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Top Kids’ Birthday Party Questions Answered

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Suitable for small intimate groups seeking a quiet dinner and drinks, to larger groups ready to party, our birthday function rooms Melbourne offers an accommodating and lively setting for any birthday occasion. Kids’ birthday parties today are a lot different today than they were when most moms were kids. In many communities, throwing kids’ birthday parties has almost become a competitive sport.

Your kid’s party should be about fun, not competition. And birthday parties should never put kids in the position of comparing levels of party extravagance.

The key to having a great birthday party? First, remember that it’s about your kid-not anyone else’s. Plan your party around your own child’s interests, and what you’re family is comfortable doing.

Start planning the party at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance so you have plenty of time to take care of everything-if that’s what you want to do and are able to do. If you decide to hire a party entertainer or book a birthday party venue, make your calls about three months in advance, to be sure the date and time you want is available.

Here are some of the most common questions that moms ask about planning kids’ birthday parties, and some common-sense answers.

How many kids should I invite?

If the party is for a child under age 5, and parents are invited to stay, the number of kids won’t be a big factor. The parents will supervise their own children, so you’ll be able to concentrate more on yours.

Some experts maintain that kids are old enough to be dropped off at parties once they’re about 5 or 6 years old. By that time, most have been in playgroups, pre-schools, and possibly, kindergarten. That means they should have the social skills they need to play nicely with other kids and have a good time.

The general rule of thumb on how many kids to invite: your child’s age plus one.

What time should I have the party?

The best time for the party also will depend on the guests’ ages. For babies and toddlers, consider naptimes. Scheduling the party so that it ends by noon is probably a good idea. For slightly older children, parties can begin by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.

How long should the party last?

An hour for kids under age five, and an hour-and-a-half to two hours for older kids should be perfect. State a pick-up time on the invitation, so parents know exactly when to get their young partygoers.

Is there a guideline to choosing party decorations?

Just make everything colorful-Use your child’s favorite color and carry a one-, two-, three-, or multi-color scheme through with balloons, plates, napkins, serving bowls, tablecloth, and goodie bags.

Decorations will also reflect the theme your child chooses. Once you and your child have decided on a theme, the easiest choice is to buy a complete party ware kit. If your child is into, say, pirates, dolls, Disney princess, Hannah Montana, or any sport, there will be an all-in-one package to suit his or her birthday party fantasy. Check out this extensive assortment of party decorations and themed party packs.

What should I serve?

The tiniest tots are easy to please: Having their moms or dads help them to a bit of cake and ice cream will probably make them very happy.

For young kids, small food portions work well. Think cut-up fruit, pieces of cheese, baby carrots, crackers, and miniature muffins.

Another idea is to make popular sandwiches rolled up and sliced to form pinwheels, or cut into shapes using cookie cutters.

For kids over age 7 or so, you can never go wrong with macaroni and cheese, baked ziti, or pizza. Add some salad or cherry or grape tomatoes and sliced cucumbers to give the party fare a bit more color.

If you’re serving pizza, cut the pies into smaller-than-usual slices and let the kids keep coming back for more. Cutting small slices will dramatically reduce waste.

A birthday cake or cupcakes are essential. Decorating cupcakes has become a dual-purpose parent-pleasing activity: It keeps the kids busy and takes care of providing a dessert the kids will love.

What are the best games for young kids?

Little kids will enjoy listening to and singing familiar songs, clapping their hands or following simple hand motions. The stories, songs, and games they know from pre-school will be popular at parties, as well. Ask your child or your child’s teacher for favorites. Have enough activities planned to start a new one every 10 or 15 minutes, if necessary.

A treasure hunt can also work, and easily be customized to fit almost any theme-e.g., the kids search for the pirates’ “gold” or the princess’s “jewels.” Just be sure that moms and dads or other party helpers are there to help the kids as they follow clues and look for the hidden treasure.

Should I hire a party entertainer?

