up behind a starting point. Place two piles of clothing items somewhere near the starting points for each team. The first person in each team has to quickly put on the clothing and race against the other team to a designated finish line. The person must then rush back to his team's line and take off the tourist items so that the next player can put on the ensemble and race to the finish line and back. The game ends when all the players from one team---the winners---have finished this task before the other team.

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Hawaiian Luau Food & Dessert Ideas

Native Hawaiians hold luaus to celebrate birthdays, graduations and weddings. Of course, luaus also can be general potluck parties with each guest bringing an appropriate dish. They are usually held in a backyard in a tent with woven palm fronds for walls and tent poles decorated with leaves, fern and flowers. Luau food traditionally is served buffet style, with the main course being Kalua Pua'a or roast pork. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Kalua Pua'a

Kalua Pua'a traditionally is prepared in an underground pit called an "imu" and slowly steamed for several hours. However, you can prepare the pork more easily in an oven or slow cooker. Take a 3 lb. pork butt and pierce it all over with a carving fork. Rub it with 1 1/2 tsp. of liquid smoke and 2 1/4 tsp. of sea salt. Place it fat side up in a covered roasting pan or casserole dish in a preheated 350 degree F oven. Roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Or, place the pork butt in a slow cooker and cook on low for 16 to 20 hours; turn the meat once. Remove from the oven or slow cooker, shred the pork and add the juices. A 3 lb. pork butt will serve approximately six people.

Other Main Dishes

Teriyaki chicken or beef are common dishes at luaus. Other chicken dishes to consider are shoyu chicken, huli huli chicken or chicken long rice. Long rice is actually bean thread noodles. Another beef dish is pipi kaula, a Hawaiian style beef jerky, made from marinated flank steak strips. Mahi mahi would be an excellent choice for a main fish offering, either grilled or baked with a mayonnaise and bread crumb coating. You also could serve macadamia nut crusted coconut shrimp with orange lime sauce.

Side Dishes

Two traditional fish side dishes are poke and lomi lomi salmon. Poke is bite sized pieces of raw, sashimi-grade fish, usually ahi or yellowfin tuna, marinated in soy sauce, minced yellow and green onions and sesame oil. Lomi lomi is raw, salt-cured salmon diced with tomatoes, onions and flavored with lime juice and dashes of Tabasco, sugar and pepper. Poi is a standard dish at luaus. It consists of boiled taro roots that are pounded and mixed with water for a smooth consistency. You could be adventurous and try making the dish if you have access to taro but poi is definitely an acquired taste. Sweet potatoes are another staple. Provide a simple green salad and plenty of rice to accompany the dishes.

Desserts

Prepare a fresh tropical fruit platter with a pineapple cut in sections as the centerpiece surrounded by papaya, mango, kiwi, passion fruit and watermelon slices. Alternatively, serve tropical fruit sorbets. Haupia, or cubed coconut custard, is a popular luau dessert. For something more substantial, offer a guava cake

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Hawaiian Luau Food Crafts

Encourage guests to dress up for your luau.

Themed parties, such as Hawaiian luaus, are always a big hit with guests. But to ensure that your vision comes off without a hitch, you'll need to decorate your space with authentic Hawaiian luau decorations such as carved fruits and vegetables. Making your own food crafts might take some practice, but it will be well worth it when your guests arrive and start dishing out the compliments. Does this Spark an idea?

Centerpieces

Use simple techniques to achieve maximum impact.

Many large fruits such as watermelons and pineapples can be carved to create a decorative centerpiece for table displays. When selecting a fruit to carve, choose one that is not yet ripe since ripe fruits are harder to carve and won't keep their shape as long. You don't need any special skills to create food crafts for a Hawaiian luau, but you will need patience and concentration. Some easy-to-carve designs for a luau food centerpiece include waves of the ocean, simple bird designs and concentric circles. If you're feeling more adventurous, try carving a more complicated flower design.

Plate Decoration

Larger fruits such as cantaloupes can be cut into smaller pieces for leaf designs.

Smaller fruits and vegetables can be used to create additional food crafts that be used to garnish individual plates or add to the design of a table decoration. Harder fruits and vegetables such as apples, radishes and unripened cucumbers work best for luau food crafts. Since these crafts will be used to decorate food, choose images that are pleasing such as flowers rather than unpleasing images such as snakes or rodents. Smaller carvings require more delicate designs, so use a very sharp knife and take appropriate safety precautions.

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Hawaiian Luau Cupcake Ideas

Hula girls, tropical flowers and a beautiful sunset scene are plentiful at a Hawaiian luau.

Hawaiian luau theme parties provide guests with a little bit of tropical fun, even if they live miles from the ocean. A Hawaiian luau meal includes island favorites such as roasted pig and yummy teriyaki dishes. For dessert, consider serving delicious Hawaiian Luau-themed cupcakes. Does this Spark an idea?

Tropical Flowers

A sophisticated Hawaiian luau cupcake decoration is a tropical flower. Choose silk flowers that resemble the tropical flowers you might see in Hawaii. Snip the stems close to the flower head and gently press the flower head into a frosted cupcake. Inquire at your local florist for edible flower varieties to use instead of silk.

Parasols

Frost cupcakes in light blue frosting to give them an island feel. Stick colorful parasols into the cupcakes. Use the paper parasols that often accompany tropical beverages. You can purchase these tiny parasols at restaurant supply and craft stores. Vary the color of the frosting for a more colorful table. Use candy flowers to further embellish the cupcakes.

