The Sentinel: Search results for Casey Cartwright

Fun and creative ideas for hosting an unforgettable adult birthday party

Remember when birthdays meant cake, balloons, and pure excitement? That magic doesn’t have to disappear just because you’ve hit your twenties, thirties, or beyond. You deserve to celebrate another year of life, achievements, and personal growth. Plus, a birthday party is a great excuse to gather your favorite people and commemorate another life milestone in style.

Photo: Cottonbros Studios/PEXELS

Quality over quantity is the key to memorable birthday celebration. The first step is to plan what you want the night to look like - who, what and where? Think of something creative and unique that your guests will remember for years to come.

by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

Planning your own birthday celebration might feel strange at first. You might feel like it’s self-centered or childish. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! Adult birthday parties can be just as warranted, memorable, and fun as childhood celebrations—they just require a different approach. We’re here to help you by revealing some tips for hosting birthday parties as an adult.

Your first step is to plan what you want the night to look like, keeping in mind activities that your loved ones will enjoy. You probably won’t head to a bounce house and open gifts with cake afterward. Instead, maybe you make reservations to have an intimate dinner with close friends, or maybe you host a backyard barbecue instead. You might also consider a themed party that celebrates your favorite hobby. For instance, if you’re an artistic person, you can have your party at a paint-and-sip bar or have people over to follow a Bob Ross tutorial. If you’re a sports fan, you can take your friends to a game or head to a local park for a friendly, amateur tournament.

...there are endless possibilities for amazing party themes and activities that your adult friends will love...

In fact, the party’s theme doesn’t have to reflect a hobby of yours at all; it can just be something fun and unique to enjoy with a group. For one, you can explore various poker tournament services for your event that come right to your home. These services don’t allow gambling, just the fun of the game. And it’s an incredibly unique party idea that your friends are sure to be impressed by.

If that’s not your cup of tea, however, then there are plenty of other options! For example, you can organize a scavenger hunt, rent a yacht charter, go to a petting zoo, attend an after-hours museum event, head to a club, run a charity 5k, do an escape room, and so much more. Truly, there are endless possibilities for amazing party themes and activities that your adult friends will love, whether or not they relate to your hobbies.

What you decide on should depend on your interests and budget, which you should consider early in the planning process. Parties can range from simple gatherings to elaborate celebrations, and there’s no right or wrong amount to spend. Set a realistic budget that won’t stress you out financially, then work within those parameters to create something special.

After all, the good people in your life won’t care if it’s an expensive or thrifty celebration. Speaking of which, your next step is to figure out your guest list. Your friend circle has likely expanded beyond school, so you can consider mixing groups. Maybe you get together your work colleagues, college friends, family members, neighbors, and fellow hobbyists. Mixing these groups can encourage interesting conversations and help expand everyone’s social network. However, think about the dynamics between different groups and whether they’ll mesh well together. That’s an important consideration that kids simply don’t have at their birthday parties.

Also, don’t feel obligated to invite everyone you know. Quality over quantity is the key to more meaningful celebrations. A smaller group allows for deeper conversations and more personal interactions. Your birthday party should include the people who truly matter to you and who will contribute positively to the experience.

But as you’re aware, adults are so much busier than children, so make sure you send invitations at least two weeks in advance (more if you’re planning something elaborate or during busy seasons). Digital invitations work perfectly for most adult gatherings and make tracking RSVPs much easier.

You might wonder if you should mention something about gifts on the RSVP, and the answer is yes.

Though the right approach depends on you and your group of loved ones, we recommend specifying “no gifts” on the invitation. Even though gifts are one of the main draws of a child’s party, it can feel tacky to request them as an adult. Now, your friends will probably bring you something anyway, and that’s great! However, it’s best to discourage the act and instead request their presence as a gift. At the very most, you can omit any talk of gifts on the invite and let invitees interpret that.

What you shouldn’t do under any circumstances is send a wish list or request particular presents—this isn’t a wedding or baby shower. After all, the whole point of an adult birthday party is to celebrate relationships and create memories rather than receive things.

One final planning detail we want to discuss is everyone’s favorite part of an event: the food. If you decide to have a dinner party for your birthday, then this is solved. But if you opt for an event, you’ll also have to decide how to feed everyone.

Make sure to accommodate your vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and doesn’t-like-fish friends.

If you’re hosting in your home, then it can be a sweet touch to prepare the food yourself. This way, you can provide your guests with something hearty and nourishing and show your genuine thanks for their attendance. If your guests are up for it, you can also organize a buffet. But if you’re planning an activity outside of the home, then a better plan is to go out somewhere casual afterward.

