Decorate A Pineapple

A decorated pineapple makes a colorful and edible centerpiece for a dinner party, buffet table, holiday party, open house or reception. This article will show you create a pineapple "tree" with skewers of fruit as branches. It is a good family project, because children will enjoy participating.

Instructions

1. Cut the top off one pineapple and discard. Cut the bottom off the pineapple to create a flat base that will allow it to stand unassisted. Stand the pineapple in the center of a plate.

2. Peel and seed the cantaloupe, honeydew, second pineapple and watermelon. Cut the flesh into 1-inch chunks.

3. Insert fruit chunks, strawberries and grapes onto one wood skewer. Leave 1 inch of the skewer exposed on the blunt end and 2 inches exposed on the pointed end. Insert the 2-inch pointed end horizontally into the bottom side of the intact pineapple. Make another fruit kabob in the same way and insert it beside the first one, spaced about an inch apart. Repeat with more fruit kabobs to complete one ring of "branches" around the pineapple.

4. Cut 1 inch from the blunt end of a skewer with wire cutters. Insert the fruit onto the skewer as in Step 3, leaving 1 inch exposed on the blunt end and 2 inches exposed on the pointed end. Insert the pointed end into the pineapple approximately 1 inch above the bottom row and at a slight downward angle. Repeat with additional fruit kabobs all the way around the pineapple to make a second ring of branches.

5. For the third row, cut 2 inches from the blunt ends of the skewers and repeat. For each additional row, take another inch off the skewers and insert into the pineapple at a deeper angle than the row before. Cover the top of the cut pineapple with more small fruit kabobs to hide the decorated pineapple's cut end. Finish by placing the remaining fruit chunks on the plate around the base of the decorated pineapple tree.

Tags: decorated pineapple, fruit kabobs, around pineapple, blunt inches, blunt inches exposed

Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts Near 900 Fort Street Mall In Honolulu Hi

Comfortable accommodations are available near Honolulu's Pioneer Plaza

The 21-story office building, Pioneer Plaza, at 900 Fort Street Mall in downtown Honolulu contains a variety of businesses and functions mostly as a commercial office building. Its convenient downtown location means it is easily accessible from Honolulu's main tourist district along Waikiki Beach. A small selection of hotels lie near Pioneer Plaza between downtown and Waikiki Beach.

ResortQuest at the Executive Centre Hotel

ResortQuest at the Executive Centre Hotel puts guests two blocks away from 900 Fort Street Mall. Rooms at this all-suite hotel come with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of either the mountains or ocean. Standard in-room amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, jet-spa tubs and refrigerators; some rooms have fully equipped kitchenettes. The hotel serves a free continental breakfast each morning and provides complimentary daily newspapers. Guests can enjoy the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, sundeck and exercise facilities. As of June 2010, room rates began at $255.

ResortQuest at the Executive Centre Hotel

Island of Oahu

1088 Bishop St.

Honolulu, HI 96813

877- 997-6667

resortquesthawaii.com

Ala Moana Hotel

Guests of the Ala Moana Hotel near Ala Moana Center and Ala Moana Park in Honolulu stay two miles east of 900 Fort Street Mall. Most rooms and suites feature views of the ocean or mountains and come with amenities like blackout drapes, refrigerators, free high-speed Internet access and coffeemakers; some rooms feature balconies. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck located on the third floor as well as a sauna, steam room and fitness center. Dining options include a cafe, a full-service restaurant and a lounge; for entertainment, guests can enjoy the on-site nightclub.

Ala Moana Hotel

410 Atkinson Drive

Honolulu, HI 96814

800-235-6605

808-377-4101

outrigger.com

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki & Golf Club

Located just over two miles from 900 Fort Street Mall, the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki & Golf Club offers more than 550 oceanfront guest rooms and suites. All accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrobes, slippers, high-speed Internet access and a nightly turndown service (upon request). The three on-site restaurants and two lounges provide guests with plenty of dining options. For relaxation, the hotel has a fitness center, a whirlpool, tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool with views of the ocean. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Waikiki and other nearby beaches as well as the 27-hole Hawaii Prince Golf Club.

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki & Golf Club

100 Holomoana St.

Honolulu, HI 96815

808-956-1111

princeresortshawaii.com

Tags: Fort Street, Fort Street Mall, Street Mall, Golf Club, Hawaii Prince

Make A Bowling Pin Template

Make a Bowling Pin Template

Are you having a party and need a bowling pin template to create your party invitations? You may also need a bowling pin template to create the cake. Here are step by step instructions for making a bowling pin template for whatever use you have.

Instructions

1. Look online for bowling clip art or photographs that you like. You can even use the photographs in this article. You will probably want to find artwork that is rather simple in shape if you are planning on making a cake out of it.

2. You can use the actual photos to create your invitation using an online invitation service such as Evite or you can design your invitation online and print it once complete. You may need to crop the photo to only show the parts that you want. If you are making a hand made invitation, print out the photo, then trace over the photo to create a template. You can even hand color in the picture.

3. If you are needing a bowling pin template for a cake, you will need to make sure your bowling pin template is actually something that can be made into a cake using your level of expertise. Don't use a template that is well beyond your skill level. You can either use the bowling pin template for inspiration for your cake, or you can enlarge the photo to be the actual size of your cake.

Tags: bowling template, bowling template, bowling template create, create your, Make Bowling, Make Bowling Template

Fill Out Wedding Shower Invitations

You: The newly dubbed doting bridesmaid. Your mission: Throw a spectacular shower that leaves the bride looking as Samuel Clemens once put it, "as sweet and contented as an angel half full of pie" - or wedding cake, anyway. Pulling off a successful shower starts with the invitation, but you don't have to spend big bucks to make that happen. Today, there are a variety of cute "fill-in" invitations that will set the theme and the mood for party day. Follow these steps to make your fill-in invites look fun and classy instead of cheap.

Instructions

Fill Out Wedding Shower Invitations

1. If your penmanship is poor, then you should keep your pen away from the invites. Nothing says "I don't care" or "I didn't want to spend money on this invitation" like scraggly, illegible handwriting. Instead, ask a friend who has beautiful everyday handwriting or better yet, can write in the swoops and curves of calligraphy. Poetic penmanship will get plenty of "ooos" and "ahhs" on an otherwise flat invitation.

2. Choose a complementary pen ink. It may sound silly, but the ink in your pen matters. Invitations are like miniature works of art, and the same color theory applies to the paper canvas before you. Are the preprinted words on your fill-in invitation black? Then, don't write with a black-ink pen. Take the example of a damask fill-in invite with preprinted words in black. Red, blue, hot pink and any other bold color would add a nice contrast to this invite and make handwritten words pop.

3. Match your language with the occasion. Most bridal shower invitations carry informal language to match the mood of the party. Instead of writing the more formal "two o'clock to four o'clock in the afternoon," just write "2 p.m. to 4 p.m." Also, consider using fun language that will make your guests smile. For example, a fill-in invitation may have the preprinted prompt: "Please join us for." You can finish that sentence with a phrase such as, "a wedding shower honoring the fabulous Jen Johnson" or "a gift-giving extravaganza for the future Mrs. Johnson."

4. Check your spelling. Before you begin filling out your invitations, write all important proper nouns on a scrap sheet of paper. Misspellings - no matter how innocent - are unacceptable in all circumstances. They reflect poorly on you and and on the bride, who will be less than thrilled if she is the personal victim of your spelling woes.

5. Buy extra invitations. Even the most careful, graceful writer makes mistakes. There is something slightly nerve wracking about having to pen any kind of card. If you have an extra stash, you may feel less pressure and may be less likely to make a mistake.

Tags: Fill Wedding, Fill Wedding Shower, fill-in invitation, invitation have, make your, mood party, preprinted words

Hotels At Disneyworld With Character Breakfasts

Disney World offers a variety of character-themed meals, including breakfast.

Disney World is a dream vacation for anyone, but it's especially enjoyable for kids. They can enjoy rides, attractions, and best of all, see their favorite Disney characters come to life. Disney's hotels offer affordable packages for guests, including a Disney Dining Plan that gives guests up to 30 percent savings per adult as part of the Magic Your Way Package. This plan applies to over 100 select restaurants throughout Disney World and includes character-themed breakfasts that your kids will love.

Ohana Best Friends Breakfast

Start your day of with Stitch and Lilo at Ohana, inside Disney's Polynesian Resort. Choose from scrambled eggs, Island-style fried potatoes, Hawaiian pork sausages, smoked bacon and a variety of warm breakfast breads. Breakfast includes unlimited orange juice and milk. Enjoy the tropical setting and have your camera ready for Lilo and Stitch, along with appearances by Mickey and Pluto. This all-you-can-eat family buffet is $20.99 for adults, $11.99 for children ages three to nine, and free for children under three. Hours are from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Ohana

Disney's Polynesian Resort

1600 Seven Seas Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-939-3463

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Chef Mickey's Buffet

Located on the fourth floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort, this open and energetic restaurant is home to one of the most popular character meals Disney World offers. Enjoy this American-style buffet with a premium fruit bar, wide variety of cereals, pancakes with all the toppings, Mickey Mouse waffles, eggs, omelets, Goofy's vegetable lasagna and pastries. Keep your eye out for Mickey and an assortment of his friends, including Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald. The characters dance, sing and clap throughout the restaurant. The buffet runs from 7 to 11:30 a.m., with prices generally running from $15 to $29.99 per person.

