Unique Christmas Tree Themes

If you are a style maven who is a bit bored with the traditional then you might be interested in unique christmas tree themes. Here are some unique suggestions for christmas tree themes that are sure to be real conversation starters.

The Christmas Cocktail Party Tree

This christmas tree theme looks great on both big and small trees. First, if your tree is not a prelit tree try stringing it with a string of novelty lights instead of the usual egg shaped lights. You can buy plastic novelty lights in the shape of Chinese Lanterns (for a 50's feel), chili peppers (for that modern martini bar feel) and Pink Flamingos (for that Tikki cocktail party atmosphere.)

Then try decorating the tree with tiny cocktail parasols and multicolored cocktail picks. If your tree is really big you could also decorate it with plastic champagne glasses into which you have glued sequins or glitter. Miniature chocolates filled with liquor also make nice tree decorations.

The Gingerbread Tree

This most gorgeous of christmas tree themes never goes out of style. It looks best on a green or red tree. Decorate it with gingerbread man cookies, red glass balls, tons of candy canes, red velvet bows
and homemade paper snowflake ornaments.

This tree looks great accented it with white or gold beaded garland or a bushy red or white tinsel garland. or icicle-look garland. Top it with a Christmas themed stuffed white or brown teddy bear.

The Chocolate and Gold Tree

This is probably the trendiest of the christmas tree themes described here. It looks great on a red artificial tree. The color scheme in this case is reds, browns and golds. Tiny twinkling gold and red
lights look best. Think of the eighties when you decorate this one. Decorate this tree with walnuts, pinecones and chocolates wrapped in foil. Gold coins are a nice touch. Then tie large transclucent gold
and red ribbons, using the kind of ribbon that has bendable wire inside onto the ends of the trees. The ultimate effect of this tree should be very opulent and lush.

The New Baby Tree

If you are celebrating the birth of a child or a child's first birthday this is a great tree to honor how happy you are about the new arrival in your home. The decorations suggested look great on
any kind of tree but you could consider buying a small blue or pink artificial tree. This is a good idea so any toddlers or infants around can't get ahold of any shed needles. Also if you buy prelit artificial trees then you don't have to worry about them yanking lights and pulling the whole thing down. If you have lots of toddlers around then you might want to opt for a small ceramic christmas tree until they are old enough not to grab at decorations and xmas tree limbs.

Pink, mint green, lavender and blue frosted glass christmas balls look particularly nice on pink or blue artificial trees. You can also decorate these trees with baby toys, baby bottles filled with candy,
teddy bears, baby booties and socks, pacifiers and wooden alphabet blocks. Little stuffed animals look great on this type of tree and a larger teddy bear or soft plush toy makes a great tree topper. If the
baby is a girl you might want to consider topping the tree with a doll dressed as an angel.

The Peppermint Twist Tree

This most minimalist of christmas tree themes looks fantastic on a bright white, prelit artificial tree. The color scheme of this is red and white but you can add a touch of green in the lights that you
string around it. Purists however think that keeping the whole thing red and white in every way looks best.

When it comes to the decorations stick with red and white round glass balls. Red and white frosted glass balls look much better than the conical ones. Also festoon the branches with as many red and white peppermint candy canes as you can find. Remember too that you can also stripe red or white christmas balls with white or red glitter by simply adding some glue in a striped shape to the ball and rolling it in the glitter.

You can also accent this look with red and white ball shaped peppermint candies. A large lollipop with red and white striping and surrounded by a sunburst bouquet of candy canes makes a great tree
topper.

The Sea Side Tree

This most unusual of christmas tree themes looks best on artificial trees in aqua or light blue colors. However it would also suit any tree that has a coral color such as light orange or pink.

This tree is decorated with treasures from the sea including seashells, sea horses, and ornaments made from aquarium decorations (treasure chests, coins and corals.) Strings of pearls can be used as
a garland and novelty lights shaped like seashells or even fish can be strung to enhance the aquatic theme.

The Snow and Ice Tree

This is one of the most unusual of christmas tree themes as it is white and icy blue instead of the more familiar red and green. First decorate it with a garland of novelty lights shaped like icicles or snowflakes. Your decorations should be made of see through plastic or crystal so it looks like the tree is dripping with frozen, glittering shapes. Instead of cotton batten, drape the tree with faux spider
webs or cotton shreddings to simulate boughs heavy with snow. You can even mound this cotton at the ends of the bough so it looks like it has been clumped there.

