Find Out If Someone Is Married

Simply asking can help you determine whether someone is married.

In today's world it is difficult to find someone to date. While online dating makes it a bit easier to find potential dates, it also increases the risk of someone being married and looking for a date on the side. This makes it more important than ever for you to know ways to find out if someone is married or not.

Instructions

1. Do a background search. A surefire way to find out if someone is married is to do a background search. Many times you will need to pay for this service, but it will answer your question. Of course, if the person married in a foreign country or never registered with the state as being married then it would not be picked up this way.

2. Talk to family and friends. If you talk to family and friends of the individual about that person's past, then in time something might slip out if there is anything to hide. You could always ask point blank if that person was ever engaged and/or married. Watch closely to the person's response. If she acts nervous, avoids eye contact, or gives a weird response, then you know there is something more to the story.

3. "Google" the person's name. Many times you can find out a lot about a person by doing this. If there was ever a wedding announcement in a newspaper, a Myspace profile, or anything of that nature, you could find it. Sure, you would need to dig through all of the results and you might not find anything, but you could just find the information you are looking for. Remember to check the profiles of friends of the individual on networking sites. You might see photos, comments, or other information that could help you.

4. Act like a detective. You can become a detective and follow the person. Stop by her house to see if anything strange is going on. If invited in the house, snoop through her documents, especially old tax returns or bank statements. Look for old photos or anything that might indicate a past marriage. Finding out about a past marriage doesn't mean a marriage still exists, but at least you have information to work from and to check if a divorce was every filed.

5. Ask the person. You could also consider asking the person if he is married. Many times this question won't be anticipated, so when you ask it be prepared to read body language. Any strange reaction, loud laughter, nervousness, or lots of questions could indicate something other than the truth is being told. A quick and harsh "no" would also be a signal something is up. You should be able to note genuine surprise in the person if he indeed is not married.

6. Look for telltale signs of a ring. Prolonged wear of a wedding ring could create a tan line or an indentation on the left ring finger. Just remember that this may also be seen on recently divorced individuals.

Tags: find someone, Many times, anything that, background search, being married, family friends

Choose The Right Hula Hoop

Hula-hoops are a great form of exercise.

Hula-hoops have been around for centuries and became a popular children's toy in the 1700s. Centuries before it was rolled with a stick by children or used in hula-hoop contests Hippocrates prescribed such a hoop use as a cure for back problems, according to Judith Lanigan, author of "The Hula Hoop: A Study of the Subject." Hula-hoops are toys for entertainment and tools for cardio exercise and core strength, but one size does not fit everyone.

Instructions

1. Factor your age and size into your decisionmaking. The smaller and younger a person is, the smaller hoop circumference they need. Children usually require a hoop that is 30 inches. Small adults and youth should use a 36-inch hoop and taller adults should look for a hoop that is 38 to 40 inches.

2. Measure the hoop against your body. Once you have found a hoop in approximately the right circumference, stand it on end and measure it against your body. The hula-hoop should come up to somewhere between your upper chest and your stomach, according to the online Dimensions Guide.

3. Evaluate your skill level. Larger hoops are best for people who are just learning hula-hoop. Larger hoops are heavier and have a slower rotation, which can be easier for beginners to control. If you are already comfortable with a hula-hoop or want to perform tricks, choose a smaller hoop, which are lighter and rotate faster.

4. Time your duration. A hula-hoop should be comfortable to use and, once you get the motion down, time yourself. With the right hula-hoop you should be able to maintain rotation comfortably for at least 10 minutes at a time, according to hoop retailer Canyon Hoops.

5. Choose a hula-hoop made from material that is comfortable. Not everyone likes the stiff, hard plastic of most hula-hoops. For a softer hoop, look for one made from flexible plastic. These hoops are usually more durable as well.

Tags: hula-hoop should, against your, against your body, hoop that, hoop that inches, Hula Hoop, Larger hoops

Make A Living Grass Easter Basket

With live grass growing inside your Easter basket, all you need to add are a few chocolate eggs and you'll have a creative centerpiece for your holiday table. This simple-to-create project takes a few weeks to grow, so get an early start. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Line an Easter basket with a plastic garbage bag. The plastic liner will prevent water and soil from soaking through the basket.

2. Fill the lined basket with potting soil.

3. Trim away the excess plastic from around the rim of the basket.

4. Water the soil-filled basket. Allow it to drain for several hours outside.

5. Sprinkle kitty grass seed over the surface of the damp soil. Kitty grass seed is typically available at pet stores. If you can't find it, use oat, wheat or lawn grass seed instead.

6. Place the basket in a sunny, warm location for fastest germination.

7. Mist the seed with a water spray bottle daily, until it begins to sprout.

8. Water the sprouted grass when the soil feels dry on the surface. Continue to water for about three weeks, after which you should have a basket of fresh grass.

9. Add real or chocolate eggs to your Easter basket after the grass has grown.

Tags: grass seed, basket with, chocolate eggs, Easter basket, your Easter

Get Free Government Money To Pay Bills

Money is available to help you with your bills.

Many people don't realize that there is an array of government programs designed to help the average American with finances. People who are in a lower income bracket qualify for more free money from the government, but even middle-class and upper-income earners can get free money to help pay bills. Taxes go to support programs in energy assistance, education, child care, health and more. These programs are created to help support individuals and families and to help create a healthier population.

Instructions

1. Contact the local department of social services and ask to schedule an appointment. Be prepared with your tax forms, checking account statements and a pay stub if required and if you are currently working.

2. Apply for any program the social worker suggests. Ask questions about the programs, and be sure to let the social worker know about any special needs in your daily life, such as children, child care assistance, college financial aid needs or heating assistance.

3. Go to the Citizens Energy website and learn about heating assistance programs in the Northeast and throughout the country. Citizens Energy is loosely affiliated with the government, and this free assistance can make a big difference in your life.

4. Contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, to get energy assistance as well.

5. Call your local town or city hall for more assistance. Local government offices sometimes have a variety of programs to help people pay property taxes and water/sewer bills.

