| How to Choose Snacks for a Sleepover Posted: 25 May 2018 05:00 PM PDT One of the best parts of a sleepover is the snacks, but as the host of a sleepover, you can find yourself staring at the contents of your pantry or the grocery store with no clue what your friends would want. However, there are always options for sleepovers, depending on where you'll be, what your guests want, and the theme of your party. If you consider the logistics and think about some sleepover classics, you can easily find snacks for your sleepover! EditConsidering Logistics - Consider where you will be. The location of your sleepover can affect a great deal of what you can and can't choose for snacks. You'll need to consider the temperature of the area, as well as the surroundings - a cold night might not be the best night for frozen yogurt!
- If you'll be on carpeting or rugs, you might want to avoid snacks that would be messy if spilled, such as nachos or ice cream. Similarly, you'll want to avoid foods or drinks that will stain if spilled.
- If you're outside in warm weather, you'll want to avoid things that will attract bees and wasps (such as sodas), and food that will melt too quickly to be enjoyed. You may also need to cover foods so that bugs don't infiltrate them.
- Look at how easily you can serve the snacks. Some snacks require being kept in certain temperatures, while others need to be stored in a certain way, and still others can just be hard to serve (such as small unwrapped candies). If you need to go to great lengths to keep the snacks edible, then it may be more effort than it's worth to have the snack available in the first place.
- Using coolers or small bowls given to individual guests can be of great use when having treats that can be tough to store or serve.
- Make sure your friends don't have dietary restrictions. Some people can't eat certain foods for whatever reason - some common causes are allergies, food intolerances, being vegetarian or vegan, or sensitivity to certain foods (such as spicy foods). Ask your guests if there's anything they can't eat, and write it down to make sure you remember.
- Think about the theme of the party. If your party follows a certain theme, having your snacks stick to that theme will keep the guests more entranced in the theme. This doesn't mean that the snacks you wanted can't be at your party - just find ways to make them match the theme. Try looking up ideas for themed party snacks.
- For example, if you're having a Harry Potter sleepover, you could have Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, chocolate frogs, butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and other foods that remind the partygoers of Harry Potter.
- Watch out for caffeine. It's known that nobody expects to get much sleep, if any, at a sleepover, but you shouldn't overload yourself or your guests on caffeine at the sleepover. Doing so can result in the guests getting too hyper (which can result in broken household objects) and then having a "crash" later, where you get tired suddenly, and possibly grumpy. If you're too hyper, as well, you may end up waking up your parents in the middle of the night!
- Caffeine is in things like coffee, soda, and chocolate, as well as energy drinks. While you may not want to avoid all of these, don't have a lot of them, either.
- Search for creative recipes. Lots of classic sleepover snacks can have a neat twist put on them to make them more exciting, or new recipes can pop up that you'd never even thought of. Try looking in cookbooks or searching online for sleepover recipes. Pinterest, for example, has masses of creative snack recipes for sleepovers, even themed ones.
- Ask your friends for ideas. If you can't find anything suitable, don't have a theme to follow, and are completely stumped, try checking with the partygoers on what they'd want or what some good foods to bring would be. You can even try having everyone bring a snack of their choice, or some other similar idea.
- For example, you can ask, "I wanted to get some snacks for the sleepover, but I don't know what I should get. Is there something in particular that you want or that you think everyone else would enjoy?"
- If you have friends with dietary restrictions, be sure to ask them for ideas if their dietary restriction may rule out a lot of foods for them (e.g. they're vegan).
EditPicking Out Snacks - Read the ingredients if your friends have dietary restrictions. If you're buying snacks for your party and your friends can't eat something, you'll need to make sure that the foods you're buying don't have the ingredients that your friends can't eat. Look at the nutrition information on the packaging and read the ingredients before buying it.
- If you really want to have food that contains something that one of your friends can't eat, you may want to label it by putting a Post-It note on a bowl or bag of the food saying "Contains peanuts" or "Has lactose".
- Make sure that there's a good variety for your friends with dietary restrictions to pick from - don't just get one snack that they can eat and nothing else.
- If you're making food at home, you'll need to be very careful to make sure the ingredients you're using are safe and that nothing cross-contaminates.
