Grown Up Pirate Party IdeasWritten by John Lenaghan
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Decorating for a pirate party can also involve treasure chests, buckets overflowing with iced beverages, palm fronds across door frames and tables covered in bright tropical colors or even pirate flag of skull and cross bones. Food ideas can be roasted turkey legs, beverages served in frosty mugs, and fruit-filled watermelon boats. Having some sea going songs playing in background along with sounds of Jimmy Buffet are other ideas for carrying out your theme. Use good judgment about serving alcohol and recruit a few pirates or feisty “wenches” to serve as designated drivers if need arises. When party ends, you want to be 100% certain that everyone sails safely home.

John Lenaghan writes about party planning and other tips for the Party Ideas 4u website, where he provides valuable tips and advice about Halloween party ideas, birthday party ideas and other party planning topics.
| | Kids Can Clean, Too!Written by Kathryn Weber
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Training kids to clean properly also relies on giving them age-appropriate jobs around house -- and not expecting perfection. That doesn’t mean they should be allowed to do a sloppy job, either. As Cleaning Editor of BellaOnline, I dig cleaning. That’s why I’m editor of this site. But, I don’t expect my kids to have same standards that I do. But, I expect them to be able to do an acceptable job appropriate to their age and abilities. When my kids do a poor job, I simply tell them shirt needs to be refolded, for example, and have them correct situation to best of their abilities. The whole family pitches in when we need to go somewhere and have to clean in a hurry or when we need to do a thorough cleaning. Having kids clean house teaches them responsibility, appreciation and care for their surroundings, and self-pride in a job well done. That’s something every child should experience for themselves. Housekeeping Chores and Duties for Children Ages 3 to 5 Help straighten a room Help make their bed Bring items from one room to another Help set or set table Help clear or clear table Bring towels to laundry Swiffer Gather trashAges 6 to 10 Sweep Make their bed every day Do dishes Straighten and pick up Load/unload dishwasher Vacuum Fold & put away laundry Dust Clean baseboards window sills Take out trashAges 11 to Until they’re out of house Sweep, Vacuum Make their bed every day Straighten and pick up Operate Washer/Dryer; do laundry Clean bathrooms Dust Clean windows Do dishes/load and unload dishwasher

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine (redlotusletter.com) and cleaning editor for BellaOnline and is interested in helping you create a home worthy of living in.
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