[ad_1]

There’s been an ongoing battle of wits between you and a friendly rival.  And now there’s an opportunity to give a 50th birthday gag gift to that certain someone.  What to do? 

Well, you know full well that it’s now your turn to take the offensive.  This is a chance on a silver platter to gain points on the battle of humor scorecard.  It’s a time to take an innocent yet clever jab at that person.  A poke that’s harmless – yet has a dash of good natured ribbing.  

So you must think about getting a 50th birthday gag gift somewhere between two extremes.  And that’s in the middle of a cruel cheap shot … and the typical limp, pansy-worded greeting card.  What could be the solution that would send a message with your own unique brand of comedy? 

There are available “Over the Hill” Birthday Gift Baskets out there that would say it all without you saying a thing.  Yes, these weapons of comicality can be your strategy to fulfill your mission to get the advantage in the competitive game of roasting among friends or family. 

They are the happy middle-ground that you are seeking between the weak and downright mean alternatives.  And they contain items that all have the theme of jesting about the big “Five-O” event.  That means that all of the shopping for these components has been done for you.  The tasty treats and souvenirs are all in one classy container ready to go! 

Another great thing about these 50th birthday gag gifts is that they are so easy to shop for, purchase, and have delivered to anywhere within the continental USA.  How so? 

The internet is the way to go through our friends known as Search Engines.  They can lead us to a wide selection of ideas to consider in our quest to get the right “Over the Hill” Gift Basket that’s within budget.  And we can also direct our choice of gift to be delivered to a certain place and at a certain time.  That includes overnight delivery, if needed. 

Now anyone can be well-armed in their mission to get the upper hand in the duel between two joker contestants.  An “Over the Hill” Gift Basket could be the 50th birthday gag gift that would rank at the top among everyone else’s.  And it could be set up for delivery online in the next 10 to 15 minutes.  How can you beat that scenario of effectiveness and efficiency? 

So take advantage of this opportunity while you still have the chance.  That’s because you know that the target of your aim would surely do the same if given half a chance!   

[ad_2]

Source by Brian Connors

[ad_1]

Spring has sprung, Easter is just around the corner. One of the most celebrated holidays is Easter and part of the reason why this holiday is loved is the food associated with it. If you are hosting an Easter dinner with your friends or family this year, here are some good tips for some delicious Easter recipes.

Maple Syrup Ham and Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

One of the most requested types of food to eat at Easter is ham and you can sweeten up the taste of it by adding some tasty maple syrup. While your store bought maple syrup should work, try to purchase maple syrup that is 100% pure and not made from corn syrup. Adding pure maple syrup will add a sweet, delicious taste that your friends and family will love.

You can easily accompany your maple syrup ham with some tasty sweet potatoes smothered in miniature marshmallows. Sweet potatoes will be your maple syrup ham’s best friend. For an extra treat, add miniature marshmallows and you will definetly get some smiles from children and adults alike.

Easter Bunny Cookies

Even though chocolate bunnies are pivotal to Easter, cookies can also be an excellent treat. Just like Christmas cookies are fun to make and yummy to eat, so are Easter Bunny cookies. Most grocery stores, discount stores, and craft stores sell Easter Bunny cookie cutters to make your favorite chocolate chip or sugar cookie into some fantastic Easter Bunny shapes.

Easter Egg Cup Cakes

Easter Egg cup cakes are an awesome way to add enthusiasm to the holidays for your children. Easter Egg Cupcakes are an easy and fun way to bring color to any Easter dinner dessert. Instead of using cup cake holders, try to use small waffle cones to hold your cup cake mixture. Once baked, add coloring, sprinkles, candy, etc. to your creation.

Easter Bunny Carrot Cake

Easter Bunny carrot cake is an awesome way to add color and excitement for the whole family. What goes better with bunny rabbits than carrots and a yummy carrot cake goes with any Easter dinner. You can easily purchase a carrot cake and decorate the top by hand. Many people create their own frosting adding food coloring to color the carrot cake to look like an Easter egg.

