While searching for more fun Halloween crafts, I browsed the internet and the Oriental Trading company is an excellent site that offers over 35,000 fun projects for every occasion. Use their search bar and type the word "Halloween" and you will find a variety of halloween products. You can save 15% on any order over $59.00 or more. There's an assortment of party decorations, craft kit projects, deals on candy treats, party goodie bags, toys, games and costumes.
What I like the most about Oriental Trading is their prices and unusual products. You can order free catalogs and purchase gift cards too. If you own a website and join their affiliate program, you can earn some extra money.
Also, check out Oriental Trading's "Halloween Monster Mash" and watch the music video or create your own. Upload five face photos and select a theme. To make your photos more interesting, take face photos of your family and friends while they are decked out in their halloween costumes. This is a fun project and I spent several hours browsing their site.
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I think I'll try carving a pumpkin today. I found this easy stencil pattern and I'm sure I can do a pretty good job carving out the pumpkin. If you're searching for some great pumpkin carving ideas, you can find an assortment of pumpkin carving patterns listed on the internet. Check out: Pumpkin Masters free stencil patterns. Simply click on the pumpkin design that you like and download the pattern.
You will need Adobe Reader or any other PDF file reader installed on your computer, so you can download and print out the stencil pattern. Follow the instructions and carve out your pumpkin design.
You can also find a number of holiday ideas at Better Homes and Garden - Check out their list of fun halloween crafts and pumpkin carving stencils.
Do you like to eat pumpkin seeds? - Simply Receipes has several good receipes for "Toasted Pumpkin Seeds" - Yummy!
Want To Know More About the History Of Halloween?
Halloween's origins date back 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, meaning the summer's end. The event was celebrated on the night of October 31st.
In the seventh century, Christianity had grown significant influence and Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st as All Saints' Day, commemorating the deaths of saints and martyrs. The celebration was called "All-hallows Eve" and it eventually became known as Halloween. Incorporating the traditions of Samhain, the event was celebrated with bonfires, parades and costumes of saints, angels, and devils.
Halloween was introduced to America in the 19th century by European immigrants, who brought their traditions for dressing in Halloween costumes. Different cultures and customs have shaped the America version of Halloween; however, the most influential tradition "trick-or-treating" came from the Irish & English traditions.
Throughout the twentieth century, Halloween was transformed into a community celebration with games, costumes and parties for both children and adults. Halloween has now become the second largest commercial holiday with billions of dollars spent on decorations, costumes, parties, candy, and more.
MarthaStewart.com is a very good website that you can check out for some fun ideas. Martha admits she's a big fan of Halloween and you'll find all sorts of crafts that you can do to prepare for the occasion.
During the month of October, I really enjoy looking at the halloween decorations that homeowners place on their front lawns. I feel like a kid with a new toy, as I wander through my neighborhood choosing which decorations that I like best. On Halloween Day, it's fun to look at the children costumes and their excited behaviors while they are trick or treating. If your children are planning to go out trick or treating this year, you really should use several precautions to keep them safe.
Here's a few tips to help your children have a safe and enjoyable halloween:
You should never let your child go out without proper supervision. Older children usually insist on their independence, but you can follow behind them at a close distance.
Your children costumes should be bright colors, so they can be seen at night. If they do wear dark colored costumes, you can place reflective tape strips on their costumes. Your children should also carry a light or a glow stick, so cars will see them.
Always check over your child’s candy before letting them eat it. Open or broken candy wrappers should never be eaten, as well as homemade treats. You should let your children trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods, so you know where your child’s treats are coming from.
If you're concerned about letting your children go out trick or treating, you can still celebrate and join in on the festivities. Check out this site for some fun ideas for your family: FamilyFun.go.com - You can also make a few small gift baskets filled with yummy halloween treats. Gift baskets are always a big hit and you can fill them with anything that you desire.
"Happy Halloween"
The weather has been somewhat cooler during the month of September, and the leaves on several trees are beginning to change colors. This summer, I took several months off from writing to enjoy the outdoors. Each year, as the end of summer approaches, I begin to feel a bit sad, somewhat nostalgic and often ask myself, "Where does the time go?"
I love the warmth of the sun on my skin and most of all, cool breezes at night. During the summer there are so many exciting things to do, such as participating in fun outdoor sports activities. I have to admit, I enjoy playing a good game of volleyball or kickball, which helps me to stay physically fit. Last summer, my favorite pastime included visiting my neighborhood park to watch the little league baseball games. Sometimes, I watched a group of young men play basketball and the players were very good. While I observed the games, it was interesting to watch how the players were able to quickly pass the basketball to one another and they did not wear uniforms to identify, which team they belong to.
