Vince's Random Thoughts

Making Backyard Party Games

2013-11-08T11:27:00.002-08:00

You can make a lot of things on your own like outdoor party games. Cornhole for example is taking the nation by storm. If you want a good set your choices are either buy one or build your own. With building your own party game you will be getting a lot better product cheaper than one you would purchase from a box store. You also have the opportunity of personalizing your game. We invite you to look around the site some. You will find easy to follow directions to building your very own yard game.
Besides finding instructions on making your backyard games you will also find rules of the game and other useful tips. We will be adding bonus ebooks on tips and tricks on dominating these games when playing family, friends and even tournaments.

For more party game ideas check out Game Night Mania

We also realize that it is not practical to build your own games all the time. On the games page you will also find links to quality, trustable people that can build them for you. We encourage you to let us know if you do not see a party game on here that you think belongs.

We set up a party games forum for user support, gather ideas and chat with others that make life sized games. We encourage you to jump in. Feel free to bounce ideas off us and other members, ask questions about the party game and outdoor games you are building or show support for others that you might be able to help get started on their project. This site was created to help surfers find information they need without going crazy trying to find it. We would also like to turn this into a community. We will constantly expand this site with user requests.

Maximizing the Benefits of Party Games and Outdoor Games

Social gatherings like birthday parties often involve different party games, allowing guests to participate while keeping the occasion alive and fun. Hence, these games must be interesting enough, encouraging the children to become proactive all throughout. Party hosts can also organize some outdoor games for the adults, creating a fun and enjoyable environment not just for the kids, but also for the adult guests. Despite the category of these activities, games will surely heighten the spirit of social events.

Party Games for Kids and Adults

There are different types of party games designed for birthday parties. These are essential aspects of every birthday occasion, creating exciting and fun atmosphere for the celebrant and the guests. Birthday party games often involve birthday treats and favors, allowing the children to participate so as to receive such rewards. Sufficient space is necessary while organizing birthday games. This will allow enough room for group games, talent shows, and other games which require a lot of movements.

Birthday games may be carried out outdoors, ensuring bigger space than indoors. With enough outdoor space, outdoor games may be carried out successfully, considering the massive numbers of guests and participants. Party hosts could likewise set up a nice sound system so as to keep the party alive with accompanying music, while accommodating each guest in the event. Awarding of prizes is also imperative for both kids and adults to take part in the entire party, ensuring successful yet fun moments with families and friends.

Fancy dress competitions have been famous party games for kids during holidays like Christmas and Halloween parties. During these events, guests often carry out thorough planning, ensuring that they will come prepared for that party. Aside from fancy dress competitions, some party hosts and event organizers also arrange children’s rides or provide playing areas for children. Through these plans, parents and adults could enjoy the adult party and participate in outdoor games while their little ones enjoy themselves in such playing areas.

Outdoor Games for Party Guests

Certainly, games are essential parts in human life especially in social activities. However, outdoor games do not always equal parties or party games. Outdoor activities often involve sports and other entertainment elements that require physiological and mental efforts. Outdoor activities are organized not only for family gatherings, but also for business purposes. Some of these activities are utilized for advertisements and promotions such as fund-raising projects.

Activities held outdoors often require mental and physical efforts in various ways compared to indoor activities. Participants must come physically and mentally prepared during outdoor games since a majority of these activities entails sports like basketball, tennis, badminton, and related activities. Without a doubt, outdoor activities and party games are important elements in social gatherings such as family reunions, company outings, and the like. These activities can keep occasions going, exciting, and fun. Thus, parties and outdoor activities also promote and support the overall mental, social, physical, and emotional health of all guests and participants.

Benefits Provided by Party and Outdoor Activities

It is sad to learn that there are many individuals, both young and old who are spending a lot of their times indoors, playing with computers and popular gaming consoles. These technological advancements can also enhance the mental and physical state of people. However, engaging in outdoor games entails great benefits compared to indulging in indoor activities.

Promotion and Improvement of Overall Health – Outdoor activities and party games can greatly help in the improvement of a person’s overall health. It is expected that outdoor activities and games involve physical effort, providing a whole new form of exercises while creating a fun-filled environment. Well-organized outdoor games could help in maintaining the fitness level of guests and participants.

