Monday, January 28, 2008

Kids love to get down and dirty so have a BOOT CAMP PARTY! aka Army party, camo party, military party, go green and more!

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Basic Army Package:
*Privates enjoy 'real' soldier mission Registration inlcudes Bandana, Dog Tags, I.D. Card, Helmet and Camo Face Painting
*Participate in Exercise Time, Safety, Obstacle Course with our one-a-kind Wall Climb, Target Practice (BB Gun or Rockets - mom's choice), Play Time, Water granades in the summer, Super Fun Zip Line, Then of course Boot Camp Graduation!!
*1.5 Hours of Fun for up to 8 Children or 2 Hours of For for up to 16 Children
Contact us today to book your BOOT CAMP Party! (agaperabba.com or 626-289-8184)
*50% Non-refundable Deposit and signed contract is required to hold your date

Not in California? That's ok we sitll want to help make your solider's day one to remember!

The Mission: Plan the Ultimate Army Birthday Theme Party

Soldier, Tench Hut! Left, Right, Left...You want to throw the Ultimate Army Theme Party for your child? Then just follow these simple ideas and you'll have your child's friends marching over to his Ultimate Army Theme Party!

Don't keep searching around the Internet trying to find the best games, party favors and food ideas for your next Ultimate Army Party because it’s all right here!

To get started, if you would like to purchase an Ultimate Party Pack which includes pretty much everything you need to throw an Ultimate Army / Patriotic / Military Party then check these out:

Ultimate Army Theme Party Pack
Ultimate Camo Party Pack

-- Army Theme Party --

Location
Now it’s time to start planning the Ultimate Child Theme Party, but the first question to answer is where do you have it? There are so many options and picking the “right” one can be difficult for some people. Just remember, as long as your child’s family and friends are there, the location really doesn’t matter to them. So pick somewhere that is convenient and easy for you to setup and clean up in a minimal amount of time. Now keep reading for an Ultimate Army Theme Party Idea.

* Barracks: Want to send your kid and guests through basic training? Then the best place to start is at the barracks. You don't know what they look like? Hot to decorate? Don't worry, by the time you get done reading all the ideas from this site, you'll be ready!!! First, I would suggest checking out our selection of Clip Art and Coloring Pages. You will find a ton of information and pictures that I know you won't be able to use it all!!! Now, what are the benefits of having a party at your home? You might be thinking NO WAY!!! But wait, first I know you won’t forget any crucial party items at your home (e.g. piñata bat). Second, that reservation won’t get screwed up…because you are already there! Finally, you know where everything is, how convenient. Now don’t get me wrong, you do run the risk of damage and such, so be sure to weigh the benefits and risks and pick what’s best for you and your child!

* Training Field: An excellent Theme Party Location is the local park. Now there are a lot of benefits of having the party outdoors...and I think the most obvious is the surroundings. You aren't at "your" home where something of "yours" could get broke. You have more opportunity to really decorate the area how "you" want. But to get started on selecting the "Ultimate Park", begin by making a list of all the local parks/water parks in the area and write down the key features of each one. For example, how much area is available? is there a playground? tennis court? trash can availability? bathrooms? covered areas? capacity of park? etc. You don’t want to show up at an overcrowded park, with no playground or bathrooms and it starts to rain. Spend some time in selecting the right park and I guarantee your party will run a lot smoother. Don't worry, you'll still be able to use a lot of the decorating ideas from this site, so don't stop here...keep reading for more kid theme party ideas!

*Field Training: Why not take your recruits to the field...By the field I am mean away from the barracks. Now why would you want to do that? Well, one great thing about renting an establishment is they sometimes provide you with invitations, discounts on food, a cake, etc. Make sure you find a decent place that provides you with enough stuff to balance out the rental cost. Don’t be afraid to ask for food discounts and other items, you will be surprised on what they will offer, but only if you ask! Also, ask if you can bring your own decorations...

