Balance. Hmmmm. Seesaws, tightrope walkers, the scales of justice, and, not long ago, Olympics gymnasts on the spooky balance beam. Imagine walking a balance beam -- perhaps you've done it sometime in your life. It's hard enough just to put one foot in front of the other and not fall off right away, but somehow these lithe female gymnasts have acquired such skills of balance that they can jump and flip and tumble and, most of the time, land with their feet squarely on the beam.
Luckily, most of us are not tested in front of millions of people as we tumble across a wooden beam only inches wide, but we certainly do have our own challenge of maintaining balance as we walk our path in life.
To me there is nothing more important than living in balance. This means that all parts of life-- work, family, spirit, play, chores, self-care, etc., are in harmony. to provide for our needs and support the way of living that is the best for each of us. In typical American culture most folks would say that work and chores dominate their lives, and for most people that would not be the choice of how they would choose to live. I hear so many people say, "There's just not enough time." The frustrated cry of an unbalanced life.
How do you know if your life is balanced? Take a few moments to complete a brief exercise and find out. http://www.coachbalance.com/exercise-life-in-balance.html and then come back.
When we live in balance we open up a whole room full of opportunities that were just not available to us before. Let's start with joy and happiness-- sounds good, right? How about health, better relationships, increased income and newfound interests. Maybe more friends, stronger connection with Spirit, a sense of well-being with yourself, and the ability to fulfill dreams. Who would not want to live life engaged in this fashion?
You probably can't be a gold medal gymnast and let's hope beyond hope that you never have to perform on a balance beam, but if you think there's a better way to live your life, you re probably right.
If you did the exercise above, take it one step further.
A. Decide which area of your life you want to have take up more or less of your time. Less time for chores, more time for self care, perhaps? For example: I want more time for myself.
B.Now, write down 3-10 solutions or actions.
1. Find a regular babysitter
2. Make it a rule to leave work by 5pm
3. Write "time for me" in my daily schedule
4. Agree with my partner specifically what time in the week is for me
You get the idea. When you make the list, make every attempt not to let your cynical little saboteur tell you, "That won't work".
You are the brilliant expert at your own life.
Now pick the ones from this list that pop out at you and put them into action. Then sit back and see what kinds of changes happen. Joy anyone?!
About the author:
Copyright 2004 Catherine A. Bruns. This article may be reprinted in full with the following attached: Life Coach Catherine Bruns coaches women to achieve great success in their personal and professional lives. For more information visit http://www.coachbalance.com
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Wedding Photography
If there is one occasion that everyone wants to celebrate with photographs, it is their wedding. It is an occasion that every one wants a degree of professionalism, and many people want to ensure quality. Therefore there are many opportunities for a photographer to make money, if they are willing to cover weddings.
A contract for wedding photography is very important, go to your local library and have a look at sample wedding contracts and do not forget to include a disclaimer. Your disclaimer should clearly state that you are not responsible for photographs that do not come out for equipment failure, which is not your fault. You should also use a disclaimer to say you are not responsible for photos misplaced as a result of sending the film away to be processed. You definitely do not to be sued for breach of contract on your first job.
Before the wedding has started, you should have in writing how many photographs need taking, and be aware of the cost of processing, and the cost of the albums. All that is necessary is that you estimate how long the session will take and add your hourly rate to the figure. Pay special attention to specific requests of the families, they may have a long lost cousin, coming, and they particularly want separate photos of them. It is important you can talk with each family well before the ceremony and establish exactly what they require. Remember that a lot of the guests will also be recording the ceremony, or aspects of it, so avoid unnecessary competition, get as many of the photographs done before the ceremony as you can. Be aware that some venues restrict the places that you can photograph from, so make sure that you are fully aware of this before the ceremony. It is important that you pick the correct vantage point before the ceremony. Do your homework properly, because verbal referrals will be very important for you from this type of business.