Heightens Concentration and Coordination – Obviously, outdoor activities have certain objectives or goals. Thus, participants must be well-focused on their target or goal, achieving their objectives through proper concentration. Through outdoor activities, participants could likewise enhance their coordination skills simultaneously, coordinating with their team members during group activities.

Effective Way of Socialization – Both party games and outdoor activities are effective and innovative ways of socialization, providing atmosphere for entertainment and mingling at the same time. These activities are also great ways in caching up with families and friends despite the busy lifestyles.

Nice Way of Breaking Boring Routines – Health-conscious people never miss out on their exercise routines, attending workout sessions daily while maintaining a well-balanced diet. Thus, party games and outdoor activities can become nice ways of breaking these boring, daily routines. In fact, outdoor events can become great alternatives to daily workouts, providing a laid-back yet entertaining and healthy form of exercise. Outdoor games can become fun while burning same or more amounts of calories than usual exercises or workouts would provide.

Aids in Attaining Adequate Sleep and Rest – Outdoor activities often entail extreme physical efforts and exercises. With this alone, participants will be exhausted automatically, requiring rest and sleep after such tiring activities. Outdoor and party games promote adequate rest and sleep, making them ideal for those suffering from sleep deprivation and related conditions.

Promotion of Healthy Appetite – Individuals who are engaged in outdoor activities have better metabolism than people only indulging in indoor games like computers and game consoles. Healthy or normal metabolism is almost equal to healthy appetite. An exhausted body would often require adequate intake of food and water, ensuring that the burnt calories would be replaced for another production of energy and stamina.

Reduction of Mental Stress – Organizers of outdoor games must always ensure that they plan activities that are geared towards the reduction of mental stress. Besides children, career-oriented individuals participate in such activities. Thus, it is essential that these games would somehow help in reducing the mental stress of participants from busy lifestyles.

In a nutshell, outdoor games are not only forms of entertainment or sorts of icebreakers, but are great means towards achieving healthy lifestyles. These are also amazing ways of bonding with families and friends, or could become effective advertising and promotional techniques for business purposes. Outdoor and party games can provide a lot of benefits for both men and women, young and old.

How to Make Hillbilly Golf

2013-11-08T11:16:00.004-08:00

Hillbilly Golf is not that hard to make. With just a few tools and supplies you will on your way to making one fun lawn game. If want to skip building a Hillbilly Golf Set you will find links to places that sell them.

Buy Hillbilly Golf HERE from Amazon

Tools Needed:
Drill
Saw
Scissors
A tape measure

Supplies:
44 feet of PVC pipe (1” works great)
12 connectors –T shaped (1”)
4 connectors- elbow (1”)
Dozen golf balls
Nylon rope or clothesline, about 20 ‘ worth, Each team uses a separate color of ball. If you can’t find colored golf balls, buy some paint or even use differing colors of nylon rope

Make Hillbilly Golf ladder

Step one
Using your saw cut PVC (6) three foot long, (12) eighteen inches, (8) twelve inches. Gather all pieces of PVC and the connectors you purchased.

Step two Assembly
Put together 2 legs of the ladder by attaching three of the 18 inch leg pieces
together with a Tee connector. Once done it will look like a T. You will do this twice to make 2 sets.

Step three

Attach a Tee connector at the top of each leg and connect them with a 3 foot piece of PVC.

Attach 12 inch section of PVC on the top T connector to make the next step. Place another T connector on top of the 12 inch PVC. Insert a 3 foot piece between the two legs.

Step four
Next we will add one more 12 inch PVC on the top to make our top ladder step.

Step five
You should have one 3 foot section of PVC left. Add both elbow connectors to both ends. These are now the top of the ladder!

You have now created the Hillbilly Golf ladder!

To make your Hillbilly Bolos

Step one
Carefully drill a hole through the middle of each golf ball

Step Two
Thread nylon rope through the golf ball and tie a knot on on both sides of the ball.

Step Three
Tie another golf ball (don’t forget to use the same color!) onto the other end. You want 12 inches between golf balls and again you want to tie a knot on both sides of the ball.

Step Four
Make two sets of three bolos using different colors for each set (one set of three red, one set blue). You can make as many sets as you like.