Your final step is to spray the whole thing down generously with flocking. Flocking is simulated snow that comes in an aerosol can. You can spray this stuff on just about any kind of tree including artificial prelit christmas trees and ceramic trees to make them look frostier.

This treatment is stunning on a white artificial tree but it also looks great on red, purple, blue or other artificial trees as all of the white provides a nice contrast to the tree's original color.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Enid_Edginton

Summer Fun Days in Preschool Sunday School

Sunday school does not stop when school is out. In fact, many Sunday school classes actually see a rise in attendance during the summer months when people are visiting churches and attending Vacation Bible School. If you are a preschool Sunday school teacher, then here are some fun ideas to bring into your Sunday school class during the summer months.

Host a water party:

It is always hot during the summer, so why not have a little "cool" fun in the water. Make sure you tell the parents ahead of time, so the kids can come in a bathing suit or old clothes. This is one time when Sunday dress is not appropriate. Set up a couple of small kiddie pools outside and fill with water. Give the kids small squirt guns (or squeeze bottles), sponges and other water toys to play with. Have some water games to play, such as a water balloon toss. You can even put objects in the water and let them experiment with what will sink or float.

Bubble Fun:

You can also go outside for a bit of bubble fun. There are all kinds of easy recipes that will help you make the biggest bubbles ever. Fill a kiddie pool with bubble solution and let the kids go to town. Place a hula hoop inside the pool and have the kids stand inside. Bring the hula hoop up around the kids very slowly and they will find themselves inside the bubble. You can also make a variety of bubble wands out of clothes hangers and even large pipe cleaners.

Teddy Bear Picnic:

Have each child bring their own teddy bear and go outside for a teddy bear picnic. Bring all the yummy foods that bears and kids like to eat such as biscuits and honey, Teddy Graham crackers and fresh fruit. Spread out a blanket and find a place in the shade for a fun time.

Indoor Campout:

Stay cool and have an indoor campout right in your classroom. Pitch a tent small enough to fit in your class (but big enough for all the kids). Sit inside and have puzzle time and story time. Give each kid their own flashlight and teach them some new songs. You can even make a pretend camp fire using rolled up construction paper as logs. How about s'mores for snacks? You will need graham crackers, some chocolate and of course marshmallows. Roast the marshmallows over a candle, or stick them in the microwave.

Remember that just because school is out doesn't mean that your class can't learn at Sunday school. Take a look at your weekly Sunday school lessons and find a way to incorporate some of these fun summer activities into your class.

Denise Oliveri has been teaching Sunday School for the past 13 years. She is the owner of Preschool Sunday School Central, a leading online resource for preschool Sunday School teachers.

Stop by Preschool Sunday School Central and see the array of free resources and exciting and fun things that are available to members. They are guaranteed to make your lesson planning much easier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Oliveri

6 Ways to Stop Your Wife Cheating Now

So you think your wife is cheating on you? You are not sure, maybe she is only thinking about cheating, but things are different and you are suspicious.

You can turn things around.

Do you know much about married women who cheat? Statistics show that wives cheat as often as men do, but they cheat for different reasons.

So lets get to how you can stop your wife cheating. You need to go back to the days when you were dating her, before you got married. You need to start all over again. You need to compete with who ever she is having the affair with and win. Then you need to keep it up for life and you will never have to worry about her cheating again.

1: Start listening to her, really listen to her and be interested in everything she has to say. This means if you are watching TV and she comes in and wants to talk, turn the TV off. I bet you get a big positive reaction the first time you do this. You need to show her that she is very important to you, in fact, that she is more important than anything else in your life. Come home early if you can, spend more time with her. Organize a date night once a week just for the two of you. You book the restaurant, you organize the babysitter, you, tell her how beautiful she looks. Start to tell her about your feelings and how you would like to have your life in the future. Ask her what she would like for the future. Really start to engage with her and be a couple. These are the things that you can do to get your wife back. Start today.

2: Tell her how much she means to you. Tell her every day. Explain to her that you appreciate everything she does for you and your children. Thank her for the meals she prepares, thank her for being a great mother, thank her every chance you get.

3: Help her physically. Start doing the chores around the house that you haven't been helping with. Say you will look after the children while she has her hair done. Help her carry things. Start offering to help with the dishes, do the vacuuming, just start really helping her wherever you can. These acts of service will be much appreciated.

4: Start buying your wife little gifts. Bring her home a red rose for no special reason. What about a big box of chocolates, or a teddy bear. Surprise her with gifts every day, they don't have to be expensive, they just need to show her that you are thinking about her and want her to be happy.

