Handcrafted to the highest standards using the artistry of the decoupage technique, artwork is triple sealed with a special sealant to ensure durability,easy cleaning and obtain an enamel like finish. Artwork will not fade. Our switchplates are heavy duty plastic nylon that is virtually unbreakable and hardware is included. A cinch to install. Each one of our switchplates is handcrafted with great individual care using licensed materials. We also offer matching Outlet Covers, Double Size Switchplates, Triple Size Switchplates, Rocker GFI Covers, Combo Switchplates, Phone and Cable Covers. We guarantee your complete satisfaction or money back. We are sure you will be delighted with these unique items. Items will arrive via USPS and a tracking # will be sent to you. Also Check out our matching Drawer Knobs here on Amazon.
You really don't need a special occasion to decorate a cake, but some events that can be made unforgettable and extra special with a decorated treat are holidays, birthdays, graduations, religious occasions, showers, weddings, and other personal special events.
Here are some cake decoratingideas that will help you make any occasion special:
New Year's Champagne Toast
Bake one 9-in. round and one 9x12-in. rectangle cake.
Cut the round in half. Use one half for the top of the champagne glass.
Cut a 2 or 3-inch long strip for the stem of the glass and a 2 x 4-inch section for the base of the glass. Piece them together to form the champagne glass. To be sure all the pieces stay together, lightly frost each piece separately before you piece them together.
Place the pieces on a cake board. Ice the top part (straight edge) of the half-round cake and the stem and base sections in white icing. Ice the bottom part (rounded edge) of the half-round cake in light yellow or light pink icing to resemble champagne.
Bake 6 large muffins. Cool and frost them with green icing. Generously sprinkle green shredded coconut* on top of the frosting to resemble grass. Place colored jelly beans within the coconut so they are half-hidden. Place small bunny toppers on the top of the muffins so they look as if they are finding the jelly beans.
*To tint shredded coconut, place coconut in a plastic bag. Add a few drops of food color. Knead color into coconut. Dry on waxed paper.
Spooky Halloween Brownies (Let the kids help!)
Bake your favorite brownies. When cooled, cut into 3-inch circles, using a cookie cutter or a pattern and sharp knife. Place a Halloween stencil (available in most stores) in the center of each brownie. Sprinkle the stencil with confectioner's (powdered) sugar. Remove the stencil. Edge the top and the bottom of brownie with tip 14 white icing stars.
Shiny Christmas Ornament
Bake a one or two-layer round cake. Ice the cake smooth with white icing. Pipe tip 5 white icing lines across the top at 1-inch intervals. Vary the shapes of the lines, making one straight, one zigzag, one curvy, etc. to resemble decorations on an ornament. Randomly pipe tip 5 icing balls and tip 16 stars between the lines also to resemble decorations.
ADULT BIRTHDAY / SPECIAL OCCASION
Let Me Call You Sweetheart
Bake a heart-shaped cake and a heart-shaped mini-cake. Ice the larger cake smooth with pink icing. Place the mini-cake in the center of the larger cake. Cover the mini cake in tip 16 red icing stars. Add a tip 14 red icing shell border at the bottom of the mini cake and a tip 16 red icing shell border at the top and the bottom of the large cake. Write your message in pink with tip 3 on the mini-cake.
KIDS BIRTHDAY
Rainbow Train
Bake four mini-loaf cakes. (about 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches each.)
Ice each one smooth - one with red icing, one with blue icing, one with green icing, and one with yellow icing. Use the cake iced in red as the engine: Make a smokestack for the engine with 2 large marshmallows. Frost them together with green icing. Attach the marshmallows to the top of engine with a toothpick. Using green icing, attach a piece of white curly ribbon or candy on the top of the smokestack for smoke and attach two white or yellow gum drops to the front of the engine for headlights. With a spatula, place a small mound of yellow icing on top of the yellow car; add small chocolate chips to resemble coal. Place two or three small plastic cars on top of the blue car. Stick small stick candies, such as licorice pieces on top of the green car to resemble metal parts. Decorate the sides of the cars with various small hard candies for decorations. For wheels: With icing the same color as the car, attach 4 large candy discs, such as peppermint swirls, to the bottom of each car. Connect the cars with one-inch licorice whips or pretzel sticks.
Up! Up! And Away
Bake two each: tulip, flower, butterfly and dragonfly cookies (eight total) and a 9x12-in. rectangle cake. Ice the cookies smooth in various pastel colors with thinned royal icing.** Decorate the iced butterfly cookie with tip 3 colored icing dots.
Ice the bottom half of the 9x12-in. cake smooth with green icing and the top half smooth with light blue icing to resemble grass and the sky. Place two small mounds of white icing on the blue half for clouds. Pat down "the clouds" with your fingers dipped in cornstarch. Place the tulip and flower cookies in the "grass" and pipe tip 3 green stems and leaves, if necessary. Place the one butterfly cookie near the flower cookie and the other butterfly cookie and the dragonfly cookies in the "sky." Write your message on the cake with tip 3 white icing.
**Royal Icing Recipe
2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
2 scant tablespoons meringue powder
3 tablespoons water
Beat all the ingredients a low speed until the icing forms peaks.
What comes to your mind when you think about Easter? Are you excited to see the flowers bloom and the grass begin to spring back up through the ground? This article will give you a better idea of how you can bring the primitive country design into your Easterdecorating fun!
A few of the items most people think about when they think about Easter are bunnies, eggs, chicks, flowers and items associated with spring. The primitive country decorating style has all these things and more available to you.
Color - You might think that Easter colors are off limits to someone who decorates in this style, because they don't typically match a primitive country décor. Then I have some great news for you. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that country Easter colors blend very smoothly with your other primitive country items and still give you that bright fresh feeling you look forward to every spring.
Bunnies - Bunnies come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. You can choose from wooden bunnies to stuffed 'grubby' bunnies for your decorating needs. If you're lucky enough you might be able to find an old cake mold tin in the shape of a bunny and your decorating takes on a whole new look. Or maybe you'd like to have the carrots that bunnies love to eat. You can find fabric carrots that look like they were made for your decorating style.
You can even find milk chocolate bunnies that aren't edible, but sure smell like they are. They're made out of fabric and prepared to look and smell just like an Easter morning favorite for kids around the world.
Eggs - Eggs are a versatile item that can be placed in any number of arrangements and areas in your home. You could make or purchase a wreath in a spring theme with eggs attached to it. You might grab a wooden bowl and place some grass or maybe raffia in it and place a few eggs in it. This would make a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter meal. Eggs can also be placed on the end of a stick and can be arranged to become a unique bouquet for Easter.
Flowers - Flower arrangements take on a whole new meaning when you use them to decorate your primitive country home. They can be placed in traditional vases or can be arranged in a multitude of different items not typically associated with flower arrangements!
For instance, why not take an old dry sink pitcher or watering can and make a bouquet to place in it? Crocks, canning jars and tea pots also make a delightful display for your flower arrangements.
Miscellaneous Items - Pictures of bunnies and eggs and all things Easter can be found in a multitude of places. Pillows with pictures of Easter on them are a great addition to your holiday decorating.
