How To Design Your Own Pirate Halloween Costume

Filed Under (Holidays) by Phil Sikes on 05-09-2008

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by Phil Sikes

Whether it is for you or one of your children, making a personalized pirate costume for Halloween does not have to be a long or difficult process at all. In fact, in can be quite enjoyable. The most important thing you will need is a good imagination. The majority of the actual materials you will need are probably lying around your home already, just waiting to be used. And whatever odds and ends you need that are not in the house will be easy to find and cheap to buy. Keep reading to find some great ideas about how to make a great outfit modeled after whichever famous pirate you choose, be it Jack Sparrow, Black Beard, or Long John Silver.

The basic pieces of this pirate Halloween costume are a pair of old black pants that are of no use any longer, and a colorful blouse, preferably gold or red (something flashy). The pants we’ll be cutting a bit, sort of making the bottoms shorter as well as fringing them up a tad. A colorful scarf can serve as a belt that any self-respecting high seas marauder would be proud of!

The blouse that you will need can probably be found somewhere in your closet. Find an old one that is shiny. It should also be a little too big for the person who will be wearing the costume since they will need to be able to move around freely.

Your pirate will automatically get promoted to captain if you add a hat to the costume. Making your own pirate hat is not a difficult thing to do. You can make one out of felt and cardboard. Adding a red bandana to the costume will make your pirate exceptionally authentic.

You can also fashion a hook for a hand with cardboard and some craft paints, and you can also come up with various weaponry this way. Be careful to make your broadswords non-lethal. Tin foil over stiff cardboard should do the trick nicely with a few added painted touches.

All of the best pirates were obsessed with gold and treasure, so yours should be too. That means that you should wear some big, gaudy, gold costume jewelry, which is easy to find at local thrift stores. An earring will also give your pirate costume an authentic feel.

An eye patch is easily fashioned with some elastic and black material, and a little face makeup can add some dramatic touches as well. Perhaps blacking out a tooth or a black beard is called for. You can even add a fake bird toy your outfit if you happen to have one around. Be sure and affix the bird securely to the shoulder.

Coming up with a fantastic pirate Halloween costume doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Scour your closets and you’ll find most of what you need, with the rest available for only a few dollars.

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Halloween Candy Safety Tips for You and Your Kids!

Filed Under (Holidays) by Phil Sikes on 05-09-2008

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by Phil Sikes

There are always new and more disturbing stories of poisoned or otherwise tainted Halloween candy that come to the public’s attention each year. For that reason, parents are often very concerned about keeping their kids safe during Halloween celebrations.

Not all children are doomed to have a bad Halloween candy experience. Parents can do quite a bit to ensure that their children enjoy all the fun of Halloween without any of the unpleasant possibilities. Both parents and their children need to follow some important safety steps in order to have a fun and safe time this year.

* Do not eat any treats that are wrapped loosely. If the wrapper is loose than it is very possible that the candy has also had something done to it. Candy that is wrapped tightly is usually a safe bet.

* Give your child a hearty meal BEFORE they go out trick or treating. They won’t be as hungry and less likely to gorge themselves on everything they collect along the way.

* Do not let your children decide to eat what candy they want. Instead, decide for yourself which candy you will permit your children to eat. It is not easy to prevent your kids from eating candy they want without you being aware of it. You could establish a similar rule and let your kids eat all the candy they want from friends’ houses that you know you can trust.

* Examine any fruits or sweets that are homemade very carefully, since some disturbed individuals have been known to insert such goodies with needles, pins, and razorblades.

* Many people have lots of free address labels around the house with your name and home address on them. Attaching these to the candy you give out means you are taking responsibility for the candy. Doing this might encourage some of your other neighbors to do so also.

* Ask your children to notice who gives them what. Now, I know this won’t be 100% accurate or even often remembered, but planting a seed ion their heads can work wonders. Try not to do it in a frightening manner, maybe phrasing it as an attempt to be able to thank them later.

* Above all else, one rule regarding Halloween candy must always be followed with absolutely no possible exceptions. When in doubt, throw it out! Doing this will eliminate almost all dangers when it comes to Halloween candy.

* It is always preferable for parents to go trick-or-treating along with their children. Also, try to take advantage of the late afternoon and early evening to do trick-or-treating instead of going late at night.

I hope this list has given you something to think about. Please use it and be sure to have fun!

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See The Sistine Chapel - It’s A Rome Tourist Must-See

Filed Under (Holidays) by Jillian Kammer on 05-09-2008

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by Jillian Kammer

It was Pope Sixtus IV who commissioned and gave the name to the Sistine Chapel. But it was in 1508 that Pope Julius II gave the chapel worldwide fame when he commissioned the amazing Italian artist Michelangelo to paint the 10,000 square foot ceiling with his creative frescoes.

On your way to view the Sistine Chapel and its amazing ceiling, you’ll find many other amazing artistic delights. Nearby to the Chapel is the Vatican Museum - a marvel that should require you to spend at least 1 - 2 days exploring its treasures. Also, St. Peter’s Basilica (with its magnificent Dome) contains Michaelangelo’s “The Pieta” - another treasure of the great artist himself.

