The Lure Guide Center

Tips for Maintaining a Beautiful Floral Arrangement

You have just received a beautiful floral arrangement and are delighted! Who wouldn’t be? Flowers can immediately instill a feeling of warmth and appreciation. Every time you glance at them, you smile. Now, how can you lengthen the life of your flowers? If you adhere to the following tips, you can extend the life of your floral arrangement by 5 - 7 days. So get ready to be happier even longer.

Floral Arrangements

  1. Make sure that you keep the vase adequately filled. If the solution becomes cloudy, replace it with a fresh solution. Use a flower food supplied by your florist, and mix it according to the directions.
  2. If your arrangement is in a container with foam, keep the foam moist at all times.
  3. Keep your floral arrangement out of direct sunlight.
  4. Do not place the flowers near warm surfaces such as on a television set, near a heater or heat duct and away from lamps, stoves and fireplaces.
  5. Keep flowers in a cool area with temperature range from 65 - 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep away from fans and open windows.

Loose or Fresh Cut Flowers

  1. Remove all leaves that will be below the waterline.
  2. Cut the stems on an angle about - 1 inch from the bottom using a sharp knife.
  3. Fill the vase 2/3 full with clean, fresh water.
  4. Add flower food according to the directions.
  5. When arranging flowers, take care not to bend or break stalks and branches. If you do bend or break one, make sure that you remove the stem completely as it will draw energy from the rest of the flower.
  6. As your flowers age, remove those that are drooping or dropping petals to keep your arrangement fresh looking.

Now, stand back and enjoy!

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Types of Bridal Shower Favors

The first types of bridal shower favors that you will need are door prizes.Traditional bridal shower games include games like Toilet Paper Wedding Gown Designer, The Life Thread Game, and Balloon Pop Games.

Next you will need bridal shower favors that you can hand out as game prizes.You can save money by buying a pre-printed set of bridal shower invitations, or by making your own.Other possible bridal shower ideas for themes include: Hawaiian theme, Western theme, Beach theme, tropical theme, kinky theme, or Victorian theme.Bridal showers with themes will need to find games that incorporate an element of the theme into the game.For example you can use the bride’s favorite movie as inspiration for the bridal shower’s theme.The final things that your bridal shower ideas will need to be applied to are bridal shower games.The bridal shower decorations that you will need include: table cloths, napkins, centerpieces, glasses, draping fabric, banners, and wall hangings.The theme of the bridal shower should reflect something that the bride-to-be likes.In addition to bridal shower invitations and decorations, your bridal shower ideas also need to be translated into bridal shower favors.Finally you will need bridal shower favors that can be given to all of the guests just for showing up.Next you will need to take your ideas and apply them to the decorations for the bridal shower.Bridal Shower Themes, Ideas and Decorations

The first step in planning a bridal shower is to come up with a list of bridal shower ideas for possible party themes.The cost of the bridal shower invitation will be based on the material that it is made out of, the vendor that offers the bridal shower invitations, how many invitations you order, and if the invitations are customized.

After the theme for the bridal shower has been selected the next step will be to pick out an invitation design that compliments the bridal shower theme.For example a western themed bridal shower may offer games that incorporate props like cowboy hats, cowboy boots, and lassos.Your decorations should reflect the theme of the bridal shower, and they should offer an aesthetic function as well as a practical function.

A Woman’s Job No Woman Wants!

Never talked about and seldom acknowledged is the fact that women have by default one of the worst jobs on the planet, namely final arrangement director. Of all the funerals, cremations and burials that take place in this country every year, nearly two thirds of these estimated 2.3 million deaths will be planned, arranged and ultimately paid for by women, by default because she is the surviving member of the marriage.

It is a basic fact of life that women currently outlive men. So when a funeral is about to take place it is usually a woman who must walk through this agonizing series of events, try to navigate the myriad of decisions, well over 120 in the first 24 hours, and keep her wits about her. All the while she is feeling the same anxiety, grief, anger, fear, emotional stress that all her other loved ones are experiencing.