Tags: child care, Citizens Energy, free money, heating assistance, social worker, with your

Homemade Clown Costume From Sheets

A clown costume can be inxpensively created using a sheet

Clowns are known to invoke humor and dress outlandishly, wearing a mishmosh of colors and oversized clothes. Sheets are an ideal canvas for creating a clown costume. They offer a large amount of material in a variety of colors and patterns. Using sheets is also an inexpensive way to create a clown costume, since people often have old sheets in their linen closets. Secondhand sheets can also be purchased from thrift or discount stores.

Instructions

1. Hold a hula hoop around your waist and have a helper fasten a piece of fishing line to the front of the hula hoop. Pull the other end of the fishing line over your right shoulder and tie it to the back of the hula hoop.

2. To further secure the hula hoop, tie another piece of fishing line to the front and pull it over your left shoulder, tying it to the back of the hula hoop. The fishing line should crisscross over your body to help lock the hoop in place. This will form the waistband of the clown pants.

3. Choose a brightly-colored sheet--with as wild a pattern as you can find--to create your clown outfit. Cut a hole for your head in the middle of the sheet, as well as holes for your arms. Let the sheet cascade over you and the hula hoop.

4. Cut off the edges of the sheet that extend past your feet. Cut slits in the sheet from the bottom front and back ends, and upward to what would be the groin area in a pair of pants. Glue, sew, or pin the inside left front and back edges and the inside right front and back edges together to form wide, flowing pant legs. Sewing will be the most secure option, however, a fabric glue should hold up well for a one-time wear. Pinning is the ideal choice when short on time and crafting skill.

5. Add finishing touches--such as clown shoes, a wig, and a red nose--to complete your costume.

Tags: hula hoop, fishing line, clown costume, front back, over your, back edges, back hula

Decorate The Inside Of A Travel Trailer

No matter what the outside looks like, you can decorate the inside of a travel trailer to look like home.

Whether new or vintage, large or small, decorate the inside of a travel trailer to feel like home. It is, after all, going to be your home when you are away. You do not need a lot of interior design skills to transform the space into your style and make it fit your personality. All it takes is a little bit of time and effort to turn your camper into a true vacation getaway.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls and cabinetry if needed. It is the easiest way to update any space and can be used to cover wear and tear in vintage campers.

2. Lay down new flooring. For those on a budget, peel-and-stick linoleum tiles are a cheap way to update a small space.

3. Invest in quality linens for the bedroom area. Even a few nights on an uncomfortable bed can ruin a vacation.

4. Make or buy cheery curtains to hang in addition to the standard shades that are usually found when decorating the inside of a travel trailer. Privacy is needed, especially in busy parks, but curtains are what makes it homey.

5. Reupholster the benches if needed. Use throw pillows on the rest for comfort and extra color.

6. Create covers for your bedroom-area pillows. If you are not handy with sewing, just pin your favorite fabric around existing pillows.

7. Hang up artwork and other accessories. Because of the possibility of getting jarred when moving, secure the frames on both the top and the bottom with screws to avoid having them fall off and break.

8. Buy or make shelves that have a front to hold things in place when decorating a travel trailer. For example, canisters, spice jars and other breakables should be on custom shelves that hold them in place while the camper is being moved.

Tags: inside travel trailer, travel trailer, decorate inside, decorate inside travel, inside travel

Decorate A Kitchen For Christmas

One room that may be forgotten when it comes to Christmas decorations is the kitchen. If you will be spending a lot of time in your kitchen around the holidays, decorate it for Christmas and enjoy the festivities even more. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Start your decorating with some type of Christmas theme. You can go with Santas and reindeer, snowmen and snowflakes, Victorian-style decor, or even just red and green colors. Once you have a theme in mind, look for decorations.

2. Set the table with holiday place settings. You can leave the dishes out to be decorative. Set the dishes on top of colorful place mats for them to really stand out.

3. Buy or make a centerpiece for the middle of the table. This can be a Christmas floral arrangement or even a miniature Christmas tree.

4. Hang Christmas-themed dish towels on racks or hooks. You can usually find them with matching rugs for the floor and potholders for the counter.

5. Add Christmas ornaments to cabinet and door handles. Make sure they are not breakable.

6. Attach a ribbon to the top of a window, and let it hang to the center of the window. Hang an ornament from the end of the ribbon. You can use one wide ribbon or a few smaller ribbons with ornaments at the bottom of each one.

7. Place scented candles around the kitchen. Use scents like cinnamon, vanilla or pine. You can even find "Christmas"-scented candles at some stores.

Tags:

Make A Minnie Mouse Costume

Make a Minnie Mouse Costume

It's Halloween and the cutest mouse ever to hit Orlando is a hit with young girls as well. Making a Minnie Mouse costume is relatively easy, even for those who aren't great with a needle and thread. Basically, a Minnie Mouse costume comes down to three easy components: clothing, makeup and accessories.

Instructions

1. Begin with Minnie's clothing. She wears a red polka dot dress. This may be difficult to find, so enterprising trick-or-treaters may want to go with a red skirt and red shirt. Ensure a proper fit. For added authenticity, cut some white polka dots out of felt and hot glue them onto the outfit.

2. Try a pair of crocs, or spray paint an old pair of sneakers to replicate Minnie's bright yellow shoes. Although Minnie wears heels, trick or treaters will want to steer clear of uncomfortable shoes. If yellow heels are a must for you, try online retailers for this rare color.

3. Use a lot of mascara and paint a mouse's face to create Minnie's makeup look. Use black face paint to darken your nose and add whiskers on your cheeks. Bright red lipstick adds some fun to the costume.

4. Find a pair of huge mouse ears at your local costume shop or an online retailer. A red bow covered in white dots should fit right between them. Lastly, purchase a pair of big, fluffy white mittens for that finishing touch do round off the costume with Minnie's great accessories.

Tags: Minnie Mouse, Make Minnie, Make Minnie Mouse, Mouse costume, Mouse Costume

Celebrate A Hawaiian Christmas

In Hawaii, Christmas is celebrated aloha style. Santa wears a Hawaiian shirt, and the Christmas meal is often a luau instead of a formal indoor meal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase gifts for just about everyone you know. Hawaiians seem to be more generous than most people at Christmastime. It's a tradition to make sure that everyone is included.