And don’t forget dietary restrictions and preferences. Make sure to accommodate your vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and doesn’t-like-fish friends. Even if you don’t understand or follow the same lifestyle or have the same dietary limitations, being inclusive here is very meaningful.

As for drinks, consider if any of your invitees are sober for any reason. If so, it’s respectful to have the whole party stick to zero-proof beverages. That said, you can ask your sober friends about their preferences. If they don’t mind other people drinking when they’re not, then you can take that at face value.

Ultimately, it’s not difficult to host birthday parties as an adult, and we hope these tips make it even easier for you. We hope you have the best time celebrating your personal growth, your wonderful relationships, and the unique person you’ve become!

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

TAGS: adult birthday party ideas, how to plan an adult birthday, themed party ideas for adults, creative celebration tips, planning adult birthday dinner, party planning on a budget, how to host a backyard birthday, adult party guest list tips, non-alcoholic drink ideas for parties, fun activities for adult birthdays

Upgrade your RV life: Must-have appliances for comfort and convenience

Make your RV travel easier with must-have appliances for climate control, cleaning, and cooking on the road.

Photo: Michael B. Stuart/Unsplash

Your RV into a home on wheels. Regardless if you are traveling for short weekend or for weeks on end, there nine appliances that are must-haves for life on road or out in the wild.

by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

What transforms an RV from a simple vehicle into a home on wheels? It’s the appliances you choose to bring along. The right gear can make the difference between roughing it and relaxing in style. This guide will walk you through nine essential appliances your camping RV needs to be more comfortable.

First off, let’s tackle climate control. The last thing you want is to spend hours in a stuffy, stale box on the road. The two main appliances you need to address most climate concerns are an air conditioner and a dehumidifier.

Many RVs come with a built-in AC unit, but if yours doesn’t, or if you need extra cooling power, you have options. You can find a portable or roof-mounted AC unit to suit your needs. The best air conditioners will dehumidify the air as well as cool it, but that’s not always the case. If you live or travel in a particularly hot, muggy area, then you’ll also want to get a dehumidifier.

Consider getting a drip coffee maker if you travel with multiple people

After all, humidity can be a major issue in an RV. It can make the air feel sticky and unpleasant, and more importantly, it can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage your RV’s interior and affect your health.

A small, portable dehumidifier is all you need. This device pulls moisture out of the air, creating a drier, more comfortable environment. Running a dehumidifier constantly (or at least when it’s muggy or raining outside) will protect your RV from mold damage and make your living space feel much fresher and more inviting.

Now, let’s address cleanliness, which also affects comfort and air quality. When you’re traveling in your RV, you’re probably taking many excursions outdoors and then tracking dirt and sand into your vehicle. Eventually, the particulate contaminants will accumulate and make your RV’s interior an allergen-ridden environment. That’s why we recommend a small, powerful handheld vacuum as an essential tool for preserving your comfort by keeping your space tidy.

It’s perfect for quick cleanups, like sucking up crumbs from the floor or cleaning out dirt from tight corners. Choose a cordless, rechargeable model for maximum convenience. It will help you stay on top of the mess so you can spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning.

Now, the rest of the appliances we want to discuss belong in the kitchen. After all, one of the distinguishing factors of RV life is the ability to cook in the vehicle, so it makes sense to upgrade this process as much as possible.

Let’s begin with coffee, an essential morning ritual for many people that should be easy. Consider getting a drip coffee maker if you travel with multiple people, a single-serve pod machine if you want the least hassle, or a French press for the highest-quality pour. All are simple to use and small enough to keep on the RV counter.

A slow cooker is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meals.

Next, get an ice maker. This might sound like a luxury, but you’ll quickly find it’s one of the most useful appliances in your RV. Access to a steady supply of ice is valuable, especially during warm weather or when you’re camped far from a town.

Think about all the ways you use ice. It keeps your drinks refreshingly cold, which is a must after a day spent outdoors. It’s also essential for filling coolers to keep your food fresh on day trips or for chilling a freshly caught fish.

Modern portable ice makers are compact, efficient, and surprisingly fast. Most models can produce a batch of ice in under 10 minutes and can generate over 20 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. They are simple to operate; just fill the reservoir with water, turn it on, and let it work its magic. No plumbing is required, making them perfect for RV use.

