Edible Father's Day Crafts that Kids Can Make as Gifts

 

Edible crafts are always a good gift idea for dads on Father's Day. Children will love making these projects, and they are easy to make. This article supplies you with information on edible Father's Day crafts that kids can make.

Barbeque Sauce

Father's Day is the perfect holiday for this edible gift because it is celebrated in the beginning of barbequing season. To start creating this gift idea you need to find barbeque sauce recipe you enjoy. Check out this link to choose from the top 10 barbeque sauce recipes.

Work with kids to create the barbeque sauce. When you are all finished you will need canning jars, wax paper, pinking shears, ribbon, heavy paper, a funnel, paper towel, a hole puncher, and a pen. Start by filling all of the jars with the sauce. Then cut squares out of the wax paper using the pinking shears. Also cut small rectangles out of the paper.

Write the name of the sauce on one side of the rectangle. Also right a message on the other. Punch a hole in the corner of the paper. Cover the jar with the flat part of the lid. Place the wax paper over the jar and place the ring over the wax paper. Cut a long piece of ribbon, thread it through the hole punched in the paper, and tie it around the lip of the jar. These tasty gifts are easy crafts to give away.

Tie Cake

Another fun craft for kids to make for their fathers is a tie cake. For this gift you will need cake mix, canned pumpkin, white colored frosting, food coloring, a square cake pan, a loaf pan, bowls, spoons, knives, and a pastry bag. If you don't have a pastry bag you can roll up a piece of wax paper.

Start by assisting as kids mix the cake mix with the pumpkin, fill the two pans, and bake according to the directions on the cake mix package. Allow the cake to cool when they are done, and mix the frosting while you are waiting. Start by placing some frosting in a bowl. Then help children add food coloring of your choice to the frosting. Mix it together thoroughly.

When the cakes are cooled, flip them over onto a plate. Use a knife to cut the corners off of the loaf cake. Then trim a little of the cake off of the sides of the loaf. This will make the base of the tie, and can be placed on top of the square cake. Then add two corners together in a triangle shape at the top of the tie to make the knot. Place the two triangles on either side of the knot to create the collar. Ice the entire cake with the white frosting.

Then ice the tie using the colored frosting. Mix another color with some frosting in a separate bowl and put the frosting in the pastry bag. Write a special Father's Day message for your dad on the cake, and add details to the tie.

These edible gift ideas are perfect crafts for children, and dads will love them too. Try creating thee projects to make the children and father's in your life very happy on this special holiday.

What is Yeast and How Does it Work?

 

Everyone loves delicious bread, but many people do not realize how important yeast is in the process of making bread. If we didn't have yeast we wouldn't have a lot of the things we enjoy today such as rising bread, wine, whisky, or beer. Although yeast is so integral to the food culture of our world many people do not know much about yeast. This article will describe what yeast is and how it works.

Yeast is a "one celled plant" that is so small when alone you need a microscope to see it (Leokum, 1986, p.184). I know yeast is small, but I can see it every time I use it to bake bread; how is this possible? Yeast may be one celled, but it grows in "colonies" (Leokum, 1986, p.184). Yeast is a valuable part of everyday life. Yeast is almost "colorless," and it is considered a "fungus" because it ddoes not produce chlorophyll or any other means of feeding itself (Leokum, 1986, p.184).

As yeast grows it turns into two substances, and these substances help cause the changes in the foods we use them for. The two sunstances yeast forms are "enzymes" known as "invertase and zymase," and these enzymes "convert starch to sugar and sugar to alcohol, carbon dioxide, and energy" (Leokum, 1986, p.184). This process is known as fermentation and this is what causes bread to rise and juice to turn into wine. Yeast may be tiny, but it has a powerful ability to change things.

Many years ago the Egyptians discovered yeast, and they used it in their bread making, but not everyone else knew about yeast. Bread makers of the past realized that leaving their bread out to rest for a while would provide them with lighter fluffier loaves. They did not know it at the time, but this process worked because yeast strands from the air would get in the bread and cause it to rise. These days bread makers add sugar and yeast on purpose to make rise. We now know that the yeast eats the sugar and turns it into carbon dioxide, and the carbon dioxide forms bubbles inside the loaf. The oven's heat "drives off the carbon dioxide and leaves a dry light loaf" (Leokum, 1986, p.184).

Yeast is an amazing fungus that helps us to enjoy the foods and drinks that we love so every time you sip a beer or eat a sandwich remember the one celled yeast plant and enjoy!

Reference:

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

What is a Master's Degree?

 

Many people hear about master's degrees and are not sure exactly what one is. This type of degree is a valuable asset that can add a lot of new options and benefits to your career path. Master's degrees have many benefits that can help you improve your life in many ways.

A master's degree is a degree that is obtained after a bachelor's degree and before a doctorate degree. It is a two year degree program, and a bachelor's degree is usually required before obtaining a master's degree.

The benefits of a master's degree are plentiful, and this degree can add to your career in many ways. Higher pay is a common benefit of a master's degree, and this type of degree proves that you have exceptional knowledge in a certain area or field.

Another benefit of a master's degree is new career path options, and gaining a master's degree in a new area of expertise can allow you to obtain a different career. Master's degrees give you the knowledge and certification needed to transition into a different field.

Master's degrees are obtained through two years of education that have similar courses to undergraduate degrees, but the coursework is more specialized and in depth. After four years of academic work students in a master's degree program are expected to have higher analytical skills, and many master's degree courses require thorough discussion of topics. Another required part of a master's degree is a thesis, and this requirement is usually in the format of an extended research paper on the major topic of your degree.

There are many different types of master's degrees available, and there are three major areas of master's degree programs. Master's of arts, science, and business administration are the common master's degree programs available, and they all have specific degree majors.

Master's of Art degree programs entail several subjects including psychology, English, counseling, education, and human resources. These degrees are not the only master's of arts programs available, but they are commonly acquired.