Stitcheries of eggs and bunnies would add a special touch. Stacking boxes might have an Easter saying stenciled on the side of them. Toaster covers and pot holders are also available decorated in just the Easter pattern you're looking for. Candles are a great choice for any decorating season. They are available in such delicious scents as lilac or fresh cut grass.
So, now that you've got a better idea of how easily and boldly you can decorate your home for Easter, go ahead and get started. It's never too early to plan out your decorating needs.
When you think of church interior design, in most cases you will be thinking of a Christian church. As with all things there are certain elements of the design that need to be captured in order to maintain the continuity between the churches.
Keys To Church Design
However one of the key elements to church interior design is that of stained glass. In medieval times this was considered to be very valuable and many times was a reason for a church to be ransacked. Today it is still a very strong element in the church and is still very expensive, but has not led to many robberies or pillaging as it did at hat time.
Another element that is essential in any Christian church are the Stations of the Cross. This is artwork that is displayed on the walls in a variety of forms that is there to tell the story of how Jesus went through the carrying of and dying on the cross. This is an integral part of any Christian church interior design as it is a large part for the basis of the religion. This artwork can be either extravagant or simple in design as long as it is present and performs the necessary function that it is designed to do and that is to tell a story.
In all, there a total of 14 Stations of the Cross that will be in the church. Each one will have its own title and will somehow portray that title in their imaging. Their will be various types of artwork that can be used, from plaques and tapestries to even simply incorporating it into the stained glass windows that are already there.
The Bread and the Wine
The primary centerpiece of church interior design is the altar. Usually this is constructed of marble and in some cases wood; this is the table so to speak of church interior design. This is where all of the action takes place for the consecration of the Eucharist. The bread and the wine are placed here to be blessed and displayed. It is here that the church will perform its rites. These tables can be simple or elaborate depending on how the church is designed. It is completely up to the church as to how it will be designed and portrayed.
The last primary piece of church interior design is the pew. This is usually a wooden bench for seating which will have a padded kneeler in front of it. It is commonly made of wood and is simple in design.
An April wedding can be a beautiful spring affair. The weather is not too hot, the spring blooms are starting to poke through and everyone is enjoying a sense of renewal and rebirth. April can be the perfect time to begin your lives together with a beautiful wedding.
Invitations
Take advantage of the light pastel colors to create a bright wedding invitation. Some patterns that look great for an April wedding invitation include seersucker, pinstripe and polka dots. Take your cues from Easter tones with pale yellow, baby blue, light pink, muted green and lavender are all great for April. Include a lavender sachet or a pretty pastel ribbon with your invitation for a beautiful and subtle spring touch.
Also, if you're sending your spring-themed wedding invitations on time, they should reach your guests around February or March (depending on when in April your wedding is set for) - just in time to relieve your guests of the winter doldrums.
Decorations Seasonal flowers for April include Bells of Ireland, Chrysanthemum, Snap Dragons and Sweet Peas. Take your cues from these light colors and accent with your flowers. Choosing flowers that are in season can save you some money and give your wedding bouquet a fresh look.
Since April is also Easter-time you may have to deal with Easterdecorations. Make sure you check with any venue you rent or the church where your wedding ceremony will be held to make sure you either like the decorations or can have them removed for your event.
Reception menu
While there is no rule about which foods to serve you might consider fresh foods and baby vegetables to pair with a light chicken or salmon dish. A crisp salad with strawberries or apricots can add zing to your April menu. For the bar, served chilled white wine and a fruity punch or signature cocktail
Weather
In many areas, the weather can be unpredictable in April. But don't let this deter you from an April wedding. If you're planning for an outdoor wedding, make sure you have some indoor space available in case the April showers loom. Make a note on your invitation about your 'plan b' so guests know where to go in the event of inclement weather.
Attire
Again, the weather may dictate some of your details for you. Make sure you to note your indoor or outdoor plans on your April wedding invitation so guests can dress accordingly. Any day in April can be warm and sunny or rainy and chilly. Additionally, plan on dressing your bridesmaids appropriately for the weather; consider a sleeved dress or a wrap to go with their dress. This will keep them warm and prepared for just about any weather situation.
April is a beautiful time to plan your wedding. Start with a bright spring invitation and you'll have everyone excited for your beautiful spring affair. Stay ahead of the fickle weather with a great 'plan b' - just in case - and you'll enjoy a great April wedding day
Every year, millions of people around the world celebrate the traditions of Easter. But do you know where those traditions came from? What do a bunny, eggs, and a basket have to do with Jesus? Why does the date vary so widely? Why is the holiday even named Easter? This article will help clear some of these questions up.
1. The Date
Did you know that prior to 325 A.D., Easter was celebrated on many different days? It might fall on Friday one year, and Saturday the next year. However, in 325 A.D., Emperor Constantine brought together the Council of Nicaea to determine a wide variety of Christian issues. One of the issues they resolved was to always place Easter celebrations on Sunday. They decreed that Easter shall fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. Since the spring equinox is on March 21st, this means that Easter will always fall on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25th.
2. The Name
What does "Easter" mean? It is actually a modern spelling of the pagan holiday Eastre, celebrated by the Germans. This in turn was a day which celebrated the goddess of fertility and springtime, Oestre (or Eostre).
3. Lent
Among Catholics and many other Christian denominations, Easter is the last day of Lent. During the 46-day period of Lent, Christians are expected to fast or make other sacrifices in recognition of the "ultimate sacrifice" that Jesus made. Mardi Gras is the day before this long period of fasting and sacrifice, hence the name "Fat Tuesday".
4. Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny also dates back to the ancient pagan religions of the Anglo-Saxons. Since Easter is a time of rebirth and fertility, they usually used this day to pay tribute to their fertility goddesses. The bunny, rabbit, or hare was generally thought of as the earthly manifestation of fertility. Rabbits are able to reproduce extremely quickly, and humans wished to be blessed with some of that fertility. Although the Germans brought the Easter Bunny to America early in its history, it wasn't until after the Civil War that it was widely incorporated into America's Easter traditions.
5. Easter Egg
The egg has been a symbol of rebirth throughout history and within many mythological traditions. People of ancient cultures used to exchange colored eggs long before the practice was incorporated into our modern celebrations of Easter.
6. Easter Basket
The earliest Easter Baskets weren't baskets, but were actually nests. Dutch children would follow the tradition of filling their caps and bonnets with grass and leaving them out overnight. If they were good, the fertility goddess would lay brightly colored eggs in the nest. This tradition has since been adapted and modified to the modern Easter basket filled with fake grass.
As a society we consume more candy and sugar on Easter than all other holidays, except Halloween. Something about the fasting and abstinence during the weeks leading up to Easter makes us more open to the practice of downing as many sugar-coated marshmallows and crème eggs as our insulin levels can stand, and usually guilt free. Of course, there are many people who can't partake of the annual sugar infused ritual of tearing into a basket of goodies, and Easter should be no less enjoyable for them. Whether you're watching your waistline or your blood sugar, here are some sugar free, fun alternatives to pop into those Easter baskets this year:
Make your own sugar-free chocolate Easter eggs. Make your own hollow chocolate eggs with sugar-free chocolate wafers. Buy sugar free chocolate wafers at bulk stores or crafting stores and melt in a microwaveable dish on high in the microwave for twenty seconds (add 10 seconds at a time until the chocolate is smooth). Place a tablespoon or two into a plastic Easter egg and snap closed. Swirl chocolate around the egg until it hardens to produce your chocolate egg.
