10 Tips for Throwing a Cocktail Party

 

Cocktail parties are a lot of fun, but sometimes throwing one can be intimidating. This article will give you ten tips on how to throw an awesome cocktail party.

1.The first part of the party is your invites. You can personalize them by printing them out right on your home computer. This method is cheap and saves time on going to the local printing store.

2.Setting up your house for a cocktail party is always important, but you do not need to do much work. Simply arrange the chairs in your house in clusters and around tables so your guests can mingle. Remember you will be serving appetizers so set up the tables with this in mind. Be sure to remove anything you are afraid to get wine spilled on.

3.Simple décor ideas are perfect for cocktail parties. If you have theme than simply find decorations that suit that theme, but for a regular cocktail party simple candle and flower arrangements can be placed at different food stations.

4.It is imperative when hosting a cocktail party to have many different glasses on hand. You will need at least 2 glasses per guest. Remember as well that different drinks come in different glasses so be sure to have wine glasses, tumblers, rock glasses, martini glasses and high balls for your party.

5.Another tip for throwing a cocktail party is to have plenty of ice. Ice is a mandatory ingredient to most drinks so make sure to have it broken up and handy.

6.When stocking your bar for a cocktail party you will obviously need liquor. If you know what your guests like this is an easier decision, but if not you should definitely have vodka, whiskey, red and white wine, beer, and champagne. If there are certain drinks that you particularly like or plan on preparing make sure you have all of the ingredients.

7.Juices and sodas for mixing are needed for mix drinks as well. SO make sure to stock up on cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, club soda, cola, and sprite. These mixers are used widely in many drinks.

8.Sliced fruit adds a nice touch to many drinks, and it will help your guests distinguish between their glasses and others. So have some lemon, orange, and pineapple presliced. Cherries and olives are also necessary for many drinks.

9.Cocktail napkins are important to have because you don't want your guests to leave marks all over your furniture. They are also important to help with clean up, and they add a little class to your party. So make sure you have plenty handy.

10.Food is a great addition to a cocktail party but remember to keep it simple. A nice cheese and cracker spread or a vegetable platter works well. A fruit platter is also a nice treat. Simple appetizers of deviled eggs, mini eggrolls, stuffed mushrooms, and mini quiches are good choices for your cocktail party.

Cocktail parties can be a lot of fun for you and your guests if you plan ahead. I hope these tips help you throw your next cocktail party!

Magnetism: Discovery, History and Inventions

 

Magnets are a common place household item these days, but magnets were not always so common. Magnets have been around for a very long time, and they have an interesting history, a discovery veiled in legend, and many inventions would not be possible if it weren't for magnetism.

The first magnets are told to have come from two possible origins, and legend say that a "shepherd named Magnes" was tending to his sheep one day when his "iron crock and the iron nails of his sandals were clinging to a large black rock" (Leokum, 1986, p.170). This is the when people realized that some rocks would attract iron. The same type of magical stone was found in a town in Asia Minor called Magnesium, and these two stories are where the idea of magnetism originated (Leokum, 1986, p.170).

As time passed magnetism was further investigated and more discoveries were made. People started to realize that they could create magnets by rubbing "pieces of iron against the magnet stones," and these new magnets were called "lodestones" (Leokum, 1986, p.170). This discovery makes me wonder if people thought magnets were magical. Many centuries ago it was discovered that a suspended magnet would point just about north, and this is how the "creation of the compass" occurred (Leokum, 1986, p..170).

Discoveries about magnetism continued to be made "during Queen Elizabeth's time;" and people then discovered that every magnet had two opposite poles; it was also discovered at this time that "like poles repel each other" and "unlike pole attract" each other (Leokum, 1986, p.170). Magnets were not always as well understood as they are now.

The next big magnet break through occurred in 1820 when a "Danish scientists discovered that a wire carrying an electrical current also created a magnetic field" (Leokum, 1986, p.171). This creation was the beginning of new developments in magnetic science. This The electromagnet was created because of this discovery and "it was more powerful than any magnets ever known before" (Leokum, 1986, p.171).

The electromagnet is an very powerful magnet that allowed scientists to create many other things we know today. The electromagnet is created by "putting a soft iron core inside wieres that were connected to a battery;" this caused the"iron core to become magnetized" (Leokum, 1986, p.171).

This invention led to many scientific breakthroughs that have an impact on our lives today. The electromagnet allowed "anything that uses an electrical circuit" to be built such as bells and motors (Leokum, 1986, p.171). It is amazing how a small stone can contribute to so many amazing inventions.

Later on Michael Faraday document the "fields of force," and the "lines of force" of a magnet (Leokum, 1986, p.171). This discovery allowed many amazing inventions to be built. The documentation of "how far the force of a magnet reaches out form a magnet" that was conducted by Faraday made such inventions possible as the "telephone, the light, and the radio" (Leokum, 1986, p.171).

It is amazing to me that a rock that is found in the ground has such a powerful force. It is also amazing to me hat this rock can help unlock many of the mysteries of electricity, and it has helped us produce many spectacular inventions. Magnets are interesting, useful, and complex; they originate in legend, and it continues on in great invention.

Reference:

Leokum, A. (1986). The Big book of tell me why. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.

Quick and Easy Hair Styles for Wavy Hair

 

There are lots of easy styles for wavy hair, and wavy hair is awesome because it is right in between straight and curly and it can easily be straightened or curled. Wavy hair is fun to work with, and there are many stylish looks you can create with ease.

Side Clip Sexy

This hairstyle requires the use of one clip and some mouse. Start by rubbing some mouse through your hair and use your hands to scrunch the waves and heighten the curls. Then create a deep part naturally using your fingers; a slight unevenness adds to the look. Then use your fingers to comb the front of your wavy hair over the side of your forehead. This sleek and sexy style is perfect for naturally wavy hair.

