What’s your Theme?

As with actual wedding, it is wise to choose a theme before sending out invitations. The theme can then be used throughout shower and incorporated in with invitations, decorations, favors and refreshments.

There are literally dozens of topics for a shower party theme. The most popular is ‘kitchen’ theme as there are endless pieces of equipment and accessories you can buy for kitchen. The host knows bride well and will surely fit a theme around either what bride and groom need, or their lifestyle. For example if happy couple are both into health and fitness, then a fitness theme could be an option.

One good idea for a couples shower is a wine tasting theme. This is ideal for a Saturday night party and I am sure men will enjoy this one and easily get into swing of things!

Food, Favors and Games

Food: It depends on theme and location for which type of food to prepare. For example, if you are holding a ‘wine tasting theme’, then a finger buffet with crackers, nuts and other nibbles goes down well with wine. If you are holding a garden shower party, consider light finger food - cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, mini-quiches, blueberry cream puffs, crab dip and a bacon, egg and cheese casserole and salads.

Favors: Some people choose not to give shower favors. It really depends on where you live and if it is a tradition in your area or not. If you do, you don’t have to go overboard with favors if you want to keep expense down. Give something small and useful like a scented candle. Most people like scented candles and they are practical. A potpourri satchel is another welcome and practical idea.

Games: Everyone should be included in shower games. Shower party games are a great ice-breaker for people to get to know each other. Games can include bridal shower bingo as this is always a big hit as is ‘what’s in bag (memory game). Trivia questions about bridge and groom or making a wedding dress with toilet paper are all fun games to be had.

Thank You Cards: Normally a simple ‘thank-you’ was enough, but today, with showers being larger and guests busier, a personal note is only way to make sure that sincere appreciation is expressed.

Summary

Bridal showers are meant to be fun. They do need a lot of planning and organization in advance, but they are worth it. The bride and groom receive practical gifts for their home, and shower party’s are a great excuse to get together with friends and family to have one whale of a time!

Just as you keep focus on your business goals and rise to meet your company's mission statement, keep focus on your personal goals as a parent. Run your family business with integrity and respect of a healthy, thriving corporation. Define your ideals, set plans to action, keep communications open and reward success. Encourage individuality, praise creativity and share wealth. Be positive and proactive. The business of family is one to be celebrated and cherished. It may not be listed as a FORTURNE 500, but it is most important business of all.

A PARENT'S MISSON STATEMENT

The purpose of this Mission Statement is to express my love, support and commitment to you. As your parent, I promise to help you achieve your dreams and goals by providing you with a safe and nurturing environment. I respect your opinion and I encourage your creativity. I will be there to praise your accomplishments and comfort you in your disappointments. I promise to accept you as you are, support your decisions and honor you as a special and unique individual. You have right to a safe and happy childhood and as your parent, I am committed to providing this to you.

TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOME

The luxuries you dreamed of as a work-at-home mom can quickly lead to burdens unless you are organized and scheduled. This schedule consists of a balance between business and family and activities should work in harmony with your child's needs, not against them.

Define your work area and organize it so valuable time can be spent on task at hand.

Determine quiet times, such as early morning or after your child goes to bed. Use this period to complete tasks that need most concentration.

Set a start and finish time for your workday.

Allow a full day off from work each week and stick to this schedule as much as possible.

Start each morning by talking with your child about day's events. Include your child in these plans. By informing him of your activities, he will be comforted in knowledge that there will be time for him.

Remember that you are entitled to breaks, lunch, vacation time and even sick time. You are boss.

When it comes time for your break, stop working, compliment your child for his cooperation, and spend next block of time enjoying moment.

Record an "out to lunch" message and set your phones daily. Even if you are sitting at your desk, do not answer phones. Your clients will become accustom to your schedule.

If you need to run an errand, but are concerned about missing an important call, don't wait around stressing, forward calls to your cell phone.

Consider hiring a babysitter a few hours per week to read or play with your child or do a special craft.

Most of all, remember your priorities as a parent and your commitment to your personal mission statement. When your child needs to talk, be grateful he or she is turning to you. Keep lines of communication open, there will come a time when they need you for more than a glass of milk and a snack. And when that time comes, they might not be able to wait, "just a minute".