How to Play Hillbilly Golf

2013-11-08T11:10:00.003-08:00

Hillbilly Golf, Ladder Toss, ladder Golf, Bolo Toss or what ever you want to call it is a fun game. The rules resembles the Cornhole game. You have two ladders made out of PVC pipe, and six Bolos (golf balls on rope). The idea is to wrap your bolos around one of the steps of the ladder. Hillbilly Golf can be played with 2 or 4 people.

How to play Hillbilly Golf
Official rules call for 15 feet between ladders but Indiana rules call for 21 feet. It is up to you, maybe 15' for children is okay but adults can suck it up and play at 21.

If you are playing with 2 people the players will walk back and forth between rounds. If you have 4 players then everyone will stay in one spot. With 4 players there are two teams. One team member on each side by a golf ladder.

Like cornhole, Hillbilly Golf is played in innings, rounds or what ever you want to call them. One team member from each team take 3 Bolos each. After deciding who will go first that person will toss the Bolo at the opposing side ladder. While throwing your Bolo the payer can not move past the ladder on the throwing side. There are no rules to how the golf ball needs to be thrown, just common sense. There is not penalty for a golf ball hitting the ground before attaching to the ladder. The important part is where it ends up.

Hillbilly Golf Scoring

The point system is fairly simple.

Top step= 3 point
Middle step= 2 point
Bottom step= 1 point

See I told ya! The confusing part comes now. This is a cancel out system, or at least Indiana Hillbilly Golf is. Onle one team scores per round. Let's say that team "Big Balls" has 2 bolos on the middle step and one on the bottom. Team 3 "Blue Balls" has 1 bolo on the top step, 1 on the middle and onethat landed in the grass after smacking the the drunk guy not paying attention. This is how it would break down for that round:
Team Big Balls has 5 points, team Blue Balls has 5 points. Now that would be a push so no points given.
Now lets say team Big Balls got 2 Bolos on top step and 1 in middle and Team Blue Balls got 1 Bolo on the top step and 2 on the bottom. This is how it would break down:

Team Big Balls would have 8 points and team Blue Balls would have 5 point. So at the end of that round team Big Balls would get 3 points.

Now anything goes, you are more than welcome to knock off your opponents Bolos with yours. You do not count points until all Bolos from the round are thrown. Anything not on a ladder step is worth a big fat O. You can mess with the thrower as much as you want as long as you don't touch them.

Here are a couple other options for Hillbilly Golf: If a player throws short and doesn't make it to the Hillbilly Golf ladder the other players are required to laugh at them, make them kill their beer or anything else that will work them over.

Warnings: People like to drink when playing Hillbilly Golf. If you do the above please expect to get a Bolo to the nuts. This has happened to me more than once. On a serious note you do have golf balls flying around. Make sure there are no kids running around close by while playing this game. If children are playing you should always have an adult with them at all times.

Hillbilly Golf

2013-11-08T11:05:00.002-08:00

The Hillbilly Golf game is also called ladder golf toss, lasso golf, ladder ball and a lot more and is a game similar to Cornhole. It is one of the most popular outdoor games in many hillbilly backyards (joking). It consists of throwing 2 golf balls that are attached with a rope at a target. Players try to land bolas on series of crossbars from 25 feet away and the score depends on how it lands. Two or more players can play the game. It is called ladder golf because its goal upright is built or structured like a ladder.

So you have two golf balls tied to a rope and you have people throwing them around. I bet you are thinking, yea, that's a good idea! I will tell you that all players should always pay attention to the game that is being played. Every time my attention goes off while playing ladder golf I get the dang golf balls thrown right at my shins (if I'm lucky) by my hillbilly friends, they even got my younger brother doing this. I think it is the "new thing" to do here. Well I'm getting off topic here, my point is on a serious note is that you should watch the kids while they are around. They seem to like to throw the golf balls on a rope around and can get hurt. It is suggested that when not playing to keep the bolas put up between games. If you keep it safe you will love this game!

The History and Origin of the game

Aside from its many names, the ladder golf game is also a game that has a very controversial history. This is because nobody knows exactly where to trace the game’s origin. This is also because of its many names. Some say that the game originated from Polynesia and others say it came from America. However, others say that it originated from Spain or South America because another name of the game is “bolo toss”.

Despite its unclear origin or past, in the year 1990, one person in the name of Matt Peterson discovered the game on campgrounds. It was first patented in the year 2001 by Robert G. Reid, then later on, in the year 2005, that patent was sold to Ladder Golf LLC and given its US trademark. Since then, the company started manufacturing the game and more and more companies started selling different equipment versions of the game.

