Tips Guides

Are you ready for Christmas? What about thanking that new customer, or client? Okay, I will stop trying to stress you out, as I am sure that you get the point. You need a way to thank people but not blow the budget. Solution: Gift baskets!

When you think gift baskets, what are they filled with? My favorite baskets are filled with coffee, cookies and chocolate, topped with a perfect bow and just waiting to be unwrapped. But really, that is only the beginning. There are hundreds of vendors that fill gift baskets with everything from spa treats, to doggy items. Some vendors let you pick the items that you want to put in them! So how do you pick the perfect gift basket for the people that you love? Here are three easy to use ways.

1. Pick a gift basket that reflects what they care about. Are they into “green” living? Then choose a basket that feature Fair Trade and Organic items like coffee, mugs and gifts from Nectar of Life Coffee Company. Or perhaps they are a lover of fresh fruit, wine, nuts, and vegetables. Then a basket from Harry and David would be a fantastic choice. Pre-Made gift baskets can range in price from $19.00- $200.00 +. The benefits of gift baskets are a huge time- savings and you can have them shipped with a custom card directly to that special someone.

2. A second option is to build a basket on your own. I know it sounds daunting, but it can be very easy, and you can enjoy a cost savings. The price range for this option is about $20.00-$200.00 +. One negative aspect is that you will have the shipping or delivery hassle to deal with. If you don’t price around, it could eat whatever cost savings from your merchandise. Should you choose to build your own gift basket here are some simple guidelines to get you going.

A. You will need a theme-based basket or box (a photographer, for instance would be able to use a photo box; a fisherman, a tackle box; a child could use a fabric lined basket as a toy box, etc.)

B. After establishing your base pick three “big” items that flow with the theme. Let’s stick with the photographer. For this person, choose a camera case, lenses for their camera, a flip style photo album, or if you have money, a camera or lens that they have mentioned.

C. Then pick four smaller items. For a fisherman, this might include lures, a fly- fishing reel, multi-tool, pliers, flashlight, a pen sized pole (available at Wal-Mart, Joe’s and other sporting goods stores), and a waterproof zippered pouch. These are just a few suggestions.

D. As a final touch include small snacks, trinkets or edibles that tie your gift together. For a child, a few ideas would be fruit roll-ups, jewelry, die-cast cars, hair ties, fancy shoelaces, or their favorite candy (as approved by their parents).

E. Use glue dots (available at Michaels or local craft stores) to secure all items together. Don’t get out-of-control one or two per item is all that is necessary. Put the big items in first. Then medium sized items, and the small items as filler around the bottom. Think pyramid as you are assembling the basket.

F. Last, purchase a basket bag, or if you are ambitious, a roll of basket wrap. Bring the corners to the top and secure with a small section of ribbon.

G. For the crowning jewel, a bow at the top will create a gift that is both festive and elegant.

3. Suppose you have a good idea of what you want, and would like to incorporate things that you have purchased. If you just don’t have time or inclination to assemble the basket yourself, then check locally. Many times there are gift basket companies that can both assemble and attach a bow to a basket that you have otherwise created. This option ranges in cost from $25.00- $100.00 depending on how much work, and materials you use.

Gift baskets can incorporate a number of ideas, and goods. They are very functional and enjoyable. All age ranges, and interests can be covered and encompassed in just one gift.

Hannah Jennings divides her time among family, and the business she owns with her husband, Nectar of Life Organic Coffee. She has been making gift baskets for family and friends for over 8 years. For help with your gift giving check out her gift baskets at www.nectaroflife.com.

Halloween in Austin, Texas is one of the most popular nights of the year for revelers in the downtown area, especially 6th Street. Every year, throngs of people, old and young alike, dress up in their scariest, wackiest, or most unusual costumes, some home-made, some from expensive costume shops, and parade down 6th Street, enjoying the party atmosphere.

6th Street promises a wild night for those who attend, and there is usually a great deal of consumption of alcoholic beverages and subsequent inebriation. Most people claim to have a great time, even though there are the usual numerous arrests of those intoxicated or rowdy, but there are also more sedate, sober activities around town, many of which are family oriented.

