A few years ago I retired from a very active management position and suddenly found myself spending most of my time at home. I sat at the computer, read my email, played ten different kinds of solitaire, read food recipes which made me hungry and I ate a lot. I read, I watched TV and did all the crossword puzzles I could get my hands on. Not only was I bored; I had become boring. I was terribly depressed and was given Paxil, a mood altering drug. I hated the way it made me feel so I stopped taking it.
A lifesaving friend called one day and said “Let’s visit the senior community center and see what classes they offer.” My response was, “Hang out with old people, are you nuts?” You have to realize what a ridiculous response this was since I was in my 70’s. I did remember receiving some mail recently from my HMO. They had a program called “Fit for Life” that would pay for any kind of exercise class so I gave in and visited the center.
It turned out that most of the seniors were younger than I. The age was 50+ and everyone seemed lively, friendly and in great shape. They had low impact aerobic classes at low-cost; it included light weight training and a cool down with lots of stretching. I must admit I had a wonderful time. They talked me into joining the line dance class too. I had forgotten how much I loved to dance; there’s something about moving to music that makes you feel so good. The best part is you don’t need a partner!
Here comes the moral to this story. I had a doctor’s appointment about 6 weeks later. I stepped on the scale and had lost quite a few pounds. He took my blood pressure which was now normal. My cholesterol dropped below 200, triglycerides dropped 70 points and best of all he noticed the difference in my demeanor. He sat back in his chair, looked at me with a big smile and said, “What’s going on?” My chart now says ‘exercising 3 times a week’.
It’s three years later, I’m 75 years old, still taking exercise classes twice a week and teaching line dancing to all age groups (not just seniors) three times a week. I get so motivated because there’s so much energy out there. I need the group setting; I know I would never exercise on my own
My doctor laughs when I tell him I want to form a task force to pull people out of their beds and bring them to these centers. So please, don’t give up. Do it for your depression, your boredom, your anxiety and your whole sense of being. It’s invigorating!
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Easy and Healthy Slow Cooker Meals
People seem to think that healthy crack pot meals are boring and flat. Some also believe that preparing them is time-consuming and difficult. This kind of thinking is what we are here to change. We want to share with you healthy crack pot meals that you and your family will surely love.
First, we want to share with you a healthy chicken crock pot meal we call the chicken cacciatore. In Italian, the word cacciatore refers to a hunter. In a kitchen setting, this word simply describes a meal prepared “hunter-style” with onions, mushrooms, herbs, tomatoes, bell pepper and sometime wine. So, in preparing this dish, we need three pounds of skinless bone-in chicken thighs, 14 ounce of diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning, six ounce of canned tomato paste, half a cup of chicken both. To add more flavor to the dish, bring in some sliced onions, three cloves of minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers. To complete the dish, we need one-fourth cup of dry red wine. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to season it.
As soon as you get every ingredient on the kitchen table, simply place all these ingredients in a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Then cover and cook the chicken on low heat for 6-8 hours. It’s as simple as that. You can serve this with hot cooked pasta or rice depending on what you are craving for.
One of the healthy crock pot meals that you’ll surely find flavorful is the slow cooker pork roast and vegetables. This dish is a collaboration of pork sirloin roast with vegetables seasoned with all spice and apple butter.
For this easy-to-make and healthy crock pot meal, we’ll use three pounds of boneless pork sirloin roast, four peeled sweet potatoes, three tablespoons of prepared horseradish, a tablespoon of cornstarch and two acorn squash. To give the dish a unique taste, we’ll need half a cup of apple butter, half a teaspoon of ground allspice, and quarter of a teaspoon of pepper.
To get started with this dish, heat the oil in a heavy skillet. Then add the pork roast. Occasionally turn it until all its sides are brown. While you’re cooking the pork roast, cut squash into 8 wedges. Make sure that you remove the seeds. Without peeling the sweet potatoes, cut them into chunks and place them in the crock pot. Then, put the browned pork roast on top. The next step is mixing together the apple butter, horseradish, cornstarch, all spice and pepper. Then slowly pour the mixture into the crock pot.