Before the ceremony make a complete list of all the photos that will be required. Here is a fairly standard list
PRE-CEREMONY:
Bride with her mother
Bride with her father
Bride with both parents
Groom with both parents
Bride with her immediate family
Bride with grandparents
Groom with grandparents
Bride with maid of honor
Groom with best man
Bride with flower girls, etc.
Groom with ushers
The flowers
Any other special requirements.
JUST PRIOR TO CEREMONY
Groom's mother entering church with usher
Bride's mother entering church with usher
Groom's father entering the church
Bride with father, about to walk down the aisle
Any other special requests.
WEDDING CEREMONY
Bride's and groom's attendants as they walk down aisle
Bride with father walking down the aisle
Bride with father approaching groom at altar
Shots of wedding party at the altar
Shots (if permitted) of bride and groom at altar
Bride and groom kissing
Bride and groom leaving altar
Any other special requests.
POST-CEREMONY
Bride alone at altar
Bride and groom at altar
Bride and groom with bride's family
Bride and groom with groom's family
Bride and groom with minister, priest, rabbi, etc.
Bride and groom with wedding party
Bride and groom kissing
A photograph of the bride and groom’s hands, entwined with the wedding ring.
Bride's attendants (all) alone
Ushers alone
Any other special requests.
RECEPTION
Entry of wedding party
Different shots of guests (table to table)
Different shots of guests not at tables
Bride and groom dancing
Parents of bride and groom dancing
The wedding cake
Bride and groom cutting the cake
Bride feeding groom
Groom feeding bride
Best man's toast
Bride and groom kissing
Bride tossing the bouquet
Groom removing bride's garter
Groom tossing the garter
The band
The servers
The "getaway" car, especially if decorated
Bride and groom driving away in car
Any other special requests.
Not every wedding you cover will want every type of photograph, but it will be a good idea to write down a list of what is required, for your first few weddings, because if you forget, you cannot organise a re run. Also you must remember that it is a sentimental day for many people, and there will be opportunities for unusual photographs, keep a watchful eye out for the child guests, at some point the possibility of an unusual photograph is going to present itself. Weddings are all fairly standard, but most people like to add a reminder of poignancy or humour.
It will be a good idea to get yourself invited to the wedding rehearsal, that way you can meet the guests, and be more comfortable with them on their big day.
The film is a large outlay for a wedding, but most people will be prepared to pay up to 50% before the day, which will be sufficient to cover your expenses.
Do you use digital or film, for the big day. Digital photographers can use Photoshop to enhance your wedding photographs with such techniques as hand-tinting, flaw removal, montage, changing images from color to sepia and black and white, and much more.
About the author:
Publisher & author: Roy Barker. Roy is the author of the popular ebook, Income from Photography - a downloadable ebook guide on how to start up and market a Profitable Photography business. It can be viewed at http://www.profitable-photography.comOther related and reviewed services & research sources can be found at http://www.profitable-photography.com/html/117/
A contract for wedding photography is very important, go to your local library and have a look at sample wedding contracts and do not forget to include a disclaimer. Your disclaimer should clearly state that you are not responsible for photographs that do not come out for equipment failure, which is not your fault. You should also use a disclaimer to say you are not responsible for photos misplaced as a result of sending the film away to be processed. You definitely do not to be sued for breach of contract on your first job.
Before the wedding has started, you should have in writing how many photographs need taking, and be aware of the cost of processing, and the cost of the albums. All that is necessary is that you estimate how long the session will take and add your hourly rate to the figure. Pay special attention to specific requests of the families, they may have a long lost cousin, coming, and they particularly want separate photos of them. It is important you can talk with each family well before the ceremony and establish exactly what they require. Remember that a lot of the guests will also be recording the ceremony, or aspects of it, so avoid unnecessary competition, get as many of the photographs done before the ceremony as you can. Be aware that some venues restrict the places that you can photograph from, so make sure that you are fully aware of this before the ceremony. It is important that you pick the correct vantage point before the ceremony. Do your homework properly, because verbal referrals will be very important for you from this type of business.