- Get some crunchy, salty snacks. Many sleepover attendees will enjoy a salty snack during a sleepover, and it's a good change of pace from the normal batch of sweets that some may not want to overindulge on. Some examples of salty snacks you could have are:
- Chips (such as potato chips or tortilla chips)
- Popcorn (try putting some twists on it)
- Hard pretzels
- Crackers (try pairing them with peanut butter or cheese)
- Try out some sweets. Sugary food is often a staple of sleepovers, and are sure to be a hit if your attendees enjoy sugar. Try out classic sleepover staples like:
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Gummy treats (such as gummy worms or gummy bears)
- Rice Krispie treats
- Baked goods (such as brownies or cupcakes)
- Throw some healthier foods in the mix. If the attendees aren't huge fans of junk foods and sugar, don't panic - there are still some options out there. These include:
- Vegetable trays
- Fruit salad or fruit kabobs
- Yogurt parfaits
- Traditional "healthy" snacks, such as celery and peanut butter
- Try making some snacks during the party. A favorite sleepover experience is to work with the attendees to make treats, and then enjoy the treats together. Some quick treats (and some sleepover classics!) could be:
- Pick out meal foods. If your guests won't be eating dinner at the party, but you know the snacks won't be filling enough, small meal foods can be great "snacks" and satisfy your friends while still leaving room for the actual snacks. Some small meal-type foods are great choices for sleepovers!
- Pizza is a classic choice for sleepovers; try mini pizzas or pizza bites.
- Hamburger sliders are small, delicious treats for when you don't want to make whole burgers.
- Large soft pretzels are good choices for nibbling on.
- Mini tacos can be a delight for those who want a quick meal.
- Don't forget the drinks. Nobody wants to be thirsty during a sleepover! Pair your snacks with a drink that matches well, such as:
- Soda
- Lemonade
- Hot chocolate
- Fruit juice
- Keep water available for those who want it.
- Think about breakfast. While snacks typically aren't associated with breakfast, a good option for breakfast is to set up a "breakfast bar" so that people can take foods that they'd like. Try miniature pancakes or waffles, bagels, mini strips of bacon (try turkey bacon for those who can't eat pork), various fruits, or just miniature boxes of cereal and milk. Giving everyone the opportunity to pick the foods they want can allow for a more "snack"-type breakfast.
- Get creative; think of ways to turn normal treats into unique ones. Looking online can provide great inspiration!
- Soda is sticky when spilled; be careful where you take sodas. It may be worth making a rule to keep sodas in a certain area that can be easily cleaned, such as the kitchen.
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| How to Dress for a Summer Wedding Posted: 25 May 2018 09:00 AM PDT Summer is the season for weddings, and that means an opportunity to get dressed up! Summer weddings can be a lot of fun, but you'll need to choose your outfit carefully in order to dress appropriately for the occasion while still being comfortable in the summer heat. Luckily, by picking the right fabrics and styles, you'll be able to select the perfect outfit to celebrate this special occasion with your loved ones! EditDressing Appropriately for the Occasion - Choose light fabrics for an outdoor wedding. Check the invitation to see where the wedding will be held. If the venue is outdoors, you'll want to dress in cool, breezy fabrics, like cotton, linen, or chiffon.[1]
- If you'll be attending a beach wedding, make sure you choose sand-friendly footwear.
- A linen suit with a button-down shirt will keep you perfectly cool at an outdoor wedding.
- You'll be comfortable and cute at an outdoor wedding if you wear a sundress and sandals or wedges.
- Opt for more conservative attire for indoor ceremonies. Indoor ceremonies are usually a little more formal than outdoor ceremonies. Avoid showing too much skin or wearing overly informal clothing like flip flops or shorts.
- A classic suit and tie in a light material like cotton is always in style.
- A knee-length dress with modest heels and a light jacket will be perfectly appropriate for any location.
- If you're not familiar with the venue, try researching it online to get a feel for the kind of events that have been held there in the past.
- Pick bright colors to celebrate a daytime wedding. Bold, bright colors, like yellow and turquoise, are popular for daytime weddings during the summer, since they reflect natural colors in the environment.[2]
- A light grey or tan suit, will help keep you cooler than a dark one, and it will also fit the celebratory atmosphere of a wedding.
- Even if your dress is a neutral color, you can accessorize with bright pops of color to help fit the mood.