Let it simmer for about seven to nine hours until the pork and vegetables are tender.
Now, we have two lovely healthy crock pot meals that would certainly change the way you look at healthy foods. If you are thinking of what to serve on a Sunday night, do away with the regular two-minute meals that you could prepare with your microwave. Give your family a chance of experiencing these heavenly yet healthy crock pot meals.
So let’s both get to the kitchen and start cooking.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Simple and Easy Tips - How to Throw a Tailgate Party No One Will Forget
There can be no more exciting urban outdoor activity than throwing a tailgate party. Aside from the fact that tailgate parties are casual and a lot of fun, they are relatively easy to setup. You can also add a bit of pizzazz to your parties so that your friends and families won’t ever forget them. Here are some tips on how to throw a party that will dazzle your guests.
You can consider making your own invitations into a unique way. For example if you will be having a football party, you can pattern your invitation by cutting out a football shape, from a piece of brown vinyl or cardstock glued to a lighter colored paper or cardstock. Use white shoelaces or vinyl laces to create the football laces.
For great decorations, choose the materials that will match the interests for that someone special you created a party for. It could be a favorite football team, or a baseball team. Or it could be the things they love the most.
Create games that would be in accordance with the theme. If your theme for the party is about football, there are so many games and activities suited to this theme. And remember, the better prepared you are, the smoother things will move along.
The Football Toss: Each child takes a turn throwing a football through a hoop or tire or into a basket.
Football Relay Course: For younger children, do simple exercises with them, jumping jacks, running, throwing a ball...For older children, design an obstacle course that includes football practice moves, more difficult callisthenics, sprints, punting...
You can try your skills at a football shaped cake, if you are a little bit artistic and a good baker. If this seems a little complicated, make a simple rectangular cake and decorate it like a football field.
On the other hand, your theme for the party is all about cheer leading, you could try these fantastic activities and games:
The Human Pyramid: Make sure to do this either on grass or a soft mat. Help the girls create a pyramid and capture the moment with lots of pictures. Let them take turns in different positions.
Cheers: Get the girls lined up and teach them some simple cheers. You might even enlist the help of a high school cheerleader willing to come and teach some.
The parking lots of stadiums, traditionally, is where tailgate parties have been held. You can also setup a party in an area set aside specifically for tailgating. Some parties have been held in other parking lots with permission of course, or even closer to home - usually in the driveway.
One of the most important things to consider is food safety. Do not leave unpreserved food out for more than two hours, they may get spoiled. And because a lot of places might not have soap and water, be sure to bring anti- bacterial wipes and clean everything thoroughly before you go home. Be sure that you have lots of ice for your drinks to keep them cold and have lots of paper bags for your leftovers.
The very common dishes at parties are grilled and smoked dishes, but perhaps the most popular dish is Chili. It is easy to make.
A few other things to remember are disposable plates and utensils, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, chairs or stools, paper towels, folding tables, and blankets.
Make sure you are allowed where you are going before throwing a party. Know what the restrictions there might be and what facilities are available. Be prepared to bring everything you might need because supplies will probably be limited.
Following these simple tips will ensure you have a great party.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Back to School: Shopping Tips
Back to School sales seem to start almost as soon as your kids leave school for the summer. For parents, these sales are one of the best ways to save money and save big. Let's take a look at some the ways for you to realize savings as you prepare to send your children off to school.
1. Sales. Yes, Back to School sales are still real bargains for parents. The national retail chains such as, WalMart, Target, Sears, JC Penney, and KMart all run sales, as well as do the "pharmacy" chains including: CVS, Walgreens, and Eckerds. The former group of stores are great places to shop for clothing and bookbags while the latter group will feature cut rate school supplies.
2. Dollar Stores. Almost every town across America has the "one dollar" stores where everything is, you guessed it, sold for one dollar. Many of these stores are hit or miss as far as what they carry or what they have available. Some items, even at a dollar, are much more expensive than those found "on sale" at regular retailers.
3. Close Outs. Your kids may protest, but the close out stores -- Odd Lots and Big Lots to name two -- will carry items your family can use. Sure, the clothing may be way out of style, but lunchboxes, pens, stationary, bookbags, and the like generally are not.