Chef Mickey's

Disney's Contemporary Resort

4600 North World Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-939-3463

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast

Join Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and an assortment of other Wonderland friends at the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Enjoy pecan sticky buns, muffins, yogurt, the Chef's preparation of custom eggs and omelets, Mickey-shaped waffles, roasted potatoes and grits. Accompanying your meal is "Big Bertha," a turn-of-the-century organ from France with a plethora of instruments, including pipes, drums and a xylophone. Catch breakfast every day starting at 8:20 a.m., with meals costing around $15 to $29.99 a person.

1900 Park Fare

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

4401 Floridian Way

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-939-3463

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Tags: Disney World, 32830 407-939-3463, 32830 407-939-3463 disneyworld, 407-939-3463 disneyworld, 407-939-3463 disneyworld disney, Buena Vista, Buena Vista 32830

Make A Cooking Grill For A Fire Pit

A fire pit is an attractive and functional addition to almost any back yard. For many people, a backyard get-together isn't complete without a fire pit to huddle around as the night begins to cool. A fire pit makes not only an excellent gathering spot but also an excellent method to cook when a cooking grill is placed above its flames. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select or build a grilling surface. Many stores that sell grills also sell grilling accessories, including grill surfaces. Choose a sturdy grill plate of a durable metal, such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Grill slats should be spaced regularly and have strong welds.

2. Decide on the shelf support layout. The shelf supports should be set in a minimum of three points around the grill for optimum balance. For three supports, imagine the fire pit is a clock, and plan to place the supports at 4, 8 and 12. For four supports, use 3, 6, 9 and 12.

3. Lay the base for the grill support. Lay down two bricks horizontally, end to end, in the first corner. Use a level to make sure the brick installation is correct. Alternate the pattern between brick/brick and half-brick/brick/half brick as you build the grill support upward. Build the support up until it is level with the usual height of the flames. Repeat on the other corners to build up all your grill supports. Use mortar to secure bricks together if you desire a permanent grilling shelf around the fire pit. Stop laying bricks when you get to the point where your grill rack will go.

4. Create grill shelves on the exterior walls. While the rest of the current brick level will use full bricks, use a half brick near each of the corners of the grill. In the open space, use a full brick (turned inward) to form four shelf brackets. Build a level of bricks on top of the shelf layer to stabilize the brick used as a shelf. Create additional shelves farther up the walls for alternate grilling heights.

5. Finish the grill supports. Lay at least two additional levels of brick beyond the final grill shelf level, finishing on a brick/brick pattern. If mortar was used, allow it to dry according to package instructions.

6. Place the grill surface on the grill shelf at your desired grilling height.

Tags: brick brick, grill shelf, grill support, grill supports, half brick, your grill

Create 3 X 5 Index Cards In Word

Create 3 X 5 Index Cards in Word

Although Microsoft Word is set up to handle a number of preset paper sizes, Word can also handle a wide range of custom paper sizes, from huge banners to small, 3 x 5 index cards. Although designing index cards in Word will take a bit of fiddling with the program's settings, even a novice to the program should be set to go in no time.

Instructions

1. Launch Microsoft Word, and create a blank document.

2. Open the "File" menu in the upper left-hand and click "Page setup..." to open the Page Setup window.

3. Click the "Paper" tab. Change the width to 3 inches and the height to 5 inches.

4. Click the "Margins" tab. Change the page margins if you would like more space on your index card. The default margins are usually between 1 inch and 1.25 inches, which will probably be too large for such a small document.

5. Enter the text or images that you would like to appear on your index card.

Tags: your index card, Create Index, Create Index Cards, index card, Microsoft Word, paper sizes

Clean The White Film Off Dishes From The Dishwasher

Solve your film problem with a quick fix.

A common cause for white film on glasses is hard water. Hard water has high levels of minerals suspended in the water. As the water washes past the dishes, those minerals land on their surface resulting in a white film. This film is largely basic in nature. Since soap is also basic, it has a tough time removing it. To get the job done, you need a weak acid. However, this is just a quick fix. Adjusting the settings in your dishwasher will solve the problem for good. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl, ideally one with hard water white film.

2. Place the vinegar in the dishwasher with the dishes that have the white film. Run the dishwasher through its shortest washing cycle and air drying option. Do not add detergent.

3. Check on the dishes. The hard water film should be removed from your dishes and the walls of your dishwasher.

Tags: hard water, white film, white film, your dishwasher

Get Travel Brochures For Negril

On the Beach

Negril is a Caribbean vacation destination on the western end of the island of Jamaica. With seven miles of white sand beaches there are beautiful views and many surf side eateries to choose from. Extravagance meets casual in Negril, Jamaica.Have lobster and shrimp or pizza and wings. You get to choose what you want your vacation to be because Negril has it all. The online and print brochures have breathtaking photographs of the beaches and helpful hints on where to stay, shop and eat--even where to have your wedding.

Instructions

1. Go to Thompson.co.uk to see an online brochure of Nigrel. You will see beautiful regional color photographs with guides that will help you plan your trip and give you ideas on what to do once there. It will also show you maps and weather information to help with your plans and packing.

2. Look at Sandals Resorts online brochure. There are descriptions of the resort guest rooms, amenities of the resort and island, dining options and photographs.

3. Check with your local travel agencies such as AAA. They will have free print brochures with destination descriptions and helpful advice on where and when is the best time to travel to Negril, Jamaica. They can also help you decide plan a wedding or honeymoon in Negril.

4. Call the toll free numbers listed on the online and print brochures. Trained travel and resort agents will take your personal information and mail you print brochures and lists of amenities in the areas you are interested in visiting. They will also be able to tell you if the area has wedding or other event venues.

Tags: print brochures, Negril Jamaica, online brochure, online print, online print brochures, They will

Hotel Accommodations Near Disney World

Several hotel accommodations are close to Disney World.

Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most popular tourists destinations in the world. People come from all over to visit Disney World and tour the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios and all the facilities related to the park. Travelers are not at a loss for hotel accommodations. Several options close to the main gate are available, many of which offer tickets to the park through the hotel concierges.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Disney's BoardWalk Inn is located directly on a Coney Island style boardwalk, right off Crescent Lake. It is located in the Epcot area of Disney World and features rooms or cottages for rent. Enjoy two pools, an ESPN club, Mediterranean food at the nearby restaurant or a massage at the Muscles and Bustles Health Club on the hotel grounds. Room amenities include cable TV, Internet access, refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers and ironing boards. Dry cleaning, valet service and laundry rooms are also on site. The concierge on site can accommodate guests in obtaining park tickets and making event or dining reservations

Disney's BoardWalk Inn

2101 Epcot Resorts Boulevard

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-939-6244

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Walt Disney World Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Dolphin is located next to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Enjoy five outdoor pools with water slides, waterfalls and a beach. The hotel includes 1,509 rooms and suites featuring flat-panel TVs, bathrobes, hairdryers, full bath, dual-line telephones, 24-hour room service, coffee makers, writing desk and ironing boards. High speed Internet is available as well as 24-hour access to the business center, which includes printing, copying and faxing services. The hotel includes the Mandara Spa featuring various types of massage services.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-934-4000

starwoodhotels.com

Palms Hotel and Villas

The Palms Hotel and Villas is located 1.5 miles from the Disney World main entrance. Choose from deluxe guest rooms to one- or two-bedroom suites. Two swimming pools, a whirlpool, children's pool, sun deck, basketball courts and picnic areas are on site. Enjoy free continental breakfast and shuttle service to Disney World. All guest rooms feature Internet access, ironing boards, hair dryers, cable TV and daily housekeeping. Pets are allowed at the hotel with a nonrefundable fee.

Palms Hotel and Villas

3100 Parkway Blvd.

Kissimmee, FL 34747

407-396-2229

thepalmshotelandvillas.com

Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel

The Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel is located within the Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy a heated pool, children's pool, sun deck, exercise room and a game room on site. Complimentary shuttle service to the theme parks is included for guests. Choose from deluxe, executive, Disney-view or suite-style rooms. Each room includes a furnished balcony, Internet access, coffee maker, hairdryer, ironing board and wake-up-call service. The bedding includes Simmons Beautyrest Worldclass luxury linens. Trader's Island Grill, on the main level of the hotel, offers guests American and Caribbean-style cuisine.

Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel

2000 Hotel Plaza Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-828-2424

lakebuenavistaresorthotel.com

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

The Hyatt Regency is adjacent to the Walt Disney World park and features 815 guest rooms and suites. Enjoy golf, tennis, racquet ball, water sports or swimming on site. The half-acre pool includes waterfalls, slides and a sun deck. Complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World is available for guests in addition to a 24-hour business center, gift shop, salon and babysitting services. Dining options include La Coquina Chef's Table, Hemingway's Restaurant and White Horse Sports Grill, all located on site. Room amenities include a balcony, hairdryer, coffee maker, cable TV, refrigerator, work desk, ironing board, Internet access and air conditioning.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

1 Grand Cypress Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32836

407-239-1234

hyatt.com

Tags: Disney World, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, Buena Vista, Lake Buena, Lake Buena Vista

Create A Hawaiian Room

Hawaiian decor makes you feel like you are still on vacation.