This year promises to be no different from years past on Halloween in Austin, and some of the activities offered by the City of Austin sound almost as much fun as 6th Street, or possibly more fun. Halloween falls on a Friday this year, but many of the city-sponsored events take place a few days prior to the actual date of Halloween, which is the 31st of October.

For example, there is the annual Halloween Trick or Treat Trail under the moonlight tower in Zilker Park on the 26th of October from 2:00pm until 5:00pm, and this events offers a variety of activities, including carnival booths, entertainment, and concessions. Admission is free but participants are encouraged to bring two items of non-perishable food for the food bank to help feed the needy in and around Austin. A live music sing along is on tap as well as the annual Halloween costume contest, and this event promises to be both fun and safe.

Another city sponsored event the same day is the Spooky Science Extravaganza at the Mexican American Cultural Center, and this event involves examination of many Halloween “mysteries” and explaining them in scientific ways. The event’s hours are also 2:00pm to 5:00pm and the event offers an educational experience for children that’s also fun.

Another educational event is being held Tuesday through Sunday, October 21st through November 2nd at the Beverly Sheffield Education Center in Zilker Park, and the event is called the “Haunted Cave”. The hours of this event are 10:00am to 5:00pm, except Sunday, when the event’s hours are 12:00pm to 5:00pm, and this event offers interactive games, a movie about the Edwards Aquifer, and a recreated cave for children to walk through and observe the salamanders in their natural habitat.

On October 30th, a Halloween Carnival is being held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Pan Am Recreation Center, and this carnival also includes a costume contest for the kids and games with prizes. This event will offer a safe place for the kids to wear their costumes and have fun while their parents relax and let the kids spend very little money for a safe night out. All game booths are .25 cents at the event, and food and drinks are .75 cents, and the carnival includes a Halloween Dance so parents can have some fun too. The Halloween Carnival promises fun for the whole family.

Two options for adults or families who don’t choose to hit 6th Street include the Austin Ghost Tour, which is a guided tour of downtown Austin with stops at all of the scariest haunted places in the downtown area. Another possibility is the Mansion of Terror, which is a pitch black labyrinth behind the Walgreens on I.H. 35 at the intersection with 281, and the labyrinth will be full of scary spooks, but since the proceeds go to charity, the event offers a way to help the community while having a good time.

Halloween in Austin will surely be as exciting this year as it has been in years past, and as long as revelers remember to remain sober and observe the laws, everyone should have a great time, so make a plan now, get a costume, and start looking forward to one of Austin’s most celebrated yearly events!

Ki is a real estate agent in Austin. His site has a graphical search of homes in the Austin MLS along with detailed information about Austin real estate and a graph of current mortgage interest rates.

The holiday season is a time for friends, family, togetherness and fun. It’s easy to get carried away when stocking up for the holidays from gifts, to food, to party favors and decorations, there are a seemingly endless array of ways to spend money in the name of the holiday season. In fact, the holiday season is the peak time of year for debt accumulation. While everyone wants to enjoy themselves during the holidays, and to show their loved ones how much they care, overspending is not the only (or even the best) way to accomplish these goals. Instead of building up outrageous debt, plan ahead and discipline yourself, in order to get through the holiday season on a reasonable budget.

One of the largest areas of overspending during the holidays is, of course, on gifts. The number one reason many people find themselves in debt after the holidays is not necessarily because they make purchases they can’t afford, but because they make all their purchases at once. Instead of consolidating your shopping to the overly-hectic holiday season, plan ahead and start accumulating gifts throughout the year.

The end of summer and back to school seasons are great for sales, and you’ll likely find better deals for a lot of the items on your list. Similarly, though more long-term, hitting after-Christmas sales is an extremely cost-effective way to get great gifts without breaking the bank. Another option for gifts, particularly video games and other high-priced items, is to check out online auction sites like e-Bay. But buyer beware: always read the full item description carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions about the items condition. Return policies vary from seller to seller, but they are obligated to give you honest, accurate information before you buy.

Another big area of overspending during the holiday season is on decorations and general ambiance a tree, ornaments, candles, lights, displays, table runners, tree skirts you name it and you can find it in a Christmas theme (and often at a significant mark up). The best way to avoid the temptation of going out and buying new decor every year, is to establish a sentimental value for these kinds of items. Have your children use finger paint to make the tree skirt, work together as a family to make everyone’s stockings, and save all the ornaments you’ve accumulated over the years. By creating and holding on to decorations that mean something special to your family, you’ll create your own tradition, and save big on buying new items that don’t mean anything to you.

