Winter Outfits For Girls

Winter Outfits For Girls

During the winter months, we all want to look our best, but it’s just so hard to bundle up and still look GREAT. The abundance of cold weather accessories – (hats, gloves, scarves) can be overwhelming, and bulky sweaters, coats and boots can leave you looking like a haphazard snow woman if you’re not careful. So this year, instead of forfeiting style for comfort, we reached out to celebrity fashion stylist Dawn Del Russo for some practical advice on looking your best when the temperatures drop.

Here are some of her top tips for staying stylish -- and warm -- this winter.

In a word, winter is bleak. Once it sinks in that there are only months of darkness ahead, the only thing you want to do is complain and wear pajamas. However, finding pieces that make you want to leave your house and be a social human are an important part of, well, survival.

To make it easier on you, we’ve rounded up ten winter fashion ideas for 2013/2014 to help assist with holiday inspiration. And at the very least, take solace in knowing you can always just buy a great coat, and simply refuse to take it off.

Tartan
For reasons no one will ever understand, tartan tends to be pigeonholed as a “holiday” look. Well to that we say no thank you. Collections by Moshing and Alberta Ferrety featured the traditional print in heavier fabrics and matching suits this season, while Christian. So abolish the naysayer’s. They may take your movie quotes, but they may never take your tartan.

Pastels
Winter isn’t just for grey and black (everybody knows that, right?), so if you want to return to soft pastels, 2013/2014 is your time to shine. Whether you embrace the tones through pieces like the light blue coat in Prensa Scholar’s collection, or you gravitate towards a floral top paired with pastel pants like at Sonia Rykiel, you can still wear light, “spring” colours even when spring seems like the furthest thing away. In the words of "South Park," you do what you want.

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses
The best thing about winter is that coats exist. So while we’ve been conditioned to think we must bundle up in oversize sweaters, we can take a nod from Prada, who paired ‘50s-influenced off-the-shoulder blouses with full skirts and winter jackets. You can do the same thing, and vow never to wear a turtleneck again. (Even though they’re a seasonal staple, so don’t say it too loud.)
Sleeveless Jackets
As we all know, the key to winter fashion is layering. You can layer a t-shirt with an oversize flannel, you can layer a tank with a blouse, or you can take a page from the book of Chloe and layer a long, sleeveless jacket with, well, anything you’d like. Consider the sleeveless coat as the replacement for the big, puffy vest: only this time, it’s tailored, it’s flattering, and you can bulk up underneath so you aren’t freezing outside.

Classic Punk
The traditional “punk” aesthetic goes back to the days of Malcolm McLaren, the Sex Pistols, and Vivienne West wood in London during the ‘70s, but it has managed to stay prevalent in some capacity for the last 40 years. However, this winter it’s “back” in a literal sense of the word: Designers like Isabel Mi rant showcased black tops embellished with metallic, while Verses debuted a mixture of tartan (clearly a seasonal favourite), PVC and even spikes. We blame it on the 2013 MET Gala (and we don’t want it to stop).

Mixing And Matching Prints
For anyone disinterested in looking too preppy or put together, the mix-and-match trend of Fall 2013/Winter 2014 is a gift mixed with a blessing. In the first corner, designers like Cavern used mismatched animal print to bring a skirt and blouse together, while the normally dress code-appropriate Bur berry opted for a pink, printed translucent skirt and animal print blouse. Mix, match, and be fearless about both.

Pink
Are you getting tired of the pink push yet? Apologies if so, because it’s the colour of Fall/Winter 2013, as evidenced by everyone from Roksanda Ilincic (who used it as a mid-century throwback) to Cavern, who showcased a belted pink jacket. However, there’s no “right” way to wear pink. The beauty of Winter 2013/2014 is the versatility with nearly all styles, so you can either opt for a dramatic interpretation, or go for the cotton candy shade that works with winter’s pastel trend. There’s nothing but space for your creativity.

Bigger And Better
While traditional fitted styles have obviously earned a place among trends this season (as pencil skirts do every year), designers like Alexander Herchcovitch (and his dramatic layered, A-line skirt) opted for a bevy of fabric, making pieces seem over sized. Meanwhile, DelPozo boasted puffed sleeves and looser-fitting dresses, somehow mastering the best of both worlds by making pieces seem forgiving, without drowning the wearer. In other words: You can eat as much holiday desserts as you want, since trends don’t dictate a corset-like silhouette. (Just kidding, you can eat as many holiday treats regardless.)

Fur
Unless you’re picking up a vintage fur (which you can get for about $20 at Value Village or Salvation Army), splurging on a real one is: a) expensive beyond all reason, and b) the subject of a major debate. So instead, here’s a happy alternative: WhileLanvin saw a two-toned fur coat in their Fall/Winter show, H&M debuted a black and white faux piece that capitalises on the two-toned look. Surprisingly, fur can really finish an outfit off, especially paired with a heavy sweater and boots (for a more mix-and-match feel).

Cute Pink Shirt With Shorts

New Year Cakes Recipes

New Year Cakes Recipes

Steamed Chinese New Year Cake Recipe

This traditional steamed Chinese New Year cake, known in Mandarin as nian gao(“higher year”), is flavoured with almond extract and Chinese brown sugar. It’ll bring you good luck in the new year! After a few days, the chewy cake will harden up; Grandma Ruby, who gave us this recipe, dips hardened leftover slices into beaten egg and pan-fries them in vegetable oil to soften the inside and crisp up the outside. What to buy: Chinese brown sugar is made from unrefined cane sugar. It can be found in the dried goods section of Asian markets and is sold in 1-pound bricks that separate into slabs.

Sweet rice flour, also known as glutinous rice flour or mochiko, is produced from sticky rice grains and is actually gluten-free. It’s available at Asian markets in the starch section. Regular rice flour, which is produced from long-grain rice, will not yield the same results.

