Thursday, September 29, 2011

Enjoy Your Next Summer Holiday in Auckland

An unbeatable summer holiday location in New Zealand would have to be Auckland. If visiting from overseas or domestically via the airport, a great way of getting around is to hire your own transportation.

Finding car rental in Auckland New Zealand is going to be quite a simple task. This is the largest city in New Zealand, offering plenty of options so that you can get the car that you need. Once you book your vehicle and are ready to hit the city, you might be wondering where to go or what you can do for fun. In the summer, Auckland has something for just about everyone. There are plenty of attractions, events, and destinations worth a visit while you are in town. The city is widespread and divided into 4 major regions and therefore having access to a car makes getting around much easier for tourists and locals alike.

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If you're looking for fun summer spots in Auckland there are plenty to choose from. After you pick up your car rental in Auckland New Zealand you can head over to any of the parks throughout the city, where you will find a constant array of festivals, events, music shows, and more. If you want some culture, head over to the Summer Shakespeare series on the Auckland University campus, or the Film Festival that is held every July.

Depending on your budget and interests there is plenty to see and do while you are in Auckland. You can visit the local museum and art gallery if you want to get indoors for a little bit, or Rainbow's End amusement park, or the Auckland Zoo for a glimpse of some great wildlife and a fun family day out and about.

If you are looking for water sports and other activities, head to the North Shore City region where you can find plenty of different marine attractions and events to keep you entertained during the summer months. Of course, because of the location of Auckland you can head anywhere out of the city and run into water, giving you plenty of options for outdoor adventures and water-based attractions and activities.

All of the fun summer activities that you have planned will surely work up an appetite so be sure to check out some of the great restaurants in and around Auckland city. We recommend checking out some of the award winners from the 2010 Metro Restaurant of the Year Awards including Antoine's Restaurant, Cable Bay Vineyards, Cibo, Coco's Cantina and Delicious Restaurant.

The long sunny days and warm summer evenings make a holiday in Auckland a very enjoyable one indeed.

Enjoy Your Next Summer Holiday in Auckland

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Holiday Cranberry Party Punch Recipes

During the holiday season, we like to entertain friends and family members here at our home. Along with our traditional holiday spread of delicious food, I like to serve a cranberry holiday punch.

You will need to purchase a large punch bowl and cups to serve the following recipes. You can use traditional flavored ice as explained at the end of each recipe or you can make an ice ring mold to keep it cold.

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How To Make An Ice Ring Mold:

Making an ice ring is really easy. Buy an inexpensive gelatin ring mold, fill the mold with punch juice and freeze for several hours. Remove the ice mold from the ring and add it to your bowl before pouring in the punch juice. Making an ice ring mold from punch juice keeps your party punch from getting watered down, which is what would happen if you use traditional ice.

Cranberry Mixed Fruit Punch

1 quart bottle 7-Up soda

1 pint cranberry cocktail

12 ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate

12 ounce can frozen pineapple concentrate

1 quart raspberry sherbet

In a large punch bowl, combine all of the above ingredients together in the order that they are given. All ingredients should be chilled or cold before placing into the bowl.

Punch Bowl Ice: Take 4 ice cube trays and purchase an additional bottle of cranberry juice. Pour juice into the ice cube trays and freeze. Use cranberry ice in your bowl so that your punch doesn't get watered down.

Cranberry Apple Punch

1 large bottle cranberry juice

1 large bottle apple juice

12 ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate

6 ounce can frozen pineapple juice concentrate

6 ounce can frozen grapefruit juice concentrate

2 liter bottle lemon-lime soda

Pour all ingredients together into a large punch bowl in the order that they are given in the recipe. All ingredients should be chilled or cold before placing into the punch bowl.

Punch Bowl Ice: Take 4 ice cube trays and purchase an additional bottle of apple juice. Pour juice into the ice cube trays and freeze. Use apple ice in your punch bowl so that your punch doesn't get watered down.

Holiday Cranberry Party Punch Recipes

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

National Cookie Day - Time to Celebrate

Just when you thought you had heard of all the lesser known holidays, someone invents another one. While you likely won't find any cards at your local Hallmark, there are a few people out there who celebrate National Cookie Day. This obscure cookie holiday occurs every year on December 4. In deference to the cookie, here is a little history on this venerable dessert treat.

The English word "cookie" is derived from the Dutch word "koekje," which means little cake. Bakers used to place a small amount of cake batter in the oven to test the temperature. They soon discovered that these little bits of cooked batter were quite tasty on their own, and the cookie was born!

