So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Looking for Cake Decorating Lessons Online? You Must Know These Tips to Find the Right One!

By Maria Campbell

If you have been thinking that you might want to take some cake decorating lessons, you are certainly not alone. With the rise of all of these new TV shows that are centered around such talented people creating these amazing cakes, there are a lot of people looking for the right cake decorating course.

Before you run to the store and purchase every cake pan imaginable, you need to invest in some good lessons about how to decorate cakes.

You may remember the first cake you baked with your mother when you were a kid. She might have been really sweet about it, but it was probably pretty ugly, right?

Finding the right cake decorating course is not hard, but you have to know what to look for in the classes. For example, if you decide to take onsite classes, you will have to spend time away from your family while you attend classes.

Onsite classes also tend to be more expensive than online classes. In addition, you cannot take onsite classes at your own pace. There are other students to consider, so if you get confused or lost in class then it will be hard to catch up.

The perk of taking online cake decorating lessons is that you are able to repeat the lessons over and over until you get it right. You can practice as much as you want and need. This will save you from being embarrassed as many people are in a class situation when they do not understand something.

Plus, if you are thinking about starting a cake decorating business you can practice as much as you want and refer back to your materials when you need to for your business. You can become an expert from your own home!

Your new hobby (or business) hinges on finding the best cake decorating lessons that you can afford.

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The Most Elegant Hairstyles For Working Women

By Toni Moretti

There is such a thing as a right hairstyle, and having this particular right hairstyle is a prime substance for working women. For the reason that, along with the swift and fast urban life, there is no more extra time given for maintaining a do.

Having a style that is although simple but nonetheless can be easily changed to offer you different looks that you can choose from is ideal for working women. Zero maintenance is a must for this style, and would not be requiring any type of straightening or even blow drying, and none of those frequent settings with chemicals that are applied to the hair, such as hair gels and hair sprays.

These are the very things that will not only eat your extra time up but is also damaging to your hair in the end. To a certain extent, it is wise to keep the length of your hair short. It will really make the washing a lot more convenient if you are to compare it to having long hair.

Not just that, having shorter length hair is major saver, even if you want to use any styling products. To name a few of the short hairstyles for working women, there is the Razor, Bob, Jagged layers and some more, but you have to be sure that the cut you have chosen will suit to your hair type.

Even if it is suitable for working women to have short hair cuts, it can be a bit dull and inadaptable if compared to medium length cuts. If you have hair a little longer, you can experiment on your looks and be flexible.

Medium length hair is recognized if the hair ends will reach the shoulder, or the collarbone. This is a type of simple hairstyle you can just tie up or let it loose. You even have the privilege of changing the parting on either side to have a more diverse and different look.

You also have the option of simply using a pin and roll up a section of the hair, this will give you an added look that you can try out. Aside from that, you can wear a headband, or a nice butterfly clip for one more look.

There can be a few more hairstyles that I think must and ought to be avoided for the reason that it will make your life a lot more difficult with your work, and will also cause your eyes to strain. Fringes or flicks are a couple of hairstyles that is not good for the office women, you see, these hairstyles are more appropriate for celebrities and party goers for it is more styled that way. These two types of hairstyles will cause a lot of distraction as one they will poke in your eyes, and aside from that, if you often touch your hair it will also distract those who are around you.

The best hairstyles for women of work are those neat, short and can be easily managed.

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Your Guide To Using Carpet Cleaning Shampoos

By Patsy Stiller

Whether you're renting or own your home, carpet cleaning is carpet cleaning. If you opt for the shampoo route, you need to know the cardinal rules of carpet shampooing, so that your efforts pay off with a fresh-smelling clean carpet.

Rule 1: Know your carpet. This means actually reading the carpet label, like the washing instruction tag on your clothes. Or better yet, giving the carpet manufacturer or vendor a quick call or stopping by to pick up a brochure on the cleaning instructions. Whatever brand you decide to go with, read the label carefully so that you get the best match for your carpeting.

Rule 2: Whatever shampoo you use, don't get water-happy. Once you've over-wet a carpet, you really might as well get ready to put it out on the curb for the garbage haulers to pick up. A carpet can be rejuvenated so long as you are kind to it. Over-wetting is a sure guarantee for mildew and carpet stench, and the damage is irreversible.