4. Hand Me Downs. Big bro or big sis may have articles of clothing or items they no longer use. If they are gently worn/used consider passing these things on to your younger kids.
5. Garage and Yard Sales. Your child's lunchbox or calculator may be found at your neighbor's sale instead of at a retailer. Expect prices to be 50-90% less than full retail.
6. Consignment Shops. Did someone say, Salvation Army? Okay, this is a bit of a stretch. Your kids will probably scream if you take them to a consignment shop, so you can go instead. More than likely what you buy will be for your personal use. Use the money saved to purchase the Nike shoes for your sophomore.
7. Tax Free Weeks. If you live in an area of high sales taxes on clothing, wait for a special "tax free week" to come around to save on purchases. New York City, for instance, is one of the cities with a tax free week. At 8.25%, this particularly high sales tax rate often causes residents to flee the city and drive to New Jersey where there is no tax on clothing. Save on gas, tolls, and time, as well as prop up your local economy by waiting for these special weeks.
There are other ways for you to save money on school supplies including shopping online or by buying in bulk. Back to School shouldn't mean back in debt provided you shop carefully and wisely.
1. Sales. Yes, Back to School sales are still real bargains for parents. The national retail chains such as, WalMart, Target, Sears, JC Penney, and KMart all run sales, as well as do the "pharmacy" chains including: CVS, Walgreens, and Eckerds. The former group of stores are great places to shop for clothing and bookbags while the latter group will feature cut rate school supplies.
2. Dollar Stores. Almost every town across America has the "one dollar" stores where everything is, you guessed it, sold for one dollar. Many of these stores are hit or miss as far as what they carry or what they have available. Some items, even at a dollar, are much more expensive than those found "on sale" at regular retailers.
3. Close Outs. Your kids may protest, but the close out stores -- Odd Lots and Big Lots to name two -- will carry items your family can use. Sure, the clothing may be way out of style, but lunchboxes, pens, stationary, bookbags, and the like generally are not.
4. Hand Me Downs. Big bro or big sis may have articles of clothing or items they no longer use. If they are gently worn/used consider passing these things on to your younger kids.
5. Garage and Yard Sales. Your child's lunchbox or calculator may be found at your neighbor's sale instead of at a retailer. Expect prices to be 50-90% less than full retail.
6. Consignment Shops. Did someone say, Salvation Army? Okay, this is a bit of a stretch. Your kids will probably scream if you take them to a consignment shop, so you can go instead. More than likely what you buy will be for your personal use. Use the money saved to purchase the Nike shoes for your sophomore.
7. Tax Free Weeks. If you live in an area of high sales taxes on clothing, wait for a special "tax free week" to come around to save on purchases. New York City, for instance, is one of the cities with a tax free week. At 8.25%, this particularly high sales tax rate often causes residents to flee the city and drive to New Jersey where there is no tax on clothing. Save on gas, tolls, and time, as well as prop up your local economy by waiting for these special weeks.
There are other ways for you to save money on school supplies including shopping online or by buying in bulk. Back to School shouldn't mean back in debt provided you shop carefully and wisely.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Aga Cookers Are The Heart of every Family Home
Over the past 70 years the aga cooker has been haled as the symbol of uk cookware. It is with out a doubt the reigning champion through out the uk and even over the water in the states it is growning with immense popularity.
The aga was invented by a physicist, what makes the Aga is unique because it cooks with brilliant heat, keeping in all the aromas flavours and juices from the oven. You will find it common in most houses that have an aga cooker that people tend to congregate in that general vicinity.
The nobel physicist that created the aga was awarded the nobel prize for making lighthouse automated his name was Nils Gustaf Dalen and the aga was his baby. One of the pivotal turning points for creating the aga was an accident at an industrial plant which subsequently blinded Dalen, the genius then spent a great deal of time at home and camr to the conclusion that the cooker his wife used just didnt cut the mustard and he deemed it inefficient. After 10 years of tremendous efforts at improving the cooker, the aga was born, the first model was then patented in 1922. It was named after Dalen's firm Akteibolaget Gas Accumulator, the Aga then made its way over to the uk sometime around 1930.