- Wear darker colors and more formal styles to an evening wedding. Evening weddings tend to be dressier occasions, and the colors tend to be a little more muted. If you want to wear color, try looking for pieces in jewel tones like emerald green or ruby red, since these colors tend to look more expensive and dressy.[3]
- You'll be ready to dance the night away in a plum sheath dress with a tan pair of heels!
- A dark grey suit and white shirt will look perfect with black shoes and a sapphire blue tie.
- Follow any special instructions on the invitation. Wedding invitations will sometimes include guidelines for guests' attire, with phrases such as black tie, semi-formal, or festive attire.[4]
- Black tie means formal. Guests will be expected to wear a tuxedo, gown, or other very dressy attire.
- Semi-formal is what most people think of when they think of weddings. You should wear something nice, such as a suit and tie or a dress, but it doesn't have to be as formal as a black tie event.
- Festive attire is a chance to get creative. Think brightly-colored suits, patterned shirts or loud ties, and dresses with unconventional details.
- Ask a member of the wedding party if you're still not sure what to wear. The bride and groom will likely be busy finalizing the details of their big day. However, any member of the wedding party should be happy to give you details about the dress code.
- You could also ask the mother of the bride or groom, or a close friend of the couple who isn't in the wedding party.
EditChoosing an Outfit for a Semi-Formal Wedding - Wear a lightweight suit for a cool, masculine look. Summer is no time for a heavy 3-piece suit. Opt for a light suit made from a breathable material like linen, cotton, or seersucker. Popular colors for summer suits include light grey, pale blue, and khaki. [5]
- You can pair your suit with a crisp white shirt for a classic look, or express your creativity by choosing a more colorful option. Opt for a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up rather than a short-sleeve shirt, since that will look dressier.
- Wear a pair of lightweight dress shoes, like loafers or boat shoes, with no socks to look casually put-together.
- Don slacks and a blazer if you don't want to wear a suit. Blazers are a popular option for summer weddings, as they're casual yet still look put-together. Be sure to choose a lightweight material like cotton or a thin knit.
- Wear a long-sleeved button-down shirt made of cotton or linen under your blazer for a dressier look.
- Khaki pants and loafers paired with a white button-down and a navy blazer is a classic combination.
- Put on a blazer over a polo shirt and push the sleeves up for more informal occasions.
- Choose a dress made from breathable fabrics for a feminine summer look. Flowy, lightweight fabrics, like chiffon, crepe, lace, and cotton will have you looking dressy while staying cool. Hold the dress up to the light to make sure it won't to be too sheer in the sunlight, though![6]
- Stay away from materials that don't breathe, like silk. Even if they seem lightweight, you will likely be uncomfortable in the heat of a summer day.
- Opt for a floral maxi dress in a flowy material for full coverage without sacrificing style. Pair the look with dressy flats and you'll be ready for any occasion.[7]
- A pretty knee-length sundress and sandals is a great option for a beach wedding. You won't be too exposed if the wind blows, and your dress won't drag in the sand.
- Select a romper or jumpsuit for a pretty, fun look. Dressy jumpsuits and rompers are comfortable, cute, and on-trend. They're also versatile—they can be dressed up for more formal occasions or dressed down if the wedding is more casual.[8]
- If you want to make your romper or jumpsuit more casual, wear flats or dressy sandals and keep your jewelry minimal.
- Bring a light cardigan or jacket if the wedding will go into the evening. Even if the start of the day is sweltering, temperatures may drop dramatically once the sun goes down. Keep yourself from getting chilly by carrying a lightweight jacket along to the event.
- A fitted blazer looks nice over a jumpsuit, while a soft cardigan will be pretty over a flowy dress.
EditSelecting Clothes for a Formal Wedding - Wear a long gown to look elegant and feminine. Evening weddings are the perfect occasion to wear a glamorous gown, even in the summertime. To help combat the heat, look for sleeveless or strapless options.[9]
- If the event is black tie, opt for a solid-colored gown in a dark color or a jewel tone. Pair it with heels or elegant flats.
- Choose luxurious fabrics if you want to wear a cocktail-length dress. Shorter dresses can sometimes seem less formal. To counteract this, you should look for a dress made from a rich-looking fabric like satin, lace, or crepe. Since it's a wedding, avoid dresses with extremely short skirts or that expose too much cleavage.[10]
- Elevate the look further with metallic heels or flats and simple, tasteful jewelry.
