A novel way to announce your little one's arrival. The garden-in-a-bag (for either "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!") contains everything needed to grow fragrant flowers indoors right in the bag! Just add water and set in sunny spot. Boy garden bag contains forget-me-not seeds; girl's has a selection of pinks. check it out here

Hand write your guests' names in the open spaces on the place cards, open slightly and slip the notch over rim of water goblets or wine glasses for a lovely dinner party accessory. For a small fee, you can get them personalized. 

Norwegian Sky
"Test drive" your honeymoon or have a second one!
I have received a special offer to share. November 13-16th NCL cruise out of Miami.
Inside Staterooms from $89/pps (double occupancy)
Oceanview Staterooms from $119 pps (double occupancy)
Balcony Staterooms from $269 pps (double occupancy)

Set sail on Friday
Saturday- Enjoy the day @Sandals Royal Bahamian
Sunday- Soak in the sun on NCL's private Island or enjoy the spa!
Return to Miami on Monday morning

email me for details  april@thedtales.com or call 407-687-6552

Simple yet brilliant! Thinking about enjoying a glass of wine at the beach?  A concert in the lawn? Just press the "sticks" into the sand or grass and these chrome plated steel wine sticks will keep your glasses and bottle of wine within easy reach and safe from spilling or breakage. A great idea for picnics, outdoor entertaining, and an awesome gift idea.
Set of two wine glass sticks, and one wine bottle stick. Bottle stick measures 8½ tall, glass sticks are 11 tall. Find them at Amazon $14.99

Do you use a dash a lot? What about a hyphen? Many people can not tell the difference between them. Some people even think they are the same thing. If you are one of them, check this out and master the dash.

Steps

1. Know the kinds of dashes. A dash is noticeably longer than a hyphen. There are several different dashes, but the most commonly used are the en dash (–) and the em dash (—). They are so named because they are the same width as the letter n and m, respectively.
   
   

• The figure dash is a special typographical character most often used in phone numbers. Since it's normally unavailable in word processing, you can simply use a hyphen. (Example: 408‒555‒6792, or use 408-555-6792.)
  
  
• An en dash (–) is most commonly used to indicate a range of numbers. It is longer than a hyphen although a hyphen with spaces surrounding it can be used if a dash is not available. In Microsoft Word, doing this will automatically change the hyphen into an en dash. (Example: August 13–August 18, or pages 29–349. Note that there should be no space around the en dash.)
  
  
• An em dash is most often used to indicate a break in thought or to set an appositive [2] off from the rest of the sentence. It can also be used to show a date when the time frame in question has not yet ended (Example: John Smith, 1976—).
  The remainder of this article will address using the em dash.
  

1. Identify an independent clause: Before you begin using a dash in a sentence, you must know what an independent clause is. An independent clause is one that can stand on its own because it contains both a subject and a verb, for example:
   
   • I love pizza.
   • My mom makes me dinner.
2. Use the em dash: Understanding how to identify an independent clause, you're ready to begin using a dash.
   
   
   • Most commonly, a dash connects an independent clause with another, with a separate or interrupting thought plus a conjunction like or, but, yet, as, for, and after the second dash.
   • The dash works somewhat like parentheses or commas, but it is used where a stronger punctuation is needed. It can connect an independent clause with the 'interrupting' thought like so:
     
     • Independent clause—thought—independent clause.
     • Independent clause—thought.
3. Put your sentences together: Now practice using a dash. Here are some examples of a dash being used correctly:
   
   • I'd better have passed my test—it's ninety percent of my class grade—or I'll have to go to summer school.
   • Well, I passed the test—granted, I cheated—but I passed!
   • Abby gave me a terrible haircut—and she expected a tip!
4. Know the other ways to use a dash: Dashes are also used to offset lists placed in the middle of an independent clause, where commas are already used, for example:
   
   • All of my school work—physics, Academic Decathlon, sociology, and calculus—got washed away when my house was flooded.

   Note: If there is only one appositive (which renames a noun), then you should set that off with commas, not dashes, for example:

   • The best waiter, Alain, can speak three languages.


5. In dialogue, dashes are used to indicate interrupted speech.
   
   
   • "But I—But you said— ... wait, what?" stammered Edna.


6. Dashes can also be used to emphasize a sentence.
   
   
   • Of course, I'll sign a prenuptial agreement—as long as it's in my favor.


7. Type the dashes in correctly.
   
   
   • wikiHow or wikiPedia: Use — to express an em dash. The & symbol (ampersand) lets the system know that a code may be coming up. The ; (semicolon) ends the code. Similarly, use – for an en dash.
   • When using a word processor, such as Microsoft Word, type two hyphens in between the words you wish to separate, leaving no spaces in between the words and the hyphens. The processor will automatically change the two hyphens into an em dash.

