Naptime Notes
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009Smashcake for your baby's first birthday
The Smash Cake is a sweet tradition of baking the one year old a birthday cake of their own that they can do whatever they want with. Sometimes the smaller cake can match a larger cake to be shared with family and friends. Any cake will do and considering that it will be smashed and splattered, you can just use a box cake and frosting and pipe the baby’s name on it.
It’s a nice way to distract the toddler while the rest of the guests are being served and makes for a memorable photo opportunity so be sure to have that camera ready!
Fun smash cake pictures can be found with the incredible cakes at Simply Cakes NC
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Show All » Party Planners » Anniversary Parties
Wednesday, October 28, 2009Quotes for an Anniversary Toast
Celebrating a young couple in love is a joy, but watching a couple who have been married for a quarter or half a century is a privilege. If you’ve been given the honor of giving the toast at this very special occasion, or if you are one of the celebrants giving a toast, here are some quotations you may want to include in your anniversary toast. Sample anniversary toasts are shown on our invitation page.
Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds are the reasons that families work. Anonymous
Immature love says: “I love you because I need you”. Mature love says “I need you because I love you”. Erich Fromm
Love is like an earthquake. It unpredictable, a little scary, but when the hard parts are over you realize just how lucky you truly are. Anonymous
Love is what you’ve been through with somebody. James Thurber
Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side. Zig Ziglar
Definition of a spouse: someone who’ll stand by you through all the trouble you wouldn’t have had if you’d stayed single. Anonymous
Married couples who love each other tell each other a thousand things without talking. Chinese Proverb
Happy marriages begin when we marry the one we love, and they blossom when we love the one we married. Sam Levenson
Here’s to you both – a beautiful pair, on the birthday of your love affair. Anonymous
There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends. Homer
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Show All » Notes From Naptime » General Info
Saturday, October 24, 2009Quinceañera Planning
The Quinceañera, or Quince Años in Latin American culture, is a coming of age ceremony held on a girl’s fifteenth birthday celebrating her ‘becoming a lady’. The celebration generally begins with a religious ceremony in which the Quinceañera affirms her faith followed by an elaborate reception resembling a wedding. From the procession of the Court of Honor to the first waltz with her father, the day is filled with memories of ceremonies past. 
The excitement builds over a several month planning period where items ranging from ball gowns to cakes to quince años invitations and music are selected. Every aspect of the special day is covered by years of tradition and even the smallest detail has a significant meaning. Some unique parties have featured horse drawn carriages and large bouquets of cascading flowers, but not every reception need be that extravagant or costly. Just a few small and inexpensive items can be used to decorate whatever room is chosen, giving the special girl the feeling of being a princess. 
The Last Doll is used as part of the ceremony as a decoration and keepsake. In some customs the doll represents her childhood now that the celebrant will begin focusing on her future. Another custom involves a rose. As each young man approaches the young lady to request a dance, he presents her with a rose.
While traditional gifts such as a tiara and scepter (signifying that the young lady is a princess before God), a cross, medal or bible are generally given by parents, godparents or sponsors, remember that this is still basically a big birthday party for a teenager, so anything that you think the young lady would like to receive would be an appropriate gift.
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Show All » Notes From Naptime » General Info
Wednesday, October 21, 2009Hindu First Rice Ceremony Welcomes Baby
Annaprashan or First Rice Ceremony is a rite of passage that marks an infant’s first taste of food other than milk and celebrates the transition from a liquid diet to solids in the Hindu faith. The First Rice ceremony is usually arranged in consultation with a priest who will choose a special date and time on which to conduct the ceremony. It is generally performed after the baby’s first five months but before their first birthday. The rice eating ceremony is held for boys during an even month, generally the sixth or eighth month and for girls, it is done in the odd months, generally the fifth or the seventh month. 
The First Rice Ceremony can be a small family gathering or a large party, depending upon the wishes of the parents and grandparents. First Rice Ceremony invitations are difficult to find online, but many birth announcements designs could be modified with your Annaprashan wording.
The baby is dressed in new, often traditional clothing such as a baby dhoti kurta or a lehenga choli. These, too, are difficult to find in the USA and are often brought in India by family or friends visiting there.
Traditionally, the mother or grandmother prepare a small bowl of boiled rice, milk and sugar mixture (rice pudding) which is then blessed. The child is held in the mother’s lap while a senior male family member such as a grandfather or uncle feeds them a small portion of the rice. Other members of the extended family and guests will then take turns giving the child a taste.