Flower Tie

There are many styles for wavy hair that use only a single hair accessory, and is style uses only a hair band. It is a nice idea to use a pretty hair band with a flower, beads, ribbon or other charms on it. This will add personal style and detail to your wavy hairstyle.

For this hairstyle you can part your hair wherever you like. Then pull the rest of your hair into a pony tail on the bottom and side of your head. It will be slightly behind your ear. When you wrap the hair band around this section of hair, stop before you wrap it the last time. Then flip your hair underneath so the ends are across the hair band. Wrap the band around the doubled up hair and secure it in place. This will make a large messy bunch of wavy hair that is similar to a loose bun. The bun is accented by the front being pulled back and the special hair band for a sweet look.

Cascading Waves

One of the easiest styles for wavy hair is this style. For this style you will only need a hair band. Start by gathering your hair at the very top of your head. Then wrap a hair band around the section one time. Flip the length of hair forward and across the hair band. Wrap the band around the bunch of hair in a small bun so many waves fall forward over your head.

These fun styles for wavy hair are easy and only require a single hair accessory. They will save you time, while making you look great.

Why Do Your Muscles Hurt After a Workout?

 

Whenever I work out I know the next day I am going to feel it. I have always considered this feeling good because it mean you are getting somewhere. I have recently learned that your muscles ache because of a reason that some people might find disturbing. Some people might also find this reason amazing, and I am left to wonder what else is there about the body that I don't know? Either way here is a simple explanation about why your muscles ache after a good workout.

All of the 639 muscles in the body are made up of muscle fibers. All of these muscles are different shapes and sizes, and they are all fastened to the bones in your body. Muscles are what keep us moving, and without them we would not be able to live. The heart is a muscle itself.

Muscles contract when we work out a lot more than they do normally, and muscle contractions produce an acid. This acid is a "lactic acid", and it is like a poison (Leokum, 1986, p. 123). You may be wondering why would working out poison your body, but your body has a good reason for it. The muscle produces lactic acid in order to make your "muscle feel tired" (Leokum, 1986, p.123). This happens so that your body will know when it is suppose to rest. Without this chemical your muscles would keep on working, and you would end p hurting yourself.

Your body produces many toxins when it works, and these toxins are what make you feel sleepy. These toxins are "carried by the blood through the body by the blood," and they make the entire body and the brain exhausted. It is amazing to me that the tired feeling you get when you work or exercise is because your body is poisoning itself, but this is its way of making sure you relax. In order to remove these toxins you must rest. When you rest "waste products are removed, the cells recuperate, nerve cells of the brain recharge your batteries, and the joints of the body replace their lubricants;" this process allows you to wake up feeling recharged and ready to go (Leokum, 1986, p.124).

The body is an amazing thing, and I am always astonished to see how it works so efficiently. Exercise is good for your body, but rest is just as important, and if it takes poison to get that point across so be it.

Leokum, A. (1986). The Big book of tell me why. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.

Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapin

 

Some people may wonder what the difference between turtles, tortoises and terrapins actually is. Some people may even think that there is no difference. This article will explain the difference between these animals, and it will give us some background information on them as well.

All of these creatures are "four-legged reptiles that have hard outer shells, scaly skins, and horny beaks" (Leokum, 1986, p.56). Turtles, tortoises and terrapin are all known as turtles, but they live in different areas. A turtle lives in the sea, a tortoise is a land animal, and terrapin live in fresh water. So all of these creatures can be called turtles as long as we remember where they live.

Turtles are very interesting creatures. Turtles are like humans because they breathe through lungs. They are probably most known for their shells. These shells are "divided into two parts," and one part covers their stomachs and one part covers their backs (Leokum, 1986, p.56). The turtle can stick his head hands, tail and legs out of the five holes in the shell. These shells are made up of bone, and it is covered in "horny plates or soft skin" (Leokum, 1986, p.56). Turtles have limbs and lungs like humans, but they have a hard protective shell that we do not have.

Turtles eat all sorts of things. Some turtles like vegetables like lettuce and carrots; some turtles eat fish and insects. Many turtles eat plants as well as fish and insects. Turtles do not have a very good sense of hearing, but they do have a good sense of sight, taste, and touch. (Leokum, 1986, p.56) Turtles can make sounds as well. The female turtles make a "hissing sound," and male turtles make a grunting noise (Leokum, 1986, p.56). Turtles are very interesting creatures.

Turtles come in different sizes. The largest living turtles usually weigh about "1,000 pounds;" these turtles are called the "leatherback" turtle (Leokum, 1986, p.57). This turtle is huge, but there are also very small turtles as well. The smallest turtle is a "speckeled cape padloper turtle" and these turtles do not grow bigger than three inches (Hopson, 2000). It is amazing to think that there are turtles that are so huge, and turtles that can fit in the palm of your hand.

There are many different kinds of turtles, and they live in many different places. In fact turtles live everywhere except "the Arctic and Antarctica" (Hopson, 2000). There are even turtles that live in the desert. These turtles are known as "desert tortoise," and they eat "grasses" and have "stumpy feet with toes that are not webbed" (Hopson, 2000). These turtles do not have webbed toes because they do not swim.

Turtles, tortoises, and terrapin are all part of he turtle family. Turtles live in many places, and have many different characteristics. Some turtles are huge, and some turtles are very tiny. All turtles are interesting and amazing creatures.

Reference:

Hopson, M. (2000). Kids questions about turtles. Retrieved July 10, 2009, Web site: http://www.turtlepuddle.org/kidspage/questions.html

Leokum, A. (1986). The Big book of tell me why. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.