2. Attend church on Christmas morning, if that's an important part of your religious tradition.

3. Plan a luau, which is an outdoor meal that consists of a kalua pig roasted in an "imu," or underground oven.

4. Make Christmas leis for family and friends to wear.

5. Enjoy the sounds of the Christmas bells, which are played on a steel guitar.

6. Expect Menehune Santa to arrive with presents in his Christmas tree boat, or red canoe, dressed for the weather in shorts and Hawaiian shirt. His elves are said to paddle the boat to shore.

7. Bake traditional Christmas treats, such as sweet potato cheesecake with "haupia," or coconut, frosting.

8. Listen to Hawaiian Christmas songs like "Po La'i E" or "Silent Night."

Tags: Hawaiian Christmas, Hawaiian shirt

Hire Hula Dancers For A Luau

The crowning touch for your luau is a group of professional Hawaiian hula dancers providing the entertainment. The hula dancers will add that authentic flavor that will make your luau the most memorable party of the season! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Understand Hawaiian hula dance. Hula is a serious dance, not just party entertainment! Take some time to research the history of hula so you know the basics and show respect to the dancers you hire. Research hula at Hawaii History.

2. Decide what you want the dancers to do at your luau, including the type of dancing and the costumes you would like to see. Hula dancers can provide entertainment throughout the evening, and they can teach your guests hula or invite them to dance. Many Hawaiian hula dance groups can also provide their own music.

3. Find hula dancers in your area. Searching online is the best way to find hula dancers. Start by looking up halaus (hula schools) in your area at Mele.com. If you have no luck there, contact local Hawaiian or Polynesian cultural or civic groups.

4. Contact the hula dancers. Explain what you want to hire the group for and find out about pricing. Ask the group if you can view a taped performance and photographs of them in costume before you hire them. Some groups may also allow you to attend at least part of a practice.

5. Write up a contract. Include the time and length of the performance, and exactly what you expect from the dancers. Specify the compensation. The group may have their own contract, so ask before you write your own.

6. Provide a changing area and drinks for your dancers. Hula requires different costumes for different types of dances, and even for different songs. The dancers will need to change quickly, so a small cabana would be helpful. A cooler full of water will help the dancers refresh themselves between numbers.

7. Enjoy your luau! You are providing your guests with an experience that they are likely not going to forget.

Tags: your luau, Hawaiian hula, hula dancers, dancers will, dancers your, groups also

Display A Fruit Tray

Make your own fruit tray with a few simple cutting techniques.

You can bring the magic of a beautifully displayed fruit tray into your home for a graduation party, birthday party or any entertaining event where you'd like to do more with your fruit than merely eat it. A few simple tips will make your fruit tray look so good that guests will find it irresistible--and yet so attractive that they won't want to eat it for fear of destroying the display. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Pare the rind from a melon by slicing off the top and bottom of the melon with a large cutting knife so that it stands flat. Strip off the remaining melon rind moving from the top to the bottom of the melon with your knife so that slender, rectangular strips of rind are removed until all the rind is off the melon.

2. Cut the melon in half and then into quarters using the large cutting knife. Repeat this process on all your melons--honeydew and cantaloupe work well. Cut the quarters into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick slices. Apply steps one and two to the pineapple, apples and oranges.

3. Cut ridges in your melon, orange, apple and pineapple slices with a channeling knife that has a V-shaped chisel. Push the knife away from you and downward into the fruit. Apply even pressure to maintain a consistent depth of about 1/4 inch. The knife will leave a pleasing, ridge cut in the fruit. Set the cut fruit aside.

4. Use a paring knife to remove the rind from about a dozen kiwi. Cut the peeled kiwi into slices that are 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Wash strawberries and cut the tops off of them with your paring knife. Wash the blueberries. Set aside.

5. Spread two layers of the sliced melon in a ring or half-circle onto a black, circular tray. Lay the sliced apples next, followed by a ring of kiwi fruit. Lay the orange slices in the center. Arrange the pineapple slices along the outer edge of the unfilled portion of the tray. Lay strawberries down next.

6. Lay a table runner or clean, white tablecloth over the table where the fruit will be displayed. Set the tray down carefully on the table. Lay blueberries along the outermost rim of the tray. If desired, you can garnish the tray with violets interspersed in eighths along the outer rim of the tray.

Tags: fruit tray, knife that, with your, your fruit, along outer, bottom melon

Homemade Monkey Party Ideas

Take a photo of your child in a tree like a monkey for the party invitation.

A monkey-themed birthday party is a hit for young children who will enjoy having the chance to monkey around with their friends. Although many stores sell monkey paraphernalia, party hosts can make invitations and decorations from basic supplies. Transform the party location into a jungle paradise in preparation for the arrival of a troop of hooting monkeys looking for food and activities. Does this Spark an idea?

Invitations

Make monkey party invitations that include monkeys, bananas or both. One idea is to fold sheets of yellow card stock in half lengthwise and cut a banana shape out of the card, while leaving some of the fold intact. Write "Calling all monkeys" on the front and write the party details inside. Another invitation idea is to take a picture of the birthday child up in a tree like a monkey and to use that on the front of an invitation that says, "You're invited to come monkey around at [child's name]'s [age]th birthday party!"

Decorations

Create jungle vines in the party area by twisting brown paper grocery bags into the vines and attaching leaf shapes cut out of green construction paper. Hang the child's stuffed monkeys or other monkey toys such as a barrel of plastic monkeys from the vines. Tape long green and brown streamers to the top of the doorway where guests enter so they feel like they are walking into a jungle.

Food

Serve monkey treats such as chocolate-covered frozen bananas or peanut butter and banana sandwiches. For the cake, bake a round cake and at least one cupcake. Cut the cupcake in half and set the halves on the sides of the monkey head as ears with the cut sides touching the edge of the round cake. Frost the cake with dark brown frosting and decorate the cake with tan and black frosting to make the monkey's facial features.

Activities

Create age-appropriate activities for the party guests that incorporate monkeys or bananas. One idea is to have kids participate in a relay race where they have to carry a banana in a funny way, such as between the chin and chest or on the end of a wooden spoon. For another activity, hide real or plastic bananas in the party area and send the children on a banana hunt.