Lilo and Stitch

Lilo and her little alien buddy, the lovable Stitch, live in Hawaii and make for an appropriate cupcake theme for a Hawaiian luau party for a child. Find Lilo and Stitch cupcake toppers or use stickers featuring the pair. Stick the stickers on white paper, cut out and mount on tooth picks. Alternately, decorate some cupcakes to look like Lilo's face and other cupcakes to look like Stitch.

Sponge Bob Squarepants

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? It's Sponge Bob Squarepants, of course. This lovable yellow sponge makes a fun character to top a Hawaiian luau cupcake. Remove cupcakes from the pan and cut the edges off until the cupcakes are square shaped. Frost the cupcakes in yellow and add white icing eyes, outlined in black. Draw a black icing mouth to finish the face.

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Hawaiian Lei Crafts

A fragrant plumeria lei

The art of stringing fresh flowers and other natural materials into bodily adornments developed in ancient Hawai'i, and has survived to become synonymous with the Islands. Since the early days of steamship travel, visitors to Hawai'i's shores were presented with flower lei upon arrival. The custom of placing the lei over the visitor's head and giving them a kiss became popular after WWII, and continues today. Beautiful and delightfully fragrant, lei are true symbols of aloha.

History of the Lei

Ancient Hawaiians presented lei to chiefs, visitors and loved ones at times of parting, arrival and on special occasions. Hula dancers adorned themselves with special lei, including a crownlike lei worn on the head, called a "lei po'o," and smaller lei worn around wrists and ankles, called "kupe'e." Modern hula dancers must create their own lei from native materials to wear when they dance "kahiko," or ancient style, dances. With the advent of tourism, many Hawaiians supported their families making and selling lei to visitors. Lei makers embraced new, exotic flowers and found creative ways to string new kinds of lei.

Lei Making Methods

The "Kui" method, one of the simplest methods of lei making, is the process of stringing flowers by piercing them with a needle and thread. Stringing blossoms through the throat, as is commonly done with plumeria flowers, is called "Kui Pololei." Piercing flowers near the center of their tubes and laying them flat on both sides to form a band is called "Kui Lau." Stringing the flowers from their bases and arranging them so that they face outward like a wheel is called "Kui Poepoe." Leis of these styles are often made with orchids.

Another lei making method, "Hilo," involves twisting two pieces of material together to make a rope. Hilo means "to twist or intertwine" in Hawaiian. This method is commonly used to make ti leaf lei.

The "Wili" method involves tightly wrapping materials between two or more pieces of raffia. This method is used for head lei ("lei po'o") and hat lei ("lei papale") and produces a thick, dense lei, usually made of a combination of materials.

Materials Used for Lei

Fresh flowers are the most well known material for leis. Durable, brightly-colored orchids and fragrant plumerias are some of the most popular components of modern leis, but whole flowers are only one of many materials used for traditional leis.

Some lei are made with specific parts of flowers, like the "Kukuna o ka la," or "rays of the sun" lei, which is made from mangrove calyxes.

Fresh leaves from green or yellow ti plants and strands of fragrant maile foliage are still beloved components of lei in Hawaii.

Attractive seeds, like the kukui nut, are used to make long lasting lei.

Shells are also used to make durable lei, such as the famous "Momi" lei made on the Island of Ni'ihau.

Bird feathers are used to make the beautiful lei called "Lei Hulu." In ancient times, brightly colored native birds were trapped for their feathers. Today, these painstaking and intricate lei are made with feathers from domestic birds.

Other materials traditionally used to make lei include seaweed, hair and even bone.

Modern Lei Crafts

Since most of us live farther from the forests today, many new materials are being used to fashion lei. Recyclables, like colored plastic bags, are perfect for making twisted or braided lei. Old chewing gum wrappers folded into squares, and strung snugly together through the center, make thick, colorful lei. Long lasting lei can be made by knitting or crocheting yarn into a long tube, tied at the ends. A fun lei for children's birthdays is easily made by rolling wrapped candies in a length of colored tulle fabric, and tying each piece of candy in place with colored ribbons.

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Hawaiian Island Traditions

Hawaii became a part of the United States in 1959. Hawaii is known for its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and tropical climate, and it is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. It is home to a rich cultural heritage originating from the native Polynesian inhabitants. Many of these traditions, including hula dancing, surfing, luaus and leis, are still in practice today.

Leis

Leis are wreaths of brightly colored, fragrant flowers that are strung on a strong cord. For many tourists, leis are their first taste of Hawaiian culture. Leis are customarily placed around the necks of Hawaiian vacationers as they exit the plane. In Hawaii, leis can symbolize either a greeting or a sentiment such as friendship or love. Hawaiians give leis to one another as gifts. Refusing a lei that is offered as a gift is considered to be impolite. Every May Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day, or May Day, with a series of festivities. The first May Day occurred in 1928.

Hula Dancing

Hula dancing is one of the most celebrated Hawaiian traditions. Although the dance's origins are unknown, it was believed to be sacred during the island's early history. The modern hula dance is performed more for entertainment. Hula dancers use symbolically representative movements to tell a story. Music made by instruments such as the guitar and the ukulele accompany the hula dancers. Hula dancers traditionally dress in grass skirts and wear leis around their necks.