5: Give her a big hug. Start to show her plenty of affection. Now I am not talking about sex. That can come later. But for now, touch her hand, touch her arm, give her a big hug. Offer to give her a massage, make a big deal of it, warm the oil, light the candles, put on the relaxation music and give her the treat of her life. Then give her more hugs.

6: When you wake up each day think about how you can make today better for your wife and then put these things into action. How proud you will be knowing that your wife is the happiest person you know.

One word of warning! Once you do all these things your wife may think that you have changed so much because you are having an affair. Just explain that you have finally realized how much you love her and that you want to make the rest of your lives wonderful.

If you do all the things I mention here, you will make your wife happy. What more can you want?

To find out more valuable information please visit Married Women Who Cheat and to get even more help and support please visit Signs Of A Cheating Wife.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Di_McDonald

Stuffed Animals For Teen Girls

Teen girls still love getting stuffed animals for Christmas. However, they aren't interested in something too babyish. Girls between the ages of 8 and 12 like stuffed animals that are a little more high tech and sophisticated. The following suggestions can help you navigate the tricky terrain of buying stuffed toys for young ladies in the teen age group.

A large number of major malls across the country have a Build-A-Bear Workshop where you can take your teen girl and let her custom design her very own stuffed animal. A gift certificate and a promise to take her on a date to build the ultimate teddy bear is a present that's sure to please. Let her work the mouse and click the keys as she picks out her own stuffed animal on the Build-A-Bear website. She will never forget the fun time she had making her furry creation.

Webkinz are stuffed animals that come with a computer code that allows the owner to register their pet on the Webkinz website. This site offers teens the chance to interact with their stuffed friends in a virtual realm. They can pick a name and gender for the pet and then spend time on-line taking care of it and play games on the site with children all over the world. This is the ultimate mesh of traditional stuffed toy and technology age gadget. The stuffed animal itself has an electronic meter on it that tells your teen if it is happy or sad, so it could arguably be a good predecessor for the responsibility of a real pet.

Unusual animals. Larger than life teddy bears are a big hit with young girls. They also still like old fashioned stuffed cats, dogs, and bears, especially if they come with accessories such as perfume or lotion. Girls this age love purses in the shape of stuffed animals. Many teen girls love craft projects or are in the process of learning how to sew. A great gift would be to order the traditional red heeled "sock monkey" socks and gather all the items needed for her to construct her own sock stuffed animal.

Teens often struggle with wanting to be grown up while they still see the world from the eyes of a young child. Many girls this age don't want to admit that they still are into stuffed animals. By making your stuffed toy gift creative, personal, and cool, you give your teen permission to enjoy being a little girl just a little while longer and that is a precious gift indeed.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. You will find the best marketplace for kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls at these sites for kids toys and stuffed animals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

Baby Shower Party Decorations to Liven Up Your Baby Shower

An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower decorations and themes. Decorations and themes that are focused and timesavers for the host. Some low cost and effective shower decoration ideas.

Decorations can be as modest or as extravagant as your budget and time allows. Literally there are a number of ways for decorating the shower. Balloons, cakes, table settings, along with wall and ceiling decorations. Decorations are an important part of any special baby shower.

Fill a basket or small wagon with stuffed animals to be used as a centerpiece. You can also place teddy bears around the room along with some dolls and toys. Place them on tables, bookcases and peeking over lamps. Or set up a train on your table. Then fill the cars with small baby items such as teething rings, pacifiers, rattles, and booties.

Although the theme as well as decorations of modern showers have changed with the times, it is still traditional to the use the colors of the baby's nursery. You can decorate the nursery with fresh flowers, balloons and streamers.

As a general rule one should stick to the traditional ways of decorating. If you are going with the traditional party decorations, you would use china and silver. No doubt every shower needs some sort of decorations.

In baby showers it is not a necessity to use a lot of decorations. Just simple decorations would be sufficient if that is your desire, perhaps along with a few seasonal flowers and party toys.

If you do wish to celebrate the shower in a big way there are many party stores that carry large assortments of baby decorations such as storks, teddy bears and nursery rhyme characters.

These decorations can be placed anywhere and removed easily after the shower. You can give these to the expectant couple to take home after the party. Most of them can be reused for some other occasions such as a childs birthday party. One of these would be a baby diaper cake which has become very popular.

There are many more baby shower party decorations and themes. For instance, gather a bouquet of pink and blue balloons and tie them with pink and blue ribbons. You can attach them to a chair, or as the centerpiece containing baby's breath and greens.