The aga cooker is powered by a single burner, most Agas run on either propane or natural gas. Although a few newer models have electric ovens as well, a good feature to an aga cooker is that you never have to turn them off thus there is no need to preheat the oven for when you are cooking. When entertaining, it is easy to cook many courses at the same time.
The premium aga cooker has to be the four oven aga, it has 4 separate ovens for baking, roasting, simmering and warming. These four ovens all keep a different temperature for their distinct tasks. Other good features that come with a four oven aga are a hotplate, a warming plate and an optional gas cook-top. The aga is made out of solid cast iron and coated with a fibre glass like resin, the aga cooker is available in 14 separate colours ranging from the conservative black or white to the exciting claret or aubergine and the aga has a very impressive life of 100 years!
The aga was invented by a physicist, what makes the Aga is unique because it cooks with brilliant heat, keeping in all the aromas flavours and juices from the oven. You will find it common in most houses that have an aga cooker that people tend to congregate in that general vicinity.
The nobel physicist that created the aga was awarded the nobel prize for making lighthouse automated his name was Nils Gustaf Dalen and the aga was his baby. One of the pivotal turning points for creating the aga was an accident at an industrial plant which subsequently blinded Dalen, the genius then spent a great deal of time at home and camr to the conclusion that the cooker his wife used just didnt cut the mustard and he deemed it inefficient. After 10 years of tremendous efforts at improving the cooker, the aga was born, the first model was then patented in 1922. It was named after Dalen's firm Akteibolaget Gas Accumulator, the Aga then made its way over to the uk sometime around 1930.
The aga cooker is powered by a single burner, most Agas run on either propane or natural gas. Although a few newer models have electric ovens as well, a good feature to an aga cooker is that you never have to turn them off thus there is no need to preheat the oven for when you are cooking. When entertaining, it is easy to cook many courses at the same time.
The premium aga cooker has to be the four oven aga, it has 4 separate ovens for baking, roasting, simmering and warming. These four ovens all keep a different temperature for their distinct tasks. Other good features that come with a four oven aga are a hotplate, a warming plate and an optional gas cook-top. The aga is made out of solid cast iron and coated with a fibre glass like resin, the aga cooker is available in 14 separate colours ranging from the conservative black or white to the exciting claret or aubergine and the aga has a very impressive life of 100 years!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Aga Cookers Are The Heart of Any Family Home
Over the past 70 years the aga cooker has been haled as the symbol of uk cookware. It is with out a doubt the reigning champion through out the uk and even over the water in the states it is growning with immense popularity.
The aga was invented by a physicist, what makes the Aga is unique because it cooks with brilliant heat, keeping in all the aromas flavours and juices from the oven. You will find it common in most houses that have an aga cooker that people tend to congregate in that general vicinity.
The nobel physicist that created the aga was awarded the nobel prize for making lighthouse automated his name was Nils Gustaf Dalen and the aga was his baby. One of the pivotal turning points for creating the aga was an accident at an industrial plant which subsequently blinded Dalen, the genius then spent a great deal of time at home and camr to the conclusion that the cooker his wife used just didnt cut the mustard and he deemed it inefficient. After 10 years of tremendous efforts at improving the cooker, the aga was born, the first model was then patented in 1922. It was named after Dalen's firm Akteibolaget Gas Accumulator, the Aga then made its way over to the uk sometime around 1930.
The aga cooker is powered by a single burner, most Agas run on either propane or natural gas. Although a few newer models have electric ovens as well, a good feature to an aga cooker is that you never have to turn them off thus there is no need to preheat the oven for when you are cooking. When entertaining, it is easy to cook many courses at the same time.
The premium aga cooker has to be the four oven aga, it has 4 separate ovens for baking, roasting, simmering and warming. These four ovens all keep a different temperature for their distinct tasks. Other good features that come with a four oven aga are a hotplate, a warming plate and an optional gas cook-top. The aga is made out of solid cast iron and coated with a fibre glass like resin, the aga cooker is available in 14 separate colours ranging from the conservative black or white to the exciting claret or aubergine and the aga has a very impressive life span of 100 years or maybe a while longer, thats some cooking!
