Get help, advice and information on all your Home and Family issues. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/shower.htm Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:08:06 GMT en If you have ever gone out to the store and tried to buy a baby album you would be surprised to see that ridiculous price they command. The same goes for materials which are specifically used to make scrapbooks. It is a million dollar industry because they command such high prices and people actually go out and buy these items. What would you say if I were to tell you that you dont need to go out and spend a ridiculous amount to have memories for years to come? On top of that, these memories can make fun and amazing games at the baby shower itself. There are a few things you can go and buy such construction paper and all sorts of colorful markers as well as scrapbooking tape. You can also buy different kinds of glitter and anything else you wish to make your scrapbook look great. The first thing you can do is ask each person who attends your party to bring just a simple index card or you can provide it for them. The reason for this is because you can have them draw out their names and put them in the book so you can always know who was there for you on your day. Another great idea would be if you dont know the gender of your baby, you can have your guests guess a gender and then give himher an appropriate name. It is a great way to get good ideas from the people who mean the world to you. Another great idea is to use that construction paper to have your guests write their words of wisdom on. This can be something your child looks at later on in life and something that can be looked back upon with a smile. If you went and bought some scrapbooking tape this is your chance to use it. You can have your guests each bring a picture of themselves or maybe more than one. With this you can tape the picture of the people who gave advice right next to the advice itself. That way it isnt a struggle later on to remember who said what and when. If on the other hand you are looking for scrapbooks that are premade there are a wonderful selection of books that come with everything you could ever need. They are ta http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/88111_Scrapbooking_Keepsake_Ideas_For_Your_Next_Baby_Shower_Event.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:34:23 GMT Is there anything more exciting than the arrival of a new baby? The instant the parents-to-be find out that they're expecting, every moment in life takes on an added layer of meaning. Whether it's thinking of names, planning a nursery or breaking the news to an older brother or sister, it seems that everything is suddenly a special event. Of course the one thing new babies need the most is love, but the list of supplies and equipment that new parents need to outfit and care for their new arrival is mind-boggling! When trying to decide on a gift it's easy to get overwhelmed. Here are four other fun and functional baby gift ideas that won't put a strain on your busy schedule OR your budget: Baby Album of Firsts While the pregnancy itself may seem to take an eternity, once the baby is born, time flies by at warp speed! As new parents, they're going to feel a longing to capture as many of the "firsts" as possible -- the baby's first smile, laugh, roll over, solid food, crawl, word, step, tooth, etc. The list of events is endless, and so will the memories with a baby photo album of firsts. Bib-a-Day Okay, we know that once babies start eating "real" food it's more like a bib-a-minute, but don't you think that new parents would appreciate a week's worth of bibs? Check out the choices at your local baby or department store. You can get the same bib in a variety of colors. Go for a cute animal theme or get seven bibs that are completely different from one another. Bundle of Basics Many essential baby products are small and inexpensive, and combining a whole bunch of them can make a terrific and useful gift. It is very easy to go out and buy baby lotion, shampoo, mild soap, diaper rash ointment, Vaseline, washcloths, itsy-bitsy fingernail clippers, a brush and comb set, tub toys, a teething ring -- the list goes on and on! Combine them together and you have a winning combination of gifts that will all be useful. You can put the goodies in a pretty basket, a small hamper, or just wrap it all up in http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/87788_Baby_Shower_Gift_Ideas_For_Your_Next_Shower.html Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:11:08 GMT When your friends first find out you are pregnant it is such an exciting time and it is filled with such joy. As time goes by and they start to plan a baby shower you realize that this is going to be harder than you originally thought. There are many choices for you to make that range from the decorations, games, and especially the food. Catering to everyones tastes is a touch gig and it is even harder to accomplish if you dont know who is going. With the guide and tips below you will never have to worry about it again. The first course at your great baby shower should start with finger food. Finger foods are easy to serve and dont have too much clean up afterwards. They are actually quite easy to serve as well