Tags: birthday party, cake with, child tree, child tree like, into jungle, like monkey, monkey around

Homemade Personalized Birthday Invitations

Birthday invitations should be as special as the party.

It is easy to find adorable and unique birthday invitations at party stores. It is not so easy to find personalized invitations. Personalized invitations are special to the birthday person, especially when they display a name and face. Make your own personalized birthday party invitations with photos of the birthday person and a few items found at craft stores. Not only will your birthday party guests enjoy the personalized touch, the birthday girl or boy will love the recognition. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Print 12 pictures (2x3-inch wallet size) of the birthday boy or girl (see Resources for printing help). Alternatively, cut 12 wallet-size professional/school portraits of the birthday person.

2. Glue a photo to the front of a blank greeting card. Completely cover the back of the photo, paying special attention to glue the edges and corners. Allow the glue to dry.

3. Trace the photo edges with a thick line of squeezable glitter fabric paint. The fabric paint will dry with a raised, glittery texture.

4. Use the squeezable glitter fabric paint to personalize the invitation. Write, "[Name's] Birthday Party," underneath the photo. It may be helpful to write the name in pencil first.

5. Use a glitter marker to write the birthday party information, such as location, times, venue and directions, on the right page of the inside of the card. Write a little birthday poem on the left side of the card (see Resources for poem ideas).

Tags: birthday person, fabric paint, birthday girl, birthday party, easy find, glitter fabric

Advertise With Postcards

Businesses of any size can get a good return on a small investment by advertising with postcards. They can be quick and easy to print in-house and, when utilized properly, can build customer loyalty and retention.

Instructions

1. Your first consideration should be your mailing list. The best approach is to build a list of your customers by simply asking for address information at the point of purchase. If there is a specific reason why this may be difficult for your particular business, develop some sort of incentive for your customers to offer their address, such as a valuable coupon or discount. If neither of these methods are appropriate, you can purchase a mailing list from a mailing list service, although these may be very expensive.

2. Determine the message of your postcard. Rather than send a simple self-promotion, use postcards to advertise a specific sale, invite customers to come back with an included coupon, feature a new product or service or promote something else that is time-sensitive. When writing copy for your postcard, use as few words as possible and keep it simple.

3. Use your graphic design software to design your postcards. Be sure to set up your page as stipulated in the packaging for your perforated postcards; it usually features four postcards on one sheet. Be sure to create image files for both sides of your postcard, with one side containing the bulk of your text and the other containing your return address and logo. Leave room for the address label in your design.

4. Print your postcards and mailing address labels. Attach mailing labels and postage to each card. Check with your local post office for the current postcard mailing rate. Postage on postcards is cheaper than first class stamps.

Tags: mailing list, your postcard, your customers, your postcards

Inherit A Home With A Mortgage

Inheriting a home with mortgage presents some financial problems.

Inheriting a home after the death of a relative presents you with various concerns, especially if it still has a mortgage. The best course of action in such a situation depends on your preferences and the condition of the property. Making a decision on what to do with the house requires careful study of documents relating to the property with professionals who can provide you with personalized advice. Making the wrong decision can lead to financial hardships and family conflicts.

Instructions

1. Hire a professional property inspector. Detecting any problems with the place helps you decide whether to sell, rent or move in.

2. Get advice from a real estate attorney to learn your legal rights and obligations. Depending on your particular situation, the attorney can determine whether you are responsible for the mortgage.

3. Pay off the mortgage if you have the cash. If you plan to move in, you may be able to assume the mortgage and make regular payments. If you plan to rent the house, you may have to refinance the mortgage under your own name.

4. Sell the house if you do not want to move in or lack the funds to pay for refinancing. Talk to the lender about a short sale, where the sale proceeds go into paying the outstanding mortgage balance. In some states, the lender may demand that you pay any outstanding debt if the proceeds fall short of the total balance. Before going through with the sale, get the lender to agree, in writing, not to go after you for the balance.

5. Give the house keys to the lender and let the lender repossess the house. Before doing this, however, get the lender to agree to not hold you responsible for the debt after the repossession.

Tags: Inheriting home, lender agree

Find The Date Of Your Firearm

Most firearms can be dated using their serial number.

Firearm manufacturers encode a great deal of information into the individual serial numbers with which they stamp their product. Much like vehicle identification numbers, serial numbers on firearms reveal detailed information such as the make and model of the firearm, when and where it was manufactured and any customizations made to the firearm. This same serial number is used by law enforcement offices to register the firearm each time it transfers to another owner. Unfortunately for consumers who are curious about their firearm's history, these codes are unique to each manufacturer and cannot be deciphered without additional information.

Instructions

1. Find the serial number on your firearm. Each manufacturer places the serial number in a different location. You may need to use a magnifying glass if the serial number is in a difficult-to-read location. Some are easier to find than others. Browning, for example, lists the serial number in the owner's manual sold with each firearm.

2. Visit the manufacturer's website and search for firearm dating charts. Most manufacturers now offer these charts to decode their unique serial numbers.

3. Contact your manufacturer by phone if you cannot locate a dating chart online. Customer service will be able to walk you through decoding your serial number to determine your firearm's manufacturing date.

Tags: serial number, serial numbers, your firearm

Create Coloring Book Pages For Free

Kee you child entertained with your homemade coloring book.

Creating your own coloring book is a cost-effective way to entertain your child. You can make your book to include pictures and scenes that match your child's interests, such as animals or sports themes. The easiest way to complete the task is to make your own homemade book without the hassle of setting up a printer. Plus, your book will be personalized with your own drawing attempts.

Instructions

1. Flick through magazines and find shapes, pictures and people that you would like to include in the coloring book. Mark these pages with a dot using the black marker pen to remember where they are.

2. Use the pencil to copy the outline of the shapes onto sheets of white paper. Fill each page with one large image, but create plenty of different zones to color in. For example, if you draw a shirt, outline the fabric pattern, buttons, and tie for coloring in.

3. Rub out lines if you make mistakes or to change the shape of the image. Then, when you are happy with each page, go over the pencil lines with black marker pen.

