When it come to planning a Thanksgiving party, a large amount of focus is placed on the party itself. While it is important to plan and prepare for your party, there are some party hosts who forget the importance of inviting their guests. While the guests always end up getting invited, it isn't in the manner that they wished to be invited. If you are hosting a Thansgiving party, you are urged to invite your guests with real party invitations; you will find that there are a number of benefits in doing so.
Perhaps, the biggest benefit to inviting your guests to your Thanksgiving party with formal invitations is the fact that your invitation will reflect upon your party. The invitation is a lot of times the first indication of the formality or casualness of the event. Let the invitation set the mood for your upcoming event. Also, guests feel more important when invited with a formal invitation. If you took the time to send them a party invitation, they are more likely to make a point of coming to your party.
When it comes to party invitations, you will find that you have a number of different options. The most popular option is using store bought invitations. Store bought invitations are nice and typically come with pre-filled recommendations,
such as the party date, time and place.
Another convenient option, especially if you have a hectic schedule, is purchasing your Thanksgiving party invitations online. Stores like Greeting Card Universe offers high quality real paper greeting cards and invitations for every occasion. As the consumer, you are able to add your specific party information directly to the inside of the card. You can also add a personal note if you wish. Greeting Card Universe will also take on the chore of mailing the party invitations to your guests with a good looking presentation.
If you are looking for a way to invite your guests without spending a lot of money, you can easily do this by making your own Thanksgiving party invitations. In most party supply stores or craft stores you can find a collection of blank cards or themed papers. Often times your computer will also have card and party templates which you can use.
As previously mentioned, there are a number of benefits to sending your Thanksgiving party guests real party invitations, whether they are store or internet bought or handmade. Your guests will enjoy they thought and effort that you put into it.
For more cards and invitations that you can customize and personalize please visit my other card gallery on Lora Severson Photography on Zazzle.com. You will find many card templates that you can use to create any kind of card you need whether it be a birthday card, anniversary card, congratulations or get well card or thank you notes. I am a photographer that has a passion for nature, flowers and martial arts.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thanksgiving Dinner Invitations - Creative Options to Invite Guests
Monday, October 6, 2008
Unique Nature Photography Christmas Cards
Get 25% off 10 or more Christmas Holiday cards by Lora Severson Photography at Zazzle.com . Check out the original winter scenic nature photography and high quality printing and shipping offered by Zazzle.com! All cards, gift tags and envelope seals are customizable - add your personal note or name to create your own custom card! Be sure to pick up matching winter scenic postage stamps while you're there.
Use promo code: HOLIDAYCARDS at checkout until November 18, 2008.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Fall Planting
Fall Planting by Veracan
Soon it will be time for fall gardening. Removing the spent annuals, pulling the endless weeds, cultivating mulch and planting fall flowers.
Just because mums are available now (in August), does not necessarily mean you should start today. Growers push an early batch because the retailers have been sitting idle for most of July and August. There are early blooming varieties of Mums and Asters, but generally not this early.
Fall gardening is just that. It feels great to get outside when the temperatures are in the mid 70’s instead of the high 90’s. Fall is the best time to do many, many things in your garden.
Mulch - Fall is a great time to cultivate all the mulch in your beds. Over the season the mulch has a tendency to become compacted. The necessary water and air cannot get to the roots of the plants where it is needed. Use a 3 or 4 tined garden Hoe to turn the mulch.
Fertilizer and weed preventer - Once you have cultivated your mulch, a good organic fertilizer and a weed preventer, such as Cockadoodle-doo organic fertilizer and Cockadoodle-Doo corn gluten weed preventer is a great fertilizer for your plants and shrubs and a natural weed preventer to keep those winter weeds away.