We all know, men love sports and will spend a great deal of money on game tickets, betting on games, as well as investing a considerable amount of money on good sports equipment. If you enjoy sports and thinking about buying new sports equipment, I recommend browsing the Internet and visiting: http://www.shopwiki.com/wiki/Team+Sports. This is a very good website for shoppers that are searching for sports equipment and merchandise. For instance, you will find, well known brand names, such as Rawlings basketballs, Wilson soccer balls, Spalding volleyballs and more.
Shoppers can easily navigate from one web page to another and find several listings for all types of sports equipment, including various price ranges and where to shop online. Shoppers can also learn how to buy essential equipment needed to play a particular sport. If you are searching for baseball and softball equipment, you should check out: http://www.shopwiki.com/wiki/Baseball+an
Shopping online is a good idea, especially when you have very little time on your hands to go shopping at the nearest mall. With the fall season quickly approaching, this is the time of year when you often begin to think about upcoming major holidays and the gift-giving season.
I really enjoyed this past summer and hopefully, next summer will be just as adventurous. Taking time out to enjoy the outdoors is very exhilarating. Keeping in touch with mother nature is a good way to stay physically fit and helps to reduce everyday stress.
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Ontario Canada is a beautiful and peaceful country. Canadians are polite and really cool people. Each time that I have visited Ontario Canada, I enjoyed a relaxing vacation and often felt a bit sad, when it was time to return back home.
There are so many attractions and lots of things you can do for entertainment. The water falls are spectacular, but also a bit scary to look at. I tried to convince my mom to take a ride in a helicopter over Niagra Falls, but she couldn't muster up the nerve, so we pretty much stayed grounded. We did go to the Skylon Revolving Tower restaurant. It was simply amazing! The floors revolve and you can look out the windows that overlook the water falls.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum is a fun place to hang out. Be prepared to see some unusual and freaky displays. After visiting the museum, we spent several hours sight seeing and bought souvenirs from several stores.
When we returned back to the states, mom gave me a tender kiss on the cheek and thanked me for giving her a wonderful birthday present. Mom gleefully told me that she couldn't wait to go back to Niagra Falls and I laughed at her excited behavior. Mom loved visiting Ontario Canada and each year, she made plans to travel and vacation there.
Recently, I experienced a situation that could have been a great loss to me. I decided to visit a local library to print out several documents that I had stored on a USB flash drive. Unfortunately, in my haste to keep an appointment, I forgot to remove the device from the computer that I was using. Later that evening, I suddenly realized my mishap and panicked. I couldn’t return to the library because it was well past their closing hour. I was completely stunned by my careless behavior and immediately wondered if my mind was beginning to degrade.
Every blog entry and article that I’ve written over the past year was on that tiny device. There were manuscripts that I was still composing and had planned to send to publishers, various tutorials, a ton of reference material, as well as software applications. I felt angry and silently yelled at myself. Needless to say, I worried through the night, hoping that someone had given the device to an attendant at the library's lost and found desk.
I didn’t get much sleep that night and got up very early the next day, because I wanted to return to the library. I arrived at the library before their scheduled time to open for business and waited outside the building. I held my breath and forced myself to stay calm. Several minutes past by and finally, a staff member opened the doors for patrons to enter. Each step that I took, felt as if I was walking in slow motion. I entered the elevator and pressed a button to select the floor that occupies the computer center. While I waited for the elevator doors to open, I did breathing exercises to calm my nerves and anxiety.
I approached the receptionist area and spoke to the attendants on duty. I explained to them that I was searching for a flash drive that I accidently left at a computer station. The attendants were very helpful and searched through their lost and found box for the device. I couldn't believe my eyes when I recognized my tiny flash drive. One of the attendants installed the device on her computer, so that I could check over the files stored on it and verify that the device belonged to me. Before leaving the library, I profusely thanked both attendants and the stars above.
Right now, my tiny flash drive is safely tucked away, but I worried that I could easily lose it again. So, I decided to browse the Internet for sites that offer backup services. There are several services available that allow you to save your important files on the web. Several backup services offer up to 2 gigabytes of free storage space. I recommend checking out: iDrive.com. Their features include automatic backups, archiving and you can even backup your contact information from your iPod or Blackberry phone. Two gigabytes is a lot of storage space for all types of files, such as photos and other media. Mozy.com is another good backup service that offer 2 gigabytes of free storage space. If you need more storage space they will charge you $4.95 each month for the service.
Also, I found this interesting article provided by PC World: "Store It On The Web." You can compare online backup services features and prices. In addition to backing up your important documents online, you can take extra steps to protect your documents by downloading software tools that will encrypt your files and folders. Download.com is a very good website for downloading applications. All of the applications that they recommend have been tested for viruses and will not harm your computer.
You can also spread the word about your business. "What are you doing?" - Simply tell as many people as possible what the answer is to that question. Use Twitter's services to help boost your profile. Every message has a potential to reach an audience of followers and even more people. Twitter tools are easy to use time-saver devices. Each tool is designed to help you network efficiently.