4. Put the pages together in a neat pile, and number them along the bottom. A coloring book with 20 pages is plenty. When it has been completely colored, you can simply make another.

5. Staple the book together along the left-hand edge of the pages. This will make the pages stay in order, and the child can flip through the book.

6. Draw a personalized, colorful picture on the front of the book. Include the name of the child in the title, such as "Bob's Coloring Book".

Tags: coloring book, black marker, each page, make your, with your, your book, your child

Fill Out An Invitation Card

Despite the plethora of online invitations available, many people still opt to send traditional paper invitations by postal mail. Not only do paper invitations provide a more formal request to attend, but the guest can also keep the invitation as a memento. If you are sending invitations, you need to fill them out with all the party details. If you have received an invitation that has a response card, you need to fill out the response card and mail it back to the host. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Fill Out Invitation

1. Write the reason for the party on the line that is usually either at the top of the invitation or near the bottom. It might have "for" written before the line. Include the name of the person being honored and/or the occasion. For example, you could fill it in with, "Devon's 8th birthday" or "Girls' movie night."

2. Write the date of the party, including the day of the week, on the line marked "when" or "date." For example, you might write, "Saturday, September 10."

3. Write the start and end time for the party on the line marked "time" or at the end of the line for the date. Include whether it is in the morning or evening if the time could create confusion. For example, it might read "8 p.m. to 11 p.m."

4. Fill in the location of the party on the line marked "where" or "venue." If the party is happening at your home, you only need the street address. If it is somewhere else, include the name of the venue and the street address or general location. For example, an ice-skating party invitation might say "Skating Rink, Town Center Mall."

5. Write the name and phone number or email address of the host on the line that requests that guests RSVP. You can also include the date by which you need people to reply.

Fill Out Response Card

6. Write your name on the line at the top of the response card. The line might have the letter M at the beginning of it, in which case you should use that as the first letter of your title. If your title begins with another letter, as is the case with Dr. or Reverend, draw a slash through the M and write your title next to it. If another guest, such as a spouse, was invited on your invitation, write that person's name on the line as well.

7. Check the box next to the appropriate response. If you will be attending, the box might read "will attend" or "accepts with pleasure." If you will not be able to go to the event, the box might read "will not attend" or "declines with regrets." If some of the invited guests will be there and some will not, write the number of guests in the box instead of a check mark. In some cases, the response line reads "will ___ attend." Leave it as is if you accept the invitation, and write the word "not" on the line if you decline the invitation.

8. If desired, write a short note on the response card. Especially if you decline the invitation, this is a good way to pass along your well-wishes for the occasion.

Tags: line marked, might read, party line, response card, will attend, your title, decline invitation

Dress A Whole Pig Hawaiianstyle

The meat on a roast pig is picked from the carcass for serving.

Roasting a whole pig can seem intimidating on the surface, but unless you are slaughtering and removing the organs yourself, it's a very simple process. The Hawaiian style of roasting a pig involves creating a rock pit lined with hot coals and hardwood and laying the pig right on top of the heat source. Some luau traditions even include burying the pig beneath the ground to cook. You can roast a pig in your own backyard by placing it on a spit on grill grates and get the same result. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill a bathtub with cold water. Add the pig to the tub. Add 40 pounds of ice and four cups of table salt to the tub and swirl the water around to mix the salt well. Allow the pig to sit in the brine overnight. Add additional ice as necessary.

2. Remove the pig from the brine and dry the carcass as much as possible. Set up your fire pit, with either a grill grate or spit located above the coals. Truss the pig around the front and back legs and around the torso in several places if using the spit method.

3. Rub the surface of the pig, as well as inside the cavity, with salt and ground black pepper. Cut small slits into several spots on the pig's skin and insert garlic clove slivers, if desired.

4. Wrap the entire pig in banana leaves if you wish to follow Hawaiian-style tradition. Wrap the pig in chicken wire to hold the banana leaves in place.

Tags: banana leaves

Care For A Ukelele

Tiny, light sound and four strings? Sounds like a uke to me!

The ukulele, while of Portuguese origin, is a staple of Hawaiian culture and music. However, its popularity isn't limited to Hawaii. The small, guitar-like instrument with a light sound is made by guitar manufacturers worldwide including Gibson and Martin. Like any musical instrument, your ukulele requires special care to keep it in tip-top shape. Fortunately, caring for your uke is easy, though it might cost you a little extra to protect your investment.

Instructions

1. Get a case for your ukulele. Without a case, your ukulele is exposed to the elements, meaning it's more prone to scratches, dents and dings, and to being crushed when not in use. Hard cases offer the best protection. Since ukuleles vary slightly in size from model to model, bring yours with you when buying a case to make sure the instrument fits. The ukulele should fit snugly in the case, but you should never have to struggle to fit it in. A little extra space is OK.

2. Keep your ukulele at room temperature as much as possible (roughly 70 degrees). Extreme hot and cold cause the wood or plastic to warp, ruining the sound of the instrument. Hot temperatures also affect the glue holding it together, which may cause your instrument to fall apart.

3. Wash your hands before playing or handling your ukulele. The grease and oils from hands and fingers dirty the instrument, affecting the strings wood, and sound. Keeping the ukulele clean by washing up before use saves a lot of time and keeps your instrument shining.

4. Keep your ukulele in tune. The standard turning for ukuleles is GCEA (G is the string closest to you when holding the instrument). Use a piano, electronic tuner or an online tuner (link below) to match the pitch of each string to this sequence. Twist the tuning pegs at the top of the ukulele's neck to raise and lower the pitch. Match it to the pitch of the tuner if using an audio tuner. Electronic tuners display the pitch played by the string on a small screen so you can see the note the string plays.

5. Change the strings every three to six months. The more you play, the more you need to change the strings. Remove the old strings by twisting the tuning pegs at the top of the neck. Pull the strings from the bridge of the ukulele. Then insert the new strings through each hole in the bridge (if your ukulele uses pegs to hold the strings in, insert the strings and then the pegs). Then insert the strings into the holes on the tuning pegs and turn each peg so the string wraps around it several times (this keeps it tight). Tune the strings using the method in Step 4.