Surfing

Surfing has come to symbolize the island of Hawaii. Surfing is a sport in which an individual uses a long, narrow board to ride atop ocean waves. Surfers use a variety of movements and techniques in order to control and manipulate their boards. By the time Captain James Cook first observed the sport in the late 1700s, surfing was already widely popular in Hawaii. When Europeans arrived in Hawaii, they saw the sport as being immoral. As a result, surfing in Hawaii gradually began to decline. However, Captain Cook documented the sport in his journals and the sport eventually spread throughout the world. In the 1950s, surfing became part of pop culture with the release of the movie "Gidget."

Luaus

The luau---a popular Hawaiian tourist activity---is a traditional form of celebration. Luaus are part feast and part show. Luaus traditionally celebrate events such as a young person's coming of age or the return of someone who has been away. While some are held indoors, most luaus occur at night on the beach. Luau feasts feature the popular dish Kalua Pork, fish, Mai Tai drinks, luau punch and fresh fruits. Entertainment is an important part of any luau. They often feature Hawaiian music, hula dancers and Samoan fire dancers.

Japanese Influences

The Japanese first arrived in Hawaii during the mid-1800s to work on the Hawaiian sugar plantations. Although they hoped to find work and a better way of life, plantation life was not what they had envisioned. They worked long hours for very low pay, and endured harsh conditions under the hot Hawaiian sun. Although many Japanese immigrants eventually returned home, some chose to remain in Hawaii. By the twentieth century, Hawaiians had adopted a number of Japanese customs, including sumo wrestling, lantern ceremonies and bon dances. Several Japanese dishes, including tempura, teriyaki, musabi and sushi, have also become popular in Hawaii.

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Hawaiian Island Tattoo Ideas

Hawaii is inspiration for many art forms, including tattooing.

Hawaii inspires all kinds of art forms, including tattoo design. There are so many different ideas to represent on skin that it can be difficult to choose. From beautiful and colorful hibiscus flowers to strong tribal bands, there is a wealth of great ideas to use. Decide which most represents your love of the islands. Does this Spark an idea?

Hibiscus Flowers

Signature Hawaiian symbol, the hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers have been an icon of the Hawaiian islands and what Hawaii represents for a long time. They are a symbol of its beauty, nature and the laid back atmosphere. The flower makes for a beautiful tattoo. There are many variations on this theme. A single hibiscus is pretty, but you can also get multiple hibiscus flowers. Depending on your love of the hibiscus you can get a large tattoo design with multiple hibiscus mixed with other elements, tattooed as a sleeve or covering a whole leg.

Tiki

The tiki is another iconic image of Hawaii. It has been representative of Hawaii in movies and television, especially as a retro symbol. It's associated with luaus and parties symbolizing the fun and carefree feeling of vacationing on the islands. Tikis have been seen with different expressions including happy and angry. There are different tikis that can be used. Maybe you've snapped a photograph of one on a Hawaii trip. Other elements can be added to the tiki composition like a retro-style drink with an umbrella in it, hibiscus or a surfboard.

Tribal

There are many different tribal designs to choose from.

The tribal tattoo is the most commonly seen tattoo inspired by Hawaii and Pacific Islander culture. Tribal designs can go anywhere on the body. Tribal bands are very island inspired, especially arm bands or ankle bands. Tribal designs can also go on the lower back, the arm as an arm sleeve, the ankle or the foot.

Hawaiian Landmarks/Scenery

Use your favorite vacation photograph.

Photographs are helpful for this idea. If you took a vacation on the Hawaiian islands, you could have a favorite beach, waterfall or other landmark. This can be turned into a sentimental tattoo of Hawaii. If you don't have a personal photograph, postcards are great for this as well, as are vintage Hawaiian photographs.

Hula Girl

There are many different hula girl options.

The iconic Hawaiian pin-up girl makes a great tattoo. A hula girl can be done in the vintage, more stylized, classic version or it can be done in a more realistic fashion.

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Hawaiian Islands Visitors Information

Hawaiian Islands Visitors Information

The Hawaiian Islands, a creation of volcanic activity, are the most isolated chain of islands in the world, according to the book,"Hawaii The Big Island Revealed." There are six major islands that are ultimate vacation destinations for relaxing, experiencing Polynesian culture or participating in other activities such as water sports, horseback riding and hiking.

The Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island has 10 different climate zones. The Kona, or leeward side, of the island is the sunny side. Rain is frequent on the Hilo side providing for lush rain forests and breathtaking waterfalls such as Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls and Umauma Falls.

Maui

Wailea, on the island of Maui, is an ideal destination for spotting migrating humpback whales that frequently breach near this valley isle. Hana, the wettest part of the island, is popular for camping and hiking.

Oahu

Oahu, sometimes referred to as The Main Island, features attractions such as the Diamond Head Crater and the Polynesian Cultural Center, located in Laie on the other side of the Koolau Mountains from Waikiki.

Kauai

Kauai is also referred to as The Island of Discovery, where you can enjoy adventures such as kayaking down the Wailua River or biking on the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. East Kauai features golden sand beaches and coconut groves.

Molokai

Molokai is said to be the most Hawaiian of all the islands since almost half of the island's population is native. Molokai has 32 miles of barrier reef. Ancient lava stone and coral fishponds are among the island's historical landmarks.

Lanai

Like Molokai, Lanai, has no traffic lights, offering true island-style relaxation. Lanai is home to two luxury resorts and two championship golf courses. The Hulopoe Bay Tidal Pools area is a prime location to view spinner dolphins.

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Hawaiian Invitation Ideas

Decoupage cocktail umbrellas to the front of your invitations to set the tone for your Hawaiian party.

