Thanksgiving memories

In our recent newsletter we asked for you to share your most memorable Thanksgiving moment. Please tell us all about it.

A quick note

Hi, all! I hope everyone enjoyed the newsletter this month because I really enjoyed putting it together. We are already almost finished with the November newsletter and it just may be better than last months! Since we have so many things we'd like to share with you and very limited space in the newsletter, expect the blog to be updated fairly frequently. That means - keep checking back with us!
All the best,
Meg

PS - Thanks to Penny for contributing her Halloween costume ideas to the discussion from the October newsletter! If you haven't read them yet, check it out below!

DIY Halloween Costume Ideas

In case you, too are still looking for your costume this year, and you aren’t looking for something as over the top as I am, we have put together a few cute DIY, last minute ideas. Check them out. Share your costume know-how with others ideas, tell spooky Halloween tales, or just leave us some feedback!

Bag of jellybeans:
You need a clear plastic trash bag, a bag of balloons, duct tape (my favorite), markers or paint, and some poster board. Cut yourself arm holes and a head hole in the trash bag. Put the bag on and duct tape the bottom shut so that it is tight enough around your legs to keep the balloons in. Blow up the balloons and stuff through the head hole into the bag (don’t blow them up very large). Use the poster board to create a label for your bag then tape in place. *Note: this can turn out to be a costume unfriendly to bathroom breaks, so tape with caution!

80’s hipster:
This one can be really fun depending on how wild your wardrobe is (or on how long you hold onto your clothes). Pick out pieces of clothing with lots of color and/or bright

patterns. Light colored denim works well. Leggings or

some sort of spandex are helpful for girls. Fingerless gloves, anything with

holes, big hats, jewelry, accessories, hair, etc are all great additions. If you

need inspiration, go to images.google.com and type “80’s fashion” in the

search box. Laugh for a minute, then raid your closet for similar pieces.

Dancer from the Ipod commercial:
This costume is inspired by the first Ipod ads. All you need to do is dress in black, head to toe, and paint your face and any exposed skin black. Then carry around your ipod – the white one only – and bust out some crazy dance moves. For an added bonus, find someone willing to dress up as the neon backdrop, wearing a bright poster board.

Human Sudoku:
Its as simple as it sounds: make yourself into a giant sudoku game. Buy some poster board, grab your sharpie and go to town. You can find games to copy at http://www.websudoku.com/. Punch two holes and make the board into a giant necklace with some ribbon, or make yourself a 2 sided board and dangle one on your back too. Don’t forget to take the marker with you to the party so people can fill you in!

Do you have any other ideas?

If so, post a comment

Re-launch is Right Around the Corner!

I know it has been a while since most of you have heard from us at All About Presentation, but fear not - we did not lose your email addresses or jump into hiding following the craziness that was wedding season. We simply have been extra busy reorganizing and redesigning to bring you the best possible service and content this side of the Mississippi.

So without further ado, its time again to strap on those party hats and get ready for all new editions of "PRESENTATION!", our hip newsletter with exciting monthly articles, contests, and recipes to keep you in a festive mood, no matter the season.In conjunction with the newsletter, we are getting ready to launch a revamped website at www.allaboutpresentation.com, which will showcase what we have been working on this past year. We are also starting up a shiny new blog to get your feedback on newsletter topics and to answer your general planning questions.I personally have to say, I am excited. And most importantly, I want you to be excited too. It is the best time of the year with the holidays right around the corner and we have some great things planned to help you get the most out of the season.

It's all coming to you starting this October!

One last thing to mention: All newsletter subscribers are entered to win a 50$ gas card just for being our friends and to celebrate the re-launch, so good luck!

All The Best,

Meg

Are you green with envy?

Are you green with envy or feeling a little blue?

Everyone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once in awhile. The best cure is to be around people that you care about; family, friends; and keeping yourself busy enough to change your mind. Here are some "mood changers" to help you overcome those "down- in-the-dumps" feelings.

1. Less FortunateVisit a hospital or chronic care home to pass out small inexpensive surprises to the residents. They will enjoy the care and attention from something so unexpected.

2. Pamper YourselfPamper yourself with a candlelit bubble bath, then prepare your favorite gourmet meal while sipping on a glass of bubbly white wine in one of your special crystal glasses.

3. Something Special for OthersPlan some community work - help out at the local shelter, volunteer at your local church, work with other volunteers to spread some caring amongst your community. It'll make you feel better about yourself and happy that you've helped out others less fortunate than yourself.

4. All in the Family
Spend some quality fun time with your niece or nephew or other child in your family.

5. The Gift of TimeOffer to do some work to free-up some time for your spouse or parent. For example, cleaning Dad's garage or a full-house vacuuming for your wife. How about for your best friend - you can walk her dog or baby sit one evening.

6. Long-Distance CaringCall your favorite aunt whom you haven't seen since she moved far away, or your best friend who transferred to another country - let them know you're thinking of them.

7. Just For YouHave you wanted that delicate pair of earrings for awhile but kept putting off the purchase? Give yourself a special gift - you deserve it!

8. Seize the Day!It's a beautiful day! Invite a friend out for a walk to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air; the peaceful sounds of the birds and the wind blowing through the trees. Or go for an aerobic power walk with your friend or by yourself. It's a well-known fact that exercise releases endorphins, the body's "feel good hormones" which can calm and de-stress you and generally help to change your outlook on life.

9. A Movie NightThey say "laughter is the best medicine". Rent or go see a funny movie, either by yourself or with a friend.