Dried Chinese red dates, also known as jujubes, are olive-sized, sweet, and prune like, and are used in both savoury and sweet dishes. They can be found in the dried goods section of Asian markets.

Special equipment: If you don’t have a large bamboo steamer, create your own steamer. Take two 24-inch-long pieces of aluminium foil and loosely roll and crumple each one width wise into a 1-inch-thick piece. Form each piece into an “S” shape and place both in a large frying pan or a large straight-sided pan with a tight fitting lid. Add an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Proceed with the recipe, placing the cake pan on top of the foil coils rather than in a bamboo steamer.

INGREDIENTS

   2 cups water, plus more for steaming
• 1 (1-pound) package Chinese brown sugar
• 1 pound sweet rice flour (about 3 cups)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for coating the pan
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 10 dried seedless Chinese red dates, also known as jujubes, for garnish (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS 

1.  Place the measured water and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Set over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 10 minutes. (Do not let it boil.) Remove from heat and let cool until warm to the touch.
2.  Meanwhile, fill a 14-inch wok with about 1 1/2 inches of water and place a 12-inch bamboo steamer inside. (The water should not touch the bottom of the steamer.) If you don’t have a wok and a bamboo steamer, use a large frying pan and foil as described above in “Special equipment.” Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil; set aside.
3.  Place the rice flour in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the sugar-water mixture, beating until smooth, about 2 minutes. If needed, stop to scrape down the sides of the mixer with a rubber spatula.
4.  Add the measured oil and continue beating on low speed until the batter is smooth and the oil is incorporated, about 5 minutes. Add the almond extract and beat until just incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
5. Carefully place the pan in the bamboo steamer or on top of the foil coils. Cover the bamboo steamer with its lid or cover the wok or frying pan with a tight fitting lid or a sheet of aluminium foil. (Do not cover the cake pan directly with a lid or foil.) Steam until the cake is very firm to the touch, about 3 hours, checking every hour and replenishing the wok or pan with hot tap water as needed. While the cake is still warm, garnish with the dates (if using) and sesame seeds. Let cool on a rack to room temperature. Run a knife around the outside of the cake, then slip a thin spatula under the cake to lift it out. Serve it sesame seed side up.

Confetti Cake

What you'll need

• Cake
• 1 1-pound box angel food cake mix
• 1/4 cup colored candy sprinkles
•  Frosting
• 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• 8 teaspoons cold water
• 2 cups whipping cream (unwhipped)
• 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Colored sprinkles

 Decorations

• 2 decorative cake sprays (available at party stores)
• Wire star garland (available at party stores)
• 1 sheet of shiny or metallic colored paper (for year star)
• Marker
• Tape

How to make it

1.  Follow the directions on the cake mix box, but just before pouring the batter into the tube pan, add the sprinkles.
2.  Mix them quickly and gently with as few strokes as possible and pour the batter into the pan immediately. If you mix and pour too slowly, the colors may bleed and color the surrounding batter.
3.  Make the frosting right before you plan to apply it so that it doesn't set. For best results, apply the frosting, sprinkles, and decoration no more than an hour before serving.
4.  Combine the gelatin and water in a small saucepan.
5.  Let it stand until thick.
6.  Set the pan over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves. Don't let it boil, as that would reduce the gelling power of the gelatin.
7.  Remove the gelatin from the heat. While it cools a bit, combine the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl and whip them with an electric mixer until the mixture thickens slightly.
8.  Gradually pour the liquid gelatin (don't let it set) into the whipped cream mixture and continue to beat at slow speed until blended. Then whip it at high speed until it's stiff and peaks form when you lift the beaters.
9.  Frost the completely cooled cake with a generous, fluffy layer, making swirls and peaks as you go.
10.  Add confetti (colored sprinkles) and the sparkly year decoration. (Tip: We applied the sprinkles to the sides of the cake by lightly tossing them against the frosting. After we stuck our store-bought metallic sprays entwined with a star garland into the cake, we cut a 2-inch star out of paper, wrote the year numerals on it, and taped it to the sprays.) Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

New Year Wallpapers 2014

New Year Wallpapers 2014

New Year is just around the corner and we all are getting ready with the preparations of celebrating it the best possible way. Each one of us has different ideas of celebrating the end of this year and the beginning of next year. What have you decided for the special day? Well, as far as designers are concerned I am sure lot many of you are planning to sit down and look for inspirational stuff while others might be looking for cool wallpapers to deck up their desktops. Correct me if I am wrong!

If this is what you are looking for then certainly you would feel glad for having open up this article for as the header goes, our article comprises of amazing fresh New Year wallpapers. With the festivity fervor on we are continuously coming up with articles to suit the festive mood and help you by making your search easier.

How about not wasting more time in talking about it further and simply jumping on to sneaking a peek at these visually stunning wallpapers for New Year 2014? Obviously, nothing like that so let me begin with it without adieu.

New Year’s Day is probably the oldest of all holidays and celebrated everywhere on the planet. New Year’s Day mark the finish of a single calendar year and beginning of a further. The date of New Year’s Day varies in nations across the globe this is for the reason that distinct nations and communities stick to distinct calendars. Most countries in the world have adopted Gregorian Calendar and celebrate their New Year Day on January 1. It truly is the celebrations of this New Year Day which we shall go over beneath this section.

Celebrating the New Year Day 2014 people today welcome the coming year and bid adieu for the old. People today express their wish that the new year are going to be filled with well being, happiness and prosperity for themselves and all their dear ones. Feasting and merry-making is an integral element of New Year’s Day celebrations

Happy New year 2014 Celebrations

New Year’s Day is mentioned to become the oldest and most universally celebrated holiday. The tradition of celebrating New Year’s Day is mentioned to possess started by Romans circa 153 BC. Romans celebrated their New Year on March 1 in line with old Roman Calendar. Even ahead of the Romans, Mesopotamians are mentioned to have celebrated new years at the time with the vernal equinox in mid-March about 2000 BC. Immediately after a series of alterations in calendar, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII instituted the Gregorian calendar still in use today, and set January 1 as New Year’s Day.