Plantings - The fall season is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. As the temperatures are in a cooling pattern, trees and shrubs are less likely to go into shock after transplanting. They take root more easily, because the plant is not working so hard to keep the foliage from becoming stressed due to the heat. Many trees are dug in the fall. To get trees that have been freshly dug, go to your local nursery (not big box store) in October. Ask the nursery salesperson if they are getting any fresh trees for the fall. On the East Coast, trees normally get dug in October, depending on the weather. If all you can find are trees that were dug in the spring, ask for a discount if they are already not on sale. No Nursery wants to keep too much stock over the winter. There is too much loss. When you do plant shrubs and trees in the fall they still require water, mulch and TLC. Plant your fall flowers in mid to late September so the color lasts well into the fall. Plant your bulbs late in the fall, so they don’t start to grow. Tulips and Daffodils not to mention the dozens of other spring blooming bulbs will do best planted in early November once the temps are going to stay cold.
The Lawn - Fall is the absolute best time of year to overhaul the lawn. Get a soil test to check the Ph of the soil. Lime if necessary. Aerating and or thatching are best done in the fall. Aerating is the process of making holes in the lawn, about 2 inches deep, so water and air can get to the roots of the turf. Thatching is the process of getting rid of the “thatch” or dead build up that can choke out the good turf and prevent water and fertilizer from reaching the roots of the turf. Once you aerate or thatch the lawn, I would recommend over seeding and fertilizing. Thatching the lawn will leave bare or thin areas in the lawn, if you do not over seed, the weeds will just take over. Once you have over seeded and fertilized it is a good idea to get that seed covered, to keep it from drying out between watering and from becoming bird food. Straw is a good cover, except you need to pull it up. Peat moss is a good cover and you don’t have to pull it up. A reusable grass germinating mat is also great. The grass germinates faster because it generates warmth and allows water to flow through, yet still protecting it from critters. A good organic fertilizer will get the turf through the winter without becoming stressed.
Fall is also a great time to prune your trees and shrubs. Give them a good haircut so they keep their shape. When they flush out in the spring they will be nice and dense, not stringy.
Take time to enjoy your fall gardening. Working in the yard this time of year will ensure you of a beautiful and lush spring season.
This article may be reproduced and/or distributed for the purpose of education only, and may not be changed in part or whole. This article was written by Vera Pappas, Owner of GreenNationGardens.com, suppliers of unique and eco-friendly garden supplies.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Buy autumn and fall related greeting cards at Lora Severson Photography at Greeting Card Universe. Buy real
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Martial Arts Benefits
Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids by John Parke
Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we’ve all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.
But when your five-year old yells at you “Mom, Kids Rule!” or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these “family programs” really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded “bling bling” pop culture of today.
Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.
Martial Arts Training
From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid
You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission – but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?
First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.
Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the “sport”, but mental and emotional lessons as well.
Comparing that to other kid’s activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and “winning at all costs” seems to be the order of the day, it’s not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.
Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70’s, when I was growing up!
The Advantages
• Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.
• Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.
• Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.
• Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.
• Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.
Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?
Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child’s personality and the training techniques.
Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn’t center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.
Here’s a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you’re likely to find:
Martial Arts From Japan
Karate
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Centers on building strength and endurance
• Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring
• May use weapons
Jujitsu
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Involves lots of sparring
• Teaches a fair amount of weapons training
Aikido
• Uses a more “spiritual” and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.
• Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy
• Does not involve sparring or competitions
Judo
• Uses gentle, “wrestling-like” movements
• Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts
• Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development
• Engages in competitions
Martial Arts From China
Kung-Fu
• The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles
• Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques
• Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.
• Engages in sparring competitions
Martial Arts From Korea
Taekwondo
• Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.
• Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.
• Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.
Choosing The Right Instruction
If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you’d like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child’s and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.
Say you’ve found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?
1. Good Instructors
Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!
2. Space and Safety
Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.
3. School Values
Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid’s karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school’s ideals match your family’s principles.
4. Prices and Schedules
Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family’s lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.
Baby Blackbelts
Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.
Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.