Now, let’s discuss cooking in an RV kitchen, which can be challenging due to limited space and resources. That’s where a multipurpose cooker comes in. A slow cooker or an Instant Pot is an incredibly versatile tool that lets you prepare delicious, hearty meals with minimal effort.

A slow cooker is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meals. You can throw in your ingredients in the morning, go out for a day of adventure, and return to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner. It’s ideal for stews, chilis, and pulled pork.

An Instant Pot takes this convenience a step further by combining multiple functions into one device. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. You can sauté ingredients directly in the pot before pressure cooking, which saves you from washing extra pans. It cooks food quickly, conserving both your time and your RV’s power.

A toaster oven is another space-saving appliance that packs a lot of functionality. While your RV might have a microwave or even a full-sized oven, a toaster oven is often more practical for smaller jobs. It preheats quickly and uses less energy, which is always a bonus when you’re running on limited power.

Photo: Paul Brennan/Pixabay

Camping in your RV with useful appliances simplify life and make your RV feel more like home.

You can use it for more than just making toast. It’s great for reheating leftovers, baking small batches of cookies, or cooking a frozen pizza. It gives your food a crispy texture that microwaves just can’t match. Choosing a compact model will give you all the benefits without sacrificing precious counter space.

Up next is an electric skillet, a versatile and portable cooking solution that you can use both inside and outside your RV. If the weather is beautiful, why not cook outdoors and keep the cooking smells out of your living space?

These skillets offer a large, flat cooking surface with even heat distribution, making them perfect for cooking pancakes and bacon for breakfast or searing steaks for dinner. They come with a lid, which helps with steaming vegetables or simmering sauces. And because you can set a precise temperature, you have more control over your cooking compared to a campfire or a standard stovetop.

Lastly, a portable blender is a great addition to your RV kitchen for making quick and healthy meals. It’s perfect for whipping up smoothies for breakfast, blending protein shakes after a workout, or making frozen cocktails to enjoy as the sun sets. Look for a compact, personal-sized blender. Many are even rechargeable via USB, adding to their convenience on the road.

Equipping your camping RV with all these appliances will make it more comfortable and fit for any adventure, near or far. Each of these nine items serves a purpose, helping to simplify daily tasks and make your RV feel more like home. As you plan your next trip, make some of these upgrades and experience the difference for yourself!

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From chores to choices: Practical ways to build independence with your child

Practical strategies to encourage independence in children include giving age-appropriate responsibilities and letting kids navigate challenges on their own. Trust and guidance help them thrive.

Photo: Volant/Unsplash

Want to raise confident, capable kids? Children learn self-sufficiency through everyday opportunities. These experiences strengthen confidence, emotional resilience, and decision-making.

by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

Children grow up so fast, as every parent is painfully aware. One moment your baby is babbling on the sofa, and the next they’re out the door on their way to their last day of school. Along the way, they become the person they’re meant to be, and you play a huge role in supporting their healthy development. Specifically, fostering independence in your child is a great way to set them up for confidence, resilience, and success later in life. You’re probably already doing more than you think to support this growth. But if you want to go even further, we’re here to help.

This article explores some practical ways to encourage independence in your child. We will discuss age-appropriate opportunities that help children develop problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and the ability to handle challenges. These small steps create a foundation that will serve them well as they grow. The best part of going through this process is that you’ll strengthen your relationship with your child. When kids feel capable and trusted, they’re more likely to come to you when they truly need guidance.

So where should you start? Well, think about your daily routines. What do you currently do for your child that they could also handle? For instance, if you pick out your child’s outfits, maybe they can take over that task. To make it easier but still foster their independent decision-making, you can let your child choose between two outfits that you lay out the night before.

Giving your child freedom in their free time is an important aspect of helping them feel trusted.

Now, turn your attention to the bathroom. Your kid’s independence in the space develops naturally when you make the room more accessible to them. Put a step stool by the sink and a toothbrush within their reach. Teach them how to wash their hands, then let them practice without hovering over their shoulder, counting to 20. Let them comb their hair each morning. These small tasks are usually manageable for small children, and they instill daily confidence through autonomy.

Aside from what your child needs to do to take care of themselves, consider what they can do to help out around the house. That’s right—chores. No kid likes chores. In fact, very few adults like chores. However, these tasks are golden opportunities for teaching your child to be independent because they foster practical skill development. Maybe they can set the table for dinner, pick up the living room each night, feed and water the dog, or put items on the grocery list when they run out. These are things every person must know how to do if they are to be truly self-sufficient, and teaching the jobs early gives your child a head start.