Celebrations for New Year’s Day start on the eve of the New Year on December 31. Late night parties and bashes are organized to provide farewell to the year gone by and welcome the New Year. Just as the clock strikes for midnight, people hug absolutely everyone around and wish each other a ‘Happy New Year’. Cakes are cut and firecrackers are burst to offer a celebratory welcome to the upcoming year.

There is also a really strong tradition to make New Year Resolutions on January 1. This can be performed to give away old terrible habits and adopt far better ones. A number of the most well known New Year resolutions involve weight reduction, quitting smoking, providing up junk food and being punctual. Though it has been noticed that lots of individuals fail to help keep their resolutions a week after New Year’s Day, the importance of making a fresh New Year’s Day resolution every year is still exactly the same. Numerous countries observe a vacation on New Year’s Day. And in some countries, specially these dominated by Christians have their Christmas vacation extended till New Year’s Day. Hence, persons have each of the time and factors to celebrate the occasion. A well-liked trend is always to go out for vacations in tourist locations. Those that are unable to go in far off locations go out for picnics, campings, trekking, skiing and so on. A huge rush can also be observed in malls, theaters and restaurants as lots of individuals specifically, youngsters celebrate the New Year’s by moving out with their dear ones. Some nations organize New Year Day Parades and Sports, a lot of people participate and witness these joyful events. Individuals who choose a little of sobriety organize New Year’s Day parties in their homes and invest the initial day of your year with their mates and dear ones.

In modern day times, media, for instance newspapers, magazines, radio and tv make a evaluation from the pas year. They give reports recollecting the events of the past and make predictions for the coming year. A variety of types of astronomical predictions for the coming year are also made that are lapped up by men and women as well eager to peep into the coming year.

2014 New Year wallpaper

Self Harm Treatment

Self Harm Treatment

Self-Injury is a deliberate, non-suicidal behavior that inflicts physical harm on one's body to relieve emotional distress. Self-injury has a paradoxical effect in that the pain self-inflicted actually sets off an endorphin rush, relieving the self-harmer from deep distress. It's important to note that self-injury does not involve a conscious intent to commit suicide - and as such, the clinical term for this behavior is called Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI), NSSI can take many forms from cutting, picking, burning, bruising, puncturing, embedding, scratching or hitting one's self, just to name a few.

In its simplest form, NSSI is a physical solution to an emotional wound. Generally, it is a deliberate, private act that is habitual in occurrence, not attention-seeking behavior, nor meant to be manipulative. Self-injurers are often secretive about their behaviors, rarely letting others know, and often cover up their wounds with clothing, bandages, or jewelry.

Symbolically speaking, deliberately injuring one's self can be viewed as a method to communicate what cannot be spoken. With self-harm, the skin is the canvas and the cut, burn or bruise is the paint that illustrates the picture. Most individuals who self-injure are struggling with emotional expression. This clinical experience is known as Alexithymia - the inability to recognize emotions and their subtleties and to understand or describe thoughts and feelings. Many other self-harmersare struggling with internal conflicts, may have anxiety, depression, may have experienced physical or sexual abuse, or other more serious psychological concerns.

Statistically speaking, approximately 4% of the population in the United States uses NSSI as a way of coping. Individuals who self-injure are represented in all SES brackets in the United States with the behavior usually starting in adolescence. Girls and women tend to self-injure more than boys and men, but this may be represented by the fact that females tend to turn to professional help more than males.

Those Who Self-Injure Are Often Trying To:

* Distract themselves from emotional pain
* End feelings of numbness
* Offset feelings of low self-esteem
* Control helplessness or powerlessness
* Calm overwhelming or unmanageable feelings
* Maintaining control in chaotic situations
* Self-punish, self-shame or self-hate
* Express negative thoughts or feelings that cannot be put into words
* Self-nurture or self-care

10 Tips for Reducing Self-Injury

1) Create an Emergency Kit. Place positive things in your kit like photos of people you love, notes to yourself or from friends or family, a journal for writing, markers or art supplies for artistic expression, an inspirational poem, beloved stuffed animal, upbeat music, favorite scents, things like that.

2) Use positive imagery. Visualize yourself moving through your painful moment without self-harming. Research shows that using positive visualization can keep you in-the-moment which is a key tool for recovery.

3) Hold your ground. Sensory Grounding experiences like holding something soft, listening to soothing music, drawing or writing, for example, can interrupt the trance-like state that often comes with self-harm, shifting you towards more positive behaviors.

4) Reboot your mind. Reframe your thoughts toward helpful statements, also known as Cognitive Grounding Skills, like "Who am I really mad at?""What is setting me off?" or "I am safe and I am in control." These can re-orient you to the here-and-now.

5) Know your triggers. Become aware of what issues bend or break you. Try to dilute your exposure to them, call upon others to help you move through them and remind yourself that you can emerge from them successfully.

6) Take a detour. Reroute self-harm by using less severe forms of sensations. Holding an ice cube, tearing or shredding paper or a sheet, snapping a rubber band against your skin, sucking a lemon peel are ways to dilute the need to experience pain.

7) Move your body. Consider the adrenaline rush of running, dancing, holding a yoga pose, jumping rope to offset urges to self-harm. The rush of adrenaline has been known to produce the similar chemical surge that comes from self-injury.

8) Forgive yourself. As you try to interrupt your self-harming behaviors, know that it may not come as easily some days as others. Should you find that you've lapsed into self-harming, remind yourself that change is a process. Learn to forgive and be kind to yourself as you start anew.

9) Be supportive. If you know someone who may be self-injuring, offer support and try not to shame or criticize the NSSI behavior. Self-injury behaviors can be successfully treated, so help your friend or family member by encouraging them to seek help.