Rule 3: Be prepared for some mental output or elbow grease. If you're hiring a carpet cleaning company, you don't want to rely on their word that your carpet will be cleaned with the very best of the best shampoos in the world. Do your research. Go onto YahooAsk and ask for testimonials. People who have had a bad carpet experience are only too happy to spread the word that a company is not living up to its reputation. And if you're going the DIY route, don't expect to spray some cleaning shampoo product on, walk away and come back to clean carpets. As a minimum, you'll need to roll up the sleeves and do a heartfelt wall-to-wall vacuuming. And more than likely, you'll need to do some gentle scrubbing.

Rule 4: Don't be tempted by the discount products. If you buy an abrasive solution, and you're too generous with how much of the product you use, you'll damage the carpet fiber. Once you've damaged the carpet fiber, you cant do reverse this damage.

Rule 5: Do a thorough carpet shampoo every 12 to 18 months. If you don't shampoo properly, you can even have patches of carpet rot. And be ready to do a spot shampoo when necessary. But don't stop at the shampooing. Shampooing alone will not do the trick if you don't do routine light cleaning. You need to vacuum your carpets on a regular basis. This will help deal the daily trekking over it, the spills of food and dirt deposits. And it'll help keep the dirt from becoming nicely trodden into the carpet fibers and the colors from being muted. Regular carpet shampooing will extend your carpet lifespan.

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Use Theater Makeup To Dress Up In Halloween Costumes

By Susan West

On Halloween night, regular 'ol everyday makeup is just not going to do! Time to break out the hard stuff; theatrical makeup. With a dab of this and a dash of that, theatrical makeup can transform you into whomever, or whatever you want to be. Not too mention those characters that require much face makeup, such as clowns and mimes. A person would be hard pressed to create the striking clown look without the use of theatrical makeup.

Halloween is such as fun holiday, since both children and adults can dress up as anything imaginable. Stage makeup can be used to make a cute little girl look like a fairy, or even a little boy look like the scariest vampire. Stage makeup can be used to create scars or wounds for those dressing up as zombies and goblins, or it can be used to put fake blood on a witch or other magical character. Stage makeup can make the young look old, the old look young, and the prettiest look like an ugly hag. Theater makeup is great to achieve almost any look for Halloween, and it is fun for all ages. http://www.costumecauldron.com/shop/halloween-costume/Game-Costumes-title0-p-1-c-555.html

We've all been to a school play or two, and what is cuter than seeing your little "apple," or "banana" trying to remember the choreography to that aggressive 2nd Grade number? Well, without the help of theatrical makeup, the extra details that put it all together would be sorely missed. Stage makeup is an essential for grade schools. How else could Mrs. M make Johnny a convincing Abe Lincoln, complete with wrinkles and top hat? Theatrical makeup can basically make you into whatever you want. It is a valuable teaching tool.

Sometimes theatrical makeup is also called "clown makeup." Basically since the image of a clown immediately conjures a white face with distinctive eyes and mouth. Every day makeup could never duplicate this look, which is why the term "clown makeup" was created. If you visit a costume shop and can't find the makeup you are looking for ask for clown or theatrical makeup. The owner will know exactly what you need.

Theater makeup works for adding additional characteristics to almost any character, such as pointed ears or fake wounds. The theater makeup helps to blend the prosthetic parts onto the face and other parts of the body, making them look much more realistic than if they didn't have any makeup. Moles can be added for a witch costume, and funny ears can be applied for fairy or elf costumes. The theater makeup can also add additional effects to the latex prosthetic pieces, such as adding fake blood or pus by using different colors.