as clean up after. Finger foods range from chips and dip to peanuts and little candies. For example, you can set up a giant bowl of all different sorts of chips inside and have it sitting on a tray. Around this huge bowl you can set up different smaller bowls that have an array of different dips to choice from. Another idea would be to either buy a different array of fruits. You can cut them up and place them into small bowls which you can serve to your guests. This takes a lot of work as you have to peel and slice many different kinds of fruits. An alternative to this would be if you went out and bought the fruits that are already cut up for you. This takes a lot of the work out of it for you and allows you to focus on other things. Dont forget that even though this may be a good way to go, this convenience does command a price. Usually it isnt cheap for the small amount that it buys. You have some seriously health conscious people attending then you can always use the same idea with the finger foods and apply it to a vegetable tray. It is a great idea to have a large bowl of carrots and broccoli and baby tomatoes in a large bowl and have that bowl surrounded by smaller bowls filled with all sorts of dip. A good choice for dips could be spinach dip, dill dip, and ranch dip. These all have http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/87671_Baby_Shower_Foods_To_Wow_Your_Guests.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:32:39 GMT Your baby shower is a very special occasion and so naturally it is only right that you should want to formally invite your guests. So, unless a baby shower is going to be a surprise or is being arranged rather quickly, then written invitations are invariably the best method to use. If this is not possible then personally inviting guests by phone is acceptable and e-mailed invitations should be avoided despite the fact that they may appear to be quick and convenient. Provided your budget allows then your baby shower invitations can be custom printed but this really is not necessary as there are a lot of excellent pre-made invitations available either locally or on the Internet. Alternatively you can also design and make your own baby shower invitations if you have enough time and a bit of creative talent. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/86881_Baby_Shower_Invitations_Require_A_Bit_Of__Careful_Planning.html Fri, 23 May 2008 20:34:59 GMT When you plan a baby shower, the 2 most important things are the guests and the food! Sometimes, when you decide to throw a themed baby shower, it may be difficult to plan out the perfect food to complement the exact theme. But here are some suggestions on how to incorporate Mother Goose food into your baby shower: 1. For fun, write as many different nursery rhymes as you can think of on note cards. Make as many note cards as the number of your guests. Then cut each note card at the middle of each rhyme. Seat your guests by giving each the first half of a nursery rhyme and having her find the rest of the rhyme at a place setting. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/82618_Baby_Shower_Mother_Goose_Themed_Food_Ideas.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 23:45:46 GMT Everyone feels happy and joyous when a close friend or relative announces that she is expecting a baby. Even though somewhere in the world, a baby is born literally every second, the fact that someone you know is expecting a child is very special news. For some expectant women this may be the most exciting thing that is ever going to happen to them. Some people spend years trying to fall pregnant so the occasion for them can be overwhelmingly emotional. Whatever the circumstances this news is a great reason for a celebration and this is usually in the form of a baby shower. The baby shower event is traditionally the occasion where friends and relatives get together to celebrate the impending arrival and to share some tips and give presents that the parents-to-be will find useful for their baby. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/78085_How_To_Plan_A_Baby_Shower_Without_Breaking_The_Bank.html Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:13:05 GMT Planning a baby shower is not the easiest task on the face of the earth. There are so many details to consider when organizing such an event that it is easy to become lost in the confusion. It is always a good idea to create lists and it is always a good idea to delegate responsibility when planning a baby shower. One of the mistakes the organizer commonly makes is trying to do too much on her own. Why run from store to store when you know that Cousin Sally works right next to a great discount store? She can run one or two errands for you. Include Cousin Sally when you are planning a baby shower. You will be surprised by how delighted she will be to help. If she isnt, then there is really no loss. You just have to work around it. