InvitingSmiles Blog

What do sonograms, pregnant tummies and shower invitations have in common? Here at Inviting Smiles, we can say plenty!

We have seen an increase in orders for PHOTO cards for baby shower invitations. Some customers have chosen to put a sonogram photo on the invitation, and others a photo of mommy’s pregnant tummy.

Sonogram photos used to be quite fuzzy because they were not taken at a high resolution in the doctor’s office. However, the equipment for these photos is now advanced and a sonogram photo can be as clear as any other. This sonogram can be put on a baby shower invitation making your invitation truly personal and unique.

A pregnant mommy and daddy can be a part of the invitation as well. Maybe a photo of just mommy’s tummy or one of daddy’s hands on mommy’s tummy. A full photo of the happy soon-to-be parents can be added to the invitation as well. 

Click this link for some more great ideas for baby shower invitations

http://www.invitingsmiles.com/baby-shower-invitations.html

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Crafty wedding centerpieces will help you stay within your wedding budget. When the economy is in a slump, couples start to tighten their budget. This includes planning for a wedding. If you are a ‘crafty’ person, you are ahead of the game. If not, then find someone who is.

First research the internet for some ideas. This will help you get a grasp on all of the possibilities. Write down questions you may have and supplies you will need.

Then, visit craft stores in your area. Try to choose a day and time that the store is not crowded. Ask questions of the sales personnel. They will know of, or will have heard of, some wonderful ideas for centerpieces.

Simple ideas:
o Utilize after dinner mints, small candies, wedding trinkets, etc. as table decorations.

o Fruits can be used for centerpieces. Spring brides especially can accent their reception tables with fresh fruit. Some pieces can be cut for their fresh aroma.

o Large bouquets of Baby’s breath are elegant and classy.

o Ask family and friends if they have vases you can borrow. Many women have a collection of these from flowers sent to them over the years. Different sizes and colors can be a great start to a crafty centerpiece.

Remember, simple is better. While you want your table to be elegant, you do not want the centerpiece to get in the way of your guests.

Follow this link for more centerpiece ideas:
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/wedding-centerpieces.html

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Here are some ideas from people who have learned how to save money on Prom:
 
-My son and some friends, both girls and boys, went to prom. They were all just friends, so they all agreed to pay for their own tickets and their part of the limousine costs. One of the girl’s fathers owned his own restaurant. He offered them free dinner. It was not the fanciest of places, but they had a wonderful time, and it was free! They also all agreed on no flowers. They said the flowers just get in the way anyway.

-My daughter is going to prom with her boyfriend this year. She is a sophomore and he is a junior, so I could be doing this for 3 years in a row. I told her that this year I would pay for the dress and that’s it. With discounts and sales, we were able to find a beautiful dress within our budget. We made sure to find a dress that would go with shoes and accessories that she already has from previous formal affairs. She and her friend are making the boutonnieres, her boyfriend’s sister is doing her hair for her and the rest of the cost is up to the boy… I’m old fashioned and that’s the way it should be anyway!

-I have twins going to prom, one boy and one girl, both with dates. I am part of a group of parents with multiples and we have shared and borrowed items for years. My daughter is borrowing an absolutely gorgeous dress from an older friend. My daughter and a few of her girlfriends are having their hair and nails done by myself and a friend. Since there is such a large group going, we are renting a party bus and sharing the cost.

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As a mom, you have learned that trusting your instincts is beneficial to all, so why not teach your children to trust their instincts as well. From a young age, children have that inner feeling that we call instincts. It is important for them to learn to trust them.

Whether we like it or not, our kids will be faced with some hard decisions. If they learn to ask themselves “What are my instincts telling me”, then they are better prepared. Teach them to look down deep within themselves and search for that ‘feeling’ inside. With practice and experience they will learn to be in-tune with their instincts. It can help them know that if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right, it probably isn’t.

Instead of always providing an answer for your little one, ask her, “What are your instincts telling you”. Over time, she will start to ask herself this question. Then she will start learning to trust her instincts. This will be another powerful lesson from her parents that she will use throughout her life. 

For more Good Parenting Tips click the link below:
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/good-parenting-tip.html

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Do good habits die hard, like old habits do? As parents we certainly hope our children keep their good habits for a life time. Saying thank you, washing hands when dirty, good table manners, saying excuse me when necessary and addressing adults in a respectful manner are all good habits to be taught and learned.

Teaching your children good habits should start at a very young age. Most of a baby’s learning is from sight and sound. It is almost guaranteed: Bad words that go in the baby’s ears will eventually come out the toddler’s mouth, and probably at a very embarrassing moment for you. So, start setting good examples early because your baby is watching, hearing and learning from everything you do and say!