The aga was invented by a physicist, what makes the Aga is unique because it cooks with brilliant heat, keeping in all the aromas flavours and juices from the oven. You will find it common in most houses that have an aga cooker that people tend to congregate in that general vicinity.
The nobel physicist that created the aga was awarded the nobel prize for making lighthouse automated his name was Nils Gustaf Dalen and the aga was his baby. One of the pivotal turning points for creating the aga was an accident at an industrial plant which subsequently blinded Dalen, the genius then spent a great deal of time at home and camr to the conclusion that the cooker his wife used just didnt cut the mustard and he deemed it inefficient. After 10 years of tremendous efforts at improving the cooker, the aga was born, the first model was then patented in 1922. It was named after Dalen's firm Akteibolaget Gas Accumulator, the Aga then made its way over to the uk sometime around 1930.
The aga cooker is powered by a single burner, most Agas run on either propane or natural gas. Although a few newer models have electric ovens as well, a good feature to an aga cooker is that you never have to turn them off thus there is no need to preheat the oven for when you are cooking. When entertaining, it is easy to cook many courses at the same time.
The premium aga cooker has to be the four oven aga, it has 4 separate ovens for baking, roasting, simmering and warming. These four ovens all keep a different temperature for their distinct tasks. Other good features that come with a four oven aga are a hotplate, a warming plate and an optional gas cook-top. The aga is made out of solid cast iron and coated with a fibre glass like resin, the aga cooker is available in 14 separate colours ranging from the conservative black or white to the exciting claret or aubergine and the aga has a very impressive life span of 100 years or maybe a while longer, thats some cooking!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
8 Tips to Save Money on Groceries
The average family’s grocery bill is usually one of the higher numbers on the family budget. There can be an enormous difference in what each family spends on their groceries, depending on many factors, such as whether they buy name brand, more meat, etc.
The good news is that this allows for a large amount of savings if we decide to be frugal with our shopping. Following a few simple tips will have you well on your way to saving a few bucks.
1.) Make a meal plan. You’ll know exactly what you need from the store before you go.
2.) Watch for specials and coupons in store newsletters, and plan your meals around them.
3.) Make a list and stick to it. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it.
4.) Don’t shop when you’re hungry. That way you won’t be tempted to buy things that you don’t need.
5.) Shop alone. Count on your bill being higher when you bring your spouse or children.
6.) Only buy things you know you’ll use. For example, if your family doesn’t like broccoli, don’t buy broccoli in the hopes that they’ll eat healthier this week.
7.) Keep your eyes on the items on the bottom shelf where the prices are lower.
8.) Buy store brands when the quality is the same. Most of the time, it actually is the same product in a different package.
It’s pretty easy to be frugal once you realize how much money you’re actually saving with these simple steps. Keep a log of your grocery bills, so you can see how much of a difference you are making.
The good news is that this allows for a large amount of savings if we decide to be frugal with our shopping. Following a few simple tips will have you well on your way to saving a few bucks.
1.) Make a meal plan. You’ll know exactly what you need from the store before you go.
2.) Watch for specials and coupons in store newsletters, and plan your meals around them.
3.) Make a list and stick to it. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it.
4.) Don’t shop when you’re hungry. That way you won’t be tempted to buy things that you don’t need.
5.) Shop alone. Count on your bill being higher when you bring your spouse or children.
6.) Only buy things you know you’ll use. For example, if your family doesn’t like broccoli, don’t buy broccoli in the hopes that they’ll eat healthier this week.
7.) Keep your eyes on the items on the bottom shelf where the prices are lower.
8.) Buy store brands when the quality is the same. Most of the time, it actually is the same product in a different package.