Master's of Science degrees are another type of master's degree programs that are based on scientific theory and information. Some common master's of science degree program options are environmental studies, computer science, medicine, and information science.

Master's of Business Administration degrees are popular programs that focus on specific business subjects such as marketing, accounting, management, and advertising. These master's degree programs will provide you with extensive knowledge in relation to business information and skills.

A master's degree is a valuable degree for increasing career success on many levels, and these two year degree programs will provide you with valuable information and skills that will help you in your career goals.

The Great Artists of the Romantic Movement

 

One of my favorite art movements is Romanticism. This type of art flourished from 1800-1840, and it was inspired by the "dark ages" where "barbarianism, superstition," "gothick, sublime", and "miracles" were popular culture (Gardner, 2001. p.864). Romanticism started in "1770", and it is still alive today; it has even inspired the soundtrack to the epic film Star Wars (Brians, 1998).

This movement was based on the idea that all that was artificial and false should be banned and honest emotion should prevail. This movement was so unique and interesting because it was about rebelling against the common values of society. Imagination and emotion was revered over reasoning and rules in this art movement. Individualism and creativity were highly valued during this time in art(Gardener, 2001). The heart was revered over the mind, and many preconceived ideas on art and beauty were thrown to the wind. It is interesting to note that Neoclassicism was happening before Romanticism, and it was a type of art based on rules and modeled after art from the Renaissance. It is intriguing to see the pattern of art movements, and I realize that the movement based on reason led to a movement based on imagination.

William Blake was an artist of the Romantic Movement that was appealing to me. He was said to be "inspired by dreams," and his engraving titled Ancient of Days is beautiful and inspiring (Gardener, 2001, p. 865). The dramatic use of light and dark in the contrast of the bright yellows and orange of the sky and sun opposed to the dark brown and black of the background and landscape worked very well and added strong emotion to the piece. I also enjoyed the linear aspects of the light and stance of the figure. This piece embodied the Romantic style with its use of emotion and passion.

Henry Fuseli is another great artist from the Romanticism period. His painting The Nightmare embodies the work of the Romantic Movement. This painting depicts a woman sleeping or possibly dead with a demon crouched on top of her smiling; in this picture there is also a dark spirit of a horse or similar creature lingering in the shadows (Gardener, 2001). This painting suggests the idea of dreaming and the darkness of nightmares. Many of Fuseli's paintings portray gargoyles and creatures of the night, and they have a dark almost menacing theme to them.

The Romantic Movement was an amazing and very inspiring movement in art. The raw use of imagery and emotion combined to leave the viewer in awe and wonderment. I love the humor and clever themes. Romanticism was a great time for art, and it is important to know and appreciate the work of many of the artists of this time.

References:
Brians, P. (1998). Romanticism. Retrieved June 9, 2009, Web site: http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/hum_303/romanticism.html

Gardner, H. (2001). Gardner's art through the ages. Orlando, FL: Harcourt College Publishers.

Recycled Teen Crafts: Purses

 

Recycled crafts are very popular, and they should be. It is good to use recycled materials when crafting, and it is something that your teens will enjoy. This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions for creating several different purses out of recycled materials; and you teen will love completing these projects with you.

Dish Towels Purse

Dish towels come in many fun patterns and designs, and they are inexpensive. Teens will love the purses they can make with dish towels. For this recycled craft you will need needle, thread, ribbon, scissors, and a dish towel.

Start by folding the dish towel so the outside is on the inside, but allow about 3 inches of extra material on one side. Help teens thread the needle, and sew the sides together. Make sure to sew them a few times to make them stronger.

Help teens cut the ribbon so it is long enough for a shoulder strap and sew it to the inner sides of the purse. This teen craft is quick and it uses recycled materials to create a unique purse.

Pocket purse

Another easy purse can be made using recycled pockets, fabric glue, scissors, needle, thread, and ribbon. Start this craft by cutting out a couple pockets from different items of old clothing. Then decide how to assemble your purse. An easy way to do this is by starting with the biggest pocket, and gluing the smaller pocket onto the side of it. Remember you can sandwich the pockets together to create multiple areas to this purse craft.

When all of the pockets have dried, help teens cut a piece of ribbon long enough to be a strap. Thread the needle and sew the straps to the inside of the biggest pocket. This unique recycled purse is a great way to get your teens to be creative.

Pant Leg Purse

Instead of throwing away your ribbed pants, teens can recycle them into a purse. For this craft you will need an old pair of pants, scissors, needle, and thread. Start this craft by cutting off the bottom of one pant leg. Make sure you cut straight across the leg and it is long enough for your desired purse length.

Turn the pant leg piece inside out, and thread the needle. Help teens sew across the cut edge of the paint piece and tie the thread in a knot to secure it. Then cut three long strips from the other pant leg, and braid them together. Tie the ends in a knot and sew the knot to the inside of the purse to complete this recycled craft.

Creating recycled purses is fun for teen, and it will allow them to understand how important it is to recycled. Try these crafts with your teens, and you will both have a great time.

Tea Party Themes for Children

 

Children love tea parties, and there are many themes that kids will enjoy adding to their game. Tea parties make great birthday party ideas, and your children will enjoy them. This article will discuss tea party themes for children.

Dolls and Teddy Bears

Kids love dolls, teddy bears, and their other stuffed companions, and they are an excellent item to integrate to your theme parties for children. For this tea party make sure to gather many of your children's favorite dolls and toys. Dress them up with ribbon and bows, and remember to find chairs and dishes that will suit their sizes. This personal touch will add a special meaning to your children's tea party.

Picnic

Another great tea party theme is a picnic. Children love being outdoors, and a picnic is an excellent way to take tea parties outside. For picnic tea parties make sure to bring edible treats that hold up well outdoors. Umbrellas can be decorated with frilly lace to look like parasols for this tea party theme, and fans are always appropriate.

