tipsandsolutions

Tip of the Week - Charlie Nardozzi

2009-11-15T08:00:00Z

Keep Checking Back for Gardening Tips from Charlie Nardozzi

Charlie Nardozzi has worked for over 20 years to bring expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, and the printed page. Charlie serves as senior horticulturist and spokesperson for the National Gardening Association (NGA). He also writes national gardening news for the Regional Reports Newsletter and worked as an editor for National Gardening magazine for 12 years.

Planting a Tree - November 16, 2009

Fall is the perfect time of year to plant a tree. Select a tree with the ultimate height and spread to fit in the area you plant. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of the tree and three times as wide. Remove the container or burlap and place the tree in the hole. Back fill with the original soil. Only amend the soil with compost if it’s of very poor quality. Water the tree well and mulch with a 2- to 3-inch thick layer of bark mulch, keeping the mulch away from the trunk.

Tip of the Week - Hannah Keeley

2009-11-09T07:00:00Z

Keep Checking Back for Lifestyle Tips from Hannah Keeley

Hannah Keeley's web site, HannahKeeley.com, is a complete resource for creating happy, healthy families. Hannah is an author, television personality, and lifestyle expert. In addition to being a wife and mom of seven, she is executive producer and host of Hannah, Help Me! a national public television series that documents Hannah giving desperate moms two-day life-skills makeovers. Hannah has had many publications and has appeared on the Today Show, Fox and Friends, the TLC Network, and has been a frequent guest on The Rachael Ray Show.

Fall Leave Art - November 9, 2009

The next time you and the kids gather some fall leaves, bring them inside and see what cool designs you can come up with by gluing them on paper. You can even put out some embellishments like wiggly eyes or pipe cleaners.

Tip of the Week - Donna Smallin

2009-11-02T22:27:00Z

Keep Checking Back for Organization Tips from Donna Smallin

Known as The One-Minute Organizer, Donna Smallin is on a mission to organize the world! Donna is the bestselling author of eight books on how to unclutter, organize, and simplify your life, and she’s been a repeat guest on the CBS Early Show, The Daily Buzz, and Martha Stewart Living Radio. Her tips also appear regularly in Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day, Woman’s World and other leading publications.

"Goodbye Summer, Hello Winter" Storage Tips - November 2, 2009

Store summer bedding and clothing in a clean, dry, airy place away from direct sunlight. Consider using under-bed storage boxes. Or look for vacuum seal bags that compress items by up to 75% while protecting them from dust and insects. If needed, raise the bed height with risers to create more storage space.

A locking outdoor shed like the ones from Lifetime Products is ideal for storing outdoor items you won’t need again until next summer or fall: bicycles and other sporting gear, pool toys and chemicals, lawn mowers and leaf blowers, gardening supplies and tools.

Tip of the Week - Patricia Mendez

2009-10-27T18:00:00Z

Keep Checking Back for Entertaining Tips from Patricia Mendez

Patricia Mendez has catered and coordinated special events in the Los Angeles area since the early 1990s and now teaches “Easy Entertaining for Beginners,” a cooking class for novice hosts and hostesses in Torrance, California. She is the author of Easy Entertaining for Beginners, a multiple award winning book, including the 2009 Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award.

Halloween Entertaining Tip - October 26, 2009

Purchase 1 large and 1 smallish pumpkin. Set up this fun and festive treat at your Halloween party. No more than 1 hour before serving, skewer bite-size pieces of fruit on bamboo skewers. Sprinkle with lemon juice to avoid turning brown. Draw a spooky or silly face on the pumpkin and stick skewers all around the top to resemble hair. Hollow out a smallish pumpkin, wash and dry well. Prepare dip in advance and when ready to serve spoon into pumpkin and place next to large pumpkin with fruit skewers along with a bowl of gingersnaps for a delicious autumn treat.

1 package (8 oz.) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 can (16 oz) pumpkin
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup light whipped topping
1 package purchased ginger snaps
Skewered fruit kebobs, apples, grapes, pears, sprinkled with lemon juice.

In a mixing bowl, mix softened cream cheese with pumpkin, powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in 1 cup light whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve with skewered fruit kebabs and ginger snaps.

Worlds Longest Yard Sale Tips

2009-07-24T20:09:00Z

Summertime is yard sale season, and the granddaddy of all sales, the World’s Longest Yard Sale, is just around the corner!

On August 6-9, this famous sale will wind its way 650 miles from Alabama to Ohio. Lifetime’s resident organizational expert and Home & Garden Guru, Donna Smallin, is stopping by the heart of the sale—Jamestown, Tenn.—to offer a few yard sale ideas to participants and collect tips from the best sellers to share with us on Lifetime.com.

If you can’t make it to the sale, don’t fret; below are a few of Donna’s tips for your own garage sale. Looking for the perfect sale date? August 10 is National Garage Sale Day!

