Spooky Fog Drinks For A Halloween Party

Get all the details on how to make these Spooky Fog Drinks (and even more Halloween Party Ideas) on our blog: http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/7532/halloween-party-drink-spooky-fog-drinks

How To Make Beads Out Of Funeral Flowers

This video shows you step by step how to turn dried funeral flowers into decorative beads for use in other crafts.

Funeral Readings For Funeral Tributes

Choosing the best funeral readings for funeral tributes is a very important part of the funeral planning process. Because it helps make your loved one's funeral more special and memorable. There are many types of funeral readings that you can choose from - from poems and funeral resolutions, to bible readings and much more.

To choose the best type of readings, first you need to decide what kind of funeral you want to plan. Then based on that, you can choose the best readings to have to make it more special and memorable. Here are top 3 most popular types of funeral readings you can choose...

Funeral Idea #1: Funeral Bible Readings

Bible passages and verses can be a good option to add to your loved one's funeral. Bible contains important inspirational words and passages to help you and other relatives to your lost one get more comfort and peace. You don't have to actually go through the entire bible to find good related passages to choose for the funeral reading. You can simply find great funeral bible passages and verses online. Simply search for them in Google or your favorite search engine and you are guaranteed to find some you like to read at the funeral.

Funeral Idea #2: Funeral Poems

Poems can be the best way to express your deepest feelings at the funeral of your loved one. Poems have the power to touch people's hearts and show love the way bare words can never do. You can write the funeral poems yourself to make it unique, or you can easily find a beautiful funeral poem online to read at the funeral. You'll be amazed how many beautiful, touching poems online that will be perfect for your loved one's funeral reading.

Funeral Idea #3: Sharing Personal Memories

You know how there is always special about our personal, unique memories with our loved ones. Those memories who always makes us smile every time we remember them. So it's a great idea to share this personal memories that you have had with your lost loved one. It will add a special, warm touch to the funeral readings. Let it be something that comes from the deepest of your heart.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2488581

Sending Funeral Flowers and Sympathy Flowers

Sending Funeral and Sympathy Flowers is a widely practiced tradition across many cultures to express condolences and respect following a death. When someone has lost a loved one, it can bring great comfort to receive a flower arrangement with an expression of sympathy. It provides a simple, uplifting and touching way to show the bereaved that you are thinking about them in their time of loss.

What is the difference between Sympathy Flowers and Funeral Flowers?

Sympathy Flowers are typically a personal expression to offer condolences sent direct to the home, or place of work, of the bereaved family. Sympathy arrangements are usually of the design that they will fit onto a table-top, and give a heart-warming distraction to the grief-stricken during the time of recent loss. Conventionally Sympathy Flowers are white, although other colours are quite acceptable. If you chose to send Sympathy Flowers, a number of options are available, selecting designs from simple floral bouquets to a houseplant or an exotic orchid. The important consideration in sending sympathy flowers is that the natural beauty and scent of flowers can have a special effect on the human senses in evoking compassion. Prices for sending Sympathy Flowers do vary, but you can expect to be able to send a simple arrangement from $30.00. Using an online flower retailer is becoming common practice these days, and indeed significant savings can be made this way. Cheap Sympathy Flowers can be ordered online, or by telephone, from US Funerals Online.

Funeral Flowers are traditionally considered the flower arrangement that is sent to the funeral service. A Funeral Flower arrangement is typically a standing arrangement, most are one-sided and fan-shaped, and they are carefully designed for the purpose of creating a very visible floral tribute at a funeral service. This is why most funeral flower arrangements are designed for display purposes on an easel, or to be laid on or around a casket. As with Sympathy Flowers, Funeral Flowers are sent as an explicit expression of condolences, and are often sent to a funeral service when one is unable to personally attend. Funeral Floral displays are an important aspect of adding colour and grace to a funeral service, helping to create a compassionate ambiance to a somber event. Florists will offer a selection of standing funeral flower arrangements, and prices generally start from around $65.00 with large standing sprays or casket sprays ranging to $300.00.

If you are intending on sending funeral flowers to a church or funeral home for a funeral service, then you may need to consider a few things. Firstly, you may need to establish what the wishes of the family are...do they want floral displays, and would they prefer them to be sent to the funeral home, the cemetery or the church? What time is the service being conducted? The funeral director can normally advise on the families' wishes if you cannot speak directly to the family. However, do be wary of the funeral home offering to arrange flowers for you, as they can often cost more than ordering direct yourself. Florists are extremely understanding of ensuring funeral flowers are delivered in a timely fashion for a funeral service, and many will even offer to call you to confirm their delivery. To view a selection of cheap funeral flowers offered with a 50% discount on full retail price, visit US Funerals Online and view our Funeral Flowers.

