A Prom is the biggest social event of the school year, and if you are a Senior it is the last hurrah before graduation.

Proms, however, is expensive to put on, so many schools hold fundraisers in order to raise the money to keep the ticket costs down.

Fundraisers can be held at lunch time, after school, or on weekends, and there are a variety of different things that can be done in order to raise the money. Here are a few examples:

• A car washes or bake sale (doesn’t raise a lot of money)
• Large yard sale - where people donate items they don’t want and the Prom committee keeps the proceeds.
• Personalized Water bottles with the school name and logo, or special design and text, or sell other favors that are fairly inexpensive when purchased in quantities, and can be sold at a higher price for profit.
• Entirely edible Picture cookies
• Sponsor a street dance in the school’s parking lot or in the gym (more casual than the prom, and charge admission at the door)
• Have a talent show – give a prize to the winner (or book them as part of the talent at your prom)
• Hold a mini-500 – where students ride tricycles around the school track.

Any of these will help you bring in some bucks, and nothing says raising money can’t be fun!

Potlucks are the most economical and host/hostess-friendly way to entertain. With everyone pitching in with a dish it doesn't cost the host/hostess nearly as much as if she were doing all the cooking, and it definitely saves her time in preparation. Sharing the work gives the host/hostess so much more time to enjoy the guests. NOTE: Keep in mind there may be some guests with food allergies or diet restrictions, so ask ahead of time and plan for that.

Another great thing about potlucks - you get to try a variety of dishes! Your guests will have a chance to show off their favorite dishes, and they won't feel guilty that the host/hostess has done so much work to put the party together.

Potlucks have become more and more common in our busy world, and for good reason as indicated above. The cost of food has risen, and time is so much more demanding of us. This allows us to entertain more, and still afford it.

If you are worried about having too many desserts and not enough main dishes, give our guests a category from which to choose: appetizers, main dish, dessert, beverages, condiments, side dishes, or plates/glasses. Note: cupcakes have become quite popular for any event, and great for potlucks!

Here are a couple ideas:
Classic Cheese Lasagna

• 1 pound whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella
  

• 1bag (12 oz) frozen corn
• 2 (11-oz.) cans Mexicorn® Whole Kernel Corn, Red and Green Peppers
• 1 (14.75-oz.) can Cream Style Sweet Corn
• 1 (6.5-oz.) pkg. corn muffin and bread mix
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt

1 In 3 to 4-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients; mix well. 2 Cover; cook on Low setting for 3 hours. 3 Stir mixture; cover and cook an additional 2 to 3 hours or until pudding is slightly puffed in center. (Serves 14)      (recipe from Pillsbury.com)

Nobody throws a party like New Orleans, and there is no party bigger than Mardi Gras . It’s a popular theme for a proms, weddings, banquets, fundraisers or showers because the upbeat theme just shouts “good time.”

Bright colors of Mardi Gras include purple, gold and lime green. Checkerboard, diamond, fleur di lis and damask patterns are usually included in the decor, and are extremely popular and easy to find now.

Entertainment for a Mardi Gras theme party could include costumes of jesters, kings and queens, and a vast selection of beads, ceramic and feathered masks . It ALWAYS includes lively Jazz music, and LOTS of singing and dancing.

Of course, Mardi Gras wouldn’t be the same without lots of great Cajun food. Search the web for crayfish, beans and rice, and all sorts of fried foods that make up the Louisiana cuisine.

For a fun and memorable event - A Mardi Gras theme is definitely the theme to liven up the crowd.

Your wedding is a day devoted especially to you and your partner. Most women dream, from a little girl on up, as to what their wedding will be like, who they will marry, and the dress they will wear.

As we entertain the idea of getting married we look at bridal magazines, bridal shops and online to see what is in style, what you think will look like your dream on you, and only when you are down to actually shopping for the dress do you get "sticker shock."

Weddings are getting more expensive each year, not only with inflation but with the many items a bride thinks she needs to have to make her day perfect. There are all the arrangements for the service and the reception, picking the caterers and cake decorators, choosing a theme (optional), who to invite, room decorations and favors, showers, etc. So much to think of and there never seems to be enough time.

Even with all these arrangements, though, the wedding dress is the center of attention. If you have the money to purchase a couture fashion you are lucky. If not, you are always on the lookout for that dress that will make you feel like the princess of your dreams.

In this day and age, finding a wedding dress online that can be handmade to fit is not that difficult. It is always a good idea to find a style you like at the local bridal shops, then comparison shop online for a style similar.