Have you ever missed a few calls on your cell phone because it was on silent mode or you just didn't hear your mobile phone ring? Then this new Bluetooth bracelet is bound to be your new best friend! It comes in a nice looking rubber & metallic matte finish and is both comfortable and fashionable to wear.
Just use the Bluetooth bracelet as you would a normal Bluetooth device, it is very simple and very straight forward to use. The Bluetooth bracelet vibrates when you receive calls and displays the caller ID's number so you can decide whether or not you want to fish your phone out of your pocket or bag. If you are too busy to take calls then just press the function button to reject the call, thereby allowing you to pay more attention to your meeting.

The downside - no called ID Name display
Still, for $25, you might never miss that important call again!  Check it out here.

Fast and Easy Recipe For Fish With Couscous | recipes, couscous, fish | YumSugar - Recipes, Menus, Food & Wine

Ingredients
1 cup plain couscous (about 6 ounces)
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided
1/3 cup purchased tapenade
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound mahi-mahi fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup purchased pico de gallo, drained
Special equipment: Metal skewers
Directions

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Bring 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Stir in couscous and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand until water is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, stir tapenade, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt in small bowl to blend.
4. Transfer 31/2 tablespoons tapenade mixture to another small bowl and reserve for couscous.
5. Thread fish pieces onto 4 metal skewers; arrange on broiler tray. Brush fish on both sides with remaining tapenade mixture. Broil fish until just opaque in center, about 4 minutes per side.
6. Fluff couscous with fork. Gently stir in reserved tapenade mixture. Stir in pico de gallo or serve it alongside. Mound couscous on plates. Top with fish skewers.

Serves 4.

 

 

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2. 4 large eggs, at room temperature
3. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4. 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
7. 1 1/4 cups sugar
8. One 13-ounce jar Nutella

Top Sirloins
Carved from the center of the sirloin, our Top Sirloins are naturally lean and bursting with bold, beefy flavor. And because of the way our master steak cutters craft these steaks, they're more tender than ever before! Boasted as one of the most flavorful steaks, our Top Sirloins are great for grilling.

8 (6 oz.) Top Sirloins   629RXT
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Offer expires 9/30/2009, or while supplies last.  Start shopping!

Baking pasta with cheese on top creates a chewy and crispy topping kids will love. You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate it, then bake it right before dinner. Try this recipe with 1 pound of spaghetti (cook a few minutes less than the package instructions direct). Don't worry if it seems like there's too much sauce; it will be absorbed as the pasta bakes.

Here is the first thing on my holiday request list.  I have a FULL 3-ring binder now but MUST have one of these!!! 

Personalized Recipe and Entertaining Journal

I love to look back on my scrapbooking and see what has happened over the years!  The one challenge was the ever changing products out there and the changing trends.
If you are like most of us, we have gone to a digital format and store most of our pictures online.
Here is an awesome solution: http://www.howfasttimeflies.com/index.cfm
check it out....... They have a template for every possible book, and even a place to make your own.

I made a gift of "pregnancy" pictures for my BFF........... Talk about memories that will last a lifetime.........

How to make scratch off- Think of the possibilities.......  (click the link for instructions)

I was in line to pay for gas and noticed how many people love to play the scratch off lottery.  Thinking about what made it so enticing, I had to think about my own experience.  WE LOVE TO WIN......... but we never know what is under that silver barrier.
Then my mind starts to wander..... How else can we use the scratch off?  Rewarding kids for doing chores/homework?  Generating "free" or "promotional" gifts to reward customers?

Look how simple this can be as a DIY project.......  I would love to hear how you plan to use them.  Any ideas???

Inspiration: Tropical Blue, Summer Yellow White

Posted using ShareThis

Planning a spring wedding?  A hint of yellow!!!

Looking for a way to promote an event with a customized feel?  ticketprinting.com brings something new to your event.

Tickets, invitations, flyers, posters.......... whatever you need, this customized solution will add a unique spin to any occasion, the moment they open the envelope!

Rather than a book of autographs likely to be stored away, these non-traditional guestbooks personalize your event and capture guests' memories and heartfelt wishes of your special day.

Each guest at your event will receive their very own guestbook page to fill out and share special messages at their leisure. After your event, simply place the completed pages in one of our many guestbook album designs and enjoy!

You'll smile each time you read your guestbook! It will be a cherished keepsake to share with family and friends for years to come!
Go to the guestbookstore and check it out...

My best friend has the best eye and talent for designing parties for my goddaughter.  I am in awe of what she manages to pull out of a hat.

Ice-cream Parlour "Make your own Sundaes" buffet


This is the type of party she puts together.  Now I have one to share.

How lovely and elegant for your little princess and her friends to share. Dont stop there, what a great idea for Baby showers and Bridal showers...........

This is such a cute idea from Creature Comforts.

Get the kids involved and find another way to go Green. Add some interest to your gifts with these easy to make pom poms made out of grocery bags

 Click here for full directions.