Easter Cocktails

For those adults that like to top off their dinner with a delicious alcoholic beverage, there are many colorful cocktails that compliment the mood of any Easter dinner. For example, certain liquors come in various colors such as grenadine for rose, blue Curacao for cerulean and mixing clear liquor with assorted fruit juices for multicolored Easter drinks. For those that prefer a cocktail sans the alcohol, it’s easy to add color to your event with a host of fresh fruit smoothies, just by adding fresh fruit with cream or milk. Some people even add some yogurt to the mix.

If you are looking for a great way to enjoy your Easter this year, follow the above Easter recipes.

[ad_2]

Source by Christine Steendahl

[ad_1]

There is nothing more frustrating than attending a silent auction fundraiser where auction items have been haphazardly displayed. Visually pleasing auction tables are a high priority! You want bidders to get excited about the
items you are displaying. Your goal is to encourage people to bid on items – not pass them by.

How you set up auction tables depends on the actual number of auction items and the amount of space you have to work with. Go out to your venue and physically pre-determine where you are going to set up silent auction tables. Do a configuration of how you want to place the tables and make sure you allow plenty of “elbow room.”

It is wise to set up “mock” tables before the day of the event to show how you want the auction items arranged. When arranging mock tables, remember to place a bid sheet beside or in front of each item. Bid sheets are printed on 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper and take up a fair chunk of space on the table.

Collect or cut out 8 1/2″ x 11″ pieces of cardboard in case you need to “mount” a bid sheet, e.g., when displaying a picture on a wall, hang the bid sheet with a cardboard backing from the picture itself. The cardboard backing gives bidders a hard surface to write on. Use ribbon, raffia, or twine to attach the bid sheet to auction items. (Use a foldback clip to attach the bid sheet to the cardboard.)

Tables are normally 6 or 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. You can use both sides of a 4-foot-wide table to display items, as long as the tables are not pushed up against a wall. Use tulle, painted cardboard scenes, fabric, stars, shapes, etc., as dividers down the center of tables, to utilize both sides of the length of the tables.

If tables are pushed up against a wall, use easels, stands, etc., behind the tables or use the wall itself to display items, e.g., pictures and sculptures.

Depending on the number of items you have collected, you can either place items sporadically or sort them into specific categories such as food/dining, jewelry, spa/health/fitness, sports, travel, children, etc.

Drape fabric over your auction tables to make them look more appealing. Fabric stores will often lend you a bolt or two of material in exchange for a mention in your evening’s program.
“Skirting” the silent auction tables is an alternative to using fabric. Hotels, restaurants, and golf clubs normally have an abundance of skirting and table linens on hand. Make sure you pre-arrange skirting and linens with the venue coordinator.

If you cannot get your hands on fabric, skirting, or table linens, use a roll of newsprint from the art room at the local school. Get students (or parent volunteers) to paint a theme on the paper and tape it around the tables. You can get creative with artwork, it all depends on your theme! (This idea is great when doing a school fundraiser. Get the kids involved!)

If using fabric or table linens, place small-to-medium sized boxes UNDER the fabric to make “display stands” for auction items. For example: a set of earrings would be more noticeable displayed higher than other items. It is also wise to keep “original” gift certificates with the event cashier(s) and display “mock” certificates in plexi-frames on the silent auction tables.

By using fabric, skirting, and/or newsprint, you not only make your tables more appealing, you create space under the tables for hiding boxes, bags, packaging, etc. (This space comes in very handy for volunteers’ purses, water bottles and shoes from sore feet!)

People like to SEE and FEEL what they are bidding on! Never display items in their original packaging, e.g., take the toaster out of the box and put a couple slices of bread in it!

Auction items don’t necessarily have to be placed on tables – utilize floor space, easels, room dividers, etc., when planning your layout. Get creative and arrange plants, furniture and other large auction items in groupings. (Make sure you have individual bid sheets attached to the items so bidders know they are part of the auction!) When displaying lamps, try to locate them near a plug – they look so much more appealing lit up.

Cello-wrapped wine, food, and spa baskets are great in auctions, although you don’t want an overabundance of them. If it is difficult to see what is inside a particular basket, list the contents so that guests know what they are bidding on.