- Select a nice suit for a formal, put-together look. Formal weddings usually feature plenty of tailored men's suits and feminine pantsuits. Since temperatures usually drop in the evening, you'll be grateful for the jacket if you have to go outside.[11]
- Suits generally look best when paired with practical leather dress shoes or pumps.
- You can also opt for evening separates, such as a pair of wide-legged pants and a matching fitted top with glamorous accessories.[12]
- Opt for a tuxedo if the invitation says black tie. Formal occasions are the perfect time to channel your inner James Bond with a tuxedo. If you don't have one, consider renting one so you'll fit in at the occasion.[13]
- You don't have to wear a plain black tuxedo, although they are the most classic option. Blue, grey, and white are a few other popular tuxedo colors you might consider.
- Pick a jumpsuit for a polished look. Flowy formal jumpsuits are a great way to get the elegance of a dress while still enjoying the comfort of wearing pants. As a bonus, they're universally flattering, since they elongate and slim your figure.[14]
- You'll be tastefully appropriate for any occasion in a flowy chiffon jumpsuit, a pair of strappy heels, and bold statement jewelry.
EditGrooming and Accessorizing - Apply an antiperspirant to keep yourself from sweating. You probably put on deodorant every time you leave the house, but for the ultimate protection, make sure you are using a deodorant that is also an antiperspirant.[15]
- Deodorant gets rid of odors, but antiperspirant helps to keep you from sweating in the first place.
- You can apply antiperspirant anywhere you don't want to sweat, including your underarms, hands, and even your feet.
- Bring along a travel-sized antiperspirant in your pocket or handbag in case it starts to wear off.
- Accessorize a nice suit with a tie. Choose a necktie or bowtie in a color that coordinates with your suit or with the colors worn by the wedding party. Your tie shouldn't be a bright color or pattern that will stand out in photographs unless the invitation calls for festive attire.
- Pin a flower to your jacket if you want to dress up a suit even more. A small flower pinned to your jacket is a cheerful touch that fits perfectly with the spirit of a wedding. You can match the flower to your own outfit, or you can ask a member of the wedding party about the wedding colors and match the flower to that.
- You could also use a pocket square in a color that coordinates with your tie, although the 2 should not match perfectly.
- Opt for light makeup if you wear any. Heavy makeup tends to run if you sweat, so opt for lightweight makeup that will allow your skin to breathe. Instead of heavy foundation, mix concealer with your face lotion to create a lightweight base for your look.[16]
- Bring along your powder so you can touch up your makeup if you need to.
- Wear sunscreen if you're going to an outdoor wedding. It's important to wear sunscreen any time, but during the summer, the sun's UV rays are especially strong. Apply sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 before you get dressed.[17]
- If you'll be in the sun for more than 2 hours, bring your sunscreen along with you so you can reapply it.
- Put your hair up if you can. Summer heat can cause your hair to stick to the back of your neck, making you feel uncomfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can wear your hair up while still looking dressy enough for a wedding. For instance, you could opt for an elegant updo, like a chignon or a French braid.
- If your hair isn't long enough to put up, pinning it back away from your face.
- Wear a headband, flower, or barrette in your hair to add a pretty touch to your hairstyle.
- Carry a small clutch or a satin bag if you don't want a big purse. Sometimes a dressy outfit doesn't look right with a large bag, especially if you're attending a very formal event. Small clutches and wristlets are always a popular option, and they're available in a number colors and styles.[18]
- Small satin pouches are a popular option that can seem more modern than a traditional clutch.[19]
- Wear dressy shoes that will let your feet breathe. The type of footwear you choose will depend on your outfit, but you should look for options that allow air to flow over your foot. This will keep your feet from sweating and help you to stay cool.
- Loafers, leather dress shoes, dressy sandals, and embellished flats are good options if you want to wear flats.
- Strappy heels and wedges are popular options if you prefer wearing heels.
- Choose simple jewelry that won't weigh you down if you wear any. Even if you want to accessorize your look with statement jewelry, avoid wearing heavy pieces, as they can make you feel hot and constricted. Thin chains with pretty pendants and lightweight bracelets are popular options during the summer.