And when you do need to pick up new decor items, take advantage of the deeply discounted post-holiday sales. Not only are these great resources for decor items, they’re also ideal for stocking up on other holiday necessities like wrapping paper, greeting cards, bows, ribbons, stockings, and most any other holiday-themed item you can imagine. And best of all, you’ll find them at clearance prices. With a little planning, creativity, and resourcefulness, you can have your fruit cake and eat it, too.

Escapeso Realty helps homes buyers and sellers in the Austin real estate market. Their site has a tool that graphs mortgage interest rates and a free search of the Austin MLS.

Christmas Card Recycling has been a holiday craft project for many decades. I am sure some people are thinking, why bother with Christmas card recycling? Let’s first go back in time to where life moved at a slower pace and where Christmas was not so commercialized. Handmade gifts were lovingly made and greatly appreciated. Christmas was less stressful and thinking of and giving to others was the greatest priority. Christmas card recycling allows quality time spent with children and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the look of pride on their little faces when their project is complete. What grandparent, aunt, or uncle would not love to receive a handmade gift? It is a lovely Christmas card recycling keepsake to be cherished for years. This is also a great way to fill some time on rainy afternoons and to remind children how to play without toys and television. Cutting, sticking and making is fun which the whole family can participate in, and can even become an integral part of the families preparation for Christmas.

Successful Christmas card recycling: The First Rule

After the holidays save your cards and pack them along with your other Christmas decorations. This will ensure the cards being in the right place for crafting. Never place them with any other paper, avoid clutter and deciding to clean out and end up throwing them away. Placed with your Christmas decorations is the best place. The children will find them at the start of the Christmas season. This is the perfect time to start Christmas card recycling projects.

Tree Decorations Using Recycled Christmas Cards

This project starts by cutting shapes from cardboard. Some examples include bells,wreaths,and trees. Snowmen are an easy project for children. Cut the snowmen from the card and let the children apply glitter. Punch a small hole in the top and attach yarn and tie in a loop. Then the ornament is ready to hang on your tree.

Another decoration for your tree that is made from Christmas card recycling is paper pompoms. Start by cutting eight discs from the front of cards (thinner cards work better). the discs should be 4 inches. Then discs should be folded in half, stapling down the middle of the discs. The discs should be folded vertically; hold in your hand, a layer from each side should be stapled together. Continue layering and stapling until you have completed the pompom. String with yarn and hang from your tree.

Recycling Christmas Cards for Gift tags

One of the simplest and easiest projects for Christmas card recycling is making gift tags. Just cut your desired shapes and write To and From on the back.

If you are not into Christmas card recycling, there are some other options. You can simply drop your cards off at a site, usually some shops collect them for charity. a small donation is contributed to charities for every card donated.

Either way you decide to recycle Christmas cards, remember you are saving a tree. And the fun you can have as a family makes this the perfect project. Give it a try and surprise yourself.

Jon Kelly is a published author who writes articles on a variety of diverse subjects. This includes articles about Christmas and Christmas decorations. If you would like to get more information and ideas about Christmas Time . Please visit: http://greatchristmastime.com

Is anything more luxurious than taking a cruise holiday? Traveling to exotic locations on a luxury ship, catching sunrays, and breathing the salty breezes can renew and replenish anyone, no matter how shopworn from the cares of work. However, a cruise holiday requires planning in order to be the best it can be. Check out these tips to have a cruise experience you will remember.

So where do you start when planning a cruise holiday? First, what is your budget like? Do you need to hold down expenses? Then here are a few tips for economizing on your cruise holiday.

When scheduling your cruise holiday, you should be aware that there are off season and on season dates, and that you want to schedule your trip in the off season to get the best deal. What you may not know, however, is that cruise lines actually change prices a number of times throughout the year. Ask and find out when their absolute lowest season prices are. In addition, keep your plans somewhat flexible so that you can change ships at the last minute. Sometimes a ship is not filled to capacity, so the cruise line will sell the last few tickets at a real bargain. It is always to their advantage to sail filled to capacity because people on holiday spend money on souvenirs, drinks, etc. Use this knowledge to get a really great deal.

