October 26, 2009
Celebrate Halloween on a budget

Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns

Halloween is one of the most popular celebrations of the fall and we all love to prepare for it in our unique and original way. But we don’t necessarily need to invest much for having a great Halloween this year; the most important thing is to get inspired by the beautiful season and to follow our imagination.
Here are some easy tips for a Halloween celebrated on a budget:

Pumpkins are the major attraction of this holiday. Why buy them at the local store, where they may be expensive, especially at the beginning of the season, when you can easily find them at farmer’s market or farms. If you wait until the last minute you might even get them for free. If you have a garden, you could plant some pumpkin seeds for the next year, and you will be amazed what cute pumpkins you will have for next year Halloween.

Halloween without candies for kids? Tricky… But you can surprise the children by making something yourself. Think of one easy to make recipe like muffins, cookies or chocolate covered apples. Feel free to add some Halloween flavors and accents. Pack them separately in cellophane bags and be ready for trick-or-treaters.

Thinking about wearing a costume? Boo! You could rent one or make it yourself. There are so many ideas on the Internet that you could choose from, you won’t be able to decide what to go for. Don’t forget the thrift stores where you can find really great and cheap costumes.

Halloween decorations are a must. You can use the ones from last year or find some spooky things at your local thrift store.

If you plan to host a Halloween party, ask everyone who’s invited to bring something to eat or drink. It’s not very polite, but after all, you are offering the location.

Use candles for Halloween evening. It will bring up the Halloween spirit instantly and you’ll save energy as well.

A free way of entertainment is to participate on your local Halloween parties. It can be a great opportunity to wear a costume and to immortalize the moment by taking beautiful pictures.

 ”Trick or treat, smell my feet.
Give me something good to eat.
If you don’t, I won’t be sad.
I’ll just make you wish you had!”

Happy Halloween!

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October 13, 2008
Create an Autumn Wreath

creative autumn wreath

Feeling creative this season? Do you have that autumn inspiration? Now it’s the perfect time to add some autumn-like accents in order to make your home cozy for the season. An autumn wreath is the perfect idea, and guess what, this wreath is going to last as long as you want because it’s all made of twigs and branches. Here are the steps you need to follow.

You’ll need:
*  autumn natural twigs and branches
*  scissors
*  string
*  autumn leaves (natural or artificial)
*  needle and thread
*  ribbon in autumn colors

Begin with picking up the twigs and branches. There are a lot of them around this time of year; you can easily find them near your house, in the park, or even in your own patio. Pick up as many as you like, just imagine how big you want your wreath to be in the end.
Find yourself a work area, a table or a spot on the floor and use old newspapers to cover that special area because it will get pretty messy.
Take the branches, one by one and try to create a circle by joining them together and fasten them with the string. Twist every twig you have until you obtain a nice wreath.
Use a needle to pass the thread through every leaf. Use the thread to fix the leaves on the wreath and cut off the extra thread.
Choose autumn colors for your ribbons, like orange, purple, maroon, yellow or cherry. The final touch is to attach the ribbons on your wreath. Just follow your imagination.
The autumn wreath is ready to decorate your home by adding that special season accent. You can hang it on your front door or window. Enjoy it!

Special tips:
*Don’t choose a rainy, wet day for picking up autumn branches. It’s not a good idea, unless you leave them to dry before you begin your crafting.
*Get creative! You can choose your own autumn elements beside leaves and ribbons. Use your inspiration for the season!

autumn inspirational leaf

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August 5, 2008
The Best Hair Removal Method

bikini summer picture

The best hair removal strategy depends mostly on which part of the body you’re thinking to treat. You can have a favorite technique for the different parts of your body, like face, legs, underarm, bikini, etc. Here are some few tips that might help you deciding what your best hair removal method is.

You might consider the followings:
*  wax strips
*  shaving cream
*  tweezers
*  razors
*  epilator

For legs, arms, and underarms you might consider shaving, which is a fast method and a painless one. First, you have to exfoliate or scrub with a washcloth to lift the hair for a longer-lasting shave.
If you apply some shaving cream, you can obtain a quick work and the razor will slip easily. The post-shaving action is applying some lotion to moisturize the skin.
If you desire a longer-lasting hairless skin, you can use one of the many marks of epilators or at-home hair-removers. They work on all kinds of skin.
For the bikini line the best method is waxing whether at a salon or at home. You can use wax strips. This strategy might be a little painful, but it’s worth it; the hair will grow much harder.
The laser hair removal it hurts less than waxing, and you’ll only need a once a year touch-up after six treatments.
For eyebrows, the tweezers is the best instrument. For upper lip use wax! You have to push the wax in the direction the hair grows and then pull up and across.