6. Clean the ukulele using a soft cloth whenever it is dirty. Ukulele cleaners and polishes are available at instrument retailers as well. While unessential, these products are easily used when restringing your ukulele. Use these products sparingly, and always read the instructions on the bottle to make sure they're safe for use with your uke.

7. Keep a humidifier in your ukulele's case if you live in an especially dry area. If the air is too dry, your ukulele could crack or take damage. The ideal humidity for your instrument is 45 to 55 percent. Instrument stores sell humidifiers made for instrument cases. They're small and fit in the case, leaving room for the instrument.

Tags: your ukulele, insert strings, tuning pegs, your instrument, case your, case your ukulele, each string

Make A Professionalquality Hula Hoop

Hula hopping isn't just for kids.

Whether you need a supply of hula hoops to keep the kids busy or you want to try weighted hula hooping to whittle away your waistline, making your own is a cheap and easy project. You'll be the envy of the neighborhood with your customized hoop.

Instructions

1. Using the hacksaw or PVC cutter, cut your tubing to the desired length. Ideally, you want the hoop to reach between your waist and chest in height when standing on the floor.

2. Heat one end of the tubing in boiling water for 10 seconds or with a heat gun.

3. Quickly insert the coupling halfway into the heated end of the tubing.

4. Optional: Using a funnel with the open end, add either some noise makers (rice, beans, etc.) or weight (water or dirt). You will only need a small amount of noise makers. It is not necessary to fill the tube completely with the water or dirt.

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3, dipping the other end of the tube into the boiling water (or heat with a heat gun), and insert the open end of the coupler into the tube, connecting both ends and making a circle. Take care not to spill your weight or noise makers. You can run the connected area under cold water to cool it off quickly and make it a tighter fit.

6. Optional: Secure the seams with duct tape for added security.

7. Optional: Decorate your hoop with colored tape. There are all kinds of tape available in all different colors. It's fun to play with metallic tape or reflective tape as well. You can also use gaff tape (gaffers tape) on the inside of the hoop to help it grip to your body.

Tags: noise makers, boiling water, water dirt, with heat

Install Smith Corona Daisy Wheel

Changing fonts in a document before personal computers came along involved actually changing the typewriter component that contained the font. For the Smith Corona electronic typewriter, the piece containing the font is known as a daisy wheel. Though it's not nearly as fast as selecting a font in your computer's word processor, if you follow the proper procedure you'll find that changing daisy wheels is straightforward and that the typewriter's memory will retain line and character spacing information.

Instructions

1. Press and hold down the CODE key on the lower row of keys just to the left of the space bar. While still holding the CODE key down, press the = (SETTING) key on the top row of keys near the right end.

2. Lift the translucent plastic print cover on the top surface of the typewriter. You will see the platen bar and print carrier inside.

3. Press the SPACE or BS key to move the print carrier to the center of the platen bar.

4. Pull the lever on the right side of the print carrier toward you. This releases the daisy wheel. Lift the daisy wheel up and out.

5. Insert the new daisy wheel in the same place. Make sure the characters face the platen bar, locking the daisy wheel in place. Push the lever away from you to its original position. Close the print cover.

6. Close print cover. Press and hold the CODE key and press the = (SETTING) key again. This reinitializes the typewriter and all memory functions such as carrier position and margins will be retained.

Tags: daisy wheel, print carrier, print cover, Close print, Close print cover, daisy wheel, Press hold

Make A Fresh Flower Lei

Lei

The fresh flower lei is probably one of the most definitive of all Hawaiian icons. A lei traditionally expresses love, reverence, respect congratulations and welcome. There are about as many different types of leis as there are reasons to give one. Ancient Hawaiians used braided human hair, bird feathers, shells and dog teeth, but the more modern version includes a vast assortment of fresh flowers, foliage and more. Read on to learn make a fresh flower lei.

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of dental floss, fishing line or crochet thread 50 inches long. This will give you a lei that is 40 inches long with 5 inches on each end that you can tie together. If you are using number 10 crochet thread cut it to 100 inches long and use a double strand.

2. Use the felt tip pen to mark the string 5 inches from each end.

3. Place a clip on the opposite end of the string from where you will be stringing the flowers.

4. If you are using a lei needle, pull the string through the hook of the needle and either hold it back to secure it or use pliers to squeeze the hook closed so it makes an eye. If you are using another type of needle, thread it. Use a single strand if you are using dental floss or fishing line and use a double strand if you are using number 10 crochet thread.

5. Remove the stem from each blossom before you string it.

6. Slide the needle through the center of each flower. Some lei makers prefer to not to string through the center, but instead prefer to make a new hole in the flower just below the center of the stem.

7. Nest each flower against the previous flower.

8. After stringing all the flowers nest the first and last flowers and tie the string in a square knot, leaving a tail so the lei can be carried without touching the flowers. Remove the tail before presenting the lei to someone.

9. Mist the lei lightly with water.

10. If you need to store the lei, place it loosely in a plastic bag after misting and store it in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator. If the lei gets too cold the flowers will be damaged.

Tags: crochet thread, inches long, crochet thread inches, dental floss, dental floss fishing, double strand, each flower

Make A Flower Balloon Arch

Use a variety of different colors to make a bright flower balloon arch.

A flower balloon arch is a creative decoration that can be used at an indoor or outdoor celebration, such as a baby or bridal shower, a birthday party or a summer barbecue. A balloon arch is simpler to make than it looks, as long as you plan ahead, take your time and make sure you have an ample supply of helium on hand.

Instructions

1. Inflate one light blue balloon with the helium balloon tank and hold the end securely without tying the end closed. Inflate another light blue balloon with the tank and tie the end of this balloon to the end of the first balloon. Repeat this step to make one more pair of blue balloons.

2. Inflate one white balloon, leaving the end untied again while you inflate a second white balloon. Tie the ends of the two balloons together. Repeat this step to make four more pairs of white balloons. Inflate a red balloon, hold the end while you inflate a white balloon and then tie the ends together to make one red-and-white pair.