It’s pretty easy to be frugal once you realize how much money you’re actually saving with these simple steps. Keep a log of your grocery bills, so you can see how much of a difference you are making.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Getting to Know More About the Newest Insect Control Innovation: Making Your Tailgate Party Insect-Free
Football equals Party, no other sport is so related to a party. Superbowl weekend attracts no American like any other sport event can. So its no wonder that many people don’t care if they don’t even get inside the stadium, having a tailgate party would be enough. A TV showing the action could spark the emotions in people just like watching the game itself.
When you say tailgate party the first thing that comes to mind is football and beer. But anyone could do that. To make a party that everyone remembers is to make a party that’s a cut above the rest. The first thing to consider is having a party that’s extremely comfortable. That includes having a party that’s insect free.
Insects can be a nuisance when your having fun, its not enough that they're irritating, they have to get into the food.
There’s no other party spoiler as devastating as the invasion of insects. They get into the food and ruin everything else
This is a party buster that can ruin a heck of a good time.
There are certain measures that a good tailgate host can do to make a party error and pest free.
One of the most reliable insect control innovations is having the electronic insect zapper. They emit a sound and light that’s attuned to the insects and diverts its attention to the device and away from the party.
Usually, this is battery powered and emits a light that’s virtually extremely attractive to insects. Once they get near, they get zapped with a small electrical discharge that eliminates the insects and pests.
There are also some innovative scientific insect control gadgets that rely on sound waves that deflect the incoming wave of ants. Ants can be the bane of any outdoor party. Just leave a dish uncovered and you could find a swarm of ants covering it.
Fight fire with fire. Innovative small spurting canisters emit controlled fire to eliminate pests and insects. Take out your mini tank and extinguish the insects and pests that can eventually ruin your party. Just do this before your guests arrive.
But most importantly, keep your food properly enclosed. Closing it eliminates the escape of scent, which attracts the insects and pests. If they don’t know there’s a treat for them, they wont bother you. Prevention is still the best control over pests and insects.
The next time you plan a party or picnic, make use of odor-free, no leakage food containers. Also keep that insect at a distance and away from the food. Don’t let your parties ruined by a bunch of insects.
The internet is still your best source for the newest insect control innovation.
When you say tailgate party the first thing that comes to mind is football and beer. But anyone could do that. To make a party that everyone remembers is to make a party that’s a cut above the rest. The first thing to consider is having a party that’s extremely comfortable. That includes having a party that’s insect free.
Insects can be a nuisance when your having fun, its not enough that they're irritating, they have to get into the food.
There’s no other party spoiler as devastating as the invasion of insects. They get into the food and ruin everything else
This is a party buster that can ruin a heck of a good time.
There are certain measures that a good tailgate host can do to make a party error and pest free.
One of the most reliable insect control innovations is having the electronic insect zapper. They emit a sound and light that’s attuned to the insects and diverts its attention to the device and away from the party.
Usually, this is battery powered and emits a light that’s virtually extremely attractive to insects. Once they get near, they get zapped with a small electrical discharge that eliminates the insects and pests.
There are also some innovative scientific insect control gadgets that rely on sound waves that deflect the incoming wave of ants. Ants can be the bane of any outdoor party. Just leave a dish uncovered and you could find a swarm of ants covering it.
Fight fire with fire. Innovative small spurting canisters emit controlled fire to eliminate pests and insects. Take out your mini tank and extinguish the insects and pests that can eventually ruin your party. Just do this before your guests arrive.
But most importantly, keep your food properly enclosed. Closing it eliminates the escape of scent, which attracts the insects and pests. If they don’t know there’s a treat for them, they wont bother you. Prevention is still the best control over pests and insects.
The next time you plan a party or picnic, make use of odor-free, no leakage food containers. Also keep that insect at a distance and away from the food. Don’t let your parties ruined by a bunch of insects.
The internet is still your best source for the newest insect control innovation.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Fun & Easy Halloween Party Themes and Ideas
Halloween is the day of the year that has the most parties thrown in its honor. Everyone loves to dress up and attend Halloween parties with their friends. Most people end up getting several invitations to different Halloween parties that are often on the same night. If you are planning to throw your own Halloween party, how can you get all your friends to head to your shindig and not someone else’s? You need to come up with some unique and fun ideas that will get everyone on your list so excited about your party they won’t even consider going anywhere else.