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The humble cookie has evolved a lot since then, and now there are hundreds of varieties baked across the world every day, from the classic chocolate chip to more exotic offerings with caramel, macadamia nuts, dried fruits and more. Cookies can be broadly classified into 3 categories. First are "drop" cookies. These are aptly named because the batter is dropped onto the cookie sheet. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, and oatmeal raisin are all examples of drop cookies. Second are "rolled" cookies. Rolled cookies are rolled out like pie dough, and then cut-out using a cutter. Sugar cookies are the most popular rolled cookies, followed closely by gingerbread. Rolled cookies may also be "rolled up" into a cylinder and then sliced off and baked. Rolled cookies bake up firmer and flatter than drop cookies, and are therefore ideal for personalizing with icing and other toppings. Third are pressed cookies. For pressed cookies, the dough is loaded into a cookie press, and then extruded, typically using various dies to create interesting shapes. Spritz cookies are the most common pressed cookie variety. Some also consider bars and brownies as a fourth cookie variety, since the ingredients are very similar, and the resultant treats are typically cut into single serving sizes.

Cookies are a multi-billion dollar industry in the US, ranging from packaged cookies at the grocery store to fresh-baked cookies at the mall, and even Internet bakeries that ship direct to your or your gift recipients. So this year when December 4 comes around, remember this humble little cake by munching on one or by sending a cookie gift to your loved ones.

National Cookie Day - Time to Celebrate

Monday, September 26, 2011

Direct Sales - 41 Home Party Theme Ideas!

If you are in Direct Sales, you have probably noticed how popular theme home parties have become. These days hosts are looking for something different. We have all been to those parties where a consultant just stands up there and shows you her business products, but these days, those type of parties are becoming less appealing.

Hosts now want an interactive and fun theme party. I have compiled a list of some very popular theme ideas for you to consider the next time you are demonstrating a party for your Direct Sales home business.

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1. Home Organization: These days, everyone is looking to downsize and to get better organized. If you are with a company that offers products that a customer can use to get better organized, then consider using this theme.

2. Couples Cooking Class: A lot of couples enjoy cooking, baking and grilling together. If you are with one of the Kitchen or Gourmet Food company's this is a fun theme just for couples.

3. Men Only Cooking Class: I have found that a lot of men enjoy being in the kitchen. If you can find a male party host, this would be a great theme to do, so that they can invite all of their 'male' friends to the cooking class.

4. Girls Night In Slumber Party: This theme idea will work for most of the direct sales home businesses. Girls are always looking for a reason to get together.

5. Home Daycare Owners: Millions of women run daycares out of their home and they make excellent hosts. They know plenty of parents to invite to their party plus they can invite other local daycare providers. This is a great theme if you sell children's products as daycare providers are always looking for new things for their daycares so why not let them earn some free products by hosting a home show.

6. Children Only, Gift Shopping Event: This is better done with Cash and Carry Products. Invite the children over to your home to shop for a Gift for Mom and Grandma. You can get cheap wrapping paper and some crafting supplies at the dollar store and have them make a Greeting Card too!

7. Treat Your Mom: You have the guests bring their mothers with them to the show. Have your host serve appetizers and beverages.

8. Mystery Hostess Open House: I always recommend that new Direct Sales Consultants start out by hostessing their very own open house event. Every guest who attends your open house and makes a purchase will be entered into a special drawing where they will be named the host (if they are the winner) and will earn all of the free hostess goodies and gifts.

9. Bridal Shower Party: If your host is getting married soon, consider turning the home show into a Bridal Shower. This works well if you are with a home decor company or a kitchen company.

10. Baby Shower Gathering: If you know someone who is expecting a baby and you sell baby and children's products, this would be a really nice theme to incorporate into your home show line-up.

11. Partying For Charity: Have a party to raise money for charitable organizations or donate the free items that the hostess would earn to a womens shelter, low income family, etc.

12. Open House Weekend Cash and Carry: This is a great theme if you have a lot of product on hand, especially discontinued merchandise. I like to do these type of parties twice a year to just clean out my overstock. I always discount the products and make it a cash and carry weekend shopping event.

13. Best Friends Evening Out: (works best with bath and body products, candle, skincare and cosmetic products).

14. Quick and Easy Meals Taste Great: This theme works well for those who sell gourmet food products or if you are with a kitchen and food Direct Sales company.

15. Work Place Lunch Office Parties: (can also hold them at the workplace after work too!) Works great especially for the smaller privately owned businesses.

16. Sports Themed Tailgating Bash: If your host doesn't mind asking her guests to each bring a food dish to the home show, try this theme around some of the big sporting events such as the NBA Playoffs, The Stanley Cup and The Super Bowl.