Seaside

A seaside tea party is a fun theme, and shells, pearls, and lace should be incorporated into the decorations of this type of tea party. Seaside tea parties can be held on the beach, or the feeling of the ocean can be brought inside with seaside inspired music. Citrus is a lovely flavor to add to teas during a seaside party theme, and children will enjoy mixing lemon and lime into their favorite teas.

Garden

A garden tea party is a great event. This theme requires bright colors such as pink, orange, green, and yellow. A garden themed tea party should also inspire fruit flavored teas that can be poured over ice. Mint and other herbs are also a nice addition to this type of tea party. Garden themed parties should have plenty of fauna and foliage.

Winter Wonderland

The cold of winter can inspire wonderful tea party ideas. Spiced and sweet teas are excellent for this type of party. A winter wonderland also suggests sweetly glazed baked goods. Apples and pumpkin are good flavors for this theme as well. For a winter tea party children should wear gloves, scarves, and to stay toasty.

These fun tea party themes will provide children with hours of preparation and fun. Tea parties do not have to be the same old thing; try adding some excitement with themes.

The 3 Main Types of Committees in the United States Government

 

There are 3 main types of committees in the United States government. These committees make many decisions for the government that impact all U.S. citizens. Understanding the 3 main types of committees in the United States is an important part of understand the United States government and legislature. This article will discuss the 3 main types of committees in the United States.

"Congress divides its legislative, oversight, and internal administrative tasks among more than 200 committees and subcommittees" in the United States government (Committee Types and Roles, 2009, p. 2, pp.3). Although there are many committees and subcommittees, there are three main types of committees in use by this government. Informal groups such as party committees and tasks forces are not included in the main committees discussed in this article. The three main types of committees are known as "standing, select or special, and joint" (CTR, 2009, p. 1, pp. 3). These types of committees handle many aspects of government.

Standing Committees

These committees are permanent and "have legislative jurisdiction;" standing committees consider bills and issues and recommend measures for consideration by their respective chambers" (CTR, 2009 p. 2, pp1.). Standing committees must also oversee and monitor certain programs, activities, and agencies within the area of their jurisdiction. It is common for the areas of jurisdiction to overlap committees because of the wide range of effects of programs, agencies, and activities on different areas of government and the United States. Standing committees also have a hand in recommending funding levels "for government operations and for new and existing programs" (CTR, 2009, p.2, pp. 2). Standing committees also play a role in budget and financing of programs and agencies within the government.

Select or Special Committees

These types of committees have a special purpose. They are "established by a separate resolution of the chamber," and select or special committees are use "sometimes to conduct investigations and studies, and, on other occasions, also to consider measures" (CTR, 2009, p. 2, pp. 5). These committees deal with issues that are fairly new and not represented by already existing types of committees. They also deal with issues that cross the jurisdiction of more than one standing committee. A select or special committee can be temporary or permanent depending on the goal of this type of committee. "Certain restrictions on member tenure or may include certain specified representatives (e.g., party leaders or certain standing committee chairs) as ex officio members" may be portrayed by this type of committee (CTR, 2009, p. 3, pp.5).

Joint Committees

"Joint committeesare made up of Members of both the House and Senate," and they are permanent panels in the United States Government (CTR, 2009, p.43, pp. 6). Joint committees are types of committees that perform studies and monitor areas of government. "The chairmanship of the joint committees "usually alternates between the House and Senate" (CTR, 2009, p.43, pp. 6). A type of joint committee that deals with conflicts between the House and Senate is a conference committee.

Understanding the main types of committees in the U.S. government is important when understanding how the government is run.

Reference:

Committee Types and Roles. (2009). U.S. Senate. Retrieved August 9, 2010, from http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs-publish.cfm?pid=%26*2

Recycled Metal Garden Decor Crafts

 

Spring is here, and so is spring cleaning; so keep your eye on the side of the road for junk that can be turned into treasures. Many people throw away all sorts of useful metal items, and many of them can be turned in recycled garden décor crafts. Here you will be provided with several recycled metal garden décor crafts that will inspire you to get crafty with your garden.

Fence Arch

A fun garden décor idea that uses recycled metal fences is a squared arch. For this garden craft all you will need is some old metal fences or railings, a shovel, rocks, and some wire. Start by finding a good spot in your garden and placing the railing where you would like it. Mark the spots with the shovel and lay the fence on the ground.

Use the wire to attach the three pieces of metal fence together and dig holes about a foot deep to set your fence in the ground. Lift the structure and place it in the holes. Add the rocks and dirt to fill in the hole around the fence, and you can add some bricks to the outside bottom edge to further secure the arch in place.

Vine Trellis

Another easy garden décor craft made from recycled metal materials is a vine trellis; this craft is easy because any type of metal object can work. Old grates, fence posts, doors, and other unique and interesting metal items can easily be recycled into a vine trellis. Simply place the metal piece where you would like it and mark the spot with a shovel Dig out the section and bury the bottom of it in the ground. This simple garden décor craft only requires a recycled metal item of interest and a shovel.

Chair Container

Another fun and interesting recycled metal craft for your garden requires a chair and a garden pot. The garden pot should be big enough to fit into the seat of the chair. If it is too small you can add some wood to the edges of the seat of the chair to hold the plant inside it. Simply remove the seat of the chair place it in your garden, and it will create height that is perfect for vines and hanging plants. This recycled metal craft is a inexpensive addition to your garden décor.Using recycled materials for garden décor is fun and inexpensive; these are the reasons this type of garden décor has become so popular lately. Try these garden décor crafts the next time you find a metal item that can be recycled.

The Relationship Between Physical, Cognitive and Social-Emotional Development in Humans

 

There is a strong relationship between the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of humans. All of these areas of human development have their unique traits, but they are all dependent of each other as well. This article will describe the traits of these areas of development and discuss their connections.