It is the time where ladder golf became a very popular outdoor game and many people started playing it. People couldn’t care less of its past as long as they get to enjoy playing the game at present and that they can introduce the game to their children in the future.

The Game Equipments and Materials

One of the things that make the game more fun is its equipments and materials. While the game can be bought already as several game versions are already available in the market, you still have the choice to build it, rather than buy it.

The game can be built as long as you follow DIY instructions. A lot of people are already building hillbilly golf. This is because it saves them a lot of money. If you have skills in woodworking and you know how to carefully follow DIY instructions, building the game is a good option.

However, building hillbilly golf can be such a hassle for some. Not all people have time to build games, not all people have the skills and not all people have the patience to follow DIY instructions. This is where buying the game is more convenient. It may be a little costly than building your own game but the fact that you can avoid the risk of making costly mistakes, you are spared of the hassle of building the game and you can instantly play the game, it makes the cost worth it.

No matter how you get hold of the game, whether you build it or buy it, the basic materials and equipments used for the game are 2 goal uprights; 3 red balls; and 3 blue balls. Buying the game also includes an instruction manual that contains rules and instructions for the game as well as setup instructions.

The Advantages

This popular backyard game has several advantages that make it even more popular and loved by many. In other words, many people love the game because it is fun and exciting. There is thrill in tossing the bola and letting it land on high score. It is a game that will make you forget all your worries and take away the stress you feel from work.

People also love the game because it is safe to play. It does not involve hitting opponents. And the equipments are mostly safe since the balls used for the game are soft plastic bolas. You can be assured that no matter what age you are or your kids, playing the game is not a hazard for them. They can enjoy the game without their parents worrying whether something bad has happened to them already.

Also, the game can be a money-saver because of inexpensive options offered to you. It is either you build the game or build an improvised ladder golf game where you can budget how much you are going to spend for the materials used in building. Or you can also buy the game as even if the price is higher, it is also worth it. You can even avail of discounts when buying the game.

This lawn game is also advantageous because it can be played by the whole family no matter what the occasion is. If you and your family want to bond with each other during weekends, you can do so with this backyard game. As a matter of fact, this game is ideal for tailgating, family reunions, parties, camping or the beach.

Most importantly, hillbilly golf is also easy to learn. Not all people have the patience to learn new games especially if the game has a complicated set of rules and regulations. This lawn game is easy to learn because it only involves a simple set of instructions that is written in plain English and can be understood even by kids. The game is also easy to learn because most manufacturers provide a set of game instructions in every package. This game is also convenient because it is easy to set up. Buying the game includes set up instructions you can follow in order to start the game in a jiffy. You will not have a hard time trying to set it up as well as you will not have a hard time understanding the rules of the game.

Knowing the brief description of the game and its advantages, it’s not a surprise why most people love the game and why it is not only a backyard game but also a game played in tournaments.

Cornhole Rules

2013-11-08T11:00:00.005-08:00

There are "official rules" made by a group of people for tournament play and they there are house rules when it come to cornhole. They are mostly the same but the tourney always go overboard. So I will be laying out the West Side rules.

Board Distance
The cornhole boards should be 27 feet apart from front to front. This will give 33 feet between holes. The gray sections next to the boards below are the throwing boxes (where players throw from). This section is not marked in real life.

One player from each team gets four cornhole bags. One bag is thrown trying to get your bag in the hole or at least on the board, players may block the hole, knock each other off the board or do any other tricks to controle the board. The players will take turns back and forth until all eight bags are gone. The players on the other side will count points and yell points received and total score. Those players take turns throwing the bags back and so on. First team to 21 wins the game and gets to stay on the boards to take on the next challengers.

Scoring cornhole goes like this. In the hole = 3 points, on the board = 1 point. Cornhole bag can be hanging on the side but CAN NOT be touching the ground (we fight every time if it is touching the grass). If a bag hits the ground for any reason before getting to the boards then players should knock off that bag and call the thrower Mary, Sally or any female name. If it was a female that threw the bag then it is advised that you keep your mouth shut lol...

Scoring is a cancel out system to 21. So let's say we have a red and blue team. Red team has one bag in the hole and two on the board. Blue team has 2 in tho hole and none on the board. The score from that round would be Blue +1. This would complete one inning.