What is surprising is that, despite the fact women will be making these decisions and history proves it, few women know much about this critical and often exceedingly expensive event. It is not unusual for a recent widow to have to write a check or authorize the spending of $6,000 to $10,000 in a matter of an hour or two. Without some knowledge of what the final arrangements process is this widow is at the mercy of whomever it is she called to help her make these arrangements.

Readers’ Digest put it best in their 1989 Consumers Adviser when they described the final arrangements decision process this way, “Few consumers would ordinarily admit to spending $5,000 or more on something that they knew little or nothing about. Yet everyday thousands of Americans do just that when a family member dies. On short notice, with their judgment often clouded by grief or guilt, they turn to the nearest funeral director to tell them what to do. While few people are comfortable about discussing funerals in advance, it is really a very poor idea to decide on arrangements under the pressure of time and emotional stress.”

If a couple is typical, they will have spent a grand total of 20 minutes or so during the entire course of their marriage seriously discussing the subject if at all. As they used to say, “this is no way to run a railroad.” Yet, this is what happens thousands of times every day in this country when someone passes away.

The good news is information and help is out there for women and men to learn something about the final arrangements process and it doesn’t mean walking into your local funeral parlor and get a look at the new line of caskets for this year. It doesn’t have to cost a dime to create a complete final arrangements plan and it can be done without all the emotional stress, but rather in a logical, cost effective yet dignified manner for all concerned.

If a husband and wife, particularly the wife, since statistics say she will more than likely be the one making the arrangements in the end, would take the time to find out some key answers, talk about the subject and write out some kind of preplanning ideas, a lot of emotional trauma can be spared.

There are some general topics that at least would give women a basic knowledge base, so that they won’t be completely naive when they are called upon to actually coordinate this event. What needs to be decided at least in broad strokes are the following:

  • Know where key documents are located. These include wills, trusts, bank accounts, military records, deeds, mortgages, insurance, etc.
  • Do you want to be cremated, buried, entombed, etc.
  • What kind of funeral do you each want?
  • How much should be spent.
  • Where do you want to be buried or scattered if that is your choice.
  • Where will the money come from for whatever you are deciding to do?
  • Do you have a particular Funeral Home in mind?
  • Should you purchase some things in advance, such as; cemetery property, funeral services, caskets, etc.

These are just the rudimentary parts, to begin the thinking, about the final arrangements’ planning process. You could call or visit a funeral home or cemetery and often get booklets that lay out many of the things you need to jot down. An even easier way is to simply go on line and if you search for “final arrangements” or more specific parts of what you’re thinking about like; cremation, cemetery lots for sale, etc. You will be amazed at all that’s out there for you to get the information you need. The nice thing about some of these sites is you can actually use an online program that will allow you to create a plan and use their tutorials to learn what you should know about something that will happen someday. www.finalarrangementsnetwork.com and www.preplannet.com are two such sites with a wealth of information to give. You could do your own searches for information such as “cemetery lots for sale”, “cremation arrangements” or simply “final arrangements”. Just about every aspect of this subject you may need information about is out there on the internet for you to privately learn about before you would ever have to face the emotional and financial burdens of those final arrangements for someone you love.

Yes women have a job that they would prefer not to ever have and, for sure, would never apply for. Unfortunately, the facts are they will get the call and hopefully have learned something about the job before they do.

###

Copyright 2004 by RW Ward, Essexville, Michigan, USA

finalarrangementsnetwork@chartermi.net

www.finalarrangementsnetwork.com

The author writes and studies marketing and consumer trends in deathcare around the world. His industry experience includes some of the world’s largest deathcare providers.

Can’t Find A Very Wide Selection Of Plus Size Clothing?

