November 30th, 2009
Planning a get-together this holiday season? Our 5-part series explores everything from simple, easy to prepare intimate gatherings to gala-style events.
There’s no question — the holidays are a time to celebrate, and what better way than with a gathering of friends and family? Here are some simple ideas for putting together a fast and easy holiday soiree’.
1 – Keep the menu simple.
When planning your menu, remember that less is more. Stick to a few very tasty crowd-pleasers instead of setting out a 20-item buffet. Better yet, consider hosting a potluck — most people are happy to bring a dish or pick up something to contribute en route to the party, and it takes a heap of the pressure off you. You can further minimize your menu by carefully choosing a time for your event — for example, a mid-afternoon party (where folks are likely to have eaten lunch before arriving) or an evening gathering that starts at 8PM or so sends a subtle message: dine or grab a snack before you arrive, as a full dinner won’t be served this late in the evening. When you’re planning for drinks, be sure to include non-alcoholic beverages as well, and you can cut back on expenses by providing beer and/or wine while inviting folks to BYOB.
2 – Ask for help.
One of the biggest stressors in planning a gathering is thinking you’ve got to do it all yourself. Consider hiring a professional cleaning specialist to scrub your home before the party, and don’t feel you must say “no” to guests to offer to assist in picking up at the end of the party. If everyone picked up just a few plates or cups, the cleanup goes a lot smoother and quicker than if you dismiss offers for help and insist on doing it all yourself.
3 – Keep the guest list small.
Intimate gatherings require a lot less planning, preparation, and clean-up than larger parties, and yet they can be just as much fun as a full-scale event. The key is to keep it simple, invite folks who mesh well together (or already know each other), and remember to relax.
Holiday gatherings don’t have to be complex! What matters is the quality of the conversation — not the quantity of guests or the elaborateness of the food. Keep it simple, have fun, and everyone is sure to have a wonderful time. And be sure to include a projector rental for a photo montage slideshow from Projector123.com.
November 27th, 2009
If you’re like most folks, you’re probably expecting company to come and visit at some point this holiday season. If you’re scrambling to find ideas to entertain your guests during their visit, look no further than Projector123.com. Projector rentals from Projector123.com provide easy, accessible, affordable ways for you to make your guests feel welcome without having to drive all over town in holiday traffic or battle the winter elements to seek out fun activities. Here are some ideas for entertaining your relatives right at home with an easy DVD projector rental:
1 – At-home night at the movies
House your very own film fest when the weather is far too nasty to go out to the movies. Projector123.com will ship a professional grade projector rental right to your front door, complete with easy setup instructions. Just return the projector to a FedEx drop-off box (included in rental cost) when you’re finished with the projector — it’s really that simple! In the meantime, enjoy all your favorite movies projected on any blank wall in your home. Your guests will love you for it.
2 – Host a gaming competition
 There’s nothing quite as fun as some healthy competition among family and friends. Hook up any gaming system to a rental projector from Projector123.com, pop in your favorite games and let the fun begin, projected on a larger than life wall or screen as family members battle it out for the title of Best in the Family. Loser gets stuck with the dishes, perhaps? Make up your own rules, just make it fun!
3 – Nostalgic family photo slide show
Bring the family together with memories from days gone by with a photo montage or digital slide show projected onto a wall, white sheet, or large screen in your home. Everyone will appreciate reminiscing over old times with this top-quality showcase of the family’s most treasured moments and much-loved relatives.
Whatever you do to entertain your family this year, make things exciting and fun with an affordable projector rental from Projector123.com. Click here to rent a projector now!
November 25th, 2009
Let’s lighten up the holiday spirit with a little humor, shall we?
November 23rd, 2009
Here is an excellent article (condensed) from natural weight loss expert Marna Goldstein Thall. If you’ve ever struggled with holiday eating before, you’ll love her practical advice for surviving the holidays without packing on the pounds.
Everyone loves Thanksgiving, don’t they? Yet there have been plenty of holiday meals where many have felt like large rolly pollies complete with hands on our aching, protruding bellies. Pants are stretched out to maximum capacity by the time the end of the holidays roll around, from all the stuffing, turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie — just some of the fabulous delicacies that make holiday meals absolutely scrumptious.
What if this holiday season you could enjoy all these delicious foods, but not overdo it? Yes, eat and enjoy, but know that by January 1st you won’t be looking for a weight loss plan to take all that holiday weight off. This holiday will be different for you. We know it can be! Here are five (5) tips to keep you feeling in tip-top shape both mind and body:
 1. Differentiate between loving food and NEEDING food. It’s critical to get a handle on holiday foods by making sure you do up-front mental and emotional clearings before walking into a whole house full of “trigger-foods”.
