Archive for January, 2009

The Magic Castle, A Visitor’s Guide

30.01.2009
21:36

If you have the opportunity to visit the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, go! If you want to see some amazing magic tricks, and you’re free for an evening, go enjoy some grown-up fun. It is a place unlike any other – and your visit will be a life-long memory.

Back To Basics – Things To Know Before You Visit

A word of warning before you start planning your visit to the Magic Castle: not everyone can attend. Because it is a private club for magicians and those who love magic, members (Magician members and Associate members) pay for the privilege of attending as much as they want in any given year. For you, (a non-member) to attend, you will need to know someone who is a member and get a guest pass from them. Or, even better, get them to take you with them.

Attending the Magic Castle is a formal affair. You would not be out of place in a tie and jacket (for men) or evening gown (for ladies) – in fact, it is required. What? You don’t have a jacket, you say? Don’t worry – the front desk has several jackets and ties they lend for the evening, so you might be just fine. But don’t show up with running shoes on, or expect to take your jacket off once you get inside – it just isn’t done. Formal places call for formal attire.

The Magic Castle is situated just north of the Kodak Theater. There is not much parking on the streets, so expect to pay for valet parking. It will run you less than ten bucks, which is a bargain in that neighborhood.

Also, expect to have dinner in their fine restaurant. They have great food – many selections for those who love meat, seafood, or are vegetarians. Prices range from $28.00 to $65.00 for an entrée, and there are plenty of “adult beverages” to be found at the several bars throughout the Castle.

Once You’re Inside

After you enter the Magic Castle, you’ll have to get past the receptionist by showing your identification of adulthood. If you’re there on a guest pass, present the pass and pay the door charge – $20 each. They will also confirm your dinner reservation that you called in earlier. If you’re there with a member, there’s no door charge, and eating dinner is optional. You will then be given the secret code word to be able to enter the door to the showrooms.

As for the shows, expect to be fully entertained. There are three major showrooms – the Close-up Gallery, the Parlor of Prestidigitation, and the Palace of Mystery. The shows in those rooms run on a schedule, and you’ll want to be in line early in order to get in. Also, many nights there are other magicians to entertain you in other various rooms – down in the museum, or in the dungeon, or even roving magicians to show you effects while you are in line for another show. There’s always plenty to see and do at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.

Choosing A Candle Gift Online

03.01.2009
13:28

A candle gift is something that may have been extraordinary a few centuries ago but these days it is highly acceptable and even appreciated by the recipients. There are many people who may have some difficulty visiting a store that specializes in candles and gift baskets made of these. The solution to this is to acquire your candle gift online. Choosing your candle gift online from the many different sites that offer it may be confusing but there are some ways of narrowing it down to make the choice a bit easier.

Aromatherapy Candles

For those not in the know, there are many different kinds of candles available for candle gift online choices. Aromatherapy candles are usually the first choices for a candle gift online order. These kinds of candles have been infused with the oils and scents of herbs and other elements to bring about an ambience that the person wants. There are many different scents which include relaxing, invigorating, aphrodisiac and many others. The scent can also be used just to make the room or area smell better and more refreshing. Light fruity scents are a favorite of many women as well as relaxing scents.

Decorative Candles

Another choice for a candle gift online order is decorative candles. These types of candles are made to be admired and used as decorations or centerpieces. Different colors and designs are usually used to create these types of candles. Choosing a candle gift online made up of decorative candles may be easier since you can actually see the designs of the candles compared to being able to smell it.

A combination of both aromatherapy and decorative candles can also be your choice for your candle gift online order. Many candle makers make the decorative candle with an element of aromatherapy in it. This makes the candle not only beautiful to look at but also lovely to smell, whether it is lit or unlit. Sometimes, candle makers add real elements of the scent into the candle such as coffee beans for a coffee scented candle, dried lavender flowers for a lavender scented one, dried berries for a berry scented candle.

Candle gift online orders can also be especially made according to your preferences. Many online sites that specialize in candle gift online orders also suggest an accompanying lighter or box of matches for the gift. Other suggestions for accompaniment of the candle gift online order are incense, a candle jar, a candle burner and aromatherapy oils.

Candle Gift Idea For A Friend

01.01.2009
13:28

Candles can be acceptable gifts between friends or for a friend. The lowly candle has since risen from its practical role into a very stylish and sophisticated decoration or as a factor to creating the mood. There are several candle gift ideas or suggestions that may be appropriate for a female friend or a male friend. A gift basket is one candle gift idea that is sure to bring appreciation from the recipient. Gift baskets can be composed of many different types of candles according to the preferences of the giver or the recipient. You can also shop for a candle gift online if you are too busy to visit a land based store.

Candle Gift Idea For A Male Friend

A candle gift idea for a male friend may be composed of aromatherapy candles. Aromatherapy candles have been infused with extracts and oils that release their scents as the candle is lit. A candle gift idea may not only be composed of aromatherapy candles. It can also be made up of incense, candles in jars and lighting implements which can be useful for lighting the candles.

Men may prefer the relaxing scent of bergamot or mandarin compared to the more feminine lavender and chamomile. A candle gift idea for a male friend can be composed of aromatherapy candles made with these scents. For men who love to use aromatherapy to create a sensual mood for them, ylang-ylang is one of the scents that are supposedly an aphrodisiac. Derived from a flower which originates from Asia, the ylang-ylang appeals to both men and women with its heady fragrance.

Candle Gift Idea For A Female Friend

Women may prefer the relaxing scent of lavender and chamomile compared to men, which is why a candle gift idea of lavender is one of the most saleable for women. This kind of candle gift idea may be accompanied by lighting implements such as a lighter or a box of matches as well as a candle burner with some oils for burning. Lavender and chamomile are relaxing scents that promote a relaxed atmosphere which is sure to be appreciated by the recipient of the candle gift idea.

Women may also like a decorative candle as a gift. These kinds of candles are not only designed to be lit and give off a beautiful scent but they are also designed to be admired. Decorative candles are a great candle gift idea for women who like or admire these kinds of decorations.

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