Making Cornhole Bags-Step by Spep

2013-11-08T10:56:00.003-08:00

You can make or buy any style cornhole bags that you can think of. Any sports team, beer, cammo, John Deere, etc. Some tips is to use thick fabric and fishing string as thread. I have the luxury of picking up cornhole bags from a couple local gas stations. For most people that is not an option. You can either buy them online or make your own. You you think making your own bags is not for you, check out cornhole bags for sale. One of the best prices around.

A couple things I want to point out before I get started showing you how to make cornhole bags. First is most people use corn feed for the filler. This is ideal but some use hard beans or plastic pellets. Beans will work but you can get a large bag of corn feed from Tractor supply very cheap. Plastic beads cost more and though they will last longer they do not weigh as much as the corn so they will not be right. I would stay away from plastic.

Many people say to use duck canvas, though this is ideal duck canvas doesn't have many choices in color and style. Most people want a sports team or something that will match their theme. You can use any kind of fabric but it is recommended to use a thick stiff material. Don't go light weight or you will regret it later when one breaks open during game play.
Corn and beans will mold and swell if you get them wet. Never leave your cornhole bags out overnight. They will also break down over time. The bags should last you years unless you play every weekend. When that time comes you can refill them.

Buy Cheap Cornhole bags HERE

Ok, here we go. You will need to go to the store and buy:

2 different types of fabric, maybe 2 yards of each so you have extra
Fishing string or heavy thread (upholstery)
Bag or feed corn or what ever filler you will be using

Prep

Take your fabric and run it though the washer and dryer so it shrinks up.

Make the bags finally

Cut eight 7''x7'' squares from each type of fabric. Use a ruler or square tool to make sure they are straight.
Take two pieces of the same material and put them together. If you have designs on the fabric make sure they are facing each other.

Sew three of the four sides making sure you get the corners good one half in from the sides. You will want to double or triple stitch all sides. Cornhole bags go through a lot of abuse being thrown around and smacking the wood cornhole boards over and over. If you like you can add some fabric glue around the half inch you have on the sides. It can't do anything but help with the trauma the bags go through.

Ok, so at this point you have an inside out bag with one open end. Take the open end and sew the same as above only half way HALF WAY I SAID! Once that is done take the inside bag and flip the inside in so that the design you want to see is on the outside.

Measure out 2 cups of feed corn. If you have a scale you want 15.5 ounces of corn but 2 cups should be very close.

Put the corn in the bag you just made. You can use a rolled up piece of paper as a funnel.

Once you have the bag filled with corn we just need to sew up the opening. Make sure to sew heavy as this will be the weakest part of the bag. You don't want to get out and show them off just to have them break open and spill corn everywhere!

Your fist bag is done and 7 more to go!

Building Cornhole Boards

2013-11-08T10:51:00.004-08:00

Things To Buy

2- 24" x 48" (2 feet by 4 feet) sheets of plywood, either 1/2 or 5/8 inch thick. Thicker the less bounce but heavier. Your local hardware store should cut these for you free of charge. Tell them you need it exact.
4- 8 foot 2x4's
4- 4" carriage bolts, washers and wing-nuts
Box of 3'' wood screws

Let's build them cornhole boards. First thing is first and that is the making the trip to the hardware store.

Buy Pre-made Cornhole Set from Amazon

Tools Needed

Miter saw
Drill
Drill bit set
Jigsaw, 6'' hole saw or router tool (any will work, use what you have and know how to use)
C Clamp
Hammer

Cutting the legs and frame

The best way to go about this is to cut all your wood first. Get the 2x4's and mark at 4 foot (48''). Using the miter saw measure and cut one piece at a time. You will need a total of 4 pieces of four foot 2x4's. You need to remember to take into account the blade thickness. If you mark all the sections first then cut you will get smaller and smaller pieces. So take your time and measure twice and cut once.

Once you have four 4' pieces of 2x4's set them aside. Take the new 2x4's and measure off 21 inches. You will need four of these as well measuring and cutting one at a time. After you have four 21'' pieces of 2x4's set them aside with the others. Next cut four 16 inch pieces, again measuring and cutting one piece at a time. Take your cut wood and make sure all sized match up with the others of the same size.

