How to Encourage Your Child to Read

One thing most all writers have in common is that we are voracious readers and the hunger for the written word started in our childhood. Not all good readers or even avid readers will grow up to become writers, but their horizons will be broadened by the fact that they love to read. Encourage your child to read and open up new doors of possibility for him with these tips.

Read Aloud Together

Start reading aloud to your child when they are very young and continue that habit even after they are well able to read on their own. Reading aloud together will help expand your child's vocabulary and initiate chats about the book. Help develop your child's speaking and reading skills even more by having him read a book to you.

Small Challenges

While it may be tempting to hand your tween a copy of War and Peace to read over the summer, if the literature is too far beyond their comprehension skills it will cause boredom and avoidance, not expand their literary skills. Provide small challenges to expand their literary skills little by little to avoid reading frustration and burnout. The goal of raising a good reader is to help them better grasp the written word and to instill in kids a simple love for and enjoyment of books.

Second Time Around

If your kid wants to read the same book again, let them. Something in that book is speaking to them and you can use the second time around reading to discover what it is. Perhaps it is just a fun, feel-good story that makes them laugh or reminds them of another place or time. Let them read the same book twice, three times or more if they want, just insist on reading a different book in-between the beloved favorite.

Audio Books

Listen to audio books in the car during travel time. It's not 'cheating' and is a better option than some of the music adolescents are filling their minds with. Interesting audio books will capture a child's attention and keep them engaged all the way through.

Visit the Library

Regular weekly visits to the library will encourage your child to read. The vast book selection makes them feel like a kid in a candy store with unlimited choices. Most libraries offer a weekly story time that will also promote reading at home and help you raise a good reader.

How to Be More Loving

Most people, when they really look a what's important in life, find love is at the top. And whether this means sharing love with your family, community or the whole planet, the inevitable question arises: how do I be more loving? We feel our love deeply, but in the rush and habits of everyday life we get distracted and don't often express what's on the inside as clearly as we'd like.

My observation though is that loving is not an uphill battle. Rather, expressing our love for others in a healthy and balanced way is like anything else that comes naturally: it just takes a little practice. But before we begin practicing, it's essential to understand what exactly love is to avoid the many pitfalls we may fall into. 

Love and Attachment

When we love a person, we also tend to feel like they are the source of the love that we feel. This causes attachment to arise. Attachment could be called "The desire for the other person to bring me happiness." It is about getting something from someone, be it the identity of being lovable or fun or smart, or the feeling of comfort or excitement. Because we feel that the other person is the source of whatever it is we desire, we become attached to them, and instead of expressing our love purely we do so in a way that we hope will secure the other person to us. Attachment is our natural tendency and it's certainly not wrong to feel it, but observing it and remembering that it is different from love can be very useful in our journey to be more loving.

Love is the opposite of attachment. Love is about giving. One Buddhist definition of love is "The desire for the other person to be happy." There might be more to it than that, but this way of thinking about it gets at something important, which is that love is actually about giving to the other person without expecting anything back. True love does not try to hold onto the other, it sets them free.

Love Comes From Within

Even though it feels wonderful to share love with a particular person, the love that you are giving to them does not depend on that person to exist. Love comes from within us. This means that love is always inside of you, and you can feel it at any time (it just takes a little practice).

Loving With Courage

It takes courage to express love, especially when it is directed towards ourselves. We are taught from a young age that we must condemn ourselves for certain thoughts or behaviors and not to do so--to love ourselves unconditionally--seems unnatural. However once we do so, we are able to express our love in a new, deeper way to others. Our whole life becomes more alive and more joyful. This is a lifelong journey, but you can begin just by experimenting: when you notice you are judging yourself, try offering love instead.

Likewise, it takes courage to offer love to others. It requires opening our hearts to them, which can be quite a scary prospect, even if it is only a little. Remember here that love is about giving, and in fact the giving itself is enough. No matter how it is received, your love has been allowed to shine, and by doing so you have made the world a better place.

The Practice: How to Be More Loving

Observe love and attachment. Attachment is natural and we can't stop it from arising. What we can do is observe it and see how it acts differently from love. This is easiest to do by watching your actions and asking yourself "Was this motivated by love or attachment?" It's important not to judge yourself based on your answer! As we observe our actions, we gradually develop the knack for self observation and eventually we are able to see our thoughts as they arise. This allows us to be deliberate in what we choose to do.