Add a few green-topped carrots. If your loved one believes in the Easter bunny, this is a great way to get him excited about eating carrots. The bunchier the green tops are, the more authentic they will look.
Tuck in some music or movies. Whether you're stuffing a basket for a child or for an adult, you're sure to brighten their day with music from a favorite group or a movie featuring a favorite character. Adding new media to your sweetie's basket also means you won't have to listen to the same Barney tape for the millionth time.
Fill out with springtime toys. A jump rope, sidewalk chalk and bubbles are all great springtime treats from the Easter bunny. Who cares how old your diabetic husband is? We should all lighten up and get more active, and there's no better way than with some outdoor toys!
Go ahead, stick in a few marshmallow Peeps. Sugar free Peeps marshmallows are new this season. You don't have to get a sugar high when you go on a rampage and eat a whole nest full anymore, and you can even skewer them into lollipops to make them more fun for your little one.
Make it look great!
Don't dwell on the fact that this basket is different. Either make all the baskets left by the bunny the same as this one, or make this one stand out as more special. If other baskets get sugared treats, make sure they don't get the special carrots from the bunny. If other baskets seem to have more edible treats, fill this one with more toys and music. Easter is traditionally a time of plenty after the fast, so no one should be left wanting!
Easter is a celebration of fun, laughter and togetherness. It reminds the world of a new beginning. The day when Jesus Christ erupted from the dome. Easter egg decoration is an age-old practice followed in many countries of Christianity. An egg is a symbol of resurrection. It marks the beginning of a new life. It also is a symbol of fertility. It emphasizes on the emerging of new entity giving space for love, joy and happiness. Easter is a celebration of happiness since it is the day that Christ came back to us. To add splendor to the occasion, many traditional fun games are carried out to amuse the kids. In fact, even elders enjoy the event. It gives you the essence of togetherness and keeps you filled with enthusiasm.
Let's glance on the history of Easter egg decoration. In olden days, eggs were once given as gifts in times of celebrations. The reason being that the egg had a fascinating capacity of beginning a new life, which was seen as a miracle, then. This practice stepped into Christianity and now it has taken the form of enjoyment during Easter. From 6 to 60, everyone participate in this celebration without any barrier, as it gives utmost joy to everyone involved in it.
There are varieties of Easter egg decorationideas available in market. It is also important to have as much as creativity one can show in the decoration. There are varieties of artificial and natural dyes available to color the eggs. Apart from dyes to coloring them, there are also many articles and accessories available to decorate the eggs. Beads, color papers, glitters, etc are available which adds beauty to the decoration. There are a variety of methods to dye an Easter eggs.
Natural dying.
Food colored eggs.
Sponge colored eggs.
Crape paper eggs.
Dip n dye eggs.
are a few of them.
There are different ways to embellish an egg. Many craft techniques can be used to beautify them. It all depends on how one puts it into action. Such decorated eggs are also a great piece of decorative articles, which can serve you as an excellent piece of artwork to adorn your sweet home. Not only that, it can also be gifted to your near and dear ones. It is always a great feeling to give a gift, which you have made yourself.
Thus, Easter brings a smile to your face and joy to your life. Enjoy Easter time with your family and friends and taste the true essence of happiness and bliss. Make the occasion pleasurable and useful. Make your kids think and improve their creativity by organizing an Easter egg decorating competition. You can witness the excitement of the kids once this is announced. Bring out the elder ones and let them enjoy for they have very few chances of enjoyment in their old age. The youth as usual find their enjoyment and the working men and women find place to vent out their job tensions.
Thus Easter is definitely a celebration of togetherness!
Easter is Sunday, March 27th! Don't forget the flowers! Your spring celebration is the perfect setting for beautiful flowers! You can also have a lovely floral gift delivered to your loved ones for Easter!
A popular choice for Easter is the Easter lily. The Easter lily's true name is Bermuda lily. For many, the beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers symbolize purity, hope and life--the spiritual essence of Easter. Your local florist can even add a festive basket & bow to your Potted Easter Lily. They are great as floral gifts for mom or grandma, or to decorate your home or office. They are grown from bulbs, and can be transplanted into your home garden after the blooms have died off. Then, they will bloom in your flower garden every spring!
As a sign of Spring, Tulips are in full bloom, making this a perfect time to send a beautiful vase of fresh colorful tulips as a gift! Many spring flowers are at their peak in the Spring. Your local florist can recommend the many colorful options available.
Centerpieces are a wonderful choice for Easter Brunch or Dinner. Your local florist can create a custom centerpiece in any size, color or style you prefer. They make a great gift for a host/hostess and can also be delivered to your recipient with a personalized Easter message!
Attending Easter Services this year? An elegant corsage or boutonnière' will compliment your Easter attire!
The Easter Cactus, otherwise known as Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, is a beautiful spring blooming plant similar to the Thanksgiving or Christmas Cactus. The obvious difference is that the Thanksgiving & Christmas cactus usually blooms at Thanksgiving and Christmas and the Easter cactus usually blooms at Easter. The vivid blooms arrive every Easter and put on a spectacular show! What a fantastic Easter Gift for your loved ones!
Finally, Easter Baskets aren't just for kids! Send a delicious Gourmet Gift Basket or Fresh Fruit Basket to your loved ones for Easter. Gourmet Gift Baskets can contain many goodies; Jelly Beans, Chocolates, Cookies, Crackers, and other snack items. Beautifully designed Fresh Fruit Baskets offer a healthy option and can contain a variety of fresh citrus and other "in season" fruits. Your local florist can also create the "Ultimate" in Gift Baskets for young people! A Gift Basket full of Easter Chocolates, Jelly Beans and a Plush Easter Bunny anchoring a colorful balloon bouquet would delight any child this Easter! Ask your local florist for details. Happy Easter!
There are many different ideas for interior Christmas decorating. Interior Christmas decorating is an important part of most people's holiday festivities. For many people, the interior decorations are what defines the season of Christmas.
Your home will feel warm with the proper interior Christmas decorating/> scheme. There are a variety of decoratingideas on the market today, but the best way to complete your interior Christmas decorating is to make the items yourself or with your family. The holiday season is about spending time together, and making things to warm your home will only help signify that to your family. There are several great ideas for your interior Christmas decorating needs.
Make yours the perfect holiday home with interior Christmas decorating
First, create a diorama of bears or dolls dressed in festive seasonal clothes. You could put a small tree with little presents in your display. This is a great way to get your kids involved in the decorating process. Just be sure you don't use a favorite security object, as it might prove difficult to disassembly the diorama throughout the course of the season.
Second, meet your interior Christmas decorating needs by creating bows from Christmas print ribbon and putting them in various places around your house including your curtains.