Donna's Yard Sale/Garage Sale Tips

Collect Your Inventory—Yard sales are a great way to get rid of clutter and make a few bucks, but it can be difficult to decide what to part with. As a general rule, if you don’t love it or use it, lose it. With this mantra in mind, walk through your home with packing boxes in hand and decide what goes. Get kids involved by letting them keep whatever they earn from selling their old toys and clothes, or plan a fun family activity with the total proceeds.
Spread the Word—Three days before the sale, place a classified advertisement in your newspaper and post listings on local websites. Mention big-ticket and “hot” items such as toys and sporting goods in your ads to stir up interest. Also, place a “Yard Sale” sign at the nearest major intersection to capture drive-by traffic and post additional signs with arrows to point the way home. To get your sign noticed, write in black letters on brightly colored card stock.
Price to Move—If you’re not sure what to charge for items, take your cue from other yard sales or the Salvation Army Donation Value Guide. Then, use black marker on blue painter’s tape (which is easily removable) to price everything. If you’ve got a large collection of like items, such as books or CDs, place them together in a bin and hang one price tag on the container (e.g. paperbacks 25 cents). Toss odds and ends and anything not worth selling into a box with a “Free” sign. Once the sale starts, remember, it’s better to sell low than not sell at all, so if people are walking away without buying, lower your prices.
Organization is Key—The more easily people can navigate your sale and test out items, the more they’ll buy. Hang and sort all clothing by type (men’s, women’s, or shirts/pants), have a mirror handy if you’re selling accessories and plug in a power cord to test electrical devices. Most importantly, have enough space to display things properly. I recommend setting up on a few folding tables from Lifetime Products—they can easily support heavier items and are UV-protected so the yard sale heat and sun won’t hurt them. (They come in handy for other events, too.) Consider setting up an extra table for selling home-baked goods and/or lemonade.
Move your Stock—Have enough coins and bills to make change for at least three $20 notes, and carry money, along with a calculator, in a fanny pack or apron for quick sales. Also keep a stack of newspaper on hand for wrapping fragile items. When business starts to slow, close up shop and drive all remaining items to the nearest donation place. Take down your signs on your way.
Combine Efforts—Don’t have enough stuff for your own yard sale? Set a date one to two months out and hand-deliver flyers inviting neighbors to participate in the sale. Split the cost of placing an advertisement for a “Neighborhood Yard Sale” in the newspaper and have all participants post signs in front of their house or tie balloons to their mailboxes on the day of the sale.

Ready to get started? Get $10 off yard sale tables by entering WLYS09 when you purchase a 6-Foot Fold-in-Half Table or 6-Foot Adjustable-Height Table at www.buylifetime.com.

Spring Yard Cleaning

2009-07-02T14:16:00Z

Spring Yard Cleaning

After the cold gray months of winter, you’re more than anxious to get out and do some yard work when spring finally rolls around! With the sun on your face and the bright green grass under your feet, the spring temperatures are perfect for getting a jump start on your yard work.

At Lifetime we have the equipment you need to get the job done: wheelbarrows, yard carts, composters, and utility trailers. It’s time to rake up all the dead leaves out of the flowerbeds and collect the debris the winter winds have blown into every nook and cranny. Gusty gales may have also scattered limbs and twigs around your yard—but no problem! Spring Fever has your adrenaline pumping and you’re ready to tackle it all!

Checklist of Equipment and Supplies

A Lifetime wheelbarrow or YardCart
A Lifetime composter
A Lifetime utility trailer
Large Lawn & Leaf garbage bags
A rake
A thick pair of work gloves

Utilize Your Resources

If you don’t have a composter, check with your city office to see if they provide a shredding service if you haul your limbs to their facility. You may also be able to rent mulching machines from an equipment rental company, if you’d rather do the mulching on site. You can then use the shredded bark in your composter or spread around flowerbeds and newly planted trees to keep in the moisture.

When it comes to lawn care and gardening there are lots of free resources you can turn to like your local library and online web sites, but one good source of information that you may not be aware of is your own county extension offices. Your county extension offices will be happy to mail you some helpful brochures about gardening and lawn care that are specific to your area, like:

When should I apply fertilizer to my lawn?
When should I plant my vegetable garden?
What kinds of trees and flowers do well in this area?

Get to Work

With the right equipment from Lifetime, the education you’ve gleaned from information resources, and the inspiration of a beautiful spring day, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work! Before you know it, you will be sipping iced tea on the porch rocker, enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done. While you’re taking in the view, you may envision a new flowerbed here or a flowering shrub over there. Now that the cleaning is done, you can add your artistic touches with some spring potting or planting. Oh, the possibilities!

Make Your Own Kite

2009-07-02T14:12:00Z

Make a kite and let your spirit soar!

After the long, cold winter, the warm weather welcomes us outdoors with sunshine and gentle breezes—perfect weather for kite flying! Kite flying is a relaxing way to fill a couple of quiet hours in the park, at the beach, or an open meadow. Learning the technique of kite flying is a satisfying experience. But if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you will find a special satisfaction in actually making your own kite!

