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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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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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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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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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Friday, August 21, 2009Selecting the right name for your baby
As fun and exciting as the pre-birth festivities can be, there is a far more important decision to make than the color of the baby’s room or the decision between cloth or disposable diapers. It is choosing the name that will be a part of your child’s life for the rest of their life.
Naming your baby can be essential to a child’s earliest sense of identity so choosing a baby name is something you shouldn’t rush into. There are different criteria and considerations you can use in making your choice. The meaning of a name doesn’t usually come up in conversation but may help you to decide. Family names handed down from generation to generation are popular as are names that derive from the family’s country of origin. Popular or common names with conventional spellings are a good bet. Remember that putting a unique spin on a pronunciation or spelling of your child’s name may be a current trend, but it’s your child who will spend his lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced. If you have your heart set on an unconventional name you can use it as a middle name. If your child likes it they can use it when they feel comfortable or if they hate it, they never have to use it.
Some pitfalls can be what their initials, shortened forms or nicknames will be. Check them first to avoid future embarrassment. Make sure you don’t choose a first name that ends with the same letter that your last name begins with. It can make for a tongue twister. Keep in mind that your child won’t always be your little bundle of joy but will grow into adulthood and the name you choose should be one that your child will be able to grow up and old with. A really cute name for a baby might not necessarily fit someone in their 40’s.
Once you’ve decided on the baby’s name try practicing how it sounds. The full name spoken out loud or used in a sentence should flow and be pleasant to hear. Remember that if both parents can’t decide on one name that you can always use one as the first name and one as the middle name!
Your baby’s name will be your first and most lasting gift to them so be patient and choose wisely.
If you’re curious as to what the most popular baby names are, here is a list of the top ten boy/girl names of 2008 according to the Social Security Administration.
Jacob/Emma
Michael/Isabella
Ethan/Emily
Joshua/Madison
Daniel/Ava
Alexander/Olivia
Anthony/Sophia
William/Abigail
Christopher/Elizabeth
Matthew/Chloe
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009Avoiding the most
common invitation mistakes
At Naptime Productions, we see a LOT of invitations. Here are the top things we have to correct on invitation copy in case you want to avoid them.
- Leaving something out.
It is best if you provide all the information your guest will need about your event: Full name of honoree, Day, date, time, location, location address, host, and r.s.v.p. information or contact information. If you wish, it is helpful to your guests to also include registry information and dress code. If you have an event and reception at different times, be sure to include time and location for both. - An extra Please in R.s.v.p.
R.s.v.p. translates from French to "please respond." Please R.s.v.p. translates as "please, please respond." Since you do not want to beg your guests for a response you may want to choose "Please respond" instead of "Please R.s.v.p." - Keep it in the same "person".
If you begin your invitation in third person, end it in third person. For example, choose one of these two options, but don't mix them. Continue with the first or third person throughout the invitation copy.- Darrell and Johann Smith invite you to join them at the baptism of their daughter...
- Please join us to celebrate the baptism of our daughter...
- Invitation sequence
You want to put the least important things last. This includes things that need to be said quietly. The order we normally include invitation details is- "Please join us for..." or "Joel and Andrea cordially invite you to..."
- event name
- in honor of -or- for
- Honoree name(s)
- Day, date, time
- Location and address (zip code is not necessary)
- Hosted by (if not included in introductory line or R.s.v.p.)
- R.s.v.p., due date, phone, email
- Registry or related information, smaller.
- "Please join us for..." or "Joel and Andrea cordially invite you to..."
- Too much text
As a general guideline, include only the details above, as shown on the sample invitation you viewed. Additional information can be included on a separate enclosure. Long lists of names or party details detract from the look of your invitation, and also make it harder to read. You can eliminiate some text by not repeating details such as year, surname, and city/state. - Grammar
Make sure you read your invitation copy out loud so you can hear how it flows. This often helps you notice missing words or information. Be sure your introductory phrase reads like a sentence.
At Naptime Productions we pride ourselves on creating beautiful and useful invitations for our customers. We automatically proofread, adjust and fit the text to the invitation you have ordered. However, to avoid surprises, it is best to make sure that your invitation text is complete and correct when you send it over to us. Our customer service staff is very happy to help you adjust or refine your text. Give us a call, or let us know your preferences when you order. We are happy to help you make the best invitation possible!
Posted By: Naptime Productions @ 7:58:20 PM
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Monday, February 23, 2009Please, please explain R.s.v.p.!
Most people issue formal invitations once or twice a decade. Here at Naptime Productions we print dozens everyday. So we inevitably think about grammar and etiquette conundrums that most people don't. Here's an example.
Requesting a reply from guests.