The best way to bring the Hawaiian islands home with you is to create a Hawaiian room in your own home. Every time you enter, you will remember the soft ocean breezes, the hula dancers, and the lush fruits you ate at every meal. The vivacious colors and natural materials are the basis of such a room. It will put you in a perpetual vacation mood. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a color pallet of three to five colors. Using a bright color for all your walls can be a bit glaring, so use a softer hue for them. However, you can choose a bright color for a focal wall. Then use accents of that bright color throughout the room in smaller doses. Choose among colors such as sand yellow, sky or ocean blue, bright yellow, red, orange or grass green.

2. Select furnishings made of natural materials, such as bamboo, rattan or teak wood. The feel of the room should be natural, but light and airy. Pick cushions or pillows for the furniture in Hawaiian prints or depicting Hawaiian flowers or plants.

3. Place sea-grass mats to define the different areas of the room, rather than heavy carpets and rugs.

4. Add living plants to the room to recreate the lush setting that abounds in Hawaii. Use potted palms and ferns. Use natural containers, such as baskets or clay pots.

5. Fill the walls with photos or paintings of Hawaiian scenery. Perhaps, enlarge vacation photos from your trip. Glue sea shells onto the frame of an old mirror. Create a shadow box of treasures you brought back from your Hawaii vacation. Make a display of starfish, coral and sand dollars. Place it in a flat basket or terra cotta plant saucer.

6. Add a saltwater fish tank, with bright tropical fish or lean a surfboard or two against your focal point wall.

7. Hang white plantation shutters, or wood or bamboo blinds on the windows. Keep the blinds or shutters open most of the time. The natural lighting will add to the overall tropical effect. For artificial lighting, choose lamps made from driftwood or wrought iron.

8. Place sea-scented candles or potpourri in the room to offer a tropical scent.

Tags: bright color, from your, natural materials

Make A Spongebob Decoration

SpongeBob SquarePants is a very popular cartoon with kids of all ages. Making SpongeBob decorations is easy and inexpensive. One great idea for decorating a child's room or to use at a SpongeBob-themed party is to use a simple shoebox to create a detailed SpongeBob decoration.

Instructions

1. Find an old shoebox to use as a setting for the SpongeBob decoration. The larger the box, the easier and better looking your decoration will be.

2. Gather some construction paper to wrap the box. Use brown paper for the outside of the box and draw on some lines to give the appearance of wood grain. This will make your shoebox look like a treasure box. On the inside, line the box with blue paper to give the appearance of water, since SpongeBob and his friends live under the sea.

3. Stand the box on its side so that the opening faces to the side instead of up. Draw a pineapple and a small, flat-bottomed boulder onto the large surface that was originally the inside bottom of the shoebox. These are easily recognizable to SpongeBob fans as the two main characters' homes.

4. Spray adhesive or spread a smooth, thin layer of glue onto the floor of the display, on the inside of the box. Apply a thin layer of sand to create the sea floor.

5. Build a SpongeBob character using the small, yellow sponge by pushing the yellow pipe cleaners into the sponge to create arms and legs. Cut the pipe cleaners to the appropriate lengths to give him a better look. Bend the arms so the hands appear to be behind SpongeBob's head.

6. Cut out square pants, a smile and shoes to scale using the brown construction paper and cut out eyes using the blue paper. Glue the pieces onto the sponge to create SpongeBob as he looks on television. Add a circle of sunshine about the same size as SpongeBob out of the yellow paper.

7. Lean SpongeBob in one corner of the box to make him look like he is sunbathing and place the sunshine in the opposite corner. Add details to complete the look such as a beach chair or towel. Include a Krabby Pattie on his lap or drink by his side to complete the SpongeBob-themed decoration.

Tags: blue paper, construction paper, give appearance, look like, pipe cleaners

Hawaiian Islands Facts

Hawaiian Islands Facts

The Hawaiian Islands are made up of 19 islands and atolls. The islands form the U.S. state of Hawaii---America's newest and most southern state, and the only one entirely surrounded by water.

History

The first settlers of the Hawaiian Islands are said to have been Polynesians who arrived around A.D. 500. Tahitians are said to have arrived around A.D. 1000. In 1778, Captain James Cook was the first white Westerner to arrive.

Time Frame

Kamehameha unified the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810. In 1893, Americans overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii and created an independent republic, which in 1898 was declared U.S territory. Hawaii then became a U.S state in 1959.

Size

The Hawaiian Islands cover an area of 1,500 miles from the most southern to most northern point. The biggest island is the Island of Hawaii, or "Big Island."

Geography

The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity; the island of Hawaii is home to Kilauea, the world's most active volcano.

Fun Fact

America's only royal palace is located on the Hawaiian Islands. Iolani Palace, on Oahu, was the official residence of the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani.

Tags: Hawaiian Islands, arrived around, Hawaiian Islands Facts, Islands Facts, most southern, said have

Do Smith Machine Military Presses

Nothing hits your shoulder muscles better than doing traditional military presses. However, for many this exercise can be very difficult to do. There are many shoulder press machines, but they don’t seem to be able to take the place of using a dumbbell or barbell. Enter the Smith machine. Thanks to its unique design it will allow the user to perform a variety of exercises such as the military press--an exercise you can use to add strength and size to your shoulders. Read on to learn do Smith machine military presses.

Instructions

1. Find the Smith machine rack in your gym. The Smith machine looks like a squat rack, except it is connected to two vertical poles that it slides up and down on. These poles act as a guide to keep the barbell moving in the correct range of motion. There are also hooks on the barbell and pins next to the poles at equal intervals to hold the bar in place. This also acts as a makeshift spotter. The barbell rotates forward and back in order to place the hooks on the pins.

2. Place a seat under the barbell. You will want to use a seat that allows you to sit straight up. You will also want to be facing forward so that when you grasp the barbell you can roll it forward to place the hooks on the pins and backwards to release from the pins when you begin the movement.

3. Adjust the seat forward and backwards to get it in the right position. Place the seat and unhook the barbell and slide it down to see where it rests on your body. It should slide and be able to rest on your upper chest. You will either have to tilt your head back or turn your head to the side to be able to get the bar low enough. During the duration of the exercise you will have to move your head out of the way to get the barbell low enough. The actual area you want it to be is when your hands are about ear level, but adjusting the bar to your chest will get you seated in the correct position.

4. Place a low weight on the bar or start off with just the bar to begin with. Sit in the chair, grasp the bar with an overhand grip meaning palms facing forward away from your body. Grasp the bar with a shoulder width grip or a little wider. You can now unhook the bar from the pins. Lower it until you reach about ear level. Once you get the bar to this level you can start the exercise. This position will be your starting position.

5. Push up until you reach full extension or close to it. You will start to feel a contraction or tension on your shoulder muscles, when you get to this point hold it for a split second. Slowly lower the weight to your starting position and repeat for at least eight repetitions.

Tags: your head, about level, chest will, facing forward, from pins, hooks pins

Decorate Cakes With Gel

Gel frosting helps create intricate patterns in your cake design.

Gel frosting is commonly used for decorating cakes with intricate designs that require a precise touch. Knowing use gel frosting isn't that difficult and it gives you the opportunity to save money by decorating your own cakes instead of ordering them from bakeries. Decorating cakes with gel frosting allows you the time to experiment with a wide spectrum of colors and flavors.

Instructions

1. Frost your cake as you normally would using your choice of fluffy frosting.

2. Place a few gum-paste flowers or other shapes around the edges of the top of the cake to add texture to a cake's decor.

3. Squeeze a line of gel along the circumference of the cake at the bottom. Repeat this step on the top of the cake, connecting each gum-paste ornament with a line of gel.

4. Squeeze a fine layer of the gel over the plain, white parts of the gum-paste decorations that you want colored. For example, gum-paste roses can have their leaves colored in with green gel, and their petals colored in with pink, red or yellow gel frosting.

5. Squeeze the gel to form a name, date or other message in the center of the cake.

Tags: cakes with, colored with, your cake

Get Free Pogo Tokens & Gems

Pogo, an online gaming community with dozens of games, has been in existence for more than 10 years. Players have "minis" -- small avatars of themselves that are displayed to the gaming community. New clothes and special items are purchased with pogo tokens or gems. Members of Club Pogo, the paid version of the website, can also purchase badges in addition to the three or four Pogo provides weekly. A badge is an icon that represents a challenge that needs to be met in a particular game.

Instructions

1. Earn tokens by playing games. Each game awards tokens in a slightly different manner relative to your score. When you win a game and get a jackpot spin, you receive tokens. Though you may also win gems or free wallpapers at this time, tokens are the most common reward.

2. Win gems in the jackpot spins in a limited number of games. The games that may award gems in these spins are High Stakes Pool, Pogo Bowl, Poppit! and Word Whomp.

3. Purchase or renew a membership to receive free Pogo gems as a part of the package. Though the membership is not free, the gems included with it are a free benefit.