Haven’t got a thing to wear and that all-important evening is
getting closer? Well with the wide selection of plus size
clothing that’s on the market today you should be decked out in
fine style by the time that evening rolls around. Today’s market
not only offers evening gowns but a wide selection of plus size
clothing for any occasion you may have in mind. From casual to
formal, the clothing you need is all there waiting for you to
choose. You will find the Internet is the best place to shop for
plus size clothing as these retailers offer a wide selection of
plus size clothing and you have the comfort of shopping from
your own home.

When you’re shopping for plus size women’s clothing, an evening
formal has to be the easiest type of clothing to shop for. When
the black dress is combined with bare shoulders, you’re bound to
be the hit of the evening and feel like a million bucks to boot.
Another thing you can do to dress up that little black dress is
to wear golden accessories.

If the occasion is semi formal, try a pair of gauchos as an
alternative to an evening skirt. This type of plus size clothing
can make you look stunning if you do it right. If it’s a casual
party you’re attending, then try a pair of stone washed jeans
and add a bolero for a look that is different and sexy. When
dressing casual, there is a wide selection of plus size clothing
for you to choose from.

There is a wide selection of plus size clothing on the Internet
and you should have no trouble finding what you want or what
suits you. The A-Line skirt is a basic of plus size women’s
clothing. When you have several of these in your wardrobe, they
will get you through the summer.

This line of plus size clothing is a classic and very versatile.
It fits the waist and flares out, so it hides the unflattering
spots that you don’t want noticed.

For another casual look in plus size women’s clothing, try a
pair of capri’s but stay away from the large print ones because
this will add to your heavy look. You will find that there is a
very wide selection of plus size clothing in this style. A
sarong is a must for summer in plus size clothing for women as
it covers up a multitude of sins on your hips and tummy and can
add to a otherwise boring bathing suit.

If you’re going to get a tankini, you will find a wide selection
in this kind of clothing as well. They are available in plus
sizes with the bra built in, and when you’re getting one of
these make sure you buy so you can mix and match throughout the
summer.

They are a must for your wardrobe. As you can see plus size
women’s clothing is not so hard to find as it used to be. You
can shop until you drop and enjoy the wide selection of plus
size clothing and at affordable prices, which makes shopping all
that more enjoyable.

There is a wide selection of plus size clothing available now,
you just need to find it. Go online.

How to Create Beautiful Prom Hairstyles

When a girl feels her prom night is around the corner, a number
of ideas come across her mind planning the best look on her big
night. If your are such a girl dreaming of the most beautiful
prom dress that you can find, consider that it will not look as
great as it could be, if you forget the importance of prom
hairstyles to accentuate your dress

Sexy looking up-dos, short hairstyles, long hairstyles, and even
funky styles, prom hairstyles are a world apart to choose from
right one for a stunning looking appearance on this special
night. A balanced combination between your dress, shoes,
accessories, hair, makeup, and the magic of a perfume, are a
just a few points of attention for a gorgeous look.

Many great prom hairstyles (even thought of h
air extensions?)are created in the salon, but that does not
mean that you cannot get astonishing results with a hairdo made
at home by yourself or with the help of your close friends to
achieve the hairstyle you want. You can find a good source of
hairstyles through online photo galleries, and also browsing
beauty magazines and catalogs.

Decide on the style that best fits your personality or the
special look you want on your prom night. Sophisticated, classic
up-dos are always great to wear on one the most important events
of every woman’s life. Hair extensions are a great aid if your
hair is not enough to design a fashionable style.

Prom hairstyles come also in long hairstyles and short
hairstyles. You can always visit a salon if you are unsure
of your choice, and make an appointment. You should call the
salon at least one to 2 months prior to the prom to set your
appointment. Many other girls will also be setting their
appointments and you want to be sure to have yours. Jot down the
date and confirm the appointment 2 or 3 days before the date to
make sure nothing has changed.