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/76761_How_To_Plan_A_Baby_Shower.html Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:22:31 GMT Have that great looking background for your baby shower by setting up decorations at the party. Keep in mind the amount of money you set aside for the baby shower party. There are many great ways to setup the baby shower decorations. The party can be way more exciting if the host takes a little time and plans the variety of ways the baby shower decorations can be setup. Baby shower decorations can be just as the host likes them. They can be plain or very complicated. The way the decorations are setup can make the mom-to-be feel very special. The way a baby shower can be decorated is practically endless. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/69845_How_To_Setup_The_Perfect_Baby_Shower_Decorations.html Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:33:40 GMT So youve been invited to a baby shower but have no idea what a new mother needs. There are hundreds of baby items available today and if you are unfamiliar with what they are and how they work shopping for a baby can be a little scary. A personalized baby gift is a favorite. If you know the gender of the baby you can purchase a plush bath towel and wash cloth in either pink or blue and have it embroidered with either baby boy last name or baby girl last name. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/63542_Perfect_Gifts_For_A_Baby_Shower.html Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:46:03 GMT Planning a baby shower can be a fun and exciting way to show a friend or relative that you care. Having a good theme is an excellent place to start, since many times a good theme will determine what kind of decorations and favors you should have. Below are a few theme ideas for boys: http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/60601_Baby_Shower_Ideas_For_Boys_And_Girls.html Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:16:42 GMT So, youre planning a baby shower. Youve decided on a theme and sent out your invitations. You have selected the decorations, ordered the cake, and planned your menu. Now its time to decide what to do with your guests besides open gifts and eat! There are a number of fun and interesting baby shower games you can choose from, as well as some creative activities to make the baby shower unforgettable. Remember that Small Fry infant mobiles make adorable shower decorations and can be a wonderful gift for the new baby. Diaper Changing 101With two large baby dolls, let guests race to see who can change the babys diaper the fastest. Supply each area with wipes, powder, and a clean diaper, as well as a blanket to wrap baby in when shes done. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/57667_Fun_And_Memorable_Baby_Shower_Games_And_Activities.html Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:32:47 GMT Baby showers are not always the traditional all-female afternoon parties they once were. Baby showers may take place at a restaurant, at the office, or in the soon to be aunt and uncles backyard, and may include both of the new parents as well as both of their friends. Todays baby showers feature unique themes that are tailored to best fit the parents to be and their particular needs for the new addition. You may plan a baby shower in the morning or hold a traditional afternoon gathering with light refreshments, or even a late afternoon barbecue outside if weather permits. Multiple time moms-to-be with plenty of stuff for the new baby, but no time for herself, will love a spa baby shower. Decorate with fresh flowers in glass vases, candles, and linen tablecloths. Place a Small Fry flip frame on the table for your guest of honor to take home afterwards. Your refreshments might include fancy finger sandwiches, rich chocolates, and exotic fruits like pineapple and kiwi. Instead of shower games, consider giving one another manicures or applying relaxing facial masks. Instruct guests to bring a gift to help the new mom find time for herself, like gift certificates for take-out restaurants, day spas, or nail salons, babysitting coupons, and pampering bath products. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/57659_More_Creative_Baby_Shower_Ideas.html Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:20:05 GMT Planning a baby shower can be a lot of fun, but it can also be difficult to find just the right decorations, games, and refreshments for your shower. Choosing a theme to plan your baby shower around is a good way to bring all the aspects of a baby shower together in a uniform way. Baby shower themes can be as simple or as detailed as you like, just keep in mind the likes and dislikes of the expectant parents you are planning for and be creative. A simple, tried and true baby shower theme is baby bottles. Baby bottle shaped shower invitations are easy to locate and many bakeries offer bottle shaped cakes. Play some fun games that involve baby bottles, like dropping clothespins into the bottle or tossing coins into one, and use small bottles without the nipple for drinking glasses during the shower. Remember to wash out the bottles for the new mom to take home. Decorated baby bottles filled with candy or bath beads make wonderful shower favors for guests at an all girl shower. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/57658_Fun_And_Creative_Baby_Shower_Ideas.html Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:31:45 GMT Traditionally, baby showers were held a few months before the expectant moms due date and were thrown by one of her closest friends. Guests were limited to the new mom and grandmothers and a group of female friends and relatives, and the baby shower was typically held at the home of the hostess. Today, the possibilities for planning a baby shower are endless. Coed baby showers that involve both the mom and dad to be are becoming increasingly popular. If you plan to throw a coed baby shower, be sure to invite plenty of men besides the soon to be father and make the invitations, decorations, and overall theme of the shower suitable for both men and women. A casual, friendly get together with the new parents and plenty of food would probably be more appropriate than a traditional baby shower. You may even consider a coed baby shower barbecue. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/57653_Planning_A_Baby_Shower.html Fri, 10 Aug 2007 01:56:01 GMT There are so many excellent baby shower ideas to choose from, but its also important to find the one that is right for you. Be sure to tailor it around the specific tastes of your guest. Thats why its important to ask around. Youll be surprised what youll be able to find out. It can be a lot of fun to host a baby shower and most people will find it a privilege to be asked and they will surly want to give you there ideas and opinions. So where should you start? First you should start by asking friends and family members. Dont forget your co workers either. Many times youll be surprised at what you can learn from some unexpected sources. Do any of them have a baby? Have they recently attended a baby shower? Sometimes other peoples experiences can be the best source of knowledge! http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/54306_He_Best_Baby_Shower_Ideas__A_Few_Tips.html Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:54:29 GMT When you send baby shower gift thank-you notes the wording is important. Sometimes after the shower the new mom can get really busy and baby shower gift thank-you note wording may not take precedence over all the other things that need to be done. If you are the hostess of a baby shower you can take care of baby shower gift thank-you note wording before the shower is even over. How can you do this? By planning ahead you will be able to avoid any baby shower gift thank-you note wording dilemmas. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/54110_Baby_Shower_Gift_Thank-you_Note_Wording_Ideas.html Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:41:22 GMT A diaper cake is a great idea for any baby shower. There are all kinds of cakes; vanilla, chocolate, carrot or fruit - but not everyone has heard of a baby diaper cake. This type of cake is becoming very popular at baby showers, because its a ton a fun to make & it also makes a great gift for the expecting mother. Diaper Cakes are both easy and fun to make! http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/54063_A_Diaper_Cake_Is_A_Great_Idea_For_Any_Baby_Shower.html Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:38:50 GMT Fill-in baby shower invitations are useful and serve a purpose when it comes to baby showers. Fill-in baby shower invitations can be purchased or made. The reason fill-in baby shower invitations are handy is because all of the information is contained on the invitation and these kinds of invitations are often not as costly. Fill-in baby shower invitations are less expensive because you can purchase them almost anywhere and this means you can have a lovely invitation without spending all your baby shower budget at a stationery store. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/53974_Using_And_Creating_Fill-in_Baby_Shower_Invitations.html Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:52:52 GMT When you are planning a baby shower that includes brunch you will have many possibilities and decisions to make. Baby shower menus may vary depending on the time of year. If you are planning a baby shower for the spring you may want to choose a simple egg dish that contains vegetables of the season and include a fresh fruit plate. You may be able to use many of the fruits that are in season. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/53914_How_To_Plan_Your_Next_Baby_Shower_Brunch_Menu.html Wed, 27 Jun 2007 09:08:39 GMT Baby showers can be fantastic events or rather dull. The next time you plan a baby shower make it really special and include free gifts and samples for baby and mom. There are many places you can get free gifts and samples for baby and mom. Check online and see what is available. You may also be able to find free gifts and samples through magazines that are published for new parents. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/53731_Make_That_Baby_Shower_Special_With_Free_Gifts_And_Samples.html Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:21:25 GMT Trying to come up with a different idea for the baby shower you are hosting? Aside from planning good food, creative decorations and a fun theme how about using baby shower tags in various ways? There are many ways that you can work the use of baby shower tags into your shower. To begin you will need to decide on how you will use them. This will determine the size or sizes of tags needed. http://advice-and.info/Home-and-Family/51738_How_To_Make_And_Use_Baby_Shower_Tags.html Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:13:00 GMT