Here’s a centerpiece idea that’s both simple & chic. Swap out your favorite flowers and paper patterns to customize this idea for your own party!

Here are all the DIY details… *****
PINK RIBBON TRIO Centerpiece

You’ll Need:
Glass cylinder vases in 3 different heights
Decorative pink papers in 4-5 different patterns
Rhinestone word stickers (optional)-
¼” pink fabric ribbon
Pink Flowers (enough for all 3 vases)
Tape & Double-stick tape
Scissors or Paper Cutter
Directions:
Trim 3 different patterns of paper to a height that matches each of the 3 vases, then wrap each vase completely. Use tape to secure the first edge, then double-stick tape to secure the outer edge of the wrap to create a clean seam.
Next, trim a different, contrasting strip of paper to place on top of the first layer of each vase. The top layer should be anywhere between ¼ – ½ the height of the first layer. Line the edge created between the 2 layers of paper with the light pink ribbon.
Next, add the flowers. We used a small potted pink hydrangea plant for the tall vase and tight bunches of bright pink roses for the shorter vases.
Finally, add the rhinestone word stickers (optional), as well as a small pink ribbon symbol to the top of the tallest vase.
*****
Shopping Resources:
Rhinestone word stickers – in-store at Michaels
Pink Ribbon – in-store at Michaels
Pink Scrapbook Papers – Anna Griffin Peyton Collection



http://www.hostessblog.com/

On carpet, use slow, repetitive front-to-back motions in an overlapping sequence. A quick once over doesn’t do much.  On the other hand, don’t press down or make too many passes over the same spot. Instead, move slightly to the left or right about every four strokes.
To get the most out of your vacuuming regime, remember these few easy tips:

• When vacuuming, don’t ignore those corners and crevices where dust builds.
• “Top-down” cleaning saves you the step of vacuuming again after dusting. Dust blinds, windowsills, and furniture surfaces first and then vacuum away any fallen dust.
• Remember to remove and replace or empty vacuum bags when they are half to two-thirds full.

Then sit back and watch this funny video!
How To vacuum a cat!

Fast & Easy Dinner: Tofu Parmigiana

Sick of eggplant parmesan? Well get excited, this recipe is for you. It replaces the purple vegetable with tofu steaks. Instead of deep-frying them, the tofu is coated with bread crumbs and cooked in just one tablespoon of oil.
Store-bought marinara is enhanced with sauteed mushrooms and onions. Using part-skim mozzarella reduces the fat content of this Italian classic. To make it for your family tonight, get the recipe and read more.

Happy Hour: Raspberry Shag

Sometimes you just need a girlie pink vodka cocktail with a fun name. Enter the raspberry shag.
Don't be fooled by the vibrant color. This drink - a mixture of sugared muddled raspberries, vodka, lemon juice, and soda - is not overly sweet. It is smooth, refreshing, and fruity.
The original recipe calls for strawberries, but I decided to try raspberries instead. I think any berry, like blackberries or blueberries, would work well in this concoction, so use what you have on hand. To check out the recipe, read more.

Here's a mending must-have: A simple business-card organizer (from an office-supply store) that keeps all the fixings for your clothes in one place. Label and tuck your spare buttons, thread samples, cloth tags, and even those scratchy fabric-care labels you snip off garments (or pillows and blankets) into the compartments. It will be a snap to find them later.

Clothing Fix-It Kit and more decorating ideas, organizing tips, and homekeeping and cleaning solutions on marthastewart.com

Download 48 free pumpkin patterns with instructions from Extreme Pumpkins. Each pattern will print on its own page and you’ll be able to keep the file as long as you want. For a limited time, this has been reduced to $0.00!

http://www.freestuff.com/featured/free-pumpkin-patterns-and-instructions/

http://www.perfectpostage.com/
Now you can have the "Perfect Postage" for your weddings, showers, and special events!
Give your envelopes the WOW factor. Personalized postage stamps with your perfect touch!

C is for�Cookie Monster Party! (http://ping.fm/E3D1C)

YouTube - gfspartyplanning.com - Tailgate Tip (http://ping.fm/hXxPd)

Party Event Kits | Curious Chef (http://ping.fm/TgeDb)

Is wearing white after Labor Day fashionably acceptable in Florida? (http://ping.fm/2z9Xq)

Milk and Cookies Party : : : 100 Digits : : (http://ping.fm/QCRz7)

humorous funny cake toppers - Wedding Shoes and Wedding Cake Toppers at Bridal People (http://ping.fm/Xp3p6)

Bridesmaids Gifts And Groomsmen Gifts As Tokens of Appreciation : Wedding Supplies, Bridal Accessories, and Wedding Favours (http://ping.fm/Sb6QG)

12 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Your Wedding Reception : Wedding Supplies, Bridal Accessories, and Wedding Favours (http://ping.fm/sQnAf)

Ping.fm Help and Information Wiki / Facebook Pages (http://ping.fm/N9zSK)