Kites come in all shapes and sizes—some of them truly magnificent feats of engineering! But if you’re a first time do-it-yourself kite maker, you’ll probably want to start with a simple design. This is an enlarged model of the "20 minute kite for kids" from the Big Wind Kite Factory in Hawaii. http://www.molokai.com/kites/20kidskites.html

Checklist

Craft Table
Lifetime folding chairs
1 sheet of brightly colored paper 25.5 inches wide x 30 inches long
1 25 inch wooden dowel for horizontal support
1 30 inch wooden dowel for additional vertical support if necessary
1 roll 1/2 inch wide tape
1 roll of string, 6 - 10ft. long
1 inch x 3 inch piece of cardboard or an empty bathroom tissue roll on which to wind the string.
Scissors
Hole punch (optional)

Steps

Fold paper in half to 25.5 x 15
Mark point 1/2 inch from the fold at the top
Mark another point 3 inches from the fold at the bottom
Draw a diagonal line between these points
Fold paper back along this dotted line and tape down the new fold line
Then tape down 25 inch wooden dowel between top corner points
Tape down 30 inch wooden dowel on the vertical fold for additional structural support
Attach 10 feet of ribbon to the bottom of the kite with tape
Flip kite over and bend the flap back and forth until it stands straight up
Tape a small piece of tape 1/3 of the way down from the top of that flap and punch a hole through it.
Tie one end of the string through the hole and wind the rest of the string onto the cardboard or toilet paper roll

Safety Tips

Never fly your kite around power lines, telephone lines, overhead electrical wires.
In order to avoid attracting electricity, do not use metal parts in the construction of your kite.
Do not use fishing line or wire for your kite string.It will cut your hands.
Be aware of your surroundings. Since you will have your eye on the sky, don’t fly near ditches, steep hills, or obstacles that you may trip over.
Avoid flying too close to trees and other kite flyers.

Instructions Diagram

Diagram for Kite

Tetherball

2009-06-29T15:12:00Z

In Tetherball, fun is just a swing away!

Tetherball brings schoolyard and summer camp fun right into the backyard. It is fun for children and novices, but provides a competitive challenge for older players as well. A portable tetherball system easily rolls to any space on the lawn or driveway, and because it does not require a cement base, it is quick and easy to setup. With your own tetherball system, you can hold a tournament, form a league or just get a fun workout right in your own backyard.

Facts

Tetherball has long been enjoyed on schoolyards, playgrounds and summer camps across the country, evoking fond memories for the many who have played it. There are various "facts" about the game and its history, but because of thetherball's recreational nature, few are formally documented. We are proud to share some of the more popular tidbits from the sport's history:

Some maintain that tetherball originated with the horrible activities of the Tartars in the 9th century.They would string up the decapitated head of the enemy to a primitive pole and smack it around. That's HORRIBLE...so let's move on to the next one.
Tetherball was likely developed after 1895, the year volleyball was invented. Since then, the game has become a favorite in backyards, schoolyards, and summer camps.
Swingball, an alternate version of American tetherball, is popular in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In this game, players strike a smaller, softer ball with racquets.
Tetherball continues to remain an informal sport. Leagues are extremely rare, and professional tetherball organizations do not exist (until Lifetime creates one!)
On May 20, 2007, a group of San Diegans tried to change that, with the first-ever San Diego Tetherball Tournament. Nearly 80 participants competed on three courts, and two were named co-champions.
Though it lacks professional recognition, tetherball is commonly referenced in popular culture: the game appeared in episodes of The Simpsons and South Park and was a major part of the 2004 comedic film Napolean Dynamite.

Sources: Wikipedia.com, NationMaster.com

Rules

Traditionally, the rules of the game have varied from player to player. There are limited resources available online, but with the introduction of the Lifetime Tetherball system, we present a new set of standardized rules.

Set-up: In the most basic form of tetherball, a ball similar to a volleyball is tied to a 10-foot vertical pole by a slender rope.Two players, each confined to one half of the court surrounding the pole, try to hit the ball repeatedly in one direction so that the rope wraps completely around the pole.

Players: Tetherball requires only two players - one on each side of the court.

Court: The standard tetherball court consists of a 12-foot radius circle with the tetherball system placed in the center of the circle. The circle is divided into two equal halves with a line separating the two halves. Each player will play in one half of the circle. A player is not to cross the center line at any point during the game as this will result in an off-sides penalty (see penalties). If a player steps out of the circle during play, no penalty is assessed.

Games and Matches: A game is won when one player has wrapped the rope as far as it can go in his/her own direction.The outcome of each game is powerfully influenced by which player serves, as explained below. For this reason, a match consist of several games, with the players taking turns at serving. The players can choose how many games must be won to win the match, but the margin of victory must be at least two games; otherwise, the player who serves the first game will be at a disadvantage. Lifetime recommends a five-game match.

Penalties: All violations, intentional or unintentional, result in immediate stoppage of the game.When one player commits any of these violations, the ball is stopped and returned to the place it was wrapped when the violation occurred.Both the number of wraps and their height should be re-created. The other player gets to serve, then either player can hit the ball from that point on.If a player commits three unintentional violations, in any combination, the opponent wins the game.

