Spas have risen in popularity in the last decade and for good reasons. Our personal lives, careers, and environment produce stress, which harm the mind and body. Visiting a spa is similar to a tune-up. Not only do natural and organic treatments soothe our anxieties, calm our mind, and relax our bodies; they also repair the unseen damage on our hair, skin, muscles and organs.
By Unique Hotel Group/Flickr.com.
Prepare your pool for hours of refreshing summer fun with Backyard Ocean’s Poolside Stories. Our new series from our specialist, Clint Borrill, provides you with useful tips to expand your knowledge about pools and to help keep yours in excellent condition.
Maintaining a pool is not just a simple matter of buying the right equipment and purchasing the proper chemicals. As a pool enthusiast, I believe that an owner must do what he can to keep his swimming pool clean and in excellent condition. This not only makes it ready for immediate use, but also extends the pool’s life.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the day that the Mexican army, against overwhelming odds, triumphed over invading French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In honor of this historic event, millions of people across the United States celebrate Mexico’s heritage with parties and parades full of food, music, and merry-making. Here are some muy bueno ideas for creating a fun-filled fiesta with family and friends.
Make prominent use of the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican flag in your decorations. Employ these colors in streamers, buntings, and balloons as well as in plates, cups, bowls, and utensils.
Traditional Saltillo designs feature bright-colored stripes and are used on blankets, rugs, wraps, and ponchos. Use these iconic Saltillo patterns on tablecloths, table runners, and placemats to make your tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and chimichangas look extra appetizing!
Colorful tissue paper flowers are also an essential element in Cinco de Mayo decor. Visit a party supplier or make these pretty ornaments yourself to add an exuberant burst of color to your party.
Add to the festive air of your celebration by encouraging your guests to attend in a Mexican-inspired getup. This can be as easy as wearing hues of green, white, and red clothing and throwing on a large, colorful sombrero.
Women can wear old-fashioned peasant dresses and sandals, and then pull their hair back and tie it up with bright ribbons. A long, colorful full skirt that reaches down to the ankles paired with a white off-shoulder blouse creates a simple yet characteristic south of the border look.
Men can dress up as traditional mariachi musicians by donning a white shirt, black pants, a red sash, and a pair of black shoes. Complete the look with a “serape” or a Mexican shawl draped over the shoulder, a sombrero, and most importantly, a guitar or accordion as a prop.
Turn up the heat at your Cinco de Mayo party by playing some traditional Mexican music. Mariachi band music is a very popular choice, but other folk music styles such as Tejano, Banda, and Ranchera will also get your toes tapping. Get some albums online, buy some maracas, and have fun dancing along to the music.
Nothing says fiesta like a big, colorful piñata! Aside from being great decorations, piñatas also serve as a fun activity for kids and grown-ups alike. Many party supply stores sell a wide variety of these paper-maché creations. Fill your piñata with an assortment of candy, novelty items, and other treats to give everyone a smashing good time.
Get that authentic Mexican look and feel in your home with these hot tips that will surely spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration!
The outdoor barbecue is one of America’s most beloved traditions, something that’s constantly looked forward to. It’s a delightful opportunity to spend time with family members and catch up with friends. At the same time, it’s a wonderful chance to soak up some of that wonderful warm weather and just unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In celebration of National Barbecue Month, here are some tasty and healthy recipes to elevate your barbecues and make your parties even more special:
With the beautiful spring weather beckoning children to go outside and play, it’s important to make sure that your local playground is safe. From April 21 to 27, we celebrate National Playground Safety Week as a time to focus our attention on the safety of our outdoor playground environment.
When accompanying your youngsters to the park, school, or home playground, you may discover that some risks do not appear obvious at first glance. To lessen the risk of accidental falls and injuries, the National Program for Playground Safety advises us to remember the acronym S.A.F.E.
Actively supervise your child at the playground and keep an eye out for potential hazards. Report rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces to the school or local office.
Teach children that it can be unsafe to push, shove, or crowd other kids while on the playground.
Dress your kids appropriately for the playground. Necklaces, bags, scarves or clothing with drawstrings can pose a hazard if caught in equipment.