Special tips:
*  If you want the best result ever, it is better to go to a salon and leave the hair removal to the hands of the experts.
*  A really good idea is to use in-shower depilatories. Keep the solution on your skin for a few minutes, and then wash it off.

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July 30, 2008
Breakfast Ham and Cheese Omelet

ham and cheese breakfast omelet on toast

If you have time in the morning to prepare one of the best omelets recipes, you definitely have to try this one. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend morning when you can gather everyone in the kitchen and give them special instructions for coffee and toast while you’re cooking the delicious omelet.

Ingredients:
* eggs (depending on how many people you have for breakfast -2 eggs per person)
* milk (1/4 cup per egg)
* shredded cheese (any kind you prefer)
* ham (2-3 slices per egg)
* salt and pepper
* Italian seasoning (rosemary, basil, oregano and thyme)
* sliced tomatoes for seasoning
* toast

In a large bowl beat the eggs, adding salt and pepper.
Continue beating, adding the milk and the shredded cheese.
Cut the ham into little squared pieces.
In a large frying-pan pour a little olive oil and add the ham. Fry it for 2 minutes.
Add the egg-milk-cheese mixture over the ham. Leave it for two minutes, and then turn it on the other side and leave it until cooked as desired.
Arrange the omelet on a large plate with whole grain toast and season with sliced tomatoes. A cup of coffee will match perfectly. Enjoy it while warm!

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Reduce Skin Hangover

 bubles

How many times didn’t you sip… oh, so many delicious cocktails and felt good in your own skin? What happens with your skin after a night of drinking is another story. The lack of sleep and the abundance of dehydrating cocktails cause swelling and inflammation. So, what’s good for that puffy blotchy skin after you spent a night of fun with your friends?

You’ll need:
* coffee
*  lots of liquids, especially water
* whole milk
* refreshing eye gel

Drink some coffee in the morning! The caffeine will help you flush the fluids that are causing your blowfish look.
Rehydrate! Drink lots of liquids, especially water. They will help you rehydrate and feel better again.
Fill a bowl with ice water and whole milk. Soak a washcloth in the filled bowl and hold it to your face for 3 minutes and repeat the action for another two times. The fat from the milk and the cold from ice water will calm the irritation.
You’ll need a refreshing eye gel containing cucumber, vitamin K or coenzyme Q10 to erase the under eye bags. Don’t use an eye cream, use gel for its astringent effect. It will tighten your skin as it dries.
Use an eye concealer in a lighter tone than your skin. That will help reduce even more those annoying under eye bags.

Special tips:
*  If you’re not lucky enough and your skin’s hangover is accompanied by a terrible headache, you might consider an effervescent aspirin and vitamin C. And don’t forget to drink water (this time).
*  Don’t drink and drive! Give your car keys to someone sober to drive you home or take a taxi.

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April 2, 2008
Apples of Love

apples of love

Love apples are a great dessert recipe and an inspiring gift for the ones you love. They are very easy to prepare and a delicious choice when you have a sweet tooth; especially when fruits are exactly what you need for your health and good tonus.

You’ll need:
* 4 apples
* 4 wood sticks
* 1 and 1/2 cup lump sugar
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 teaspoon food color (red)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
* 1 teaspoon apple vinegar
* 3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar

Wash the apples and dry them in a towel. In every apple push a wood stick on the stalk spot.
Spread the granulated sugar on a dinner plate.
Mix the lump sugar, water, food color, vanilla essence and vinegar in a pot and bring to boil. When the temperature of the composition reach 300 F, remove the pot from the oven and place it in a pot filled with cold water.
Sink the apples in the sugar composition one by one, until every one of them has a thick coat of glaze.
Place the apples on the granulated sugar plate with the wood sticks upward and leave them until they’re dried and cooled.

Special tips:
* If you want to offer love apples as a gift, wrap them in cellophane foil and tie them with colorful strings and ribbons.
* Love apples can make a great and unique Valentine’s Day gift as well. Place the apples in an occasion metal box and cover them in waxed paper.
* The glazed fruits are very sensitive at heat. It is best to be kept in a cool room or refrigerated.

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March 28, 2008
Fix Hair Emergencies

interesting hair style

What happens when you wake up one morning and your hair is a mess and its oomph is gone? I know, you want to break the mirror, but it would be seven years of bad luck and you won’t allow that to happen. So, here is what you can do instead.