Hiring a party entertainment pro is an increasingly popular option. Party clowns, magicians, and other entertainers can, of course, take charge of all the birthday party activities.

Party pros can lower your hassle and stress levels, because they’re prepared to handle almost any situation. They do this all the time. They’re tuned into the signs that a little girl isn’t engaged, or two boys aren’t getting along, or that all the kids are getting antsy and it’s time to move on to a new activity.

Another option: Bring the party elsewhere. There are plenty of party venues that can keep your child and his or her friends occupied from the second the first guest arrives ’til the last happy child is picked up.

Are there any special party “Do’s and Don’ts?”

A definite “Do” is to let kids be creative. Coloring, painting, putting stickers on objects, making badges, bracelets, decorating inexpensive hats, or working on other craft projects will keep kids amused and happy. In fact, letting young kids create or decorate their own party favors is a great way to keep them occupied during the first 15 or so minutes of the party, when everyone is arriving.

Another “Do” is to have refreshments for the parents, especially if you’ve asked them to stay at the party.

And “Do” be gracious if unexpected siblings show up. Have enough food for a few more people, and one or two extra goodie bags, just in case.

Here’s a big-time “Don’t:” Regardless of the activities you have planned for your child’s birthday party, never let any child feel left out or unhappy because he or she isn’t chosen for a team or is eliminated from a game. Encourage participation, cooperation, and team effort, not individual competition.

Should we open gifts at the party?

There are two schools of thought on opening birthday presents. The first is to wait until after the party is over. Key reasons:
1) you don’t want the party to focus on gifts;
2) it can get boring for everyone to sit there while the birthday boy or girl rips open boxes; and
3) you have a limited amount of time, especially if you’re having the party at a party venue.

The second viewpoint is to open presents while everyone is there. Key reasons: 1) the birthday guest of honor can’t wait to open them; and 2) the kid giving the gift wants to see his or her friend open it-especially if that child helped pick out the present.

Decide what makes you comfortable-just be flexible about it, should circumstances warrant a change of plans.

Should I insist that my child write a “thank-you” note?

Absolutely. Before kids learn to write, it’s appropriate for the parent to write the note and have the child scribble or color something on it. When the child is able to write his or her name, signing the bottom of a mom- or dad-written note is OK.

When kids are older, though, they should understand that written “thank-you” notes are a very meaningful way to let people know that you appreciate their kindness and generosity. Think of thank-you notes not only as part of teaching kids to be well-mannered, but as helping them learn a social lesson that will serve them extremely well throughout their lives.

Carole Jace is a writer for the popular site, CelebratewithStyle.com The site features advice on planning a party for family members and friends, as well as holiday, business, social, and fundraising events.

It offers ideas and advice from experts on food for parties, stylish décor, dress-up fashion, and beauty. It also provides great tips for planning a party for kids, teen events, and wedding-related festivities.

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I Moved Into a House With Old Wiring – What Should I Do?

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If an electrical fault goes unchecked, it can escalate to a more serious situation but don’t worry about you have a 24 hour electrician Brisbane to catch to with you. A home’s electrical system is routinely inspected at the time of purchase, in fact, usually more than once. The seller usually has their home inspected prior to putting it on the market to avoid complications further along in the transaction, namely when the buyer is applying for a mortgage. Likewise, it’s also common for a buyer to hire their own inspector before placing a bid on the property.

These two inspections are in anticipation of a final inspection by the lender prior to granting the buyer a loan. No house can be mortgaged that does not meet state and local building codes. Furthermore, homeowner insurance hinges on compliance with federal, state and local codes, which include standards for electrical wiring. By the time a homeowner moves into a new residence, it has passed several inspections and measured up to safety standards. A new homeowner, having obtained a mortgage and purchased insurance for the dwelling, can rest assured their electrical wiring is ‘up to code,’ even in a 100-year-old home.