Not Just Any Old Theme
Many people don’t bother thinking of a theme for their Halloween party since it seems to be somewhat of a theme already. But rather than just putting up some Happy Halloween banners and fake cobwebs, why not come up with a great theme party idea? You can do anything from a haunted house or graveyard to a monster mash or horror movie bash. Once you’ve chosen your theme apply it to everything from your invitations to your party food. Guests will love some guidance on what to dress up as, especially if you do something a little different.
Your Halloween party invitations are one of the most important aspects of your party. Invitations are the best way to get your guests excited about your party. Many people don’t even send invitations anymore so even sending out simple ones will help your party stick in people’s minds. Be sure to apply your party theme to your invitations. If you can’t find any invitations at your local party store that go with your theme you can always use invitation templates that you can download for free from the Internet.
You can totally customize invitation templates and add colorful pictures as well. Guests will love to receive these fun invitations in the mail. You should send your invitations out approximately three to four weeks before your party to give everyone time to make plans to attend. If you’re running short of time sending electronic invitations is a great idea too. You can add animation and sound to e-invitations and even check guest’s responses online. Be sure to contact anyone who doesn’t respond via telephone since not everyone checks their email often.
Spooky Decorations
Everyone will expect to see your house decorated to the nines on Halloween so be sure not to disappoint. Your decorations should match your theme, so give them plenty of thought. For instance, a haunted house theme should be complete with low lighting, smoke, a spooky soundtrack, and even live ghouls to jump out and scare the guests as they arrive. A horror movie bash might include retro horror B-movie posters stuck on the walls which you can find on the Internet and print off at home.
Decorations can be found just about anywhere in the months leading up to Halloween. Even grocery stores carry a wide selection. Start shopping early so you can get the best selection possible and take advantage of any sales. If you can’t find just what you’re looking for you can always rent decorations from a local party supply shop or even purchase decorations from the Internet. The Internet has an almost endless selection and you can find just about any party supplies or decorations you’ll need.
Music is an important aspect of any party as well. While some spooky tunes are fun at first, you’ll want to switch over to some more upbeat music once the party gets going. People love to dance so have plenty of high energy songs ready to go. If you are inviting a variety of different people have several different types of music so no ones gets bored.
Tasty Halloween Treats
Food is an important part of any party. While you don’t need to provide a full meal, some creative and tasty snacks and treats will help keep your guests fueled for the night’s festivities. Turning simple party food into ghoulish culinary delights will surprise and please your guests. Try making some bewitching cupcakes, and put out snacks such as gummy worms and other Halloween candy treats.
Costumes are a given, since this is Halloween after all. If you are having a Halloween theme of some sort, let your guests know on your invitations that they should dress to fit the theme. For instance, if you’re throwing a horror movie bash, you can simply say, “come as your favorite horror movie star”. Don’t expect all your guests to comply with your request. Some people have been thinking up their Halloween costume since last year!
Don’t forget about the party favors! Depending on how many people you’re inviting and how much you’re willing to spend, the possibilities are endless when it comes to party favors. A simple idea is candy bags full of traditional treats such as candy corn. Something more substantial might be a pumpkin carving kit that comes with cutouts and tools. Your guests will love having a little something to take home with them.
Endless Costume Possibilities
If you really aren’t into the scary aspect of Halloween, you can always break with tradition and hold a different type of Halloween party. Have a famous couples party or a crazy hat party instead. Guests can still dress up but might be more creative then a white sheet with holes cut out of it. Dressing up for Halloween is something that both adults and kids can enjoy so great creative and have fun with it!
Having games at your party isn’t a necessity, but can be a great deal of fun for your guests. Games act as an excellent icebreaker if everyone doesn’t know each other. Any games where you can break people off into teams will help to get everyone talking. Pumpkin carving contests are a good idea, as is bobbing for apples. Be sure to give a prize to the best costume as well.
Your Halloween party is sure to be a success if you take the time to plan. Leave yourself plenty of time and don’t forget it’s all the little details that help to make a fabulous party. Enlist the help of family and friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and remember, planning is half the fun!