17. Movie and a Meal Night: Have your host provide the movie. Have the demonstration before the movie then let guests mingle, eat and watch the movie together while you finish up your party.

18. Ditch the Casual Wear and Bring out the Party Wear: If you are doing an all girls theme, try having them all dress up in their favorite dresses and gowns! What girl doesn't love a reason to get dressed up?

19. The Good Old Days: Have guests dress up in 1960s and 1970s attire. Put the 'groove' back into partying! Dig out those bell bottom jeans and pointy collared shirts! Bring back Flower Power!

20. Italian Pizza Night: Have your host order a few pizzas. Have guests wear red, white and green which are the colors in the Italian National Flag.

21. Rainy Day, Kids Craft Day: (great for those in scrapbooking and paper crafts Direct Sales home businesses) Moms are always looking for things to keep kids busy on snowy and rainy days.

22. For Teachers Only: If your host is a teacher and you sell educational product for children, try hostessing a Teachers Only Party.

23. Sweet 16 Build Your Hope Chest Show: If you have a host who has a daughter who will be turning 16, you can try having this type of theme party if you sell home decor, houseware or kitchenware type of products.

24. Game Night for Guys and Party Night for Girls: This is great if you have a big enough home. Do it on a day that there is a big sporting event! All the guys in one room watching the game while the girls get together in another room.

25. Food On the Go: Works well if you are with one of the Kitchen Direct Sales Companys. Adults are always looking for ways to transport their food to work and back as well as packing school lunches for the kids.

26. Make Great Treats and Sweets for Bake Sales: Busy Moms are always looking for a way to make treats for all of those bake sales! Works really well with Parents of Elementary School Aged Children. You can contact the schools PTA and see if they would be interested in having you come to the school and doing this with the moms after one of their PTA meetings.

27. Moms on the go Gym Show: Contact your local Fitness Gyms and see if you can come to the gym and do a show, set up a table or teach a class.

28. Beat the Clock: (these are fun to do on the days that we have time changes here in the USA) but you can do them any time. You can set it up that if guests order within 30 minutes of the party starting they get a 15% discount, at 45 minutes it drops down to 10%.

29. Auction Event with your Cash and Carry Products: A great way to unload all of your overstock merchandise and offer your customers a bargain at the same time.

30. A Cut Above the Rest: Great if you sell cutlery, food choppers, scissors or if you just sell stylish products.

31. Ice Cream Social: If you are holding a Ice Cream Social, make sure you have enough variety of ice cream toppings and ice cream available. Now who doesn't love ice cream? This is a great theme during the Spring and Summer Months.

32. Kitchen Cooking and Household Solutions Party: If you are with company that offers kitchen products, household products and/or cleaning products, this might be a good theme for you to try out.

33. Pass the Catalog: Take a few catalogs and staple an order form to the backside. Have your host pass the catalog around at her church, workplace, meeting groups etc. Same concept as a catalog order party.

34. Community Work From Home Event: Use this more for recruiting, but you can also accept orders from those who attend your event. Part of growing your business is getting your business out in front of your community.

35. 5 Ingredients or Less: This would be appropriate for kitchen and food type of companies.

36. Moms on a Budget: During this type of home show you should only demo items that are or less.

37. Multi-Consultant Neighborhood Event: Find other consultants who represent Non-Competing types of products in your community and hold one large event.

38. Adopt a Neighborhood Needy Family: Find a neighborhood family in need, (churches are great sources for this) and donate all of the freebie and 1/2 prices items that are earned during this event to the family.

39. Mans Best Friend: If you sell pet foods and supplies this is a great theme party for you.

40. New Moms Time Out Show: Invite all the new Mothers to attend your show. New moms need a break so giving them a few hours without the kids is something they look forward to.

41. Dieting Buddies: They say that losing weight is more successful if you have a dieting buddy. So if you sell gourmet foods, natural and healthy supplements, vitamins, or exercise equipment you can start a dieting buddies program.

Direct Sales - 41 Home Party Theme Ideas!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Valentine's Day cards

Cards are one of the special attractions for the day. The cards include a wide range of emotions. Quirky, funny, witty, charming, ornate, romantic, sensitive, and more Note Cards can be sent or given to anyone and everyone, be they lovers, friends or family.

The tradition of Valentine's Day greeting cards dates back to medieval times. It 'started with Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415, which addressed a poem to his beloved wifeduring his detention in the Tower of London after the battle of Agincourt. The postcard is a special memory and a part of the collection of manuscripts at the British Library. In the sixteenth century, did the tradition of greeting cards Valentine going. Handwritten cards were developed with lace, silk or satin, flowers, gold leaf or even decorated sachets. Colored paper and watercolors are among the key elements used to create the card.