Think of your personality, or the self-image you want to offer
on prom night. Many young women want to look like an adult
serious woman by getting a dress, makeup and hairdo that makes
him feel like as if they were a total stranger to themselves,
while others prefer to become that woman, leaving in the past,
any teenage look.

The most important thing is be yourself. Consider also that
short styles are more often associated with casual or sporty
lifestyles, while long hairstyles are more likely associated
with a sexy looking image.

Explain to your friends or your stylist what the exact look is
that you want, and consider having a trial. Most salons gladly
will guide you through many prom hairstyles until you find the
right one, whether with hair extensions, up-dos, long hairstyles
or short hairstyles.

Holy mackerel, I actually found something that works.

I’m not exactly a high-profile guy.

You know, I pretty much like my job, I pay my bills well enough,
and enjoy staying pretty close to the house on the weekends. But
I’m not really the guy who everybody gathers around at parties,
you know what I mean? In fact, if there was a party, I might get
invited alright, but probably would end up just not going.

Hi, I’m Jim, and I’m an internet addict. I’m a search junkie.
You know what I mean?; Search Google Images for the name “Bob”
and you will get a look at every dude named “Bob” on the Western
Hemisphere. (Which is, incidentally, where all the Bobs have
ended up, apparently…) Search the word “foot” sometime, for
example. But be CAREFUL!! You should know that image searches
often bring up medical sites, and my brother (or sis) there are
some G-NARLY “foot” disorders out there… So I’ve warned you.
It’s out of my hands now…

So anyway, in my obsessive funk at 1:00 a.m. when I should have
been tucked warmly in with my wife, I run across this guy who
calls himself The Rich
Jerk. Jerks are kindof like train wrecks, you know what I
mean? Or like car accidents on the interstate. You don’t want to
look, you know it’s just going to slow down traffic, but for
some stupid reason, you just have to at least GLANCE, you know?
Or at least dang near break your kneck trying not to. So anyhow,
I start reading, an d he’s absolutely right; he certainly does
come off as a jerk, big time, but man, I started reading up, and
this guy’s definitely a jerk, but he’s doing something on the
low end (you know, like small business) that big companies have
been doing on the internet for a few years now, and he wrote an
ebook about it. I did Youknowwhat-Way back in the day, so I got
a snoot full in a hurry. Didn’t do jack for me. I’m a pretty
hard worker too, but it just wasn’t do-able for me. But this
whole thing with the internet has apparently made it so easy to
buy stuff over the net that people (businesses)pay a little bit
for each of those little “click-throughs”. The Jerk (Sorry, The RICH
Jerk…)made a TON of change when he figured out how to be
one of the people who owns one of those really inexpensive
little banners that people “click-through” (sorry for all the
“quotes”)to buy that stuff. It’s like you don’t have to even be
the one selling, you just have the little link that sends
people, who are ALREADY looking for whatever it is they end up
clicking on ANYWAY!

So I did it.

I know. “Hoser!”, you say.

Yeah. Fine. But I’m telling you, it’s not only legit, it’s a
freakin’ pretty dang big deal. It took me about a day of
figuring out what some of the terminology meant, I wasn’t raised
with computers like most kids are now, and there are still some
things I have to get my head around, but I’ve been getting some
checks from Clickbank, and I’m telling you, I may be able to do
it exclusively if this keeps doing what it’s been doing, and
more impertantly than anything else to me, I think my wife can
quit working soon. I’m not kidding, man.

Ok, yeah, you have to have a computer, and you have to learn
some new stuff about the internet but frankly, I thought it was
all pretty interesting stuff anyway, and at least I’m not trying
to sell soap or having all my friends over to try to sell them
something so they never speak to me again.

My checks are great and all, and I can see them getting bigger
like very fast, but you should see this guy’s. He has actual
copies of his statements on the site so you can see them. And
they’re not from selling the ebook. I’m sure he’ll make a lot
from that too, but most of the stuff he tells you has NOTHING to
do with it. There are ten things that he tells you about, and
they’re all so SOLID, man. Like he says in his
characteristically “jerklike” way, you’d almost have to be
stupid not to be able to at least make a little of extra money,
and when this guys says a little, well, his “little” and my
“little” are two different things. Were, anyway.