Don't send boring invitations for Hawaiian-inspired festivities. Instead, set the tone for a Hawaiian luau with creative and tropical-themed invites. Use items that will remind get your guests ready to for the Big Island party. Sand, leis and flip flops are just a few items you can transform into an invite for your Hawaiian party. Not only will the invitations be fun to make, but they'll also be more creative than their store-bought counterparts. Does this Spark an idea?

Cocktail Umbrellas

Purchase cocktail umbrellas, craft paper and envelopes. Fold the craft paper to make a card for the invite. Trim the card if necessary to fit into the envelopes. Remove the toothpick from the cocktail umbrellas. Usually, there is a white tip on top of the umbrella to hold it in place, remove this as well. Use decoupage medium and a paintbrush to adhere the umbrellas to the front of the invite. You can use one umbrella in the corner or use them as a frame around the edges of the invite. Make sure you press the umbrellas down flat onto the paper.

Hand-Delivered Invitations

If you are going to hand-deliver invitations, attach the invitation to a Hawaiian-inspired item, such as a lei or brightly colored flip flops. Invite guests to wear the item to the party in order to get access to the event. Make sure you have the right size for the flip flops before making the invitations. Additionally, attach the invite to the flip flops or leis using silk tropical flowers. Punch a hole in a corner of the invite and then cut a flower from the arrangement. Slip the stem through the hole and tie the stem just under the flower.

Sandy Invites

Add a little water to school glue to make the paste that will hold the sand to your invite. Using sand found at many craft stores, paint on the glue-and-water mixture onto the front of the invite. Sprinkle the sand over the glue. Allow the invitations to dry. Choose sands in bright colors. Write "You're Invited" or "It's a Party" with the glue-and-water mixture. Cover the message in sand to make it pop from the page.

Postcard Invites

Dress your family in tropical garb and take a family photo. Use the photo to make a postcard to send as invites. The invites can be made at local photo printers or online at sites such as Vista Print or Snapfish. Include all of the party information on the back of the postcard. The postage on postcards is higher than a traditional letter, but you do not have to spend money on envelopes.

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Hawaiian Ideas For Preschool

Preschoolers will love Hawaiian-themed crafts and activities.

Hawaii is associated with flowers, beaches, the ocean and grass skirts. If you're a preschool teacher planning a special Hawaiian-themed day for your students, or you simply want to decorate your classroom in a new way, there are many simple, appealing options. Have the children make traditional Hawaiian leis, try foods such as pineapple and ham and dress up in tropical clothing.

Decorations

Bring the look and feel of Hawaii to your preschool classroom with a wide variety of decorations. Hang tropical-colored paper streamers, such as orange, yellow and pale purple, and place unlit tiki torches, silk flowers, pineapples and coconuts around the room. Use beach towels as seats and purchase blow-up palm trees from a party supply store.

Clothing

If you're planning a Hawaiian-themed day for your preschoolers, encourage them to dress in tropical clothing for the special event. Purchase grass skirts from a dollar or specialty store and have the kids wear flower-print pants, shirts, skirts and dresses paired with sandals and sunglasses. Considering the age of the children, you will need to inform their parents of the Hawaiian day in order for them to be dressed appropriately.

Food

No preschool theme day is complete without an array of tasty snacks. Recruit a number of parents to assist with purchasing and preparing the treats. Set out trays of fresh pineapple chunks and other tropical fruit, such as mango and papaya, along with tropical juice and Hawaiian pizza, which is sure to be a hit. Consider including basic ham sandwiches for picky eaters. Don't forget to check with the preschoolers' parents about any allergies and dietary restrictions.

Activities

There are many Hawaiian-themed activities that preschoolers will enjoy. Have the children make their very own leis with paper flower cut-outs, string and fillers such as colored beads, macaroni pieces, pipe cleaners and straws. For children this young it is advisable to cut the flowers out ahead of time. You can also play Hawaiian music for the kids while they dance around in their tropical get-ups; if possible, provide Hawaiian instruments for them to explore, such as shakers, rattles, hand drums and ukuleles.

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Hawaiian Hula Instruments

The music is one of the most memorable parts of a hula performance.

Besides the beautiful scenery and rich history, one of the things Hawaii is most known for is its signature hula performances. The hula is a show which involves songs and chants while dancers perform interpretative movements which illustrate the traditions and culture of Hawaii. One of the most memorable parts of any hula show is the live music. The instruments used in hula create beautiful and distinct sounds.

Drums

Drums are one of the most important instruments used in creating hula music. In ancient times, pahu drums were typically made from breadfruit trees and sharks' skin. Today, these bass drums are usually made with coconut wood and covered with cow skin. Another drum is the fa'atete. This drum is known for its high timbre and is played by using two light sticks. A puniu drum is much smaller. It's made from half a coconut shell as the body and its skin is created from Kala fish. The musician straps it to his knee and plays it by strumming his hands on the drum.

Rattles

The most common rattle used in a hula dance is called an uli uli. It contains ali'ipoe or canna seeds which, when shaken, give the uli uli its distinct sound. Canna seeds are dark, small and round seeds that have a hard outer coating and are the sole member of the Cannaceae family of plants. Uli uli rattles have a rounded bottom, a woven handle and a flat disc-shaped top. Sometimes they are embellished with colorful feathers at the top to add an aesthetic element to the show when they are used.

Dancing Sticks

Dancing sticks are carved sticks, typically made from bamboo and are used in pairs. In ancient times sticks were made with the wood from the then common milo trees and had tiki carvings on one end. They were sometimes rubbed together in a back and forth motion to create a clacking sound. Today, performers use the sticks by holding one in each hand and striking them together in the shape of an "X." Performers may also toss and flip the sticks into the air to add another element to the show.