10) Consider calling a therapist. Remember that having an urge to self harm is not the same as actually self harming. If you can distract yourself from self-injury, you are well on your way to recovery. However, if the urges win out, not allowing you to reduce your self-harm behaviors, consider working with a professional

27 Easy Ways To Sleep Better

27 Easy Ways To Sleep Better

The average person spends more than one third of his/her life asleep. But don’t be fooled — just because the body is sleeping doesn’t mean it’s slacking off. During sleep, the body repairs itself so that when the alarm clock goes off, our bodies are renewed and refreshed. Tossing and turning all night can affect judgement, productivity, and the ability to retain information the next day. Over time, it can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and — of course — a chronic bad attitude. (Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?) So whether or not you're a morning person, check out our list on how to sleep better tonight — and thank us in the morning.

Disclaimer: While factors like stress or big life changes can bring on a few sleepless nights, prolonged trouble sleeping could be a sign of another issue like depression or a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. If these are worries, schedule a doctor’s visit to get things checked out. A medical professional might suggest a hormone test or another kind of evaluation to make sure everything’s okay.

27 Easy Ways To Sleep Better

1. Establish a bedtime routine. This lets the body know it’s time to unwind from the day’s stress and chill. Figure out a schedule and stick to it every night of the week — even weekends!

2. Journal. Thinking about or doing stressful activities can cause the body to release stress hormones, leading to alertness. But writing out stressful thoughts in a journal can help us avoid restlessness once we hit the sheets. Studies suggest certain types of journaling allow us to focus on the positive instead of the negative aspects of our day.

3. Munch on magnesium. Research suggests magnesium plays a key role in our ability to sleep through the night. Try chewing on magnesium-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, and Swiss chard. Or pop a ZMA supplement, another form of magnesium, about half an hour before bedtime. 4. Try a cup of chamomile tea. This herbal drink can reduce anxiety that might make it more difficult to fall asleep.

5. Exercise regularly. Studies suggest some aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety and improve quality of sleep in people who suffer from insomnia.

6. Work out earlier in the day. While exercise can help improve sleep quality, it’s important to schedule workouts that end at least two hours before hitting the hay so that post-workout adrenaline boost doesn’t keep you up.

7. Take a power nap during the day. Ten to 30 minutes in the mid-afternoon is best to ensure a good night’s sleep. Any longer and we risk falling into deeper stages of sleep, which can leave us feeling groggy when we wake up.

8. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep. While many of us don’t get nearly that much, sleep deprivation has been linked to high cortical levels (aka more stress). Recent research also suggests not sleeping enough is linked to insulin, a condition in which the body can’t process insulin efficiently and a risk factor for diabetes.

9. Bedroom activities only, please. Reserve the bed for bedtime-only activities so the mind associates the bedroom with relaxation. Sleep and sex, yes. Work and bills, not so much. 10. Create a comfortable environment. Whether that means picking the perfect mattress, splurging on 800-thread-count sheets, getting heavy-duty curtains to block out light, or keeping a fan in the room for background noise, make sure it’s comfy before climbing into bed. Share a bed? Work with your partner to make any changes necessary so everyone sleeps well.

11. Keep the bedroom slightly cool. Fahrenheit’s ideal. A room with extreme temperatures leads to more frequent awakenings and lighter sleep.

12. Take a hot shower or bath before bed. This can help the mind relax, while the rise and fall of body temperature induces sleepiness.

13. Set a daily wake up time. Just like it’s best to go to bed at the same time every day, it’s a good idea to keep a consistent wake up time — even on the weekends. Irregular bedtime and wake-up hours can lead to poor sleep patterns?

14. Make up for lost sleep. Stayed up too late the past few nights? Tack on an extra hour tonight to repay sleep debt and get back on track.

15. Keep caffeine fixes to mornings and early afternoons. Drinking it too late in the evening can lead to an unwelcome bedtime boost. For some people, the effects of caffeine can last the whole work day — up to 10 hours after that last vents macchiato.

16. Don’t toss and turn. Can’t fall asleep? If you’ve been lying in bed awake for more than 20 minutes, get out of bed and try a relaxing activity like reading or listening to mellow music. Thinking about not sleeping will bring on even more anxiousness — it’s a vicious cycle.

17. Check the medicine cabinet. Certain medications might be interfering with sleep. Think a prescription is the culprit to a sleepless night? Talk to a doctor about potential side effects and how to deal with them.

18. Leave Fluffy on the floor. Sleeping with pets can interfere with sleep. Snuggle before bedtime and then let them get comfortable elsewhere.

19. Face the alarm clock away. Watching the time tick by can actually cause more stress and make it harder to fall asleep. Plus, artificial light from electronic gadgets can mess up our circadian rhythm, making our bodies’ think it’s time to stay up and party. 20. Get tetchy. Check out the variety of Smart phone apps and other gadgets designed to help usher in a better night’s sleep. Tracking sleep over a long period of time can also help us pinpoint what’s helping — and hurting — our snooze time.

21. Listen to soothing music. It can improve both sleep quality and duration. Try classical, folk, or slow-paced contemporary styles for some soothing sounds.

22. Sniff some lavender. This scent can actually be an antidote to insomnia. Try burning lavender-scented candles or essential oils to ease into sleep.

23. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Starting with the feet tense the muscles. Hold for a count of five and then relax. Do this for every muscle group in the body, working up from the feet to the top of the head. A nightly meditation practise that involves focusing on the breath can also help prepare the body for sleep.

24. Dim the lights. Bright lighting, in particular the “blue light” emitted by most electronic devices, might contribute to sleep disturbances. Tech-savvy insomniacs might want to check out the special glasses designed to block blue light and help us snooze through the night.

25. Get some fresh air. Exposure to daylight helps regulate the body’s internal and with it, sleep timing. Getting some sunlight also keeps daytime fatigue at bay, leading to more sleepiness at bedtime.