Then, there’s independence in recreation. Many parents want to watch their children like hawks at the playground or playdates, but it’s important that you prove to your little one that you trust their judgment. Let them pick their friends, say yes to sleepovers, have them decide their hobbies, and encourage all healthy interests, from painting to soccer. Naturally, you should be mindful of their safety and set boundaries when it’s necessary. But giving your child freedom in their free time is an important aspect of helping them feel trusted, which translates to a more independent mindset.

If you want to start small in this area, Christmas is coming up, and it’s a great time to give your child a gift that shows your confidence in their self-sufficiency. For instance, ride-on cars are great winter gifts for kids because the toy is mature yet safe. Your child can feel uniquely independent as they drive around the yard and neighborhood in a mini Jeep, and you can peacefully observe their safety from a distance.

You should teach your kid that independence includes asking for help when they need it.

Now, as your kid navigates these big and small opportunities for independence, they will probably run into problems. How you encourage them to overcome these obstacles is a valuable part of the process. When your child faces a minor challenge, pause before jumping in to fix it. For example, a puzzle piece that won’t fit can be a learning opportunity. Wait to see if your child figures it out. If they’re stuck, ask questions instead of providing solutions. You might inquire, “What happens if you turn it around?” Only step in with the answer if your child makes a thoughtful attempt before requesting your help. In doing so, you let them know that you trust their capabilities and that you are a resource, not an omniscient, overbearing problem-solver.

Frustration is an expected part of this process. Your kid will probably get very annoyed and even start to cry when they face problems. This is always distressing to see as a parent, and it makes many guardians immediately jump to the rescue with a quick fix and coddling. But that’s not going to teach your child how to handle challenges for themselves. After all, emotional intelligence is inextricable from true independence.

When your child melts down over a broken crayon, acknowledge their feelings. Say, “You’re really upset about your crayon breaking.” Then, guide them toward solutions without laying them out on the table. Ask, “What could help you feel better?” and help your child workshop.

Likewise, letting children experience natural consequences builds essential emotional resilience. If they forget their jacket despite you reminding them again and again, feeling chilly could be what they need to learn the lesson. Of course, be reasonable in what consequences you let your child endure. They don’t need to be rescued from manageable discomfort, but pain and authentic distress are not appropriate. In these cases, you should teach your kid that independence includes asking for help when they need it. Teach your child that requesting assistance with truly difficult tasks or outcomes shows wisdom, not weakness. This prevents them from entering or staying in dangerous situations.

Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process.

A final important consideration is knowing when your child is overwhelmed by self-sufficiency. Some kids latch on to every freedom and thrive, while others are much more hesitant to leave any part of the nest. You might encounter resistance as you encourage them to do things on their own, and this is normal. However, it might signal a need for more attention, not less freedom or more support. Remember to frame setbacks within the context of the bigger picture. On the whole, if you do your part to trust and empower your kid, they will grow up to be a confident, autonomous adult.

In the end, encouraging independence in your child will create an adult who can handle challenges, make good decisions, and maintain healthy relationships. The patience you invest now in letting your child struggle reasonably with age-appropriate tasks pays dividends in the years to come. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process. Your child’s growing independence reflects your excellent parenting, not your decreasing importance in their life. You’re raising a capable human being who will always need your love and guidance—just in evolving ways.

Tags: how to teach kids independence, fostering independence in children, raising self-sufficient kids, age-appropriate chores for children, building confidence in children, helping kids solve problems, promoting emotional resilience in kids, parenting tips for independence, encouraging responsibility in kids, guiding children to be confident and capable

Practical woodworking; 10 easy woodworking projects for beginners

From simple toolboxes to stylish coffee tables, these woodworking ideas help you learn essential skills. Perfect for new builders ready to dive in.

Photo: Bailey Alexander/Unsplash

Looking for a new hobbie? Here are several simple projects for making useful items that you can make if you are new to woodworking.

by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

Are you starting your woodworking journey? It likely feels exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You’ve probably spent hours watching YouTube videos of master craftspeople creating beautiful furniture pieces, wondering if you’ll ever reach that level of skill. Well, the good news is that you don’t need decades of experience or a workshop full of expensive tools to create something meaningful with your hands.

We’re here to explore some practical woodworking projects that are fit for beginners like yourself. Each idea will teach you fundamental skills and result in something you’ll actually use around your home.