Before the ceremony make a complete list of all the photos that will be required. Here is a fairly standard list
PRE-CEREMONY:
Bride with her mother
Bride with her father
Bride with both parents
Groom with both parents
Bride with her immediate family
Bride with grandparents
Groom with grandparents
Bride with maid of honor
Groom with best man
Bride with flower girls, etc.
Groom with ushers
The flowers
Any other special requirements.
JUST PRIOR TO CEREMONY
Groom's mother entering church with usher
Bride's mother entering church with usher
Groom's father entering the church
Bride with father, about to walk down the aisle
Any other special requests.
WEDDING CEREMONY
Bride's and groom's attendants as they walk down aisle
Bride with father walking down the aisle
Bride with father approaching groom at altar
Shots of wedding party at the altar
Shots (if permitted) of bride and groom at altar
Bride and groom kissing
Bride and groom leaving altar
Any other special requests.
POST-CEREMONY
Bride alone at altar
Bride and groom at altar
Bride and groom with bride's family
Bride and groom with groom's family
Bride and groom with minister, priest, rabbi, etc.
Bride and groom with wedding party
Bride and groom kissing
A photograph of the bride and groom’s hands, entwined with the wedding ring.
Bride's attendants (all) alone
Ushers alone
Any other special requests.
RECEPTION
Entry of wedding party
Different shots of guests (table to table)
Different shots of guests not at tables
Bride and groom dancing
Parents of bride and groom dancing
The wedding cake
Bride and groom cutting the cake
Bride feeding groom
Groom feeding bride
Best man's toast
Bride and groom kissing
Bride tossing the bouquet
Groom removing bride's garter
Groom tossing the garter
The band
The servers
The "getaway" car, especially if decorated
Bride and groom driving away in car
Any other special requests.
Not every wedding you cover will want every type of photograph, but it will be a good idea to write down a list of what is required, for your first few weddings, because if you forget, you cannot organise a re run. Also you must remember that it is a sentimental day for many people, and there will be opportunities for unusual photographs, keep a watchful eye out for the child guests, at some point the possibility of an unusual photograph is going to present itself. Weddings are all fairly standard, but most people like to add a reminder of poignancy or humour.
It will be a good idea to get yourself invited to the wedding rehearsal, that way you can meet the guests, and be more comfortable with them on their big day.
The film is a large outlay for a wedding, but most people will be prepared to pay up to 50% before the day, which will be sufficient to cover your expenses.
Do you use digital or film, for the big day. Digital photographers can use Photoshop to enhance your wedding photographs with such techniques as hand-tinting, flaw removal, montage, changing images from color to sepia and black and white, and much more.
About the author:
Publisher & author: Roy Barker. Roy is the author of the popular ebook, Income from Photography - a downloadable ebook guide on how to start up and market a Profitable Photography business. It can be viewed at http://www.profitable-photography.comOther related and reviewed services & research sources can be found at http://www.profitable-photography.com/html/117/
Very Early Symptoms Of Pregnancy - Do You Know These Very Early Pregnancy Signs?
Very early symptoms of pregnancy - what are they? If asked, most women remember their very early pregnancy signs if they have been pregnant before. Some women can detect the moment they begin ovulating, while many women cannot tell when or if they have ovulated. Often, women can detect when the fertile days of their cycle has ended. Some can detect the moment they have become pregnant. And for others, one of the more accurate inexpensive home pregnancy tests is a reliable way to know that the very early symptoms of pregnancy you are having mean you really are pregnant.
Here are the earliest of the very early pregnancy signs:
• Missed Period - missing a menstrual period is an obvious very early pregnancy symptom. However, many women have missed periods for other reasons and conditions. These reasons include illness, stress, hormone imbalance, adverse reactions to foods and ingestion of substances that result in some level of adverse reaction. For a missed period to be one of the very early symptoms of pregnancy, it should be confirmed by other means.