2. Have you ever noticed that you overdo your eating out of habit, even when there is no logical reason for it? This automatic way of overeating during the holiday season is due to your cellular memory around this time of year. Your cells have become accustomed to overeating out of habit – it’s what we call you “cellular memory”. This memory is entirely unconscious and both your mind and your body will continue to repeat these old holiday patterns because your cellular memory is literally in the groove of having it this way. As you change your cells and their vibration, then you change this memory and your holiday eating outcome.
3. Begin clearing your holiday food triggers on ALL levels: the physical body is where you hold childhood and adolescent food triggers. The physical body cares primarily about keeping you protected and safe. The emotional body holds on to foods for comfort and soothing; mainly anything that is missing from the emotional body. The mental body holds on to food for either frustrated or boredom.
4. Find a program that will help you achieve permanent results. YOU are an individual, and YOU need an individualized method for tapping into why you lose focus and ultimately, end up eating too much. This holiday season make sure you find a program or strategy that sticks.
5 . Recent research has established that overweight people overeat because their food cravings are controlled by the same part of the brain that control drug cravings in addicts. This brain circuitry located in the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is also involved with emotion. It’s no wonder that during the holiday season your brain circuitry is driven wild by all the foods that are constantly being placed in front of you. Energy work along with cognitive and behavioral coaching to conquer food cravings will help you eliminate and clear blocked food cravings.
What are some of your tips for holiday survival?
November 13th, 2009
In our prior 2 installments, we’ve explored tips for traveling by plane or automobile. Now here are some simple tips to help get you through any sort of holiday travel with minimal stress.
1. Take care of yourself.
 With such a strong focus on giving, self-care is something that often falls by the wayside this time of year, and yet it’s one of the most important ways to keep your spirits raised and your energy levels stable. Take time to care for yourself, even if it’s just a matter of relaxing for a few minutes or listening to your favorite songs.
2. Go easy on the indulgences.
There are plenty of opportunities to overdo it during the holiday season, but this is really the time of year when you need your rest, so try not to overindulge too often. Get plenty of rest and be sure to consume lots of water to counterbalance the sweets, treats, and alcohol you may be taking in. Remember, just because it’s readily available, that doesn’t mean you have to eat or drink it!
3. Keep the main thing the main thing.
 Have you ever noticed that when you keep your priorities in line, everything else seems to slide right into place? Remember the reason for the season and what matters most to you and if you keep this in the forefront of your mind, you’re sure to be right as rain.
With these 3 life lessons on track, you’re sure to have the best holiday season ever. Enjoy yourself! And remember, if you’re planning a holiday gathering, add some special pizzazz with a projector rental from Projector123.com. For more ideas on creating holiday memories, click here holiday movie projector rentals.
November 11th, 2009
In Part 1, we talked about traveling by plane. In this installment, we explore ways to simplify your holiday travel by car.
With a stabilization in the price of auto fuel, and a continued rise in the cost of airline fares, more and more folks are choosing to travel by car whenever possible. If you’ve got a road trip in your holiday travel plans, here are some quick tips to help you keep your sanity (and arrive with a smile on your face).
1 – Allow plenty of time.
The number one reason most road trips go sour isn’t because of bad directions — it’s because of exceedingly high expectations about the time it takes to travel from one location to another. Even if Google Maps says it only takes 6 hours, do yourself a favor and plan for 8 hours. You may still arrive sooner, but at least you won’t be frustrated or stressed if it takes longer than 6 hours. Also, don’t plan on driving more than 8 hours in a day if you can help it — unless you’ve got multiple experienced drivers to help you split up the trip. A single driver embarking on a 10-hour road trip should definitely plan on spending the night somewhere along the way.
2 – Time your departure.
A little planning can go a long way in a road trip — and we’re talking about more than just proper directions. Think about what time you’ll most likely be passing through any large cities and avoid rush hour traffic times if you can help it. If it’s unavoidable, look for a bypass route and bring some of your favorite music to get you through the tough traffic time (and add a couple of hours on to your estimated travel time, just for good measure). Additionally, you don’t want to be driving through the middle of nowhere during lunch time, when you’re likely to want to stop and break for a meal. If at all possible, plan on driving through at least midsize towns during estimated meal times to ensure you get the rest and fuel your body needs to keep going.
3 – Drink plenty of water.