Now, before we dive into specific projects, let’s talk about the tools sitting in your garage or workshop. Many beginners think they need every tool featured in woodworking magazines, but that’s simply not true. A basic toolkit and one or two pieces of specialized machinery can get you surprisingly far.

Your essential arsenal should start with a circular saw or miter saw for cutting lumber to length, and it should be fitted with a carbide blade for maximum precision and longevity. Though the lifespan of carbide saw blades depends on how well you care for them, they tend to last quite a while simply by virtue of their inherent durability.

You’ll also need a drill for making holes and driving screws, as well as sandpaper in various grits. Lastly, make sure you have a measuring tape, pencil, and square for marking your cuts accurately. You probably have these last three items lying around somewhere in the house, and they can handle most beginner projects without breaking your budget.

Another storage project to consider is the humble floating shelf. This fixture is incredibly simple.

Once you know that you have all the essential tools on hand, you can decide which project to begin with. We think that storage projects make perfect starting points because they’re forgiving, useful, and instructive of core woodworking principles. For example, a basic wooden box might seem mundane, but it introduces you to measuring, cutting, joining, and finishing—skills you’ll use in every future project.

Consider building a basic toolbox, which is a rectangular box with a handle. The project teaches you about butt joints and reinforcement. To start, cut five pieces of pine: two sides, a bottom, and two ends. The sides measure 16 inches long by 8 inches wide, while the ends measure 8 inches by 8 inches. The bottom fits inside at 14.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Drill pilot holes before screwing the pieces together—this prevents the wood from splitting. Once you assemble the pieces, test for a stable fit and then sand all surfaces smooth, starting with 120-grit sandpaper and finishing with 220-grit. Apply a coat of polyurethane finish to protect the wood from moisture and wear.

Another storage project to consider is the humble floating shelf. This fixture is incredibly simple. You’ll need a 1x6 board cut to your desired length, plus a 2x2 cleat system for mounting. This hidden bracket system teaches you the importance of precise measuring. Cut your shelf board and sand it smooth. Then, create the mounting system by ripping a 2x2 board at a 45-degree angle, creating two pieces that fit together like puzzle pieces. One piece mounts to the wall, while the other attaches to the back of your shelf—and that’s basically it!

Once you’ve mastered basic storage projects, furniture pieces can provide the next challenge. Take a coffee table, for example. This design uses basic lumber and straightforward joinery. You’ll need four 2x4s for the legs, cut to 16 inches each. The tabletop consists of 1x6 boards glued together and 2x4 aprons that connect everything and provide stability. Just cut the aprons to fit between the legs, creating a rectangle slightly smaller than your tabletop. Attach the aprons to the legs using wood screws and corner braces for extra strength. The tabletop sits on top of this frame and gets secured from underneath. Once it’s assembled, sand the entire table thoroughly and apply your chosen finish in thin, even coats.

Woodworking rewards patience and attention to detail more than speed.

You can also craft a matching dining bench to complete the set. The basic design uses 2x10 lumber for the top and 2x8s for the legs. Cut the top to your desired length (48 inches works well for most dining tables). For legs, you can install them at an angle to provide more structural stability and practice with non-90-degree cuts. Mark the leg angles carefully—a 15-degree outward angle looks proportional but not too dramatic. Cut these angles with a circular saw, taking your time to follow the lines precisely. Connect the legs to the top using carriage bolts, which provide strong connections and add to the rustic appearance.

Maybe you don’t need any more storage or furniture. In that case, consider some outdoor projects, which are useful items for your yard or patio that introduce you to weather-resistant materials and finishes. These projects also tend to be more forgiving since a perfect finish matters less outdoors.

We recommend making planter boxes if you have or want to start a garden. Simply build rectangular frames using 1x8 cedar boards. Corner joints can be simple butt joints reinforced with exterior screws. Then, line the inside with landscape fabric to prevent soil loss while allowing drainage.

If you’re not a gardener, then try making a birdhouse. Different bird species prefer specific hole sizes and house dimensions, so research your local birds before building. As an example, a basic wren house measures 4x4 inches at the base with 6-inch walls. The entrance hole should be 1.25 inches in diameter, positioned about 4 inches from the floor. Add small drainage holes in the bottom and ventilation holes near the top.

And there you have it—practical woodworking projects that are fit for beginners like yourself. Did anything strike your fancy? Whichever you’re feeling called to attempt, know that you’re sure to develop essential woodworking skills and create something useful for your home. Just remember not to rush the process. Woodworking rewards patience and attention to detail more than speed. As the old saying goes, measure twice and cut once. You won’t regret it!