Felt Fun Crafts: Hair Accessories

 

Felt is a great medium for many projects. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and you can even find felt that has patterns or glitter on it. Felt is a great medium because it is durable and does not need to be sewn on the edges to keep from fraying. Another reason felt is so awesome is that it is so cheap. A regular sized sheet of felt only costs about 30 cents and if you buy it in bulk it is even cheaper. Felt is a perfect fabric for creating hair accessories, and this article will give you detailed instructions on how to make several hair accessories with felt.

Felt flower headbands are a lot of fun to make and they are super easy. You will need a somewhat wide headband, various colored sheets of felt, a hot glue gun, scissors, and some beads. The beads are optional but they add a nice touch. To start cut various size circles out of the felt. Next fold then in half twice. Now cut small slivers out of each circle while it is still folded. Open up the circles and you have a wonderful daisy flower. Using the hot glue gun arrange these flowers on the head band in a design you like. Remember to overlap, and use two or three different sized circles on top of one another to add a twist. After all the flowers are glued add beads or gemstones to the centers for an even more stylish look.

Felt butterfly clips are easy to make. You will need for this project is various sheets of felt; the sturdier felt works well for this. A hot glue gun, a barrette or banana clip, and scissors are required as well. Now start by picking a color for the base of the butterfly. Cut a square out of this color and fold it in half. Using the scissors cut a v shape into all of the sides of the square except for the folded one. When you open it you will have butterfly wings. Now cut various size circles out of felt and add them to the wings as details. Cut a small circle and cylinder out of a darker felt and add this as the body. After the entire piece is glued together attach it to the clip.

Rainbow felt hair bands are really pretty, and this project is easy for smaller children to create. Start by cutting many long thin strips of different color felt. Now fold a long strip of felt in half. Hold the hair band in one hand and put the loop of the folded felt inside of it. Push the ends of the felt around the hair band and through the loop. Pull it tightly and continue with the rest of the felt strips until the hair band is full. This is a fun project, and you can use whatever colors you like.

Felt is a fun material to use for many craft projects. I hope these crafts have inspired you to use felt for your next project.

Effects, Exposure, Causes and Repair Mechanisms of Mutagens

 

Mutagens have several effects and causes, and many of the causes are common, everyday occurrences. This article will reflect on mutagens in regard to their effects, exposure, differences, causes, and repair mechanisms

Mutagens are environmental causes that bring about mutations in genetic codes. Some factors that act as mutagens are radiation, viruses, drugs, pollutants, and food additives. Mutagens are the primary cause of mutations, and they can affect people either somatically causing such illnesses as cancer or in a germinal state causing genetic disorders in children.

Exposure to mutagens may occur as an egg or sperm, or they may occur environmentally to the person they are effecting. Viruses are a mutagen that effect many people through the passing of germs and sexual intercourse. Food additives are in many of the foods we eat, and pollutants such as cigarette smoke or car fumes are around us at all times.

The two types of mutations are chromosomal and gene mutations. Chromosomal mutations are caused by a damaged or broken chromosome that is not repaired (Mutation, mutagen, and DNA repair). Gene mutations are caused when changes of in the nitrogen bases in the gene occur. Damage reversal and damage removal are two repair systems used for mutations (Mutation, mutagen, and DNA repair). Damage reversal occurs when "enzymatic action restores normal structure without breaking the backbone," and damage removal requires the removal of a base or section of nucleotides. Damage tolerance is not a type of repair, but it is practiced by dealing with the mutation (Mutation, mutagen, and DNA repair).

Mutations occur in genes and chromosomes, and these changes in structure effect humans in several ways. Mutagens cause mutations in humans, and they are everywhere we turn. There are few processes for repairing mutations, but tolerance of the mutations is also a common practice. It is interesting to consider if the mutagens are causing evolution or devolution of mankind. Perhaps both are occurring as environmental factors affect the DNA of man, and mutations occur in all areas of life.

Reference

Mutation, Mutagens, and DNA Repair." Personal Web Pages . N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May 2011.

April Bulletin Board Ideas for Elementary Schools

 

April is a fun month for creating bulletin boards in elementary schools because there are so many different holidays to celebrate during this month. April is known for rain, Easter, the coming of spring, and more. This article discusses April bulletin board ideas for elementary school kids.

Spring is Coming

April reminds us that spring is on its way, and a spring themed bulletin board is great during this month. For this idea you will need blue and green butcher paper. You will also need nature themed coloring pages that have images of flowers, butterflies, snails, and other nature items.

Cover the top half of the bulletin board with blue paper and the bottom with green. Provide elementary school kids with coloring pages, crayons, markers, and scissors. Allow them to work on the pages as you work on the board. When they have completed the pictures and cut them out you can decorate this April themed bulletin board with the images. You can add a sun with the name of the class in the middle to the center of the board.

Kites

April is a good season for flying kites and being outdoors. This bulletin board idea is fun for elementary school kids. You will need blue butcher paper, construction paper, scissors, markers, glue, and string. Talk to the elementary students about the different types of kites.

Also provide the students with the construction paper, scissors, markers, and glue. Encourage kids to design their own kite and write their names on it. Cover the board with the blue paper while the kids work on their part of the project. When they are complete add long strings to the kites and attach them to this bulletin board for April.

Muddy Prints

April showers are a fun part of this month, and this can be part of your April themed bulletin board. For this idea you will need to cover the bulletin board with paper. You will also need paint, paper plates, construction paper, and scissors.

Pour some paint onto a paper plate and help kids dip their feet into the paint. Then they can step onto the paper to make a foot print. Help kids cut the footprint out of the paper when it is dry. Let the kids place their foot prints on the bulletin board.

These April themed ideas are a great way to involve elementary school students in the creation of the bulletin board.

Fun Kid Crafts: Three Pinecone Crafts

 

A pinecones is one of my favorite items to use for natural crafts. They are plentiful, and they come in various shapes and sizes. They can be used for many different craft projects, and this article will discuss three different craft projects that you can make using pine cones.