More Variety

Other musical instruments may be used in a hula show. For example, a hano is a three-holed nose flute that only reaches one octave. Bamboo pipes are used to make a deep resonating tone. The longer the sticks are, the deeper the tone becomes. Performers strike them against a mat or on the ground. Ukeleles are one of the most well-known hula instruments. This musical bow has two or three strings drawn through holes at one end. The strings are strummed to create the soft sounding music. Musicians use a conch shell to create a penetrating and distinct sound.

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Hawaiian Hula Activities

Colorful decorations, costumes, island music and dancing differentiate luaus from other parties.

In Hawaii, a luau -- literally, a food feast -- is a common, outdoor celebration for all occasions. Organizing a Hawaiian luau in your own backyard, around a traditional centerpiece of a whole roasted pig, makes for an exciting celebration. As well as Hawaiian-themed food, bright decorations, costumes and music, keep your guests entertained with hula games and activities. Does this Spark an idea?

Luau Performers

There are a number of traditional Hawaiian performers available for hire.

If your luau is for a large event such as a wedding, or you simply have a large number of guests, hiring professional luau performers adds a real touch of authenticity to your celebrations. From Hawaiian bands to traditional fire knife dancers, there are numerous professional luau entertainers available for hire all over America. There are even Hawaiian dancers that will come to your luau and teach your guests hula.

Hula Steps

Hand movements form an important part of Hawaiian dancing.

For a smaller or budget celebration, teach guests the hula steps yourself. The basic hula steps, according to the website Aloha Friends Luau, are the 'ami, rotating hips clockwise and counter clockwise; hule, rotating while swaying hips; kaholo, sliding step; love hands, crossing hands over chest; ocean hands, moving hands illustrating movement of waves; rainbow hands, palms meeting at the left and the right hand lifting to show a rainbow shape; and tide roll hands, hands rolling continuously over each other to illustrate the rolling motion of the sea.

Kimo Says

Present the winner with a Hawaiian lei.

This game is played in the same way as Simon Says. "Kimo" will call out the different hula dance steps that the guests have just learned. Don't be too fussy about the steps being completely accurate; remember, your guests have only just learned these moves. However, anyone who performs a move that's called out without first hearing "Kimo says" -- whether it is the right move or not -- will have to sit out. Continue the game until only one person remains.

Charades

Keep the game going until every guest has had a turn.

Hand each guest a sheet with all the hula moves and a description of each step. In a suitably Hawaiian-looking container, place pieces of paper with a different hula step on each piece. The first person takes a piece of paper from the container and performs the move. The other guests establish the name of the step, using the list. The first person to call out the correct answer gets to choose the next person to perform a hula move.

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Hawaiian Gift Ideas

Choose a Hawaiin gift that reflects the culture.

Although part of the U.S., Hawaii carries its own laid-back style. When choosing a Hawaiian gift idea, try to incorporate the style and flair of Hawaii into your gift. Consider gifts of food for an unusual taste, clothes to reflect the casual lifestyle, and jewelry which showcases the different items.

Food

Hawaii contains food items not grown on the mainland, which make good gifts. One such item is macadamia nuts. Buy these nuts plain or covered in dark or milk chocolate for a tasty gift. Another option is macadamia brittle spiced with coconut or mixed macadamia-pineapple brittle for a tropical taste. Kona coffee beans come in a variety of flavors such as Peaberry Kona coffee, Extra Fancy Kona coffee or decaf.

Jewelry

Hawaii has distinctive jewelry items. One is a gold necklace or gold bracelet plate with your name engraved, translated into Hawaiian. Another item is black coral, the official Hawaiian state gem. These black coral pieces, harvested by divers between Maui and Lanai, are polished and create jewelry such as necklaces, matching bracelets and earrings. Reminiscent of the surfer and old Hawaii is the puca shell necklace.

Clothing

Give the gift of Hawaiian swimwear, a sarong, or an aloha-themed button-down shirt. Short or long shift sundresses abound with designs of plumeria or tropical flowers and men's tropical shirts are additional Hawaiian gift options. Other items to consider are sun visors, caps, and hats to protect your face from the sun.

Tags: Kona coffee, black coral, Hawaiian gift

Advertise For A Bar Business

Advertising a bar business can be both fun and profitable. However, you will need to do some preliminary planning beforehand. Visit bars and nightclubs in your area to find out the types of internal promotions that other owners are using. For example, some may have their employees wear costumes on certain nights, which may be a big hit with local customers. Think of events for your own bar and use pictures and information about the promotions in your ads.

Instructions

1. Create special theme nights for your bar, suggests Entrepreneur.com. Start with slower nights like Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Make Wednesday night "Ladies Night," for example, allowing women to get in for free. Use it to attract single male patrons to your bar. Throw a dating game once a month, choosing a woman and three guys at random to participate. Offer free barbecue or other food for the after-work crowd one or two nights a week.

2. Advertise your theme nights using flyers. Distribute them to young adults within a five-mile radius of your bar. Place your flyers on grocery store bulletin boards and in apartment laundry rooms.

3. Place display ads in local entertainment magazines and newspapers. Take pictures of bar employees participating in various theme nights and include those images in your ads. Run them on a regular basis as long as they are profitable.

4. Develop a website for your bar. Post pictures of bar patrons having fun. List your hours of operation. Draw a map and include directions to your bar to help people find it. Advertise your website on the local online business directory.