Physical Development

Human development happens physically starting from conception. Physical development consists of the growth of the body and brain. It is also categorized by the development of motor skills and behavioral patterns.

Physical development is very rapid in childhood and teenage years. Throughout child hood physical development starts with learning to crawl, walk, and use the hands and feet efficiently. In the teenage years physical development is characterized through puberty.

Cognitive Development

Cognitive development is represented in terms of logic and reasoning. This area of human development pertains to thought processes and their complexity. It is also reflected by improved ability to understand theory and an increased vocabulary level and usage.

In childhood human development of the cognitive nature is evident through learning to speak and write. It is also reflected by the use of theories to rationalize and comprehend. As children turn into teenagers cognitive learning is increased, and it continues increasing as a human ages and develops.

Social-Emotional Development

This part of human development relates to feelings, emotions, morals, beliefs, and ethics. Social-emotional development in humans occurs throughout age. It is reflected through thoughts on what are right and wrong and other matters of belief and opinion.

As a human develops its thoughts include more reasoning and complexity. Through this development a human becomes more aware of their selves and others, and a human will be able to deal with social-motional developments better.

Relationships in Human Development

Human development is separated into different areas because all of these areas have specific traits. The physical, cognitive, and social-emotional developments in humans all influence each other in different ways.

Physical development influences both cognitive development and social-emotional development. Cognitive development is influences by physical development because the brain and motor skills naturally affect the development of thought patterns. Behavior is also influential over cognitive development because behavioral patterns will cause thought development to be different.

Cognitive development affects social-emotional development because the ability to think and reason will affect a person's ability to understand feelings and emotions. It will also impact a human's ability to understand themselves and others.

Social-emotional development is also impacted by physical development and vice versa. A human's development of confidence may be affected by the physical development. Puberty is another reason why physical development affects social-emotional development.

The different areas of human development all have specific characteristics, but they also all have impact on each other.

Natural Insect Control in Your Garden

 

It is important to know methods of natural insect control in your garden if you are going to have a healthy garden this year. Insects are inevitable, and they can be one of the biggest problems in any
garden. Luckily, there are many natural methods of controlling the insect problems in your garden. Many of these methods can be found right in your kitchen. This article will discuss several methods of natural insect control in your garden.

Beer

Beer can be used in your garden for natural insect control. Slugs love the smell of beer, but they are not capable of surviving in it. If you have a slug infestation simply pour some beer in a very shallow dish and place in the areas that are infested with slugs. Slugs eat large holes in leafy plants such as collards, cabbage, and swiz chard. A little beer trap will save your precious garden vegetables.

Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another natural insect control for your garden. Mealy bugs and scale insects can not endure alcohol. To utilize this method try mixing 1 part alcohol with 2 parts water and spray the natural insect control on plants. You can also dip a cotton ball in the solution and rub it directly on leaves or bugs.

Dish Soap

Natural insect control can be made using dish soap. It is important to use soap that is not antibacterial. Antibacterial soap will badly harm your plants so make sure to read the label before using. Simply mix 2 tablespoons to a cup of water and spray on plants. The soap will automatically kill any insects it comes in contact with. This natural insect control for your garden is easy and efficient.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic can be brewed into a natural insect control for your garden. Simply chop an entire onion and an entire bulb of garlic. Boil these natural insect controls in 2 quarts of water for about 30 minutes. Strain the garlic and onion out of the liquid and spray on plants. This natural insect control can be slightly smelly, but it will keep insects out of your garden.

Vegetable Oil

Mixing a tablespoon of vegetable oil with any of these natural insect controls will help increase your chance of success. Vegetable oil does not mix well with water so remember to shake the liquid while applying.

Hot Pepper

Spicy scents and tastes are an automatic deterrent to garden insects. A natural way to control these pests is by mixing 3 tablespoons of hot pepper sauce with a cup of water. If you have red pepper flakes your can add about a cup of pepper flakes to 3 cups of water; boil for an hour or soak over night. Remember to strain out the pepper flakes from your natural insect control solution. Spray the entire plant with the mixture.

Natural insect control in your garden does not have to be hard or expensive. These simple methods will help you control your insect problems naturally in your garden.

Inexpensive Vegetarian Camping Recipe

 

Cooking over a fire when camping can be intimidating, but it can also be delicious. There are many vegetarian recipes you can cook when camping, but this recipe is inexpensive, vegetarian, and delicious.

For this camping recipe you can use a small camping stove or you can use a fire. The only cooking utensils you will need are a large pot and a spoon. A vegetarian diet must have protein, and here are the ingredients for this inexpensive camping recipe.

1 cup water

2 Ramen noodle packs

A can of chic peas

A can of creamed corn

A can of mixed vegetables

1 cup instant mashed potato flakes

A pinch of salt and pepper

Start by cooking the noodles with the water in the pot until soft. Add the cans of vegetables and the chic peas and mix thoroughly. Then add the salt, pepper, and mashed potato flakes. Stir together and heat until the mixture has thickened up.

Serve hot; this camping recipe makes 7 servings. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top if this hardy vegetarian camping recipe; or you can add a can of tuna if you are not vegetarian.

This easy camping recipe is a treat for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The ingredient combinations may seem strange, but the finished texture and taste is excellent. This easy and inexpensive camping recipe only requires one pot, and it serves many people.

Try this recipe when you are camping and you will be warm, full, and satisfied.

The Ancient Greek Culture of Nudity

 

The ancient Greek culture of nudity is a long haul from the present culture of nudity in the United States. Nudity is a taboo subject for many, but in the past it was rivaled and respected. Nudity can be uncomfortable for many people, but it was a religious practice in the past. This article will discuss the ancient Greek culture of nudity.