I’m kinda glad I didn’t get this kind of thing in my twenties,
frankly. I wasn’t totally irresponsible or anything, I was in
the military so I would have only gotten in so much trouble, but
I’ve had to work pretty hard most of my life. Think it’s done me
a lot of good, frankly. But it’s pretty dad-gum cool to go get a
new scope for my boy’s rifle now if I feel like it, you know?

And no, I’m not going to start throwing money at him now that
I’m making extra money. But maybe there’ll be a few bucks left
over for him and whatever family he has when I finally
keel-over, you know?

If you’re interested, here’s how you find the guy:

Click here: The Rich
Jerk

Now, I wasn’t kidding. The guy really is kindof a jerk, so keep
that in mind if you check out the site. Oh, I don’t know if he
really is, I tend to think people like that are just probably
tired of trying to be nice when so much of life would just work
a whole lot better if people actually just got to the POINT, you
know?

Dang sure got my attention.

Japanese Kanji Tattoos

Thinking about getting a Japanese Kanji Tattoo? These are definitely very popular items to get tattoo of. The beauty of the Japanese and Chinese calligraphic style of writing has a definite allure to many people. That coupled with the fact that the writing is foreign to most of us and therefore looks mysterious and magical. Therefore Japanese Kanji makes a great artistic item to get tattoos done of.

However you have to be careful. You see my wife is from Japan and is a classical trained calligrapher. I can’t tell you the number of times each week that we see someone with a beautiful looking tattoo that doesn’t make sense.
You see for the tattoo artist in the local tattoo parlor if you pay the money and want the tattoo that is good enough for them. They get paid and Kanji tattoos are often pretty inexpensive and quick to get done from a tattooist stand point. So they don’t worry to much about the accuracy of the tattoo.

However these flash kanji tattoos that are hanging on the wall in most local tattoo parlors have been bought and copied and sold over and over again and a lot has been lost in the translation. Meaning these images are often missing strokes, or the strokes are done out of order, they are upside down, or just plain the wrong symbol and have a very different meaning. In fact there is even a wonderful blog website done by a Chinese American who people send pictures to and check the accuracy of the Kanji tattoo they had done. The problem is 90% of the time what they think that tattoo says and what it actually says or doesn’t say is often pretty different. There are even horrible stories about people getting things like the word diarrhea tattooed on themselves thinking it said something different.

These errors can happen for two reasons.

1. The difficulty of translating English Words into a foreign language. Often there is no exact translation and even an exact translation might not even make sense to a native speaker.

2. Tattoo artist lack the knowledge of the proper way to form the letters.

You see it takes the Japanese at least 12 years of school to learn to read and write properly. Not like in the US where most 2 and 3rd graders can read pretty fluently. In the Japanese language there are three different alphabets hiraganna, katakanna, and Kanji. Most tattoos are done in Kanji. However there are over 10,000 different symbols in Kanji and the order of strokes that it is written and each little tiny part of the kanji has meaning.

If Of course if you are not to concerned about what your tattoo says then it doesn’t really matter. Go ahead and just get it done at your local tattoo parlor. However if you are concerned about it being accurate then you should either post a job for a custom tattoo design or consult with someone who is a native speaker of the language.

Chris has been running Design My Tattoos website for the last three months. He has thoroughly
enjoyed helping people to get custom tattoo designs done by professional tattoo artists. Go ahead and check out the site and
post a job to get your own custom tattoo design. If you are a tattoo artist and would like to earn some extra income go ahead and sign up
as an artists and make some money in your spare time. You can read
this article
on Japanese Kanji Tattoos here and other articles by clicking here. We also have an extensive
Celebrity tattoo galleries and
design galleries on our site.