Besides having a lot of fun tweeting messages, you can earn money using your twitter account too. Check out OneForty.com for twitter apps that are designed to help you tweet better. I like to use "Friend or Follow" because you can keep track of who's following you and who's not following you back.
Another good twitter app is "TwitThis" which lets you share links with your friends and find new followers. There are so many twitter apps that you can choose to help you gain followers and organize your tweets.
If you don't have time to tweet everyday, you can schedule your tweets to be posted while you're away. You can also purchase all sorts of gadgets, twitter tee shirts and coffee mugs with pics of your followers.
Twitter's microblogging service and innovative technology is awesome. - "Thanks for the follow."
Recently, while I was shopping at a mall that I frequent often, I noticed a small area of the mall was reserved for memorabilia and collectors items. Feeling somewhat curious, I began browsing the display tables that contained the most unusual handmade crafts, collectibles and memorabilia. While I browsed each display table, I felt spellbound and reminisced about my childhood. Thinking back over the years, I fondly remembered toys, comic books, paper dolls and other collectibles that I was fascinated with while growing up.
During my adolescence years, I collected old pennies that were considered outdated or rare, due to the year that the penny was printed. I could not believe my luck on the day that I exchanged an old penny with a coin-collecting establishment. I received $11.00 for the exchange. As a matter of fact, my parents could not not believe my good fortune, after I told them about the coin exchange. Over the years, I began losing interest in collecting old pennies, mainly because as I grew into my teens, old pennies were less attainable. The old pennies that I stumbled across and collected were mainly from change that I received from purchases at a neighborhood grocery store or I found lying on the ground. Sometimes, my dad would give me an old penny or dime that he managed acquire.
Nowadays, my favorite items to collect are miniatures. Don’t ask me why, but I simply adore miniatures. Miniatures are really cute and I enjoy looking at them. I think a lot of time, energy and craftsmanship is invested, when designers commit themselves to creating miniatures. Several years ago, I purchased an inexpensive miniature clock. It’s really not valuable, but when I gaze at my clock to check the time of day, I often feel sentimental and admire the design of the timepiece.
If you’re an avid collector or just like surfing the Internet for memorabilia or hard to find collectibles, I recommend visiting: http://www.shopwiki.com. The site directory will help you to locate business websites that sell really good memorabilia, fun collectibles and gift items that are listed on the Internet. Shopwiki's homepage is well designed and easy to navigate. You will find a variety of product categories listed alphabetically from a through z. I browsed the “Collectibles and Memorabilia" section and spent several hours visiting websites that sell collectibles and other incredible items. If you enjoy movie memorabilia, as much as I do, check out Shopwiki’s “Types Of Memorabilia” section. There are several links listed on the webpage that will direct you to posters, promotional items, wardrobes, autographs etc. For more information, visit: http://www.shopwiki.com/wiki/Movie+Memor
After browsing the "Types of Memorabilia" section, I decided to click on the link, “Posters” and was directed to a webpage that listed memorabilia posters. I decided to do a search for my favorite actor and typed the words “Humphrey Bogart Posters” in the search box. I was directed to another webpage that listed several websites, including affordable price ranges and where to shop for Humphrey Bogart posters. I did another search and typed the words “Humphrey Bogart + Casablanca” in the search box. I was directed to a webpage that listed several collectors items, such as Casablanca on DVD, photos, picture frames, art, wall clocks etc. I was completely astonished and laughed at some of the funny items that you can purchase. Check out this webpage at: http://www.shopwiki.com/Humprey+Bogart++
Also, if you’re a serious collector and want to know more about authenticating, read more about this topic at: http://www.shopwiki.com/wiki/Movie+Memor
The weather was a bit too chilly to take an afternoon stroll today, but my time was well spent browsing the Internet. I learned a great deal and where to find some interesting collectors items, as well as fun memorabilia. There’s a good chance that I will find a really cute miniature to add to my collection. I'm pretty sure it will be reasonably priced and within my budget .
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- Mood:
cheerful
Several years ago, the best prank that I played was on my sister. My sister really loves the fact that her birthday falls on Halloween. My family and I decided to have a small gathering at my home to celebrate her birthday. I came up with this wacky idea to spread cake icing on a small box, about the size of a half sheet cake. My family thought this was a good prank to play and we went about making plans for my sister's birthday party.
On Halloween Day, my family gathered at my home to celebrate the occasion and my sister's birthday. We entertained ourselves by taking turns telling a few jokes and played card games. We also watched a movie and ate a variety of homemade goodies. Everyone was having a great time and several hours later, we decided to sing "Happy Birthday Day" to my sister.
After I decorated the fake birthday cake with candles, my family gathered together and we sanged happy birthday to my sister. While waiting for my sister to cut the cake, I observed several members of my family facial expressions and stifled giggles. We restlessly stood together, holding plates and forks in our hands, pretending that we were starving and couldn't wait to have a slice of cake.