Third, hang stockings throughout your house, even if you know they aren't your stuffing stockings. It offers a festive feel to your home.
Next, use fabric paint and a traditional white table cloth to make a holiday patterned table cloth. This is another great activity to do with your little ones. Just be sure to express to them that they are not allowed to paint on the tablecloth on a year round basis. Next, dress your bathroom for the holidays by attaching ornaments and other decorations(of the unbreakable type) to a clear shower curtain with a hot glue gun. Another decoratingidea is to get your houseplants into the swing of the season by hanging ornaments on them after you decorate your tree.
For a quick ornament idea, try hanging a cookie cutter with a bit of Christmas ribbon. To help with your decoration as well as your Christmas trivia knowledge, place a basket of seasonal books on your coffee table or end table. It will look festive, and it may just help you win a quick family game sometime. Interior Christmas decorating does not have to be difficult or expensive with ideas like these.
This Easter Egg decoration was made from fabric scraps and recycled water bottles. For more upcycle and reuse tips visit www.TheEveofReduction.com Looking for more fun holiday craft how-tos? Check out: 101 Easy Craft Project Ideas c376d2tgm9vr7n07c94oowex3b.hop.clickbank.net
Learn how to dye Easter eggs using all-natural products in this free video about using stockings has holders for Easter eggs.Expert: Gary Zier Bio: Gary Zier, originally from Florida, is a systems administrator with 10 years of computer networking experience and an expertise in conditional access security systems. Filmmaker: Gary Zier
Birthday Ring Decoration - Large Rabbit Running Overview
Our Wooden Figures are designed to be used with our Birthday Rings. Rich with European tradition, a candle is added to the ring each year on your child's birthday. The empty holes in the ring are decorated with figures of your choice. This is a birthday ritual your child will look forward to year after year. Birthday ring, figures and candles each sold separately. Imported from Germany.
When you think of Easter baskets for children, what immediately comes to mind? A colorful wicker container filled with chocolates, candies, jelly beans and other tooth decaying treats, right? This Easter, create kids and children's Easter baskets that are fun to give and a joy to receive...without the sugar rush!
Do the children in your life love to draw? Create Easter baskets full of art and coloring supplies! Choose a wide, roomy basket and fill it with quality crayons, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, Easter themed stencils and coloring books. For painters, you can even add a palette of paints, some brushes and a small easel. Don't forget the pretty Easter bow to finish it off!
Spring is right around the corner, so how about kids and children's Easter baskets filled with gardening goodies? In a basket decorated with flowers, you can place potting soil, seeds for flowers and vegetables, child sized gardening gloves, and an easy and fun to read gardening guide.
Lots of children love to help in the kitchen with cooking, so Easter baskets with a cooking theme are sure to thrill the little chefs in your life. Instead of a traditional basket, you can decorate an oversized pot with Easterdecorations. Fill the pot with child friendly cook books, easy to use kitchen utensils, and a variety of spices. Include easy to cook ingredients like pasta in fun shapes.
Does your child have a favorite activity? Load up kids and children's Easter baskets with the things they love the most. Themes include karate, soccer, dancing, singing, and much more. Stickers, books, videos and other items highlighting the favorite activity can fill a colorful Easter basket.
For children who have been experiencing a long, cold winter, Easter baskets celebrating the spring will be much appreciated. Take a sunny colored basket and fill it with items they can use in the spring such as a ball, a Frisbee, a set of jacks, a set of marbles, a jump rope, chalk and even sunscreen.
Inspire reading this Easter by giving Easter baskets full of reading fun. Create kids and children's Easter baskets that overflow with books that will interest and excite them. You can even include comic books and favorite magazines. Kids love them, and they count as reading, too!
With the economy on the down swing lately, there are many children who are in need this Easter. Create special Easter baskets that you can donate to children in need. Fill the baskets with healthy treats, soap and toothpaste, small toys and playthings, even a gift card or two to a local supermarket. This Easter, you can put smiles on the faces of children and their parents with Easter baskets that bring necessities and care.
When it comes down to it, kids and children's Easter baskets with special themes are creative and fun. And they last much longer, and are much healthier, than a basket full of chocolate and candy. Make Easter themed baskets a holiday tradition. You will see how children will eagerly look forward to seeing what each year's theme will bring!
Get tips for using rubber bands on Easter eggs in this free video clip about easy Easter crafts for children. Expert: Stacey Scheideler Bio: Stacey holds a bachelors of science in education and human sciences, with an endorsement in inclusive early childhood education, specializing in birth to third grade education. Filmmaker: Jon Olson
Are you in search of the perfect Easter gift for adults this year? You are not far from it because I have performed a deep search to uncover the top adult gifts to grace any person's Easter celebration. A good Easter gift should come from eco-friendly sources. That is what most persons want because you will not only make someone's day but you would also help to replenish the environment.
Now let me reveal to you the top two Easter gift ideas for adults.
1. Easter bunny basket: this gift is a good way to extend your Easter wishes to someone using a basket full of charming fresh goodies.
It comes in a basket with handle. The contents of this basket are treats known to be people's favorite stuffs. Some of them are a chocolate bunny, a plush bunny, gelatin beans, confects of chocolate and lollipops. It is laid out in a layer of faux pearls. The basket is an endearing gift to give someone to enjoy the holiday. It measures 12 inches in breath and 16 inches in height.
2. Bath and Body Brio
This is the perfect gift basket to give an adult woman. It is a brisk spa kit which has relaxation essentials from Burt's Bees to clean off the daytime's stress and pamper the body beginning from the head down to the lowest level being the toe. It is a gift to make someone feel very special. All of the contents of this gift are placed inside a compact sauna pail. Some of its contents are milk and honey body lotion, massaging brush, radiance daytime cream together with royal jelly and tens of other nice and lovely goodies.
Get tips for using tissue paper on Easter eggs in this free video clip about easy Easter crafts for children. Expert: Stacey Scheideler Bio: Stacey holds a bachelors of science in education and human sciences, with an endorsement in inclusive early childhood education, specializing in birth to third grade education. Filmmaker: Jon Olson
HALLOWEEN! CHRISTMAS! EASTER! BIRTHDAYS! etc. No matter what time of year, this book is FULL of unique ideas, gorgeous photos & detailed instructions... all to HELP YOU create MEMORIES... The fun, magical, AFFORDABLE kind. It's what the seasons and holidays are all about, so LEARN how to make some PRICELESS MEMORIES today!
Getting your Easter shots with the weirdo at the mall dressed up as the Easter bunny is ok when you're a kid. But what do you do when you want some professional looking happy Easter photos of you and the family?
First of all, why would you want your family portrait taking at Easter time? Well it has become quite the tradition to mark as a moment in history the taking of some happy Easter photos around this time so that you can look back over the years to see how everyone has changed.
Of course, when it comes to getting everyone together, dressed up really smart, and getting them to stand still for over 10 minutes could be a recipe for a nervous breakdown! Especially when you still haven't sorted out Easter dinner for the group of 15 that you have coming over next week.
