How To Be a Good Host

You plan to invite guests to spend the holidays with you in your house, but you're hesitant what to do. Here's how.

Come up with a list of those you want to invite. Choose guests who you'll get along with and who will get along. If you have friends who you find a bit of a democrat, mix them with the republicans, book-lovers with outdoor adventurers, loner and noisy...remember you're inviting them for the holiday fun talks and food and they know that.

Don't forget to send invitations either by mail, phone, email, or in person. The more formal the event, the more notice you should give. If you are planning for a day at the beach, tell them in advance so they can prepare with their swimming gears.

Plan early. If it’s a Christmas dinner party, set your menu. If you want your guests to give you a hand, inform them in advance. It would be fun for all of you when you know exactly what you are doing. If kids or pets are coming, put away breakables. Always choose foods you can make ahead of time, its a lesser stress.

Oh by the way, if you anticipate a noise level that might annoy your neighbors, invite them! Even if they don’t come, it’s harder to complain about a party you were invited to.

We know that drinks gives zest to any occasion, so put them in your list. Make sure your guests will enjoy the drinks you are serving. Planning ahead provides you ample time to think what to prepare, mix and buy. Use alcohol judiciously. A little might be good to loosen up both you and your guests—but break out the club soda well before the brawling begins.

Relax. Once everyone’s in the room, there’s a limit to what you can do. Let the holiday spirit take its course and try to have some fun...After all it's Christmas!

What if you run out of food!!!
Don't worry, again, if you have made preparations, a good list of holiday meals in a hurry is sure waiting for you.

Enjoy, have fun and happy holidays!

Basic Things To Bring on A Holiday Trip

It's the Christmas holiday so you are all geared up for a great deal of packing tips. Perhaps you are all ready, but allow me to remind you of some things that you may have thought not so important, you might realize its the one you'd be in most need of.

Flashlights with extra batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.

Diaper bags. If you are travelling with babies, the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. It's also a great thing to use as a waste bag, perhaps even when not travelling with a child. This is a big help when you go to places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

Separate beachbag. At times there will come instant invitations to the beach. So, include in your packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a travel timesaver!

Plastic bags. It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, plastic bags can be useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.

The first aid kit. What you choose to include in your travel medications kit depends to some extent ... medications as well as small travel first aid kits, especially when traveling with kids.

Whatever Christmas holiday ideas you have, make sure you are at least prepared with the things you need during the travel.

Christmas Tour Vacation for the Family

Traditional Christmas is family gathered together which usually takes place anytime before and after Christmas. Many people travel for various reasons, but primarily is because they want to spend holiday with family and friends.

The Christmas season conjures images of family togetherness, special home-cooked meals, glittering Christmas balls and candles, and colorful presents under the tree. If you are thinking of something different this year, maybe a Christmas tour vacation is perfect.

Children enjoy traveling. Involving them in the planning by asking direct questions about what is important to them and the things they would like most, would give them a great holiday. Don't forget your favorite tradition in your plans so the kids will learn about every new tradition that are appropriate to the area where you are traveling.

Don't forget to make plans for Christmas dinner well in advance. Most tourist destinations offer a traditional Christmas feast, which could be easier for you to incorporate any unique plan you may have. Traveling to the country will get you the foods that are appropriate to the era. It will at the same time be learning for you and the children as you uncover more "traditional" dishes than the ones you were used to. No matter where you travel, don't forget to bring your presents for each and everyone.

Whether it’s a hot or cold festive season tour, don't forget to bring your presents for each and everyone. This may sound magical and is almost unbelievable, but only you can make it all possible for your family.

Have a joyous Christmas travel!

Homemade Holiday Presents for the Men of Your Life

Some men enjoy receiving just about anything from wines to shirts to pens to food. It is always amazing to see men who loves food, so in my holiday journey to the country, I always try giving lots of homemade foods like bread, caramel, fruit jelly, chocolate covered peanuts, country-flavored cookies, decorated cookies, and even candies. It brings more fun and accomplishment making homemade goodies for gifts on the holidays than simply buying from gift shops.

If you know them, it would be easy to get ideas of things they like. I sent my boss a hat-sized basket with his favorite CDs, I sealed two movie tickets of the latest movie, in a self-made Christmas envelope and dropped it at my brother's house, the next thing I knew my sister in law had already told everyone how pleased they were about my holiday treat.