• Morning Sickness - a feeling of nausea in the mornings can be another of the very early symptoms of pregnancy. But this very early pregnancy sign needs to be experienced for several days to be considered reliable. And nausea can have other causes that are not pregnancy related.
• Tender and Enlarged Breasts - very early in pregnancy, the body begins making a series of changes in the normal hormone levels. However, the body is unprepared for these changes when they first occur. There are several changes that will happen in the body in reaction to new hormone levels. One of the most noticable changes occur in the shape of and feelings of tenderness in the breasts. The good news is that these feelings of tenderness go away fairly quickly as the body becomes accustomed to the new hormone chemistry.
• Frequent Trips to the Bathroom - having to urinate more often is one of the very early pregnancy signs. Many women experience more frequent urination even before a missed period. The reason, as with tender and enlarged breasts, is a change in hormone levels produced by implantation of the embryo. A hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced, which has the side effect of causing more frequent urination. This is another of the very early symptoms of pregnancy which can be mistaken for some other condition, or as a reaction to the consumption of various foods or other substances. Pregnancy needs to be confirmed by the results of a pregnancy test.
• Fatigue - the lack of energy as one of the very early pregnancy signs is sometimes hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Again, health professionals attribute this fatigue to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.
These are the most common very early pregnancy signs that most women agree on. Some women will experience only one of these signs, and some will have several or all of these very early symptoms of pregnancy. Once the very early pregnancy signs are experienced, confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests (there are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy). And the health of the baby begins with the mothers health and habits before conception as well as during pregnancy. Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so the brand new person will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
About the author:
Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com- visit the website for more information on pregnancy, ovulation and fertility, progesterone levels during pregnancy, prenatal vitamins and the reliability of early home pregnancy tests.
Here are the earliest of the very early pregnancy signs:
• Missed Period - missing a menstrual period is an obvious very early pregnancy symptom. However, many women have missed periods for other reasons and conditions. These reasons include illness, stress, hormone imbalance, adverse reactions to foods and ingestion of substances that result in some level of adverse reaction. For a missed period to be one of the very early symptoms of pregnancy, it should be confirmed by other means.
• Morning Sickness - a feeling of nausea in the mornings can be another of the very early symptoms of pregnancy. But this very early pregnancy sign needs to be experienced for several days to be considered reliable. And nausea can have other causes that are not pregnancy related.
• Tender and Enlarged Breasts - very early in pregnancy, the body begins making a series of changes in the normal hormone levels. However, the body is unprepared for these changes when they first occur. There are several changes that will happen in the body in reaction to new hormone levels. One of the most noticable changes occur in the shape of and feelings of tenderness in the breasts. The good news is that these feelings of tenderness go away fairly quickly as the body becomes accustomed to the new hormone chemistry.
• Frequent Trips to the Bathroom - having to urinate more often is one of the very early pregnancy signs. Many women experience more frequent urination even before a missed period. The reason, as with tender and enlarged breasts, is a change in hormone levels produced by implantation of the embryo. A hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced, which has the side effect of causing more frequent urination. This is another of the very early symptoms of pregnancy which can be mistaken for some other condition, or as a reaction to the consumption of various foods or other substances. Pregnancy needs to be confirmed by the results of a pregnancy test.
• Fatigue - the lack of energy as one of the very early pregnancy signs is sometimes hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Again, health professionals attribute this fatigue to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.
These are the most common very early pregnancy signs that most women agree on. Some women will experience only one of these signs, and some will have several or all of these very early symptoms of pregnancy. Once the very early pregnancy signs are experienced, confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests (there are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy). And the health of the baby begins with the mothers health and habits before conception as well as during pregnancy. Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so the brand new person will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
About the author:
Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com- visit the website for more information on pregnancy, ovulation and fertility, progesterone levels during pregnancy, prenatal vitamins and the reliability of early home pregnancy tests.
Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy
What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many things you could do, but what most pregnant women rarely do is having a vacation. Get a life and try to relax a little bit. Or take an extended weekend just to refresh and recharge your batteries.
Downtime is very important, and in a world where nearly all of us are tied to cell phones and lap tops, even away from the office, it is good to get away from it all from time to time. Having time to walk along the beach or play golf or even to stay inside and read a great book without interruptions can help us recharge our batteries.
When the baby comes, your number one job is to be Mom. So, you will not have much time for yourself, at least not in the beginning when the baby depends on you for everything. Capitalize on those spare moments of highly valued free time now.
When you are refreshed, you are more effective and productive anyway. You will also be easier to get along with, and it will be easier for you to deal with others (even the difficult ones!).
You are not a slacker for needing time off. Enjoy spending time with your spouse, too, in these nine months, since the second the baby arrives, it will become the number one priority for both of you. Even so, do not let your relationship with your spouse become a low priority. Otherwise, you may look up five or ten years from now and realize you no longer know the man who fathered your baby.
Keep romance alive. Go on regular, standing dates, even it they are on Tuesday nights. Leave the baby with a sitter and enjoy some adult time away from Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer. It is important to realize that as much as you are a mother, you are also a wife. And you need to build a life for yourself so that when baby grows up, you still have meaningful things and people around you.
About the author:
Sara Jameson writes her experiences in The Very Happy Pregnancy: Avoiding Stress and Depression. Read her secrets and truths about having a happy, healthy pregnancy at http://www.you-know-you-are-pregnant.infoand http://www.pregnancy-question.info
Downtime is very important, and in a world where nearly all of us are tied to cell phones and lap tops, even away from the office, it is good to get away from it all from time to time. Having time to walk along the beach or play golf or even to stay inside and read a great book without interruptions can help us recharge our batteries.
When the baby comes, your number one job is to be Mom. So, you will not have much time for yourself, at least not in the beginning when the baby depends on you for everything. Capitalize on those spare moments of highly valued free time now.
When you are refreshed, you are more effective and productive anyway. You will also be easier to get along with, and it will be easier for you to deal with others (even the difficult ones!).
You are not a slacker for needing time off. Enjoy spending time with your spouse, too, in these nine months, since the second the baby arrives, it will become the number one priority for both of you. Even so, do not let your relationship with your spouse become a low priority. Otherwise, you may look up five or ten years from now and realize you no longer know the man who fathered your baby.
Keep romance alive. Go on regular, standing dates, even it they are on Tuesday nights. Leave the baby with a sitter and enjoy some adult time away from Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer. It is important to realize that as much as you are a mother, you are also a wife. And you need to build a life for yourself so that when baby grows up, you still have meaningful things and people around you.
About the author:
Sara Jameson writes her experiences in The Very Happy Pregnancy: Avoiding Stress and Depression. Read her secrets and truths about having a happy, healthy pregnancy at http://www.you-know-you-are-pregnant.infoand http://www.pregnancy-question.info
Trust the beauty products and brand names you know
Advice about the latest assistance in relation to beauty products.
When you're seeking better advice concerning beauty products, it will be easier said than done extricating the best information from amateurish beauty products suggestions and help so it is important to recognize how to moderate the information you are presented with.
Health & Beauty Depot: Healthcare & Beauty
Offers discount prices on brand name products in categories such as makeup, skincare, hair care, bath and body, and candles. Free shipping over $75.
Here are a few tips which we recommend you think of using when you're searching for information about beauty products. Understand that any recommendation we may offer is only pertinent to web based information about beauty products. We can't give you any assistance or guidance if you are receiving information offline.
Folica.com - Beauty Products
Shop at Folica.com for beauty products. Check out product reviews and free shipping at Folica.com.
A good pointer to follow when you're presented with information or advice on a beauty products web site is to research who is behind the website. Doing this could reveal the owners beauty products qualifications The easiest way to reveal who owns the beauty products site is to look for the 'about' page.