It’s tempting to scale back on your water intake in order to avoid unnecessary bathroom stops, but water is essential for keeping you rested, alert, hydrated and in top condition to drive. Plus, keeping your body well-hydrated means you’ll be less likely to experience fatigue once you arrive. Stock up on water and plan many quick restroom breaks.
4 – Pre-plan your directions.
If you don’t own a GPS, be sure to stop by an AAA office or do your research online to ascertain the best route to your destination. It’s always a good idea to plan a backup route as well, just in case. Print out the driving directions (or pack extra batteries for the GPS) and bring them in the car (but don’t read while driving!) If possible, ask your passenger to manage the navigation so that you can focus on keeping everyone safe on the road.
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your vacation or holiday visit with friends and family. In our next installment, we’ll explore some additional tips about holiday travel.
November 10th, 2009
 Traveling to visit family or friends this holiday season? Use these easy tips to enjoy smooth sailing whether you’re planning to travel by plane, train or automobile. In this installment, we explore tips to make airline travel easier.
Book early for the best rates and selection.
This is one of the busiest times of year for travel as families reconnect, folks travel home for the holidays and others take advantage of time off from work. Flights fill up early, so be sure to give yourself plenty of advance notice if you want to take advantage of the best fares and enjoy the most options in terms of available travel times. Remember, coupons, vouchers and discount offers are rarely valid during holiday “blackout” dates.
Arrive at the airport early.
Security lines are typically extra-long this time of year, so give yourself extra time to allow for contingencies or super long lines. Pack a magazine or two to pass the time in case you happen to luck out with a short security line — you’ll be glad to have something to read if you arrive at the gate with plenty of time to spare.
Drink plenty of water.
While it’s true that most airplane toilets are about the size of a shoebox, that’s still no reason to skimp on hydration. Drinking plenty of water helps you stave off jet lag, swelling in the lower extremities, fatigue, and other air travel-related side effects. It’s also a good idea to take a multi-vitamin, extra vitamin C, or an Airborne before hopping on the plane. Holiday crowds bring more germs floating around in the artificial environment of an airplane, so protect yourself from the common cold.
Keep it moving.
If you’re taking a longer flight, be sure to get up and walk the aisle a couple of times each hour to keep your circulation smooth. Change positions often while sitting and remember to stretch frequently.
Stay centered.
Remember, crowds are virtually inevitable this time of year — take some time to relax before and during travel, meditate, or practice deep breathing and you’ll feel better equipped to handle the mad rush that is sure to occur at the airports during your trip.
These few tips will help you stay settled and arrive in a happy frame of mind. What plane travel tips do you have?
Tune in next time for our top car travel tips (Part 2 of the series).
November 6th, 2009
We thought you might enjoy these unusual gift ideas for those hard-to-please people on your list (we found these ideas on “Consumer Guide to Products” by Paul Kelly).
The Dynaflex Powerball
A fun and effective wrist exerciser…when you twist the Powerball, the internal gyroscope starts moving, but the torque is actually causing you to work your muscles while holding the item. Ingenious!
Eton Red Cross FR400 Weather Radio
The Eton FR400 has got it all — emergency lighting, a cell-phone adapter so that you can hand-crank enough power to charge a cell phone to make some calls, and seven weather-band channels. It’s water-resistant, hand-cranked and sure to be a hit as an unusual gift.
Golf Launchpad
This fun and portable accessory allows you to use your own clubs to play golf virtually anywhere, any time. The Golf Launchpad is easy to use — just grip it and rip it. Using EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour software, you can play the best courses in the world, and the greens fees are very reasonable.
Incred-A-Ball Golf Ball
By far, the silliest golf imaginable — but sure to cause a laugh. The remote-controlled Incred-A-Ball can make your putts go all over the green and eventually land in the hole. Warning: might help your friend or family member learn to take their golf game a little less seriously!
Binary Clock
Gadget-guys and computer geeks are sure to love a binary clock. While it takes a while to get used to, just like the old hands of an analog clock, once you get used to it, telling time with this timepiece will become second nature. Definitely a conversation piece.
Glow Brick
This ultra cool nightlight is sure to make someone on your list smile. The light bulb inside the glass brick is filled with phosphor luminescent powder, which absorbs the light. As the daylight fades, the nightlight glows brighter. The light provided by the Glow Brick diminishes during the night, only to be recharged the next day. Brilliant! (And we mean that literally)
Heated Socks
For those cold winter days, battery-powered heated socks can be your toes’ best friends. These gems maintain a constant warm temperature thanks to safe heating elements powered by batteries. Heated socks are low voltage, and are safe even when wet. Just feel the warmth.