One act of love. The easiest answer to the question of how to be more loving is "Practice!" Choose to express your love in one deliberate act a day. Let it be spontaneous (the easiest way to make it genuine) and allow it to arise from the warmth of your heart. It doesn't matter what you do--there are infinite ways to express the love within, for those we care about as well as strangers!

Journal. Write a short journal entry at the end of each day about love. Keeping the focus open ended will keep it interesting day after day, but some suggestions are to write about your daily practice, the love that you observed others expressing, and the reasons you are grateful for those you love. This acts as a way of "training" ourselves to be more in touch with the love that we have within.

Practice "Giving and Taking" meditation. This is a way of familiarizing yourself with the feeling of pure love that makes it easier to express it in our daily lives. You can begin by practicing for fifteen minutes every morning, and I'd be willing to bet you'll be amazed at your capacity for love and compassion!

Tips for Better Study Habits: Things that Could Help You Become a Better Student

Having good study habits is a must no matter what level of education you are or someone you are trying to help is enrolled in. Every since I was a kid starting his first years of school my parents gave some simple tips that still apply today.

You must get yourself into a set schedule of when you will do you homework. Hence the reason I am calling them study "habits". If you don't set a time to start doing your homework that is good for you then you can never get quality work out of your time. If on the other hand you don't set a time every day you could procrastinate and end up trying to do to much work at one time. This also can cause a decline in work.

Another tip is to always study directly before bed. I picked up this tip from a teacher in high school and it works wonders. It especially helps if you want to remember terms or words. Many medical students use this tip to help them learn the parts of a human being and it works most of the time. Even if it isn't terms look over a study guide and answer them at least once directly before bed and it will be easier for you brain to access the next morning.

The last tip I will leave of with is more aimed toward the student in college, but it could also really help in high school if you are having trouble understanding a certain topic. Having study groups makes it so much easier to complete homework and study for tests. You could easily meet once a day for at least a half hour and go over the notes from class that day, maybe even fill in the ones you missed. The point being study groups can help a lot when it comes to getting better read on difficult subjects.

You can have your own opinions about the tips above, but I simply wanted to share with you the tips I use to succeed in school everyday of the school year.

Unique and Funny Ways to Make and Decorate a Snowman

Unlike the beloved snowman in the ever popular cartoon, people typically finish their frosty front yard creations with a stocking hat, a knitted scarf, a carrot nose, sticks arms and rocks for the eyes and mouth. They are typical decorations that are readily available. They can be completed in far more unique ways that are impressive and funny. Use these creative ideas, and decorate your snowmen to look different than all of the rest. They are easy options for kids and adults.

Use Small Twigs to Create Wild Hair

A snowman does not need a hat. After all, it is a snow creature that is supposed to love cold windy days. Clothes and other accessories are not required. Go au natural when building your snowman by adding dozens of twigs instead of a hat. As the first photo shows, they will form a wild hairstyle. Add as many as necessary to create a windswept head of hair that will make your creation unique and funny. Consider adding a twig beard and mustache as well.

Make an Upside-Down Snowman with Legs and Boots

Some of the most unique snowmen are not made with a big snowball for the base. They are precariously standing on their head and looking at the world from a completely different perspective. Roll the snow into a larger than usual head, and top it with a slightly larger center and a slightly larger base. Use sticks for arms, and use wooden trim, dowel rods or yardsticks to create two legs. Top the legs with a pair of colorful rubber boots. Give him a smile or give him a frown. You can decide if he will be happy upside down.

Put Him in a Reclining Lawn Chair with Sunglasses and a Sunhat

If you are tired of winter and would love to send all of the snow to a much warmer location, make a dramatic statement with a sunbathing snowman. Build a classic three-tiered snowman on a reclining lawn chair. Add a pair of old sunglasses and a vibrant sunhat. Put a grin on his face and a book in his spindly stick hands. Before long the temperatures will increase, and he will melt away like the beloved character did on a warm late winter day.

Source: Advanced Crafting Education and Experience

60 Unique Valentine Ideas for Kids

Valentine's Day can be really fun for the kids. It's not just a holiday about the couples in love, it's about friendship, expressing your love to your friends and the love of your family. Giving Valentine's Day cards is a tradition in most grade schools and can be a lot of fun for the kids. Most cards are basic character cards that feature a famous cartoon or television character the kids are into at the moment. Some Valentine Day card packages come with candy such as suckers, fun dips or candy hearts or even stickers or body tattoos. These are all a lot of fun. It's always nice when you get a bonus with the Valentine's Day cards from your friends.