Electrical codes aside, the owner of an older home is wise to replace or upgrade an outdated electrical system that was installed more than twenty years ago. Modern technology, on one hand, has greatly increased the energy load on old electrical systems, while at the same time providing new features to enhance safety, improve efficiency and cut energy costs.  A professional electrician can test and evaluate the electrical system’s breaker panel, receptacles and switches and make necessary repairs and upgrades to enhance overall performance and prevent major, costly repairs in the future.

A common electrical upgrade involves installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on receptacles and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) on breakers. In new construction, GFCI receptacles are required by code where electricity and water are in close proximity, as in the bathroom, kitchen, garage, swimming pool area, crawl-space, unfinished basement, or on exterior outlets. The Electrical Safety Council estimates GFCIs have reduced electrocutions in the U.S. by 70 percent. AFCIs, installed near standard circuit breakers, can be retrofitted into existing electrical panels. These interrupters are the single greatest protection against electrical fires in walls. They are highly recommended for fire protection in homes with older wiring. The 2008 National Electric Code (NEC) requires AFCI breakers for circuits leading to bedroom, living room and family room.

Most state electrical codes require 100-amp electrical service but older homes were built when energy requirements were far less and 60 amps were sufficient. Owners of homes built more than 20 years ago should hire an electrician to help evaluate power demands required by contemporary appliances and electronic equipment. The electrician will use a meter to determine if the home’s usage is over 75 percent of the system’s amperage. If not, the present system is adequate; otherwise you might consider upgrading to a higher amp system. The age of an electrical system is not important, only the amount of power needed to service the household is a factor.  A 50-year-old, 60 amp electrical system is perfectly fine if energy consumption averages, for example,  around 60%.

One indication of a wiring problem is flickering lights for no reason at all. It’s normal for lights to occasionally flicker at the beginning of a heavy energy pull, or during the cycling of a clothing iron, but if this isn’t the reason, consult a licensed electrician. Other warning signs of major electrical problems are outlets or receptacles that have burn marks or are hot to the touch. These issues need to be addressed immediately and should not be ignored.

A wise homeowner recognizes that electrical work is serious business which should not be treated casually by the do-it-yourselfer trying to keep down repair costs. Electricity is dangerous. In the United States, there are hundreds of deaths every year among non-professionals who attempt electrical installation and repair. Electrical and fire safety officials warn that one misconnected wire can be deadly. The average homeowner without electrical training or experience is advised to hire a licensed professional to work on components of an electrical system. 

RESOURCES:

National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169 (617) 770-3000.

www.nfpa.org

“Fact Sheet on Home Electrical Fire Prevention,” U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Federal Emergency Management Association, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1000.

www.usfa.dhs.gov

Visit Homefacts.com for more tips and advice on Real Estate, Home Improvement, Insurance and more. Educate yourself with our community profile for your city at http://www.homefacts.com

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Secondhand Audi Used Car Checklist

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Car paint protection can come over as one of the most controversial upselling products around. In spite of Audi’s near impeccable track record of technology and design excellence, used auto sales, in general, can be fraught with trouble right from the start. You’ll want to be certain that someone else’s headache doesn’t become yours.

Whether your buying a secondhand Audi through private car sales, used car websites, seized property auctions, a used auto dealer or purchasing a repo car, be sure to make the kind of used car valuation that will avoid a used auto sale that results in the financial pitfalls and heartaches of bringing home a used car lemon.

First of all, a good start to a used car valuation will necessitate having access to a Kelley Blue Book and NADA used car guide. They are excellent car price guides for accurately measuring market value and Audi prices. Of course, you’ll want to verify VIN’s from the very start, as well as, carefully inspect for any signs that would implicate a history of damage with the vehicle. More specifics on that later.

Surprisingly,  a good number of those in search of reliable used cars somehow seem to miss the most basic elements of determining the value of a used auto sale and wind up scratching their heads later when faced with the facts afterwards. Having a reasonably detailed secondhand Audi used car checklist in your possession, and using it, will help to avoid this.