The French used the sentence "Repondez, s'il vous plait." which translates "Please respond." It was eventually shortened to R.s.v.p. and placed in a lower corner of the invitation. In Emily Post's Etiquette, Blue Book of Social Usage on page 426 she states " The forms R.s.v.p. and R.S.V.P. are both correct. It is to be noted that in France and in diplomatic circles the capital letters are the correct form." While R.S.V.P. may be interpreted to be more formal, we find it illegible in fonts that have very complicated capital letters. So occasionally we will recommend using R.s.v.p. for clarity.
Isn't it polite to add a "please" before R.s.v.p.?
It is redundant, because R.s.v.p. means "please respond". Although redundancy in the name of politeness can be forgiven, we often recommend simply using "Please reply" or "Please respond". Thus avoiding having the request interpreted as "Please respond, please" or worse "Please, please respond" which may sound just at little bit like whining.R.S.V.P. or RSVP?
Most people send their wording in with RSVP. In Emily Post primarily uses R.s.v.p. and mentions R.S.V.P. but never RSVP. So we add the periods. Unless you request we don't.Posted By: Naptime Productions @ 4:12:29 PM
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Saturday, December 27, 2008New Grandparents rule!
Along with all of the pride and excitement of a new grandchild, comes the realization of the responsibility and care these precious new lives may require from their doting new grandparents.
Whether it’s your first or third little blessing, there are things you can do to help the new parents make the adjustment. Your own personal experiences with anything from walking with a fussy baby to knowing just the right trick to getting out a nasty formula stain can help relieve what can be a stressful, tiring time. And your patience and understanding will not only help create a new kind of bond with your own adult children, but will begin a lifetime of caring and sharing with that new little someone.
Working with the style and preferences of the new babies parents, select a few ideas to help and support the parents of the new baby.
1. Take lots of pictures and deliver prints in an album.
2. Bring over pre-made meals to leave in the refrigerator.
3. Take the older siblings out on a play date.
4. Ask to help with dishes or laundry.
5. Be a good listener, or shoulder to cry on.
6. Help the new mom find that elusive nap!
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008Personal Delivery
We all struggle to get everything completed on our holiday list. So if you haven't gotten all your holiday greetings in the mail yet, you are not alone! 
For a change, you might want to visit during the holiday season, and hand out your holiday cards in person. It makes them much more personal and saves the price of a stamp. Since you can't visit everyone at Christmas, doing this into the first or second week of January gives you the time to visit with old friends and longer-distance relatives, and leave them with a card they will remember. That means that your card is not late for the season since you deliver it in person.
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Monday, December 08, 2008Ring in your New Year's Eve
with a new twist on
the old New Year's party
Blogged by Peter
New Year's Eve is coming, and you want to do it up right! You don't want to spend to much or travel to far, but you also don't want to have the same old stand-around-the-kitchen-counter-staring-at-the-dish-of-peanuts party at your house where the crowd clears out at 12:01 a.m.! So what do you do? Here are a couple of fresh, funky ideas.
8-track party - my friend had an 8-track party for New Year's Eve and although it was many moons ago, I still remember it vividly. He had an 8-track tape p
layer
with a variety of tapes from that era (yes the 8-track time period is now old enough to be an era, unfortunately for all of us baby boomers), and everyone came dressed in bell-bottom jeans, headbands and wildly colored shirts. You don't really have to have an 8-track player to have a 8-track party, since it is more about the music and the clothes than the technology, but if you really want one you can find 8-track tape players and tapes on eBay. Guests will rock out to the Moody Blues, The Who, and Pink Floyd among other musical artists recording during the zenith of the 8-track era in the late sixties and early seventies. Key to any party is the invitation, which sets the stage for a winning party formula, and with Naptime Productions Totally Retro party invitation, your New Year's Eve party is well on the way to reaching legendary status, one they will talk about for years.
Maybe, though, you want something a little more elegant, a little more sparkly, a little more
, let's say, 2009 instead of 1971! Then by all means throw a dress-to-the-nines, top hat and tails, ballroom style New Year's Eve bash, just on a smaller scale! Naptime centerpieces set the stage, as well as the tables, and can be customized for any occasion. If space is limited in your home (don't forget that basements are easily decorated for parties and make spilled drinks and dropped trays of hors d'oeuvres muc
h easier to clean up than your living room carpet), your local church social hall or area organization meeting rooms may be rented at a low price, or even free in some cases if it isn't already booked for an event. Cocktails and appetizers, formal dress and danceable music, champagne toasts and balloon drops at the midnight hour, all started with an inviting card from the Naptime Productions New Year's Eve party invitations line, will definitely have your New Year's Eve party rivaling anything seen on the television!
And please, have fun on New Year's Eve, but don't forget to drink responsibly! A DUI or something much worse is definitely not the way to start the New Year.
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