You can brighten things up a bit, at sports games while painting your face with your team colors if you have any Halloween makeup hidden away in your cabinets or makeup drawer. There is no better way to show your team spirit while cheering on your favorite sports team while wearing Halloween clown or stage makeup. http://www.costumecauldron.com/Kids-Skeleton-Ghost-Costumes.html

It is possible to transform any actor into a fantasy character, with the use of theater makeup. Halloween costumes as well as any play or performance of children are enhanced by the use of theater makeup. Stage makeup is frequently used by children entertainers such as mimes or clowns, which offers them the possibility of entertaining others while in disguise. The use of theater, stage and Halloween clown makeup is essential for the holidays and school events and every parent should have some on hand for transforming their beautiful children into an array of enchanting creatures. Edited by Glinda Zuladra

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Top Ideas For A French Theme Party

By Damian Jackson

If you're in the mood for being arrogant, throwing insults at your friends and family and indulging in other French stereotypes, then why not throw a French theme party?

A French theme party is also an opportunity for you and your friends to eat French loaf with cheese, drink fine wine and listen to very bad music. See below for our French theme party ideas:

The best part of a French theme party is the costumes. Guys; think black and white horizontal stripy tops, French berets, little beards, thin moustache and an onion necklace. Try and go a week or two without showering or shaving before the party.

For the ladies, you can dress similar if you wish, it will be very funny. Though you really should shower. You can go for a French maid or Marie Antoinette look for an alternative.

For decorations, get a large French flag and give it pride of place on the wall. Set up a photography area right in front so your guests can have their pictures taken. Get plenty of red, white and blue balloons to represent the 3 colors of the French tricolor.

I would try and make your room look like a French cafe. So get plenty of wooden tables and chairs, put fresh flowers around the place etc. Get some models of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees. You can also make displays from your food around the room.

To make your party more memorable, you could consider hiring a mime artist or a French artist to draw pictures of your guests.

For food, consider hiring a French chef to make plenty of hors d'oeuvres. You could place them all on a table and allow your guests to pick and choose. Or you could just make it a cheese eating party, in which case, don't forget the fine French wine! Finally consider hiring a wine expert to give a talk!

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Whimsical Accessories: Art and Paintings for Children

By Charlotte Holder

Working with childrens paintings can often inspire a sense of wonder to those involved. As the years have passed, I have been privileged to work with many artists and decorators who have both experienced and created this sense of wonder.

Childrens painting can definitely inspire or reignite ones sense of whimsy one such artist once told me. He was asked to overhaul the waiting area in a childrens hospital. He was floundering badly to come up with ideas when he ran across a few paintings depicting scenes from one of his long forgotten childhood books. The emotions and memories brought about from these paintings seemed to trigger his long lost sense of childlike whimsy, enabling him to complete the project ahead of schedule. To date that project remains one of his favorites.

Childrens painting can definitely inspire or reignite ones sense of whimsy one such artist once told me. He was asked to overhaul the waiting area in a childrens hospital. He was floundering badly to come up with ideas when he ran across a few paintings depicting scenes from one of his long forgotten childhood books. The emotions and memories brought about from these paintings seemed to trigger his long lost sense of childlike whimsy, enabling him to complete the project ahead of schedule. To date that project remains one of his favorites.

I was once told by a friend who happened to be an administrator at a local rehabilitation center that by hanging childrens paintings in the physical therapy lounge they were able to uplift the spirits of their patients. Both old and young seemed to just have a more optimistic attitude once the bare walls were transformed with the whimsical paintings and accessories.

As told by a decorator friend, whimsical accessories are not only for children but can bring joy to many adults as well. She was working with a couple whose style could only be described as cold and stark. However, as they looked through samples they seemed quite smitten with some childrens paintings 'Lollipop Art'. Not only were the paintings added as a main focal point to the public areas of their house but they seemed to actually infuse a warmth into the couple as well as the house.

Artistic inspiration is yet another effect of childrens paintings. A fellow artist once told me of how he was commissioned to paint a mural of ballerina on the walls of a dance studio. The studio owner was delighted that the mural seemed to have such a positive effect on her young students. The wanted so much to be just like the ballerinas in the mural that they were more focused during class.

As we can see childrens paintings can often be used to inspire a sense of whimsy in ones life--young and old. Everyone can benefit from the inspiration these whimsical accessories can bring.

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Tiffany Cushion Drop Earrings And Your Choice

By Dr. ZhouHa. He

The designer Tiffany cushion drop earrings gives you a choice of fashionable designs that are trendy and chic. Made of the finest sterling silver the earrings are fit for those who do not prefer the clip on earrings. Choose the between the audacious or timeless designs. Each piece of jewelry is specially designed by Tiffany who makes it convenient for everyone to get what he or she needs.