Once you become serious enough about the vehicle you’re considering, purchasing a Carfax report is worth serious consideration. The approximate $30 investment is worth your piece of mind. It is extremely important to make sure you have access to a valid clear title. No in transit, to be issued at a later date, title shenanigans will do, no matter how attractive an Audi used car appears to you. Sometimes an owner, either unintentionally or intentionally, can have title issues that are very difficult to resolve. So, don’t hand over any cash until you’ve inspected the title for any signs of tampering or invalidation.

Having a reasonably qualified person look over the secondhand Audi you’re interested in can save you a considerable amount of future headache. Paying a professional for a small fee to accompany you is even better. More than likely, you can a professional to do this for you for $100 or less. No matter how “good with cars” you might think you are, those who earn their living in the profession can recognize otherwise undetectable signs of damage, abnormal wear or disrepair that you would easily miss.

To go along with the above, here are an additional 20 checkpoints that will get you started on successfully executing a used car valuation of the secondhand Audi you might be considering:

  1. If all VIN stickers from the doors, hood, trunk, dashboard do not match then the vehicle could have been wrecked or stolen
  2. New carpeting for no apparent reason could indicate the vehicle has been flooded or not well looked after
  3. Check for excessive exhaust coming out of the muffler system.
  4. Evidence of leaks or hand applied seal material to plug up window leaks.
  5. Auto transmission fluid should be pinkish or a very light reddish color. If dark red or a brownish or smells burnt this could indicate that the transmission might be worn or even damaged.
  6. Engine oil should be a smooth brown color. If it is in any way a milky looking brown, that would indicate that the oil is mixed with engine coolant. Big problem.
  7. Check for loose or crooked windows, or power windows that aren’t working. Motors are very expensive to replace.
  8. Check the pedals to determine if they’ve been replaced from wear or damage. Not a good sign as to the wear and tear of the vehicle.
  9. Check full functioning air conditioning. Let it run.
  10. Rusty disk brakes and drums would Indicate that the car has sat abandoned for some time or may have been flooded.
  11. When you move or jiggle the steering wheel back and forth there should not be any play or odd  noises of any kind.
  12. Bald or uneven tire wear would be an indication of a bad alignment, possibly resulting from a wreck.
  13. Look for excessive dimples, dings, dents, scratches or paint chips. Give the bumpers good looking over. Do your inspection during daylight hours.
  14. Variations in paint thickness. This would require a digital thickness gauge.
  15. Look for fake airbag covers. Vehicle history will tip you as to what to look for.
  16. Be on the lookout for for any paint over-spray along windshield, engine compartment, traces inside door edges and along door seams.
  17. Feel around door edges for evidence of leftover masking tape from body work or doors that don’t line up properly.
  18. Determine if there is excessive mileage for the car’s age. You can deduct $.10 to $.15 per extra mile from the price of the vehicle.
  19. A rebuilt title lowers the value of the car by 30%. The vehicle report should indicate if it is the case
  20. Look for any frame irregularity which would indicate involvement in a major accident Give a good look along the vehicle for straightness.

If your vehicle interest involves private car sales, or any type of interaction that deals with a used car owner directly, don’t be intimidated or respond defensively if they appear slightly put off by your intention to execute a highly detailed vehicle inspection.

It’s good policy to inform the owner beforehand of your inspection agenda. Question them directly up front to see whether or not they have any problem with it. If they display any sign of reluctance or hostility toward the idea, this could be a sign of a shifty deal in the making and it might very well be a good time to sound retreat and live to fight another day.

Paqualina Trentino is Senior Media Manager for Secondhand Audi. Significantly noted for its Premium Price Workaround formula for leveraging cheap Audi deals to a nationwide consumer audience, Secondhand Audi also provides car loan, car loan refinancing and auto insurance resources, as well. Find out more about leveraging Premium Price Workarounds for cheap Audi deals by visiting Secondhand Audi.

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