Any reputable website providing information regarding beauty products, will nearly always have an 'about' or 'contact' page which will provide you with the owner's details. The details should make known a number of indications concerning the owner's requisite knowledge. You can then make a judgement about the webmaster's familiarity and qualifications, to advise people on the subject of beauty products.
About the author:
hugh campbell is the webmaster for http://www.beauty-products-1st.info
When you're seeking better advice concerning beauty products, it will be easier said than done extricating the best information from amateurish beauty products suggestions and help so it is important to recognize how to moderate the information you are presented with.
Health & Beauty Depot: Healthcare & Beauty
Offers discount prices on brand name products in categories such as makeup, skincare, hair care, bath and body, and candles. Free shipping over $75.
Here are a few tips which we recommend you think of using when you're searching for information about beauty products. Understand that any recommendation we may offer is only pertinent to web based information about beauty products. We can't give you any assistance or guidance if you are receiving information offline.
Folica.com - Beauty Products
Shop at Folica.com for beauty products. Check out product reviews and free shipping at Folica.com.
A good pointer to follow when you're presented with information or advice on a beauty products web site is to research who is behind the website. Doing this could reveal the owners beauty products qualifications The easiest way to reveal who owns the beauty products site is to look for the 'about' page.
Any reputable website providing information regarding beauty products, will nearly always have an 'about' or 'contact' page which will provide you with the owner's details. The details should make known a number of indications concerning the owner's requisite knowledge. You can then make a judgement about the webmaster's familiarity and qualifications, to advise people on the subject of beauty products.
About the author:
hugh campbell is the webmaster for http://www.beauty-products-1st.info
Treat you,re self to a face lift
Seeking the best sourced help regarding face lift.
When you are looking for better information relating to face lift, you'll find it hard extricating superior advice from ill-advised face lift proposals and directions so it is important to recognize how to judge the advice that is offered.
Younger Looking Skin
Hydroderm uses a unique collagen infusion to reduce facial wrinkles making skin look years younger. Get firmer, more beautiful skin without surgery or painful injections. FREE Trial.
Here are several guidelines that we believe you should use when you are trying to find information about face lift. It is important to remember that the guidance we put forward is only relevant to web based information about face lift. We don't offer any advice or guidance when you are also conducting research in books or magazines.
ThermaCool FaceLift
FDA approved technology lifts and tightens the aging face without surgery, lasers, and recovery time required. Includes info on complementary treatments.
A terrifc piece of advice you can follow when you are presented with information and advice about a face lift article is to find out who owns the site. This could reveal the people behind the website face lift credibility The easiest way to find out who is behind the face lift site is to look for the 'about' page.
Any reputable site providing information concerning face lift, will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page that will list the owner's details. The details should let you know a number of key indications about the owner's necessary expertise. This enables you to make an assessment about the webmaster's depth of experience, to offer help regarding face lift.
When you are looking for better information relating to face lift, you'll find it hard extricating superior advice from ill-advised face lift proposals and directions so it is important to recognize how to judge the advice that is offered.
Younger Looking Skin
Hydroderm uses a unique collagen infusion to reduce facial wrinkles making skin look years younger. Get firmer, more beautiful skin without surgery or painful injections. FREE Trial.
Here are several guidelines that we believe you should use when you are trying to find information about face lift. It is important to remember that the guidance we put forward is only relevant to web based information about face lift. We don't offer any advice or guidance when you are also conducting research in books or magazines.
ThermaCool FaceLift
FDA approved technology lifts and tightens the aging face without surgery, lasers, and recovery time required. Includes info on complementary treatments.
A terrifc piece of advice you can follow when you are presented with information and advice about a face lift article is to find out who owns the site. This could reveal the people behind the website face lift credibility The easiest way to find out who is behind the face lift site is to look for the 'about' page.