The actual Sistine Chapel is relatively small by Roman building standards, at 135 feet wide by 44 feet tall. But inside of this small chapel is some of the greatest art of the western world. Art that any museum in the world would be thrilled to have. A huge restoration project done on the chapel between 1979 and 1999 assured that this treasure would be here for us to enjoy for decades to come.

The list of famous and should-be famous artists that contributed to the Sistine Chapel is impressive. Botticelli has a number of classic works in the chapel, including his 1482 creations, “Life of Moses” as well as “The Punishment of Korah”. Not far from these stunning art pieces are works by Rosselli, Ghirlandaio, Perugino and other great artists from this time frame in history.

But it is that magnificent ceiling that most people associate with the Sistine Chapel. Before Michelangelo began his work there, what passed for art on that ceiling was a simple pattern of painted stars. Michelangelo invested four difficult years of tedious work to transform that ceiling into a magnificent nine-panel masterpiece we know it for today.

For subject matter, Michelangelo drew from various characters of the Old Testament including Noah, a variety of male nudes, Sibyls and of course, the world famous image of Jehovah himself reaching out to mankind through Adam to give life at the touch of his divine finger.

The restoration that was done in the late 20th century brought back the stunning colors that most consider to be the work of one of the finest painters ever known. The writer Goethe described the ceiling beautifully when he wrote:

“Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving.”

Michelangelo spent 4 years on a custom designed scaffold while painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The paint nearly made him go blind, and he had to design a dozen new inventions or improvements on (then) current technology to finish the job. As just one simple example, he invented a new kind of plaster - intonaco - which is still used today. It has a much improved ability to hold the paint properly to the ceiling (useful when painting upside down) and is also mold resistant.

The bulk of the work on the Sistine Chapel was done by 1512. But Michelangelo had more to share so he returned to the site twenty years later and he created The Last Judgment between 1535 and 1541. So be sure you bring your eyes down from the ceiling to take in this second masterpiece inside the chapel that covers the wall behind the alter of the church.

You will find The Last Judgment mesmerizing and full of interesting scenes, including a self portrait that shows St. Bartholomew having his skin flayed. Michelangelo’s images are so striking and challenging that they drew criticism from the powers that be at the time because he so frequently included nude figures in his work. It says something that Michelangelo won out in these disputes but it is tragic that later those art works were marred by censors who painted over the genitals of the nudes.

Even tourists for whom great art is not a passion will come away awe struck by the Sistine Chapel ceiling. And when you go home from your time in Rome, you will know that your trip was complete because you took the time to see this great masterpiece in the only place it will ever be shown, on the ceiling of this ancient chapel.

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The best destinations for honeymoons

Filed Under (Holidays) by Jackie Mathews on 05-09-2008

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by Jackie Mathews

Honeymoons are special time between a man and a woman. It is a time to embark on an adventure that will kick off a lifetime of journeys and memories. Enduring the ups and downs of marital bliss is par for the course but the honeymoon is what starts it all off on the right foot. There are a number of romantic places to enjoy a honeymoon depending of course on what the bride and groom love to do. Whether they are athletically charged, water enthusiasts, hikers, boaters, explorers or just a couple seeking lavish affections in a comfortable and serene atmosphere, there are destinations of perfection waiting to be discovered.

The Maldives are a unique series of more than eighty islands. All of which have extraordinary advantages, scenery, and accommodations than any other place on earth. Each island is a tropical oasis that caters to your every whim. Exotic honeymoons are well spent on any one (or more) of these islands. Huvafen Fushi Maldives offers its guests special privileges and access to many wonderful activities. The excellent services are combined with quality at a comparable cost.

If scenic landscapes are a high point in the decision making of your honeymoon, Mauritius can provide you with what you desire. The Black River Gorge is a world renowned location for some of the most breathtaking and uplifting views. Enjoy the gardens, a pleasant hike, and gaze upon the lush and fertile hills, mountains and forests glades.

Another ideal location for honeymoons is Zanzibar. Exploring the House of Wonders and wandering through the streets of Stone Town are awe-inspiring experiences, indeed. The sights, sounds and smells of exotic Zanzibar have enthralled visitors for centuries and a couple on their honeymoon will be no exception. The warm African sunshine and temperate climate make this a perfect destination any time of the year. Songs and stories have long been told of the beauty of Zanzibar. The streets are lined with exotic plants that perfume the air and add to the atmosphere and appeal.

Khao Lak Resort in Thailand is sure to please the honeymooners! The ancient culture and costumes are incredible to behold. The coastal climate is warm and welcoming almost all year round. The incredible Thai cuisine is a taste that will never to be forgotten as well. Whether swimming, exploring or simply relaxing, Thailand is a honeymooner’s paradise!

Kuala Lumpur is a Malaysia destination filled with diversity and delights. It is a land of well blended ethnic qualities and style. A couple on their honeymoon can find a great many things to enjoy on this luxury trip of a lifetime. With so many activities, night life, entertainment and shopping there is never a dull moment. Jungle trekking, river cruises, discovering some of the best and most exclusive beaches as well as relaxing in the natural hot ponds are only a few of the activities honeymooners can enjoy.

