March 18th, 2011
Here we are in the middle of March and in some parts of the country, it’s still snowy and freezing, but it’s never too soon to begin planning your summer vacation. Here are some easy tips for turning this elaborate planning into a summer’s breeze.
Step 1: Get Some Input
You might already have an idea of the perfect destination for this summer’s family vacation, but do yourself a favor and talk to your family about it first. You never know what you might discover – your family might prefer to stay closer to home, revisit an old favorite spot, or they might even choose something far less elaborate and less expensive. Have an open conversation, share your thoughts and opinions, and get input from everyone. While it’s true that most families are not run in the same fashion as a democracy (where everyone gets to vote), make sure that each person feels heard and understood, even though the parents will likely have the final say.
Step 2: Do Your Research
Research might involve a visit to the local travel agent, or it might involve extensive online searching – either way, it pays to be informed. Many people are under the mistaken belief that travel agents are now too pricey to use, but this is not always the case. Yes, your travel agent will likely charge you a surcharge for booking your airfare, but if you’re choosing a complex destination (such as Disney) where many factors must be booked and handled in advance (lodging, airfare, park tickets, ground transportation, etc.) or an all-inclusive location, you’ll often save money by going through a travel agent or booking service, who can get much better deals than you can find online. That’s why it’s important to have a ballpark idea of what you want to do, where you want to go, and approximately what it will cost before you speak to a travel agent or start booking anything online.
 Step 3: Prioritize
It’s possible that you might not be able to do absolutely everything you’d like to do on this trip, either because of time or money constraints, and that’s perfectly OK. But you’ll certainly want to prioritize what is most important to you, and focus on making time and budgeting funds for that. Consider the input you got from the whole family – for example, if you are a group of foodies, then you may choose lower-priced lodging in exchange for a higher dining out budget. If your family consists of thrill-junkies, you may prefer budget accommodations and dining (or you may even drive instead of fly) in order to have more available funds for entertainment and activities. The key is to focus your resources on the highest priorities and look for other low-priority places to cut corners.
Be sure to come back next time for the final installment in our two-part series on planning the perfect family summer vacation. In the meantime, you might consider that once you’ve returned from your exciting family excursion, you’ll have a ton of photos and memories to share, and what better way than with a rental projector from Projector123.com? Click here now to visit our website and learn more about our affordable, professional-grade rental projectors.
January 14th, 2011
If you live in a part of the U.S. where winters are bitterly cold and outdoor fun is prohibitive due to inclement (or unpredictable) weather, never fear – we’ve got plenty of ideas for creating a fun and warm environment indoors. Here are our top tips for indoor winter fun.
 1. Host a Progressive Dinner
Progressive dinners are fun and easy ways to entertain without going to a lot of trouble. Choose four or five homes in somewhat close proximity, and draw to determine who gets what course. The dinner begins at one home for drinks and appetizers, then the whole party moves to the next home for a soup course, followed by a salad course, the main entrée course, and finally, dessert. You can choose a theme or let everyone prepare their favorite, but everyone is sure to have a great time! You can even rent a projector and bring it from house to house for ambient background imagery, or how-to cooking instructions.
2. Create a gaming tournament
Kids, teens and adults all love a bit of healthy competition, and a gaming tournament is a great way to enjoy each other’s company without having to brave the bitter cold or snow. Simply rent a projector, then choose your favorite gaming system (or rent one), have all your guests bring their favorite group games (or rent a few new ones), and let the games begin!
3. Pick a flick theme night
It’s fun and easy to host a movie theme night — from classics to new releases, just rent a projector, pick your favorite flicks, pop some popcorn, and provide plenty of comfortable seating. Bringing the kids? Let them wear jammies and bring their sleeping bags to make the evening extra-special.
4. Show home movies
When is the last time you watched old home movies? There’s no better way to bring the family together on a chilly evening than with warm memories and cozy comfort foods. When you rent a projector, it makes the event even more charming.
5. Get creative with a multi-media project
Get those creative juices flowing by creating a family project consisting of a family movie montage, or a slide show of favorite photographs. With everyone’s input and involvement, you can make this a weekend project that lasts the whole month long. Rent a projector for the grand finale and showcase all your hard work with a premier launch, then send everyone home with a keepsake copy of the DVD.