Building the boards

From your cut 2x4's choose two 48'', two 21'' pieces, screws and a drill. Make a 48''x24'' rectangle with the 2x4's using four screws at each corner.It is recommended to create pilot holes with a small drill bit for each screw. This will help you keep the screws straight. Once done repeat this step with two more 48'' and 21'' boards. When done you have your frames ready to go. Next take your plywood and lay it on top of your frame. This should be a good fit if you measured twice before cutting your frame. Screw the plywood to the frame again using pilot holes. Use enough screws to secure the plywood tight to the frame. Do this on both boards.

Next you will mark where you will cut out the hole for the board. From the middle of the 2 foot end measure down 9 inches and mark the boards. Then measure from either side of the board 12 inches. Take the two marks and line them up to create an +. The + will be your center.

This is where you will either need a 6 inch hole saw, router or jig saw. A hole saw is ideal. Using hole saw: Drive the drill bit of the hole saw through the + then saw all the way through the board. This will be the easiest and fastest way. Using router or jigsaw: Using a compass or string and pencil, make a 6'' circle using the + as center (setting up compass or string at 3''). Router out the 6'' hole or use a drill with a medium size bit to make a small hole somewhere in the circle. Use the jigsaw to cut out the circle.

Buy Pre-made Cornhole Set from Amazon

Next we will make the legs from the rest of the wood you have. Take a 2x4 that is over 12'' but not to long (around 17-18 inches). Put the wood in one corner on the side with the hole, make sure it is tight in the corner. You want the wide side of the leg 2x4 against the four foot frame 2x4. Use a clamp to hold it in place and drill a 3/8 hole through both boards in the center of where both boards are touching. Place a washer on a carriage bolt and punch through the hole. You might need to tap it with a hammer. Once though place another washer on the other side and put on wing nut. Take the board and set it on a table with the left hanging off the side. Find a box the is 12 inches high and put the end of the board with a leg up on the the box (so it is 12'' up). Holding the board straight across, draw a line across the leg using the table for the length. You can take the leg off and using the miter saw cut at the angle you have drawn. Do the same with the other leg and you should end up with the back of the board 12'' off the ground. Do the steps above on the next board and there you go. You are finished making the boards.

Paint your cornhole boards

You can paint the boards how ever you like. Your favorite team colors maybe? The only thing I suggest here is to use good semi gloss paint. You can get official team colors at Home Depot. Now the only thing to do it make or buy some cornhole bags.

Notes: The way we did the legs will allow for you to take the bolts out and install them inside the cornhole frame for travel. We will be releasing a ebook with how to make folding legs in the near future.

Photo's on this page are courtisy of Carnesaurus and rshannonsmith

Throwing a Party? Say, "hello" to Jello!

2013-09-27T06:46:00.003-07:00

Photo Credit www.squidoo.com/yummy-jello-shot-recipe

Throwing a party that serves Jello shots? Well, make sure you've got plenty to go around because man they are popular!

Have you never been to a party where you can try Jello shots, boy you are unlucky! These darlings come in all your favorite flavors and colors and are packed with potential to rock any party!

How to and what to of Jello shots:

A syringe, plastic cups or cubes in shot glasses. What to go for when serving Jello shots?

Each has it pros and cons and we will go over them all!

· Jello shot syringe- Looks crazy and cool and is easy to clean and can be reused. Blood red shots at a Halloween party are always a hoot!

· Plastic cups- Cheap and easily available. Not very fun, but the cheapest option. But the Jello tends to stick to the sides and you guests will need to loosen it with their tongue before drinking.

· Cubes in shot glasses- Think the idea of people loosening the Jello before drinking too gross, but not really ready to spend too much money on the syringe? Here's one other fun option; make the shots in cubes and then throw them into the plastic cups. Everybody wins! The only trouble is that you need to mold the shot.

There are hundreds of sites on the internet that offer the perfect Jelloshot recipe. The idea is to innovate and add. Creativity while making Jello shots counts a lot. You can always personalize your favorite flavors and make them way cooler than they were originally intended to be.

The saying goes that if you can dream a particular Jello shot, you can probably make it. Here are some very uncommon, but cool flavors you can go for (you can find the Jello shot recipe on the internet): You can find the following jello shot recipes here.