What else to consider?

Whether you are selecting sympathy funeral or funeral flowers, you can choose either traditional arrangements, or select flowers and colors that represent special meaning to the bereaved. For example: you may choose colors that help to signify a story about the life of the deceased. It is often considered common for a veteran to be honoured with a red, white and blue floral tribute

What message to send with Funeral Flowers?

Not sure how to convey your condolences? A simple card and message lets the bereaved family know that your thoughts are with them. The common messages used to express condolences are "With deepest sympathy", "Thinking of you in these difficult times", and "My thoughts and prayers are with you".



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4117829

Caskets and Remembrance- Ways Families Are Saying Goodbye

More info at http://www.remembranceprocess.com

Caskets and Remembrance- Ways Families Are Saying Goodbye

Keys To Reducing Funeral Stress

1. Even in an emergency, you have more time than you think.

One of the greatest causes of stress around planning and arranging a funeral—especially an unexpected one, is that you have to do it in a very short time. Trying to plan a funeral in just a couple of days can be extremely stressful, and frustrating. But the reality is that you have more time than you may think.

While it is true that certain aspects have to be done quickly, the actual date and arrangements for the funeral can be done on your schedule, within reason. (The exception to this is that certain religions like Judaism require strict timelines for burial.) Find a funeral home or cemetery in your area that can give you expert advice on any specific requirements.

If this is an Emergency, go to our section on Funeral Emergency or watch The Remembrance Process℠ video below for a quick overview of what needs to be done.

2. Empower your family by getting information in advance.

For many families, especially in American culture, the idea of discussing death, and funeral planning is uncomfortable. Even in families where a loved one is terminally ill, the idea of discussing funeral arrangements is often seen as morbid, or an indication that the family is “giving up” on the loved one. In addition, because information about funerals, cremation, monuments, hospice, nursing homes, has not been readily available, the subject is treated with the fear that accompanies the unknown.

The Remembrance Process℠ can provide planning materials, and information about your options and rights on-line, or over the phone, or by calling a Remembrance Provider℠. Gaining this information in advance allows families to plan in a calm and peaceful way in the privacy of their home. When you can discuss options, look at choices, and consider ways of saying goodbye to your loved one, the perspective about the funeral can change dramatically. Knowledge is power, and never more so, than about this inevitable life event. Funerals will always be stressful events, but knowing what to expect in advance, can reduce that stress tremendously.

3. Plan in advance (even shortly in advance) if you can.

Giving your family a funeral plan, may be one of the best gifts you ever give them, since it allows them to stop worrying about details, allows them to come together as a family to grieve, without distractions.

Often, a significant cause of stress in planning a funeral is the disagreement between family members over what “ dad or mom would have wanted.” Arguments can occur over whether burial or cremation is desired, what kind of casket is appropriate, what kind of service, what kind of monument, when to have the service, and how much to pay for these arrangements.

Ironically, these arguments often occur in the most loving families, where different family members have strong opinions on how to honor their deceased family member.

See information on funeral planning on this site, or find a funeral home to learn about funeral planning tools that can assist you in creating a funeral plan that is as simple or detailed as you want. You can even add information about your genealogy, choices of music, or obituary that may provide extraordinary comfort to your family not only at the time of death, but in years to come. Almost 40% of all families now choose to use hospice care as the way to make end of life a more personal and natural process. Allowing the loved one to be cared for at home, surrounded by family members, is seen by many as a tremendous advantage over a death that occurs in a hospital, that almost always has to be more impersonal.4. Explore hospice care as a way of making end of life a more natural, personal process.

In addition, many families find that the care provided by hospice nurses, chaplains, and medical and social worker professionals not only helps the terminally ill patient, but helps the family as well. These professionals are experienced in helping families say goodbye to their loved ones in personal ways, and they can also help in personalizing the care the dying person receives.

By helping make death part of a natural process, rather than a sudden and separate event, the hospice experience leads to a funeral process and event that for many is more natural, more humane, and in many cases, more spiritual than what they have experienced by dealing only with the hospital. 

For more information please visit the hospice section of this site or call one of our counselors to find a hospice or funeral home near you.