I like to be different and so do my kids so we searched for some truly unique ideas that are inexpensive that will make their Valentine's Day cards stand out from the regular store bought cards that tend to be duplicated several times in one classroom. If you have a neat idea for a Valentine please leave it in the comments of this article.

• 1. Kool-Aid packets are a cheap and fun idea to use as a bonus with your Valentine's Day card. You could easily make a card that says "Have A KOOL Valentine's Day, From:" Tape the Kool-aid pack to the card and you can add a silly straw to package as well. Another cute idea is to put the recipe on the back of the card to make Sno-Cone syrup using the Kool-aid pack.

• 2. Teddy Grahams or gummy bears with a tag that says "Bear Hugs For You, Happy Valentine's Day.", "You are a BEARY good friend"

• 3. Pencil or Pen with a tag that says "Your Just Write For Me", "WRITE On Valentine", I Think You Are Just Write"

• 4. Nerds with a tag that says " Talk NERDY To Me", "Don't Be A NERD Be My Valentine"

• 5. Swedish Fish or Gummy Fish or Gold Fish with a tag that says "Glad We Are In The Same School." Super cute idea. I have even seen this idea with the tag being in the shape of a fish bowl with fish gummies and all tucked inside a cellophane bag. Or it could say "Will You O'FISH'ally Be My Valentine?" or "You are O'FISH"ally the best"

• 6. Pop Rocks or Rock Candy with a tag that says "You ROCK!"

• 7. Banana Runts or A Real Banana with a tag that says "I'm BANANA'S For Your!" or "I Go BANANAS Over You"

• 8. Apple with a tag that says "You are the APPLE of my eye"

• 9. Plum with a tag that says "You are PLUM perfect"

• 10. Pear with a tag that says "You are PEAR-fect"

• 11. Orange or orange juice with a tag that says "ORANGE you glad we're friends"

• 12. Cutie orange with a tag that says "I think you are quite a CUTIE"

• 13. Muffins with a cupcake topper or tag that says "Be My Valentine, Stud MUFFIN"

• 14. Bubbles relabeled to say "You BLOW My Mind, Happy Valentine's Day", "BLOWING kisses your way Valentine"

• 15. Tic Tacs or mints relabeled to say "Some Friends Are MINT To Be" or "We were MINT to be together"

• 16. Crush soda with a tag that says "I Have A CRUSH On You"

• 17. Applesauce Squeeze Pouches with a tag that says "You're My Main SQUEEZE"

• 18. Blow Pops with tag that says "CHARMED I'm Sure"

• 19. Starburst candies with a tag that says "You're A STAR", "I am BURSTING with Happiness that you're my friend.", "My heart BURSTS for you", "Hope your Valentine's Day is BURSTING with happiness"

• 20. Toothbrush with a tag that says "I can't SMILE without you, Happy Valentine's Day"

• 21. Jar of Honey with tag that says "Bee Mine"

• 22. Bouncy Ball with a tag that says "Have a BALL this Valentine's Day"

• 23. Sucker attached to a baseball shaped tag that says "You're a hit Valentine"

• 24. A sheet of MAD LIBS rolled up and tied with a ribbon with a tag that says "I'm MAD about you Valentine"

• 25. Bubble Gum or Bubble Gum Tape with a tag that says "Valentine You BLOW me away", "You BLOW my heart up", I wouldn't CHEWS anyone but you", "I'm STUCK on you", "BLOWing kisses your way", "Will you CHEWS to be mine", "Won't CHEW be mine?", "I CHEWS you"

• 26. Now and Later candies with a tag that says "I want you NOW and LATER"

• 27. Hot chocolate mix packet with a tag that says "Valentine, You warm my heart"

• 28. A Maze handheld dollar game with a tag that says "You are A-MAZE-ing"

• 29. Ruler with a tag that says "You Rule"

• 30. Animal figurines with a tag that says "I'm WILD about you"

• 31. Stickers with a tag that says "Thanks for STICKING with me"

• 32. Highlighters with a tag that says "You are the HIGHLIGHT of my day"

• 33. Silly Straws with a tag that says "SIP-SIP Hooray, It's Valentine's Day"

• 34. Glow Stick or Glow bracelet with a tag that says "Valentine, You make my heart GLOW"

• 35. Toy Bugs or bug candies like gummy worms with a tag that says "Happy Valentine's Day Love Bug" or "Love bugs"

• 36. Toy Car with a tag that says "You Make My Heart RACE"

• 37. Star Shaped Sunglasses with a tag that says "Valentine, You are a SUPERSTAR"

• 38. Lemon drops or sour candies with a tag that says "PUCKER Up Valentine"

• 39. Recorder or harmonica with a tag that says "You BLOW me away"

• 40. Riesen candies with a tag that says "So Many REISENS why I love you"

• 41. A bag of s'mores (2 graham crackers, a mini Hershey's chocolate bar and a large marshmallow) with a tag that says "I need S'MORE friends like you"

• 42. Sugar Daddy with a tag that says "Will you be my SUGAR DADDY?"