So appreciate and come to terms with the fact that no matter where you choose to get your happy Easter photos done this year, they wont be perfect, and the experience should be enjoyable. The moment things start to get tense and unenjoyable, then you should maybe think about pulling the plug on the whole deal. If all else fails, try bribery, tell your kids that you'll take them to the movies if they behave and stand still.
What Choices do we Have?
So most of us know about the scary Easter bunny at the mall, but should we give our money to this guy for our happy Easter photos or shall we fork out the dough for a professional. Well it depends what you want, the Easter bunny guy will do an ok job if all you're after is a blurred and washed out Polaroid for 20 bucks. But if you want some lasting photos taken with a decent camera and lighting then you need to dig a little deeper.
The problem with using these professional places for your happy Easter photos, is that the more prints you have them run off for you the more expensive it can get. So if you just plan on placing a few around the home, and maybe one for you desk at work - then these will be fine. But if you have a plethora of friends and family that would all like a quality print then this could cost you thousands.
There are cheaper options however that could still get you some pretty decent look Easter snaps. Next time you're down the mall, walk right past the guy in the bunny suit, and check out some of the semi-professional photography studios that they are likely to have. These wont cost anywhere near as much as the independent studios but they still use Easter backdrops and lighting umbrellas to get some great looking Easter photos of you and the family.
I find the best approach is to get some professional shots done at one of the studios for close family and friends, maybe 5 prints of varying sizes. The good thing about the photo studios on the mall is that they will have Easter promotions on offering 5 prints for 50 bucks etc. So I would normally go for a package like this for personal use, and then take some pictures of the family in the yard at home to send to family and friends.
Personal digital cameras have come on a long way over the past 5 years and the average camera now is at least 5MP which is more than enough to capture some great happy Easter photos around the house to email and send to friends and family.
What is Easter, and what are we celebrating on this holiday? As the first syllable of the very word 'holiday' suggests - it is a Holy day. Is there anything necessarily wrong with painting eggs, Easter egg hunts, bunnies, or chocolate? Absolutely not! In fact, such activities often accomplish the very goal of Who it is we celebrate and recognize on this Holy day - the goal of being with and strengthening family relationships. However, much like the majority of holidays, it is certainly easy to get caught up in the commercialization and symbolism of the celebration and forget why, what, and Who the symbols were originally intended to represent. Should Easter be fun? Of course! Should we color eggs, hide candy, and eat a lot of chocolate? Absolutely! But should we not also ensure that it is a Holy day where we think of, learn about, and seek to follow the very Symbol of this Holy day - the Savior Himself. He is the purpose of the holiday, hence the reason it must also be a Holy day.
Below are listed 10 fun and meaningful activity ideas for families and individuals everywhere that will help make Easter fun, memorable, and Holy.
1) Make it Holy-day: Spend at least a few minutes reflecting upon, learning more about, and expressing gratitude for the very reason and Person we celebrate on this Holy-day.
2) Give Easter to a Family in Need: Find a family who may be struggling or who has very little, and make it a memorable and special day for them. Make an Easter Basket for them - buy or make them a gift, a meal, get some chocolate and candies for the kids, etc.
3) Easter Egg Hunt: What would Easter be without one, right?
4) Dying Eggs: Hard broil some eggs, get some food coloring, and color Easter eggs together as a family. (Draw on the eggs with a white crayon before dying them to create designs).
5) Symbolism of Easter: Spend a few minutes each year learning about the symbolic nature of the colors, dying eggs, traditions, rolling eggs, Easter bunny, etc. What do these things really symbolize and represent.
6) Visit Graves: Go to the graves of family or friends and talk about death, as well as the Resurrection.
7) Decorations: Like any holiday, decorate the house (inside and out) with Easterdecorations.
8) Worship Service and Scriptural Readings: Attend a religious service, participate in the Passover traditions and activities, read scriptural passages from the Bible, etc.
9) Meaningful Easter Egg Hunt: In addition to hiding candies in the Eggs, hide scriptural passages inside some eggs. Then, as the kids eat candies, read some of the scriptural passages and remember the significance of the day and holiday.
10) Family Day: Just spend time as a family together. Share a meal, play games together, and enjoy just being as a family.
Celebrate Spring with these delicious and colorful ideas! Learn how to dress up your cupcakes and give them extra eye appeal with this cupcake decorating video.
Pastel colors and cotton balls, Easter grass and yellow peeps - all bring to mind baskets of eggs, bunnies and pretty little girl dresses. Ah Spring. After a long cold winter, it's fun to start planning spring-time and Easter projects with your kids. Here are a few fun ideas for Easter crafts and yummy snacks that your kids can help make and of course - eat!
Paper Bag Easter Bunny
1 lunch sack for 1 paper bag
Pink, white, and black construction paper
Scissors
Crayons
Paste
Cut a V notch at the top of each lunch sack. Start at the top center and bring your notch down. This will form the ears. Close the bag and lie flat. Then cut your notch with both sides of the bag together. This will be the bunny ears. Cut out ear shapes with the white construction paper and glue onto "ear" of the bag. Cut a smaller piece in pink for the inside of the ear, or reverse the colors. Cut out a small triangle of pink for the nose and paste it in the center where a nose would go. Draw in your eyes or you could cut them from paper or even add wiggle eyes. Cut out a rectangle piece of black paper - about mustache size. Then make cuts from each side of the short end towards the center of the paper without cutting all the way through. Do this several times on each side to create whiskers. Paste this above the nose. Now draw two circle cheeks and connect the mouth from the cheeks to the nose like a kitty mouth. Open up bag and it can now be a bag to collect eggs from your class egg hunt or to take crafts home in and then use for center piece at home!
Easter Jelly Bean Fudge
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 (16 ounce) container vanilla frosting
2 cups miniature jelly beans in pastel colors
Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and grease lightly. Melt the chips according to the package directions or in a heavy saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Add the frosting and stir until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. (Fudge mixture
should still be easy to stir, but not hot enough to melt the jelly beans.) Add the jelly beans and stir well. Spread the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Remove the foil and fudge from the pan together and place on a cutting surface. Carefully remove the foil and cut the fudge into small pieces. Makes 3 dozen pieces.
Edible Easter Baskets
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 cup miniature marshmallows
3 Shredded Wheat biscuits, crushed
Jelly beans
Place butter in medium bowl. Microwave at 100% for 30 to 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows, stirring to coat. Microwave at 100% for 30 to 60 seconds, or until marshmallows puff and mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in crushed cereal. Shape into Easter baskets and when cool, fill with jelly beans. Makes 4 to 6.
Learn how to dye Easter eggs using all-natural products in this free video about making the dye for the Easter eggs.Expert: Gary Zier Bio: Gary Zier, originally from Florida, is a systems administrator with 10 years of computer networking experience and an expertise in conditional access security systems. Filmmaker: Gary Zier
The Easter Bunny frolics atop colorful blocks, waving a merry Easter greeting.
Cute cutout letters and splashy springtime symbols make this a wonderful sign of the season!