Margarita Jello Shot
Strawberry Jello Shots
Raspberry Jello Shots
Dreamsicle Jello Shot

You can style your Jello shot according to the occasion. They bring the toxic look that goes well with the occasion. You can always find the Jello shot recipe for your favorite flavor and then add one or twists to it to make it look and taste cooler. If it's a Halloween party, blood red Jello shots in syringes are always a hoot. You can put some gummy eyes in the syringe too to make it look spookier! Strawberry Jello shot recipe is readily available on the net, but not the strawberry shot with a twist. Sweeten the strawberries by rolling them in sugar before filling them. Add whipped cream to the whole thing. The taste you get will be unbelievable.

So, it's evident that not only are Jello shots fun, but they are easy to make too. They can add life and color to any party. All it demands is some creativity and effort on your part and the desire to stand out, of course. So, go for it and see others envy the success of your party.

Using Squidoo To Make Money Online

2013-07-03T10:49:00.004-07:00

Note that Squidoo is no longer alive. HubPages purchased them.

Always looking to make a little extra play cash online, I decided to give Squidoo a shot about a year ago. I wanted to post a little of what I have found using the site, how much money I have made and if it is still working.

I started off using Squidoo to build a couple good back links for a couple other blogs I had. I will admit, I didn't read up on Squidoo much and just posted a couple articles I had just sitting around. Not long after posting them, two went to "work in progress" and one had a decent ranking within their system.

Being kind ticked that two articles (which were decent written and 100% unique) were not being shown to search engines, I kind of just turned my back to it and forgot about them. A couple months later, I decided to check up on my one article that was still published and found it was getting a little traffic. This article was very general on my niche and had a couple links to posts on one of my blogs.

Around this time, the latest Google hit came out and killed my main blog which was doing pretty well. My main post was getting 300-400 visits a day but was not converting well before the Google update. I decided to move that post over to Squidoo to see if I could save it and 301 redirected my blog page to the new Squidoo Lens. Of course within 24 hours, my Lens was locked for using duplicate content. I emailed Squidoo HQ and told them that I moved over my post and 301 redirected it to the new Squidoo Lens. Within 24 hours of sending my email, I received a reply telling me they they have unlocked my Lens and it was live.

I left the Lens alone for a couple of weeks with not much action. I decided I would give it a couple months before pulling it to try and use it in another way. After a couple months, a small social media bump and a couple bookmarks, I saw that I started to get more traffic and started to make sales through the Amazon modules. As time went on I made more and more sales. At one point I was selling multiple targeted products per day that was selling for $150 each on Amazon. I was also getting the random sales from people just using the link. At this point I was bringing in between $70-$150 per month from this one lens. I of course got very excited and started creating a couple more lens. So far, none have done as good as my first one but still make sales.

In the past month, Squidoo has come up with some crazy guidelines and seem to be locking lenses quite a bit. I guess Squidoo has also gotten hit by the last Google update as well and they took a hard hit. They are trying to guess at what Google is looking for to regain their authority. In my opinion, they are doing some good, trying to get rid of junk lens made just as sales pages. In this process, I guess they are hitting a lot of good lenses. They are also starting to require you to write lenses in a certain way that they think Google is looking for. I do not agree with all of it.

Squidoo is wants you to only create lenses on products you own and to tell a personal story on every lense. Though Google likes getting personal views and how/why you feel the way you do, "how to" and comparison articles do not need this information. Google "how to whatever" and you will find straight forward articles. When people are looking how to do something or a recipe, they do not want a long story line, they just want the info.

So, can you make money with Squidoo today? Is it worth creating lenses? I say yes but make sure to read the guidelines first. Don't overbuild back links, spam, etc. I believe Squidoo will make a comeback one day and having aged Lenses will be good. Though the past month has been a bust for me only making about $50-$60 total (modules and my own links), I'm still making money. I think it is worth at least putting up one new lens per month. You can always pull them in the future and move them somewhere else.

Cheap Invisible Fence Batteries and Why They Are so Important to Us

2013-07-01T09:00:00.004-07:00

Before having kids, my wife and I got a puppy on a whim. Why not, right. We had a huge yard with a privacy fence, and beautiful trees that we were so lucky to have shade to cool the backyard. After some consideration, we rested on a small pug who was 3 years old, and the sweetest little girl you had ever seen. Fast forward a couple years, and were expecting our second child, which meant we wanted to find a larger house. By this time our little sweet pug passed away but we panned on getting a new puppy once we moved so we wanted a fenced yard.