• 43. Skittles with a tag that says "You COLOR my world"

• 44. Hot Tamales candies with a tag that says "You are one HOT TAMALE"

• 45. Sparkling Cider or any carbonated drink with a tag that says "You make my heart BUBBLE over"

• 46. Jolly Ranchers with a tag that says "Have a JOLLY Valentine's"

• 47. Hershey's Kisses with a tag that says "Hugs and KISSES"

• 48. Any soda pop with a tag that says "I SODA think you are amazing"

• 49. Candy bar with nuts in it or a bag of nuts with a tag that says "I'm NUTS about you"

• 50. Babe Ruth candy bar with a tag that says "Thanks for going to bat for me"

• 51. A doggy bone with a tag that says "I WOOF you"

• 52. A plastic sandbox shovel with a bag of candy attached and tag that says "I DIG you"

• 53. Loom bands with a tag that says "I'm LOOM-Y for you", "Valentine, I'm so glad WEAVE become friends"

• 54. Toy dinosaur figurine with a tag that says "You're DINO-MITE"

• 55. Gummy worms with a tag that says "HOOKED on you"

• 56. Eraser with a tag that says "Make no mistake You are my favorite Valentine"

• 57. Mustache with a tag that says "I MUSTACHE you a question, Will you be my Valentine?"

• 58. Mountain dew with a tag that says "I DEW love everything about you"

• 59. Donut holes with a tag that says "DONUT you know I love you a HOLE bunch"

• 60. Scissors with a tag that says "You're a CUT above"

How to Be Awesome (Tips for Expressing Who You Truly Are)

"Life isn't about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself."

--George Bernard Shaw 

Interested in learning how to be awesome? Actually, it's pretty simple. One of the best part about being a human being is that we're changing all the time. No matter what, we're always growing, learning and transforming. One of the greatest things we can do for ourselves (and for the people around us) is to be a player in this transformation. How do we do this? Try these things for starters. 

1. Follow your dreams. The number one regret people have on their death bed is choosing to live the life they felt like they were supposed to live rather than striking out on their own and creating their own life (Inspiration and Chai). Following your heart instead of social norms is scary, which is why so many people miss it, but once you begin you find a sense of peace that stays with you as long as you are on your own path. People who know how to be awesome know that their life is precious and that it's up to them to make every day a unique experience and expression of their innermost being. So whether you've dreamed of becoming an artist, starting your own business, traveling, or breaking the world record for most jelly doughnuts balanced on the tip of your nose, now's the time to start! It's all about having the courage to express who you truly are. Yes it's hard. It's also worth it.
2. Meditate. There is nothing more awesome than knowing and accepting yourself deeply. Not much more awesome than sitting cross-legged for a few moments and watching all of your problems disappear or turn to blessings. And living each moment fully, experiencing the depth that life has to offer and allowing yourself to express who you truly are? That comes from meditation too. In short, meditation is awesome.
3. Have new experiences. Awesome people are always trying new things. Everything from flying to a new country to trying that new vegan restaurant with the funny name is what keeps your mind fresh and your heart open to the many gifts life has to offer. Travel. Talk to strangers. Open to the magic in the world. Learn to play an instrument or attend a boxing match. Do things you think you would have no interest in or know nothing about, and you'll be surprised how many varieties awesomeness comes in. In fact, for someone who knows how to be awesome everything is an adventure and an opportunity to learn--it's just a matter of how you approach it.
4. Focus on others. The Dalai Lama says "If you are going to be selfish, at least be wisely selfish." This, he says, means focusing on benefiting others (Philosiblog). There are all kinds of studies now that show those who focus on benefiting others rather than themselves are far happier. When focusing on how to benefit someone else, we forget what we usually worry about: what they think of us, all our problems, becoming richer or smarter or better looking. Instead, our attention is on making someone else happy. And when we do this, we feel a sense of fulfillment in our lives. One of the best ways to create meaning in your life is to benefit others. As an added bonus, people tend to like those who give to them without asking anything in return, so you will rarely be alone or unappreciated. What's more, working to benefit others puts you in an environment with others who have a positive approach to living. Try volunteering for a cause you believe in or finding a job that directly benefits others. Remember that every moment you can choose to make benefiting others your focus, whether you're talking with a friend, driving, or cooking a meal.
5. Be here now. Almost all suffering comes from not being in the present moment (Zen Habits). If you can let go of the past and the future and accept whatever comes in the present, a whole new dimension of life opens up. You begin to take great joy in the little things, like drinking a cup of coffee or driving to work. And isn't life mostly made up of little things? Because you put your full attention on those you are with, they know they are valued and this presence opens up a deeper dialogue and connection to occur. To return to the present moment, just focus on all that is happening now without trying to influence or judge it. Observe the feeling of your breath. Notice what you experience with your five senses, the way another person is speaking, see your thoughts and reactions. If you get distracted, that's okay--just come back to the now.
6. Realize you already are awesome. Truly awesome people are all privy to a secret: they don't have to change to become awesome. That just as they are, they are more than enough. Actually, it's not such a secret, but most people have forgotten this fact. Each human being has such immense gifts to offer the world in his or her own unique way. This includes you. Being awesome is actually just the recognition of the fact that you are awesome. And when you do this, you realize that there are many opportunities every day to give the gifts that are unique to you. That's what all the other points are about--not becoming awesome, but expressing the awesomeness that you already are!

