No, you're not sneaking out of the house; you're checking with the bride's friends and family to see if a shower is already planned. It isn't a good idea to throw two parties if the same people will be at both! Consider these possibilities: If you are the bride-to-be's co-worker and would like to throw an office bridal shower, you're less likely to run into interference. If you're the bride's mother, feel free to plan a shower for your daughter; however, be aware that in some parts of the world it is considered to be general wedding etiquette that the bride's mother does not plan a bridal shower as it is thought better left to others to plan and that it lacks taste to have the mother doing this. Note, however, that more people are ignoring this little "rule" and doing it anyway. It's up to your discretion. That is, if you don't want a shower that's a complete surprise. With all the general fuss of a wedding, it may be best to talk to the bride, though. You want to avoid inviting people to the shower who aren't invited to the reception and you want to make sure the shower is in line with the bride-to-be's wishes. Does she want a co-ed shower? What dates and times are best for her? Where would she want it at? If you like the idea of the bride being minimally involved, just ask about the guest list and date -- she probably figures she's having a shower anyway. The theme and details can be up to you and the rest of the bridesmaids or close family. Now comes the best part! Whether it's the beach, a restaurant, or fancy hotel, the location of the shower can change everything. If you do decide to go with a specific theme, your location should reflect this. You probably wouldn't want to bring the bride's elderly aunts to a smoke-filled bar and grill. Sometimes the shower is held at a relatives' home, or the maid of honor's, or even the bride's place. Consider a nice picnic area, a yacht, or a bonfire/cookout in the backyard. Your location should match both the bride's personality and your budget. Traditionally, the wedding shower isn't held until a month before the wedding, but these days people are less inclined to follow this norm and choose a date to suit their own needs. Just be sure that the couple has had the opportunity to tell everyone about the wedding first. You don't want to step on anyone's toes! Make sure that all the necessary people will be available for this day. Once you have found a day that works for everyone, call the venue, if you're not having it at someone's home, to make reservations. Ask for some names from the bride herself, as well as from the mother of the bride. If another shower is being planned, try not to invite those same people to yours. It's ridiculous to expect someone to buy two - and sometimes even three - gifts for one person! Also, beware of inviting those who aren't also invited to the wedding itself. Just because you thought the bride was still friends with Laura from second grade, does not mean that she is. You will only offend people if you're not careful.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Check to see if the coast is clear. Talk to the bride. Choose a location. Decide on a date. Compile the guest list.

Wide-mouth jars are the easiest to stuff and ladle into. As a rule of thumb one quart jar can hold about four cucumbers. Have extra jars on hand just in case. While you can reuse glass jars and rims, you can't reuse lids. Typically you can buy a box of new jar lids for a few dollars. Take all of the lids, rims, jars and boiling water canner and run them through your dishwasher removing any residue that might be on them. Inspect them and make sure there are no cracks or other issues. Place a canning rack at the bottom off the boiling water to keep the jars off the super-hot bottom of the pot, which risks cracking them. Place the jars inside. Boil the jars for at least five minutes. Do not boil the lids. The rubber seal on the lids will be ruined if you boil them. On your stove or in the microwave, you can heat water to just under a boil and sterilize the lids in that. Set each jar right side up on a towel on your work surface, making sure everything is in reach--you'll need your jars, lids, lid bands, and pickling solution all close by. It can be a quick process, so it sometimes helps to have a partner at this point. Remove the cucumbers from the salt/ice mixtures and pat them dry, then pack them into the jars leaving at least half an inch from the where the jar mouth narrows. Again, you can either line the bottom of the jars with the pickling spices or include them in the solution. Either way, this is also your chance to include any fresh spices you might like to add, like smashed garlic cloves, fresh dill leaves, or grape leaves for crispness.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Decide on the number of jars that you will be using. In a large pot, boil enough water to cover your jars. Remove the jars with a jar lifter and set on towel. Wash your hands then pack the jar tightly with pickles.

Don't wear belly tops, WAY too short shorts, fishnets(unless they are in a costume), or anything that a hooker would wear. Wear clothes that hug you, but not too tight.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Dress your age! Don't wear baggy,too tight,low or dirty clothes. Wear clothes that compliment your skin tone Always smile, not a cheesy fake smile, think of anything that makes you happy for a natural attractive smile.

Check to make sure your camera is working properly. On a PC, from the Tools menu, select "Options," and then under General, choose "Video Settings." On a Mac, from the Skype menu, select "Preferences", then click on the Audio/Video tab. Turn on your webcam or connected video camera. You should see your webcam output in the window. If you have multiple cameras hooked up, select the desired one from the Camera menu. When you've made your connection and verified it's working properly, close the Preferences window. Then, click on "Online" to show only your Skype contacts that are available for a call. If you have many contacts online, you can quickly find the person you're looking for by entering their name into the search field at the top right of the screen. Position your cursor over the person you wish to call. A green button will appear over their picture that says "Video Call," with a small camera icon to the left. You'll hear a ringing tone until the other person answers, or the call times out. Note: if the button only says "Call," check to make sure your camera is hooked up and functioning properly. Once the call is connected, you'll see your friend's picture in the window. When you're finished chatting, click the red phone icon at the bottom of the window to end your call.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Sign into Skype. Select your camera. Click Contacts. Initiate the call. Talk with your friend.