You will treasure the earrings and wear them on many occasions. The stunningly designed and elegant earrings are made by Tiffany and Company. The jewels were uniquely designed originally to impress others by providing you with fashionable and glamorous jewels that you will treasure for life. The unique designs will leave lasting impressions on your friends, family, and people in the communities.

The Tiffany Cushion Drop earrings are designed to last forever since they are made of top-grade quality and designed with Sterling Silver Really 925. Tiffany made the earrings with everyone in mind, since they give you a choice of pricing and other jewelry products to choose from including pendants, sets, necklaces, accessories, bracelets, and rings. You will find great deals on Tiffany products.

Bar drops and many types of hoop, earrings are available which gives you a collection of apple, square, circle, Axis, cushion, curved teardrops, coin-edge, and other styles of hoop earrings. You have a selection of bold and customary designs with the bar drops and other hoop earrings.

Sterling silver lovers will find a wide selection of jewelry designed by Tiffany to compliment your Tiffany Cushion Drop earrings. Currently there is sales going on, which enables you to purchase the Frank Gehry Folded earrings. This unique design provides you with a lasting image. You can wear the earrings on any occasion whether it is anniversary, holidays, graduation, etc.

Tiffany and Company sells some of the highest quality jewelry including crystals and China. While Tiffany sells some costly products, they do have a line of affordable key chains, earrings, money clips, etc and even some affordable products from New York souvenirs. Everyone can enjoy some Tiffany jewels.

In 2002, Tiffany designed their company and opened the doors to sell imported and exported products at the most reasonably priced rates ever. Parenting companies are located in Hong Kong, yet there are other top companies that are located in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and China. Collaborating companies around the globe work with highly regarded traders and distributors to sell you affordable products. Now you can find a larger selection of products since the company has developed fully to meet the needs of global and national consumers.

Tiffany aimed to please everyone by offering top-of-the-line jewels at affordable rates. Fashions and glamorous jewels can be purchased at Tiffany's stores. Tiffany works with suppliers to have the availability to distribute and promote their stylish jewels including necklaces, rings, accessories, and the Tiffany cushion drop earrings at prices you can afford. Save some cash now by shopping at Tiffany's online.

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Zoom in With an SLR Zoom Lens

By James E. Tutten

If you are a photographer, you're probably aware, and know the importance as well as the benefits, of a zoom lens for your DSLR. Because of its narrow angle of view, a telephoto lens is definitely not going to be like a zoom lens.

Zoom lenses can either be telephoto lenses or wide-angle lenses, with a narrow and wide angle of view, respectively. SLR zoom lens is important to be included in your array of lenses because as the name suggests, it zooms in to your subject.

You can get these it can vary from focal lengths of 16mm to up to 400mm. While it has the ability to bring your subject closer to you, these lenses can also be used to change the background of a particular subject. With a longer focal length, your camera now has the ability to separate the subject by blurring its background, resulting in a smooth bokeh that surrounds your subject. Your subject now stands out better.

If you are a sports photographer wanting that one spectacular action shot, this lens is a must. You will be able to zoom in on wherever your athletes are without having to moving yourself. The SLR zoom lens is a must for animal photographers. Long focal length means greater magnification levels, so your subjects look bigger and more prominent, but there is no need for you to move in closer.

Event photographers, as well, benefit much from using zoom lenses. They can zoom in on their subject " for example, a person " while at the same time maintaining a wide angle view of the whole event setting. These lenses are actually very versatile and its up to the photographer to put it to good use. Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus all produce high-quality SLR zoom lens with various focal lengths.

If you are looking for the magnification level of a particular lens, you can divide the largest number by the lowest number. For example, a Canon EF 28-300mm has a 10.7x magnification level. But always remember, you may have a top-of-the-line digital SLR camera with great zoom lens but if you don't have the photographers eye or you don't know how to use it, you'd surely fail.

If you take the time to read, practice, and sometimes follow your own instincts, you will capture pictures and memories you want.

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