5. Budget and explore financing options for the funeral in advance.

If you have time to prepare, there are many ways to reduce the financial stress of a funeral. And your Remembrance Providers℠ can help here. Also, if you have traditional insurance, your Remembrance Provider℠ can help process this for you. In addition, Remembrance Providers℠ can discuss various approaches to making sure you get the funeral you want, in a way that matches your budget, so that you can focus on moving from grieve to remembrance. They can also tell you about final expense insurance, which is inexpensive and generally available to people 50-85.

6. Connect with a clergyman or spiritual counselor to help your family through this time.

End of life is a difficult passage, and for many families, the counsel and advice provided by experienced ministers or clergy can be a significant aid. Even for families who may not be actively involved in a church, the guidance and support of a clergyman or woman can be wonderfully comforting. In addition, many families may need advice on religious traditions that their parents observed, and which they would like to honor.

The Advantages Of Pre-Paid Funerals

Many people have a hard time accepting the fact that one day their life is going to come to an end. Death is just a part of life and sadly something that no one can ever avoid.

Nowadays a lot people plan ahead and make a Will, but in reality that is not all that needs to be addressed. After you have passed away you will need to have a funeral, and having funeral plans in place will make it easier for your remaining loved ones at the time.

You have a couple options when it comes to planning your funeral, and having a pre-paid funeral plan will help your family avoid thousands of pounds in funeral expenses upon your death.

There are other benefits that your family will get if you have a pre-paid funeral. It can be incredibly hard on your family to make funeral plans when they are still in mourning because of your death. Having pre-paid funeral plans in place assists them in a time of need so they do not have to worry about arranging the funeral when emotions are running high.

The good thing about considering a pre-paid funeral plan is you can do all this in advance and make your choices from a range of options. It will allow you to make the type of choices you want, and provide the kind of service you want your family and friends to remember you by.

It is hard to know when the right time to start your funeral planning is. This is especially true for younger adults that have a very long time before they have to worry about death. However, there is no time like the present!

The first thing you need to decide is what location you want to have your funeral held at. Most pre-paid funeral plan providers will offer you a choice of local Funeral Directors to assist you with your plans and provide a choice of payment options.

It is hard for many people to accept that they will eventually die. Planning ahead with a pre-paid funeral plan will make your death much easier on your family. At some point you are going to have a funeral, it is important that you make that as easy for your family as possible, by reducing not only the financial burden but also the emotional stress.

So there is also a clear financial benefit to pre-paid funeral planning. You can fix the cost of your funeral at today's prices.

Most pre-paid funeral plan companies will also offer you a choice of how to pay for funeral plan. These are usually in 12, 60 or sometimes 120 monthly payments. These make it a lot more manageable for you over time.

Some pre-paid funeral plan providers present plans that are inclusive of the main components of a funeral. Other cheaper plans may come with costly, and sometimes hidden, add-ons. You need to carefully check each plan before signing your application forms.

Clearly there are two ways for you to arrange a funeral. You may either go direct to a local Funeral Directors, or use one of the pre-paid funeral plan companies. The advantage of this is they tend to have a packaged list of funeral options for you which ultimately make it a lot easier for you to arrange with the minimal of fuss.

Particular facets of your funeral service, limousine or disbursement allowance may not be clear with a Funeral Director, but should be shown clearly in front of you with any pre-paid funeral option. You should also note that some Funeral Directors may have a restriction about the distance they may be ready to travel to acquire the deceased.

You should also use any pre-paid funeral company you choose the same as you would a local Funeral Director. Seek in-depth information from them about what services they offer. What is included in each of their options. What additional costs, if any you may incur if you decide to take up one of their repayment plans. This will avoid costly surprises down the line.

Planning a funeral in advance is a good idea as you never know what is around the corner and you will have your wishes guaranteed in good time. Usually, funerals are planned in a hasty fashion after a death and leaves loved ones with instant and sometimes painful choices to make. Pre-planning your funeral will takes all these stresses away, and you get the services you wish.

Knowing that all your wishes will be carried out at a cost which fits into your budget gives huge comfort so that you can focus on everything else. With pre-paid funeral plans you can plan everything in advance so that your family won't have to worry about the cost or other arrangements and you will be buried or cremated the way you want. Paying for the funeral in advance gives you the peace of mind as you fix your funeral costs at current prices and will not be subject to any future price rises.

When choosing any pre-paid funeral plan provider make a list of questions that might affect your planning decisions::

- How long is the plan for?

- What are the terms and conditions?