26. Establish an “electronic curfew.” The artificial lights from computers, TVs, and cell phones might make it more difficult for the body to understand when it’s time to wind down. And one study suggests limiting TV at bedtime can reduce sleep debt.

27. Drink something warm. While a glass of warm milk might not be medically pr oven to bring on sleep, the relaxation that comes with sipping on a mug of a “comfort drink” like warm milk, hot chocolate, or tea can make those eyelids a bit heavier.

Gift Wrapping Ideas

Gift Wrapping Ideas

A gift or a present is an object given without the expectation of payment. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money,goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy. By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness. In many cultures they are traditionally packaged in some manner. For example, in Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the recipient's name, and the giver's name. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck. In some contexts gift giving can be construed as bribery. This tends to occur in situations where the gift is given with an implicit or explicit agreement between the giver of the gift and its receiver that some type of service will be rendered (often outside of normal legitimate methods) because of the gift. Some groups, such as government workers, may have strict rules concerning gift giving and receiving so as to avoid the appearance of impropriety. First up, paper inspired by mid-century modern motifs, patterns, and designs. We love the warm colours, squiggly lines, and offbeat polka dots. Yes, polka dots can be offbeat.

Gift wrapping refers to the act of enclosing a gift in some sort of material.Wrapping paper is a kind of paper designed for gift wrapping. Gifts may also be wrapped in a box. They may be held closed with ribbon and topped with a decorative bow (an ornamental knot made of ribbon). In Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the receiver's name and the giver's name. In the United States, an additional 5 million tons of waste are generated over the Christmas gift-giving period; four million tons of this is wrapping paper and shopping bags.[4] Some people attempt to avoid this by unwrapping gifts with care to hopefully allow the paper to be reused, while others use decorated cloth gift sacks that can be easily reused many times; both of these concepts are part of the Green Gifting trend that encourages recycling. Additionally, some people use old newspapers instead of wrapping paper. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck. In Japanese culture, wrapping paper and boxes are common. However, the traditional cloth wrapping called furoshiki is increasing in popularity, particularly as an ecologically friendly alternative to wrapping paper.[5] In Korean culture, bojagi are sometimes used for gift wrapping. A yedanbo is a ceremonial gift bojagi used to wrap wedding gifts from the bride's family to the members of the groom's.

How to Wrap Large Presents

• Get enough wrapping paper.(a few yards will be plenty)

• Put the roll part on your left side and roll a few feet out of it.(2 is suggested)

• Stick the end of the wrapping paper to the end of the left side of the box.(present preferred in a box.Box should be lying horizontally for now)

• Cut a inch farther than the left side of the box and stick that as far as it would go without ripping.

• Place the whole present vertically and slide it so that there is about the same amount of wrappings on each end.

• Fold the sides of the end in and fold the rest in.

• Tie a bow and it's ready to go!

How to Use Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil is commonly used in the kitchen for packaging, baking, and cooking, but its usefulness doesn't stop there. Here's how to make the most out of a roll of aluminium foil in ways you probably never thought you could.

• Use aluminium foil on food.

• Pull out a piece of foil, and crush it with your hands forming a ball.

• Place a piece of aluminium foil on couch cushions, to keep your animals off.

• Move your furniture either to redecorate, or paint the walls.

• Make the painting easier also by lining the metal roller pan with aluminium foil before pouring in the paint.

• Wrap gifts with decorative foil.

Follow the Arrow

Oreo Cupcakes

                       Oreo Cup Cakes

They are probably the best Oreo cakes I have ever tried. A lot of cake's that I have experimented with before are like a vanilla cake with bits of Oreo in them, which didn't really give them enough Oreo flavor. But these were a lot better. I used a dark chocolate fudge cake mix instead of just a regular chocolate cake mix, which went really well with the cookies and gave the cakes just a little more flavor. So, in this recipe there is Oreo's in the cake, in the frosting, and at the bottom is a Oreo surprise. That's right, you put a whole Oreo at the bottom of the cake. The cookie stays firm, which makes it a little interesting to eat against the soft cake, but it actually gave a really yummy crunch. Overall this is an amazing cake. Super full of flavor and so fun!! Enjoy :)

Estimated Cooking Time: About 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package Oreo Cookies, regular size
• 1 package Mini Oreo Cookies, for decoration (optional)
• 1 package chocolate cake mix (mix according to directions on box)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

cupcake liners

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix packaged cake mix according to directions (do not bake). Line cupcake tins with liner, place a regular size Oreo cookie in the bottom of each liner. Take 1/2 of remaining cookies and chop coarsely and add to cake mix. Fill the cupcake tins. Bake for 15 minutes (or according to box directions). While cupcakes are baking make the frosting.
• Cream together butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla, then add powdered sugar slowly until blended well. Chop remaining regular-sized Oreos very fine (I put the cookies in the food processor instead of trying to chop them up super fine and it worked out really well). Add to frosting. After cupcakes have cooled frost and decorate with Mini Oreos.
• Finding quality ready-made pumpkin desserts can be tricky, but why go searching for one when you can make your own? Dark chocolate combined with the sweet flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon make for a delectable fall treat! These cupcakes also contain a surprising ingredient that makes the cakes moist and delicious: coconut oil. Enjoy!

Spiced Chocolate Cupcake With Creamy Cinnamon-Pumpkin Frosting

• 1 cup light soy milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1/4 cup vegan margarine
• 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. pumpkin purée
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2-1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

A few drops of red and yellow food colors (to make orange) Sprinkles, optional

• Pour the soy milk into a small saucepan and add the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the cinnamon steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon with a spoon once the soy milk is at room temperature.

• Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly coat a cupcake pan with cooking spray and place liners in the hollows.

• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the sugar, oil, and the vanilla and almond extracts to the soy milk. Whisk until well combined.

• Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking until smooth. Do not over-mix. Ladle the batter into the liners until they are about three-quarters full.

• Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. • Place the vegan margarine, vegan cream cheese, and pumpkin in a medium-size bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until creamy and smooth. Sift in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and beat until well combined. Sift in the second cup and beat. Repeat for the third cup. The frosting should be thick.

• Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and food coloring. Beat until well combined. Taste to make sure it’s spiced properly—it should taste primarily of pumpkin! Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to use.

• Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread on the frosting and decorate with optional sprinkles.

Designer Girls Cloths For Winter

Designer Girls Cloths For Winter

Wool has the most absorbent fibbers of all fabrics. Wool fabrics can absorb up to 30% of their weight without feeling heavy or damp. Cotton fabrics begins to feel damp after 15% of their weight gets wet. The absorbent fibbers "breathe" by whacking away moisture from the body and releasing it into the air. This quality makes wool fabrics comfortable to wear in warm and cold weather. When wool fabrics are dyed, the dye reaches to the core of the fibber and bonds permanently. Almost any colour and dye can be used.

Wool fabrics clean easily because dirt sits on the surface of the fibber. The outside surface of the wool fibber consists of a series of overlapping scales, similar to the feathers on a bird, making it easy to brush off and for stains to lift out of it. Science has tried but, so far, has not succeeded in producing a fibber with all of the qualities of the natural wool fibber. Wool fabric doesn't collect much static because of its absorbent fibbers. Static attracts lint, dirt, and dust. Wool fabrics are naturally flame-retardant. Wool fibber that is set on fire will extinguish itself when the flame is removed. That's why safety guidelines recommend smothering a small fire with a wool blanket or using a wool blanket for protection when escaping a larger fire. Wool fabrics resist wrinkles. Wool has a natural crimp making it the most resilient fibber. You can count on wool to keep its shape. Wool fabrics are easy to sew.

Limitations of Wool Fabrics

Wool fabrics can be damaged by excessive and direct heat. Always use steam when pressing wool.

The strong alkali's found in laundry soaps and detergents cause wool fibbers to lose their soft luster; always use a mild detergent.

Never put wool clothing in the dryer! The combination of heat, friction and pressure will cause shrinkage Moths find wool fabrics extremely tasty. They will eat through other types of fabric and sometimes even plastic to get to it.

Never, never bleach wool fabrics! A small amount of bleach on wool will make its fibbers stiff and yellow. Large amounts will dissolve the fibber.

Wool is a natural fibber, shorn primarily from sheep as well as goats and llamas, that has long been used to create warm and durable clothing and blankets.

 Modern uses of wool extend beyond winter attire, as wool can be found in carpeting, insulation, felt and luxury suits.

Wool is different than fur: it has characteristic bends, or crimps, along the fibber, has the capacity to stretch when woven and grows in clusters known as staples. The crimps let the fibbers bunch together, which results in a bulkier material that also acts as a superior insulator. Fine wool, such as Merino, may have dozens of crimps per inch, while rougher wools may only have a handful. Wool fabric has the unique ability to stretch much further than silk, cotton, or other natural fibbers and regains its original shape after being stretched. It has an extremely high absorbency rate and is flame retardant, which makes it useful in firefighters' uniforms and carpeting in trains and air planes. Wool also does not build up static cling; the fabric will not cling to the body or produce a spark. Wool is naturally absorbent, and can absorb almost 1/3 of its own weight.

Finger Glove is a very light clothing item made of leather which covers 40% of your hands, and which has no storage capacity. It barely occupies any space, doesn't encumber you at all, and will keep the areas it covers barely warm. It offers very low protection against bashing attacks and very low protection against cutting ones (that includes bullets), while offering no protection from environmental hazards. It has no extra particularities. Blankets were traditionally made of wool because of wool's warmth, breath ability and natural fire-retardant properties, while sheets were made of cotton or linen, which are less irritating to the skin. Nowadays, synthetic fibres are frequently used for both. Throw blankets are smaller blankets, often in decorative colours and patterns, that can be used for extra warmth outside of bed. Blankets are sometimes used as comfort objects by small children. Socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration. In cold environments, socks decrease the risk of frostbite. The clothing's name is derived from the loose-fitting slipper, called a soccus in Latin, worn by Roman comic actors.

Trendy Style

Nail Art Design Ideas

Nail Art Design Ideas

Nail art is a creative activity that draws pictures or designs fingernails. It a type of art. These days fingernails and toenails are seen by some as important points of beauty. Also, it is a type of fashion activity, related to manicuring. There are commercial shops ('nail bars') where nails are worked on to make them attractive. The main product is acrylicnails with ready-made designs which can be stuck on top of natural nails. Nail polish is a lacquer applied to human finger or toe nails to decorate and protect thenail plate. Today's nail polish is a refined version similar to the paint on vehicles. However, its formula has been revised repeatedly to prevent the cracking or flaking that occurs with the natural movement of the nail.

Traditionally, nail polish started in clear, red, pink, purple, and black. Since that time, many new colors and techniques have developed, resulting in nail polish which can be found in an extremely diverse variety of colors. Beyond solid colors, nail polish has also developed an array of other designs and colors, such as nail polish stamps, crackled, magnetic, nail polish strips and stickers. Fake rhinestones are also often applied. Some types of polish are advertised to cause nail growth, make nails stronger, prevent nails from breaking, cracking and splitting, and to stop nail biting. Nail polish may be applied as one of several components in a manicure.

Go make yourself a cup of tea and get ready to learn! Nail art is immerging as a most interesting trend for girls these days. Every girl want to have artistic designs on her nails in order to make her nails look more pretty and beautiful. When the whole world is cold and freezing, winter nail art designs can surely make your heart go warm. Winter is coming and it’s time for you get ready to look as gorgeous as ever. Manicures (for the hands) and pedicures (for the feet) are health and cosmetic procedures to groom, trim, and paint the nails and manage calluses. They require various tools such as cuticle scissors, nail scissors, nail clippers, and nail files. Artificial nails can also be fixed onto real nails for cosmetic purposes. A person whose occupation is to cut, shape and care for nails as well as to apply overlays such as acrylic and UV Gel is sometimes called a nail technician. The place where a nail technician works may be a nail salon or nail shop or nail bar. Painting the nails with coloured nail polish(also called nail lacquer and nail varnish). If you're just starting to get into nail art. These articles are designed to help familarize you with all the fun stuff that goes along with being a nail artist.