Not Just Any Old Theme
Many people don’t bother thinking of a theme for their Halloween party since it seems to be somewhat of a theme already. But rather than just putting up some Happy Halloween banners and fake cobwebs, why not come up with a great theme party idea? You can do anything from a haunted house or graveyard to a monster mash or horror movie bash. Once you’ve chosen your theme apply it to everything from your invitations to your party food. Guests will love some guidance on what to dress up as, especially if you do something a little different.
Your Halloween party invitations are one of the most important aspects of your party. Invitations are the best way to get your guests excited about your party. Many people don’t even send invitations anymore so even sending out simple ones will help your party stick in people’s minds. Be sure to apply your party theme to your invitations. If you can’t find any invitations at your local party store that go with your theme you can always use invitation templates that you can download for free from the Internet.
You can totally customize invitation templates and add colorful pictures as well. Guests will love to receive these fun invitations in the mail. You should send your invitations out approximately three to four weeks before your party to give everyone time to make plans to attend. If you’re running short of time sending electronic invitations is a great idea too. You can add animation and sound to e-invitations and even check guest’s responses online. Be sure to contact anyone who doesn’t respond via telephone since not everyone checks their email often.
Spooky Decorations
Everyone will expect to see your house decorated to the nines on Halloween so be sure not to disappoint. Your decorations should match your theme, so give them plenty of thought. For instance, a haunted house theme should be complete with low lighting, smoke, a spooky soundtrack, and even live ghouls to jump out and scare the guests as they arrive. A horror movie bash might include retro horror B-movie posters stuck on the walls which you can find on the Internet and print off at home.
Decorations can be found just about anywhere in the months leading up to Halloween. Even grocery stores carry a wide selection. Start shopping early so you can get the best selection possible and take advantage of any sales. If you can’t find just what you’re looking for you can always rent decorations from a local party supply shop or even purchase decorations from the Internet. The Internet has an almost endless selection and you can find just about any party supplies or decorations you’ll need.
Music is an important aspect of any party as well. While some spooky tunes are fun at first, you’ll want to switch over to some more upbeat music once the party gets going. People love to dance so have plenty of high energy songs ready to go. If you are inviting a variety of different people have several different types of music so no ones gets bored.
Tasty Halloween Treats
Food is an important part of any party. While you don’t need to provide a full meal, some creative and tasty snacks and treats will help keep your guests fueled for the night’s festivities. Turning simple party food into ghoulish culinary delights will surprise and please your guests. Try making some bewitching cupcakes, and put out snacks such as gummy worms and other Halloween candy treats.
Costumes are a given, since this is Halloween after all. If you are having a Halloween theme of some sort, let your guests know on your invitations that they should dress to fit the theme. For instance, if you’re throwing a horror movie bash, you can simply say, “come as your favorite horror movie star”. Don’t expect all your guests to comply with your request. Some people have been thinking up their Halloween costume since last year!
Don’t forget about the party favors! Depending on how many people you’re inviting and how much you’re willing to spend, the possibilities are endless when it comes to party favors. A simple idea is candy bags full of traditional treats such as candy corn. Something more substantial might be a pumpkin carving kit that comes with cutouts and tools. Your guests will love having a little something to take home with them.
Endless Costume Possibilities
If you really aren’t into the scary aspect of Halloween, you can always break with tradition and hold a different type of Halloween party. Have a famous couples party or a crazy hat party instead. Guests can still dress up but might be more creative then a white sheet with holes cut out of it. Dressing up for Halloween is something that both adults and kids can enjoy so great creative and have fun with it!
Having games at your party isn’t a necessity, but can be a great deal of fun for your guests. Games act as an excellent icebreaker if everyone doesn’t know each other. Any games where you can break people off into teams will help to get everyone talking. Pumpkin carving contests are a good idea, as is bobbing for apples. Be sure to give a prize to the best costume as well.
Your Halloween party is sure to be a success if you take the time to plan. Leave yourself plenty of time and don’t forget it’s all the little details that help to make a fabulous party. Enlist the help of family and friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and remember, planning is half the fun!
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