Buy Invisible Fence Batteries

While focusing so much on finding a house with a fence, we were passing up some of the best houses a person could ask for, when it finally dawned on me: What about an invisible fence? We would not have to have a physical one built, stained or painted, nor would I have to weed eat to ensure the grass around it was maintained. With a quick call to the Invisible Fence Company, I was in business and moving into the best house we could have found, without worrying about our new young dog wandering off, or worse, getting hit by a car. The solution was perfect, and as we moved in, I looked forward to our new, safe place together.

Our new puppy Rosco

Invisible Fence Batteries: They Do Not Change Themselves

Once the Invisible Fence was in place, it took very little time to train our not so little puppy even though everything was brand new to him. I followed all of the Invisible Fence Company's directions, and even talked to other invisible fence owners on the street about their experiences. I was happy to have a wide open yard that I find to be just beautiful, while still allowing my beloved little dog the freedom to roam outside. Life was good, and we all very happy.

Around four months after the fence was installed, I sat on my porch watching my dog roll around in the grass, as I sipped an iced tea and noticed a squirrel pressing his luck by making clicking sounds at my dog. Once engaged, the dog began barking up the tree, incensed by the squirrel seemingly mocking him. I was delighted by the entertainment until the squirrel ran from the tree, and my dog right behind him, into the street, through the neighbor's yard and two blocks over before I was able to catch him.

What could have gone wrong, I thought? What happened to my trusted fence? Puzzled, I called the Invisible Fence Company, and chatted with a lovely lady on the other end who immediately knew the problem and asked, "Have you changed the invisible fence batteries in the dog's collar?" Ashamed that I had missed such an important detail, I did not answer her right away. She quickly let me off the hook by interrupting my silence with, "It happens all the time, hon. Everyone forgets."

The bad news was, I did not have any extra batteries on hand, so my fence was rendered useless until I could find at least one replacement, and so the search began.

Buy Invisible Fence Batteries

Where to Find Invisible Fence Batteries

Apparently I was not the only person that needed to buy invisible fence batteries on the fly because every retail outlet or pet store I tried were simply out of replacements, which left me kicking myself at the exit of every store, as I returned to my car empty handed. What was I going to do? I needed that battery!

Several stores later, I searched online outlets from my phone, looking for retail alternatives where I could purchase the invisible fence batteries in real time. With no luck, I relegated myself to walking the dog while I awaited the online ordered replacements to arrive.

Three days went by before my invisible fence batteries arrived, and each day seemed longer and longer as my dog sat at the door, confused as to why I would just not let him out. When they arrived, I vowed to remain diligent about their replacement, so set a reminder on my phone for three months from the day I changed the battery, and also put a note on the white board on my refrigerator -- where it remains to this day, with a changing date behind the large print "INVISIBLE FENCE BATTERIES".

It is recommended to change the invisible fence batteries every three months, which is four times per year. If you buy a four pack, you can save time and money (without running to every pet store in town!), while stocking up for an entire year. This is a hassle free approach, not to mention a prepared one.

Amazon has a four pack for $35 or a ten pack for $89.50 if you really want to plan ahead (shipping not included). I was able to find a four pack on eBay for $29.80, plus a couple bucks for shipping. The manufacturer also carries the replacements for $19.95 -- FOR ONE. So the obvious choice is Amazon for a sure thing or eBay if someone happens to be selling their unused invisible fence batteries when you need them.

Every Three Months. Four Times per Year. Quarterly.

It does not matter how you associate the timing of changing your invisible fence batteries in your dog's collar, just as long as you remember! It does not even matter where you get the invisible fence batteries, or which type of system you have, just be sure to have a backup battery on hand, so your pooch does not end up as the featured pet on a missing poster, or worse, injured as a result of his or her new found freedom. Just as having a real fence requires shutting the gate to ensure your furry friend does not run off, your invisible fence requires battery replacements to ensure he cannot do the same. Take care of the four legged-ones you love, and keep replacement invisible fence batteries on hand. It will give you peace of mind in a way you never thought possible.

You can find another article I wrote on this subject on Hubpages here.

My First Post

2013-07-01T08:18:00.002-07:00

Hello to anyone that comes across my new blog. I will be posting random things that might pop into my head. I like to review stuff, create how to articles and stuff like that. Today I will post my first article. Stay tuned :)