For more information, please go to our site: http://www.LloydIrvin.com - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maryland (BJJ) and Muay Thai Boxing Maryland, Virginia and DC’s own Lloyd Irvin is a Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) and Grappling Hall of Fame Inductee. He is now offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Maryland and a FREE 30 Day Trial of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maryland (BJJ), Thai Kick Boxing , Maryland Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts program.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
For a complete selection of Martial Arts gifts including martial arts t-shirts, tote bags, keychains, greeting and congratulations cards visit Lora Severson Photography/Martial Arts at Zazzle.com. Customize Martial Arts products with specific martial art sport, name, school or team name.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Turning a Photograph into a Poster
Do you have pictures at home that would make great posters? Because of my passion for martial arts, I have several martial arts themed pictures. These pictures make perfect motivational posters when a border and quote or inspirational phrase is added.
It is simple to do this at home with Photoshop.
First, open the picture to which you would like to add a border. I always make a duplicate copy to work on instead of the original.
Next, under the Image tab at the top click on Canvas Size. You will see what the current size measurements are and a box for the new size. In the new size, increase the width and height by how big you would like the border to be when finished. For example, if a picture is 8 x 10 and I wanted a 2 inch border, I would increase the size to 10 x 12.
You can change the color of the border to whatever compliments the photo and add text if you wish.
I have more examples of Motivational Martial Arts Posters which make perfect gifts for the martial artist. These martial arts posters are great for karate or tae kwon do. I also offer Abstract Fractal Arts Posters at Zazzle.com. While you are there, be sure to check out my new Earth Day Poster featuring a gorgeous nature photograph taken of the mountains in Lake Tahoe.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Simple Tips To Keep Your Tulips Looking Gorgeous
Tulips are from Holland, right? Not exactly. Tulips are actually from Turkey. Tulip means Turban in Turkish. Regardless of the origin of Tulips they are a beautiful flower that people of many backgrounds enjoy.
Experts would term tulips as perennials, however they are generally thought of as annuals. They can be termed annuals because of how you take care of them and their blooming cycle. Tulip bulbs should be planted around the end of October and beginning of November as any experienced gardener knows.
What type of soil is best for tulip bulbs? Sandy soil is the best option. Sandy soil helps with drainage from the tulip. Verify that you use a planter properly otherwise your tulips might not drain. If tulips don't drain properly then they can rot more easily.
If you do not have naturally sandy soil in the area where you live, it is fine to just add some sand and a little compost to your soil. Whatever you do, make sure that the soil is fairly dry when digging and planting bulbs.
There is no specific depth that the experts recommend you plant a tulip. This is due in large part to the fact that tulip bulbs come in a wide variety of sizes. For a rough idea of how deep to plant the bulbs, measure the length. Then, multiply that length by three and plant the bulbs at that depth. Although not an ideal solution, this rough idea will net you more tulips in the springtime than simply planting your bulbs at a uniform depth.
Tulips are great at warding off flower disease. However, they are not immune to everything. Usually you will see "tulip fire" which leaves the stems stunted and deformed. Brown patches will surface on the stunted stems and leaves. If this occurs then you need to completely get rid of the tulips and start again.
If you don't want to buy new bulbs every year you can dig up the tulip bulbs each season. Make sure that you keep them in a cool, dry place until you can plant them again. They can rot even when they are not in the ground. Therefore, proper storage is of the utmost importance. You should dig up your bulbs when the leaves and foliage are completely dry.
Tulips are a beautiful addition to any garden and the aroma is wonderful. If you cut tulips to display them make sure to add some sugar to the water. This will let the tulips live another week longer. Whether you enjoy tulips in the garden or on your kitchen table, they are a nice addition to your surroundings.
About the author: Hugo Bolzonello writes exclusively for US Tulips, it's one of the webs most up to date Tulips sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter.
Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com
Lora Severson Photography offers tulip photography like the photo above on a wide array of unique gifts and as fine art prints. From tulip greeting cards and calendars to coffee mugs and t-shirts and apparel, she's got it all. Visit her website www.LoraSeversonPhotography.com for some ideas for unique women's gifts and unique best friend gifts.