Invitations
Picking out or designing the Ultimate Army invitation can either be a fun or challenging part of the party. It all depends on how much time you have, what type of planning you want to do and how much thought you put in to it. I want to help “you” create the Ultimate invitation that will represent your party theme perfectly and impress your party guests. How? Well, I know you'll find a theme party idea to get your creativity juices flowing. Take these ideas, as is, or alter them to fit “your” taste. I am sure if you pick a theme party idea listed below then you will be able to create the Ultimate Party Invitation!!! Enjoy…
* Store/Internet Bought: If you are reading this idea, it might be because you don't have enough time to create an Ultimate Invitation. Or maybe you just like store bought invitations better. It doesn’t really matter because I have found a couple of great Army theme party ideas for party invitations you can choose from that will fit your theme party perfectly.
American Heroes Invitation or Camo Invitation.

* Invitation Help: As you start to create this Army invitation masterpiece, don't forget to check out the Army clip art for lots of different pictures. They will help you design the inside and out. Good Luck!
* Party Slogan: Before we get into the designing process, why don’t you pick out a party slogan? Pick something that your party could be developed around. Pick out a theme party slogan to help you:
1. "The Few, the proud...The Party Patrol!"
2. "We Want You...to come to "child's name" Party!"
3. ""child's name" is our Birthday Hero!"
* Army Theme Party Invitation #1: On your computer create a recruiting notice to send out. The wording could be: You have been recruited!!! You must report to boot camp! Wear your camo gear (if you have any). Be prepared for food, fun and Army games. Chow will be served in the mess hall. Our mission is to celebrate (child’s name) (age) birthday. Report to the (insert location) at 1100-1400 (insert real time).
* Army Theme Party Invitation #2: Pick out a few different pictures from our
clipart section. Put them on the front of the invitation and pick out a phrase to put on the inside.
* Army Theme Party Invitation #3: Another invitation could start with buying some scrapbook paper with an American Flag in the background. Here is an example of what you could put: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to rendezvous with an elite force of young men to celebrate (child’s name) birthday. Arrival time: 1400 to 1600 hours, (insert date and address). On the bottom put, the kids will be going through “boot camp” so they’ll be crawling on the grass and will probably be hit by a few water grenades, during their missions. Have them wear green or tan or camouflage clothes, if you can. Call: (phone #) to sign on. Drill Sergeants: (parent’s names).
** Don't forget to add the RSVP, location, time, date, and other pertinent party information on the invitation. ** Printable Invitations, Certificates, Envelopes, And More!

Click on over to the best selection of free printable Army designs on the web. They are all fillable, which allows you to type in the pertinent party information before printing. This way the invitations you print will be neat and professional. You will also find:
Free Invitations & Envelopes Free Certificates And More!!!

Decorations
Picking out, setting up and fine tuning the decorations can be a long tedious process. But, there is hope, because with a little planning and creativity, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of the party. I have compiled a lot of theme party ideas that include both inside and outside decorations. You can use all, some or none of the ideas, but no matter which theme party ideas you choose, they will help turn your party location into the Ultimate Party Location.
Attach a bouquet of helium filled
balloons to a light post or mailbox so there will be no mistaking where the fun will be that day!

The very first thing you should do is contact your local Army recruiter. Click here to locate one in your area. They can provide you, free of charge, items such as, pens, pencils, antenna balls, posters and a ton of other items. They can also provide you, on loan, life size cardboard army men, camo netting, sleeping bags and other military gear. Give them a call; you’d be surprised on what they will give you.

Hang a sign on the bathroom door that reads, “Latrine”. Put one on the shed, if you have one, which says, “The Brig”. Hang another around the kitchen for the “Mess Hall”. If you need to contain the kids in a specific area, hang signs that read, “DANGER KEEP OUT EXPLOSIVES” around the off-limit areas. Kids will love this special touch as it makes them really feel like they’re in the military.

How about the Ultimate Army Prop? Check out this Ultimate 3-D Tank. This would make a great background for photos. Also, check out your local Army Surplus store or 1st Army Supply to find some ammo boxes and other accessories.
If you’re having the Ultimate Party outside, try to get a camo net from your local recruiter or
1st Army Supply. The nets are very large and could cover part of the party area with it. Plus, it’s a great shade maker.