Stepping off-sides. If a player steps across the center line at any time during the game, the game is stopped.
Touching the rope. If a player touches the rope, intentional or unintentional, the game is stopped.
Carrying or throwing. When hitting a ball back against the direction from which it comes, the ball should bounce off the hands immediately with no lingering contact. When hitting a ball that as passed the opponent and continuing it on its way, the ball still cannot be carried or thrown.
Double hitting. A player can hit the ball only once per rotation around the pole, except if the ball hits the pole between hits.
Grabbing the pole. A player cannot grab the pole. The penalty is immediate loss of game.

If both players commit a violation at the same time, then they perform a "pole drop". Both players place one hand on the ball, holding it three feet out from the pole, directly above the line dividing the forward ends of their two sides. They release the ball simultaneously. Once the ball hits the pole, either player can hit it, and play continues normally.

Wikipedia.com, Toteth.com

Cooking at Camp with Lifetime

2009-06-24T17:57:00Z

All that fresh air and sunshine can work up a mighty appetite!

Camp meals are one of the most memorable aspects of a camping adventure. If you enjoy camping and outdoor cooking, Lifetime offers some great equipment and helpful hints to make outdoor cooking a satisfying and enjoyable experience. As with any activity, especially one that takes you away from the convenience of home, careful preparation is the key. The following are some helpful hints and tips to ensure that your camp kitchen is a success.

Outdoor Camp Kitchen Cooking Station

Lifetime Camp Table
Lifetime Utility Table
Lifetime Picnic table
Propane stove
Metal cooking sheet for grilling
Frying pan w/lid
Small pot w/lid
Big pot w/lid
Cooking utensils such as a spatula, big spoon, hamburger tongs, knife
Pot holders
Canopy cover for protection from the elements

An efficient cooking space is essential to an enjoyable camping experience! The Lifetime Camp Table provides that space. And because it’s portable, it’s easy to pack and store along with your camping equipment. The camp table is designed with a wire rack to accommodate a propane stove, an attached side table for food preparation, hooks for hanging your utensils, and last, but not least, that all-important paper towel holder. There’s a place for everything, so you can keep everything in its place. If it is not possible to set up your camp kitchen beneath some kind of bowery, I suggest erecting a canopy over your cooking station. This will provide shade on a hot day as well as some protection for your equipment on a rainy day.

Outdoor Camp Kitchen Cleaning Station

Lifetime 4ft. utility table
Two small plastic tubs
Dish soap
Dish drainer
Dishcloth, dish towels

In addition to a cooking area, you will need a clean-up area. This is the area where you will set up your dishwashing station. The Lifetime 4ft. folding utility table is a great table for this purpose because it’s small, lightweight, and easy to clean. All you need is a couple of small plastic tubs—one for the soapy water and one for the rinse water. You may wish to bring along a small dish drainer as well to let your wet dishes air dry while you go do something more fun, like hiking or swimming!

Make A Permanent Grocery List

Make a list of the dry ingredients and a list of refrigerated ingredients on the front and back of a large index card. Keep this list in a safe place to use as an inventory check list prior to embarking on all your subsequent camping adventures. I suggest keeping it in your dry food storage chest, as well as laminating it or covering the card with strips of scotch tape to protect it. Now you will have a Permanent Grocery List so you won’t have to re-plan one every time you go camping.

Dry Food Storage:

Keeping a dry food storage chest always packed and ready to go will mean one less thing to worry about when the urge to head for the hills grabs you. Of course you can always purchase special treats or snacks for each camping trip, but with this basic food storage pre-packed, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you at least have the basics you need to eat well while you’re camping. Some suggestions are cereal, crackers, pasta, canned goods such as tomato sauce, olives, vegetables, canned meats, cocoa, and cookies. Remember to pack your cooking oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Pack all your dry ingredients into a large storage chest. Make sure to label this chest so you can easily locate it in your garage, shed, or closet the next time you want to go camping. You may only have to pack this chest once every camping season. If you run out of anything, be sure to replace it before the next camping trip!

Cooler Foods:

With your dry foods already packed in storage, the cold foods are all you really need to worry about packing on the day of departure. For subsequent camping trips, your Permanent Grocery List will have already been written (and stored in a safe place where you can find it), so the menu planning has already been done. All you’ll need to do on subsequent trips is to make that trip to the grocery store. And don’t forget the ice!

Handy Tips:

For the sake of economic thriftiness as well as a space-saving technique, try to use recipes that share common ingredients but which can be prepared in a variety of ways (like restaurants do). For example, ingredients such as pasta, hamburger, tomatoes, onions, olives, cheese, & tomato sauce can be used for hamburgers, Sloppy Joes, omelets, goulash, spaghetti, taco salad, and sandwiches simply by adding one or two additional ingredients (such as eggs or corn chips, or cold cuts).

You should be able to get by with one large chest for all your dry ingredients, but you will most likely need a couple of coolers for your cold foods, especially if you plan to take a gallon of milk along. Remember, half of your cooler space will have to be used for ice. Some people break open the ice bag and fill up the cooler with loose ice chunks in an effort to squeeze more into the cooler. Others prefer to keep the ice intact inside the plastic bag to eliminate the very real possibility of getting water from the melted ice into food packages. Beware of eggs in cardboard cartons! Once the cardboard gets wet, it will fall apart. Use a Styrofoam carton or relocate your eggs into a sealed plastic container.