Choosing Essential Oils in Soap Making: 5 Things to Consider

Essential oils are a great way to add quality to your soaps. They offer great smells and beneficial ingredients that have made them popular in aromatherapy and alternative medicine. You can easily add these to soaps to create wonderful, natural scented soaps. Here are some things to consider when using them in your handmade soaps.

1. Physical effects on soap. Essential oils can be a great thing for aromatherapy. This is why many people choose to put it in their soaps. Using essential oils has become really popular. It's a good way to enhance smell and add beneficial properties to the soap. Essential oils can also affect the soap. Some essential oils can make the soap seize during the soap making process, make the soap hard and brittle when it comes out or even cause discoloration.

2. Scent. Because essential oils are very concentrated, they can pack a powerful scent in your soap. Many people find that unless a soap has a lot of essential oils it doesn't carry an odor. Some oils may need 20 or more drops to smell in the soap. I've found that the oils that pack the most scent are the citrus or herb based oils, and the least pungent oils were ones made from flowers such as vanilla or rose.

3. Price. In case you haven't researched. Essential oils can be very expensive. A .5 ounce of tea tree oil can be anywhere around $10. This is hard when it can be a vital part of your soap. You may not use all .5 ounces at once but, keep in mind, if you need a more than a few drops of the oil to make it scented, it may be too expensive.

4. Popularity. If you are selling your soaps, you may need to think differently about the oils you put into your soap. Essential oils are very popular for their healing properties on skin. This is why many people pick out soaps with certain ingredients in them. While you may like certain oils for their smells, properties and price, you may need to find out more about what your customers want in their soaps.

5. Availability. Another aspect of selling soaps is ingredient availability. This counts, especially, for essential oils. Because essential oils are hard to find, many people shop for them online. However, if you're starting out or in a pinch to make soaps, you may not be able to wait for it in the mail. Be sure to know whether you can easily run down to your health store for a slightly more expensive batch or you may have to place orders on hold while you wait.

6. Dangers of oils. While most essential oils are safe to use, especially in soap making, some can be harmful. There are a handful of oils that can be harmful to certain animals. There are also some that can be harmful to pregnant women. There are even some that can be harmful to anyone, causing illness if digested or harmful reactions if used topically. It's important to keep this in mind when making soaps and give proper warnings to those you may be giving them to.

Tips for Throwing a Destination Bachelorette Party

Women want more from a bachelorette party than the stereotypical drunken mayhem that is championed in movies like The Hangover. After all, the purpose behind the party is a celebration of friendship and an implied promise that the bond will not disappear after the wedding. Therefore, a destination bachelorette party is the ultimate way to make some girls-only memories before the big day.

Because a destination bachelorette party requires more planning as well as more input from the other attendees, you need to begin early. Start by considering these big issues.

Pre-Party Planning

Before you begin, have a meeting with the other guests. Here you can discuss bachelorette party locations, budgets, timelines, and entertainment. If you combine this planning meeting with a spa or shopping day, your pre-planning party becomes a time for the group to get acquainted. The better you know each other, the more fun the trip will be.