Similarly, purchase a small umbrella and hang it upside down over the table. Maybe over where the mother-to-be will be sitting to open the baby shower gifts. Fill the umbrella with balloons and let ribbons or streamers hang over the edges.

Softly play light music or children's songs. You can also do mild lighting with small bulbs as used in Christmas tree decorations. If you know what names the parents have chosen, spell them out using wooden blocks or paper strips.

Summary of Decorating Ideas

Nursery Colors:
Use colors from the nursery for your theme. This option gives the flexibility to use any type of napkins, tableware, and party decorations for your party. You don't necessarily need to buy expensive party decorations with patterns, just use the same colors throughout.

Nursery Theme:
Similar to the nursery colors, but this one uses the actual theme of the nursery. Ask the mom-to-be what she plans for her nursery decor and go from there. If her decor is lace and cream, then keep to that same look and feel for the shower, using party decorations with that color and pattern.

Another important part is where you are actually organizing the baby shower. The location will help you determine the matching party decorations and themes. Whether your baby shower is in an elegant restaurant, a banquet hall or a warm cozy home. The right supplies and party decorations will add that extra finishing touch.

Pick a theme and carry it through with coordinating supplies and party decorations such as centerpieces, balloons, gifts and party favors. From invitations and games to cups, plates and napkins. These party supplies offer everything you'll need for the perfect baby shower.

A little bit of creativity and imagination will play a big role here. Good baby shower party decorations need not be very costly, but does require some effort and creativity. While choosing a baby shower theme or baby shower games remember to make them a good fit for all the baby shower guests invited. You also might want to offer the party winners little treats like candies and eclairs.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy currently has a website dealing with Reviews of Coffee Related Products such as coffee makers, espresso makers, coffee, k-cups, and more plus articles on coffee enemas and other coffee and health related topics. He also has a website of Reviews of Small Appliances such as ice cream makers, vacuum cleaners, mixers, irons, toasters, food processors, and many other appliances.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Wilson

10 Things to Consider When Buying an English Bulldog

Many people enjoy owning dogs. Whether it's because they grew up with them, need them for work and/or protection or just want something cute to hold and love. Whatever the reason may be, there comes a time when you must decide (if you haven't decided already) on which breed of dog you would like to own. Bulldogs are a very popular choice among dog lovers. People choose the bulldog for a variety of reasons. They can be big cute teddy bears. They can serve as good protection. They are great family dogs and there are many types of Bulldogs to choose from as well. Among these types are English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, American Bulldogs and a few other rare Bulldog variations. Once you have decided on which breed of bulldog you want, how do you determine then exactly which bulldog to buy?

For instance, say you have decided that you would like to buy an English Bulldog; here are some things to consider before making your purchase.

1. Body Type: There are many types of bulldog shapes ranging from stout to blimpy. Some are low to the ground. Some have skinny legs. There are even a huge variety of head shapes to choose from. If you don't know which shape bulldog you want, the best thing that you can do is to check the AKC standard and try to pick out the one that most resembles it, but then again some people want their bulldogs to have something slightly unique about them.

2. Size: How big do you want your bulldog to be? Do you want the runt of the bunch or the big daddy of the group? When you see a bulldog you like, ask the owner how much the bulldog weighs and look for bulldogs who's mothers and fathers are in that range. A bulldog's weight range is wider than in most other breeds.

3. Color and Spotting: What color bulldog do you want? An all tan one, a white one with a spot on the tail, half and half or a grey or brown one? This is sometimes the most important decision a potential owner has to make, for aesthetics is almost everything nowadays. Although when you start looking at all of the cute little bulldog pups, you start to not to really care what color they are and appreciate each one's uniqueness.

4. Sex (male or female): Do you want a little girl bulldog pup or a bully boy? Rumor has it that girls are easier to train and that boys have less emotional issues. Then again they're just rumors.

5. Bloodline: How important is it to you to have a dog with historic bloodlines filled with purebreds and champions? It is best to look for full AKC registered English Bulldogs with parents that have championed at dog shows. When a dog has championed, he has proven to enough judges that he is close to the original bulldog standards and is ideal for breeding to keep the awesome breed alive. When you buy a dog with no papers, there's a good chance that the dog isn't a purebred bulldog and could be contaminating the bloodlines.

6. Breeders: What do you know about the breeders? Did they breed the dogs too early? Have they bred bulldogs before? Are they reputable? Are they a puppy mill? Are they a typical American family? Are they breeding to make a profit or are they breeding because they love the breed and aim to make the best English bulldogs they can? This is sometimes the most important thing to consider, for where your dog comes from can go a long way towards a right or wrong direction.