- How can you make the payments?

- Can any changes be made?

- What if you change your mind?

- Does the plan include everything you wanted?

- How safe is your money?

- What if you die before making the full payment?

Having a funeral plan in place will be a great comfort to your family at the time of your death. It will save them from any financial burden. It will avoid the stress of having to contact a local Funeral Director. It will save them time and emotional family stress. And it will also clearly outline your funeral choices and avoid any discomfort at the time.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9147172

How To Comfort Someone Who Has Lost A Loved One

The loss of a loved one can leave partners, friends, and family devastated. To ease the burden, offer whatever solace you can.

Step 1: Allow them to grieve
Allow the person to grieve in their own way. Don't judge their behavior, which may be erratic at first. Unpredictable moods are normal.

Tip
If you tend to be a caretaker, now is the time to dial it back. You can't fix this.

Step 2: Show empathy
Comfort the grieving person with genuine sympathy for their loss without assuming to know how they feel. Avoid giving advice.

Step 3: Change the environment
Suggest a walk or a drive to remove them from their environment for a short time. They will need their strength in the coming days, so a little relief might be appreciated.

Step 4: Listen and absorb
Listen and absorb any need they may have to dwell on the past or obsess about regrets regarding the loved one. Right now they need to vent and your unconditional regard is crucial.

Step 5: Take on tasks
Offer to take over everyday tasks, like grocery shopping, child care, phone calls, and final arrangements if the grieving person was a family member or very close to the deceased. Running interference and handling phone calls will save their energy and will allow them time to think or rest.

Step 6: Support them with silence
Support them with silence and hold their hand or hug them. Don't push them to express emotion, even if their brave smile seems to suggest that something is being repressed.

Tip
It will take time to get through the loss. Don't stop checking on them and offering your shoulder -- even months later.

Step 7: Get clinical help
Suggest clinical help if the person seems unable to come out of it, especially if they demonstrate difficulty functioning, thinking, acting, or speaking, or they exhibit excessive bitterness, substance abuse, or social withdrawal.

Pie Crust Cookies + Pumpkin Butter Dip

Friends, don't throw away that leftover pie crust! Turn them into delicious cookies instead. And while you're at it, serve them with this super tasty pumpkin butter dip.

Full recipe here: http://www.ehow.com/how_12343560_pie-crust-cookies-pumpkin-butter-dip.html

The Importance Of The Funeral In The Grieving Process

Some ways in which the funeral helps in the grieving process are:

At a worldwide level the funeral gives other world leaders or their representatives a chance to show solidarity in the acknowledgement of the loss the world has experienced because of the death and to express condolences to the people of the country and the family of the deceased.

At a communal level the funeral gives leaders of community groups or clubs in which the deceased was involved an opportunity to acknowledge the service and contributions he or she made to the community and to recognise special achievements. It also gives them a chance to pay their last respects to the deceased and to offer words of comfort and consolation to the family and friends as they grieve the loss of their loved one.

In the workplace the funeral gives managers and colleagues in the workplace or the leaders in the education organisation an opportunity to acknowledge the loss to the company or education organisation because of the death of the person, to pay their last respects to the deceased and to offer words of comfort and consolation to the family in their grief.

In the School or other Education Institute the funeral gives the principal, teachers and students an opportunity to acknowledge the loss, to pay their last respects to the deceased and to offer words of comfort and consolation to the family in their grief.

In the faith community the funeral is a time to give expression to faith and religious beliefs about life and death. All religions have specific rituals. The readings - usually taken from one of the Holy Books, the prayers of thanksgiving for the life of the deceased, prayers of comfort and consolation to the bereaved and the commendation of the deceased to rest in peace offer the bereaved hope, comfort and consolation in their grief.

For the members of the immediate family the funeral makes them focus on the reality of the death of their loved one. They have to make decisions and choices when planning the funeral, they have to express personal feelings and memories of the deceased as they prepare and give the eulogy and finally they commend their loved one to rest with love and in peace. All these actions mark the rite of passage of their loved one from life to death and afford some closure to their relationship with their loved one as it was when he or she was alive. One of the most important aspects of the funeral is that the love, support and friendship expressed by those attending the funeral give comfort and consolation to the bereaved and ease their pain as they move forward in the process of grief.

For these reasons the funeral is very important, whether it is on a grand scale for a prominent person in the world, or a private affair for a select few of family members and friends as it helps everyone to acknowledge the loss and move forward in the process of grief.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7530941