Budget

Each of the bride's closest friends probably does not have the same amount of disposable income. Therefore, at the planning meeting, make sure to discuss the budget. Your budget and the home towns of your attendees will impact which bachelorette party locations are workable.

Etiquette suggests that the bride's friends cover the bride's expenses for bachelorette parties. But destination parties may require more flexibility. Discuss which of the bride's expenses the group can cover. Travel expenses are a great place to begin. If your group cannot cover all of the bride's expenses, make sure to communicate this to her at the beginning.

Deposits

Part of creating a plan involves creating a timeline. Since travel expenses, such as airline tickets, need to be purchased in advance, a payment plan is a good idea. Deposits keep the party organizer from getting stuck with some hefty bills. An added benefit of having a payment plan is that deposits actually build excitement since each installment brings the destination bachelorette party closer to reality.

Location

Recognize that you cannot please everyone. Instead find a bachelorette party location that pleases most people, especially the bride. Before your initial meeting research some locations that vary in price as well as amenities and bring this information to the meeting.

Some common denominators that make for great destination parties are trendy nightlife, luxurious spas, and art galleries. Cities that are compact enough to be walkable are ideal. Consider some of these locations:

• Charleston, S.C.

• Chicago

• Denver

• Las Vegas

• Miami

• Napa, Calif.

• New York

• San Antonio, Texas

• San Francisco

• Seattle

Hype

Create excitement by hosting a pre-party gathering. This is another opportunity to create camaraderie before the big trip. Attendees can shop for party clothes or spring for a spa treatment. Don't forget to hand out some party favors that will keep the excitement brewing.

While you are planning a great destination bachelorette party, don't forget the purpose behind the trip. Brides wonder if their friendships will endure this major life change. Will friends just drift away after priorities are modified? A destination bachelorette party reassures the bride that her friends will always be there for her. And the bonding you experience will create memories that last a lifetime.

Improve Your Wildlife Habitat with Managed Strips

Landowners know that food plots work to lure deer and other wildlife to an area. However, the cost of equipment, fuel, fertilizer, seeds, and labor needed to plant a food plot can get expensive. Fortunately, there is a low budget answer to developing attractive areas for wildlife at an affordable cost. I have used managed strips on my 20 acres to successfully attract and hold deer on my land as well as provide food for other forms of wild animals. Here's how to create and maintain these strips on your land.

What is a managed strip?

Deer love to eat the young, tender new growth of natural browse which sprouts after the ground is cleared of vegetation. A managed strip is a segment of land where the original vegetation is removed and new growth is allowed to naturally regenerate. The strip is managed to create successive stages of new growth by mowing portions of the strip each year.

Where should you locate a managed strip? 

Managed strips work well along the edges of fields adjacent to wood lines. They also can be located along fence rows, ditches, or other areas not in use for other purposes. However, they should not be located near roads, as the deer attracted to these strips will be a hazard for motorists or a lure for poachers shooting from the roads.

How do you create a managed strip?

One way to prepare a managed strip involves disking or tilling the soil to plow under the existing vegetation. Another way often used is to perform prescribed burning of the strip to destroy existing growth. Once the existing vegetation is removed, you don't need to plant anything. The seeds of native vegetation already in the ground will sprout on their own.. Very beneficial browse is created by this process. The photos included show various stages of managed strips on my land

Maintenance of the strip requires periodic mowing or disking. Start with the outside edge and disk or mow down 1/3 of the total width of the strip. Disk or mow at then end of the first year's growing season. Do the middle 1/3 of the strip at the end of the second growing season and finish by doing the final 1/3 at the end of third year. Continue this same rotational pattern each year. By then end of the third year, you will have vegetation in all three stages of growth, all of which are attractive to wildlife.

What other factors should you consider?

Ideally a strip should be about 30 foot wide or slightly larger to allow for the annual successive growth stages in 10 foot or wider sections. The strips work best when they are irregular shaped, such as surrounding a pond.

The essential ingredient for creating a managed strip is sunlight. You will not get good results unless you have ample sunlight actually hitting the ground for a minimum of four hours per day but preferably longer. Be sure the locations you pick have ample sunlight during the entire growing season.

Fertilizing the wide variety of forbs, briers, herbs, vines, and saplings which naturally sprout will enhance their growth and provide greater nutritional value to wildlife. Use a complete fertilizer with all the essential elements, such as a 10-10-10 mixture.