5. Advertise your business on various online dating sites. Ensure that the ad appears when a local search for singles is made. Arrange a cross promotion with these dating sites, allowing members who live in the area to attend various singles parties at your bar. Use the cross promotions to get discounts on your advertising. Visit local online blog sites that pertain to dating and the single life and leave a comment with a link to your website and purchase a pop-up or banner ad.

6. Purchase a mailing list of young adults in your area. Use a mailing list vendor, such as the Direct Marketing Association, to supply those names and addresses (see the Resources section). Mail brochures and coupons for a free drink or a discount on beer.

Tags: Advertise your, theme nights, dating sites, local online, mailing list, young adults, your area

Get Party Favor Ideas

Get Party Favor Ideas

For whatever the occasion, you need party favors. Party favors make parties memorable for party guests. Here I have listed some occasions and some general party favor information for party favor ideas. Check out the links for more help. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Children's Parties. Pinatas are always a great hit. Fill the pinata full of party favors. Some other party favor ideas for children's parties are blowouts, noisemakers, chinese finger traps, stickers, pencils, candy sacks, trinkets, notepads, coloring books, crayons, school supplies, and fast food coupons for free ice cream or drinks for the party guests.

2. Adult Parties. If you are having a typical get together, wedding shower, an adult product party, or a drinking bash full of party guests, you may want to offer your party guests some party favors. Some good party favor ideas might be gag gifts, trinkets, key chains, bookmarks, mugs, photos, coupons, small gift cards, picture frames, fruit baskets, candles, or even ink pens with something written on them.

3. Traditions. All over the world different cultures have party traditions that include party favors for party guests. For example, did you know that for wedding showers in Puerto Rico, it is tradition that a special doll be placed on the food table that resembles the bride? This doll has charms on it that the guests take home after the shower is over. One charm per guest. You could think of something like this to do at your own wedding shower. Maybe flowers, or even small trinkets.

Tags: party guests, party favor, party favors, favor ideas, favors Some, full party

Home Remedies To Clean Mold Off Walls

Home Remedies to Clean Mold off Walls

If you have mold on your walls, then you have a health issue on your hands. The presence of mold in a home not only is unsightly, but it can lead to major respiratory problems in members of your household. Fortunately, there are a variety of home remedies that you can use to clean mold off walls. Does this Spark an idea?

Significance

The presence of mold on your walls indicates a larger problem. While mold is a problem in itself, if your walls are capable of growing mold, that means that there is a moisture problem in your house. The first step to cleaning mold off your walls is to make sure it cannot grow back. Put a dehumidifier in every room and start removing excess moisture from the air in your house.

Types

The most reliable way to kill mold and get it off your walls is with bleach and a scrub brush. However, you may also need to do some minor remodeling. For example, if the mold is growing on an outside wall, then your roof may be leaking into the interior of the wall and creating a mold-friendly environment. You will need to apply the bleach mixture in a variety of ways (first a spray bottle, then a sponge) and then repaint the entire area to cover any stains.

Time Frame

The time frame for home mold removal is about three weeks, starting from when you repair the problem that has allowed the mold to grow in the first place. First, you will need to spray a concentrated bleach solution---four parts water to one part bleach. Spray it directly on the mold with your spray bottle. Do not worry about your paint, because you will need to repaint after mold removal. Spray two days in a row to saturate the wood and kill the mold. On the third day, apply the bleach with a sponge directly to the wall. Once you have done this, the current crop of mold should be dead. However, two weeks later you should repeat the process to kill off any spores. Then, paint the room after priming the wall with Killz or another preventative primer. Unfortunately, bleach is the only home remedy that will take mold out permanently.

Function

While you may feel like you are pouring excessive amounts of bleach down your walls, what you are doing is destroying several generations of mold at once. You have to kill off every generation in full or the mold will grow back through your paint. The spray-bleaching serves to kill off the oldest generations of mold and to open up the wood and paint behind and under the mold. The sponging then gets bleach into every crack and crevice where mold spores may be hiding. The repeat treatment two weeks later should kill off anything that is not yet visible but that survived.

Misconceptions

Many people believe that all mold is toxic mold and can only be eradicated by experts. While you should have mold inspected to make sure that it is not toxic, assuming that it is not, you can safely treat mold on your walls yourself. However, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in bleach fumes and mold spores.

Warning

Attempting to use home remedies like bleach to kill mold at home can have some unintended side effects. You may not be able to use a portion of your house while you are getting rid of the mold, because of the bleach fumes and the potentially stirred-up mold spores. In addition, unless you are a licensed contractor or experienced home repair expert, you should work with a professional to make sure you are keeping the structural integrity of your home intact and that your efforts will resolve the source of the moisture and the mold.

Tags: your walls, mold your, mold your walls, kill mold, make sure

Make A Dramatic Centerpiece With A Large Pinwheel

Pinwheels are perfect for summer centerpieces.

Pinwheels are fanciful, charming decorations that are perfect for a variety of occasions. Use them to create decorative centerpieces for events ranging from kids' birthday parties to Fourth of July parties. They're great for summer festivities as they spin delightfully in the breeze at outdoor events and they're sure to be crowd-pleasers with kids, who will love taking a pinwheel home as a favor after the event. For maximum drama, create your own pinwheels instead of using store-bought ones, so they coordinate with your party's color scheme, and group them in a giant bouquet that will attract attention. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

DIY Pinwheels

1. Choose decorative scrapbook paper from which to create your pinwheels using one sheet of 12-inch by 12-inch paper for each pinwheel. Choose paper that complements your party theme, like brightly colored balloon paper for a child's birthday party, red, white and blue starred and striped paper for a Fourth of July bash or pink and silver sheets for a princess party.