A pine cone angel is precious, and it only requires the use of pine cones, leaves, glue, a round bead, some silver or gold wire or ribbon, and paint. You can also use glitter for this project if you like. Simply paint the bead like a head. Paint a pretty little face on the bead and paint the cone the color of your angels dress. Now add some pretty details to the leaves because they will be your wings. Glue the wings behind the pine cone, and remember to glue them high enough to leave room to glue the head to the leaves. Now glue the head on, and add the wire or ribbon as a halo. Your angel will be a great addition to your nature crafts

Pine cone fire starters are a simple and fun project that only requires a microwave, old wax from used candles or broken crayons, and newspaper. Simply melt the wax or crayons in the microwave starting with 30 seconds and ending when the wax is almost completely melted. Now dip the pine cones in the wax and let them rest to dry on the newspaper. These pine cones will help start any fire, just throw them in and light them. Remember you can mix crayons with the wax as well to add some fun colors.

Pine cone Christmas trees are a lot of fun to make and they are great Christmas ornaments. All you will need for this project is some pine cones, a bottle cap, paint, glue, and some beads or flowers. Glitter is also fun for this project, but it is optional. Simply paint the pine cones green, paint the cap silver or red, and glue these two pieces together. You will have your basic tree. Now you can embellish it using beads, silk flowers, and glitter. This project is a great gift that children can make during the holiday season.

Pine cones are everywhere, and they are inexpensive if you live in a place that does not have pine cones. They are great for crafts because they are so cheap, and it is fun to collect them with kids in order to complete your crafts projects. I hope you have enjoyed these projects, and have fun crafting!

4 Cheap and Awesome DIY Gifts for Kids

 

Buying gifts for kids these days can be a hassle. There are always product recalls and most of the time toys are over priced and can be out of stock. Why not make your own gifts this year? Homemade gifts are personal and can be customized to suit the recipient perfectly. Here are some inexpensive and great gifts you can make for kids right in your home.

Crayons are always a great gift for kids, and I have never met a kid who didn't love crayons. You can make awesome rainbow crazy crayons using crayon remnants for little or no money. Simply gather broken bits of crayons that have been left over and cupcake pans. If you have paper or foil muffin cups that is good, but oil will work just as well. Lightly oil the cupcake pans or fill them with muffin cups, and add the crayon pieces until the cup is about an inch or so full and bake in the oven at 350 degrees. It will only take a few minutes and when they are cool you can pull them right out.

Another great kid's gift is the keepsake box. Find a nice durable box like a cigar box or something similar. Next cut out pictures of things that your kid is interested in and glue them to the box in a nice arraignment. Now cover the box with a sealer or modge podge and allow to dry. This box will be there special box for keeping all of their little treasures. Before you give them this present remember to include a special little item to start their collection.

Homemade play dough is another kid's gift that is fun, easy, and cheap to make. You can make this dough by simply using 2 and a quarter cups of cornstarch, 2 cups of baking soda, and 1 and a quarter cup of cold water. Add the water to the dry ingredients while whisking. Heat the mix until it becomes thicker than pancake batter. Next put dough on a plate and cover with a wet cloth. After it is cool you must knead it. This dough will last a while. You can add color to the water before making dough for fun if you like.

Another fun gift that will get kids to take a bath more often is the treasure soap. Find a cool little present at a local dollar store such as a plastic figure or a fancy ring. Next buy some premade soap base or use soap scraps that you have at home, and melt them down. You can use a cupcake pan or small Tupperware container as a mold for this soap. Fill it with wax paper and pour a small layer of melted soap and let it cool for a little while. Next add the toy and cover it with soap. These surprise soaps are fun and creative.

There are many fun gifts that you can make yourself for kids. You do not have to spend a lot of money on presents for children. These projects will make your gifts more personalized and special.

Piaget's Developmental Theory and Stages of Cognitive Development

 

Understanding children, how they develop, and how they learn is one of the most important jobs of a teacher, and there are many theories based on this understanding. Jean Piaget was a "biologist who originally studied mollusks, but moved into the study of the development of children's understanding;" he studied children and their development and learning habits intensely (Atherton, 2009, pp.2). Piaget's developmental theory is still studied today by education majors in order to understand how children develop, think, and learn, and this article will discuss Piaget's developmental theory and stages of cognitive development.

Sensori-motor

This is the first stage of cognitive development in children, and this stage occurs from birth to two years old. This developmental stage is exemplified by a child's ability to "differentiate self from objects," and a child comes to the realization that "things continue to exist even when no longer present to the sense" (Atherton, 2009, pp.6). this stage in Piaget's developmental theory also suggests that a child is starting to act with purpose.

Pre-operational

The second stage of cognitive development includes children from the age of two to seven years old. This developmental stage is when a child starts using words and images to relate and symbolize objects and thoughts; during this time children will still find it hard to see from the perspectives of others (Atherton, 2009). This stage of cognitive development also signifies a child's inability to classify objects by more than one feature.

Concrete operational

This stage of Piaget's developmental theory encompasses the ages seven to eleven. During this developmental stage children learn to classify "objects according to several features and can order them in series along a single dimension;" children will also be capable to "think logically about objects and events" during this developmental stage of cognitive growth (Atherton, 2009, pp.9).

Formal operational

The final stage of cognitive development in Piaget's theory occurs from the age of eleven and up. This stage signifies a child's ability to hypothesize and test methodically. This developmental stage is also when children will become "concerned with the hypothetical, the future, and ideological problems" (Atherton, 2009, pp.11).

Piaget's developmental theory has led to many other theories on children's development, and some have argued and altered his theories, but his studies have had a very important impact on education. Piaget's cognitive development theory has played a significant role in education theory on a child's ability to learn.