You could also make some paper airplanes and hang them around the house. Try and put some on a ceiling fan, the kids will love it! Also, check out these cool American Flags for decorating your house and Party Area. These flags will not only add to your theme, but also show your patriotism to our country and fellow war fighters. These few simple decorating tips will really help set the mood as you start playing the games and activities.

Need an Army Happy Birthday banner? Check out this Camouflaged Birthday Banner that will fit your theme perfectly.

Put a sign out front of your house that says your party slogan.

Here is an easy way to make a great birthday banner. Use a white vinyl shower liner and 10" black vinyl letters (you can purchase these from an officer supply store). On the banner you can write something like, Bikini Bottom or Rock Bottom. You can also let your children or guests draw Army characters all over it.

Tie helium balloons of different shades of green, brown, black, etc. in clusters of 3 or 5 to the back of chairs or tucked into corners. Don't forget to tie a bunch of balloons to the birthday child’s chair. If you choose not to use helium, tie balloons to varying lengths of curling ribbon, and hang them from the ceiling or from light fixtures throughout the house.

Next, let’s move on to another simple, yet familiar decorating item, Streamers. Streamers offer an economical way to splash lots of color around the site of the party. Create a fun and colorful effect by draping rainbow colored metallic streamers from the center of the ceiling to the walls on each side of the room. The streamers can be twisted after they are anchored to a ceiling wall or table for a more dimensional look. Two different colored streamers can be placed back to back and twisted for a unique look. After you are done, it should look like a spiral rainbow above the room! They also look terrific hanging from doorframes or cascading vertically down walls. Streamers are an excellent Army Theme Party Idea.

Clear out all toys and books, except for those related to the Army Theme.

Make collages of different Army stuff to hang around the party area. Check out our Free Clipart Section for ideas.

Enough about the decorations Sergeant, what about the Army Theme Party Tableware?

Party Tableware
The colors of the party should be pretty simple. I would stick with green, brown, black, etc. After you have selected the party theme colors, decide on whether you will use either printed or solid color party tableware.
Here are some great Army Theme Party Tableware.
*
Army Dessert plates * Army Dinner plates* Army Beverage Napkin * Army Luncheon Napkin* Army Plastic Tumbler * Army Table cover* Army Centerpiece
Going solo on your theme party? Can’t find any party theme tableware you like? Then take a look at the silverware, plates, napkins, etc in solid colors. You’re guaranteed to find a color that matches your Army Theme Party Idea.

Costumes
Now that you have picked out the location, selected a few decorations and picked the theme colors and party tableware, what is your child going to wear at their Ultimate Army Theme Party? Wouldn’t your child love to dress up as a Soldier? I know they would, so here is a perfect chance to let them. Here are a few Ultimate Theme Party costumes!!
First, check out these great
Face Paint Crayons. You can decorate the children's faces however you want, with camo, tanks, airplanes, etc!!!

Here are 2 great Army Theme Party Costumes for your child to wear at their Ultimate Party. Just click on the image to view.
Click here for all Army Costumes.
Have fun!!!

Ice Breaker Activities
Trying to keep the guests attention until the party starts isn't an easy task. But with these kid theme party ideas listed below you won't have any problems!


Let those who’ve arrived early play with Bubbles while they wait for the other guests to arrive.

Don’t forget to check out the great collection of coloring pages I have compiled. A coloring activity is a great way to keep the children occupied until the party starts. Plus, you can send their pictures home in their goody bag.

Have the children decorate a large birthday banner in honor of your child that says, “Happy Birthday, Name”. You can get a large roll of paper from a store like Target. Give the children crayons, stickers, and other such items to use.
Story time with puppet show: Make the puppets by printing characters off web sites & laminating them. Attach to Popsicle sticks.

* New Recruits: Right from the beginning, you need to gain control of the party and make sure everything flows smoothly. You need to get the children in the “Army” mood right away. But how you ask. Setup a table right by the front door. As they come in your home, have them “sign in” as if they were joining the Army. You can issue them dog tags, helmets or any other item to help get them into the Army spirit. The kids will love this and you will set the stage for the Ultimate Theme Party.