Weight 1 lb
Wooden Easter Bunny Sign - Style 12628 Overview
The Easter Bunny frolics atop colorful blocks, waving a merry Easter greeting. Cute cutout letters and splashy springtime symbols make this a wonderful sign of the season! Weight 1 lb. MDF wood. 9 1/2" x 1 3/4" x 6" high.
Boys Batman and Batman Villain Costume Ideas for Halloween are very popular, and continue to be year after year.
Not all of the Batman or Batman Villain Characters have a Halloween costume, but there are plenty you can buy, and some you can make. So if it's a Batman related costume your looking for, take a look at our list of possibilities. Why not start right at the top of the list with the Batman Brave and Bold costume. With it's blue muscle chest jumpsuit and attached headpiece, a cape,belt and boot covers your son will look just like the protector of Gotham City. For girls, there are Batgirl outfits in blue, black and pink. This is a fun Halloween costume idea for kids, teens, adults both men and women, babies and even dogs! Now that also makes it a wonderful and interesting group costume possibility.
Batman costumes have long been a popular kids Halloween costume, in fact they are also a popular adult Halloween costume. Whether it's from Brave and Bold, or The Dark Knight with it's Joker costume, or even one of the older movies...Batman Begins. Returns, Forever, Cat Woman (Catwoman), Return To The Bat Cave, or Batman & Robin, you can't go wrong with this Halloween costume theme.
Don't forget the Bat-Villains
Remember the villains of the Bat flicks? Did you know that some these villains actually made the list of the top 100 movie villains? They were all pretty great as evil villain go.Two-Face
Don't forget Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face in Batman Forever. This bad guy was an awesome bat-villain.
there was the maniacal Scarecrow in Batman Begins played by Cillain Murphy . Very scary...easy costume idea! Well you are in luck if this is your costume choice. There is both a mask and a costume for this bad guy.
Ra's al Ghul
Liam Neeson played Ra's al Ghul (Arabic for "Head of the Demon") and Ra's al Ghul is one of the Batman's greatest enemies. Liam Neeson has the role of Henri Ducard, who is the true Ra's al Ghul.
This one will require you buy some good Halloween costume make up to design your own burn marks.
The Penguin
One of the oldest and most popular characters who tried to kill our favorite bat hero, the Penguin and Danny DeVito waddling, talking and sounding just like a penguin. This costume will require a penguin suit and some waddling practice if you decide to wear it. The Penguin is one of the best remembered of the Villains. Danny was certainly more than a little scary in this role.
Catwomen
Michelle Phieffer made such a beautiful catwomen, trying to purr her way into the batcave and also making quite the figure in that slinky catwomen suit. I think Michelle squeezed into a size 2 or 4 costume, wonder if that's why she looked so good in it? There are catwomen costumes available, and also another female Bat-foe, Poisin Ivy costumes too.
The Riddler
Jim Carrey as the Riddler was a well cast part. Riddler, with his cool gadgets and costumes, does the old riddler thing...leaves his bat foe riddle clues throughout the movie.
Two-Face in the Dark Knight
The other Two-Face from the Dark Knight will take some doing as a costume. With the extensive burn on his face, it will take finding a good mask. Still scary and yet still a sympathic character.
The Joker
Now for the final two...both The Joker, both wonderful and creative characters. Jack Nicholson as the original funny bad guy who made the batman the superhero he is today. And then we Have Heath Ledger in the role of his life. Heath gave a new dimension of evil to the already beloved-hated Joker character.
Whichever of these great Batman costume ideas you choose you are sure to have one Bat-fun filled Halloween in your fabulous Batman themed Halloween costume. See you back at the Bat Cave!
Step 1. Choose an Easter container (it can be a basket, mug, or box) that you want to use in your arrangement.
Note: The bigger the container, the more candy you will need to use to make a nice candy arrangement.
Step 2. Take a piece of floral foam and cut it so it fits snugly into the container. You can use hot glue to secure the floral foam to the bottom of the basket. The foam should be about an inch lower than the edge of the container.
Step 3. Prepare the decorative Easter grass; its color should go well with the container. Cover the foam with the Easter grass securing it with floral pins as necessary.
Step 4. a) Take a packaged chocolate bunny. Using hot glue, secure two pieces of bamboo skewer to the back of the package.
b) Insert the packaged chocolate bunny in the middle of the arrangement.
Step 5. a) Prepare Peeps you want to use in your candy arrangement, carefully separate the Peeps using a knife. Insert the sharp end of a skewer into each of the Peeps.
b) Tie a piece of curling ribbon of the corresponding color around each stick.
c) Insert the Peeps into the container to achieve the look you like.
Note: You should not sell this type of bouquet; if you want to make candy bouquets for sale, the candy wrappers must stay intact.
If you would like to see this Easter candy craft project with photos, go to this page
Spring is coming, time to think about eggs, bunnies, flowers, and chicken salad. It's all about Easter, of course. One of the favorite traditions in my family is the Easter crafts. After all, what kids do not like painting, decorating, hiding, and then eating Easter eggs? My youngest daughter - the one who dislikes eating eggs - still likes Easter eggs. Of course, it does not hurt matters that we hide a few chocolate eggs with all of the decorated ones.
Easter crafts - the different ways
The most favorite Easter craft is, of course, decoratingEaster eggs. There must be a number of different ways to do this, and year after year we try to do something a little different. For the little kids, the easiest way to do is using food coloring and water in decorating the eggs. Even though this does not result in the most sophisticated Easter crafts, it does make the eggs look nice and even a bit pretty. Even better, it is something that your kids can do without making a huge mess. Who does not approve of that?
One of my best-loved Easter crafts is making Easter baskets. At home, every year we create baskets for the old folks in the retirement home down the road. They are always so excited to get our gifts. We use colorful ribbons, Easter lilies, decorated Easter eggs, and chocolates of all kind. We add some little cards, and wrap the whole thing in colored cellophane. It can bring a lot of joy to some otherwise lonely souls, and that is a wonderful thing to be able to do.
Easter Crafts - don't be traditional
When it comes to Easter crafts, you do not have to just simply go with the traditional ones. Creating Easter cards is as fun as decorating eggs. In our family, we collect a great deal of stencils, rubber stamps, and other things like that. When Easter comes around, we gather all of them together and dump them in the middle of the table. Then we just go at our stationary, decorating it in whatever way we want. The outcomes of our Easter crafts are not always that perfect, but we enjoyed making them. At the end of the day, we exchange cards and have a nice dinner. Can you think of a much better way to spend a family afternoon than that? Doing things together somehow really brings people together in a way that nothing else does.
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The lead up to Easter is an exciting time for kids so you may want some fun Easter activities to keep them busy, happy and settled in this exciting time. There are loads of activities that you do with kids that are not only fun but are also educational. When you choose Easter activities for kids at home or at school, you may as well choose something that will not just let them have fun but it will also help them to learn and grow.
There are many, many worthwhile craft Easter activities for kids of all ages. Design an Easter card or get creative with eggs. Try painting eggs, dyeing eggs or even making picture with crushed dyed, crushed egg shells. Decorating egg shapes is also a great Easter activity for kids of all ages. Just cut out an egg shape from card and the kids can cover it with bands of bright, colorful, crumpled pieces of paper. Kids can also be encouraged to decorate an egg shape with bands of patterns and to keep the patterns symmetrical.