Reference:

ATHERTON J S (2009) Learning and Teaching;Piaget's developmental theory[On-line] UK: Available: http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/piaget.htmAccessed: 1 April 2010

3 Poem Lesson Plans for National Poetry Month

 

April is national poetry month, and it is important to know how to teach poetry in order to honor this month. Here are 3 lesson plans that can help you teach poetry to your students.

This first lesson plan is a biographical poem that can be used for children from the age of 3 to the age of 12. It requires only pencils and paper, and can be shortened or expanded depending on age level. In order to explain this idea to the class write your own biographical poem before hand this will give the students an example to follow. List questions that can be answered in the poem such as name, four traits or characteristics, likes, dislikes, dreams, and loves. This will give the students a basic idea of how to write a poem. You can hand out sheets that have the questions already listed, and have the students fill out the answers next to the questions. Then have the students take turns reading the answers out loud.

Another lesson plan that is fun and informative is the questionable poem. This poem is appropriate for ages 3 - 12, and can be shortened or expanded for the appropriate ages. This activity can be enhanced by the teacher or students bringing in random objects. If this is not possible the objects in the room can be used. Have each student pick one object and write a poem that describes it, but does not name it. These poems can be simple or complicated, and they can be used to help teach metaphor and simile.

A fun poem lesson plan that can be used for children of the age 3 to 12 and can help teach rhyme scheme is the growing poem. This lesson plan is a group activity, and can be a lot of fun. Start this lesson plan out by asking a student for a word. Next have another student name a word that rhymes with the first word; next have another student name a new word that does not rhyme, and have a fourth student name a word that rhymes with the third word. Continue with this until every student has named a word. While the students were naming words have them write it on a piece of paper and put it into a hat; make sure to write the words on the board in the correct order. When all the words are in the hat have each student pull a word and write a sentence that ends with that word. Now assemble each sentence in the rhyming order that was stated originally, and write it on the board. Now have each student read their line. This lesson plan can be made more complicated by employing different rhyme schemes.

All these lesson plans are fun and simple, and can help teach students about poetry. This April enjoy teaching students poetry during national poetry month.

April Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool

 

Preschool kids love creating projects for the bulletin board, and these April themed ideas are fun for the entire class. April has a lot of holidays to choose from when designing the bulletin board. This article discusses April bulletin board ideas that are great for preschool.

Arbor Day Hand Print Tree

Arbor Day is a holiday to remember in April. Preschool kids will love this bulletin board idea. You will need green paint, paper plates, brown paper, scissors, and butcher paper. Start by covering the bulletin board with the paper.

Pour paint onto each plate and help kids press their hands into the paint. Then they can press their wet hands onto the brown paper. Help kids cut out their handprints after the paint has dried. Make a tree trunk for the leaves using the brown paper. Add the hand prints to the tree to finish this April themed bulletin board in remembrance of Arbor Day.

Umbrellas

Another April bulletin board idea is umbrellas. You will need blue butcher paper, white oak tag, construction paper, scissors, pencils, and umbrella shaped cut outs. You can also use coloring pages that feature an umbrella is you like. Markers or crayons are also needed to color the umbrellas with.

For this bulletin board kids should color the umbrellas and right their names on them. Allow the preschool kids to personalize their umbrellas to their liking. While they are working on their part cover the bulletin board with the butcher paper.

Then use the oak tag to create a large rain cloud. Use the markers to write the name of the class on the rain cloud. Then cut out raindrops from the construction paper. Add the rain drops and the cloud to the center of the bulletin board.

Help kids attach their umbrellas to the April themed bulletin board and your preschool kids will enjoy displaying their work.

Creating bulletin boards with preschool kids is fun for them; it also helps improve their confidence and motor skills. Try these fun bulletin board ideas with your preschool students this year, and you are guaranteed to have a bulletin board you can be proud of.

Ace of Pentacles: Understanding the Tarot

 

The minor arcana of tarot is the original model of the classic deck of playing cards, and it is very similar. The minor arcana of the tarot relates to specific situations, and the major arcana of the tarot relates to more of a broad and worldly set of circumstances. The minor arcana is made up of pentacles, wands, cups, and swords; this article will discuss the meaning of the ace of pentacles.

The ace of pentacles is the first card in the suit of pentacles, and it represents the lone coin. It is depicted by a hand coming out of a cloud like a wind manifests out of the sky. The hand cups the coin, and it is marked with a pentacle. This card means physical manifestation, prosperity, common sense, and trust.

This card represents the manifestation of physical, and this is apparent by the hand coming out of the cloud. This card suggests that achieving tangible results is possible, and it is the goal. The ace of pentacles suggests making physical improvements in your life such as health or home situations. It also represents working on a project that is tangible, and looking for concrete answers. This card can also represent working in nature to cause a physical effect on your surroundings.

The ace of pentacles is on coin, but it is the capital needed to gain more prosperity. It represents having what you need to achieve a goal, and it helps draw what you need to you. This card depicts a single coin, but just as a single seed can produce an abundance of fruit; this card represents growth and prosperity. A positive abundance will enter your life, and this card reflects rewards for past efforts.

Using common sense and logic is implied by this card as well. The ace of pentacles suggests that being realistic is important. The single pentacle reminds us that this is what we have, and we should not over calculate what we have. This card suggests grounding yourself, and setting limits. It also suggests looking honestly at what you have, and making decisions based on what you know is true and works.

Trust is another aspect of this card. The ace of pentacles suggests that you have faith in others and their ability to be good. This card suggests that you have a good foundation from which to work on your goals. It also suggests that you feel stable and confident in your situation. You feel protected, and you acting from a place of security.

The ace of pentacles means prosperity, manifestation of physical, faith, and trust. This card is a good beginning.