* War Paint: Your new recruits are going to need to transfer from “civilian” to “military”. There is not better way than to help them put on their War Paint. After they have “in-processed” send them over to the War Paint station. This will help keep their attention until the real party starts.

* Water Balloons: If you’re going to have a water balloon war later in the party, this would be a perfect time to get the balloons ready. Have the children fill up the balloons now and watch their anticipation grow, as they can’t wait to throw them at each other. Check out the games section for complete details on the game.

* Jet Fighter Training: Have the children construct different Jet Paper Planes and see whose plane will fly the farthest. This should keep them occupied until the real festivities start.
Remember, having a good plan from the start to end is critical in throwing the Ultimate Army Birthday Theme Party. If the kids are standing around with nothing to do, you have forgotten something. Try and keep them occupied at all times and the party will flow smoothly.

Food
Picking out the perfect food, refreshments, treats and cake should be a fun experience. Think of clever names for each item that relates back to the Army Theme. Pick out a birthday party idea or two to get started:

Army Theme Party Food:
If you are looking for a good food to serve and one that could give you a break, try old faithful, pizza and soda. Almost every kid loves pizza and soda, and this could earn you maybe 20-30 minutes of time to cleanup, setup or just sit down. You know every drill sergeant deserves a break.

You could also setup a mess line and serve simple items such as, Mac and Cheese, Hot Dogs, Chips and other items right out of your kitchen. If you have the room and equipment, setup a mess tent where the soldiers go and eat. They will feel just like the military eating in a tent.
Don’t want to give your soldiers a home cooked meal? Call the local Army Surplus store and buy some good old-fashioned MRE (Meals Ready to Eat). The party will definitely be a hit. Kids will be talking about it for months about how they ate MREs at their friends Ultimate Army Party.

Army Theme Party Refreshments:
Now we need some refreshments to wash down all this excellent food.
Try making the Swamp Punch. Take some light lemonade and add green food coloring. Kids will love it because of the color! Want to add your own special touch? Add two raisins to each cube in an ice cube tray. They will end up looking like little bugs in the punch. The soldiers will feel like they’re “roughing it” when they are eating “bugs”.

Army Theme Party Cake:
Deciding on whether you are going to make or buy the Ultimate cake is a tough decision. It mainly depends on how much time you have and how many guests are coming. I would suggest for a smaller party, you try and make that Ultimate cake. But if there is going to be a large number of guests, maybe a large cake made by the baker would be the best decision. It’s up to you, but here is a Birthday Theme Party Idea for making an Ultimate Army cake.
* Tank Cake: This is a simple yet awesome cake to make. Start out by using a 12x18 sheet pan and a half of a Wilton ball pan (can be found at many craft stores and Wal-Mart). Cut sheet cake in half and stack it, slice an angled wedge off of the front and then put the round part on top. You can use Juniper colored icing, a long thick pretzel covered in frosting for the cannon and Oreo halves for the wheels. You can also add a flag on a toothpick and decorate with Army men and crush Oreos and graham crackers for dirt. Not only will this cake taste good it will be the centerpiece of the party.
* Army Battle Field: Start out by making a sheet cake. Cut a small area out and turn it upside down to make a little hill. Fill the hole with blue tinted pudding to make a lake. Frost the rest of the cake with chocolate frosting. Crush some graham crackers and vanilla wafers for dirt and spread over the cake. Set up an Army battle using plastic army toys.
* Edible Army Logo: Want to really impress your soldiers? Check out this
Ultimate Army Logo, which will turn any ordinary cake into the Ultimate Birthday Cake.
Click on these Ultimate Cakes for directions on how to make them.
Army Cake Recipe...
Army Cake Recipe...

Party Favors
Putting together the Ultimate Party Favor bag is one of the funnest parts of the party. You can really get creative here!!! I have listed a few Army Theme Party Ideas for different favors you could give out. I hope you enjoy!
*
Pre-made Army Party Favors* Camo Helmet * Visor Hats * Army Stickers * Ranking Stripes * Decoder Kit * Dog Tags * Soldier and Accessories
-- Ultimate Army Theme Party --

Present
Here is a theme party idea for for an
Ultimate Army toy. Need something besides an Army toy? Click here for the Ultimate Kid Theme Party Ideas for toys.