It is also important to ensure auction items are in good shape, clean, and in proper working order, e.g., batteries in the flashlight!

As a final touch place tea lights, sparkles or colored glitter on auction tables to help create a theme or enhance the ambiance.

After ensuring the auction tables are properly set up, it is a good idea to have volunteers man the tables. They will keep an eye on the bid sheets, ensure the bid increments are being placed correctly and answer any questions the bidders may have. In essence, the volunteers become the “salespeople” of the visually pleasing auction tables you have taken so much time and effort to set up!

[ad_2]

Source by Karen Pearson

[ad_1]

More and more, people in Australia are choosing gift baskets as the present of choice for many different occasions. If you are one of them, then you undoubtedly would like to find a hampers business that you can rely on. There are definite things to look for in such cases; read on to learn more.

Do They Offer A Wide Selection?

Although birthdays are very popular events for giving hampers, the company that you choose to order one from should offer a wide array of hampers for many different occasions including Fathers Day baskets. In addition to birthday hampers, they should offer things as diverse as get well hampers, baby gift baskets – and everything in between. You’ll discover that having a gift basket for practically any occasion can come quite in handy, and you’ll be glad to have a reliable business from which to buy one.

Can They Come Through For Major Events?

Whether you’re planning a huge social gathering for a friend or family member, or if you are going to be holding a major work event, hampers can make excellent door or raffle prizes. The company that you choose to work with should be willing and able to come up with a unique array of baskets to suit your specific needs, regardless of what type of event you’ll be throwing. Ordering your gift baskets for such occasions should be helpful – not stressful.

Are They Passionate About Gift Baskets?

Always look for a hampers business that is run by people with a genuine love for the craft. Such people will be brimming with enthusiasm about creating just the right gift for any given occasion, and they will be more than happy to brainstorm ideas with you as necessary. In other words, hampers should be more than a paycheck for them – they should be a means of creative expression and an opportunity to provide something elegant and attractive for their clientele.

Do They Feature New Ideas All The Time?

Rather than displaying the same old gift hampers week after week, the hampers business that you hire on should demonstrate the ability to come up with unique new concepts on a regular basis. This shows that they have creativity to spare, and signifies that they are most likely happy to think outside the box for their customers.

Is Giving Back To The Community Important To Them?

A professional, well run hampers business will always keep the importance of their surrounding community in mind. As such, they will happily donate baskets on a regular basis to community organizations and for special events as well. Look for companies that do this, and you will be on the right track indeed.

[ad_2]

Source by David S Judge

[ad_1]

It’s that time of year again, Christmas. You are probably trying to figure out what to give your friends and loved ones as presents this year, especially the writer in the family. I think that choosing just the right gift for a writer or budding writer can be a little mind-boggling. After all, how much more that paper, pen and a computer does a writer need? Well, you would be surprised.

First of all, almost all writers are avid readers, so a good book is always appreciated. Secondly, depending on what type of writing, the writer you know does, can trigger many creative gifts that you can give them. For instance, if you know a copywriter, maybe a little gift basket containing the latest book by an accomplished copywriter plus an assortment of other goodies to include colored markers, a great pen and a small pocket notebook. I know as a copywriter myself, that would be a great gift.

However, if you have a writer whose focus is on writing novels such as mystery novels, you may want to consider putting together a gift basket that contains several new mystery novels by various writers in addition to other writing related implements. The point is that when shopping for the writer in your family, skip the fru, fru, and lacy things and give them something related to their type of writing that can be used and will be cherished for a long time to come. Keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be a big elaborate gift basket. Just make sure to include items that will not only stimulate their imaginations, provide them with new knowledge about a particular style of writing and also helps make the writing easier.

It takes just a little planning and a list of items for the gift basket. You can even visit your local bookstore for ideas and suggestions for filling the basket. It will definitely be worth the trip and will most certainly put a smile on the face of the writer receiving the gift. You can bet that it will be one of their most cherished gifts. Who knows, they may even write you a touching thank you note that you will cherish.