One of the few craft activities that I remember doing myself as a child was actually done after Easter as we needed the beautiful, foil paper that the Easter eggs are wrapped in. We glued pieces of paper all over a jar to cover the outside of the entire jar. We then varnished it when it was dry and the result was a really beautiful jar that could be used for any purpose. This special Easter activity for kids to do after Easter is wonderful way to encourage recycling of jars and Easter egg wrappers.
Once you have tried some craft with the kids there are also loads of puzzles and games that can be tried. Why not make your own Easter board game? The kids can enjoy making the game board and inventing the game and then afterwards they can enjoy actually playing the game. This Easter activity will also bring out their creative side.
Easter Bingo is another fun Easter activity for kids to play again and again. They can make their own bingo cards with Easter words and then play Easter bingo with the cards. The caller can have all of the words on small cards and draw them out one by one.
Next try an Easter puzzle. One that is really simple is to organize is an Easter Bunny Word Scramble. Use the words 'Easter Bunny' or the word 'Chocolate'.
Give each person a pencil and paper and have them write either 'Easter Bunny' or 'Chocolate'. They then write down as many words as they can think of that can be made using the letters contained in the words 'Easter bunny' or 'Chocolate'.
A prize is given to the person who comes up with the most words and also to the person who has the longest word. Off course the best prize for this game is a Chocolate Easter Egg or Easter Bunny!
Another great Easter puzzle is to make your own word search filled with Easter words. The kids can also practice their spelling skills by playing Hangman with Easter words. You might like to change the Hangman to something with an Easter theme like a bunny or an Easter basket.
Well I hope this has given you loads and loads of ideas for Easter Activities for kids. Happy Easter!
Christmas lights are used year 'round these days to create wonderful light displays for each of the holidays. Although Christmas and Halloween still top the list for light decorating, Easter, Valentine's Day, patriotic holidays and seasonal holidays are also gaining popularity when it comes to using Christmas lights for decorating.
Spring and Easter are fun times of the year to add some light and color to your outdoor landscape. The winter months can be dreary and depressing at times, but spring arrives before you know it with the promise of green grass, blue skies, and perennial flowers peeking out in the flowerbeds. Why not spruce up the outside of your house and landscape using outdoor Christmas lights?
Lights to Use for Spring and Easter
This time of year simply begs for colors like pink, purple, green, blue, white, and yellow, so why not use lights to bring a few or all of those colors to your outdoor areas? Here are some great ideas for using Christmas lights to make your spring and Easter display something special.
Trees will look better right away adorned with pastel color lights for Easter. Add hanging Easter eggs too!
Drape shrubbery with purple and yellow lights and nestle plastic blow up bunnies, spring chicks, and eggs in the shrubs
Make a garland of lights for the fence - wrap artificial flowers around the light strings and then drape across the length of the fence
Create a focal point on your porch or at your main entrance - arrange several potted flowers at varying heights along with a few other decorative accents and surround the entire display with yellow and green lights
Turn the mailbox into something special by winding lights around the base and top of mailbox
Light Up Your Walkways, Etc
Outdoor Christmas lights are the perfect way to light up the sides of any walkway, driveway, or garden pathway. It's a great way to illuminate your deck steps, arbor, trellis, or pergola too. Flowerbeds that will soon be filled with gorgeous colorful blooms will look great while you're waiting when you outline them with Christmas lights in colors of green, blue, or white.
Make family and friends feel welcome by wrapping your front porch banister and porch railing with white lights for spring and Easter. After a long winter, lights make everything look prettier, especially at night.
Outdoor Christmas Lights - Great for Summer Too
Leave the lights up for summer get-togethers too! You'll be all set for the family reunion and cookouts with the neighbors without having to work very hard at all. If you already have white lights up, add some blue and red lights for a patriotic decorating theme, which will work well for both Memorial Day and July 4th parties and barbecues.
Think outside the box when it comes to decorating your outdoor landscape and buildings with Christmas lights for spring and Easter and you'll have the foundation for decorating with lights for the remainder of the year!
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Great Party Ideas On A Tight Budget? ... Not A Chance
We all want the best for our kids, especially when it comes to throwing them parties. However, if you take a look at a typical "theme" party, you're likely to have a heart attack in the process. Get ready to mortgage your home, sell your car, and call your Uncle Vito for a loan. It isn't easy or cheap to take care of your kids today. If you think I'm kidding, take a look at the costs of some of the hottest party ideas of today.
Let's start at the top of the budget busting list and get that out of the way. If you really want to impress your kid, rent a giant hall and invite about 50 to 100 of his or her best friends. The food doesn't have to be fancy as most kids are happy with pizza and burgers. But to make it special, invite the paparazzi. No, I'm not kidding. Make this a real three ring circus complete with photos. It will be a party that your kid won't forget.
Dress the kids up in vintage costumes and have them act out a movie. you can find companies that will provide the costumes, stage set, props, the script and of course take the video. Cost? About $3,000, and THAT is cheap.
Okay, don't want to spring for the giant hall and the paparazzi? How about a day at Chuckie Cheeze, complete with pizza and games for about 30 kids. You're looking at a day of fun and games, not to mention the guest clown and other entertainment. This is about $300 not including the amount of money that you're going to spend on the games and other amusements. That money can add up. Kids don't want to just sit around and watch other kids play the games. So add in another $10.00 for each kid.
Another very expensive party idea is to have a nostalgia night. You pick an era of time such as the 60s, 70s or 80s and have the kids come in authentic attire from the era. The clothes alone are going to cost you hundreds of dollars. Forget about the hall and the style of food befitting that era. We're talking close to $2,000 if it's a penny.
Even planning on having a party at home, complete with decorations and a guest magician can run into quite a few bucks. Most magicians today won't even walk into your home for less than $300. Add to that the cost of the food, party favors and whatever else you decide to spring for and you're easily looking at $700.
Hire a dog and pony show for your toddlers party. Literally. Dancing dogs can entertain the little ones while the older ones ride the ponies. Again you're looking at an outlay of over $500.00
Before you start hyperventilating there is hope. With some imagination you can come up with fabulous party ideas for kids without breaking the bank.
► plc3demo.com There are many arts and crafts websites on the Internet but very few of them contain candy craft projects. I feel that edible crafts including candy crafts deserve better than that. So I have started this site dedicated specifically to amazing edible crafts. I hope you will find some interesting craft ideas here that you will want to try on your own. On this site you will find: * How to make your own candy bouquets and other candy arrangements: Detailed instructions with photos For all ages and levels of experience * Food crafts for kids When your child has a craving for fun, try one of these fun and easy food craft projects! Kids love to make these tasty treats! * Edible fruit and vegetable creations: Making these edible arrangements is entertaining and enjoyable for the whole family! * How to make candy: Candy making history, basics, secrets, lots of recipes, and free ebooks. Making candy is easier than you may think! Find out more at ► plc3demo.com
Beautiful colors all of pastel
blue, green, yellow and pink
Birds of a feather resume sweet verse
melodious waves of song
Birth of the many creatures of wild
a wonder for eyes to behold
Beneath the blue sky and fresh passing air
new life takes a turn, spring unfolds
The hues of spring and the sights and sounds of new life ever so dominant remind us that it is Easter.