Games and Activities
Looking for the Ultimate Army Theme Party Games and Activities? Good, I have dedicated a whole page for these games. I know you will find enough choices to fill the games section of your Ultimate Army Theme Party.


Before we get to those games, check out this Army Theme Party Pinata. Your child will definitely love it!!!

Does this piñata not quite fit your Army Theme Party? Click here for the Ultimate selection of birthday piñatas.

** Now here are the Ultimate Army Theme Party Games. Check them out here. **

Thank You Notes
Now the parties over, what do you do? Writing down your theme party ideas and thoughts for next year? Sure, but you don’t want to forget about the guests that helped you celebrate your child’s birthday this year. Make sure to send out some type of Thank You note. Whether it is
store/internet bought or hand made, just make sure to get them out no later than a week after the party. Also, if you took any pictures at the party, make sure to include one in each Thank You Note. I know any Thank You note you choose will end the best Army Theme Party ever! I hope you had fun because I sure did! Happy Partying!!!

Saturday, January 12, 2008

DIY Spa Party


DIY and Host a Spa Party or Shower
A spa type party gives you and your guests a change to the traditionally themed showers or party.

Your inner Spa Girl is fresh-and delicious, simple-yet elegant, relaxing-with a splash of sparkle on the side, and a sublime serving of creative, contagious fun that permeates a fabulous flair.

While visions of friends and family, massages and manicures, food and fun, dance in your head, you're in REM dreaming of pedicures, caterers, appetizers and Zen! What sort of favors or gifts do you think your guest's would like? This deserves some meaningful thought, let the gift be useful, something just for them, something to inspire them to relax and unwind, something when they think of, or use their gift, they have fond thoughts of you. Nothing pricey, but pleasingly personable, not mass-produced mindless gifts, and please, they should not have to play that touchy-feely "what's in the bag----? game to get it. Your guests will enjoy "Gifts of Beauty", handmade with love, presented to them with style and a smile.
So you want to host a Spa Party?

Begin by customizing "your" checklist and start penning your plan!

Your Budget
How important is having a budget? Only one of the most important tasks, especially if you're like most of us who need to keep our cash in check! For a successful party, every chic hostess should take into consideration her needs, wants and must haves, along with a reasonable dollar spending amount and the financial bankroll, to back it up. How many guests will you invite? Before you commit and get your heart set on something, make those phone calls and get prices for professional services that you want to hire out, such as caterers, massage therapist(s) and Esthetician fees-including tips. Don't have a big budget? No worries, we will give you some fun, creative ideas that won't break the bank.
The Event Day
The next most important item on your to do list is figuring out precisely what will be included in your event. This is not too terribly hard to come up with since you already have your budget in place. However, there are several options, and choosing what will fit your needs can be a bit time consuming, so lets get started. You can host the event at your home, a friend's home or book a private party at your local Salon & Spa, call early for package prices. The Spa Services you will provide at home or in the Salon will depend on your Budget. Some would say that having your party catered at a Spa or Salon is the ultimate; I mean literally everything will be done for you down to the last minute detail. However, there is something to be said for the fun it would be transforming and turning your home into a Spa for a day or evening.
Services to consider are full body massages, or spot massages, such as hands and feet, face and neck, arms and neck, check with a local licensed massage therapist for rates and availability.
Alternatively, you can hire an Esthetician(s) to provide manicure and pedicure services, and don't forget about the food catering professionals if you decide to go that route. TIP: Do not wait until the the last minute to book your professional services, a chic host will begin planning and booking professionals well in advance.
Affordable creative ideas for your spa party
If your budget is not big and bulky, (and most of ours is not) I can assure you that you can still pull off an amazing spa-together time. Keep in mind, some of the most smashing parties have been thrown on a modest budget, you can do it! This is a good time to tinker with the idea of entrusting an assistant hostess(s). This will lend you more time to enjoy your guests, and once you get treatments going in your house, you will be thankful to have the help of those you jive with to keep events flowing along.