The feeding ceremony is often followed with a game that involves placing a tray containing a number of symbolic objects in front of the child. The child’s future direction is predicted by the object the child prefers to hold and play with. A bangle or jewel indicates wealth, a book, learning, a pen, wisdom.
It’s an exciting time for everyone, but here are a few tips to make sure that the baby is happy, too.
- Make sure the baby is well rested before the ceremony
- If possible, hold the ceremony just after the morning bath or before the mid- morning nap
- Limit the gathering to just a few close family members and friends so that the baby isn’t overwhelmed
- Make sure that the material, embellishments or embroidery on the baby’s ceremonial clothes won’t irritate the baby’s skin
- Allow only a few close relatives to feed the baby and not each and every member of the ceremonial party
Posted By: Naptime Productions @ 10:13:40 AM
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Show All » Notes From Naptime » General Info
Monday, October 19, 2009Graduation Quotations
Graduation is an emotional time for everyone involved. You want to say the right thing but can’t always be sure that you’re up to the task. We’ve found some quotes that can either fill in that deep thought or lighten the load.
All our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney
Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. Wayne Dyer
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. Dr. Seuss
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson
The tassles’ worth the hassle! Unknown
The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future. Plato
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it. William Arthur Ward
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. Ralph Waldo Emerson
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Beverly Sills
Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. Albert Einstein
Nothing happens unless first a dream. Carl Sandburg
The trouble with learning from experience is that you never graduate. Doug Larson
When you come to a roadblock, take a detour. Barbara Bush
Try not. Do or do not. There is no try. Yoda
Find more graduation quotations in this article.
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Show All » New Arrivals » Other Cards
Sunday, October 11, 2009New Stickers to go with your invitation
Stickers are here! If you are looking for an easy ways to coordinate your party
accessories, consider our stickers. If you don't see them for the
design you will be ordering, ask! We can make them to match any
invitation. Here are a few ideas for using them:
Dress up the back of the envelope with a matching sticker- Add stickers to your favor bags or boxes
- Add stickers to your napkins or napkin and plasticware rolls
- Decorate game materials with a sticker
- Add them to thank you note envelopes
- Add them to name tags or corsages
- Add them to vases or other decorations
A few favorite stickers include Monkey Baby Shower themes, Cowboy shower themes, and gold anniversary stickers.Posted By: Naptime Productions @ 7:55:35 AM
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Show All » Party Planners » Baptism Receptions
Wednesday, October 07, 2009Greek Baptism Traditions
The baptism of a baby in the Greek Orthodox Church is a ceremony second only to marriage in its symbolism, and the christening of a child is a major event in the life of their family. Every region in Greece has its own traditions that set it apart from the rest of the country, but there are similarities in tradition that carry through all of Greece. Among those are the items that must be brought to the church by the godparents.
1 small white towel to be used by the priest and godparents to wipe their hands after the baptism- 1 large white towel to wrap the baby in
- 1 large white sheet to be used with the towel to wrap the baby in
- 1 set of baptismal undergarments to dress the baby immediately after the immersion
- 1 small bottle of olive oil for the priest to pour into the baptismal water
- 1 bar of soap for the priest and godparents to wash their hands
- 3 white candles to be lit after the baptism when they walk around the baptismal font
- a baptismal outfit
Martyrika-Christening Witness Pins that will be pinned on the guests attending the ceremony- A gold cross on a chain for the baby to wear
- A baptismal box to put all of the above items in to carry them to the church
Personalized Greek Baptism invitations allow you to express to the formality of the occasion, clarify reception details and announce the Godparent names. For more ideas, check these links:- Greek Baptism Invitations from Naptime Productions. Offering a wide selection including these designs with a traditional Greek border. They also offer photo baptism invitations.
- A Guide to Greek Customs and Traditions in America from Greek Shops.
- Beautiful baptismal towel sets from EFG
- Personalized ribbons for witnesses
Posted By: Naptime Productions @ 9:24:15 AM
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Show All » Party Planners » Kid's Birthday Parties
Thursday, September 24, 2009Korean First Birthday Celebration
The centuries old traditional Korean Tol celebration is alive and well. This first birthday of a Korean child is still celebrated as a time of congratulations for their parents and family. In Korean culture this milestone event is marked with the making and wearing of the Hanbok, the traditional dress worn during festivals and celebrations, and tables set with dozens of varying symbolic items.