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TraditionExchange of printed cards for Valentine's Day has come to the fore because of printing costs and shipping cheaper. Ready-made cards were an easy way to discourage people, their emotions in a time to speak, when there were subtle emotion of the day and direct expression of their feelings were. Paper Valentine cards were very popular in England. Cards made with images of Cupid and the heart were for sale by the end of the nineteenth century.

In the United States,Greeting cards for Valentine's Day began in 1840 with Esther A. Howland, who sold the first cards, mass produced in America. Since then, the exchange of cards as a popular ritual has continued until today. After the association estimates that a greeting card on Valentine billion cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day card sending holiday of the year's second-largest. This confirms the importance of the day in the life ofAmericans.

The most frequent jokes in these cards is "Be My Valentine". A Valentine's Day is a special person emerges as a lover on Valentine's Day highlighted. Not only limited to soul mates, cards have become an important opportunity to send cards to close friends, family, relatives, teachers, students and other social relations, as a symbolic gesture of love, respect and admiration.

They were in the age of electronic greeting, there was a revival of the charmValentine's Day e-cards are handmade. Regardless of the form, perhaps, a unique, sentimental, handmade paper, an e-card with a personal message or a printed map, is the message board states that remain unchanged over the centuries.

Valentine's Day cards

Outstanding Holiday Resorts In Turkey

Oludeniz, Turkey's dream beach par excellence, is depicted in all guide books and covers a circular headland south of the homonymous resort town of Fethiye. White sand and turquoise waters set the scene of the lagoon. Apart from the wonderful landscape, all kinds of services and entertainments are available to ensure that no visitor gets bored. There are several watersports and beach activity providers, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars, to suit the expectation of everyone.

One of the more popular hotels is the Oludeniz resort which lies on the sand and pebble beach of the Belcekiz Bay, about 20 minutes walk along the ocean shore to the famous lagoon Oludeniz. The surrounding village is home to many restaurants and shops; Fethiye is about 8.5 miles away. The hotel hosts 192 rooms in a two-storey residential complex. Facilities include reception, lobby and bar, restaurant, conference room, mini market, hair salon, fitness center with Turkish bath, sauna and small indoor pool with Jacuzzi, children pool large garden pool, snack bar and sun terrace. Laundry and medical service is available upon a fee, too. This fabulous resort offers cheap holiday deals, especially when booked ahead and online.

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A holiday in Fethiye promises an incredible experience at lovely beaches and a stunning natural scenery. The town has a population of 50.000 and is located on the Lycian Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Inland, behind the coast, are the mighty Taurus Mountains, which give the region a unique impression. The best season for a holiday in this corner of Turkey is the spring, as the peaks are still snow-draped and one can enjoy the quiet beaches, before the massive tourist crowd arrives in the summer. Who wants to be pampered on their get-away is well taken care of at one of the Turkish Hammams. These buildings are approximately 400 years old and offer relaxing massages at low prices.

The Montana Pine Resort in Fethiye, is a quiet hotel on a hillside surrounded by a pine forest. The excellent service includes a daily free shuttle drive to the beach and a transfer from Dalaman airport, which takes about 110 minutes. The facilities, which are designed in typical oriental style, consist of a lobby, reception, lobby bar, in and outdoor restaurant, mini market and amphitheater, coffee corner and a conference room. In the garden, there are 3 swimming pools, a relaxation pool and a poolside snackbar. The rooms are modern equipped with amenities such as a safe, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, air conditioning and a balcony. This is a perfect resort for family holidays, as the choice of entertainment programs and sport activities are endless.

Crystal clear water, dreamy beaches and the lively port in the town of Marmaris are an ideal starting point for a relaxing and fun vacation in Turkey. Numerous cafes, taverns and restaurants offer insight into the diverse cuisine of the region. Shopping streets and nightlife are tailored to the needs of tourists. The large and modern port of Marmaris is protected by offshore islands and make Marmaris a center for water sports. Marmaris still retains the charm of the picturesque fishing village, that it was before the development of a tourist center.

The Hotel Marmaris Resort was built in 1995. It has 270 double rooms, 13 junior suites and 37 suits, and since the reception is open 24 hours, a late arrival is not a problem. The rooms of the Hotel Marmaris are equipped with hair dryer, mini bar, bathtub, safe, direct dial telephone and satellite/cable television. There are 3 separated pools: In the first, one can unwind in peace and in the other two there is always a lot of entertainment going on. The resort is extremely family oriented and offers a wide animation program all day long. The hotel lies about 25 minutes, by car, from Marmaris away, and there are no close localities around the resort. However, one can have a fantastic adventure by taking a Dolmusch, the Turkish variation of a taxi, and exploring the magical environment of Marmaris.