6. Pull the family together for a mini-reunion
If planning a family reunion sounds like too daunting a task, you can always arrange a mini-reunion for those who live within geographic proximity. Invite everyone to bring their favorite family pictures and create a video montage to showcase during the gathering.
Got other ideas? Post them here in the comments section – we love hearing from you!
Renting a projector for your indoor activities is as easy as 1-2-3 when you click here to visit Projector123.com. We’ve streamlined the process to make it super-easy to enjoy a fun-filled weekend with friends or family with one of our affordable, professional grade rental projectors. Click here now to experience the Projector123.com difference today.
November 3rd, 2010
Depending on where you live and how old your children currently are, you may have as much as a week of no school during Thanksgiving break. Many families are avoiding vacations this time of year – not only for the expense, but also for the inconvenience of crowded airports, dense traffic and premium holiday travel fares. If you’re planning a staycation this Thanksgiving break, don’t let the kids sit around getting bored and working on your last nerve – instead, why not rent a projector from Projector123.com, try out some of these family-friendly ideas, and let the fun times begin! Rentals begin at just $129 including round-trip shipping, which includes 2-3 days of family entertainment.
Family Movie Fest
A movie fest is a great way to entertain the kids without spending a fortune on going out to the movies. You can choose from new release DVDs or select family favorites from your collection or from the local movie rental store. Choose a theme or let each family member pick one flick – it’s your call! Remember to pop lots of popcorn and plan a movie-friendly feast for everyone’s enjoyment.
Wii Tournament
The family that plays together stays together – and what better way to avoid the chilly outdoors or gloomy fall weather than with an indoor gaming tournament? Game rentals are a convenient way to explore new games without spending a fortune. Plus, when the family competes in a brand new game, it levels the playing field considerably. Consider a cost-free (yet highly valuable) prize for the winner: a special age-appropriate privilege (such as staying up late, special time with Mom, no chores for a whole day, or perhaps a driving lesson). Alternatively, the winner could get to choose the next movie for that evening’s family movie night!
Memory Lane
In the days preceding the arrival of your rental projector, each family member could create a photo montage, or collection of favorite clips from films or family movies. Then you can set aside special time as a family to watch everyone’s creations, and vote on the best. Winner gets a special prize – but, honestly, everyone wins with fun, creative family time like this.
When you put your thinking cap on, you can think of many more ways to spend Thanksgiving break with a fun and family-friendly rental projector from Projector123.com. With the rising cost of a trip to the movies, and the increase in holiday traffic this time of year, it just makes sense to spend a few cozy days at home, enjoying each other’s company and relaxing with a film or family indoor event.
Renting a projector from Projector123.com is easy – just click here to get started now.
August 13th, 2010
Welcome to the final installment of our three part series on how to get the family organized in time to head back to school. Everything is easier when you get organized!
 5. Make a plan for success.
As students progress from year to year, their workload gets more and more intense. What worked last year (in terms of homework and studying) may not be a perfect fit this year. Perhaps this year, your child requires a computer, or a dedicated workspace or desk in his or her room, or more time at the library, etc. Be open to new ideas and be willing to make adjustments as necessary. Likewise, the same disciplinary actions that worked last year may not be as effective this year. Remember to keep your eye on the prize: raising a successful, well-rounded, happy child.
6. Update at regular intervals.
Once the family survives the first week of school, you might be tempted to breathe a sign of relief and return to your old schedule and familiar ways. However, by taking just a few minutes to check in at regular intervals, you can keep grades soaring high, keep wardrobes updated, and keep rooms and closets clean and organized. (After all, you don’t want to have to repeat all these steps again during the winter break, do you?) It only takes a few minutes to ensure that things are running smoothly and to make any necessary adjustments. It doesn’t have to be anything as formal as a “family conference,” rather, it can be as simple as a five-minute conversation with your student and a quick room inspection.
Got great back to school tips of your own? Share them here by posting a comment on this blog.