Nail polish is removed with nail polish remover or nail pads, which is an organic solvent, but may also include oils, scents and coloring. Nail polish remover packages may include individual felt pads soaked in remover, a bottle of liquid remover that can be used with a cotton ball or cotton pad, and even containers filled with foam that can be used by inserting a finger into the container and twisting until the polish comes off. The most common type of nail polish remover contains the volatile organic compound acetone. It is powerful and effective, but is harsh on skin and nails, which makes them more brittle. It can also be used to remove artificial nails, which are usually made of acrylic. Less toxic is the compound ethyl acetate, the active ingredient in non-acetone nail polish removers, which also often contain isopropyl alcohol. Ethyl acetate is generally the solvent in nail polish itself.

Looking for a beautiful and gorgeous way to add flair to your look? Nail art can complement your outfit for a special event or add a unique touch to your personality every day. While very detailed nail art is best left to professionals, there are a number of designs you can create yourself.Try duotones, glitter and jewels, polka dots, blended colors, marbling or stamping to create a gorgeous effect.

A Phenomenon

Blue Velvet Blue Nail Polish

Enamored in Evelyn

Gray Mani With Silver Tips

Nude Nails With Silver Glitter Tips

So sophisticated!

Table Napkins Cloth

Table Napkins Cloth

It’s time to start prepping for the biggest meal of the year: Thanksgiving! And to us, the table setting is just as important as the feast. We showed you ways to dress up your dining table starting with cute coasters and modern candle holders, and now we’re moving on to beautiful cloth napkins. Luxe linen napkins are dotted with topsy-turvy triangles. We love the bright pops of color against the textured beige fabric. We just found the ultimate modern linen. A stark white background is an obvious canvas choice for a jumble of hand-drawn shapes.  Give your table setting an unmistakable fall feel with these denim-colored napkins. Flocks of screen printed geese add an even more rustic touch. As fans of all things gilded, we couldn’t pass up these gold-flecked napkins. Their stunning shimmer is sure to make any table setting feel all the more special. A scalloped pattern and leafy palm fronds make the most gorgeous, organic-feeling napkin pattern. Plus, these are perfect to have on hand for any red wine spills!. Are you sitting at the dinner table thinking “Yo this meal is hella tasty!” Now your napkin can sing praises of the chef for you! ;) These whimsical napkins are nothing but cute. We love how bright colors tie these mismatched shapes together. n’t throw your next dinner party without these celebratory napkins!. A table setting on a table setting? How meta! Color block napkins? Count us in! A cool zig zag pattern makes these cheery cotton napkins feel so inviting. We got a good laugh out of these irreverent napkins that tell your guests to mind their manners. This set comes with four different etiquette reminders, including “elbows off the table” and “chew with your mouth closed.”

The napkin is often folded and placed to the left of the place setting, outside the outermost fork. In an ambitious restaurant setting or a caterer's hall, it may be folded into more or less elaborate shapes and displayed on the empty plate. Origami techniques can be used (replacing the traditional paper method with the serviette/napkin) to create a 3D design e.g. a crane (bird). A napkin may also be held together in a bundle (with cutlery) by a napkin ring. Alternatively, paper napkins may be contained with a napkin holder. Napkins were used in ancient Roman times.

The napkin ring, occasionally called a serviette ring, was originally used to identify the napkins of a household between weekly wash days. The standard napkin ring is a simple ring made from skewers. The figural napkin ring is an American specialty in which the simple napkin ring is part of a small figure or sculpture that may take any shape and show any motif. Napkin rings appear as single items with the name or initials of the owner, notably given as christening presents, or pairs often given as gifts at weddings and silver weddings. In the English speaking countries, numbered sets of 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 napkin rings are found. Napkin rings are an invention of the European bourgeoisie, first appearing in France about 1800 and soon spreading to all countries in the western world. Most 19th century napkin rings were made of silver or silver plate, but others were made in bone, wood, pearl embroidery, porcelain, glass, and other materials. In the 20th century bakelite and other new materials were used.

Proper Use Of Napkins

Using the napkin at formal occasions, as with much else associated with etiquette, should be a delicate affair. It is meant only to be dabbed at the lips and should not get dirty in the process. It might seem that the napkin is provided precisely so that it can help the diner clean up any mess that might occur during the course of the meal. Of course, this was its original use, (once the tablecloth itself ceased to be used as a napkin), and at an informal occasion such as a barbeque, it still performs this service. The more formal the event, the more ceremonial the presence of the napkin, because the purpose of nearly every aspect of table manners is to preserve cleanliness and proper appearance. If all other elements of the meal are going well, there will be no danger of smudging the linen. 

Starting
As soon as you are seated, remove the napkin from your place setting, unfold it, and put it in your lap. At some very formal restaurants, the waiter may do this for the diners, but it is not inappropriate to place your own napkin in your lap, even when this is the case. If your napkin falls on the floor during a very formal event, do not retrieve it. You should be able to signal a member of the serving staff that you need a fresh one. 

Finishing
When you leave the table at the end of the meal, place your napkin loosely next to your plate. It should not be crumpled or twisted, which would reveal untidiness or nervousness, respectively; nor should it be folded, which might be seen as an implication that you think your hosts might reuse it without washing. The napkin must also not be left on the chair. There is a European superstition that a diner who leaves the napkin on his chair will never sit at that table again, but other, less supernatural, reasons are often cited for this, such as, it might seem as if you have an inappropriately dirty napkin to hide, or even that you are trying to run off with the table linens. 