In ancient Greece it was common for people to be nude when working or dancing. The Greeks also exercised in the nude in gymnasiums. What is not commonly noted is how the gymnasiums were also places of education, and students were required to exercises their minds as well as their bodies. The weather was usually nice enough to not wear clothes in Greece. The people of Greece were not shocked by people being nude because it was common place and accepted.

Being nude reflected the values and beliefs of the ancient Greeks because they believed that by imitating the gods they were closer to them. Exercising, education, and nudity were all a common and sacred way the Greeks paid tribute to their gods. Nudity was common in celebrations and training in ancient Greece. When a child was born the naked father would parade around holding his newborn. The nude body was a tribute to the gods, and the ancient Greeks respected and represented this ideas.

The Greeks were criticized by some for wearing little or no clothing. Although the Greeks may have received criticism, they helped form many of the common ideas on civilization. I think that the Greeks ideas on nudity are positive. I do not believe in the same gods as the Greeks, so I do not see it as a form of worship, but I think the nude body is at its most natural form and should be accepted instead of shunned, guilted, or degraded.

It is important to understand that the ancient Greeks did not walk around in the nude all the time. They wore clothing and armor in battle and when riding. Many great warriors are pictured in the nude in ancient sculptures and paintings, but they did not fight in the nude. Many ancient Greek artworks depict nudity to emphasize emotions and themes.

The ancient Greeks were nude a lot of the time. They respected nudity because it represented a closeness, tribute, and respect for their gods. The ancient Greek culture of nudity was important to the Greeks, and people should be more aware of their culture.

Green Crafts: How to Make Jewelry from Old Clothes

Green crafts have many benefits, and you can learn how to make jewelry from old clothes. Reusing old clothes to make custom jewelry and accessories is a great way to save money and keep stuff out of landfills. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating a rag charm bracelet and knot necklace.

Rag Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets are popular, and this green craft makes a great addition to your jewelry collection.

For this craft you will need an old piece of clothing, a hot glue gun, glue sticks, scissors, a chain that is long enough to fit around your wrist, a clasp, and 2 O-rings. Start by plugging in your glue gun. Also cut a 6 by 3 inch piece of fabric from the old clothing.

Then open the O-rings and attach the clasp to the the ends of the chains. Close the O-rings to secure both the clasp and the bracelet together. Then using the scissor cut small notches along the longer side of the fabric. Rip the fabric apart along the notches. You will have many strips.

Glue the strips along the length of the bracelet. Using the scissors trim the ends of the strips to the desired length. When the glue is dry you can wear your green jewelry craft.

Rag Knot Necklace

An inexpensive green jewelry craft is a knot necklace. For this craft you will need a few pieces of old clothes, scissors, a hot glue gun, and hot glue sticks. Pants and long sleeves work best for this jewelry craft because you will use longer pieces of old clothing.

Start by cutting 3 long strips of fabric that are about a quarter to a half inch wide. These strips will have to be twice the length of the desired necklace length, and remember to add about 4 more inches to compensate for the knot and braid.

Fold the strips in half, and tie the looped end into a knot. Make sure to leave the loop wide enough to fit your finger through it. Then braid the length of the strips until you reach the end. Tie the end in a knot that will fit through the loop.

Then cut 3-6 more pieces of rags about 12 inches long. Fold the strip in half and tie the ends on a knot. Continue knotting the end until the length is from 2-3 inches. Then attach the knots to the necklace to add interest. Start attaching by placing the loop underneath the necklace. Wrap the ball over the necklace and through the loop again. Pull it tightly and the green necklace is complete.

Green crafts are popular and inexpensive. These jewelry crafts are green because they are made from old clothing items. Instead of throwing out that ripped shirt try make green crafts with it; there are wonderful jewelry craft you can make with your old clothing.

Diversity as a Business Strategy

 

Using diversity as a business strategy is an important tool to meeting with growing trends in business. The workforce is diverse, consumers are diverse, and companies are diverse. This makes diversity a necessary strategy in any successful business. This article will discuss several ways to use diversity as a business strategy.

Diversity can be used by businesses to create a competitive advantage in applications for business consumers. Consumers are diverse and the applications used by them should be diverse enough to suit the different needs of the consumers. For instance some people like to do their business online, but some people would rather do it in person. Having both of these options is important when creating diverse business applications for consumers. It is also a good idea to have phone business services as well. Having several open areas for people to communicate with a business will help increase success.

Diversity should also be reflected in payment methods used by businesses. People are diverse and they like diverse methods of payment. Many people only use banks, credit cards, and some people strictly use cash or check. Online methods of payment are also very popular. If a business accepts several methods of payment, they are more appealing to the diverse market of consumers. This strategy is a benefit of diversity.

Another diverse business aspect for consumers is languages spoken. It is helpful for businesses to have translators or people who speak several languages in order to communicate with a diverse multitude of consumers. This is a benefit of diversity in the workforce because diversity employees will be able to speak different languages Language is a common place where business can be lost, and being equipped with a diverse workforce is an excellent strategy in business.

Another example of an application that will give businesses a competitive edge is staff members who work different hours. This strategy seems simple, but employing diversity in these means will benefit a business. Foreign customers and people who can not do business in the day appreciate the extra time for customer service. Adding a diverse way of doing business with customers will open up a diverse group of consumers. This strategy employs diversity in a business environment, and it can be very beneficial to a business.

Catering to the needs of a diverse world require diverse methods. These are all beneficial examples of how diverse consumer applications can give businesses a competitive edge. Diversity can be a strategy for any successful business.

Inexpensive Pirate Party Favors for Kids

 

Pirates are popular amongst kids, and many kids enjoy having a pirate themed party. Pirate themed parties are fun to plan, and there are many great pirate party favor ideas that are easy and inexpensive. This article will provide you with several inexpensive ideas for pirate themed party favors that your kids will love.