Ready to say good-bye to summer and ring in a new year? What better way than with a back to school party and a rental projector from Projector123.com. Projector rentals are great for much more than just watching DVDs – you can show home movies, create your own film fest, throw a block party, or host a Wii gaming competition. Click here to rent a projector now.
August 4th, 2010
Temperatures on the East Coast are still sizzling, and so far, 2010 is slated to be the warmest year since temperatures were first recorded in 1880. Find out how you can beat the heat with indoor fun and a rental projector.
+ Film Festival
Who hasn’t wanted to host their own film fest? Whether you choose to critique films, or just enjoy them, everyone loves family movie night. Pop some popcorn, pull up the ottomans (or break out the sleeping bags) and snuggle together on the sofa.
+ Create Your Own Film
With a simple hand-held video camera, you can create your own films. From home movies to character actors, the possibilities are unlimited. Drop your creations down to DVD and showcase with a rental projector for your very own “opening weekend” celebration.
+ Grab a New Game
Nothing keeps the kids entertained like video games, and what better way to bring the whole family together than with the fun and friendly competition of video games? Renting or buying a brand new game certainly levels the playing field — especially if you’ve got kids that quickly dominate any game they attempt!
When you rent a projector and keep yourself cool, you’ll find it much more cost-effective (and eco-friendly) than spending the whole weekend playing in the sprinklers on the lawn!
Ready to enjoy the cool, comfortable air conditioning and beat that nasty heat wave? Click here to rent a projector from Projector123.com and let the cool times begin. Projector123.com is your number one choice for in-home rental projectors — we’ll overnight a projector to you, complete with quick start setup instructions, and when your rental is complete, just affix the prepaid FedEx shipping label, pop it all back in its container and call FedEx for pickup (or drop it into the nearest FedEx drop box). It really is that simple!
June 4th, 2010
Looking for fun and creative ways to celebrate dad this Father’s Day? Here are some suggestions he’s sure to love.
1. Make it a movie day.
What kind of movies does your dad enjoy? Rent a projector and make your own movie fest filled with dad’s favorites. Whether he prefers Dirty Harry or the Godfather series, the whole family is sure to love watching these classics projected larger than life onto the living room wall. Add some of dad’s favorite snacks, and you’ve got the ultimate “good-news-dad-you-don’t-have-to-shave-or-even-get-dressed-today” kind of celebration.
2. Fun for sports nuts.
Is your dad a huge sports fan? A rental projector is the ultimate way to celebrate dad’s favorite spectator sport. Why not buy him a copy of the latest Sports Illustrated “Best of” or bloopers reel? Better yet, give dad a gift certificate for a future projector rental so he can watch the finals of his favorite sport in style.
3. Sweet memories for the sentimental type.
Perhaps your dad is more of the sentimental type? It doesn’t take a huge amount of time or know-how to put together a spectacular highlights reel of favorite family memories. From those first days of birth to that road trip to the Grand Canyon to all those times you and your dad went fishing, there are plenty of memories that are sure to make your dad smile. Compile them all onto a DVD (or two), pop some popcorn, and start the show with a rental projector and a trip down memory lane.
4. For the grill junkie.
If your dad would rather be wearing a goofy apron and standing behind the grill surrounded in a giant pillar of smoke, then why not let him do what he loves most this Father’s Day? You can spring for all the fixings and maybe throw in a new grill set and a manly apron and let dad get to work on those steaks. Make sure you remember to pick up some of dad’s favorite beverage to set the mood properly.
5. Dad’s choice.
Some dads are just too complex to be categorized as simply as others. If your dad is hard to read (or hard to please), why not make it dad’s choice and ask him how he would most love to spend Father’s Day? You could even offer some suggestions, like camping, fishing, hunting, relaxing, sleeping, grilling, watching movies, or none of the above. You never know, he just might surprise you.
However you choose to spend Father’s Day this year, you can make it a hit with a rental projector from Projector123.com. With weekend rentals starting as low as just $99, there are countless ways to celebrate the guy who’s always been there for you. Click here to get started now.
December 30th, 2009
Now is the perfect time to create new traditions that bear meaning and significance to you and your loved ones. Here are some ideas for creating your own holiday traditions, beginning today.