The History, Use and Cultivation of Aloe

 

Aloe is a well known plant with many well known uses, but many people do not know the history of this plant or the cultivation methods required to grow this plant. In this article I will discuss the history, uses and methods of cultivation of the widely known and used Aloe plant

Aloe has been used for thousands of years. In fact the "Greek historian Dioscorides recorded the use of alo as a healing herb 2,000 years ago" ( Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Even thousands of years ago this plant was used to help heal wounds, and the gel was applied externally for healing purposes. It is also historically said that "Alexander the Great conquered Madagascar so that his army would have a good supply of the herb for healing their wounds" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Cleopatra was said to have "massaged fresh aloe gel into her skin everyday to preserve her beauty", and the wife of Napoleon "used a lotion prepared from milk and aloe gel for her complexion" (Kowalchik, 1987,p.7). Aloe has been known for along time as a healing plant.

Aloe is a miracle skin healing plant, and both doctors and folklorists agree on its powers. It is a major component in many lotions and skin care creams. It is a healing agent for burns, wounds, insect bites, and poison ivy. It is also scientifically said to " have anesthetic, antibacterial, and tissue restorative properities, " and if applied soon enough most wounds will heal without a scar or loss of pigmentation (Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Aloe is also used for oily skin and dandruff. This amazing plant is used for the gel contained inside its leaves, and although it is added to may products its properties are best used fresh because they wear off with storage.

Aloe is a great herb to have on hand at all times, and it is a perennial, but due to its need for warmth many people grow it in a container so it can be brought inside for the winter. Aloe enjoys soil that contains "limestone", and it loves drainage so add some rocks or "coarse material" to your soil (Kowalchik, 1987, p.7). Aloe enjoys full sun, but they can also take some partial shade, but remember if the plant is in full sun all day it may need extra water to compensate. In the winter allow the dirt to become very dry before watering the aloe plant. Aloe plants also like crowded roots so repotting them is not necessary. Remember that the older leaves grow on the outside of the plant so when harvesting the gel leave the middle leaves alone.

This plant is a necessary herb, and it will help you in many ways. It is easy to take care of and grows hardily.

Reference:

Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

The Natural Selection and Self Organization Theory in Evolution

 

The natural selection theory and self-organization theory play an important role in evolution. This article discusses the history of evolutionary theory, natural selection and self-organization in regards to physical systems of evolution and biological systems of evolution.

The history of evolutionary theory is largely based on natural selection. This theory was based on macroscopic levels, and it was founded before molecular biology become popular science. The scope in which this theory applies suggests that it may not be completely appropriate on a molecular scale. Natural selection is based on three characteristics such as the variations among members of a population, differential reproduction, and heritability of traits that are important to survival or reproduction (Johnson & Lam). Self-organization occurs in systems where energy is dissipating; these systems create dissipative structures that will break down if there is not continual input of energy. Some examples of biological self-organization are DNA transcription and repair. It is argued that self-organization may replace the theory of natural selection in regards to biological systems, but this article suggests that self-organization is subservient to natural selection because self-organization is a form of adaptation that evolves because of natural selection.

Natural selection causes self-organization to adapt through evolution, and this means that self-organization is not the cause of evolution but a factor of it. This theory is challenged by deciding if a self-organizing mechanism is an intrinsic property or if selection plays a dominant role. It analysis of the problem indicates that, "w hen a system is actively regulated such that it adaptively creates conditions that invoke self-organizing processes, and then maintains those conditions even in the face of environmental perturbations, then the process can no longer be considered spontaneous" (Johnson & Lam). Therefore, selection has to focus and control the energy needed in self-organization, and natural selection plays the dominant part; this makes self-organization subservient to selection.

Natural selection is a theory that has been around for a long time, and it often comes under scrutiny. Many researchers have considered self-organization as a theory that might trump natural selection, but it in truth appears to be commonly caused by natural selection. Natural selection is an inevitable force in evolution, and self-organization is a consequence of natural selection.

Reference

Johnson, Brian R., and Sheung Kwan Lam. "Self-organization, Natural Selection, and Evolution:

Cellular Hardware and Genetic Software." BioScience 60.11 (2010): 879-885. Academic Search

Complete . EBSCO. Web. 15 May 2011.

Mother's Day Crafts for Preschoolers with Pompoms and Pipe Cleaners

 

Making Mother's Day crafts with preschoolers is fun and easy with pompoms and pipe cleaners. You can buy pompoms and pipe cleaners inexpensively and at many local dollar and craft stores. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on pipe cleaner and pompom craft ideas preschoolers will love making for Mother's Day.

Flower Bouquet and Vase

A flower bouquet and vase is an easy and special gift for Mother's Day. For this craft you will need pipe cleaners, pompoms, craft glue, a can, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, scissors, and green construction paper.

Start by helping preschoolers twist two green pipe cleaners together to create stems. Then help preschoolers add the pompoms to the ends of the stems using the hot glue. To complete the flowers help kids cut diamond shapes out of the construction paper and glue them to the stems like leaves.

Preschoolers can create a lovely vase to go with the flower bouquet for Mother's Day. For this part of the project let kids add glue to each pipe cleaner. This will be messy, so place a sheet of paper under the can before you let your preschooler get to work. Then help kids attach the pipe cleaner to the can by wrapping it around the outside of the can. Continue adding pipe cleaners until the entire can is covered. When the glue has dried add the flowers for a beautiful gift.

Picture Frame

A picture frame is a great Mother's Day gift that preschoolers can make. For this craft project you will need cardboard, scissors, pompoms, pipe cleaners, glue, and yarn. You will also need a photo of your preschooler to put in the picture frame.

Start by cutting a large square out of a piece of cardboard. Then cut a smaller square out of the middle to make the frame. Let kids decorate the frame with the pipe cleaners and pompoms in any way they would like. You can also add glitter and beads for a sparkly look. When the frame is done place a special picture in it for Mother's Day. Simply tape the picture to the back and glue some ribbon to hang the photo frame with.