Dog Wash Stand

2009-05-29T21:39:00Z

Splash into Summer: Make a Dog Washing Stand!

Sick and tired of the summer blues? Make a splash in your neighborhood with a dog washing stand! Nothing beats summer boredom like getting outside, getting wet, and earning a few bucks while you’re at it. Invite your neighbors to bring their pooches to get a good cleaning for just a few dollars. Use this as a fund-raiser for your school, community, or a local charity, or simply as a way for your kids to earn a little extra money over the summer.

Checklist

Lifetime utility table.
Lifetime personal table
Plenty of young entrepreneurs or volunteers
Flyers (see free printable download)
Sign: Poster paper, markers
Cash box
Change: coins and dollar bills
Large basin(s)
Hose
Dog Shampoo
Old towels
Dog brush
Doggie treats
Some ribbons and bows (optional)
Blow dryer(optional)

STEPS

Set a date and spread the word: Distribute fliers around your neighborhood. Be sure to check the weather beforehand. The rain is a poor substitute for your expert washing techniques!
Get Supplies: Gather your old towels and purchase any items from the checklist that you don’t already have on hand.
Make a Sign: Get a colorful poster paper, or colorful markers to make a bright and fun sign to post at your dog washing stand. You may want to mimic the design of your flyers so that people recognize your stand. Be sure to include prices.
Now you’re ready for opening day! Set up your stand in a highly visible location and in an area where the kids can work safely. Hang the sign from table, set out the cash box, and invite cutomers to “step right up”.
Doggie treats will go a long way in gaining the cooperation of those dogs who don't relish taking a bath. Once the dog is thoroughly wet, lather it with soap and then rinse well. The dogs can be towel-dried or dried with a blow dryer. IMPORTANT: If using a blow dryer, keep it away from the water basin to prevent an accidental electricution!
Play it safe by having a parent present at all times. Don't take the risk of a child being bitten. If a dog exhibits threatening behavior, turn the customer away.

Tips

If you want to attract more than just your own neighborhood residents, put up fliers in your local grocery store, church, library, and community centers. In this case, be sure to have multiple washing stations, plenty of towels, and several volunteer helpers on hand so more than one dog can be washed at a time.
Let one of the children oversee the cash box. This is a great way to teach them how to count change.

"Printable Dog Wash Stand Flyer."

Organizing for Fun

2009-05-27T14:55:00Z

As it gets warmer outside, it's time to get out of the house!

Fun, laughter, and good times are often born spontaneously, but if you want to get the most fun out of a family outing, it's a good idea to do a little organizing beforehand. Some pre-planning can avoid the inconveniences that can put a damper on those good times.

If you launch into elaborate preparations that cause delays when everyone else is ready to just jump into the car and go, the whole excursion can get off to a frustrated start. Here are some suggestions that will help cut down on preparations and frustrations when it comes to "spontaneous" fun. Once you've packed a grab-n-go backpack, and packed a few essentials in the trunk of your car, all you'll have to worry about the next time you hear "Let's go!" is making sure everyone has visited the bathroom before heading out the door.

Things to Keep in the Trunk of Your Car

In the trunk, off your mind. Having these things pre-packed means you'll have less to remember (or forget!) when it's time to head out the door.

Personal Table
Lifetime folding chairs
A big blanket (for picnics and naps)
Jackets and sweaters for everyone
Mini Cooler
Frisbee, balls, etc. (recreational toys of your choice)

Things to Keep in a Grab-n-Go Backpack by the Door

Keep a backpack stocked and ready to go at a moment's notice. Keeping it in a handy visible location near the door will prevent you from forgetting it in the excitement of departure. Here are a few items that can make the difference between fun or fiasco.

Sunblock lotion
Non-refrigerated snacks
Bottled water
Pre-moistened towlettes

Outdoor Western Birthday Party

2009-05-11T22:52:00Z

Round 'Em Up for a Rootin' Tootin' Good Time!

When it comes to planning an outdoor party for kids, the sky's the limit. Hosting an outdoor party opens up a whole new world of options. More space, more fun! And there's no need to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun. If you're planning a party during the summer months, check out some of these fun and easy games and a few menu suggestions to go along with a western party theme. Test their squirt gun skills with "Sharp Shooters", allow them to sneak up on the Sheriff in "Giddy Up, Whoa!", and let your li'l buckaroos search for hidden cowboy toys in a "Haystack Hunt".

Tips

Use colorful bandanas for costumes, table decorations, or to wrap up party favors for your 'lil buckaroos.
Make each guest a simple fringed cowboy vest from paper bags.
Take pictures and develop them with a sienna filter for an old-fashioned western look.

Checklist

Lifetime Picnic Table
Lifetime wheelbarrow
Squirt guns
Empty cans
Bag of plastic cowboys & indians, or just horses
Hay
Sheriff's badge
Bandanas for decorations and costumes

Sharp Shooters

Checklist

A squirt gun for each child to use and take home
Empty pop cans or plastic cowboys, indians, or horses toys to use for targets

Steps

Line up targets in a row on the table
Have each child stand at a reasonable distance facing the table and take a turn shooting at the targets.