- If you want to make a big statement without wearing a heavy necklace or chunky bracelets, try wearing a dramatic pair of earrings.
- You should never wear white to a wedding unless the invitation specifies that it is an all-white event. You can ask whether or not you could wear beige or off-white.
- Don't wear black unless the invitation and/or the bride and groom say it's okay to do so, because black is mainly for funerals.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring Posted: 25 May 2018 01:00 AM PDT Vinyl plank flooring is an engineered floor covering designed to mimic the look of real wood. When you're choosing your flooring, you'll need to consider the thickness of the vinyl, the wear layer, and the installation method. Armed with this information, you should be able to find the perfect vinyl plank flooring for your home! EditChoosing the Thickness of the Vinyl - Opt for a thickness of for low-traffic areas. If you're covering a small area with low traffic, you can choose planks in a thickness of , , or .[1]
- Thinner vinyl planks are usually more budget-friendly, making this an inexpensive way to freshen up the look of a smaller room!
- Thin vinyl can't hide imperfections in your subfloor, so you'll need to have an even concrete subfloor.
- Select planks between for high-traffic areas. Most of the common areas in your home, including the living room and the kitchen, will be best suited by a high-quality plank that is either or thick.[2]
- This thickness is a good balance of durability and affordability. In addition, it will have a somewhat soft feel beneath your feet, providing additional comfort in living areas.
- Choose a thickness of or more for the highest quality. The thickest vinyl planks can be anywhere from to over thick. These planks cost the most, but they are also the most durable and usually look the most like real wood.[3]
- Thicker vinyl is a good option if you have a thin or uneven hardwood subfloor, since it will smooth out imperfections.
EditComparing Wear Layers - Select a vinyl no-wax top coat for the most affordable wear layer. The top layer of your vinyl flooring, or the wear layer, is what determines how durable the flooring is. A no-wax coating is made from urethane or vinyl. It's the most affordable option, but it is the least durable.[4]
- You will need to apply a new protective coating every 2-3 years as it wears off over time.
- These coatings come in a variety of thicknesses and budget options.
- Pick an enhanced urethane coating for the most durability. These coatings are made from advanced materials such as aluminum oxide, and they will provide the greatest protection against everyday wear.[5]
- Enhanced urethane coatings will cost more, but they will prolong the life of your flooring.
- Choose a wear layer of 10 mil (0.01 in) or more for most family areas. You can find vinyl planks with wear layers starting at as little as 2 mil (0.0002 in), but these will wear out quickly. Planks with a wear layer of 10 mil (0.01 in) are considered to be appropriately durable for use in moderate-to-high traffic areas of your home.[6]
- Opt for a 20 mil wear layer for commercial spaces. If you are going to be installing your vinyl plank flooring in an area with high foot traffic, such as a restaurant or retail space, choose flooring with a wear layer of at least 20 mil (0.02 in).
- This will ensure that your flooring is sufficiently durable to last for several years.
EditSelecting the Color and Width - Choose printed vinyl for the most affordable color patterns. Printed vinyl is more affordable because the color or pattern is printed directly onto the vinyl, then covered with a clear coat.[7]
- This type of flooring shows scratches more easily, and it looks the least like real wood, but since it's economical, it's a good choice if you're covering large areas.
- Select inlaid vinyl to get the look of real wood. Inlaid vinyl is made so that the color penetrates the entire floor, which means it won't dull or scratch as easily as printed vinyl.[8]
- Inlaid vinyl costs slightly more, but it will retain its new look longer than printed vinyl.
- Pick glued planks if you want a permanent installation option. Glued vinyl planks are adhered directly to the subfloor. This is the best option for high traffic areas, as it will be resistant to peeling or slipping.[9]
- Because it's difficult to remove glued flooring once it's installed, you may want to have a professional install these floors.
- Opt for floating planks for an easy DIY installation. Floating planks snap together similar to tongue-and-groove wood planks. These are a popular option for people who want to install their new flooring themselves.
- Floating planks are not adhered to the floor, so they can be easily removed with a crowbar if you decide you want to change things up in a few years.
- Avoid wide planks unless your subfloor is perfectly even. Most vinyl planks are about wide, but you can find options up to wide. However, wide planks will not sit correctly unless your subfloor is completely level. [10]
- If you have a hardwood subfloor, you should opt for standard-width planks.
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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