St. Lucia, in the Caribbean has spectacular scenery, warm, tropical nights, fascinating new birds, plants and animals to discover. Almond Beach Resort has all the modern amenities you could want or need. The food and activities are sure to please the honeymooners as much as the exotic beauty of the island itself. You can walk along the beach and imagine the pirate ships of old, gracefully passing by through the gentle waves.

Honeymoons in Bali are enchanting to say the least. Relaxing on the beach, thrill seeking, exploring, rafting, swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking and boating are all naming only a few of the recreational choices on this honeymoon of magic! Start off your marriage with an adventure like no other; one that will rival even the most spectacular vacations that your future holds. Regardless your honeymoon aspiration Bali has you covered. Take pleasure in the villas at Four Seasons Jimbaran. The scenery, the food, the absolute thrill of it all will make you want to come back for more perhaps a second honeymoon will be in order.

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Easy Halloween Costumes

Filed Under (Holidays) by Phil Sikes on 04-09-2008

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by Phil Sikes

Modern Halloween costumes do not have to be easy or unique. Zombies, ghosts, and witches are not the only simple costumes available. Movie character and super hero costumes can be just as much fun to wear. But, you can avoid the expenses involved in buying or renting a costume by making one yourself at home.

All you need to make a great Halloween costume yourself is some old clothing, a bit of make-up, some interesting accessories and accent pieces, and an exaggerated and original fashion concept. Consider the following possibilities.

Start with just an old white coat. If you can get hold of an old stethoscope, or make something like it up with some tubing, you are well on your way to looking like a doctor. Add a red cross to the coat with some fabric paint, and make up the face with a mustache and some face paint to look like an older man. Somebody in the family might have an old x-ray photograph revealing bones that could be carried. Add a clip board and a treat bag or pail.

The same white coat that can make you into a doctor can be used to transform you into a geeky nerd or a mad scientist. The important part is using the right accessories. A nerd needs a pocket protector and lots of pens, while the mad scientist might look great with an Einstein-esque wig. The more creative you let your imagination get, the better the costume will look.

A princess outfit can also start with a low cost basic item of clothing, in this case a dress with simple elegant lines, not necessarily full length, and dress shoes. By concentrating on adding copious quantities of sparkling “jewels” in a tiara or crown, necklace, brooch, rings and perhaps a wand, and giving close attention to make up, you will soon have a gorgeous princess look.

You can turn regular jewelry into something perfectly exaggerated by pasting on fake gems and attaching some shiny silver foil. For a treat bag, use a shopping bag from a high end retail store.

Old clothes can provide you with a truly believable hobo costume, too. You can rip some holes in and sew patches onto your costume clothing. A bottle in a paper bag, a well worn felt hat, and some face paint can make your get up quite convincing.

The hobo face paint should top things off, leaving you looking dirty and tired.

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A great cheap vacation location

Filed Under (Holidays) by Mark Radcliffe on 04-09-2008

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by Mark Radcliffe

Have you got some vacation time coming up? Are you trying to decide where you want to go for vacation? While gas prices are out of this world high, that doesn’t mean your vacation plans have to go on hold. If you take the time and do some research, you can save yourself plenty of money. Below are five tips to help you have a good time at your choice of cheap beach vacations.

First, find out where you want to go. Once you narrowed down your choices, do some research on the area. What does the beach and the town have to offer you and your family? If you don’t live nearby, it’s best to learn if the beach is even family friendly. You don’t want to go to a beach that allows nudity or even partial nudity.

Second, you don’t have to stay in a hotel. Not unless you absolutely want to. Instead, you can spend the night on the beach in a tent. Tents don’t cost a lot of money at all. If you know it isn’t going to rain, you can always sleep outside the tent. Yes, there is a catch to this little plan of yours. Make sure that the local authorities allow this kind of activity.

If you aren’t from the area that you’ll be vacationing at, you’ll be tempted to eat out. Pick a night to do this and see the sites but bring your own food. Find out if you can have a fire on the beach before you finalize which foods you are going to bring. If you can’t have a fire, bring dry goods. You’ll want some snack food.

It can be boring watching the waves crash on the shoreline, so you’ll need something to do. First, you can do some kind of water sport such as snorkeling and swimming. You may even just want to play in the water. If you have children camping with you, bring some sort of board games. Don’t forget you can go exploring and play in the sand too. Leave the handheld electronic games at home if you can.

You’ll need to protect yourself from the sun so bring your sunscreen with you. Many people do not realize that a cloudy day does not save them from being sunburned.

If you have decided to visit Florida, you’ve made a good choice. Now it’s time to narrow down which city and beach you want to visit. A good place to visit is Clearwater. This town is nestled on the Gulf of Mexico. There are many places to go and many places to see in the town but if you are on a budget, you can choose to do the things you really want to see and save the others for another time.

A vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. All a vacation needs is some research into how you can have a good time with a small budget. Use the five tips above and you’ll bring home money along with memories.

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