[ad_2]

Source by Lorraine Cote

[ad_1]

As far as the packing of the fruit basket is concerned, the main concern while making the packing of the fruit basket is the types of fruits. There are several kinds of fruits like organic fruits, tropical fruits; citrus fruits are available in the market. Therefore, by considering the order, the packing process is carried out.

In the online browse department of various fruit shops and the fruits delivery outlets, we get the details about the price range of the exotic fruit baskets. The minimum range of the price of the exotic fruit shops starts from 50 dollars to 80 dollars approximately. While making the exotic fruit baskets, the fruit shops consider the themes like picnic, spa and pampering and many more.

The main ingredients of such exotic fruit baskets are the fresh fruits, candies, gourmets and many more. While providing these exotic fruit baskets, the nutritious products are mainly involved in its preparation. The type of the exotic fruit gift basket is available in spa and perfume type. These exotic fruit baskets are available in the stores and sitemap of the various kinds of gift baskets.

If you want to order an exotic fruit basket from the online sitemap of the store, then firstly you have to select a product and then chose the delivery date and timing of the fruit basket according to your convenience.

The exotic fruit basket contains the following fruits like three types of Fuji apples, two Comice Pears, the red pears which are cherry Moon. These exotic fruit basket also contain the dry fruit like almonds, Jelly beans which come in quantities of 6 oz. accompanied by the sparking cider of 750ml approximately that is the main exotic ingredient of the exotic fruit baskets. Such type of exotic fruit baskets are the typical choice of elegant gourmet contentment. The blends of the Fuji Apples which are exotic and tasty Comice Pears place these gift baskets on top of the standards. On the other side, the fresh dry fruit like Almonds, Jelly Beans and festive Sparkling Cider put in a feeling of class to this seasonal exotic fruit gift. These exotic fruit baskets are incorporated with many varieties of gifts for various special occasions. The gift items which are involved in the exotic fruit baskets are gourmet chocolates, spa gift baskets, wine gifts, gourmet sweets and many more.
   
In the exotic fruit baskets, we get the mixture of the traditional exotic fruits, salty snacks, as well as other gourmet delicacies. Also this type of exotic fruit basket contains bottles of lemonade which gives a luminous appeal to it. Such types of exotic fruit baskets are useful to overwhelm our eyes and satisfy the taste buds. The main constituents of such eye-catching exotic fruit baskets are consist of  two pieces of pears, 2 pieces of oranges, two Fuji apples, one piece of Granny Smith Apples, three pieces of Kiwi, one Mango, cherries which are covered with chocolates and sparking Lemonade bottles. Such fruit baskets can also contains dry fruits like almonds, Cashews, olive oil crackers, Blueberry Jelly, White Cheddar and much more. All such ingredients are used in such exotic fruit baskets with proper quantity.

[ad_2]

Source by Muna wa Wanjiru

[ad_1]

A wedding gift basket is not your standard present to someone. Wedding gifts basket have so much more meaning and play an important role in the couple’s nuptials. A wedding gift basket is a tangible representation of support and love for the couple to help them start their new life on a positive note. If you are looking for a unique and attractive wedding gift baskets present for that special couple, nothing is quite as unique as Pyramid Gift Basket’s new range of Wedding Gift Baskets Canada, Montreal. They play an important part in making us love one another. The spirit of celebrating festivals and family get together is rare case. That bonding of togetherness is lacking. Generally, in all relations, whether it is of parent and child, lovers or partners the attachment is lacking. It is due to far distance jobs. At such place, imparting gift or wedding gift baskets can create magic. It can bring joy and happy tears in the eyes of loved ones. It can add that magic which is spellbound but cannot be expressed in words. It is the gesture of love, which can be express only at the bottom of heart.

These wedding baskets can also be gifted to someone on special occasion such as birthdays, anniversary or valentine day which recalls that the person still misses you and loves you lot.