Eye Patch

An eye patch is a common pirate party favor, and they can be found for inexpensive prices at your local dollar or discount store. You can even make very inexpensive pirate eye patches for your party favors. All you will need is some black felt, scissors, black elastic cord, and glue or a hole punch. Simply cut the felt to a nice eye patch shape and add the elastic to make this eye patch wearable for kids.

Sword

Swords are another popular pirate party favor, and you can find them for inexpensive prices at local toy stores. They can also be bought cheaply at local dollar stores. If you can not find an appropriate pirate's sword for your party favor you can make one.

Simply cut two identical pirate's sword shapes out of cardboard and glue them together. Add foil to the metal part of the sword and paint the handle black or brown. You can also add some yarn or cord to the handle for grip. This inexpensive pirate party favor is a hit with kids.

Foil Candy Coins

A very inexpensive and awesome pirate party favor is foil wrapped candy coins, and you can find them for low prices at local dollar stores, drug stores, and gas stations.

Candy Rings

One of the best parts about being a pirate is the treasure, and candy rings are perfect party favors for a kid's pirate party. These inexpensive party favors can be bought in bulk for an even more inexpensive price.

Parrots

Every pirate has a parrot, and you can find inexpensive stuffed parrots at local dollar stores and toy stores. Also check online for bulk stuffed parrots and you will be able to find them for a good price.

Treasure Maps

A fun and easy party favor to create is a treasure map, and this party favor will be sure to be a hit with the kids at your pirate party. You can create this awesome party favor using markers, paper, tea bags, and imagination.

Start by ripping the edges off of a piece of paper to make it look old and soak the tea bags in some water. Then squeeze the tea bags onto the paper and spread the brown water around. This will stain the paper and make it look like a real treasure map. Simply use the markers to create directions, and this pirate party favor is practically free.Party favors are one of the best parts of parties, and these inexpensive party favors are sure to please all of the kids at your pirate party.

How to Make Custom Hair Clips

You can learn how to make custom hair clips with this detailed article. Making custom hair clips is fun and easy. It allows you to make hair clips that match your wardrobe and suit your style. This article will provide you with detailed instructions for creating a custom hair clips with flowers, foam, and buttons.

Floral

A floral hair clip is easy to make. All you need for this craft is fake flowers, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, fake leaves, and a hair clip. Start by pulling the flower buds off the stem. Also pull the leaves off the stem or use scissors to cut them off. You may also have to cut the bottom of the flower bud to make it lay flat.

Then glue the leaves to the outside base of the hair clip. Make sure the leaves cover the base. Then add the flowers by covering the bottom with glue and pressing it gently on top of the leaves. You may have to squeeze some glue into the center of the flower to hold all of the petals together. This custom hair clip is a perfect way to add flowers to your style.

Foam

Another material that is perfect for making custom hair clips is foam. For this craft you will need foam sheets or cut outs, scissors, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, and a hair clip. You may also want to use paint markers to add detail to this custom hair clip.

If you have already cut foam shapes you will start by choosing the shapes you like. If you are using foam sheets you should use a piece of chalk to dry the desired shape onto the foam. Then cut the shape out and wipe off the chalk outline.

Glue the foam shapes to the hair clip using the hot glue gun. Feel free to layer the foam sheets for depth and detail. You can also use the paint markers to draw on the foam.

Buttons

Buttons are a fun and easy material to use when learning how to make a custom hair clip. You will need buttons, sandpaper, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, a wet paper towel, and a hair clip for this custom craft.

Start by choosing interesting buttons and sanding the bottoms with sandpaper. Use the wet paper towel to wipe the dust off of the bottom of the buttons. When the buttons are dry use the hot glue gun to attach them to the hair clip. When the glue is cool you can wear your custom accessory.

Learning how to make a custom hair clip does not have to be hard or complicated. These instructions will teach yo how to make an awesome custom hair clip on the first try.

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites Naturally

 

Learning how to get rid of spider mites naturally takes persistence and a few simple tricks. Spider mites are pests that will ruin and kill your plants. Spider mites are so tiny you can barely see them, but they damage they can do is completely evident. This article will explain how to get rid of spider mites naturally.

First it is important to know a little bit about spider mites if you hope to get rid of them. Spider mites are really small and can barely be seen. A good way to check for spider mites is to hold a white piece of paper underneath the leaves of your affected plants. Then rub the underneath of the leaf with a Popsicle stick. The tiny mites will fall onto the paper and be visible. These tiny pests also leave a light web on lower leaves of your plants. If you notice this sign you probably have a spider mite problem that you should get rid of naturally.

Moisture and Humidity

Plants that do not have enough moisture or humidity are very susceptible to spider mites. Keep your plants moist is important to spider mite control, and depending on the plant you are naturally protecting you will have to choose a method for moisture. Houseplants can be sprayed or misted a couple of times a day to keep humidity high. To add moisture to houseplants simply place a dish of water underneath the pot. Adding mulch or peat moss to garden plants will help retain moisture. For garden plants misting or spraying regularly will help drown spider mites and get rid of them naturally.

Rubbing Alcohol

When trying to get rid of spider mites naturally you should try rubbing alcohol. Mixing alcohol with water and spraying your plants will help get rid of spider mites naturally without damaging your plants. You can mix 1 part alcohol to 1 or 2 parts water for maximum effectiveness. You can also use a cotton ball dipped in straight rubbing alcohol to gently rub the spider mites on the bottom of the leaves of your plants. Alcohol will kill the spider mites in contact. Remember to use these methods in the evening time so the alcohol will evaporate without the sun causing burn to your leaves.

Dish Detergent

Dish detergent is an excellent way to get rid of spider mites and other garden pests naturally. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish detergent with a cup of water and spray plants thoroughly with the mixture. Allow the spray to dry and water your garden as usual.

When trying to get rid of spider mites naturally it is important to cover the entire plants when spraying. Missing a spot might mean missing spider mites. It is also important to repeat the procedures every other day for at least a week to completely kill the spider mites during all cycles of their lives.