These crafts are easy enough for preschoolers to make for their moms on Mother's Day, and they use inexpensive and fun materials that kids will enjoy. Try these craft projects with your child, and the lucky mom will love her presents.

Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Add Spring Themes to Your Wedding Decor

 

Spring is a popular season for matrimony, and there are so many reasons why spring is the perfect time for such a special day. Here you will find several easy and inexpensive ways to incorporate many popular spring themes into your wedding day.

Birds

Birds, bird houses, bird nests, bird eggs are all popular spring wedding ideas. Add this theme to your wedding can be done easily on a budget. Check your local craft or dollar store for fake feather birds and eggs to use as decoration in centerpieces or garlands. Small wooden birdhouses can often be found for cheap, and painting the white or staining the wood grain is all you need to make centerpieces that double as favors!

Bulb Flowers

Flowers are the best part of spring, and using spring bulbs is a fun and unique way to add these flowers to your wedding. Tulip, daffodil, and crocus are all lovely bulb flowers that can be forced to bloom in vases. These make gorgeous centerpieces when placed in glass vases so you can see them grow! This is another great spring wedding theme idea that can also be given away as a gift to guests.

You can even pack up unused bulbs in burlap satchels, tie shut with a ribbon, and give them to guests. Add a little note card about how the bulb will grow just like your love, and you have a gift that keeps giving.

Butterflies

Butterflies are one of my favorite themes for spring weddings, and there a ton of ways to incorporate them inexpensively and easily into your wedding. Butterflies can be made with feathers or bouquet at local craft or dollar stores in bunches. They can also be made using a butterfly template and pretty paper. You can also just print out butterfly images and cut them out.

Once you have a ton of butterflies you can add them to you spring wedding in several ways. Making garlands and mobiles is fun and as easy as adding some ribbon. Add tooth picks to your butterflies and stick them in deserts. Add dowels to some of your butterflies and you can have butterflies poking out of vases, flower pots, and centerpieces.

Incorporating spring themes into your wedding planning can be easy and inexpensive with these ideas. Spring weddings are unique and special because of the season. Make sure to take advantage of everything this wonderful season has to offer for your big day.

The Importance of a Healthy Breakfast for Busy Moms

 

A healthy breakfast is usually far from the busy mom's mind first thing in the morning, but this choice can have a huge impact on your health. It is important to understand the value of a healthy meal as well as the importance of the various nutrients. This article will discuss the factors that impact personal food choices, a healthy breakfast recipe and how to proportion the recipe to suit different age groups.

There are many factors that affect personal food choices throughout the course of life. Work and school schedules are usually a large factor in diet and health, and it may seem like eating breakfast and other healthy meals may consume too much time. There are many breakfast choices that are quick, easy and suitable for people at different stages of life. Busy moms often forgo breakfast, but it is important to make this a part of the daily routine. Creating a healthy meal that both parents and children can enjoy is a good way to spend time with children instead of spending extra time preparing meals.

An excellent healthy breakfast idea that suits the dietary needs of the whole family includes a mixed berry smoothie, a slice of whole grain toast and an egg cooked over easy or any other way you like. This recipe can be made for multiple people at the same time by doubling the ingredients per person. The meal can be made all at the same time by using cookie trays for the toast and a large frying pan for the eggs. Smoothies can be processed together and distributed evenly. The ingredients for this recipe are as follows:

½ cup of milk

½ cup of ice

½ cup frozen raspberries

½ cup frozen blueberries

1 egg

1 piece of whole grain toast

1 tablespoon olive oil

To create this meal, you will need a blender as well as a frying pan, oven and spatula. Start by heating the oil in the frying pan on medium. Also, put the broiler on and place the bread under the flame to be toasted. Then crack the egg into the pan of heated oil. Add the ice, milk and berries to the blender. Let the egg cook until it is done and place it with the piece of toast on a plate. Make sure the lid is securely on, and turn the blender on medium. Then process the food in the blender until the mixture is smooth. Pour it into a glass and you are ready for breakfast

According to Canada's Food Guide for Healthy Eating, there are four main food groups are meat and alternatives, dairy and alternatives, fruits and vegetables and grains. These four food groups are all present in this menu item and they can be adjusted to suit the age and gender of the person eating. For instance, a busy mom between the age of 19-50 needs 7-8 fruit and vegetable products (How much food do you need every day) . The use of ½ cup of raspberries and ½ cup of blueberries is 2 servings of fruit. A young child between the ages of 2-8 needs only four fruits and vegetables per day. They can have half of the adult sized smoothie and still have plenty of fruits and vegetables later.

Eating right is important, and any healthy diet and lifestyle starts every day with breakfast. Creating healthy menu items can be fun, and they can be adjusted to suit any part of the life cycle.

Reference:

" Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating - Health - Government of Saskatchewan ." Health - Government of Saskatchewan . N.p., n.d. Web. 30 May 2011.

"How Much Food You Need Every Day - Canada's Food Guide - Health Canada."Welcome to the Health Canada Web site | Bienvenue au site Web de Sant© Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 May 2011. .

How to Use Acupressure to Help Heal Neck and Shoulder Pain

 

Acupressure is a method of relieving pain that I find amazing. I have used acupressure to help with my knees, and I have recently started using acupressure to help with my shoulder and neck pain. Acupressure may sound silly or too new age for many people, but it is simply a method of massage that is used on particular points on your body to help relieve stress, strain, and pain. At first I thought it sounded silly too, but now I know that it actually works. So try it, and I promise it will help you if you do it correctly.