Wedding gift baskets add in to the big show with its little piece of naturally built artistry. We are all accustomed to paying a visit at a wedding reception with a gift that generally consists of one item in number irrespective of its cost. These days wedding gift baskets are very much in. This new trend is appreciated by almost all guests. How about picking up a couple of well decorated wedding gift baskets of medium size with the idea of stuffing them with chocolates that would leave the couple with a sweet tooth and remember you forever with sweet memories. Your basket may carry a selection of chocolates, truffles, nuts, coffee and tea. There can be various chocolates consisting of various flavors and textures. You can also offer coffee pots or tea pots or other Bodum products gift wrapped in beautiful gift boxes and decorated with gold and silver ribbons and bows. Wedding gift baskets bear a show of sophistication specially designed for such an occasion.

It imparts that satisfaction to the heart that no one can ever measure it. Giving gift can bring happiness on face of dear ones. That happiness is like heavenly bliss. It is easy to impart sorrow to others but to give happiness is very rare. To regain happiness in today’s world is very rare, and doing that by sending a gift is an added advantage. The smile on face and thinking that you are still important in the life of the person gives immense pleasure. That magic can steal the heart of many and hard to forget.

Be innovative with the wedding gift baskets and they will make unique gifts indeed.

[ad_2]

Source by Mical Peeter

[ad_1]

Wedding Gift Baskets are wonderful presents for someone’s Big Day or wedding shower.  Gift Baskets Canada is always a great choice when you’re struggling to find the perfect Wedding gift. They are unique, beautiful and useful. These beautifully designed baskets allow the bride and groom to enjoy a Wedding moment after a full day of activity surrounding their wedding.

Full of bedroom pleasures and erotic excitement wedding gift  baskets are a great way to allow the bride and groom to sit down together and enjoy some quiet time after the flurry of activity surrounding them finally dies off. The most important thing to remember when making a  gift baskets Canada is the theme. There are many different ways to design a wedding gift basket, and choosing a theme will help the basket have a unified appearance. Theme baskets are … a great wedding gift. A basket with a theme suited to the recipient is always appreciated. You can choose a theme and put everything it will need in the basket. A basket full of candles and holders, or decadent bath and body lotions or cosmetics is something everyone appreciates. Chocolates, nuts and other gourmet snacks are popular items to include in the wedding gift basket. A basket full of gourmet foods that taste delicious would delight the recipient for sure. To be in the good books of the newlyweds make sure that the food remains fresh by the time they open up to appease their appetite.

You can also make a spa themed wedding gift basket. In this basket you can keep essential oils, scrubs, soaps and other products that will suggest to them that they should enjoy getting a spa once in a while. An often preferred wedding gift basket is composed of gifts that could be useful for couples for a very long time. Utensils and useful electronic gadgets are only some of the things that you can give to the couple. Other ideas include using the couple’s wedding colors or honeymoon destination as a theme. A smartly chosen wedding gift could be greatly enjoyed by the couple for a long time or for an activity that they will really appreciate.

Making your own unique wedding gift basket is very easy but depending on your theme, you can also find them at specialty shops and department stores. They are also available online. Buying wedding gift baskets online is safe and easy to do. There are several high quality sites online that have a wonderful selection of baskets for almost any occasion. Some sites even allow you to create your own message that is delivered with the basket. These messages usually come on a very nice paper and placed within the gift basket for you. Simply write out the message and the gift basket shipper will take care of the rest.

gift baskets  montreal are some of the most elegant–and practical–gifts a newly married couple can receive. These are beautiful wedding and anniversary keepsakes, and a timeless reminder of your thoughtfulness! A gift baskets montreal with a wedding theme can be for more than just the bride and groom to snack on and enjoy; it can be a gift for the bathroom decoration. Wedding Gift Baskets also make great gifts for an anniversary, valentine’s day, birthday, holiday or just because you care.

[ad_2]

Source by Mical Peeter

[ad_1]
Construction Industry Accounting & CPA Services in Houston TX

For years we have worked with all types of construction contractors… everything from commercial and residential general contractors, to subs like roofers, electricians, commercial plumbers, HVAC and utility contractors. You could say it’s in our blood.

You see, our founder’s (Jim Trippon CPA) father was a custom homebuilder, and Jim grew up pounding nails. In fact Jim could install 3 tab shingles and roof flashing before he ever got his first drivers license, let alone before he went to college to become a CPA.