On the edge of Marmaris Bay, right at the beginning of the Bosporus Peninsula lies the popular holiday spot of Icmeler. Icmeler is a tranquil place and certainly not as hectic as Marmaris. There, one can stroll along the beach promenade and discover all sorts of different parts of the town. Icmeler has its own ice-rink where tourists and locals skate in the midst of the incredible scenery. Taking a boat trip from Icmeler to Marmaris is another notable thing to do; it takes about an hour and a half. The beach in Icmeler is more stunning and longer; however, the sight of the magnificent mountains, which stretch in the water, is amazing. Icmeler provides an extensive nightlife, too, and many, who have already spent their holiday there, have returned the following year.

The Hotel Marti Resort lies at the Icmeler Bay, just across the pedestrian promenade which parts the ocean from the land. It is embedded in a breathtaking landscape, surrounding the wooden hills with its saturated greenery. Due to the perfect location, the Marti resort is one of the most beautiful all inclusive hotels in the area. In the neatly kept gardens are two spacious pools and a separate children's pool. The buffets for all meals are always prepared fresh and versatile. Everything is available in abundance and is refilled as soon as possible. The rooms are comfortable, clean and contemporary equipped. Customer satisfaction is highest priority at the Marti resort, and the facility is, therefore, suitable for wheelchairs, as it is equipped with ramps, toilets for disabled individuals and rooms for those with special needs.

Outstanding Holiday Resorts In Turkey

Friday, September 23, 2011

Luxury villas for rent in Cadiz Spanish - not available for rent direct

Beneficial owners of luxury villas in Cadiz Spanish often their holidays at home more than once or twice a year and are therefore very interested in renting their property to customers, if they do not agree with them. Similarly, owners of apartments for rent in Spain, in places such as Cadiz Costa de la Luz, are now left their properties directly, and this savings for vacationers who "do" can mean. Currently, most people spend less on their annual leave and ownerLuxury villas in Cadiz Spanish to realize that people want and cheapest way to go on vacation by renting direct, may save you money.

Cadiz is the capital of the province, in the Spanish region of Andalusia, and although it is possible to book luxury Spanish villas in Cadiz, this part of the coast has seen the development of tourism in other sectors. The city of Cadiz can be a long, narrow peninsula in the south-west Spain, on three sides surrounded by the Atlantic found. Cadizhas a typical Mediterranean climate, with over 300 sunny days a year. The winters are very mild in Cadiz, with about 5 hours of sun a day, making the apartments, Cadiz in Spain and especially popular in winter for a vacation rental.

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Unlike many other coastal cities of Spain, the tourist industry is not the main activity of the city. Cadiz is primarily a port city, the export of local goods, including fish, sherry, cork and olive trees. It 'a relatively small city,With about 160,000 inhabitants, divided into two sections - the picturesque old town with its narrow streets and pretty squares and the modern industrial area, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Many owners of luxury villas in Cadiz Spanish are willing to rent their properties, when they leave. Why not look down and book a budget vacation rentals Cadiz in Spain or a luxury villa owners "Direct Cut.

The natural beauty of the Costa de la Luzoffers the perfect setting for your golf vacation in Spain. With seven golf courses in the province of Cadiz, Arcos Gardens Golf and between Sherry, you are spoiled for choice! Why not book your vacation-let direct attempt by the search for a website for renting luxury villas in Cadiz Spanish lists. Or if you are looking for cheaper accommodation, apartment in Cadiz, Spain can be ideal for your golf vacation. Wherever you want to stay where you can catch a flight to Cadiz budgetBritain, the variety of airports in the vicinity, between Gibraltar and Jerez.

The carnival takes place every year in February in Cadiz is one of the most famous carnival in the world. If you want an apartment in Cadiz in Spain this time of year, you must book early, because the city is very crowded. The carnival celebrates the beginning of Lent, and a few wild days of celebration with singing and drinking a lot and people in costume. There are musical groups, activities for children andComedians, and concerts with some of the most popular groups in Spain. Relax in the street party until the wee hours of the morning and then go to rent your holiday home in Spain to recover the first day after the celebrations.

If you decide to book your holiday directly from one of the owners of luxury villas in Cadiz Spanish, probably save some money. However, there is one area in which it is worth spending money to make sure you are covered andIt is a travel insurance. To ensure that you and your family are adequately covered, you must use a reputable company and compare prices to ensure that you are getting the coverage you need at a reasonable price.

Luxury villas for rent in Cadiz Spanish - not available for rent direct