Each food prepared has a specific meaning. Steamed rice cakes represent a pure spirit, sticky rice cakes are a wish that the child grow to be tenacious and strong, noodles represent a long life. Along with food, other items are placed on the table and are necessary to complete the Toljabee event. The child is guided around the table, generally by their father, and the items that attract them are said to be a prediction of their future. Here are some examples as to the types of objects that can be presented to the little one and what choosing them can mean.
Needle and thread – the child will live a long life
Book or pencil – the child will become a successful scholar
Ruler, needle or scissors – the child will be talented with their hands
The birthday child is placed at the table so that the other guests can face them in yet another sign that they are the center of attention on their special day.
In the modern Tol, taking a picture of the child is an important part of the event. The photo is generally taken with the child seated and a Korean traditional screen used as the background. These photos can be taken in advance and used as the focus of your Tol invitation.
Naptime Productions is pleased to offer Korean first birthday invitations to help your family celebrate this special occasion. These two Tol Invitation designs feature the traditional hanbok.
Steeped in custom and tradition, this birthday celebration continues to say “Saengil chukha hamnida”. Happy Birthday.
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Show All » New Arrivals » Baby Shower Cards
Thursday, September 10, 2009New Beach Baby Shower Invitation Design
Baby makes three... pairs of flip flops.
If you are using a beach baby shower theme for your upcoming shower, you will want to see our new tropical baby shower invitation design, "baby flip flops". You can set the scene for your beach baby shower, and get your guests excited about enjoying a party in the tropics... turn up the beach music!
Coming soon, beach baby shower ideas for table decorations, tropical foods to serve and tropical baby shower favors. Don't miss it.
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Show All » Party Planners » Baby Shower Ideas
Thursday, September 10, 2009Beach Baby Shower Ideas
Be ahead of the curve by throwing a baby shower that everyone will talk about. The tropical baby shower is in style, along with a growing trend towards a beach baby shower theme. You’re never limited to the conventional when you can be host to your guests in the great outdoors. Indoors or out, crank up the Beach Boys or calypso music and set the mood!
The color selections are endless and your own backyard setting can be transformed into the tropics with some garden torches and colorful patio lights along with your own garden flowers. If you go with the beach baby shower theme, small buckets of sand with sand toys and sea shells can decorate the tables that you can cover with large beach towels instead of the usual tablecloths. Use a child’s wading pool to float colorful flowers or beach toys. If the weather doesn’t permit, you can bring in a touch of paradise with just a few inexpensive supplies. Use beach chairs as space permits draped with beach towels or pass out sunglasses and leis. Skirt your tables with hula skirt material or decorate a bassinet hawaiian-style to receive gifts.Choose tropical baby shower invitations showing a tropical scene to help set the tone before the big day. The food you serve can also continue the tropical baby shower theme. Set out a platter of mango, passion fruit and strawberries along with a cool refreshing beverage spiced up with a cocktail umbrella. If your tropical shower is close to mealtime how about a barbecue? Hamburgers, hotdogs and ice cream treats to remind you of your own childhood days at the shore.
The beach ball toss is a nice ice-breaker. Hand the ball to one person and have them state their name, something interesting about themselves or how they know the mommy-to-be and then pass it along to the person next to them. Of just let a beach ball volley around during the gift opening. If your guests are really relaxed, some may choose to particpate in a hula lesson or contest you have planned ahead.
Need a tropical baby shower favor that you can make yourself? Send your guests away with a mini-bottle filled with sand and a little thank you tag attached from mommy and baby. We also show several tropical theme shower favors in our article about tropical bridal showers.
Don’t let tradition hold you back. Some of the most memorable and enjoyable baby showers are those that don’t fit the mold.
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Want more beach baby shower ideas? Here are some ideas we found on the web:
- Beach Baby Shower table decorations using a sea theme are very well done here.
- Gorgeous Beach Baby Shower cakes from Pink Cake Box cover several theme variations. She has ocean theme, more formal cakes with shells and a beautiful sand castle cake.
- An adorable Beach Baby Shower cake on Webshots by bearytastee features a baby oriented theme, complete with shovel and pail. She also has a sample of a charming Hawaiian theme shower cake.
- This colorful Luau party kit could work for a beach luau baby shower.
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