Elbows Off Napkins

Boys Designer Shoes

Boys Designer Shoes

While some of us appreciate the hidden height, others are firm believers that the only kind of pumps appropriate in a sneaker are those of the Reebock variety. What’s your stance?  We’ll kick things off with the least offensive pair of hidden-wedge sneakers we could find. This unassuming high top could easily join in the footwear rotation with your Converse and Tom’s. This pair of kicks has one of our absolute favorite shoe embellishments: studs! Neatly lined around the top and toe, the small studs add understated flair to these high tops. While these bright red high tops are definitely more of a statement, their sleek design keeps things classy. Leave it to the folks as adidas to give us a stupendously streamlined sneaker. Oh snap! Large round snaps replace laces on these hidden wedge sneakers that come in three neutral colors (black—like you see here—as well as cream and beige). We love the mix of sporty and street wear in this pair.  Reach great heights with these blue leather high tops that combine the hidden wedge with a trendy platform. The result is one seriously fashion-forward shoe. The bold details on these hidden-wedge sneakers are to die for. Quilted leather and two glaringly gold zippers makes this a go-to look for going out. We had to look twice to make sure this elegant-looking shoe was actually a sneaker. Its exaggerated upper and curving wedge heel make it look like one of the chicest lace-up boots we’ve ever seen. Definitely worth the super-splurge in our book. Who knew that mesh could look so marvelous? Especially when it’s paired with luxe-looking faux leather. Sheer panels transform this hidden-wedge sneaker into something a bit more formal. A double dose of chunky buckles help these shiny hidden-wedge sneakers achieve rock star status. Side cutouts help to balance out their edgy look. Graduated cutouts give this hidden-wedge high top a lighter feel. These would look insanely cute kicking out from underneath a black maxi skirt. Live in a part of the country where temperatures plummet past October? Beat Jack Frost in style with this cozy pair! A three inch wedge isn’t the only thing amping up this pair of kicks. A cap toe of spiky studs and crocodile-embossed leather straps sling around these fierce hidden-wedge sneakers. The queen of wedge sneakers gets a metallic makeover that we have to admit we’re in to. Grey suede plays down the intensity of the shimmery leather, making this pair an easy everyday wear. Alright, things just got WAY sportier in this roundup! These sneakers are legit heeled-gym shoes. While these come in a variety of colors, we’re most smitten with the modest combination of baby blue and white. Ever wonder what it would look like if you slapped a wedge heel onto your Converse? Love it or hate it, this high top leaves little to the imagination.

A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot while doing various activities. Shoes are also used as an item of decoration. The design of shoes has varied enormously through time and from culture to culture, with appearance originally being tied to function. Additionally, fashion has often dictated many design elements, such as whether shoes have very high heels or flat ones. Contemporary footwear varies widely in style, complexity and cost. Basic sandals may consist of only a thin sole and simple strap. High fashion shoes may be made of very expensive materials in complex construction and sell for thousands of dollars a pair. Other shoes are for very specific purposes, such as boots designed specifically for mountaineering or skiing.

Traditionally, shoes have been made from leather, wood or canvas, but are increasingly made from rubber, plastics, and other petro chemical-derived materials.

The foot contains more bones than any other single part of the body. Though it has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years in relation to vastly varied terrain and climate conditions, the foot is still vulnerable to environmental hazards such as sharp rocks and hot ground, against which shoes can protect

Shoes also play an important role in the fairy tales Cinderella and The Red Shoes. In the children's book and movie, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a pair of red ruby slippers play a key role in the plot. The 1985 comedy The Man with One Red Shoe features an eccentric man wearing one normal business shoe and one red shoe that becomes central to the plot.

In the Holy Bible's Old Testament, the shoe is used to symbolize something that is worthless or of little value. In the New Testament, the act of removing one's shoes symbolizes servitude. The Semites regarded the act of removing their shoes as a mark of reverence when approaching a sacred person or place. In the Book of Exodus, Moses was instructed to remove his shoes before approaching the burning bush.

There are a wide variety of different types of shoes. Most types of shoes are designed for specific activities. For example, boots are typically designed for work or heavy outdoor use. Athletic shoes are designed for particular sports such as running, walking, or other sports. Some shoes are designed to be worn at more formal occasions, and others are designed for casual wear. There are also a wide variety of shoes designed for different types of dancing. Orthopedic shoes are special types of footwear designed for individuals with particular foot problems or special needs. Other animals, such as dogs and horses, may also wear special shoes to protect their feet as well.

Depending on the activity for which they are designed, some types of footwear may fit into multiple categories. For example, Cowboy boots are considered boots, but may also be worn in more formal occasions and used as dress shoes. Hiking boots incorporate many of the protective features of boots, but also provide the extra flexibility and comfort of many athletic shoes. Flip-flops are considered casual footwear, but have also been worn in formal occasions, such as visits to the White House.

A boot is a special type of shoe which covers the foot and the ankle and extends up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip. Most boots have a heel that is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the sole, even if the two are made of one piece. They are typically made of leather or rubber, although they may be made from a variety of different materials. Boots are worn both for their functionality — protecting the foot and leg from water, snow, mud or hazards or providing additional ankle support for strenuous activities — as well as for reasons of style and fashion.

Boots are designed to withstand heavy wear to protect the wearer and provide good traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. They may be used for uniforms of the police or military, as well as for protection in industrial settings such as mining and construction. Protective features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle guards.

Some designs of dress shoes can be worn by either gender. The majority of dress shoes have an upper covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, but not covering the ankles. This upper part of the shoe is often made without apertures or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself consist of a series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high to cover the ankles are also available; a shoe with the upper rising above the ankle is usually considered a boot but certain styles may be referred to as high-topped shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe is secured by laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts to ease slipping the shoe on.

Lucas Buckle High Top Black Sneakers