How to Dry Fresh Herbs

 

You can learn how to dry fresh herbs right in your own home. In the summer there is always an abundance of fresh herbs either in your garden, local farmer's market, or grocery store. The cheap prices and fresh grown herbs of summertime are perfect for drying for year long use. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on drying fresh herbs easily.

The first thing to remember is to use clean, sharp scissors. A sharp knife or razor will also work well when cutting fresh herbs from your garden or cleaning the fresh herbs you have brought home. Remember to cut perennial herbs very far down to the ground. It is important to cut perennials down very low because it will increase the size of their growth in the following year. Annual herbs can be pulled up and cut.

Next you will want to remove the dirt from your herbs. There is nothing nastier than dirt in your herbs so you must clean them very well. Spraying your herbs and shaking off the water will remove dirt. Be careful not to bruise or damage leaves in order to sustain the potency of your herbs.

When the fresh herbs are cleaned you can start getting them ready to dry. To do this carefully cut a few leaves off of the bottom of the stems. Gather several branches into a bundle and tie them with string or yarn. Do not group too many leaves together or they will not dry evenly. The diameter of a bundle should be about an inch depending on the size of the leaves.

Now you can hang your fresh herbs in a dark dry place. You will also want to make sure the place you are hanging your herbs gets plenty of ventilation to increase drying ability and prevent mold. You can opt to put your herbs in a brown paper bag if you like as well. Make sure to poke some holes in the bag to allow for air flow before stashing your herbs in them.

Herbs can take anywhere from 1 week to a month to become completely dried out. Check for the dryness of the herbs by bending the stems. If the stem cracks or snaps the herb is dried out correctly. A bendable stem means the herb still has time until it is dried. When the fresh herbs have completely dried you can take them down and remove the leaves. Place the leaves in clean, dry, and labeled jars to keep them over the rest of the year.

You can dry fresh herbs from your home garden easily. These simple steps will make learning how to dry fresh herbs fun and effortless.

Homemade Art Deco Wedding Invitations

 

Art Deco is a very popular wedding style, and making homemade art deco wedding invitations never got easier. This article will provide you with detailed instructions and thorough supply lists for creating homemade art deco wedding invitations.

Floral

Art deco floral designs create lovely wedding invitations, and all you will need for this homemade invitation is white cardstock, a ruler, a pencil, watercolors paints, a paintbrush, water, a ruler, and markers.

Start this art deco wedding invitation by folding the cardstock in half; use the marker to write the important information on the inside or print it out on the computer before hand. Next create a rectangle on the side of the front of the invitation using the ruler and pencil, and divide the rectangle into six even squares.

Next draw a heart shape in the middle of the top four squares and draw a small tear drop shape below it. Add two leaves to the sides of the middle line at the point where the bottom for boxes intersect and erase all of the lines inside the leaves and heart.

Use the water color paint to color in the heart and the leaves and allow the homemade wedding invitation to dry. Use a black marker to outline all of the lines, and remember to start at the top left corner is you are right handed to avoid smudging the ink.

When the ink has dried add a message to the front and your art deco wedding invitation is done. This homemade art deco wedding invitation is simple to complete and you can add more details and colors if you like.

Leaves

Nature is a popular art deco theme, and leaves make a lovely focus for homemade wedding invitations with art deco in mind. For this homemade invitation you will need a ruler, a black marker, green colored pencils, a pencil, eraser, and cardstock.

Start this art deco wedding craft by folding the cardstock in half and writing the important information on the inside. Next use a ruler to create a square on the corners of the invitation, and separate those boxes into four smaller equal boxes.

Draw a leaf shape inside the square by drawing a teardrop shape. Use the lines inside the leaf to create a symmetrical pattern within the leaf. Erase the extra lines and color the leaf green with the pencil. Use the black marker to trace the lines of the box and outline of the leaf. This homemade wedding invitation is easy to create with an art deco theme in mind.

Border

Another easy homemade art deco wedding invitation can be made using cardstock, colored pencils, a ruler, a pencil, and a black marker. You will also need a bottle cap and other small items with interesting shapes.

Start this homemade wedding invitation by folding the cardstock in half and writing the important information on the inside. Next draw a rectangle across the top of the front of the wedding invitation with the pencil; also divide this rectangle up into even boxes to make a grid.

Next use the household items to create an interesting pattern; remember to use the grid as a guideline for placing these items evenly. Trace all of the items with the pencil and color them in with the colored pencils, but remember to erase grid lines beforehand. Trace the outlines with the black marker and this art deco wedding invitation is complete.Creating homemade wedding invitations is a great way to personalize your wedding, and these art deco wedding invitations are easy to complete. Try making homemade art deco wedding invitations for your wedding, and you will be glad you did.

Growing Sorrel in Your Perennial Vegetable Garden

 

Growing sorrel in your perennial vegetable garden is easy enough for the novice gardener. Sorrel is a great perennial vegetable that will add variety to your vegetable garden while returning year after year for a new harvest. This article will provide you with tips and instructions on growing sorrel in your perennial vegetable garden.

Sorrel comes in several varieties; French, garden, and common sorrel are popular and easy to grow. Sorrel is a leafy green herb that has a sour or citric flavor. It can be used in a variety of recipes, and it this perennial vegetable is harvested early in the season. Sorrel is a hardy perennial vegetable that thrives in cooler climates.

Sorrel is a wonderful perennial for vegetable gardens that are in colder climates. Sorrel should be planted in early spring or a few weeks before the last frost date. It can be harvested even as seedlings. When thinning this perennial vegetable, save the seedlings for use in salads and soups.