Here, hosting the party at your home or a friend's home is necessary, decide if you can afford a massage therapist to come for a couple of hours and do spot massages.
On the other hand, making homemade beauty recipes is all the rage these days, make them yourself before your guests arrive, or gather everyone in the kitchen to mix up countless concoctions. These are fresh, fun to make, and good for you, search for a vast collection of free and easy to make homemade beauty recipes now online. Now you can give each other facials, condition your hair, foot and hand scrubs and so much more. Split up into two groups, group one will put down foot soaks for everyone in-group two, then apply the beauty treatments you have made, then switch off. It's tremendous fun and meaningful bonding time too.

After you have decided what type of Spa Party, you will be having, make a schedule of events and pick the time of day or evening. Pick your party time carefully considering your guest's schedules a head of time. This is sure to be the "can't miss" event; everyone is going to WANT to come to this party!

The Invitations
Send your invitations out promptly, 2-3 weeks in advance, and let your guests know what to expect so they can prepare appropriately. If you are crafty, you may like to make your own invitations, or for you computer savvy girls, making great looking invitations on the computer is a snap, a handwritten note inviting your guests is a thoughtful touch, but of course, you can also buy them.
The Menu
Keep it light. You don't want your guests feeling overly full and uncomfortable, prepare fresh foods presented in a simple, beautiful fashion. Create an appealing setting for your food keeping it all together on one table, this makes it much easier to replenish, as needed.

Use linen tablecloths and napkins, please...no paper plates, plastic beverage bottles, plastic eating utensils, etc. TIP: Budget minded individuals-if in need, take a quick trip to your local dollar store, thrift sore, yard sales, etc., for these items. Don't worry about everything matching (example-dinner plates, silver, etc.), some of the most beautiful settings are done with mis-matched items.

If selecting a caterer, remember, it is so much more than just food, drinks, or both, decide if you will need additional tables, chairs, plates, glassware, silver, linens, etc.
You don't need to spend too much time on food prep, unless of course, you have a lot of time. Here are a few quick ideas:
Cuisine Ideas
Shrimp Platter with Citrus Cocktail Sauce
Purchase a quality platter or make your own using Extra Large or Jumbo Shrimp that is steamed, split and deveined, your Seafood department at your local grocers will assist you. Be sure to have ample lemon and orange wedges.
Cocktail Sauce
1 cup ketchup
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1/2 teaspoon)
1 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
4 teaspoons prepared horseradish, or to taste, drained
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Hot sauce, to taste
Combine the ketchup, lemon zest and juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Add hot sauce, if desired. Mix well, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Fresh Vegetable Platter with Lemon Dill dipping sauce
Purchase a quality platter or buy bags of pre-cut veggies at the super market and arrange on a platter lined with fancy colored lettuce with the bowl of dipping sauce in the center.

Lemon Dill dipping sauce
3 shallots
1 tablespoon dried dill leaves (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/4 cups sour cream
Pinch of white pepper
Mince the shallots. Combine the shallots with the rest of the ingredients. Chill. This sauce may be prepared in advance. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Fresh Fruit and Cheese Platter Once again, purchase a quality platter or buy fresh fruit at the produce department taking advantage of the pre-cut ready to go fruits, and a variety of sliced cheeses.

Simple Salad Platter with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Use a variety of mixed greens, seeded-tomatoes and cucumbers and top with course chopped flat leaf parsley. Ease this task by using select pre-washed, cut lettuces.
Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
equal parts of olive oil and raspberry vinegar
pinch of salt & pepper
clove of garlic
Chop the clove of garlic finely and put in the bowl. Add equal parts (about 1/4 cup each) of olive oil and raspberry vinegar. Add the salt and pepper. Mix together and add to your basic green salad just before serving.
If you opt to make an entree, you may like to try this delicious recipe from an issue of Cooking Light Magazine. Much of this can be prepped in advance, and it is fabulous! TIP: Instill the help of your assistants for pre-party help too!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
1/3 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons yellow miso (soybean paste)
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Cooking spray
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
12 romaine lettuce leaves
2 cups (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot
2 cups (2-inch) julienne-cut peeled jicama
1 cup (2-inch) julienne-cut seeded peeled cucumber
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 cup shredded red cabbage
Method
Combine first six ingredients in a bowl; stir well with a whisk. Set aside. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Cut the chicken into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Cut off the raised portion of the main vein of each lettuce leaf. Divide chicken evenly among lettuce leaves; top with carrot, jicama, cucumber, bean sprouts, and cabbage, dividing evenly. Roll up, and secure with a pick. Serve with sauce. Serves 6 (serving size: 2 wraps and 2 tablespoons sauce)
Fondue ~ Chocolate-of course!
If you don't already have one, fondue pots can be found just about anywhere, melt some good quality chocolate and serve with big fresh Strawberries, fluffy Marshmallows, and whatever else you like.