Any reputable site providing information concerning face lift, will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page that will list the owner's details. The details should let you know a number of key indications about the owner's necessary expertise. This enables you to make an assessment about the webmaster's depth of experience, to offer help regarding face lift.
Tips For Hosting a Party!
If you have never hosted a party before, it can be a little intimidating the first few times you do it. You may feel more at ease by hosting small parties until you become more experienced.
The first step is to decide what kind of party it will be.
Will it be formal, or informal? Large or small? Indoors or out? Who will you invite? Will you serve food and liquor? Are you celebrating any special occasion? How much money do you want to spend? How much space do you have?
These are just some of the decisions you need to explore before you start issuing your invitations.
Once you have decided on these matters, pick a date, time, and location, and draw up a list of people you wish to invite.
Depending on the custom in your social circle, you can issue formal written invitations, invite your guests by telephone, or ask them in person.
Whatever method you choose, it's a good idea to issue your party invitations at least two or three weeks in advance.
One of the most important aspects of throwing a party is to make sure that all your guests understand exactly what kind of party it will be, and what is expected of them. Be very clear about the exact time, date, and location of the party.
Here is a checklist to help you make sure your guests know what to expect:
-Is the party formal or informal?
-Is it a costume party?
-Does the party have a theme?
-Are you supplying food? Will you provide a full meal, or just snacks and appetizers?
-At what time will the food be served? Will it be a formal, sit down meal? Or buffet style?
-Are you supplying alcoholic beverages? Do you want people to bring their own beverages?
-Do you want the guests to bring anything, such as food, appetizers, party favors, or liquor?
-If you have any unique requests, make them very explicit. For example you may not want anyone to consume alcohol or smoke on the premises.
-Do you want people to bring their children, or leave them at home?
-Does the party start exactly at a certain time, or is the starting time approximate?
-Is attendance "come and go"?
A few days before the party, telephone everyone on your list to remind them again about your party, and to have them confirm whether or not they will be attending.
Parties can be very simple or they can be quite elaborate affairs.
You can create a memorable splash without spending a lot of money.
Use your imagination to turn your party into a unique event. You can get lots of great creative ideas from magazines, television programs and books to help you plan interesting activities, food, and décor.
Don't get too carried away--the focus should always be on creating a warm, enjoyable experience for your guests. You are not creating a theme park.
One of the easiest kinds of parties to host is a potluck party. In this type of party, you are not saddled with the overwhelming task of preparing all the food yourself. You simply ask each person or couple you invite to bring some food for all to share.
If you are a very good cook, you may prefer to do all the food preparation yourself. Howevery, you will still benefit by asking a friend to help you get everything ready. You may want to start all your preparations one or two days in advance.
Before the party starts, be sure that the house is reasonably clean and that you have enough chairs, plates, cups and glasses for everyone. Have enough containers available for trash. Pick out some music selections that your guests will enjoy.
You will have much more fun at your own party if you let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Parties are not about perfection, they are about fun. Things that go wrong may seem disastrous at the time, but they may seem very funny later.
Try to be at the door to greet each of your guests as they arrive, and thank them for coming. Let them know where to put their coats. Tell them when and where the food will be served and show them the location of the bathroom. Introduce any new arrivals to the people who are already present.
If any of the people at your party seem to be especially shy, be sure to introduce them to others who will talk to them. If you notice someone who seems to be alone a lot throughout the evening, you can ask that person if they have been introduced to everyone at the party.
Sometimes people who are socially awkward will leap at the chance to help you with some party chores. You can ask them politely if they would be willing to take around a tray of appetizers to the guests, or help pick up empty glasses.
Try to get to each guest several times throughout the evening, and don't play favorites, ignoring some, and monopolizing the time of others. If at all possible, try to speak to your guests as they are leaving and thank them for coming.
Who knows, you may enjoy hosting a party so much that you will do it again and again!