3. Join the two pairs of light blue balloons by twisting them together at the tied centers, and then wrap a piece of string around the center of the four-balloon cluster. Join two pairs of white balloons in the same way and stack them on top of the light blue balloons. Wrap the string extending from the blue balloons around the center of the white balloons.

4. Attach the joined red and white balloons to one of the pairs of white balloons by twisting the tied centers together. Place the cluster atop the stack, securing it with the string extending from the white balloons.

5. Join the final two pairs of white balloons into a quartet and tie it on top of the other balloons. Make sure the single red balloon from the previous step faces outward to form the center of the flower.

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 to make another balloon flower and attach it to the first flower with the string. Make two more balloon flowers, for a total of four, and attach them in the same way.

7. Make a fifth balloon flower, but do not connect this flower to the others. Instead, begin with a new piece of string and keep this flower separate from the others.

8. Make three more flowers and stack them as described. You should end up with two separate, identical chains of balloon flowers.

9. Cut a length of string and tie it to the top end of the first chain of balloon flowers. Attach the other end of the string to the top end of the second chain of balloon flowers and pull tightly to join the chains. Now you have a single balloon arch with flowers pointing upward throughout.

10. Tie the bottom balloons at each end of the arch to a brick with a length of string and cover the brick with bright foiled paper. Tie the paper closed over the brick with a ribbon for a completed balloon arch.

Tags: white balloons, balloon flowers, blue balloons, light blue, pairs white, pairs white balloons, balloon arch

Make A Child'S Skirt Without A Pattern

This is a great beginner's project or a simple and quick way to make some cute skirts for your daughter.

Instructions

1. Spread the material out on a table. The long side of the material will be the width of the skirt.

2. Along the long side of the material, measure a length 10" more than the child's hip measurement. Trim the rest of the material off evenly.

3. Line up the edge you have just cut with the opposite edge, right sides together.

4. With a sewing machine (or by hand) make a seam five-eighths of an inch from the edge.

5. Using an iron, press the seam open so that it lays flat.

6. Decide which edge will be the waist. Still working with the wrong side of the fabric showing, fold the edge of the waist over about one-quarter of an inch.

7. Fold the edge over again about an inch farther and iron this fold down. (Your first fold should not show now.)

8. Stitch this edge to the body of the skirt. This will form the casing to put the elastic in. Leave about two inches unstitched, so you can insert the elastic.

9. Measure and cut off a piece of elastic as long as the child's waist measurement.

10. Insert the elastic into the casing and pull it through so the two ends meet, creating the waist. Sew the two ends together. Stitch the ends of the elastic together several times so that it won't come apart while being worn.

11. Sew the two-inch opening so that the elastic is out of sight.

12. After deciding how long you want the skirt to be, add two inches to that measurement in order to create the hem. Cut the bottom of the skirt evenly.

13. Sew the seam binding onto the right side of the bottom edge and pin up the hem evenly.

14. Hem the skirt.

Tags: long side, long side material, side material

Build An Outside Bbq Pit

Get grilling on your new outdoor barbecue pit.

A barbecue pit can be as simple and crude as a hole in the ground filled with coals. To make things a little more sophisticated and permanent you can create a surface-mortared brick pit which can also double as a fire pit if you are in the mood for toasted marshmallows instead of grilled sausages. This method of mortaring is much easier than traditional brick mortaring and even total amateurs should be able to manage a decent job. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the barbecue plate in position where you want the barbecue pit to go. It can be a round or rectangular plate. The substrate should be concrete, pavers or other fire-safe material.

2. Trace around the outside of the barbecue plate with a pencil. Dry lay the first row of bricks over the middle of the traced line. Leave four ¼-inch gaps evenly spaced around the first course of bricks for ventilation.

3. Lay the second course of bricks, staggering the joints of the bricks. Continue laying courses until your pit is around 24-inches high.

4. Place the metal grate on the bottom of the pit and place your barbecue coals on top. Fit the barbecue plate over the top of the pit; it should extend over the entire top with half a brick's width on all sides.

Tags: barbecue plate, course bricks

Hawaii Group Vacations

Take a group vacation to Hawaii and enjoy the lush landscape of each island.

Traveling in a group to Hawaii is often cheaper per person than individual travel. However, there are also challenges as well, like choosing a time when everyone is available to travel. If your group is on a budget, visit Hawaii during the off peak season from mid-April to mid-Jun or mid-September to mid-November. Also, try to travel during the middle of the week, as opposed to over the weekend. Some group vacation packages to Hawaii include airfare, hotel, transportation and activities in one cost, so you do not have to do all the planning yourself.

Hawaii Aloha

Hawaii Aloha is a Hawaiian travel site that offers a variety of vacation packages, including group vacations to Hawaii. The company does not offer specific, pre-designed travel packages for groups. Instead, you tell them how many people you have, when your travel dates are, which islands you want to visit, and what type of hotel and transportation you want. Hawaii Aloha will then put together a handful of group vacation packages customized for your group's plan.

Hawaii Aloha

6800 Kalanianaole Highway #127

Honolulu, HI 96825

808-589-2000

hawaii-aloha.com

Panda Travel of Hawaii

Panda Travel of Hawaii is a travel company that can help you book your hotel, airfare, rental car and various Hawaii activities in one transaction. They offer discounted rates for groups of ten or more people, including family reunions, destination weddings and corporate getaways.

Panda Travel of Hawaii

1017 Kapahulu Ave.

Honolulu, HI 96816

800-508-6994

airtohawaii.com

Global Adventure Travel

Global Adventure Travel (GLAD) offers custom group travel packages to Hawaii for parties of four or more. GLAD customizes your group vacation package based on number of people, travel dates, budget and islands you wish to visit on your vacation. The company does not charge an extra fee for its group Hawaii vacation travel package service.

Global Adventure Travel

gladtravel.com

AATPA

AATPA is a Hawaii travel agency that specializes in helping you book group travel to Hawaii. The company handles everything from airfare and lodging to specific Hawaiian activities, such as golf or luaus. The minimum number of people that AATPA will work with is 20. The company typically works with corporate retreats, family or group retreats, conferences, educational tours of the islands, and golf retreats and tournaments.