10. Dance up a StormGo to a line dance class, one that you don't have to pay for a series of. You'll be amongst many happy people and you'll learn a few dance moves while you're at it!

11. Gym-DandyGo to the gym to work out (again, those endorphins!)

12. Holly HobbyGet out your favorite hobby and start on that project you've been putting off - don't stress yourself about finishing it all in one day; at least start it and who knows...you might get into a feverish pitch and accomplish quite abit!

13. Tee-TimeDo you golf? Go to a putting range and hit a few. Or do another sport that you enjoy; invite a friend or relative..or go alone; you might make a new friend.

14. Thought ProcessStart a journal - explain in detail why you feel "down". In a few months, read what you wrote on this day. Perhaps you will see everything in a new light and all those gloomy thoughts will have disappeared.

About The AuthorHeather Diodati's whimsically humorous personalized cartoons can bring a giggle or a smile to someone's lips. Choose one of her designs and request personal changes such as hair color, glasses or even a moustache, or order a custom personalized cartoon! Fr~ee - Personalized gift with any purchase. Sign up for our ezine, On A Whim for a little sunshine and laughter in your life!http://www.whimsies-online.com

Tea Time

Would you like to have a casual tea party with a formal look
and very little effort? Read our tips on how to have a great
effortless tea party, and the only thing you will have to do is
boil water!

Number 1: As we say with every single event, "the party starts
when the invitations are sent". Therefore, take the time to send
great invitations. It will get your guests excited about the tea
party and provide them with instructions (if there are any) such
as bringing a tea hat, or their favorite mug, etc. Try these
invitations from Plum Party as a special touch.


Number 2: The best way to get the atmosphere of an afternoon tea
is to serve tea in fancy tea pots. However, busy people don't
have time to clean up. Instead, use these paper
china-like plates and disposable tea cups. You get the look with
the clean-up work. Even better, these dishes won't break!

An afternoon tea bridal shower isn't complete without, of
course, the tea. But don't feel constrained to only this
beverage. You can serve iced tea, coffee,
or punch as well, but keep in the spirit by serving all of the
drinks in tea cups

What kind of tea should you serve? Any kind you'd like. In
fact, have multiple varieties available to accommodate different
tastes.

Number 3: Pick up a couple of pastries from your local bakery
(such as scones, sweet breads, or cookies) and cut into finger
sized portions and serve on a service platter. You can also use
tea pots as vases and fill them with fresh flowers. These would
make wonderful centerpieces, sitting on a handkerchief or
embroidered cloth.

Number 4: Decorations for a tea party can be quite minimal.
Place all of the items (plates, teacups, tea bags, and pastries,
cocktail napkins) on a serving tray. In the middle of the tray
place the tea pot filled with hot water.

Number 5: Greet your friends and have fun.

Score Big With Chic Super Bowl Party

Celebrity event planner
Colin Cowie had some great ideas for an easy-to-pull-off,
chic soiree sure to score a touchdown with everyone, even those
who aren't into football.

Remember: Aside from football, food and drink are the main
events!
Put out a few football bowls for popcorn, mixed with some groovy
platters to serve other food items. And keep with the theme by filling glass containers with
candy in each team's colors.

Beer is the gold standard for football games, so why not set up
a beer bar? Cowie's had 20 varieties of beer and ale in a
bucket, with plenty of ice. For those who prefer cocktails,
Cowie created the "Super Bull Highbowl," which is made from
citrus vodka, Red Bull, Gatorade, and cranberry juice.

"Women frequently prefer different fare than men, but this is one Super Bowl party where everyone is going to love the food. Cowie had food for guys and gals, as well as a main course for all to enjoy. First, he had three flavors of Dale and Thomas Popcorn: Southwest Cheddar Chipotle, Sweet and Spicy Barbecue, and Kettle Corn. These are to start. Appetizers were North African deep-fried spicy chicken wings (which can also be cooked on the grill), turkey chili with assorted toppings, and grilled cheese paninis with Canadian bacon. Appetizers for the women were chopped salad, and crudite with green and white veggies, dip and toasted pita wedges. For the main course, pasta fagioli: It's a one-pot wonder, and it's always great to have something bubbling on the stove. As for dessert: Popcorn (Chocolate Chunk & Caramel, Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Drizzle Corn, and Cinnamon Cream Drizzle Corn) and, an interactive, fondue-like dessert: brownies, strawberries, banana wedges and cherries on a long tray with four bowls, and in each bowl is a dipping option of chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, and toasted nuts. SETTING UP Cowie says the absolute, best way to successfully host a party like this is with as little fuss as possible. That means preparing everything in advance, then allowing your guests to help themselves. To start, you want to put all the popcorn into six different bowls; you could serve the salty flavors first and the sweet flavors at the end. The chili should be put into 12 bowls and placed on a tray with add-ins at the end: cheese, sour cream, onions, chips. Put the tray with the bowls out on the coffee table, so everyone can take what they want. Along the same lines, the grilled cheese with Canadian bacon paninis can be made and cut into four pieces, then made available for everyone who wants them. For the gals, the chopped salad can be served in a similar way as the chili: Fill a dozen bowls with the salad and place all the bowls on a tray inside the refrigerator. People can come and get it, and it'll be chilled. For the pasta fagioli, you just have the pot on the stove simmering, and put a pile of dishes next to it; again, self-serve made easy. When it comes to dessert, you have the sweet popcorn flavors, plus a fully interactive station with brownies and fruit on a long tray with four bowls of chocolate, caramel, whipped cream and toasted nuts; it's kind of like fondue, because people can dip their fancy." To read the full article with video click here