Good habits should be consistent from parents, to grandparents, to care givers, and so on. All care givers, whether they are family, friends, or hired help, should have the best interest of the baby in mind. Speak to them and let them know what you would like your child to learn, and not learn.  Consistency is the key.

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Picking a baby name can be overwhelming. Many choose to continue family names, some want unique and different, others like traditional names. You may wish to find the meaning of the name that you are choosing for your baby.

The internet provides many names and their meanings.

Here are a few:
Emma – Whole or Complete

Grace – God’s Favor

Chloe – Blooming

Aaron – Enlightened

Dillon – Faithful

Spencer – Steward
 
Click this link to find more meanings of baby’s names:
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/meaning-of-baby-names.html

Be sure that the name you choose for your little one is a name they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. Re-pronouncing, re-spelling, constantly correcting your name is no fun.

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We have all heard the term wedding bells are ringing. Spring is a popular time of year for wedding bells to start ringing. What is their history?
In rural areas church bells were rung to notify people of many special occasions. Whether it be a special service, funeral, or a wedding. After the bride and groom exchanged vows, the bells would ring to let everyone far and near know that the couple were now united.
Of course, as with most traditions, there are also superstitions regarding the ringing of church bells at a wedding. Some thought it brought the new couple good luck. Others thought it would ward of evil.
If your church, or venue, has bells, be sure to inquire about their tradition for ringing them. Wedding bells are a wonderful addition to any wedding.
Click this link for more Wedding Ideas: http://www.invitingsmiles.com/wedding-ideas.html

Teenage parties that are held in your home are sometimes hard to decorate for.
Here is a creative, inexpensive idea. You will need:

 A black light

 A strobe light

 Fluorescent poster boards 

 Glow in the dark and fluorescent paints

 Crepe paper streamers

 White paper (cheap printer paper can be used)

 Glow in the dark, or fluorescent balloons

Decorate the poster boards with the paints. Cut shapes out of the white paper. Hang these on your walls. Sewing pins are great to hang the poster board with. (The hole left behind is much smaller than a tack.)

Hang the crepe paper as you wish. Then dip your finger tips in the glow in the dark paint. Lightly tap the crepe paper making little dots all over it.

Blow up the balloons and put in the room.

When the room is dark and the black light is turned on the decorations will glow. Add the strobe light, some techno music and you will have a very cool teenage party.

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It is Prom season and many girls and boys are planning a fun night out on the town. Limousines, nice dinners, beautiful dresses, and tuxedos are all a part of the preparations. Once again, the costs of Prom and all that’s involved, grows each year. This year many parents are struggling just to make ends meet, and now this.

Needless to say, all the extra extravagance is just that… extra. The girls want to have their hair professionally done in an ‘updo’, their makeup done by a professional, manicures and pedicures, the best dress, the best accessories, etc.

The boys are trying to explain why their parents need to pay for a huge hummer limo for about 4 people, their tux is costly (around $140), a hair cut (we hope), the cost of dinner, the cost of prom tickets ($55 per person at our school), and so on. Some groups rent hotel rooms so they can go swimming and have a place to change.

Schools now offer proms for juniors and seniors, so you not only get to do this once, but twice. If your child is dating an older student, you may get to do this three times, or more. When does it end?  It ends when the parent says it ends.

We are working together on another blog for next Thursday with ways people save on Prom. Comment with your suggestion and help others find ways to Save on Prom.

Click this link for more Special Occasion Ideas
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/special-occasion-ideas.html

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All new moms have concerns. Will I know what to do when the baby cries, will I know when the baby is hungry, what type of bottles to use, should I go back to work, should I stay home? What type of parent will I be?

With the readily available sources in today’s world, it is simple to research your questions through the internet. However, what you may find is an assortment of confusing answers. Some may sound logical, some ridiculous, some so scientific you won’t be able to understand, and some simple and truly helpful suggestions.

A wealth of knowledge and parenting suggestions can come from your family and friends. Why not have a parenting style party!

Invite friends that you feel have good parenting skills for a simple dinner at your house. Create some “What would you do if questions”. 

For example:

* “What would you do if the baby’s fever goes over 100?”
* “What would you do if your baby is crying and you don’t know why?”

Encourage conversation about their parenting decisions and suggestions. Feel free to ask many questions about your concerns. Remember, every child is different. What works for one, may not work for the other. So, keep an open mind, do not be judgmental, and have a good time. 

What is your parenting style? Click here for information on taking a Parenting Style Quiz: http://www.invitingsmiles.com/parenting-style-quiz.html

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