Remember acupressure is similar to massage and when you are first learning remember to be gentle and be patient. Everybody is unique, and although we all are composed of the same muscles, bones, and organs the placement may slightly vary. When you first start out you should move your fingers in a circular motion. This will help you identify the points you are looking for. Start with a wide circle and move slowly inward until you can narrow down on a point; it may be helpful for you to continue widening and shrinking your circle if the muscle is extremely tight and tense.

In order to help with neck and shoulder pain start by laying down, or reclining in a chair so that you can rest your head. Now use your fingers in a circular motion to rub the base of your skull. Move slowly down your neck and outward to your shoulders. If you feel a spot that is tense or hurts when pressed on stop and focus on this are. Rub on this spot until you feel a slight discomfort. Continue rubbing, but remember to increase pressure, but do not hurt yourself. You will feel a release after your have reach the point of slight discomfort. Move on to the next part of your shoulders after you have released this tension. Work your way across your shoulders and to the point where your back and your shoulder blade meet. In this spot is a very sensitive pressure point. Focus on this spot, but be careful to not over due it. You want to it feel intense, but you do not want it to hurt. When you feel release work back up to your head and relax for a few minutes before continuing with your daily routine.

Remember while you are rubbing to stop every few seconds and reevaluate the pain. If you are hitting the right spots it will go away. If the pain returns complete this exercise again. Sometimes the pain will stay gone for days; sometimes will come back in hours. It depends on how bad the injury actually is. When ever you feel the pain continue to do this exercise, and the reoccurring of this pain will lessen.

I hope this method of acupressure has helped you as much as it has helped me!

3 Fun and Informative Earth Day Lesson Plans

 

Earth day can be a very fun and exciting time for children in the classroom. Here are 3 lesson plans that can help students celebrate earth day .

The first lesson plan that is appropriate and fun for teaching children about earth day is the earth day garbage parade. This lesson plan is appropriate for kids of ages 3-12, and it is a lot of fun. Have students collect garbage around their home and school and bring in one small plastic bag of trash. Items that they should save are bottles, papers, bottle caps, and anything they seem to find interesting. Make sure all items are brought in clean, and have markers, paints, and glue available. Now pile all of the garbage on a table in the middle of the room and let all the students pick items that that they would like to use. You can have the students create masks, puppets, and banners. It is a good idea to bring some examples of things they can make. You can also bring in beans and rubber bands and have the students make different musical instruments. Paint and color all of the items brightly, and assemble a line and start your parade. This lesson helps teach students to recycle and have fun!

Another lesson plan that is appropriate for students from the age of 3 to 12 is to grow their own plant. Bring in seeds, plastic cups, and dirt, and have each student plant their own seed, and water it. For older students you may want them to use different seeds and research each plant. Have the students document the plants growth over the course of the month; also have the students document the watering and light schedule for each plant. This is most effective if done with perennial plants so the students can later plant a garden on the school property or a local park. The use of herb seeds works well for this project.

Another earth day lesson plan for students from ages 3 - 12 is paper making. Discuss with the students the use of paper in society, and the amount of trees wasted because of our paper waste. Have students bringing junk mail, and paper that would normally be thrown out at their homes. You will need a small screen that has been attached to a wooden frame, or a small window screen that can be found at a thrift store. You will also need a food processor and a tub or tuber ware. Have all the students rip the paper up into little pieces and soak the pieces in water for half an hour. Next processes the water and paper mixture until the paper is finely chopped. Now mix the paper and water pulp with more water inside the tub. Have the students take turn dipping the frame into the mix. Once the frame is coated let some of the water drip out, and cover it with a piece of cardboard; next you must flip the frame and cardboard over so the pulp will come off. This will take a little getting used to, but it is not very hard. Allow all of the paper to dry completely and use the paper for another earth day project!

These lesson plans can help you teach valuable earth day lessons to your class this earth day!

Why Do Dogs Bury Bones in the Yard?

 

Dogs love to dig, and they love to hide things. I have always wondered why dogs hide things, especially since I know that no one but them wants a slobbered on dog bone. Even though it seems like the things they hide are definitely not of any value to anyone but them they still seem to dig holes in the yard everyday and hide their bones. Why do these dogs do such a peculiar thing you may ask? I am going to explain to you a little about the history of dogs, and why they do what they do.

Dogs were not always domesticated, and many people believe that dogs originated from wolves. Some scientists have thought that dogs were a member of the jackal, fox, or coyote family. (Leokum, 1986) There have been many studies on this subject, and there has been much debate, but it seems that the ancestry of dogs leads to the wolf family. The wolf has the closest resembling DNA to the dog, and therefore we assume that dogs came from domesticated wolves or a common ancestor. (Leokum, 1986)

Instincts are something that we are all aware of. Humans have instincts and animals also have natural instincts. This is a natural thing that has developed over time, but many people and animals have instincts that have become no longer very useful. We can see this evident all over the place in nature, and it is extremely evident in dogs. We have domesticated dogs so much that many of their natural instincts are now obsolete.

An example of a dog's natural instinct is to hide or bury his bone. In the past dogs would have had to store food for future use because he did not have man to feed him his basic meals. (Leokum, 1986, p.82) Another reason a dog would hide his food is because in the animal world another animal might steal his food if it were not hidden. This basic yet unnecessary survival tactic is what helped keep dogs alive in the past.

Another natural canine instinct dates back to before domestication. If you ever notice your dog walk in a circle a few times before laying down it is probably because in the past dogs would make nests in leaves and grasses, and they would "trod on these materials" in order to lay them down for a comfortable nest (Leokum,1986, p.81) . Most dogs now a days have comfortable beds and pillows to sleep on, but you can still catch them acting on the animal instincts on occasion.

So next time you see your dog hide a bone in the yard you will understand why instead of just thinking you have another hole to watch out for!

Leokum, A. (1986). The Big book of tell me why. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.