Online dress shopping does not have to be a nightmare. If you take careful measurements (making sure you have a well-fitting bra when you take the measurements), and following the directions on the website will guarantee you will get the right size. If your body falls in between sizes, go up. It's a lot easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out. Keep in mind that not all manufacturers size their dresses the same, so measurements are especially important.

Unfortunately, due to theft, and abuse, most dress sales online are final. There are a few exceptions, however, so read the fine print carefully before selecting.

Feel comfortable with your purchase, it is the most important dress you may ever wear.

Valentine's Day is such a special day, and believe it or not, even men can be hurt if they don't get some kind of acknowledgement of how you feel about him.

It's a shame every day can't be Valentine's Day. Romance is healthy in any relationship, and it can be something as simple as cooking their favorite meal or dessert, or taking them someplace where you two made memories.

You don't have to go crazy, but putting some thought into it is important. Make his or her day special with something that shows you planned ahead.

For the lady in your life, a special gift basket full of items that will pamper her, or a lovely heart-shaped necklace or bracelet. You can present her with a personalized tote with water bottle for when she does her running or goes to the gym, or a beautiful jewelry box.   

For the man in your life - if he is a sports fan you can give him a personalized photo of his favorite football star or a print with his name on it in the locker room of his basketball team. For golfers there are a number of excellent items that can be personalized, humidors for those cigar smokers, or a personalized poker set.

Plan a beautiful candlelight dinner - either at your favorite restaurant or at home, and make sure the kids are out for the evening.

Romance is not just meant for one day out of the year, but Valentine's Day is geared toward love, so made sure they are not feeling neglected on this special day, then make it habit to have this type of romantic interlude at least once a month.

Happy Valentine's Day!

There’s nothing as much fun, and exciting, as anticipating the possibilities of a New Year with a large group of people. Pull out the top hats and feathered tiaras, pop the cork, and toast the new year in style.

A New Year’s Eve party gives most women a reason to buy a beautiful cocktail dress and some sparkling jewelry. For some it’s the only time all year they get to dress up, and they don’t want to pull any punches.

Have your champagne chilled in a nice acrylic or aluminum ice bucket , uncork the bottle, and enjoy the evening. Those with money to spread around can use real glass champagne flutes for everyone, others resort to plastic to make their toasts. Either way, the spirit is the same.

Having a special party favor, such as a timer that is shaped like a champagne glass in an ice bucket. Each guest can set their timer to go off at midnight (synchronize the timers to all go off at the same time). What an original and fun way to send off the New Year!

Toast can be personal, directed to the host/hostess of the party, or intimate. Use humor, poetry, or off the cuff (as long as you don’t embarrass anyone) relating of a personal moment.  When you have completed your toast, lift your champagne glass and sip to the honoree and the New Year.

Just remember, if you are going to drink either have a designated driver, or get a room within walking distance of the party. You don’t want to end the new year before it gets started.

If you are one of those who waits until the last minute to get your gifts (statistics show many men wait until 12/24 to pick up their gifts) you can still find items, but it will cost more. If you are buying online you will have to pay extra for shipping to get it there in time. The last day to order and get regular ground shipping is Dec. 16.

For Infants/Toddlers: This is the age group easiest to please. They will be happy with a box to unwrap – and play inside. Last minute items you will find for them are stuffed toys  and anything that plays music. They love anything that makes sounds and has lights, or that they can cuddle up with.

For pre-school to tweens: Craft items, projects, games, puzzles and movies. Older children also want video games or safe target toys, like Nerf products, basketballs, soccer balls or nets.

For Teens: Walkman, electronics or MP players, cameras , computer games, video games and DVD movies can’t go wrong. Just make sure they don’t already have them, or that you find things compatible with the systems they do have. Teens also like gift baskets with body sprays and soaps with scents (girls also like coordinating shower gels or bubble baths).  Picture frames are also good ideas – a place to put their favorite pictures. For the teen who is into sports, a personalized item from their favorite sport or team, or some weights and work-out videos and items. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate to their favorite store. Teens love to go to the mall and shop!

For Adults: A bottle of wine or alcohol (if they drink), chocolates and gift baskets of fruit, chocolates and cookies are always appropriate. Food is always in style! If they like to get out and go to the movies, purchase a gift certificate to your local movie theatre or to their favorite movie rental store. Bookstores are full of interesting subject matter as well, and audio books are very popular.  Spa treatment certificates are also considerate for both sexes, and a digital picture frame , pre-loaded with photos is a personal touch that looks as if you’ve been shopping for just the perfect gift for months!