AATPA

16981 Placer Hills Rd.

Meadow Vista, CA‎ 95722

800-975-2992

aatpa.com

Tags: group vacation, Hawaii Aloha, Adventure Travel, Global Adventure, Global Adventure Travel

Cook A Hawaiian Pig

Pork cooked the Hawaiian way should be tender and soft

Hawaiian pigs are cooked in an underground pit for several hours. Also known as kalua pig, this is the traditional way of preparing pork for a festivity such as a luau or family gathering. When it's ready, the pork should be tender and fall off the bone easily; it will have a smoky flavor. Hawaiian restaurants serve a modern equivalent that has been prepared in a smoker. It is usually served with steamed white rice. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Dig a pit between 2 to 4 feet deep, making sure the sides are sloped to retain the heat. Ensure it is wide enough for the pig as well as rocks and the wood that will burn. Keep the soil you've excavated as you will later use this to cover the pit.

2. Place wood at the bottom of the pit to burn, starting with small wood like kindling before covering with larger pieces of wood. Cover with stones.

3. Light the wood and leave for one to two hours for the stones to reach their maximum temperature. Even the stones out with a twig or stick.

4. Cut the plants lengthwise and place two layers of vegetation over the stones.

5. Place the pig into the pit over the plants and then cover in another layer of vegetation.

6. Cover the pit with the soil you excavated previously and leave to cook for six to eight hours.

7. Remove the soil and plants carefully when you're ready to take the pig out, to avoid getting dirt on the food.

Tags: Cover with, should tender, soil excavated

Design A Tablescape For A Christmas Dinner Party

Design a Tablescape for a Christmas Dinner Party

Christmas is one of the best times of the year for celebrating with friends and family. If you plan on throwing a dinner party, having a tablescape for guests to enjoy while they are seated adds a festive touch to the party and the overall decor of the house. Designing a tablescape takes a little creativity and not much money. There are decorations that can be purchased on any budget, without compromising style or elegance. You can design a simple tablescape, or go all out on the decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place a cream tablecloth in either linen or lace on the table. Using a cream tablecloth gives the look of elegance, while providing a neutral background for decorations. A deep red tablecloth also works well, but be sure to use more neutral dinnerware and napkins so that the tablescape does not clash.

2. Set up each place setting with the proper dinnerware. Break out the best dishes and glasses, providing each guest with a dinner plate, bread plate or soup bowl, and glasses for wine or water. Napkins should be cloth and look best in a deep red or forest green to complement the cream tablecloth. Fold napkins in a professional manner at each place setting, or put them through elegant napkin rings.

3. Add a table place card to each seat for the guests. This cuts down on any confusion guests may have when determining where to sit, and can can add a sense of elegance. There are many different types of place setting card holders, or you can make your own using elegant tree decorations.

4. Set tea lights throughout the table. They provide elegant lighting as well as a beautiful ambiance. Use pillar candles as a centerpiece, selecting scented candles to provide both light and a fragrant aroma. Add festive decor such as mini pine cones or small groups of pine branches with holly berries and pine cones surrounding a large pillar candle. Candy canes work well with any decor; place them in glass vases along with a tea light.

5. Play elegant holiday music in the background. For a dinner party, instrumental Christmas carols or music is best so that it does not drown out the conversations of the guests, but still provides music for enjoyment.

Tags: cream tablecloth, place setting, Christmas Dinner, Christmas Dinner Party, Design Tablescape

A Photo To A Birthday Ecard

Birthday e-cards can be personalized by adding your own photo.

Birthday e-cards are a convenient way to send birthday greetings to loved ones. They can be sent from anywhere, and the recipient receives the cards in a timely manner. You can choose to send it right away or schedule a date and time for it to be sent. Birthday e-cards can also be customized by adding your own photos as a personal touch to the card. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose an e-card website to work with such as 123greetings.com or Yahoo! Greetings.

2. Select the "Birthday" category. Depending on the website, it will require you to click on a button to select a photo invitation. For example, Yahoo! Greetings has a link in the "Birthday" section called "Add-a-photo." Choose a card from this category to personalize.

3. Enter your message and edit the font style if you wish. Click on the "upload" button to upload a picture. Navigate to the directory where the picture file is located. Select it and click OK.

4. Enter your name and email address, as well as the recipient's name and email address. Choose a date and time to send the e-card and click on the "Send" button.

Tags: Birthday e-cards, adding your, date time, email address, Enter your

Dance At A Luau Party

Luau dances are typically Polynesian in origin, and the most notable is the hula. If you're invited to a luau, having some hula dance moves in your repertoire is essential. Keep the focus on fun: If you look like you're having a blast, your dancing will be easier to forgive! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Get to Know the Hula

1. Know that there are several different variations on the hula, from the simple side-to-side sway to more complex versions depicting ancient Hawaiian legends. For a luau party, you'll probably want to stick to the simpler, more modern steps.

2. Understand that the purpose of the hula is to convey meaning through movement. Instead of just going through the motions, try to make your movements fluid and concentrate on the rhythm of the music.

3. Search online for dance instruction. Myriahs.com carries instructional hula dance materials (see Resources below).

Dance at a Luau Party

4. Dress the part. The grass skirt is integral to the hula, as it's meant to sway as you move your hips.

5. Begin the hula by standing with your feet together, toes pointing forward and knees slightly bent.

6. Move your right foot to the right a few inches.

7. Bring your left foot over to meet your right foot.

8. Repeat steps 1 and 2.

9. Move your left foot to the left.

10. Step with your right foot and place it next to your left foot.

11. Repeat Steps 3 and 4.

12. Bend your elbows, face your palms down, and point both hands in the same direction in which your feet are moving.

13. Move your arms in smooth waves in time to the music.

14. Concentrate on flowing hand movements and focus on having graceful fingers. The fluid hand movements in the hula are often compared to the motion of a bird in flight. (Traditional Hawaiian stories are actually told through hand motions.)

15. Allow your face and eyes to express the mood of the music.

16. Move your arms to the same side of your body as that toward which your feet are moving. For instance, if you're stepping left, your hands should be on your left also.

Tags: your left, your right foot, left foot, right foot, your feet, your left foot