4. Participate with a partner of Pogo, Peanut Lab, by completing surveys. You are "paid" in gems for completing surveys for which you qualify according to their criteria.

Tags: completing surveys, gaming community

Homemade Mango Ice Cream

Making your own homemade ice cream allows you to control texture and flavor. Plus, it's easy. In the case of mango ice cream, you decide just how flavorful or subtle to make that mango taste. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fresh or Canned Mangos

Using fresh or canned, pulped mango is really up to you and the recipe you follow. The pulp integrates the ice cream mixture with the mango. If you decide to use fresh, you'll need to puree the fruit in a food processor. You may also want to use fresh mango chopped into chunks for added texture and flavor.

Ice Cream Styles

Ice cream generally fits one of two categories: custard-style (also known as "French" style) and Philadelphia-style (also known as "New York" or "American" style).

Custard-style ice creams are made from a custard base, which consists of egg yolks or whole eggs whisked together with hot milk or cream, and sugar, and then gently cooked until the mixture is able to coat the back of a spoon. This type of ice cream is very rich and smooth.

Philadelphia-style ice creams are made without the eggs. The ice-cream base consists of cream and sugar and has a more delicate taste than that of custard-based ice creams.

Ice Cream Machines

An ice cream machine allows you to agitate and add air to the ice cream mixture, giving it volume and a smooth texture. Ice cream can be made without an ice cream machine, but you lose that smoothness. Freezing the cream and sugar mixture without churning results in larger ice crystals that are detectable by the tongue.

If you decide you want to use an ice cream machine, be sure you read the instructions so that you know prepare the machine.

Making Mango Ice Cream With a Machine

One method of making mango ice cream with a machine is to begin by simmering chopped, fresh mango together with sugar and water over medium heat. After about five minutes once the sugar has been dissolved and the flavors have had a chance to combine, remove the saucepan so the contents can cool. After cooling, puree the mixture in a food processor. If you want mango chunks in the ice cream, only puree half, then pulse the other half in the processor to create chunks.

In a separate saucepan, bring the cream to a gentle boil. While boils, whisk the eggs together in another dish. Add some of the hot cream to the eggs to temper them. This brings the eggs up to temperature; adding the eggs directly to the hot cream makes them curdle. After tempering the eggs, add them to the cream and stir occasionally. Remove from the heat and add the mango. After cooling, add the cream-and-mango mixture to the ice cream machine and churn as per the manufacturer's instructions. After churning you'll want to harden the ice cream in the freezer before serving, unless you want soft-serve ice cream. The result is a custard-style mango ice cream.

Making Mango Ice Cream without a Machine

One way to make mango ice cream without a machine is to use fresh or canned pulped mango, condensed milk and a whipped topping like whipped cream.

In a large bowl, combine the pulp, condensed milk, and whipped topping together. Gently fold the ingredients together. After folding, pour the mixture into a dish that has a tight-fitting lid. Place into a freezer for two hours. If you decide you want to add chunks of mango to the ice cream, take it out of the freezer and mix in the chunks. Replace in the freezer and freeze for another three hours.

After five hours of total freezing time, your mango ice cream is ready to be served and enjoyed.

Tags: cream machine, cream sugar, mango cream, After cooling, also known

Decorate A Cake To Look Like An Indian Village

You can decorate an Indian Village cake with just a few simple items.

Decorating a cake with an Indian village theme can be a creative idea for a child's birthday party. Some bakeries and craft stores carry decorative cake kits with the necessary items such as Indians and tepees already in the kit. However, it is possible to make your very own Indian Village cake with just a few items from the toy store and a little bit of imagination. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Bake the cake according to the package directions and allow it to completely cool. Place the cake platter on the top of the cake pan and turn it upside down to remove the cake. You may need to run a butter knife along the edges of the cake pan first to loosen the cake.

2. Mix 3/4 of the white frosting in a small bowl with a few drops of green food coloring. Stir completely and keep adding more green coloring until the color resembles grass. In another small bowl, mix the remaining white frosting with a few drops of blue food coloring. Stir completely, adding more blue food coloring if necessary until the color resembles blue water.

3. Frost the majority of the cake with the green frosting using a spatula to smooth it. Leave a 2-inch strip at one end. Frost the 2-inch strip with the blue frosting. This forms a stream for your Indian village. You can use a butter knife to make little dips in the frosting to resemble ripples. Place small brown decorative stones along the sides of the stream for a more realistic appearance.

4. Buy an Indian village decorative kit at your local bakery. These kits contain items such as an Indian figure, horse figures and tepees. If you can't find a pre-made kit, you can purchase bag of small plastic Indians, horses and animals at most toy stores. You can also make your own tepee by gluing together four Popsicle sticks at the ends and covering them with a piece of brown felt.

5. Position your tepee in the center of the cake. Place the Indian and horse figures around the tepee. Place plastic animals such as buffalo, deer and wolves around the stream.

Tags: cake with, food coloring, 2-inch strip, adding more, blue food, blue food coloring, butter knife

Get Rid Of Fungus And Gnats In Houseplants

Houseplants bring both nature's beauty and pests indoors.

While houseplants bring the beauty of nature indoors, they also often bring the pests. In an indoor environment, natural pest-management systems are not present, often leading to infestations in houseplants. Fungus grants are not directly harmful to plants, but these tiny fly-like insects hatch and fly around the house near the plants. Fungus gnats are about 1/8 of an inch long with wings. Getting rid of fungus gnats requires a little patience but success is likely with perseverance. Fungus, though not as common, also attacks houseplants, but the treatment is similar. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Fungus Gnats

1. Fill a sink or bucket with enough water to cover the lip of the flowerpot by 1/2 to 1 inch. Submerge the pot in the water and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes.

2. Remove the pot from the water bath and set it aside to drain thoroughly. Allow the top 2 inches of the soil medium to dry out completely before watering again.

3. Treat the soil with a pyrethroid-based insecticide. Use insecticides as directed on the bottle. According to Colorado State University, repeat the treatment every three days until the infestation is gone.

Fungus

4. Identify fungus growing on the plants. It looks like a white powder or a gray mold on the leaves and stems.

5. Place the plant in the sink and wash the leaves with cool water. Rub off all traces of the fungus.

6. Treat the plant with fungicide. Home and garden centers sell formulas for houseplants designed to spray on and treat fungal infections. Spray the fungicide on the topside and the underside of all infected leaves. Repeat as necessary as indicated on the fungicide product label.

Tags: Fungus Gnats

Create A Multiplication House For Elementary Math

Elementary students are often required to learn multiplication tables. In most cases, there isn't a simple way to figure out the answer to a multiplication problem, you simply have to memorize it. A fun activity to help reinforce hard-to-learn math problems is to create a multiplication house. Students can create a house with 13 windows containing multiplication problems on each. Behind the window flap is the answer to the math problem.

Instructions

1. Select a multiplication number that is harder to learn. For example, many people struggle with "6s," "7s" and "8s."

2. Use a pencil to draw an outline of the house including a roof. The house should be square or rectangular in shape and take up an entire page of paper, as it needs to have room for 13 windows.

3. Draw at least 13 windows, though more can be added if needed. These windows can be placed anywhere in the house, depending on personal preference, but should be large enough to write a multiplication fact vertically in it. Draw large panes in the windows that resemble a "+" sign so each window is evenly dived into four sections.

4. Write the multiplication facts on each window pane starting by multiplying with zero and ending with multiplying with 12. Use the window panes as a guide to where to write your numbers. For example, if you're creating a multiplication house for 6s, the top left window pane section should remain blank while the top right window pane should have an six in it. The bottom left corner should have a multiplication sign, while the right bottom corner should have a zero. The finish product will have the math problem "6X0" being displayed vertically.

5. Cut three corners of the each window so it forms a flap. Cut out the house and glue it on a sheet of construction paper being careful not to glue the window flaps to the paper.

6. Open each window flap and write the correct answer to the math problem behind it. For example, if your window displays the math problem "6x2" you would open the window flap and write "12" behind it.

7. Decorate the multiplication house once you're done. Students can color them in with crayons, markers or color pencils. Other decorations, such as glitter or stickers, may also be used. Once the multiplication house is finished, encourage your students to practice memorizing their math problems with it. Students can compete with their friends to see which child can correctly answer the most multiplication facts correctly, as well as who can answer the problems the fastest.

Tags: each window, math problem, should have, window flap, window pane

Hawaiian String Instruments

Hawaiian music was influenced by many other cultures.

Hawaiian music found its popularity in the United States during the late '60s and early '70s. Hawaiian string instruments have an unusual history. They made their way into Hawaiian culture from Europe and various Caribbean islands. The continental United States also had some influence in the development of the music that now has that unique Hawaiian sound.

Ukulele

The ukulele was developed by a Portuguese instrument maker.

Probably the most popular Hawaiian instrument, the ukulele traces its origins back to Portuguese immigrants who came to Hawaii to work in the fields. One of these farmers, Manuel Nunez, was a master craftsmen and instrument maker. Soon, the ukulele emerged, taking its size from the traditional braguinha, a Madeiran guitar-like instrument that usually plays the lead. The ukulele is tuned like a rajao, which is also a Madeiran guitar-like instrument, but the rajao usually plays accompaniment. The Hawaiians were intrigued by the instruments the foreigners played and called it a ukulele, which roughly translates as "jumping fleas." Soon, the ukulele became synonymous with Hawaiian folk music, and many of the kings and queens of Hawaii composed songs that are sung and played with the ukulele.