When my sister picked up the knife and began to cut into the fake cake, her confused expression was hilarious. I laughed so hard that tears began to fall from my eyes and my family laughed histerically too. After a few moments my sister realized that she'd been tricked on halloween and her birthday.
Well this year, I plan to avoid several prankters that truly enjoy playing April Fool's Day hoaxes.
"Hope I make it through the day"
We laughed histerically, after a single friend admitted to racing to a discount store, the day after Valentine's Day to buy the half-priced candy and novelty items. We all admitted to buying half-priced Valentine's Day candy because the prices were just too good to pass up. It's funny, when you think about how much women love chocolate, and will find extraordinary ways to keep a secret stash hidden or tucked away.
We also talked about buying flowers for ourselves. My friends often buy flowers for themselves and have flowers delivered to their homes, but thought it was a little offbeat having flowers delivered to their offices. Mainly because some people might think buying flowers for yourself or pretending that they are from someone else is a bit weird and even tacky. We admitted that we liked the fact, men have always presented flowers to a woman to express their romantic interest.
Flowers are great gifts to express your feelings, appreciation or sympathy. Women love flowers because they enjoy the appearance of beautiful bouquets and their sweet fragrances. It's always fun to observe my friends and co-worker's surprised expressions after they have received an unexpected gift of flowers. I love receiving flowers and often save the petals to make potpourri. I usually let the flower petals dry out in a bowl and sprinkle a few drops of scented potpourri oil on them to help refreshen their scent.
If you enjoy flowers as much as I do, you should search the Internet for flowers that are reasonably priced. There are several florist's online, but I recommend checking out: BloomsToday.com. You can buy and send flowers for any occasion and they offer daily specials too. If you're not completely satisfied, you can speak to a customer service representative that will help you receive a refund on your purchases.
Flowers are great for decorating your home or garden. I enjoy planting flowers in plant boxes and watching them grow from seedlings. Flower boxes are very low maintenance, adds color to any room and can be used to liven up your windows.
Feeling somewhat confused and curious, I needed to learn more. I browsed the internet for answers concerning my questions, and learned that singles just want to be a part of celebrating February 14th. For singles that want to go out and party on this day, it's a popular trend to gather all your friends for a girl's or boy's night out on the town.
The number of people that celebrate Anti-Valentine's Day amazed me. There are partygoers around the globe that want to meet other singles. I think it's pretty cool to exploit this holiday for individuals that are searching for a new love interest. In my opinion, nothing feels worst than feeling left out on Valentine's Day or Sweetest Day. Each year, my parents celebrated Valentine's Day. My dad was the biggest fan of all, and we anxiously waited for him to present his gifts to us. Dad never forgot about us, even after we began dating in our late teens. My friends were a bit confused and somewhat jealous of our family tradition, but eventually thought it was a kind gesture and caring way to express our love for one another.
I visited several websites and this is what I learned. There are several establishments that advertise events for celebrating Anti-Valentine's Day. I imagined partygoers filled with excitement, as well as eagerly anxious to meet someone new. To help kick off the occasion, you can buy t-shirts and party favors, or send ecards to your favorite friends. I laughed at the humorous online e-cards, depicting insults about Valentine's Day. You can check out some really funny ecards at: BlueMountain.com.
Also, visit the Anti-Vday forum. The member's comments that I read were hilarious, but some were also a bit sad. Some members thought Valentine's Day was exploited and just another day to make money for businesses. Others felt neglected or disinterested and did not want to celebrate a holiday for lovers.
Well, kudos for all of you that still believe in love. For those that think Valentine's Day sucks, I wish you the best on your endeavors. I still believe in love and hopefully soon, my love interest will find time for us to share.
"Happy Anti-Valentine's Day"
- Mood: calm
First of all, I did manage to create a daily schedule of tasks that I need to do on the internet. Performing theses tasks usually takes up most of my day and around 5:30 pm, I take a dinner break. Second, I normally perform my everyday domestic chores after dinner. I really don’t like a lot of clutter, and it’s easier to clean when everything is organized and put away. Afterwards, I’m back on the internet finishing up the last of my tasks for the day.
I did allow myself to relax and watch two hours of television last night. Something that I haven’t done in the past two weeks. The most time-consuming task that I need to perform is reading research material. Each day, I stack up books and magazines that I plan to read, but somehow can never manage to do this. So in between page loads, while I am surfing the internet, I try to read a book or check out a few articles in a magazine. Once the page loads, I realize that I have only read about a paragraph or two. This is so pathetic that I can’t help but laugh at myself. I really need to get a grip on my mind-bending lifestyle. So, for the sake of my sanity, I am going to take a walk and enjoy the fresh air.
- Mood: calm
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