2. Fold each sheet of paper into triangles. First, fold the bottom corner up to the top, creating a large triangle; fold this in half to create a smaller triangle. Crease the edges, unfold and smooth the paper.

3. Cut on the fold lines about half way in toward the center axis of the folds.

4. Fold in alternating corners of the cut edges in toward the center, creating a pinwheel. Fasten all the corners together using the butterfly fastener or thumbtack.

5. Tape the pinwheel to the pencil or dowel that will serve as the stem of the pinwheel.

Creating the Centerpiece

6. Choose arrange the pinwheels. On a long table, evenly spaced buckets of pinwheels allows all the guests to enjoy the centerpiece. For increased drama, a grouping of containers in a variety of sizes is perfect for creating a colorful bouquet of pinwheels.

7. Insert floral foam into the containers, if desired. This is a helpful step if you are using containers with wide mouths, like small buckets, where the pinwheels will have difficulty standing on their own.

8. Add the pinwheels to the containers. The more pinwheels you have in each container, the more dramatic it will be. Try grouping pinwheels of differing heights and colors to create interest.

Tags: create your, create your pinwheels, Fourth July, that will, toward center, your party, your pinwheels

Drink Safely With Your Friends

Many people love going out drinking with their friends, but sometimes a good time can turn bad if simple precautions aren't taken. Drink and be merry--and live to tell the tale by following a few rules.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have a good base in your stomach before drinking with your friends. Eating a meal heavy in bread, like a hoagie or pizza, will help protect your stomach and keep you from throwing up later on in the night.

2. If you know no one wants to be a designated driver, consider taking the bus or a cab. While this might cost more money, it solves the problem of finding a designated driver.

3. Keep an eye on your drinks at all times. There are some shifty people out there who prey on women out having a good time. If you feel weird about your drink, or if someone gives you one that you don't feel comfortable about taking, say "No."

4. Keep an eye on your friends. Hooking up is fun, but if you came in a group, try leaving in a group. Never let one of your friends leave without finding out exactly where they are going. Be a pain if you need to be; you could be saving their life.

Tags: designated driver, drinking with, good time, Keep your, your friends

Download Music Video From Youtube To Mp4

Download Music Video From YouTube to MP4

YouTube's video sharing network contains a large catalog of music videos of many different genres, including rock, pop, rhythm and blues, and country. You can search for your favorite artists and watch new and old videos. Many programs, websites and portable video players support MP4, one of the most popular video formats. Without installing an application, download and convert YouTube music videos to MP4 format.

Instructions

1. Go to Youtube.com (or click the link in Resources) and click the "Videos" button. In the left panel, click "Music" and then select the music video that you want to download to MP4 format. If you do not see the video that you are looking for, type the name in the search box and click "Search." When you finally find the music video you are looking for, click it to begin playback. Copy the music video URL address in the URL address box.

2. Go to a media conversion website such as Vixy.net, Downloadyoutubevideos.com or Keepvid.com. Paste the YouTube music video URL address you copied into the URL address box. Select "MP4" in the "Convert to," or "Output format" box, and click "Convert" or "Start." The media conversion website rips the YouTube music video and converts it to MP4 format.

3. Click "Download" when the conversion process completes. This launches the file saving dialog box. Select the folder to save the file in and type a name for the file. Click "Save" to download the MP4 music video to your computer.

Tags: music video, YouTube music, conversion website, Download Music Video, media conversion, media conversion website

Have An Awesome Hawaiianthemed Party

Tiki torches are a perfect addition to a Hawaiian-themed party.

Throwing a luau is a way to bring friends and family together for an exciting tropical party. Tiki torches, leis and many other decorations can add to the Hawaiian feeling of a themed party and combining decorations with Hawaiian food will add to the atmosphere. Throwing a Hawaiian-themed party requires some planning and decorating effort but the memories created will be worth the time that is spent. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose invitations that reflect the Hawaiian theme of the party. Brightly colored invitations in the shape of pineapples can be a simple way to announce the theme of the party. Be sure to let guests know the date, time and location of the party. Encourage guests to wear Hawaiian attire and bring a bathing suit if there is a swimming pool or wading pool available.

2. Hold the Hawaiian party outside if possible. Place tiki torches around the perimeter of the party area to create a defined space for activities and snack tables. Put one tiki torch in the ground every four to five feet.

3. String lights around the tiki torches or across the tables used for the party. Lights will help brighten up the scene more and create a festive atmosphere. If there is a porch or sitting area, decorate it with strings of lights as well.

4. Add Hawaiian-themed decorations to the area, such as artificial palm trees, floral decor and tropical plants. Place the plants around a sitting area to create a jungle feel. Plants can be offered to guests as a party favor.

5. Cover the snack table with a large fishnet and place seashells between trays of Mai Tai drink mixes and Hawaiian snacks like pineapple and other fruit, as well as shrimp and shish kebabs.

6. Play Hawaiian music on a speaker system to create a relaxed atmosphere for the party. Place floating candles in a swimming pool or fill a wading pool with water and add floating candles to it. Greet guests with leis as they arrive.

7. Plan games for the party to get guests involved and active. Hula hoop contests, bowling with coconuts as balls and pineapples as pins and limbo are all great Hawaiian-themed party games that are easy to play.