Giddy Up, Whoa!

This is a variation on the old favorite "Red Light, Green Light". The object of the game is to be the first child to tag the Sheriff.

Steps

Choose one child to wear a cowboy hat or badge to designate him/her as the Sheriff. Have that child stand at one end of the yard.
Have the rest of the children line up across the other end of the yard to wait for the signal from the Sheriff.
The Sheriff turns away from the children and hollers "Giddy Up!" which is the signal for the children to run towards him/her.
After a couple of seconds the Sheriff whirls around to face them, hollering "Whoa!" which is the signal for the children to freeze in their tracks. If the Sheriff notices a child moving, that child is out.
The Sheriff then turns away from the children again with the signal to "Giddy Up!". This process is repeated until the Sheriff is tagged. The first child to tag the Sheriff gets to be the new Sheriff.

Haystack Hunt

Checklist

Hay
Plastic cowboys, indians, and horses that the children can take home. Be sure to count them so you'll know when they've all been found!
A Lifetime Wheelbarrow, or something similar, like a large wagon, to put the hay in.

Steps

Before the party, hide the toys in the hay
At a designated time during the party, have the children search through the hay together to find the toys (you may have to help to make sure every child finds some).

Suggested Chuckwagon Menu

Try to incorporate authentic western grub on the menu. The following are just a few easy-to-make suggestions.

Pork-n-Beans with hotdogs
Cornbread
Wagon wheel macaroni with cheese and hotdogs
Cupcakes decorated with western symbols, like a cactus or a star.

Mother's Day Tray

2009-04-22T18:40:00Z

Easy Mother's Day Craft- A Mother's Day Breakfast Tray

This Mother's Day give your mom a special breakfast tray that she can display or use again and again. For the woman who has served you and your kids breakfast for years, this is a great way to return the favor while giving her something she'll always cherish! All you need are a few simple supplies, a wooden tray, little helping hands, and Lifetime Table to assemble everything with minimal cleanup.

Checklist

Lifetime table
Lifetime chairs
Wooden tray
Patterned paper (in her favorite colors or colors that match the home decor)
Solid colored cardstock
Journaling pen (acid-free)
Thick thread and ribbon
A sharp pencil
A photo of your children
Scrapbook letter stickers
5-6 Buttons
Hot glue gun
Decoupage or regular white glue
Paint matching the patterned paper (optional)

Steps

If desired, paint the wooden tray and allow to dry.
Have children write what they love about mom on patterned paper.
Cut cardstock into several peices. One to fit the length or width of the base of the tray, and some peices that are just 1/4" bigger than your photo on each side.
Smear the white glue or Decoupage on the back of your peice of cardstock, and adhere it to the inside of the tray against the left wall.
Do the same to the back your peice of patterned paper, and place it centered between your cardstock and the right wall.
As you allow both peices of paper to dry on the tray, use the needle and thick thread or ribbon to stitch around the cardstock that is just slightly larger than your photo. You can use a sharp pencil to poke holes along the edges beforehand.
Use white glue to mount the photo to the piece of stitched cardstock (that is 1/4" larger than the photo) so that it forms a frame. Adhere some thread or ribbon across the bottom and use hot glue to add a button or two.
Use the hot glue to adhere the ribbon along the length of your cardstock, near the center of the tray. Glue on the remaining buttons and washers to the ribbon.
Adhere embelished photo to tray.
Place sticker or title letters to the cardstock. Create a saying that means something to her, or something pertaining to what the children have written, like "Mom, we love you because..." ... and you're done!

Tips

To preserve the tray design and images, spray a coat of clear matte fixative over the inside of the tray. To create a water-proof coat, pour in a layer of high-gloss coating. Spread evenly by tipping the tray from side to side, and use a blow-dryer set to low to blow air over surface to eliminate bubbles.

Breakfast Tray by Jennifer Luke. Supplies: wooden breakfast tray; paint by DecoArt; patterned paper by K&Company; letter stickers by Heidi Grade Designs; waxy flax; washer; ribbon.

The Ultimate Family Reunion

2009-04-21T18:00:00Z

Tips for Planning the Ultimate Family Reunion from Edith Wagner.

Editor-in-chief of Reunions Magazine, Edith Wagner brings you tried and true tips for planning your next reunion. Although some family reunions can involve hundreds of people and take years to coordinate, it’s never too late to plan a gathering of loved ones and relatives. Such occasions are great times to bond with the family, and below are some tips and techniques to help minimize the work and help you enjoy the event as much as everyone else.

Getting Started!