Like most holidays, Easter is rich in traditions that stem from our ethnic backgrounds, and further, from ancient rituals. Let us first recapture the essence of the resurrection of Christ, of which many cultures rejoice and revere. This phenomenon is replicated as we establish an analogy of the resurgence that is present in all living things. Perennial gardens bloom exuberantly, tree buds burst with vigor, and creatures in the wild set foot on terrain that was once inhabited by their predecessors. All of these examples share the presence of rebirth through the ages.
As we revel in the merriment of Easter, we observe the spirit of rebirth and associate its many factors into our celebrations. The coloring of eggs, as they represent a sign of new life and fertility, has been practiced for thousands of years, most likely as early as the Middle Ages. The chocolate variety did not come into actuality until the 1800's and still prevails today.
Animals, in a symbolic state, have been depicted in rites and ceremonies from biblical times to present day. Rabbits, as well as baby chicks, also commonly share a symbol of rebirth and fertility, and are very dominant in all Easter baskets, treats and decorations. Baby lambs suggest tranquility and peace and are also prevalent in chocolate collections contained in Easter baskets.
Perennial blooms are significant in the marvel of new life. Christians are fervent in the representation of the Easter lily as it relates to Jesus, and signifies the purity of the Virgin Mary. Other arrays of flowers, such as tulips, daffodils and narcissus are also characteristic of Easter. All of these magnificent specimens of nature's ability to reproduce and replenish their existence are passionately presented as Easter gifts.
It is clear, as we gather evidence from history about the traditions of our ancestors, that the facets we associate with Easter and rebirth are enjoyed in family gatherings. Children all over the world are eagerly awaiting their Easter baskets on Sunday morning. Easter can also be a time to reconcile or regenerate with a loved one or friend. Perhaps elapsed time or separation has interfered with the importance of your friendship or disparity has placed undue adversity on your relationship. An Easter basket is bestowed as an impressive gesture for someone with deep sentiment. As I reiterate on the sense of rebirth that Easter represents, there is not a more appropriate time to extend such an overture.
As I reflect on my interpretation of feelings that are reminiscent of Easter they are connotative with peace, serenity and beauty. Consider this season as an opportunity to make a difference in your life, and someone else's, and celebrate the rebirth of spring.
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Cheerful tabletop decoration turns any occasion into a springtime celebration! Bright pastels and cartoony lettering spell out a merry Easter message to one and all. Wood. 11 3/4 inches x 1 1/2 inches x 5 3/4 inches high.
www.mindbites.com How to make a very easy, simple dessert that you can take to any event or occasion and everyone always enjoys donut holes (even though some might not admit it). To change this up a bit, creme puffs can be substituted for the donut holes. This tree can be used for absolutely any party or event. For example, Chirstmas, Hanakkuh, Easter, Birthdays, Baby Showers, Thanksgiving etc. For example, if it was a baby shower, you could use Double Bubble pink bubblegum as the ornaments. Anything works!
Scavenger hunts have always been identified with kids and always thought of as wholesome. But the concept of scavenger hunt itself caters to all ages; to kids from one to ninety two, if you may. This is why the concept and principle of a scavenger hunt are not hard for adults to grasp and enjoy. An Adult Scavenger Hunt is a scavenger hunt usually initiated by an adult to another, say his or her partner. This is done by leaving the a clue where the intended player should find easily. This clue leads to the next, then the scavenger hunt has begun.
The clues don't simply lead one to another until the last one. Exciting things should also happen during this activity. One clue could ask the player to do something such as sip from the glass of red wine on the table or put on the red dress on the bed. The clue could also ask the player to answer a riddle and find the answer inside a room. Or the player could even be asked to bring along something significant to them, say a wedding photo, in order to claim the next clue and continue with the scavenger hunt. This scavenger hunt can be done by the player alone, searching for hidden clues without any assistance other than the ones written on the clues.
Still, other people may be asked to participate in giving out clues. This way, the use of riddles are possible, as the person holding the clue could allow or prohibit giving out the clue depending on the player's answer. Another upside to this is that the misplacement of clues can be prevented which otherwise would've ended the scavenger hunt too soon or given a hard time to the player, which either way you don't want to happen.
For Christians, or those simply wishing to study the Christian origins of Easter, the Bible gives the following information-
During the Easter season, (especially on Good Friday), Christians focus on the passion of Jesus Christ. This is the phrase used to describe his suffering and death on the cross. Here is a breakdown of the significant events recorded in Scripture, including the events just before and immediately following the Crucifixion. It is these events that comprise the Christian view of Easter. It is important to keep in mind that many of the actual times of these events are not recorded in Scripture. This timeline represents an approximate sequence of events, and can be referred to in the referenced scriptural passages.
The Last Supper-Jesus has a last supper with his disciples. He explains that he is leaving them, but they fail to understand the significance of his words. (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane-Jesus prays alone, while a few of his closest disciples stand watch. It is at this point Christians believe that he atoned for the sins of the world, and bled from every pore. (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45)
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested-It was at this time that Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and is arrested. (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus-At this point in the timeline, the ruling religious leaders condemn Jesus. He is first sent to stand trial before Pilate, then Herod, and then back to Pilate, where he is sentenced to death. (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37; Luke 23:6-12; Luke 23:11; Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)
Jesus is Led Away to Calvary-Jesus is taken to Calvary, to a place known as Golgotha, where he is to be crucified. (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17)
Jesus is Crucified-Scriptures record that he was crucified in the third hour, which in Jewish time, would have been about 9 a.m. While on the cross, Jesus is reported to have asked for forgiveness for those around him. In addition, soldiers cast lots for his clothing while a crowd mocks and taunts him. (Luke 23:34; Mark 15:24; Matthew 27:39-40; Mark 15:31; Luke 23:36-37; Luke 23:39; Luke 23:40-43)
Jesus Speaks to Mary and John-A significant event is recorded in the Bible, as Jesus is reported to have spoken to his mother, and the disciple he loved, by saying they are now family. After this John takes Mary into his home. (John 19:26-27)
Jesus cries out to the Father-At hour six, Jesus is reported to have cried out to the Father. He is given vinegar to drink, and then declares, "It is finished". He commends his spirit into the hands of God. (Matthew 27:46; John 19:28-29; Luke 23:46)
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb-Jesus is laid in the tomb of a friend. Scriptures record that this was done hastily, as the Jewish Sabbath was approaching, and one could not be dealing with these matters on a Sabbath day. The rock was rolled over the entrance, to guard the body. (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
Jesus Rises from the Dead-The scriptures record that Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb to dress the deceased body of Christ. She finds the tomb empty, and then converses with the resurrected Christ, who urges her to tell others of what she has seen. This resurrection is the key point of the Easter celebration for Christians who believe Jesus Christ arose and lives again. (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)