 New traditions aren’t necessarily meant to replace old or long-standing traditions; rather, they are meant to breathe new life into our favorite holidays. Here are some quick tips for creating your own traditions.
1. Improve upon an existing tradition.
Take any tradition (regardless of whether or not you’re currently upholding it — you might even choose to “borrow” someone else’s holiday tradition) and personalize or update it to make it more “you.” For example, in many households, a baked ham is the centerpiece of a traditional Christmas feast. But what if your family isn’t particular fond of ham? Why not create some other special “feastly” tradition, from cornish hens to roast duck to Grandma Josephine’s famous lasagna. It’s your holiday — make it your own by choosing something everyone in the family will enjoy.
2. Begin with the end in mind.
If you are young or have young children, imagine your grandchildren (or great-grandchildren) many years from now. What tradition would you love to see them continue to carry on for generations to come? What meaningful holiday legacy would you love to leave? All traditions were started because someone somewhere did something…and then repeated it the following year. That means you can create any tradition you like, beginning this year.
3. Get input from your loved ones.
It’s easy to get enthusiasm and buy-in from others when you include them in the decision-making process. Ask for input from those you’ll be celebrating with and you’ll see a lot more participation in the tradition itself (as well as a tendency to remember the tradition next year!)
4. Break tradition and create something new.
Why not get totally creative and do something that no one has ever done before? It’s your holiday — celebrate in your own unique style.
5. Allow it to unfold naturally.
Some traditions are borne simply from the joy that comes from the act itself. “Let’s do that thing we did last year” is how traditions are spontaneously created. Ask your family: What did we do last year to celebrate, that you would love to do again this year? The answers may surprise you.
Here’s an easy tradition to start: rent a projector from Projector123.com and spend a couple of evenings watching your favorite holiday flicks. It brings the family together in a non-traditional way, and keeps everyone out of the hectic pace of holiday traffic and shopping malls.
After all, isn’t togetherness what the holidays are really all about? Click here to order now.
December 17th, 2009
Digital projectors aren’t just for passive viewing. They can provide an engaging artistic opportunity, especially for those who aren’t as gifted at painting and drawing. That’s because projectors let you cheat! You can easily trace an image from a projected one — and make it larger than life in the process.
Many artists use what’s called an “opaque projector” which is designed precisely for this task. But if you already have access to a digital projector, there’s no need to invest in the costly art hardware. A digital projector will work just as well.
The setup is simple. Pull up your image on the projector, hit the lights, affix your canvas to the wall, adjust for size and trace away. Be sure that your projector is on a stable surface — even the slightest nudge of the projector could cause your work to look like Picasso’s. Take the same care in making sure the projection is flat to the wall and square. You don’t want distortion.
Image via Creative Commons 2.0 license courtesy of Flickr user FeatheredTar.
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.
October 21st, 2009
Have you ever considered making your own books on tape for your kids? While it’s certainly no substitute for reading to your children, if you’ve got a young child who is an auditory learner, creating books on tape is a great way to feed his or her insatiable appetite for having books read to him or her.
Making your own audio book is easy — here’s all you need to get started.
- one or more age-appropriate children’s books. You can choose from your child’s favorites, or even new stories he/she hasn’t heard yet. This is also a great opportunity to record longer books that may not be suitable for bedtime stories.
- a recording device. Many discount stores and office supply stores carry a variety of hand-held recording devices, or you can even use a built-in or plug-in microphone on your computer or laptop. Alternatively, services like AudioAcrobat.com feature easy ways to capture your voice into an MP3 using any telephone.
- a glass of water. It’s a good idea to have some water handy, as your mouth or throat may become dry during long periods of speaking and reading.
- a blank audio CD or a child’s MP3 player. Depending on the age, maturity and physical skill level of your child, you might want to choose an inexpensive or kid-friendly MP3 player with or without headphones for your child. Alternatively, you can burn your audios to CD and assist your child in using a CD player with or without headphones.
Once you try it, you are sure to love it and your children will appreciate having their very own audio books to use whenever they like. (You even might find a lessened demand for television once your kids get used to using their audiobooks!)
Enjoy it and have fun! Got great ideas for family fun? Post them here as a comment — thanks!
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