Sorrel will grow up to 3 feet in height. Sorrel can be sown directly into the garden. Start by planting seeds 3 inches apart, and thin sorrel plants so that they are at least a foot apart when mature. Sorrel can also be planted in small pots for container gardens, and the perennial vegetable does not need a lot of care to thrive. Weeding is important to promoting the growth of this plant.

This perennial vegetable can be divided or propagated through cuttings. Sorrel should be divided early in the growing season. When sorrel starts producing flowers the leaves will start to have a tough and bitter taste. Make sure to harvest the sorrel before flowers are produced. Adding compost and other organic materials to the soil you plan on planting your sorrel in is important before planting this perennial vegetable; it should also be top dressed with compost in the middle of the growing season to promote growth. Good drainage is helpful when growing this perennial vegetable in your garden, and it enjoys being kept moist.

Sorrel is best when eaten fresh, but it can also be dried or frozen. Harvesting young leaves is recommended. This vegetable will produce leaves that can be eaten within two months of being sown in your vegetable garden.

Growing sorrel in your perennial vegetable garden is a great way to add a leafy green herb with distinct flavor to your garden. It will increase your perennial harvest as well as variety in your garden.

The History of Candy

 

Candy is a delicious treat that everyone from children to seniors enjoy very much. Candy comes in many varieties; it can be fruity, chocolaty, gooey, creamy, hard, sticky, and soft, but the main similarity to all types of candy is sugar. This is probably why candy can also be referred to as sweets. Everyone loves candy, but many people have no idea how it originated. This article will explain to you the birth of candy, and how it has changed throughout time.

The word candy itself originated centuries ago in Persia; around the year "500 A.D., they were able to make sugar in a solid form," and they called white sugar "kandi-sefid" (Leokum, 1986, p.182). Over time the word got shortened to candy, but it has been famous for a very long time.

Many people of many different cultures have all had a form of candy, but they did not all have sugar so they used other things for sweeteners. Some cultures did not know how to refine sugar so they had to use other forms of sweeteners for the candy making methods. The Egyptians used "honey" as a sweetener, and they even left "written and picture records of candy and candy making" (Leokum, 1986, p.182). In the Far East they also did not use sugar for there candy. They used dates as the sweet part of their candies, and even today they still use "almonds, honey, and figs" in their candies (Leokum, 1986, p.182). No matter what the sweetener was candy was still evident in these cultures.

For a long time in Europe candy was not made at all. In the "seventeenth century a great deal of sugar" was shipped to Europe from America , and the Europeans started their own candy making culture (Leokum, 1986, p.182). In America there was candy made from the beginning. The early settlers would make candy out of maple syrup. It would be boiled down and drizzled over snow or ice so that it would harden. Taffy pulls because ways of socializing during the beginning of this country, and rock candy was a simple and special homemade treat (Leokum, 1986).

As time went on candy shops started to sell more and more varieties of candies, and candy became even more of a household treat. In about 1850 "small lozenges, many of them heart shaped, had romantic messages printed on them" and were sold in candy shops along with "peppermint lozenges and chocolate drops" (Leokum, 1986, 183).

Candy has come along way, and I got to admit I am glad it was created!

Reference:

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

Techniques that Can Help You Relax

 

Relaxing is something most people wish they could do. I find myself always yearning for relaxation, but I always feel tired or stressed. Relaxing seems like it is always out of my grasp. This article will help you learn to deal with stress through visualization, how to cope with worry, and the importance of sleep when searching for true relaxation.

The Tibetan's believe in the "three humours", and each of these areas relate to a type of stress; these three types of stress are known as "wind stress" which causes tense muscles, "stress of the bile" which causes irritability and impatience, and " phlegm stress" which causes "depression and fatigue" (George, 1998, p.14). Stress can and will cause pain, and I find this to be true because many people, including myself, feel sick when they are stressed out. I particularly enjoyed an exercise for dealing with stress that allows you to see your problems disappear. The method described by Roth for dealing with stress is called "stress ballooning", and it calls for the use of a felt tip marker and 2 balloons (1998). This exercise can be done without the balloons, but I enjoyed using them. In order to complete this meditation you must think of what is stressing you out, and you must figure out which one is the most potent. Now take that stress and the emotion behind it and blow it in the balloon until it is filled up with your stress. Now take a pin and pop the balloon; with that the stress and the old reaction to stress is gone. Now fill a new balloon and think positively about the stressful situation. Now write on the new balloon a new positive idea about the situation that is causing you stress. If you can not write it in words draw a picture. Now play with the balloon while thinking about your new positive response. This method was helpful to me because I realized by simply drawing a flower on the positive balloon that I need to find a job that allows me to work outside. I am very excited about my new gardening job, and this exercise definitely helped me to realize that.

Sleep is a very important part of relaxation. Sleep allows the body to "regenerate itself through inactivity" and it allows "dreams to carry out their mysterious exploration of our unconscious" (George, 1998, p. 58). Many people do not sleep enough, and many people sleep too much. I find that I sometimes I sleep way too much, and sometimes I barely sleep at all. This exercise has helped me to find a sleep pattern that is natural to me. The exercise requires going to bed when moderately tired and noting what time it is. Remember not to set an alarm, and meditate before sleep. These ideas will help you drift to sleep calmly, and you will wake up when your body feels it is restored. I found that I sleep for 8 hours before I wake up naturally. I believe that this is the natural amount of sleep that my body needs, and I also believe that I should go to sleep around midnight. I have also found through this practice if I go to sleep earlier and sleep for more than 8 hours I will be tired when I awake, and if I sleep less I will want to take a nap in the afternoon. I know that with my busy life style I will not be able to always get 8 hours of sleep, but I will try. I have also become aware of the energy restoring ability of exercise and I recommend the use of healthy sleeping instead of napping to help restore energy.

Relaxing is not always easy in the world we live in. there are always things to worry about, but these methods have helped me to relax, and I feel that these methods can help others as well. So next time you are stressed out or feel tense try these exercises in order to feel relief.