Of course, you never can go wrong by purchasing jewelry for women!

Just keep in mind that if you are ordering for Christmas you need to allow for additional shipping time. Christmas is on Tuesday this year so orders placed after 12/19 will have to be extra postage or they will not be delivered, and personalized items will have to be ordered a week before that.

Holiday parties, whether they are just family or for a large group of friends and family, are something you want to do up in a special way. There are the extra holiday decorations, the special food you usually make only once a year, and the warm glow of fun, anticipation and joy this season brings.

You want to be prepared when the guests arrive and not have to spend the whole night in the kitchen. Trying to get everything done a few minutes before the guests arrive leaves no time for you to get ready (I have been stuck with no shower and in work clothes as early guests started to arrive. I had to leave them alone as I got ready!) Planning ahead will take the stress off of you and let you relax and enjoy your guests.

Make a checklist of what you are going to need. Shop a few days before, and not on a week-end. Then pace yourself on what you can prepare ahead of time and what has to go into the oven a few hours before. Make the do-ahead items and refrigerate or even freeze them if you can. 

I would suggest you have a fountain or punch bowl that holds a basic non-alcohol punch. Another bowl could be used for an alcoholic drink - unless you are having a bar and serving cocktails.

Have the house decorated and all the serving platters and dishes out at least the day before. These things don’t require last minute placement. Plan to end all your meal preparations at least three hours before the guests are due to arrive so you have time to get yourself ready, attend to any last-minute things, and sit back and enjoy a relaxing few moments – perhaps with a glass of wine.

Right before the guests are due to arrive, turn on the party lights and light some candles. You will be able to enjoy the party along with your guests, and have a stress-free celebration.

Giving a personalized gift to anyone shows you took extra time to find just the right thing and not something you just picked up on the way to the celebration.

No matter whether the gift is for Christmas, Hanukkah, Birthday, Anniversary, or a special gift for your boss or special friend - a personalized gift will impress and excite them. If they are anything like me, personalized gifts are something I cherish much more than other gifts.

There are many wonderful personalized gifts available that won't cost and arm and a leg.
1. Family maps on canvass that show the places the family has taken on trips, or where all the members of the family are living right now are unusual and can be updated whenever you go somewhere else, or someone moves. Personalized Family Trees and Personalized Family Name signs also are a lot of fun!

2. Personalized Picture Frames can include photos that will be memorable to both of you, and a reminder of the great times you had together.

3. Personalized Jewelry is something that can be worn with pride, but passed down generations. Pocket Watches, cuff links, necklaces as well as personalized jewelry boxes and valets make wonderful gifts.

4. Personalized Executive Gifts include cigar humidors, poker sets, cigar or cigarette holders, credit card cases, money clips, paperweights and pens - just to name a few.

5. Gifts For Her include not only personalized jewelry, but totes and purses with her name or initials, a pashima scarf or spa items.

6. Gift for Him don't have to be limited to ties and cufflinks, there are pocket watches, sports team plaques with their name, and glassware.

The men are watching the football games, the women are in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on dinner, but where are the kids?

Since Thanksgiving is family time most people can’t help but interact with smaller people who short attention spans, and a great need to find something to occupy their time.

Click the highlighted items to a maze and dot-to-dot you can print off, and a Thanksgiving placemat the kids can color and match, brought to you by Disney's family.go.com and DLTK's Growing Together .

A clever activity was also contributed by reader Candice Steelman of Hughson, California, on the DLTK's Thanksgiving pages, and is a fun way to get the children to think of ways to give thanks and remember what the day is for.

Candice said, "It always bothered me that we spent so much time preparing for Christmas, while Thanksgiving just seemed to quietly slip by, so one year I cut large 4s from paper and placed one on each person's plate. Just before dinner, we wrote the things we were thankful for on our cutouts, then took turns sharing our lists. We've been creating our Thankful Fours off and on for 20 years now. This year we'll be introducing our grandchildren to the tradition!"

For a festive way to display your family's Thankful Fours throughout the holiday weekend, punch holes in each one, tie on a ribbon or string, and hang your creations from a light fixture, along a banister, or in a window.

Whatever you do, take the time to be thankful for the people around you and all that you have. In these hard economic times there are so many much worse off than you and this is the holiday specially made for giving thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!