Two 8ft. Lifetime Tables – Put them end to end to form one long banquet table.
Lifetime folding chairs – enough for each guest
Setting parameters – This is your job as host. The first thing you should do is decide:
- How many family members will likely attend?
- What type of space is necessary to accommodate that number of people?
- How much money am I personally willing to invest, and how much, if any, will need to be contributed by others?
Set the date – Poll a sampling of key family members (grandparents, siblings, cousins and other people whose presence is essential) that you have easy access to via email or telephone. Ask if they are interested in a reunion, and if they have any major conflicts coming up. This will help determine if it is feasible, and if interest is high enough to move forward.
- Once you have a general idea of a date, make sure it doesn't fall too closely to any other major events like weddings, baptisms, graduations, etc.
- Once a date is selected, stick to it.
Finalize a location – A reunion at home has a very personal and relaxed atmosphere, but not everyone has the space needed for such an undertaking. Every town across America has parks, recreation centers, hotels and resorts, etc. that are perfect meeting places for such events. Just remember that if the event isn't at someone's home, organization and proper planning will be even more important.
Create a budget – When money is spent as needs arise, costs can shoot through the roof. Devise a budget first, and follow it as closely as possible. Also, be upfront with family members about appropriate contributions. Spearheading such an event is a large contribution in itself, and this should be reflected in the level of assistance from others.
Delegate – If you try to plan everything yourself, you’ll produce undue stress. Early on, find family members who are willing and able to provide assistance. Talk to them about what they would enjoy being in charge of, and let them control that aspect of planning. Examples of different responsibilities to delegate are:
- Site selection
- Invitations
- Food
- Decorations
- Activities
- Music & Entertainment
- Tables & Seating
- Keepsakes and party favors
Communicate – Once all of the work has someone to oversee it, set up weekly meeting times, and stay in contact (in person or by telephone) to ensure everything is getting done in a quality and timely manner. Be sure to follow up after meetings.

Planning and Logistics

Create a theme – One of the most important things to remember is that a family reunion celebrates who you are, and where you come from. Invest time brainstorming a theme that works for the family. The theme can shine through in many different aspects of the reunion.

Invitations – Pick symbols and a color scheme appropriate to your theme, and use them in the invitations and decorations.
Food – Serve foods traditional for your family and heritage. Grandparents can be a great resource for this!
Games and activities – Do things that your family enjoys, but also try to incorporate something specific, like bocce ball for an Italian-American family, or Jai Alai for a family of Latin heritage.
Keepsakes - When creating party favors or other creative items, remember your theme and colors.
Music – No party is complete without it, so use it as a way to bring your theme to life.
Clothing – Encourage everyone to dress along the lines of the theme. If you do this, you are only one step away from having a costume contest for a fun activity!

Create a Layout – Outdoor spaces are large, so take advantage of it, but plan ahead where everything will go. Lifetime® tables and chairs can be set up in different areas of the party. They are lightweight and easy to move around, making it easy to toy with several different set-up options. Once the layout is finalized, label each table with what will go on it. This way, as guests arrive with their contributions, they will know where to put them. A few areas to think about are a registration area, space for sitting and eating, food and drink service and a keepsake table for displaying articles of family history or photos.
Prepare for the Weather – No matter how much hard work you put into planning, bad weather can foil an event. Have tents on hand, or plan your event adjacent an available indoor area or pavilion so that plans can proceed despite the weather. It may not be possible to tent the entire event, but a few strategically placed covered areas can keep the party flowing. If possible, plan a rain date.
Create a Comfortable Space – If you can’t have the reunion at someone’s home, put time into thinking about what needs this adds. As you go through a day in your home, ask yourself, “What am I doing that wouldn’t be possible outside in a park?”

Restrooms: Renting temporary toilet facilities to ensure that everyone can be comfortable throughout the day. Too many guests can cause a strain on septic systems.
Shade: The same tents you have on hand for rain can be used to create shady areas if the weather reaches the opposite extreme. Provide sunscreen and bug spray, as your guests will likely forget.
Water: There may not be an adequate water source at your event-site, so have plenty of bottles on hand. Factor in how long the reunion will be, and how many bottles each person might consume over that time period.
Electricity/Gas: This might be necessary for cooking.
Clothing: You never know when someone will catch a chill or overheat, and not have extra clothes on hand. Purchase a few inexpensive sweatshirts, t-shirts and hats to have around, or choose these as party favors.

Utilize Your Family's Talents – This will help everyone feel involved and can save money. Ask the good cooks to provide favorite family recipes, engage teenage participants by asking them to take photos, shoot video or baby-sit. However, keep in mind that everyone, including you, should have time to enjoy the festivities, so distribute assignments evenly.
Plan for Food – Food is often the centerpiece of a family event, but it can also be the downfall if not planned appropriately.

Decide if you want to serve one or more full meals or simply provide snacks.
Think about how much you would personally want to eat at the reunion. Allow for a little extra, just in case, and multiply this amount by how many will attend.
Reach out to local food distributors for quotes to help you find the best deals.
Use steam tables and coolers to keep foods at safe temperatures.
Always keep food in the shade.
Screen attachments on tents can be great for keeping away the bugs.
Tag a few family members to help be in charge of maintaining the food, helping little ones get their plates ready, etc.

Create a Schedule – While it is important to relax and not be inflexible during a fun party, if certain time guidelines aren’t set, activities that took a lot of resources to plan might get overlooked. Print a schedule for the day, and run through it with guests as they arrive.
Keep Safety in Mind – Always have first-aid supplies and cell phones on hand. It’s also not a bad idea to call the local police department, and let them know that you are hosting an event with lots of people. This way, if something should go wrong, they’ll be aware, and will know right where to come.
Create a Keepsake – Even after the reunion is over, the fun and memory making can continue by making something collectively as a family.