There are so many things you can think of that men would like, memo holder, penholder, pen flashlights, hats, garden gloves, sports towelettes, gourmet coffee, mugs, fancy creamers, keyholder,hankies and even scarfs! But to me, giving men presents they know were personally made for them gives an extra feeling of being special.


Last year I did gift packages for my Dad, Step-Dad, brothers and brothers in law. I wrapped homemade caramel corn and chocolate cookies in neat Christmas decorative cellophane bags w/pretty ribbon made of husk. I even made little gift boxes of the same contents around the holiday seasons. I can't remember any man in my family and friends circle has ever complained about this gift yet and I've learned that everyone was delighted!

It is very simple to learn. Why not make the same ideas and start planning now. You will enjoy these easy to make, fun to do and wonderful to give homemade presents for the men of your life.

Making Holiday Travel Easier

Maybe you have start to plan for the holidays. Put these simple tips in your pocket.

You can now begin watching for holiday price drops. Every year, most Christmas itineraries saw price drops in the first two weeks of October, so gear on. If you're not ready to book that early, watch for the next deals. There are travel agencies that drop 50 percent more on price during the holidays than other times of the year.

Be alert. Most airfare price drops last less than 48 hours, it's as fast as you can blink an eye! Be always ready to jump when a fare falls.

Travel Flexy. You can save more money by picking the not so busy travel days during both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Avoiding the popular Wednesday or Thursday before Christmas departure days can save you approximately $15 to $50 per ticket.

Avoid travel surcharges. Some airlines impose holiday surcharges. To avoid these charges, book a hotel, or get your ticket ahead of time. Try to travel light. Many airlines charge extra fees for a variety of things, from checking baggage, having excess or overweight baggage, even for pillows or meals, and getting aisle or exit row seats. The best tactic is to be well-informed.

Happy holiday traveling!

Memorable Things to Do This Summer

It isn't yet too late to enjoy a unique and exotic summer. If you prefer to unwind memorably, I have listed up exotic and unforgettable things to do and places to visit to make your summer one of a kind.


Go Green at Mauna Lani, HAWAII
Just like Westervelt have to say, I too would suggest the Big Island's Mauna Lani for a great green experience. Since exotic isn't exactly a foreign concept in Hawaii, take in the natural luxuries abounding here. "Absolutely everything taps into local beauty, green ingredients and rituals. http://greentravelerguides.com/2009/10/mauna-lani-resort-eco-friendly-hawaii/

Take a Splash at Los Cabos, MEXICO

A great stunning combination of desert and beach, how is that?

Las Ventanas also offers some of the most amazing spa suites available anywhere. The two-room suites boast ocean views, an infinity Jacuzzi on one of your two private terraces, a private treatment room with its own terrace, a steam room large enough for you and friends, and a Vichy shower. Lavish yourself at the beach in the desert! http://www.lasventanas.com/en/gallery.cfm

Reminiscing at the Olde Harbour Inn, Savannah, GEORGIA

The most important thing for couples while touring Savannah is finding a great place to stay. There are many romantic inns for couples to enjoy while there. Located on the romantic riverfront, the Old Harbour Inn is relaxing and beautiful featuring gorgeous balconies overlooking the Savannah River and is located close to many great Savannah attractions perfect for reminiscing. The Foley House Inn features beautiful spacious rooms, private balconies, and beautiful gardens. Great for you and your special someone!http://www.oldeharbourinn.com/

A Walk in Toronto Outdoors, CANADA
One of the things I haven’t tried myself is the great outdoors in Toronto. The places you we can visit or things we can do inside one of the many buildings located in the city would be worth-remembering, but I have yet to discuss something that you can do outside if you’re just looking for some time to kill or want to get some fresh air. Enjoy the must-see August events in Toronto!http://www.toronto.com/events/article/635450?action=attractions_player_spot_2_635450


Canyon Train Tour in NORTH AMERICA

You will never forget one of the most popular train excursions in North America.

This one day wilderness excursion will take you 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers, and through the awesome granite rock formations and mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. Through the large picture windows of your comfortable coach, you will experience the same vistas and panoramas that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada's most notable landscape art. http://www.agawacanyontourtrain.com/