Remote Barbecue Thermometers
From the “of course!” school of obvious gadgets, the remote barbecue thermometer allows you to play in the yard while you still monitor the internal temperature of your grilling meats. If you like to grill during the winter, this little beauty can make you look like a hardy soul, even if you check on dinner only when it’s done. Why should anyone know? Put on a pair of those battery-powered socks, and you’re good to go.
Chocolate Fountains
An ultimate gift for chocoholics everywhere — the chocolate fountain is ideal for entertaining, or for a romantic evening at home for two. Serve with strawberries, cookies, pretzels, or chocolate bars and prepare to be dazzled.
Have fun shopping for everyone on your list — hope these unique ideas help jump-start your imagination!
We’d love to hear about unusual gifts you’ve purchased or received. Leave a reply.
November 4th, 2009
Looking for ways to liven up fall? Here are some easy fall crafts to do with kids.
Leaf Collage
Take children on a leaf collecting hunt and when you return home, glue the leaves onto a posterboard. Talk about the shapes, colors, types, and what kind of tree each leaf likely came from.
Acorn People
Collect acorns and glue on wiggly eyes, pom-pom noses, or bits of construction paper to make faces.
Pinecone Bird Feeder
Not all birds fly south for the winter, and those who don’t often have a tough time finding food. This easy craft helps sustain non-migratory birds in your area, and kids love to make useful crafts that serve a purpose. Simply tie a string or piece of twine onto the top of a pinecone. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, then roll it in birdseed. Hang outdoors for the birds to enjoy.
Leaf Rub
Collect fall leaves and place vein side up on a white sheet of paper. Place another sheet of white paper on top. Rub the side of a completely peeled crayon over the top sheet of paper to make a design.
Pressed Leaves
Place fall leaves between two sheets of wax paper. Place heavy book on top of wax paper to flatten the leaves. Cut two pieces of brown paper out of a paper bag. Place wax paper on top of brown paper, then a layer of leaves, then wax paper, and last another sheet of brown paper. Have an adult iron on top of the brown paper with the iron set on the medium setting. Make sure the wax paper has stuck to the leaves. Cool. Trim edges of wax paper if necessary.
Not the crafty type?
Why not consider a projector rental from Projector123.com. You can rent some fall DVDs such as “Let’s Explore Autumn and Winter,” “Tractor Ted in Autumn Time,” or “Weather for Children: All about Climate and Seasons” and teach your kids about fall in a fun, visually stimulating way. Rent a projector, have it delivered to your home, set-up it up, gather the kids and let the fun begin.
November 2nd, 2009
 Wondering what to do with all that leftover Halloween candy? All the extra sweets making your kids batty? While the obvious answer might be to simply throw it away, it seems unfortunate to discard and waste so much perfectly good candy, so here are some alternatives to ditching these sweet treats.
#1 – Donate it!
Many nursing homes, firehouses and various shelters will accept candy in the original wrappers so why not send all that sweetness where it’s truly wanted? Be sure to call ahead to ensure that your donation will be accepted.
#2 – Make a soldier’s day!
Send your non-chocolate candy in a care package to the troops overseas and make a soldier’s day. Unfortunately, chocolate tends to melt, so hard candy and other sweets tend to ship best.
#3 – Freeze it!
Some candy (especially chocolates) freeze exceptionally well and you might consider doling out small amounts of candy to your kids throughout the year, or using it as leverage to get certain chores accomplished.
#4 – Start a new tradition!
Some households have started a tradition of the “Halloween Fairy.” Children are allowed to choose a few special pieces of candy to keep, and the rest is placed outside their bedroom door before they go to sleep…the Halloween Fairy pays a visit, magically turning their leftover candy into non-sweet age-appropriate treats such as coloring books, craft items, CDs, books, etc.
#5 – Get creative!
Save hard candies or colorful candies for decorating the gingerbread house, or use chocolate candies in baking brownies or other sweet confections. Tootsie rolls baked inside of biscuits or crescent rolls offer a gooey, tasty surprise.
#6 – Fair trade!
Candy goes a long way in the workplace, so you might consider “bribing” a co-worker, or simply showing your appreciation for someone’s hard work. Remember, anyone with kids may be in the same situation as you (with too much candy) so consider sharing with co-workers who don’t have small children.
Get creative and have fun with it — remember, there’s no need to throw out perfectly good candy (or leave it lying around the house, tempting everyone in sight). Happy fall !
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