Don't be surprised if deer actually browse your managed strips more than they do your planted food plots. Deer are accustomed to eating natural browse and when you provide it for them, they will eat it readily. Try some managed strips on your land this year to improve your wildlife habitat.

10 Etiquette Rules for Super Bowl Parties

It's no uncommon for people to either host or attend a Super Bowl party but it's best to have some etiquette no matter which you are doing. Here are 10 etiquette rules to follow at a Super Bowl party.

1. Do not diss the other team too much. 

Most likely not everyone at the party is going to be rooting for the same team. It's okay to joke a little bit but be respectful. It's not polite to go on and on about your opinion on why the other team is so "bad". If the conversation gets too heated a fight might break out and that is not anything anyone would want.

2. Ask if you can bring your children or not. 

If you plan on attending a Super Bowl party ask if children are invited as well. If they have children themselves then it seems more likely that it will be okay to bring your children. If you know most of the people attending the party do not have children then it might be best to just get a babysitter.

3. Bring over drinks or a food dish. 

You can easily help out the hosts by bringing over some drinks or food to share. A costly bill for party hosts is alcohol so bringing over even a 12 pack of beer to share will be much appreciated. An appetizer that can be easily served is another great idea to bring over as well.

4. Know when to talk and when to be quiet. 

Believe it or not many people watch the Super Bowl just for the commercials! The Super Bowl is known for having very unique commercials so many people don't want to engage in conversation during this time. If you notice someone is really focused on the TV it's best to not disturb them and let them watch it.

5. Provide enough space for guests. 

If you are hosting a party make sure there's enough room for everyone. You don't want all your guests squished into one tiny room. A great idea is to have the game on a couple TVs in different rooms in the house. Many houses have a "living room" and a "family room" which is great for Super Bowl parties so there is room to spread out everyone.

6. Contain yourself when things don't go your way in the game. 

If your team is not playing their best or the refs keep making bad calls don't stand up and shout at the TV. That can make the rest of the guests feel uncomfortable if you seem to be very angry. Try to stay calm and just remember these things can happen. If it's really getting you worked up it might be a good time for you to step outside or take a trip to the food table and cool off.

7. Don't ask how many calories in every single food dish. 

It can be quite awkward for other people if you start talking about all the calories and asking if something's the "fat free" version or not. It can make the guests not feel comfortable eating the food and make the host feel like they didn't provide the "right" food. If you are on a strict diet you can either eat before the party, just stick with the vegetables provided, or bring a healthy dish to share. Do not, whatever you do, complain about the food choices. That is not polite at all.

8. Don't eat and drink everything you can get your hands on. 

It can be overwhelming for some when they go to parties because of all the free food and drink. Learn to contain yourself and remember that all of the food and drink is for all the guests not just you. You also don't want to overindulge because it's not healthy for you. If you really have a problem with this think in your head beforehand how much you want to limit yourself and stick to that limit. 

9. Ask if the host needs help cleaning up. 

You can easily tell how big of a mess is needed to be cleaned up after the game is over. You can ask the host if they need help with anything. A great thing to do is to just automatically start cleaning up. If you're not sure where they want everything just start with the small things first. Bring dirty dishes to the sink or throw away any garage you see lying around. If other guests are still there they might see you cleaning up and join in and help as well.

10. Know when it's time to go. 

The last thing you want is to be hanging out when the party's done and over with. If you stayed a little over to help clean up that's one thing but if you are still there and it's close to midnight then that's a problem. The last thing the host wants is guests who don't know when to go home. Go home after cleanup. 

Six Super Bowl Party Do's and Dont's

It's that time of year again! Time to whip out those football jerseys, eat lots of hot wings and root for your favorite team in the Super Bowl. Many of us will be attending Super Bowl parties, if not having one of our own, and it makes us wonder... Is there such thing as Super Bowl Party etiquette?

Here's a list of some party do's and don'ts:

DO: Have lots of food! 

Let's face it, we all like to munch on junk food while watching the game. That's part of the fun isn't it? If you're throwing a party, make sure to buy enough food ahead of time and have a variety of easy snacks.

DON'T: Show up empty handed!

If you're attending a party, it's rude to show up empty handed. Bringing some kind of food or drink is always a nice gesture. It's almost like a "thank you" for the party invitation.

DO: Decorate!

You're already excited to be watching the game, why not throw up some decorations? They always add a nice touch to any party, and certain party supply stores, like Party City, have all kinds of decorations with your favorite team's colors and logo.