Tags: Hawaiian-themed party, area create, floating candles, sitting area, swimming pool, theme party, Tiki torches

Get More Tomatoes From Your Plants

More tomatoes please

No matter if you are a novice or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help you get more tomatoes from your plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make sure you buy healthy tomato plants so you will be getting more tomatoes from your plants. If the plant is not sturdy to start with, Miracle grow can give it a boost. Follow the directions on the container, so you give it correct nutrients. Keep feeding your plants tomato Miracle grow plant food as directed.

2. Before planting your tomato plants, dig a hole that will cover at least 2 swirls of the plant. Yes, that is right! You will be burying some of the tomato plant branches to get more tomatoes from them. This idea gives the plant a better root system.

3. As the tomato plants grow, take off a few of the branches that do not have buds or flowers on them. Again you are giving your tomato more nutrients to fewer stems and you will get more tomatoes from these plants by snipping one or two every now and again throughout the growing season of your tomato plant. Take the entire branch not just the leaves. Do not strip the entire plant of all the branches. The leaves are necessary for growth. This will produce more tomatoes from your plants.

4. Water everyday by moistening the ground and not wetting the plant. The leaves can be parched by the sun if you let them get wet from watering. A tomato needs frequent watering to product more tomatoes. An added idea is to place an old tire around the plants. Fill the tire rim with water. This creates a warm water mist to your tomato plants as the sun hits the rubber. You will get more tomatoes from your plants if you place the tire after you plant them in your garden.

Tags: more tomatoes from, tomatoes from, from your, more tomatoes, tomato plants, tomatoes from your, your tomato

Build A Pork Smoker

Smokers are used for barbecueing a variety of meats.

Building a homemade smoker to barbecue meats is not difficult using common materials, and is far less expensive than purchasing a ready-made smoker. The essential principle of the barbecue smoker is to keep the meat inside it away from direct contact with the fire, while exposing it to the heated air and smoke that will respectively cook and flavor it. This design consists of two 55-gallon drums positioned on their sides, one on top of the other; the bottom drum contains the fire, while the upper drum contains the meat to be smoked. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Paint the barrels with high-temperature resistant paint.

2. Cut a hole for the firebox door on the end of the barrel that will be on the bottom. Use a saber saw.

3. Cut the holes for the flues. In the final configuration, the flues will provide the path for smoke from the bottom drum to travel up into the upper drum. There should be two flues, placed on each side about halfway between the centerline and the ends of the drums. Do a dry fit of the flues and drums to ensure that you have cut the holes in the correct places.

4. Cut the upper drum in half lengthwise.

5. Mount the legs and fire door on the lower barrel, following the instructions on the wood-stove kits. Attach the inter-drum supports and flues. Attach the top barrel to the flues and supports.

6. Attach the top half of the upper drum to the lower half using the hinges, and install the handle on the front of the top half of the upper drum.

7. Cut holes for the chimneys at either end of the bottom-half of the upper drum using a saber saw.

8. Assemble two chimneys using the lengths of stovepipe and chimney caps. Each chimney should come out the end of the upper barrel horizontally before making a 90-degree turn and having the segment with the damper vertically, topped by the chimney cap.

9. Line the bottom of the lower barrel with fire-bricks to prevent burn-through.

Tags: upper drum, bottom drum, drum contains, fire while, half upper, half upper drum

Create A Surprise Birthday Party Flyer

Create a flyer for a surprise birthday party using your computer.

If you are handing out surprise birthday party invitations to friends and family, the most important things are to be clear and to get people excited. Leaving out pertinent information like the date, time or location could result in severely reduced attendance. If the invitation is run-of-the-mill, invitees could think the party will be boring, and you may end up with the same result. By taking some time to create a flashy and informative flyer, you will have a large and excited group ready to surprise the birthday celebrant. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. List of all the logistical information guests need to find and attend the party on a piece of scrap paper. This should include who is hosting the event, where it is being held, that the celebration is a surprise, the date and time, who to reply to and by when, and any special instructions. Special instructions may include a dress code or what to bring.

2. Draft wording of what you want to say on the flyer. Pique the guests' interest by including a quote or two that pertains to the theme, such as, "The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy," by Karl von Clausewitz. Or juxtapose a cute phrase next to a birthday-themed picture. Write, "Shhh...Don't blow it. It's a surprise party for Bob" next to an image of a birthday cake with lit candles on it, for example. Create the rough draft on paper with a pencil so that you can erase any errors.

3. Open up a desktop publishing program and create a new 8 1/2-by-11-inch document. Customize the sheet with colors and graphics if your software allows it. Take advantage of templates, too, as they may end up looking more organized, centered and colorful than an original design.

4. Select the "Text Box" tool from the program's toolbar and create one or multiple text boxes on the document. Fill in the information that you generated in Steps 1 and 2. Use the "Image" tool if you want to import any pictures or clip art that you have on your computer. Use a picture of the birthday celebrant as your central image if you like.

5. Proofread the flyer on the screen and then print out one copy and proofread it again. Make changes to any errors or adjust any text boxes that are not where you want them. Once the flyer is ready, print out enough copies for all of your guests.

6. Embellish the invitations with clear stamps, inks, paints, embossing powders and wood-mounted stamps to give them a personal touch. Specialty birthday stamps and decorating materials are available at craft stores. Let the ink or stamps dry for a few hours or overnight--follow the instructions given on the particular product. Once dry, pass out the flyers to your friends and family members and remind them to keep quiet about the upcoming surprise party.

Tags: birthday celebrant, date time, friends family, surprise birthday, surprise party, text boxes, your computer