About the author:
This article by Royane Real is taken from her new book "How You Can Have All the Friends You Want – Your Complete Guide to Finding Friends, Making Friends, and Keeping Friends" Sign up for her free newsletter filled with Life Improving tips! http://www.royanereal.com
The first step is to decide what kind of party it will be.
Will it be formal, or informal? Large or small? Indoors or out? Who will you invite? Will you serve food and liquor? Are you celebrating any special occasion? How much money do you want to spend? How much space do you have?
These are just some of the decisions you need to explore before you start issuing your invitations.
Once you have decided on these matters, pick a date, time, and location, and draw up a list of people you wish to invite.
Depending on the custom in your social circle, you can issue formal written invitations, invite your guests by telephone, or ask them in person.
Whatever method you choose, it's a good idea to issue your party invitations at least two or three weeks in advance.
One of the most important aspects of throwing a party is to make sure that all your guests understand exactly what kind of party it will be, and what is expected of them. Be very clear about the exact time, date, and location of the party.
Here is a checklist to help you make sure your guests know what to expect:
-Is the party formal or informal?
-Is it a costume party?
-Does the party have a theme?
-Are you supplying food? Will you provide a full meal, or just snacks and appetizers?
-At what time will the food be served? Will it be a formal, sit down meal? Or buffet style?
-Are you supplying alcoholic beverages? Do you want people to bring their own beverages?
-Do you want the guests to bring anything, such as food, appetizers, party favors, or liquor?
-If you have any unique requests, make them very explicit. For example you may not want anyone to consume alcohol or smoke on the premises.
-Do you want people to bring their children, or leave them at home?
-Does the party start exactly at a certain time, or is the starting time approximate?
-Is attendance "come and go"?
A few days before the party, telephone everyone on your list to remind them again about your party, and to have them confirm whether or not they will be attending.
Parties can be very simple or they can be quite elaborate affairs.
You can create a memorable splash without spending a lot of money.
Use your imagination to turn your party into a unique event. You can get lots of great creative ideas from magazines, television programs and books to help you plan interesting activities, food, and décor.
Don't get too carried away--the focus should always be on creating a warm, enjoyable experience for your guests. You are not creating a theme park.
One of the easiest kinds of parties to host is a potluck party. In this type of party, you are not saddled with the overwhelming task of preparing all the food yourself. You simply ask each person or couple you invite to bring some food for all to share.
If you are a very good cook, you may prefer to do all the food preparation yourself. Howevery, you will still benefit by asking a friend to help you get everything ready. You may want to start all your preparations one or two days in advance.
Before the party starts, be sure that the house is reasonably clean and that you have enough chairs, plates, cups and glasses for everyone. Have enough containers available for trash. Pick out some music selections that your guests will enjoy.
You will have much more fun at your own party if you let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Parties are not about perfection, they are about fun. Things that go wrong may seem disastrous at the time, but they may seem very funny later.
Try to be at the door to greet each of your guests as they arrive, and thank them for coming. Let them know where to put their coats. Tell them when and where the food will be served and show them the location of the bathroom. Introduce any new arrivals to the people who are already present.
If any of the people at your party seem to be especially shy, be sure to introduce them to others who will talk to them. If you notice someone who seems to be alone a lot throughout the evening, you can ask that person if they have been introduced to everyone at the party.
Sometimes people who are socially awkward will leap at the chance to help you with some party chores. You can ask them politely if they would be willing to take around a tray of appetizers to the guests, or help pick up empty glasses.
Try to get to each guest several times throughout the evening, and don't play favorites, ignoring some, and monopolizing the time of others. If at all possible, try to speak to your guests as they are leaving and thank them for coming.
Who knows, you may enjoy hosting a party so much that you will do it again and again!
About the author:
This article by Royane Real is taken from her new book "How You Can Have All the Friends You Want – Your Complete Guide to Finding Friends, Making Friends, and Keeping Friends" Sign up for her free newsletter filled with Life Improving tips! http://www.royanereal.com
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