7. Healthy: Of course, we want a happy and healthy bulldog. But how can you tell how healthy your bulldog is going to be? This goes back to who's the breeder. Are the puppies going to be vet checked and up to date on their shots? Ensure that your bulldog is up-to-date on its shots and if possible ask to see the doctor files of the puppy's parents.

8. Shipping: Are you ok with your bulldog flying in a plane for a few hours and meeting you at the airport? If so, then communicating with the right breeders is of tremendous importance. The breeders may ask you a million questions because they'll be "shipping" their little puppy to you. That just shows that they care. Some care so much that they purposely don't ship during some parts of the year, in particular the summer months, because it can be too hot for the little guys. Most people prefer to see and hold their puppies before making the final purchase. That is the traditional way and probably the securest way of ensuring you get the dog of your dreams.

9. Age: How old should the puppy be before you bring him home? Many scientists and breeders fight over the best time to separate the puppy from his or her family. Regardless of what they say, a puppy should remain with its mom for at least 8 weeks to feed. However, 12 weeks is probably best because that 3rd month is when they can learn a lot from their parents on how to be a dog in a human world. Think about the puppy and the rest of its life and try to avoid being so anxious to get him or her that you rush things. Patience is a virtue.

10. Are You Ready to Be An Owner? Before making the final decision to get a dog you must really ask yourself, do I really want an English Bulldog or even a dog at all? This is a huge question to ask yourself.

When you buy a dog, you are saying;

I am willing to devote my life to making sure that the life of this creature is happy and healthy.
I am willing to clean up poop and pee several times a day.
I am willing to take the chance that my dog will wreck my home.
I am willing to set aside a monthly budget for the next 10 years for my dog's vet bills and food.
I am responsible for how my dog interacts with other dogs and people.

Having a dog is a big responsibility that some people overlook because they are too caught up in the "cuteness" of the puppy. Before you buy a dog, think about the possibility of one day having to move and having to get rid of your dog and putting him or her into a shelter. If you feel that there's any possibility of that happening within the next 10 years, don't even take the chance of giving that dog a life that could possibly end with being put to sleep. I don't mean to finish off on a bad note but there are many puppies being put to sleep everyday because owners don't fully think about providing a forever home to their puppies. So please, think before you buy.

So now you have it, 10 things to consider when buying a bulldog. Now go find that bulldog you've always wanted and give it the wonderful life it deserves!

James Harrison is an expert SEO specialist from San Diego, CA with 2 french bulldogs of his own.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Harrison

Big Stuffed Animals

What do you buy for the child that has everything? It's the question asked whenever another birthday rolls around or another holiday beckons in the not too distant future. The time-honored answer is simple: what could be better than a big stuffed animal? While you may think stuffed toys are passé, think again. There is no such thing as a child with too many plush animals.

In the years since the invention of the teddy bear, big stuffed animals have evolved from coarse imitations to sleek and exact replicas of the animals they represent. They are a laudable improvement for which children (and adults) are thankful. There is a new standard to these stuffed animals that are designed as entertainment for children and adults alike. There is also something comforting about a big plush animal. They can come alive as much as a child's imagination will allow. What child wouldn't want to have a tiger as their protector? A child can't have a tiger in real life, but they can surely have one in their make-believe life. Some big stuffed animals on the market today are so life-like, you would swear they're about to pounce and growl!

In many cases, a child's stuffed toy grows into something close to human as they often become their most treasured companion, confidant, and friend; some children even continue these relationships into adulthood. A big plush animal only help to fill the bill that much more given their size.

Big stuffed animals can be used as a tool to help teach a child about the animal they represent. With many of these animals having movable limbs, any number of stories can be dreamed up about what life is like for them in their natural habitats. Children will look on in awe as they listen to tales of how their beloved lion or panda raise their families, survive in the wild, or hunt for food. Manipulating the big plush animal while the story is being told will only add to its allure. While most of us will never experience what it's like to touch a real wild animal, with these big stuffed animals, a child's fantasy and role-playing can provide a semblance of meaning to what the actual experience might be like.

What is so fabulous about the notion of "big" anyway? Why are we encouraged as children to think big, to dream big, and to strive big? Bigger is better. Big plush animals are just another celebration of that notion.

Plush animals, iconic and emblematic of childhood innocence, are actually toys that offer a peek into the owner's imagination. So when it's time to purchase that next children's gift, look no further than a big stuffed animal.

Angeline Hope is a collector of big stuffed animal toys. You can view a huge selection of quality big stuffed animal toys at MyBigPlush.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angeline_Hope