The Bar
Serve Iced Teas and Fresh or Sparkling Waters in beautiful glass pitchers, with a dish full of lemon and lime slices and wedges. You may also like to serve select Wines, Champagne, Hot Herbal Teas, Fresh Juices or a Coffee Bar. Bring out your pretty teacups and glassware for this occasion.
The Gifts (ideas)
Handmade Beauty Gifts for your Guests. Pick a special moment during your event to hand each guest their gift. Wrap up individual gifts in pretty papers or snuggle items together in a spa or fabric bag.
Bath Teas
Purchase quality organic Dried Herbs from your local Herb Shop to make Relaxing and Beautiful Bath Teas.
Ingredients
Lavender Buds
Rose Petals
Chamomile Flowers
Lemon Balm
Pre-cut sheer tulle circles
Raffia or Ribbon
Essential Oils-optional
Directions
In a large bowl, mix all the dried herbs, and a few drops Essential Oils if you prefer. Put a scoop of the mixed herbs in the center of each tulle circle, gather the tulle up around the herbs snugly, and tie with a piece of raffia or ribbon. You can include a homemade tag for your Bath Tea with directions to toss in the tub and enjoy a relaxing stress-less bath.
Cranberry Lip Gloss
Courtesy of The National Honey Board
Every girl should have a pot of yummy lip gloss with her at all times! Protect sensitive lips from the drying elements with this simple yet rich lip balm. Delightful to wear alone or on top of your lipstick for extra shine!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
10 fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon honey
1 drop of vitamin E oil
Directions
Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stove top). Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Apply a small amount onto your lips and remember to smile!
If you can do simple sewing, you may like to make your guests
Lavender and Flax-seed Eye Pillows.
Lavender Sachets
Fill small muslin drawstring bags with dried lavender buds; make a little tag and your done. You may like to make several for each guest, do this by making four sachets for each guest, stack them on top of each other and secure with a pretty ribbon or raffia. You could also put them in a clear cello bag with a ribbon bow. Use your imagination and have fun with the gifts!
Create Your Space(s)

Depending on how many guests you invite and what services you will be providing; transforming your home is another task to think about. Move furniture around to create open spaces. If you are having multiple professionals, use all the space you can. If people are having relaxing massages, you may want to include bedrooms in the plan along with all bathrooms. Be sure to have stacks of fresh clean towels, washcloths, soaps or gels.
Present your guests with a new freshly laundered Spa Robe Gift as they enter your party, or ask that everyone bring there own robe and slippers.

Have at least one vase full of fresh flowers and more if possible. If your party is themed or around the Holiday season, you may like to decorate; a touch of sparkle here and there creates a festive and warm feeling.

Dim the Lights. Light candles even if the event is during the day, the glow of a candle(s) relays warmth and beauty.

Set pretty dishes of potpourri in all rooms being used.

Select relaxing/nature music CD's, and have beautiful music flowing from beginning to end.
Take this opportunity to lavish and spoil your guests, and I don't mean by spending a lot of money on them, but by showing them how much you care by doing the little things that truly shine through. Make a toast to them and let them know how wholeheartedly happy you are that they could all come together to share and experience this time with you. Make this one afternoon or evening a time to remember. Relax, unwind and above all, enjoy!

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Our Spa Packages
We have a package that's over the top!!