DON'T: Be a party pooper!

If your favorite team didn't make it to the Super Bowl, so what? It's still fun to spend time with friends and watch football. Just make sure not to show up to anyone's house with a party-pooper attitude or make complaints every five minutes. If you're not in the mood to have some fun, stay at home.

DO: Have a few beers!

Today's the perfect day to drink some beer to accompany that junk football food you're having. If you're throwing a party, ask everyone what they like to drink or buy a few different kinds of drinks. If you're attending a party and happen to be extra picky, you can take your own drinks with you.

DON'T: Have a few (too many) beers!

Yes, part of the fun of watching the Super Bowl is having a few beers, but leave it at that… A few beers! Getting drunk during the game might be fun for you, but not so fun for those around you. Have some consideration and try to control yourself.

The main point of having, or attending, a Super Bowl party is to have fun! Even if your all-time favorite team doesn't make it, the Super Bowl only happens once a year, so enjoy it to the fullest.

A Few Do's and Dont's at Your Next Super Bowl Party

Setting down guidelines at your next Super Bowl party would be wise in order for everyone to have a great time. Party goers should discuss whether there should be alcohol, length of the party, and what is unacceptable behavior before planning anything else. Sports parties are known for getting out of hand, and can often wind up in disarray.

To Serve Alcohol or Not

The host of the party should always be the one who decides on whether alcohol will be served or not at their Super Bowl party. This should not be decided by the guests. If it is not allowed, the host should not waste time in asking the bearer of alcohol to please leave. When alcohol is served, there should be a drink limit as well as a cut off time for serving. Designated drivers should be appointed early on if needed. An agreement for taxi reimbursement could work to the host's advantage. Alcohol is a very touchy subject when having a party.

Party Start and End Times

Deciding on how long a Super Bowl party should be is a must. Some guests like to show up early, while others can only come at a later time. If the party extends after the game, this would work out for those who want to visit longer. Should the host have other plans besides the party, guests should be gracious enough to leave at a designated time. Invitations may seem corny, but they allow the host to choose guests who would comply to set times. A brief note in the invitation is welcomed by invited guest in knowing if they should bring anything to the party.

Good Behavior

Knowing the people you want to invite and their reactions is a good determination as to whom you want to invite to your party. There seems to be a bad egg in every crowd, so we think. If you have that friend you really want to invite, and you don't want to be embarrassed, talk with them about your conditions. A true friend should understand your feelings and comply. Many of us feel there is nothing worse than being humiliated at your own party.

The list of do's and dont's for your next Super Bowl party can become longer. These are probably going to be on at least your top 10 list. Careful planning should hopefully help everything to go well. 

Super Bowl Party Tips to Simplify Your Get-Together and Make it a Success

Hosting a party for the biggest sporting event of the year might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The Super Bowl is certainly a big deal, yet simplifying things for your get-together will create a much more fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

Here are four tips to follow to make your Super Bowl party a success.

Keep Your Guest Count in Check

More does not always mean merrier, especially when hosting a party. Things can get very crowded and expensive in a hurry, so don't let your guest list start to look like you are inviting people to a wedding.

Your space limitations and personal budget will primarily dictate the number of guests you invite, and deciding who will be left out can be difficult. But remember that you aren't the only person throwing a party that night, so your friends will more than likely have other options.

Do Not Overdo the Décor

It's a party, so decorations are essential. But going overboard isn't a necessity, so be subtle.

Remember, people aren't there to critique your interior design or party-planning skills; they are there for the food and drinks, the company and the game. If you feel that spending extra time on decorations is a must, do so by embellishing the snacks and beverages.

Make Food, Drinks and the Game the Focal Points

Again, this is where people will decide whether your party was a success or a failure. And spending most of your preparation time on what people will be eating and drinking, and how visible the television is, will be the biggest determining factors.

Make food and drinks accessible throughout your house, and (if possible) have the game on in different rooms. This will keep the action moving and not create a cramped feeling during your party.

Be a Fantastic Host, but Have Some Fun Yourself

While throwing together this type of gathering doesn't just happen overnight, you will want to enjoy all of your own hard work too. Putting in all the legwork prior to the moment company begins to arrive will buy the time you will need to feel like a guest at your own party.

Remember: Your guests aren't having fun, unless you are having fun.

Keeping things simple will ensure that your party will go off without a hitch. And keeping in mind why exactly people are there to begin with will help guarantee that you have a blast too.