Ki Ho'alu

The ki ho'alu is a finger-playing method unique to Hawaii. A slack-string guitar is used, which was introduced to Hawaiians by cowboys in the early 1800s. Ki ho'alu means "slacken the key," and that is exactly what these guitarists do. One or more strings on a classically tuned guitar will be "slackened" or "dropped" to form a chord, frequently G major. This is a practice common on other instruments and is sometimes referred to as open tuning. Banjos and other string instruments have this characteristic, which simply means that if you play two or more unfretted, or open, strings together, you will form a complete chord.

Steel String Guitar

You can alter an acoustic guitar to sound like a Hawaiian steel string guitar.

Taro farm workers began playing steel string guitars by laying them flat on their laps. The tuning is similar to the ki ho'alu, with a D-G-D-G-B-D tuning for G major. This tuning allows a strum of the open strings to play a G major chord. The steel string guitars have a nut extender that raises the strings away from the neck, so even when you are depressing the strings with a tone bar, the strings don't touch the neck of the guitar. You can alter an acoustic guitar to sound like a Hawaiian steel string guitar by replacing the nylon strings with steel strings, changing the tuning on three of the strings and adding a nut extender.

Tags: steel string, acoustic guitar, acoustic guitar sound, alter acoustic, alter acoustic guitar

Make A Garden Pond With A Rubbermaid Container

Cute little pond

Garden ponds are wonderful, self-sustaining ecosystems in your garden. They attract birds and wildlife and are easy to care for. You can pay a pond company a lot of money to build a pond, or spend plenty of time and money doing it yourself. If you just want a little pond, it's very easy and cheap to make one out of a plastic container. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick a spot for your little pond. Remember than placing it under a tree means you will often be cleaning leaves out, especially in fall. Also if you plan on adding some plants, aquatic plants are no different to garden plants in their sun requirements. Having a completely shaded pond means you are limited to aquatic plants that only grow in the shade.

2. Choose a large container. If the area you plan on placing it is in full sun, you may want to choose a clear or light color because the water will get quite warm in a black container. Dig a hole big enough to bury it with a lip of about three inches above ground. Burying it flush with the ground means you may have soil and mud running into it, especially when it rains. Fill it with a little water to make sure it's level and use the dug-out soil to pack it in until it is level and supported on all sides. Top it up with water and let it sit for several days before adding plants.

3. The raised lip of your pond can be surrounded with brick pavers, flagstone or decorative rocks. The spaces between the rocks can be packed with soil and you can then add ground cover plants if you wish. Ornamental grasses also look very attractive adjacent to a small pond.

4. Any standing water will attract mosquitoes. You can of course add a small pump and waterfall arrangement to your little pond, which will deter mosquitoes and other insects. If you plan on leaving the pond still, mosquito egg casings are easy to spot and remove. They look like little black grains of rice floating on the water surface and can be flipped out with a small net or even your finger.

5. As long as you have plants in the pond, it will be quite self sustaining. Choosing perennial water plants suited for your growing zone makes it very easy to care for. Most plants need to be rooted in small plastic pots and weighted down with small stones or gravel to hold them in place. Submerge the pots in the water, being careful not to dislodge the stones as you lower it.

Tags: little pond, aquatic plants, easy care, very easy, water will

Host A Themed Pool Party

Host a Themed Pool Party

Anyone can plan a day at the pool with friends during the summer months, but to throw a large, successful BBQ-pool party that everyone can enjoy, you need to have a game plan. The basics are simple: invitations, decorations, food, music, drinks, activities and financing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. The invitations:

Use large, colored index cards for the invitations, and hand-deliver or mail them to friends and family. Remind guests to bring towels, bathing suits, food or beverages if desired, or to provide some compensation upon arrival. Set up the party for a weekend so more people are able to attend. Name the party for what theme you would like: common themes are BBQs and luaus. Send invitations at least 2 weeks before the party.

2. The set-up and decorations:

Set up the party area between the pool area and barbecue; a volleyball court is a plus. Set up speakers with a stereo or iPod in a high, out-of-reach place to avoid damage. Set up two large tables with grass skirts attached around the edges for trays of food and a bar area, as well as a nonalcoholic beverage table. Place a keg with the keg tap and ice by the tables. Stick tiki torches, beach balls, volleyballs and various pool tools if desired around the area. Make sure there are available chairs around the pool as well as an area close by where guests can change.

3. The music:

Supply an upbeat soundtrack for the day of poolside festivities. Appropriate artists include the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley and other reggae music, classic rock bands such as the Rolling Stones and popular dance music your guests might like. Create a iPod playlist for the day or appoint a few people with good DJ skills and knowledge of what the crowd likes to take charge of the music choices.

4. The menu and drinks:

Set up the table with bright tablecloths, hula skirts and colorful paper plates, napkins and plastic silverware. BBQ burgers and hot dogs throughout the day. Designate a friend to do the grilling. Set up the snack table by the pool with chips, dip, platters of vegetables and Greek or fruit salads. Keep platters of freshly cooked hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs on the table at all times.

Set up the bar table with disposable cups, a blender, stirrers and little paper umbrellas. At the bar, provide refreshing drinks such as margaritas, pina coladas and wine spritzers. Offer nonalcoholic beverages such as soda, water, club soda and tonic water, smoothies and Kool-Aid. Make sure you have plenty of ice.

5. Out-of-water activities and games:

Provide set-ups, nets, tables and balls for volleyball and beach volleyball. Other possible activities include ping-pong, soccer, football and dancing.

6. The financing:

Before the festivities, consider asking close friends to help you pay for the party. If you do not want to ask others for help financing the party beforehand, pay for everything yourself and ask arriving guests to pitch in a few dollars. Shop for the food, decorations and beverages at discount stores and bulk stores such as Smart Dollar, 99 cent stores and Costco.

Tags: Host Themed, Host Themed Pool, Make sure, Pool Party, pool with

Make A Lock Pick Set

Full lock pick set

The tools essential for picking locks have been the same for decades, with a few minor additions. To compile a set of these tools for all lock-picking needs, it is important to understand what type of equipment you need and why. There are lock-pick sets that only include five tools, and then there are sets that have more than 25 items. But there are some basic tools you should have in your set---you might already have some of them around the house.

Instructions

1. Find or create a carrying case for your tools. This can be anything from a tackle box to a folding pouch that has 1-inch-wide by 4-inch-deep pockets in it to store the tools. You should keep them together just as you would any other type of set.

2. Obtain a torque wrench. There are different styles you can get, from a grip-flex one to just the regular wrench. The skinny wrench extends out to the shape of an "L" and assists in finding lock pins within the keyhole. After these pins can be held down by another tool, the tension wrench then puts pressure on the cylinder in order to open the lock. You can use a sanded-down small wrench or a paperclip instead of a torque wrench.

3. Create a collection of picks. There are different kinds and sizes, and picking the right size for you depends on what type of lock you want to pick, and the size of it. There are a couple of different types of picks you will want in your lock pick set. A diamond pick and a ball pick are good general-purpose choices because they'll fit different types of locks. A warded hook is a good choice because it's a specialized pick for warded locks.

4. Decide what type of a hook pick you want. It's just like a pick, but it has a hook shape on the end of it. It's good for holding down pins within the lock and counting them. Hook picks come in small, medium or large. They also come in short or long. Household items that can double working as picks include bent-out paperclips, safety pins, a large straightened-out staple, or a small screwdriver.

5. Obtain a saw or snake rake. These resemble key-like patterns and help imprint the inside of a keyhole. There are not many household items that can replicate them, except for maybe a filed-down soft metal piece.

Tags: what type, different types, items that, lock pick, pins within, sets that

Draw Faces

Draw Faces

Drawing a face can be very challenging due to the amount of detail involved. Artists use particular techniques when drawing made-up faces and faces from models. With a little understanding of some basic principles and much practice, drawing faces will become much easier.

Instructions

1. Establish the basic shape of the head. Most heads are either oval-shaped or inverted-egg-shaped. Pay careful attention to the shape of the top of the head and the face shape. A heavy person or a child will have more of a round shape.

2. Sketch in the features lightly because proportions are very important. It is a common mistake to put the eyes near the top of the oval. Although every face varies a little, generally the eyes will be about halfway between the top of the head and the chin, or the oval. The bottom of the nose will be about halfway between the eyes and the chin. The mouth will be roughly halfway between the bottom of the nose and the chin. Ears generally are seen on the sides of the head from the eyes to the bottom of the nose.

3. Contour the eyes. Pay close attention to the shape of the eyes. Consider the thickness of the eyelid. How much the eye is open will play a big part in determining what expression the face has. The top eyelid usually covers a portion of the iris of the eye. Don't forget the eyebrows, which vary greatly in size, shape and thickness. Eyebrows play a huge part in establishing the look of a face.