Quilts make great keepsakes. Provide every participant with a square of fabric and set up an area to decorate them on-site. After the reunion, ask a family member who is good at sewing to assemble the pieces. This simple process is a great way to create a new family heirloom that will be cherished.
Sign-in books not only keep a record of who attended, but participants can write a short note next to their name to create a simple keepsake.
Collages of photos from the day can be compiled and emailed to all participants.
Recipes that are featured at the event can be combined into a family cookbook.

The Day of the Event

Set Up – Ask a few family members to arrive early to help set-up. You won’t want everyone standing around as preparations are underway, but a few extra hands (and the muscles of nephews and grandsons) will be welcomed! Have a brief meeting with your helpers when they arrive. This way, there will be no confusion and things will be able to come together quickly.
Make Use of the Last Hours Before Guests Arrive – Timing is extremely important the morning of the event, especially when it comes to food. Here are some helpful guidelines:
Four hours from guest arrival

Helpers should arrive
Set up of tables, tents, etc.
Set up all activities
Begin decorating

Two hours from guest arrival
- Refrigerate drinks
- Purchase ice
- Make last runs to the grocery store, etc.
30 minutes before guests arrive
- Make sure all sign in materials are in place
- Turn on steam tables for food if serving hot dishes
- If cooking out, turn on the grill
- Transfer drinks and other food into coolers
- Put out eating utensils, plates, and napkins
Include Family Who Could Not Attend – Have a cell phone dedicated to this purpose and give the number to family members who were unable to attend. This will give them the chance to call in and get passed around to say hello to everyone. Be sure to give those that might call in a good idea of what times would be most convenient.
Plan the Next Family Gathering – Having everyone in one place at one time is a rare occasion, so take advantage, and set a tentative date for the next family gathering. Once you see how easy it is to pull this off, you may want to have another sooner than you think!
Clean Up – Whether the event is at home or in another location, have sufficient supplies on hand to clear trash and other clutter. Before the event starts, find a few younger helpers who are willing to be in charge of collecting trash and bagging everything up. You can even offer them each a few dollars for their help.
Encourage Post-Event Contact – Reunions are great ways to rekindle lost relationships. Create a phone or email chain while everyone is together. This will be great for spreading family news, and to pass along reunion follow-up. After the event, digitize photos, and use the email chain to pass them along to everyone. The next time big family news comes about; it will be easy to get the word out to everyone. This information can even be put together creatively to make a post-event gift to send to all participants.

After Everyone's Gone Home!

Thank Key Players – Give yourself a few days for everything to settle after the event, but as the planner, it is a good idea to send a special thank you note to everyone who helped make the event a success.
Stay in Touch – If you follow these tips, you’ll have an improved capability to stay in touch with your family after the event. Do your part to keep family bonds strong.

Garden Composting

2009-04-14T18:00:00Z

Composting is an excellent way to reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Don't throw away your kitchen and garden waste! Composting these organic materials creates a rich, black fertilizer full of nutrients and conditioners for your garden. Why spend money on expensive fertilizers when you already have all the ingredients you need to make a wonderful soil conditioner--ingredients that would otherwise end up in an already overflowing landfill?

Compost heaps may be contained in a homemade bin, a commercial bin, or simply in an open pile near your garden, but bear in mind these materials will rot and will therefore create an odor. For that reason, you may prefer an enclosed bin.Storing the material in an enclosed bin will also create much more heat, which will speed up the decomposition process.

Checklist

Lifetime composter
organic vegetable matter from your kitchen, including coffee grounds and egg shells
manure
grass clippings
dead leaves
sticks and twigs

Starting Your Compost Heap

Keep a plastic bag or container in the kitchen to store your vegetable peelings, fruit rinds, and egg shells for later disposal into your compost heap.
If possible, use a bag on your lawnmower so that grass clippings can be easily dumped into your compost heap.
Rake up those dead leaves and twigs in your lawn and flowerbeds and add them to your compost heap.

Maintaining Your Compost Heap

Regularly mix the materials in your compost heap to distribute the heat that is necessary to decomposition. This can be done with a pitchfork or shovel if you are not using an enclosed commercial bin If you are using a commercial bin, the material can be easily rotated within the tumbler with a few turns of a handle.
It will take a few weeks for your compost material to decompose into a rich, black crumbly loam that is ready to be spread onto your garden.

Important Tips!

Some organic material is not suitable for composting and can actually harm your plants.Do not put the following materials in your compost heap!

Meat (including grease) and dairy products because they create a very strong odor that will attract pests and insects to your garden
Yard vegetation that has been chemically treated with pesticides because that is harmful to the organisms in your compost
Dog or cat *** because they may contain parasites harmful to humans
Black walnut leaves and twigs because they release a substance that may be harmful to plants
Coal or ash because it might contain a substance that is harmful to plants
Diseased vegetation because it may transfer diseases or bugs to your garden plants