You and your girlfriends will love this Spa-tacular party! Slip on our luxurious spa robes, Pleasure yourself in the sweet aroma of scented candles and loosen up as our spa music plays, Unwind and relax as we pamper you with a mini pedicure and manicure. Make your very own lip gloss or body glitter!


BUT WAIT!! Just when you think the day can't get any better, finish off your party by our fab make-up and photo session!! This is a Unique, Fun and Special party for ages 7 and up.

Perfect for a slumber party or adult showers too!

SPA BASIC PACKAGE

2 Hour Party for 8 Girls*Party Hostess*Spa Robes Use*Terry Head Bands*Hands: Soak, Massage,Polish*Facial Mask Treatment *Cucumber Eyes*Glamour Make-up*Dress up Accessories*Table Decor*Lip Gloss or Body Glitter Craft* Magazines*Relaxing Spa Music*Favors bags for each guest*Spa Recipe Card for each guest


DELUXE SPA PACKAGE

2.5 Hours for 8 includes same as our Basic Package plus:*Feet: Soak, Massage, Polish*On Site Photo Session*Both Lip Gloss and Body Glitter Craft*Personalized Bead Craft*Spa Recipe Card for each guest


THE SUPREME SPA EXPERIENCE

3 Hours for 8 includes same as our Deluxe Package plus:*Glamour Dress Up*Red Carpet Runway*Table and Chair Rentals*Table and Chair Decor*Nutritious Snacks and Drinks*Plates and Cups for Serving*Personalized Favor for each guest


Add - ons Include:

*Karaoke*Hair Wraps*Diva Stage and Decorations*Catered Lunch*Invitations*Cake*Additional Activities


50% non-refundable deposit required to hold date

Agaperabba Entertainment(626) 289-8184

Email us at: agaperabba@msn.com

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Pink and Brown Baby Shower

So, one of our many talents (cough, cough) is that of hosting baby showers. We've done quite a few actually. Funny enough all the showers we have done in the last two years have been for boys! Yes, that's right, no girls.


Fast forward to this year and my SIL (aka sister-in-law) is pregnant.....that's right, with a GIRL! It will be the 6th girl offspring with the only boy being her first born.


Anyways, we decide to host her baby shower. Now let me tell you hosting parties for a family member is so very different then that of my customers. You want to impress your family, but not appear to be to know-it-all. There is a fine line to walk when dealing with family drama and the like. That being said we moved forward and in questioning my SIL, she stated that she wanted a Pink and Brown theme baby shower. Ok, cute colors together but what to do as a "theme".


Well, it worked. Our first girl baby shower of pink and brown.


Pink and Brown table clothes, pink Gerber daises in pink baby bottles as the centerpieces, pink and brown boxes for the game prizes, pink and brown cello bags for the umbrella favors, pink and brown invitations, pink and brown favor tags, pink and brown balloons, pink and brown plates and napkins, white booties lapel pin with pink bow, pink and brown bows, ribbons and diaper cakes with the topper being a pink and brown candy buffet!


We just about overdosed on Pink and Brown, but in the end we had a nice time and it turned out very pretty.


Here are some photos to help your thinking process along if you decided to go with a Pink and Brown, Brown & Pink Baby Shower Theme.......

Candy Buffet with Labeled Hershey Bars, Kit Kats, Smarties, Chocolate Covered Pretzels and more
Chinese Take-out Boxes served as the candy container for the buffet guests. The label? Pink and Brown!
Pink and Brown Candy Labels which we can make with any color or theme
Pink (aka strawberry) Brown (aka Chocolate) and Tan (aka Carrot Cake) Cupcakes and Cake with a baby rattle on top. The bottom of the cake is a diaper wreath with "Jordyn" who will be the baby-to-be's name.

If you have any questions, need more ideas or photos, please check out our website or contact me directly.

Our baby shower package includes 2 hours of set up, decor, games, game prizes, corsage, gift registry and clean up. Other options such as cakes, balloons, standees, cupcakes, themed events are also available upon request.






Agaperabba Entertainment

Serving Southern California

(626) 692-4918
http://www.agaperabba.com/