4. Draw the nose. Detail the width, length, line shape and nostril size. Much of the shape of the nose will be determined by shading, but begin by placing the nostrils and making them a careful distance from the eyes and mouth. Draw the line of the shape of the underside of the nose. When the basic shape of the bottom of the nose is ready, continue from one side of the nose to the eye with a light line.

5. Contour the mouth. The mouth also has much to do with the facial expression. Consider the thickness of the lips. The upper lip is usually more curved, thinner and darker due to shading. The lower lip is usually lighter in tone and fuller.

6. Add detail to the ears. Ears are very complicated and not necessarily identifying with the face, so it is best to keep them simple. The most important part of the ears is how much they protrude from the head. Indicate ears simply with a few lines and some shading. If the face is front view, then the ears will hardly matter at all.

7. Shade the picture. Shading adds depth, dimension and life to the face. Shading can change the look of the face drastically. Shade hits everyone's face uniquely but should be found consistently in some general areas. Shade around the eyes, in the hollows of the cheeks, around the nose, on the sides of the nose and on the chin. Shade around the edges of the face and the chin.

Tags: bottom nose, halfway between, about halfway, about halfway between, attention shape, basic shape, Consider thickness

Create & Print Winnie The Pooh Invitations

Creating and printing your own invitations ensures you get the correct time, place and other information while controlling the theme. Winnie the Pooh--themed invitations are great for kids' birthday parties. They appeal to children and give valuable information to guests so that they may attend. You can get creative with the layout of the invitation, the pictures or drawings on the invitations, the paper you print them on and the postage you adhere to them.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Publisher. In the column on the left choose "Invitations." Choose from the list of templates it offers. If you don't have Microsoft Publisher, a regular word processing program will work. Divide the word document into four equal boxes by clicking on the line option and drawing a line down the middle of the paper from top to bottom. Draw another line from the midpoint on the left to the midpoint on the right side of the paper.

2. See the Resources section for some Winnie the Pooh pictures you might want to use. Right-click on the one you want to use and copy it. Paste it into your invitation document. If you'd rather draw your own Winnie the Pooh, skip to step 3.

3. Open a drawing program. Create an oval. Draw a smaller oval perpendicular to your first oval and two-thirds down from the top of the first oval. This is your outline of the face. Put two half-ovals on top of the first oval for ears. Put two small circles just above the second oval for eyes. Add some curved lines above the circles for eyebrows. Add an oval about the size of the eye circles just below the eyes for the nose. Add a large half-circle near the bottom of the large ovals for the smile. Insert the picture into your invitation.

4. Type in the name of the party or what type of party it is, the time for the party and the address. Include directions on get to the address. Add some information about what to bring, if guests need to bring anything. Add your contact information. Change the fonts of your type to your liking. Copy and paste more pictures into the invitation if you want more.

5. Print the invitations. If you used Microsoft Publisher, they will print out as invitations. If you used the word processing program, print it out. Fold it in half heightwise, then fold it again widthwise. See the Tips section for the layout of the boxes and what part of the invitation they become after you fold it.

Tags: first oval, Microsoft Publisher, Winnie Pooh, circles just, into your, into your invitation, invitations used

Choose A Ukulele

The ukelele is fun and easy to play, and has become a very popular instrument.

The ukulele has recently become one of the most popular musical instruments according to the New York Times, with ukulele sales rising steadily since around 2006. The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian version of a Portuguese instrument and first became popular on the American mainland in the early 1900s. The popularity of the ukulele was bolstered by the fact that it is small, cheap, easy to play and has a happy, energetic sound that appeals to almost everyone. Choosing the right ukulele largely depends on how seriously you intend to play the instrument.

Instructions

1. Decide what size ukulele you would like to play. Ukuleles come in four sizes -- soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. The soprano is the smallest, so it is a good choice for children and for people with small hands. Chose a larger size if you have longer or plumper fingers, or want a wider range of notes.

2. Consider the sound you are after. A soprano ukulele has a very traditional, light sound. Concert and tenor ukuleles have a broader tone which is louder and fuller. Tenor ukuleles are popular with professional musicians, because they project their sound well and have a long fretboard that allows for a wide range of notes.

3. Chose a baritone ukulele if you are looking for a deep, rich tone that sounds more like a guitar. Baritone ukuleles are tuned differently from the other three types--they are tuned DGBE--but most song arrangements are written for the standard GCEA ukulele tuning, so the baritone may not be a good choice if you are not already conversant in reading music.

4. Decide the price range you are most comfortable with. Beginner soprano ukuleles start at around $50. This is probably fine for anyone looking to play occasionally at home. Higher quality, all-wood ukuleles can be bought for around $100 to $200, and a professional, premium wood ukulele can cost upwards of $500.

5. Examine the construction of the ukulele. The ukulele should have clean joins and the neck should not be crooked or have gaps. Check the fingerboard to make sure the frets are evenly rounded and smooth. Sight down the fingerboard to check that it is straight and even.

Tags: easy play, good choice, range notes

Create & Send Ecards From Your Site

Digital cards are an affordable way to send greetings

E-cards are a way to encourage visits to your site as well as a method for cleverly getting people to market your site on your behalf. When they forward one of your e-cards to their family and friends, they are essentially giving you their personal seal of approval. Their friends and family members are introduced to your message and may send your e-cards to more friends. You can increase your exposure with one e-card to 10 or more people.

Instructions

Creating E-cards on Your Site.

1. Get a digital camera and take photos of your offices, products or images representative of your industry. Create image files that your customers can scroll through to search for pictures for their greeting cards. (See Reference 1, pg. 134)

2. Upload the images to your website publishing file or your website's images folder. Give each image a relevant file name. Bundle all images into one folder.

3. Create a jingle for your company. Use desktop music software like Pro Tools or Cakewalk. Hire a student musician from the local community college to put together a few jingles. Keep them under one minute. Upload the music clips to your media folder.

4. Locate free e-card services. Perform a search for "greeting cards" or "e-cards." Review the sites that you come across until you find one that provides you with html code to embed in your site, allowing you and your users to customize e-cards.

5. Create a few e-cards that your customers can choose from. Save templates of e-cards that you have created. Brand all cards with your website address and company name.

6. Build a webpage to host your e-card offer. Embed the e-card customization feature from the site you've signed up with. Post the thumbnails of your greeting card templates along with a caption that encourages users to send an e-card to friends, family and colleagues.

7. Create a thank you page that customers will land on after they have sent their greeting cards. Add links to other interesting things they should see while they are on your website.

Sending E-Cards

8. Select an e-card design that you will send in bulk to all of your customers and prospects. Choose the background colors and the primary images for the e-card.

9. Write a light marketing message in the body of the card. Play around with the font choices until the card looks professional.

10. Add holiday music for e-cards sent to celebrate major holidays. If there is not a holiday coming up, add a jingle that fits the mood of the card.

11. Link your e-card service to your e-mail address book.

12. Choose the dates on which you want to send the cards out. Submit and send the cards through the free e-card service.

Tags: your website, greeting cards, your customers, e-card service, e-cards that, free e-card

Get A Cheap Room In Las Vegas

You can find cheap rooms in Las Vegas off Las Vegas Boulevard.

Cheap rooms are available at casino-hotels throughout Las Vegas, provided you know where to look. Room rates will vary from one hotel to another, and will change depending on the season, month, week and day. To get the best rates, start searching at least a couple of months ahead of time, more if you will be traveling to Las Vegas while a major event is in town.

Instructions

1. Be flexible in your travel dates so that when you begin searching for room rates, you have the option to choose a time frame when lodging costs are at their cheapest. For example, depending on room availability and a number of other factors, you might find that one night is significantly cheaper than another, or one time frame cheaper than another.

2. Look for rooms at casino-hotels that are off the Strip, Las Vegas Boulevard. Room rates at the Strip hotels tend to be more expensive than those just a block or two away.

3. Avoid Las Vegas during holidays, particularly New Year's Eve, when rooms are booked far in advance and are typically more expensive.

4. Travel to Las Vegas during the middle of the week, if possible, when you're likely to find the cheapest nightly rates. Weekend room rates, especially for Fridays and Saturdays, are generally the most expensive.

5. Steer clear of Las Vegas when a big event is in town, such as the National Finals Rodeo, which draws thousands of fans each December to the University of Nevada Las Vegas Thomas & Mack Center, which can hold about 17,000 fans. The large contingent of fans for such an event can mean rooms are difficult to come by, and those that are available are generally expensive.

6. Compare online travel discount sites for the lowest available nightly rates for your stay. Pay attention to total rates after taxes and fees, as some sites won't disclose the total amount until you've clicked through to the registration page.

7. Search individual hotel websites for any available discounts that might not be offered through online travel brokers. You might find inexpensive room rates and packages that include food, free gaming chips and free drinks.

Tags: cheaper than, cheaper than another, event town, might find, more expensive, nightly rates

Build A Bbq Pit

There's a classic Simpons episode where Homer tries to make a backyard barbecue pit, but instead destroys the pit in a rage because he can't do it. While Homer ends up becoming an artist because of that, the rest of would just end up very hungry for barbecue. Don't be a Homer, and make this pit instead. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

build a basic barbecue pit

1. Dig the hole. You want to go at least three feet deep and three feet wide, but feel free to go bigger if you think you will ever do a whole pig.