Where you cruise to on your holiday can make a big difference in your cost as well. If you pick a popular spot, you can travel cheaper than if you choose a less popular spot. Another consideration is whether you really care about those ports of call. If you just want to stay on the ocean liner and enjoy the luxuries, book a cruise that doesn’t stop anywhere. These “cruises to nowhere” are just as luxurious as the others but cost less.

To be safe on a cruise holiday, don’t take a lot of expensive equipment or jewelry with you. Make sure your passport, health insurance, and other papers are up to date. Be sure to ask about laws you may inadvertently be breaking when you get off the shore you are accustomed to. Laws in ports and even in the water can vary, and you sure don’t want a big hassle with a foreign law enforcement agency.

To travel lighter, find out about equipment that will be available on the ship. For instance, if the cruise line provides irons or hair dryers, you won’t need to pack yours. Also pack your own sample size shampoo, toothpaste, and other toiletries because these items will cost more in the gift shop. You should have access to laundry facilities on your cruise holiday, so you don’t have to take a huge amount of clothing. Pick a wrinkle proof lightweight outfit for every two or three days and pick separates in colors that coordinate so you can get different looks. Be sure to pack a formal and or semi-formal outfit if you will be taking part in these sort of activities on your cruise holiday.

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Halloween is a great time to host a kid’s party. After all, what child doesn’t like Halloween? One of the most enjoyable aspects of Halloween is the food. There are hundreds of recipes that have been specifically created for this spooky holiday. The following ideas will help you plan the yummiest menu possible.

Serve a minimum of sweet treats. You don’t want your guests suffering from ’sugar overload’ during the party. To celebrate the occasion, serve chicken fingers with a blood (any red dipping sauce.) If you prepare them from scratch, it’s not hard to make them resembling the more human variety. Add a sliced almond for the finger nail for a realistic approach.

Another dish to try is to add equal parts red, blue, and yellow food color to spaghetti after it’s been cooked so it turns an ugly brownish color. Serve with a green pesto sauce and call it snakes in the swamp.

Make goofy eyeball meatballs. Shape seasoned ground meat into an oval with a flat top and bottom, bake until done. Cut a round circle out of mozzarella cheese about the size of a half dollar or one inch in diameter. Cut grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes into three slices. Cut black olives in half. Assemble the goofy eyeballs by placing a slice of cheese on the meatball, then a slice of tomato on the cheese and top with a black olive half. Vary the placement of the toppings so the eyeballs are looking in different directions.

If you will be serving punch, why not serve the ghoulish variety? Simply make your favorite punch and add a few ghoul hands. To make these hands, fill non-powdered rubber gloves with cranberry or other red juice. (Don’t overfill, the fingers of the glove should still move easily.)
Close gloves tightly with rubber bands and freeze flat on cookie sheets, which have been lined with paper towels. When ready to serve, open gloves with scissors and add to punch. You may want to break off one or two fingers and add them separately.

A fun punch can be with one quart of lime drink, one quart of lemon lime soda and one cup of lime sherbet. The sherbet should be added right before serving. Stir so the sherbet foams up a bit with the soda. Dust the foam lightly with cocoa powder to resemble dirt.

It’s not a good idea to use dry ice in your punch to make it smoke. Curious hands may try to touch the dry ice resulting in freezer burn. Instead place the dry ice in containers out of reach, such as the back of a table and you’ll still have the atmosphere of the smoky fog without the worry of accidents.

Keep the food simple and familiar but with a twist. Rename favorites in the Halloween theme. Use food coloring in blues, greens, and browns to alter the way a dish looks. Or use familiar food in unfamiliar ways. For example blanch a cauliflower head, break apart and then reassemble (this makes the cauliflower easier to serve) cover the cauliflower with ranch dressing then using ketchup in a squeeze bottle outline each floret with the ketchup so it looks like a brain.

Have fun with your food at Halloween.

Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books and the novel, Over Time Get your free booklet Party Ideas for Kids Dee’s hobbies include gardening, and jewelry.