We have found that very few CPAs have a passion for the construction industry. Most don’t even know that many of their contractor clients qualify for a special deduction to save them 6% on their federal income tax every year.

What we’re talking about is the Domestic Production Activities Deduction (which can be deducted using IRS Form 8903). This special deduction allows many construction contractors to deduct 6% of net income derived from qualified “production” activities. There are some limitations, but most construction contractors that do new construction projects can qualify.

There has never been a more crucial time for construction contractors to pay more attention to their tax preparation and tax accounting details. By reducing their tax liability, construction contractors can protect themselves against increasing taxes and income assessments by the IRS. Here are a few tips on how to effectively reduce your tax liability in the construction industry.

Maximize capital asset deductions. Recent tax laws have increased the fixed asset cost expense up to $250,000 for construction contractors. Construction contractors can take advantage of this deduction as long as less than $800,000 of the company’s assets are in service within the given year.

Capital Gains & Dividend tax rate increases. Under the current law, expect it to change with the new presidential administration, capital gains and dividend are taxed at 15%. This issue is something that you will definitely want to consult with your tax CPA. These tax rates are under close watch Congress and the presidential administration.

Tax Rebate. Most of the economic stimulus checks have been delivered. However, there are additional funds that may be available. The economic stimulus checks were actually an advance on the 2008 tax liabilities. The amount of each person’s check was based on income from 2007 & 2008. So if there was significant changes in income there may be additional rebate funds that are available.

Depreciation Deductions. Investments in equipment can be partially deducted in the first year of use. Contractors are allowed to deduct ½ of the cost investments made in a calendar year during the first year of use. Construction contractors can then depreciate the remaining half of the asset purchase over its normal useful life.

Beware of the “Kiddie Tax.” Since most construction contracting companies are family owned and operated, the kiddie tax has been extended to require excess unearned income of full-time students under 24 years of age, to be taxed as marginal income at the parent’s current tax rate. This may not apply if the student’s earnings equal ½ of their support. You will definitely want to consult with your tax CPA regarding retirement planning options and monetary gifts to avoid increasing your tax liability on dependents over 18 years of age.

If you would like to work with a CPA firm that understands the construction industry and will work hard to make sure you do not pay a penny more than you owe give us a call at 713-661-1040.

At Trippon & Company CPAs we use our 30 years of experience in construction industry to minimize your Federal tax liability. Call us at 713-661-1040 and put our experience at work for you TODAY!
[ad_2]

Source by taxcpahouston

[ad_1]

When trying to decide on a birthday gift for a special someone, it can take a little bit of time, especially if you are not exactly sure what your friend or loved one really wants. A gift basket is an ideal gift for someone of any age. Kids and adults alike would love to receive a basket full of goodies that they can have. Kids will be entertained for hours with all of the items you can stuff in it and adults will love the variety. Plus, giving a gift basket is not something that everyone gives and you are more likely to have an original gift idea.

Birthday gift baskets are a terrific idea because if you are giving one to a child, it can be themed to be for a child of any age and gender. I don’t know about you but I’m sure that any little girl would love to receive a gift basket full of dolls with clothes and accessories or a little boy that would be thrilled to get play cars and trucks with some chalk or coloring books. There is no limit to the type of items you can put into your gift basket. Any age child would love a gift basket from as young as 5 up through adults. Just pick age appropriate items to load the basket with and you can’t go wrong.

Giving a birthday gift basket is also a terrific idea if you are going in on a group gift.  When you have more than one person putting items into the basket, you can afford to maybe spend a little more money or add a few extra items that you might not have put in if you were giving it on your own. Plus, having others chip in gifts is a great way to really stuff the basket and let the person receiving it know that you really care about them.

Whether birthday gift baskets are for adults or children, people of all ages love to receive gifts. Only your imagination can hold you back when it comes to coming up with ideas of what to put into your gift. Anything your special person loves can be made into a gift basket whether it is chocolate, nuts, golf, or even poker, a themed basket will be the hit of any party.  Make their birthday a special event and give them a birthday gift basket.

More info here:  Birthday Gift Baskets

[ad_2]

Source by deepak