2. Make a cover out of wood or scrap metal. It needs to be slightly bigger than the whole pit itself. Basically make a box that can cover the pit -- somewhat akin to the top of a grill. Put a handle on it so it is easier to move while cooking.

3. Fill the hole with wood chips -- preferably cedar -- to about one foot from the top of the hole. This will serve as your furnace. Some people line the sides with bricks to keep the dirt from falling during cooking.

4. Put a wire rack on top. This will serve as your grilling area.

5. Place the cover on the hole, and you have a barbecue pit.

Tags: serve your, This will, This will serve, three feet, will serve, will serve your

Hawaiian Luau Food Party Ideas

Luau food is a beloved party theme.

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast. Food is always the central part of a luau, and you can choose from traditional Hawaiian dishes to make it authentic, or go with a more varied menu that integrates some of the tastes and style of luau food. Whatever the reason for your event this relaxed tropical theme is sure to be a tasteful hit. Does this Spark an idea?

Traditional Foods

Raw and cooked seafood dishes, Poi and the Kalua Pig are traditional luau foods. In a full luau the pig is roasted in a pit lined with rocks and banana leaves. Alternatively, roasted pork seasoned with sea salt and green onion can fill in for the pig. Poi, which is a Hawaiian staple, is made from the starch of the taro root. Served a variety of ways it is difficult to make stateside unless ordered from a specialty Hawaiian food vendor. Poke, or raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice, is another traditional food you can have guests try for an authentic luau experience.

Appetizers

Finger foods are a party favorite and a luau is no different. A variety of authentic or Hawaiian styled food items can be made for this theme. Skewered fruit or a tropical fruit salad is a refreshing addition with Hawaiian flavor. Be sure to add plenty of pineapple. Macadamia nuts are a luau treat and native to Hawaii. Use them to make a crust for chicken strips and serve with a sweet and sour sauce for a Polynesian twist.

Hawaiian Style

Teriyaki chicken kabobs with pineapple, coconut shrimp or even sweet and sour meatballs will fit the luau theme. Anything with Polynesian flair or flavor fits the theme. Papaya and mango sliced on a platter or sweet and sour cocktail sausages served with pineapple chunks will be a hit on the party table. Pasta salad with seashell pasta and tuna or shrimp reflects a fresh tropical feel for the menu. Add in umbrella drinks with fruity juices, and ambrosia salad or banana bread to round out the menu.

Tags: sweet sour, traditional Hawaiian, with pineapple

Host A Successful Party

Everyone loves a party but when you're the host, making sure the event goes as planned can be stressful. Before the big day, take some time to double-check the details and you'll have a better chance of throwing a successful party. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick a theme for your party. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate but it should be the reason friends are gathering to celebrate. A loved one's homecoming, an engagement announcement, or a block party to meet the neighbors are only a few examples of party themes; decide upon yours and plan the rest of the party around the theme.

2. Send out the invitations. Optimally, guests should receive their invitations 2 weeks before the party. This gives them time to schedule the event into their time frame, arrange for babysitters or make travel arrangements. If a guest will be traveling a long ways, the earlier they get the invitation, the better.

3. Create the proper atmosphere. Parties should be fun. If you're hosting the party at home, look at your surroundings with a critical eye. Put knickknacks away for a clean look and add a banner or decorations to make the room more festive. Provide adequate seating for your guests.

4. Schedule the party events. Allow enough time for guest arrival before serving a meal or showing a film. If your party centers around a televised sports event, plan for guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event starts. Allow time for latecomers if you're planning a sit-down meal.

5. Plan your food list and shop a few days ahead of time. Dishes that can be prepared in advance and frozen will save you much-needed time on the day of the party. If you're hiring a caterer, she will need lots of advance notice of your menu and the number of guests you are expecting. Popular caterers are often booked months in advance.

6. Double-check the details the night before the party by doing a quick walkthrough, starting at your front door, as if you were a guest, and proceeding through your home. Make sure there is an area for guest's coats, extra soap and clean hand towels in the bathroom. Count your serving plates and glasses to make sure there are enough.

7. Dress early for the party to prevent last minute dashing. Some guests may arrive early and you'll need to be ready. Preparation is the key to a successful party.

8. Greet all your guests in person, if possible, and welcome them to your home. Follow your schedule, excusing yourself to tend to party needs and relax. Even in the best-planned events, something inevitably goes awry. Smile and focus on having fun.

Tags: before party, guests arrive, successful party, sure there, your guests

Make A Monkey Face Cake

Create a monkey cake to resemble your child's favorite animal.

Many children ask for a monkey cake on their birthday or other special occasion. Making a monkey face cake is easy to make with a few key ingredients and baking supplies. Your guests will enjoy looking at and eating the monkey cake you have made yourself following simple directions. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a eight and a half inch, three quart stainless steal or oven proof bowl along with one cup in a large muffin tin.

2. Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Mix together bananas, buttermilk and vanilla in another bowl. Mix together butter and brown sugar in a third larger bowl, adding in the eggs as the mixture becomes fluffy. Combine the flour mixture and the banana mixture to the butter and sugar mixture alternating as you add.

3. Pour batter into the greased muffin tin, about three-quarters full. Pour the rest of the mixture into the greased bowl. Place both in the oven and bake the cupckae for about 30 minutes and the bowl for an hour and 10 minutes. Test each cake with a toothpick and if it comes out clear, it's done.

4. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Cool the cake inside the bowl for 30 minutes, then remove and finish cooling on the rack.

5. Trim the top flat side of the cake so it's level. Repeat the process with the cupcake. Cut the cupcake in half vertically to make two monkey ears. Cut the bowl cake in half horizontally to make a place to layer additional frosting.

6. Spread chocolate frosting on the bottom layer of the bowl cake and place the top layer on. Cover the entire cake with a layer of chocolate frosting. Spread frosting over both sides of the cupcake and use toothpicks to secure the cupcake ears to the monkey face.

7. Decorate the monkey face by using yellow frosting to create the monkey's face and ears. Place a piece of black licorice on the front, in the yellow frosting section as the mouth and two m&m candies for the eyes. Add hair to the top of the monkey's head using chocolate frosting.

Tags: monkey face, chocolate frosting, monkey cake, bowl cake, bowl together, cake with, frosting Spread

Create A Bingo Board Game

Bingo is a simple, yet fun, board game for lots of groups and occasions. You can make a bingo card by simply drawing a 5-by-5 grid on a piece of paper and filling it in with numbers, or you can make bingo cards on the computer. You can even use clip art instead of numbers to make a themed bingo game. If you don’t have the time to create your own bingo game from scratch, you can make custom bingo cards using the website below and just print them out. To make your bingo game last longer, you may want to use card stock, or heavy paper.

Instructions

1. Set up a new document in your word processor or desktop publishing program. Set the page margins to the size you want. If you want to fit two bingo cards on each sheet, you can set the page to landscape orientation and create two columns.

2. Create a grid that’s 5 columns wide and 6 rows tall using the drawing tools or by inserting a table. If you are using a two-column layout, make a grid or table the same size in the other column. You'll use the top row for the letters "BINGO."

3. Type the letters “BINGO” at the top of the grid or table, with each letter in a different square, or choose a different five-letter word for a themed bingo game. Use a smaller font to type the word “free” in the center square, if desired.

4. Type a different number, or insert a different clip art picture, in each square of the grid. You may want to use a different set of numbers for each column, such as 1 through 15 for the B, 16 through 30 for the I, and so on.

5. Save your bingo card, then print it out on card stock or heavy paper. If you used two columns, cut the card stock in half to separate the cards.

6. Use the "Save As" command to create a new bingo card file that looks just like the first one. Create more bingo cards, each with different combinations of numbers or pictures. Save and print these cards. Repeat this step until you have enough cards for all players.

7. Create a page with all the letter and number combinations or all the pictures you used in the bingo cards. Print out the page, then cut the numbers or pictures apart to make calling cards.

8. Place the calling cards in a small bag so you can draw them randomly. A drawstring bag works best for storing the calling cards, but any bag that isn’t clear will work.

9. Choose small objects for bingo game tokens, such as paperclips, coins, beads, scraps of colored paper or even small candies. You can also make bingo tokens using a large circular hole punch, available in the scrapbook section of many craft stores, and colored paper, card stock, or lightweight cardboard, such as a cereal box.

Tags: bingo cards, bingo game, card stock, bingo card, calling cards, make bingo

Decorate A Hawaiian Home

Incorporate tropical flowers into your Hawaiian decor.

Whether you live on one of the Hawaiian Islands, or you live on the mainland and want to turn your home into a tropical Hawaiian-inspired paradise, there are several ways to bring an island vibe into your home. Hawaiian decor is inspired by the natural beauty of the tropical islands, which is reflected in the colors, furnishings and decorative accents of the home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select paint colors for your home. Use either bold colors inspired by the waters and flora of the islands or neutral colors that serve as a backdrop for bold linens and decorative accents. If you are interested in bold paint, consider turquoise blue, orange, red, yellow and green. If you opt for the more muted tones, tan, beige, pale yellow or sage green are some paint color considerations.

2. Pick out furniture pieces made from natural materials. Bamboo, mahogany, wicker and rattan are all materials that are commonly used for furnishings in Hawaiian homes. In a bedroom, a mahogany headboard accented with detailed carvings will make your bed the focal point of the room. A kitchen or dining table made of bamboo or wicker and topped with glass suit the Hawaiian style well. In the living room, use a rattan sofa with upholstered cushions.

3. Select fabrics for your home. Stray away from heavy materials, such as silk, satin and velvet and instead choose light and airy fabrics, such as jute, cotton or linen. Choose a combination of solid colors and fabrics printed with Hawaiian-themed prints. For example, dress your bed with a cotton comforter that features hibiscus or pineapple prints and cover the windows with solid-colored linen curtains. If a busy printed comforter isn't what you're after, try a solid cotton comforter and accent it with throw pillows that feature an image of a single palm tree.

4. Add Hawaiian-inspired decorative accents to your home. Potted plants, such as ferns, orchids or birds-of-paradise bring the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands inside. Vases filled with fresh cut plumeria are not only visually appealing, but bring an intoxicating aroma into the home. Cover the floors with jute area rugs. Fill glass vases with seashells and beach glass and set them on tables, dressers or shelves. Hang prints of tropical beaches or close up images of tropical flowers on the walls. Tiki masks also make interesting wall art. Ceiling fans with large, leaf-shaped blades keep the space cool and add a touch of Hawaiian style to the ceiling.

Tags: your home, decorative accents, cotton comforter, Hawaiian decor, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian style, into your

Draw Hawaiian Flowers Step By Step

Bird of Paradise

If you are looking to capture some color and beautiful forms then Hawaiian flowers are a great place to find them. The many vibrant blooms of the Hawaiian Islands are a vast inspiration to artists worldwide. The following will take you through the steps for drawing Hawaii's state flower, the yellow hibiscus, the exotic bird of paradise and the white plumeria.

Instructions

Yellow Hibiscus

1. Study the forms of these flowers before attempting to draw. If you do not have access to these flowers in physical form then study photographs of them. It helps to become familiar with the way they grow, their shapes and their colors before drawing them.

2. Use your pencil to outline the five petals of the yellow hibiscus flower. This is just to get a general idea of how the flower is laid out. The petals of a hibiscus are soft and wavy, not streamlined.

3. Sketch in the vertical lines on the petals and the center stamen and anther that hold the pollen, as well as its shadow on the petal below it.

4. Choose a variety of yellows and a few reds for shading. In this example, yellow, lemon yellow, golden yellow, red orange and mahogany were used.

5. Erase the sketch marks so that they only show lightly and shade all the petals in a light yellow except for the what will be the round red whorl in the center.

6. Shade the red whorl in the center of all the petals, blending with the colors as if they had bled together. Also use a golden yellow to shade the vertical lines in the petals and the pollen cluster at the tip of the stamen.

7. Shade the shadow of the stamen and pollen with a gray colored pencil and then color over with yellow to blend.

Bird of Paradise

8. Use your pencil to outline the exotic shape of the bird of paradise. This is a more involved flower to draw, so study it carefully. Draw the leaf-like bract on the bottom first, then the vertical sepals, which will be orange.

9. Draw the unusual spear-like petals, which will be blue.

10. Choose a variety of colors to suit this flower. In this example, red orange, orange, mango, golden yellow, yellow, lime green, sky blue, turquoise and blue were used.

11. Shade the bract on the bottom first. This should be a mixture of green, red and yellow towards the tip.

12. Shade the sepals with a mix of golden yellow, mango and orange, erasing some of the darker sketch lines as you go.

13. Shade the blue petals carefully as they are quite narrow. Use a mix of deep blue, sky blue and turquoise, leaving the tops of them nearly white to make it appear as if light is glinting off of them. If you have a white gel pen, use it to highlight the tops of them.

Plumeria

14. Use your pencil to start the outline of the plumeria flower. These flowers have a distinct whorl of five, smooth oval petals that overlap. You may have to erase several times to get it right.

15. Erase the dark sketch lines, leaving a light outline once you have the petals situated.

16. Choose a selection of light colors for this flower. It is generally grows pure white with a center of buttery yellow. For this example, white, sand, pale rose, yellow and a white gel pen were used.

17.Use a mix of the pale rose and sand colors to lightly outline the petals, signifying their placement by shadows underneath where the petals overlap.

18. Color in the center with the yellow, making sure to leave the edges of the overlapping petals white.

19. Color in the petals with the white colored pencil and highlight all the edges with the white gel pen.

Tags: golden yellow, this example, were used, your pencil, blue turquoise, bottom first, bract bottom

Create A Hawaiian Theme Christmas Tree

Add a tropical flare to a traditional Christmas tree with Hawaiian themed decorations. Make your own Hawaiian themed ornaments from old fashioned salt dough and inexpensive party supplies. Even if you can't go on a Hawaiian vacation, you can bring the vacation to you! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Make Hawaiian Themed Ornaments

1. Mix together 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt in a mixing bowl.

2. Add gradually 1 cup of water to the four mixture until it becomes the consistency of bread dough.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth.

4. Roll the dough out to approximately 1/8 inch thick.

5. Cut out Hawaiian themed shapes using cookie cutters in the shape of palm trees, surfboards and orchids, for example, and make a hole in the top of each cut-out, using the end of a drinking straw.

6. Bake for one hour or until dry at 325 degrees. Cool completely before painting.

7. Use acrylic paints to decorate the cookie ornaments and embellish with beads, sequins, buttons, feathers and a ribbon tied at the top to hang each ornament once the paint has dried.

Purchase Hawaiian Themed Decorations

8. Buy multicolored lights and string on your tree.

9. Purchase faux flower leis to make a tropical garland by attaching the faux flower leis together.

10. Get tropical flavored candy canes on the tree, such as pina colada, coconut, tangerine, and lemon-lime, then hang them on your tree.

11. Pick up a grass skirt from a party supply store and use it as your tree skirt.

12. Top your tree with a bouquet of tropical flowers, such as orchids and lilies.

13. Wrap all your gifts in brightly colored Hawaiian-themed wrapping paper.

Tags: your tree, faux flower, faux flower leis, flower leis, Hawaiian themed, tree with

Design Invites

Do you have the perfect party in mind just waiting to come to fruition? Besides all the food, decorations and activities, the top of the priority list is going to be who to invite. The invitation should reflect exactly what the guests should expect. Be sure to include directions and save yourself time with guests busying up your phone line asking questions. An artistic yet appropriately informative invitation is the key to a successful party. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Party Time!

1. Start by writing down all of the information you need to include on the invitation. Be sure that you tell your guests dress for the party, what you need them to bring and get there. Print driving directions to include in your invitation, and staple them to the cards after they are finished.

2. Come up with a theme for your party and translate that onto the card. If you are having a costume party, you can draw a picture of a costume concept. Draw a girl wearing a French maid costume and a man in a butler's tuxedo holding a tray with the Eiffel Tower in the background. You could draw a vampire couple taking a walk in a grave yard with the full moon. Come up with an idea.

3. Lets suppose you chose the "vampire idea" or some variation on this theme. Use some red waxy paint to draw some blood where the RSVP would go. You can threaten your guests with some fangs on the bottom corner, letting them know they will be haunted if they do not RSVP. The idea is to entice and invite them to come. Have fun with this; the sky is the limit. If you need simple ideas, check out the link below for e-cards that can be used as a starting point for inspiration.

4. After you have drawn something creepy or cute, its time to put the final touches on the invite. Be sure to address the envelope and attach the proper postage.

5. Software programs are available that come with stock designs that can be customized. If you have Illustrator installed on your computer, you can play with shapes and color and perhaps incorporate some designs from a book or the Internet.

Tags: Come with, your guests

Decorate A Vase For Mom

Make a special vase for Mother's Day using almost any container and tissue paper or fabric. Just make sure that the container is tall enough to hold the fresh or paper flowers of your choice.

Instructions

Tissue Paper

1. Wrap a soda bottle (glass or plastic), glass jar or any other tall container with paper and ribbon to create a beautiful vase.

2. Center the container on top of a sheet of tissue paper or wrapping paper.

3. Bring the paper up around the container and gather the paper just below its opening. If your container is a bottle or jar, gather the paper around the neck.

4. Hold the paper in place by tying a ribbon around it.

5. Arrange the paper so that it flares slightly at the top.

6. Make sure to use enough paper that the edges of the paper reach just above the mouth of the container. A 25-inch-square piece of paper will give you enough coverage for a 1-liter plastic soda bottle.

Contrasting Paper

7. Use two sheets of tissue paper in contrasting colors to wrap your container.

8. Place one sheet on your work surface with one edge facing you.

9. Place the other sheet on top of the first with one point facing you.

10. Wrap the bottle as instructed above. One color will "peek out" from behind the other.

Fabric

11. Use fabric squares instead of paper to wrap your container.

12. Decorate the fabric with stamps or paint if you wish, and then wrap the container as instructed above.

Tags: your container, gather paper, instructed above, paper around, paper that, soda bottle, tissue paper