* If you want to fight back that attack of the frizz, the best way to do that is to use a frizz-fighting balm. Put a small amount into your palm and smooth over the annoying fuzziness. It’s a good idea to carry it in your bag so you can use it when needed.
* Do you have dark roots? Try a zig zag parting of the hair to distract from your dark roots. Spraying some hair powder in blondish is another good idea. If these ideas don’t work for you, try a stylish hat as a momentary solution.
* Do you think that your blond hair is brassy and discolored? Squeeze some tomato juice or ketchup on your hair. Really! Massage it on your dry hair and leave it for at least 10 minutes then wash out. It will tone down the green.
* Is your hair static? Glide a big powder brush misted with hairspray over static hair. It will work perfectly at taming your hair and your style will be back.
* For hair-dye stains use tan-removing wipes to clean the stained area and get rid of the dye. In the future remember to apply a little moisturizing or Vaseline over the tips of your ears and around your hairline to prevent the dye staining.
* Too short blunt fringe? Just ask your stylist to make some tiny vertical snips in it. This will make it easier to wear.
* If your hair is deflated blow-dry, just spray a little mist of water all over it. This will reactivate it and it will give back its oomph.

These easy steps will make your hair look better and wake up your style for a wonderful spring season.

blonde hair

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March 26, 2008
Cheddar Cauliflower Soufflé

delicious soufflé

This soufflé recipe is a light meal and can always accompany your steak or sausage. If you don’t fancy it as garnish, you can always serve it as entree with other such types. It is an easy recipe to prepare and you’ll be surprised at the end with a great taste that will delight your gustative papillae.

Ingredients:
* 2 small cauliflowers
* 1/2 lb fat free sour cream
* 4 eggs
* 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
* 2 tablespoons parmesan
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* a pinch of black pepper
* a pinch of fresh cut dill

Cut the cauliflowers into little bouquets and wash them. In the meantime, in a medium pot boil 2 cups of water mixed with a teaspoon of sea salt.
When the water is boiling, sink the cauliflower bouquets for 10 minutes. Then drain the water and let the cauliflower cool on a large plate.
When the cauliflower is cool enough, cut it in smaller pieces and put them in a large bowl. Stir in the sour cream, eggs, salt, pepper, dill and the cheddar cheese. Mix all together.
In an oven safe tray or pot add one tablespoon olive oil and grease it. Spread some bread crumbs on the greased surface and add the mixed composition.
Heat the oven to 375 F. Sprinkle some parmesan on the top of the soufflé and put it in the oven. Cook it for 35-40 minutes or until it turns golden-brown. Let it cool 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy it warm as garnish or cold as entree with sour cream on top. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir will match perfectly.

Special tips:
* If you’re not a big cauliflower fan you can change it with broccoli and proceed the same way. If you don’t like broccoli either, you really have a problem :-)
* This soufflé recipe is a great meal for weight loss diets, but be careful with the sour cream and cheese. Choose fat free ingredients.

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March 23, 2008
Easter Egg-Shaped Cookies

 Easter bunny

If you’re feeling that your imagination regarding Easter dessert menu is not giving you the best ideas ever, here is what you might want to try. This cookies recipe is easy to prepare and could be a great treat for your family, friends and kids on Easter Day.

You’ll need:

*2 cups all-purpose flour
*8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels
*4-5 eggs
*1 cup granulated sugar
*1 teaspoon orange extract
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*1 tablespoon orange peel
*1 cup unsalted melted butter
*powdered sugar
*oval or egg-shaped madeleine baking pans

Combine flour and 1 cup morsels in a medium bowl. Beat eggs in a large mixer bowl. Add the granulated sugar, orange peel, vanilla and orange extract. Add flour mixture and butter alternately into egg mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour the madeleine baking pans.
With a tablespoon pour the batter into each prepared mold. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for 2 minutes then with the tip of a knife release onto wire racks. While still warm, sprinkle the cookies very lightly with powdered sugar and let them cool completely.
Wash the pans and repeat the action with the remaining batter.
Microwave the remaining morsels until smooth. Cut a small hole in corner of a plastic food storage bag, pour inside the smooth chocolate paste and squeeze to drizzle over egg-shaped cookies.
Allow chocolate to cool before serving. Enjoy it!

rabbit in the grass

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March 16, 2008
Fix Make-Up Emergencies

perfect make-up foundation :-)

With the spring arrival your make-up needs a special attention too. But you won’t need a make-up artist to tell you what is the best way to fix little beauty emergencies and to give your pretty face the perfect look back. It’s all about those little secrets and here they are.

* Do you think that you have too much blusher? Dust some translucent powder over your cheeks to tone it down. Don’t use make-up remover, it will make a mess of your foundation.

* Got those dark circles and puffy eyes in the morning? Put some cold, used tea bags over your eyes for one minute. They will be deflated rapidly. Then use a concealer in a lighter tone than the one of your skin.

* Got a foundation meltdown? Make it last longer by using a primer underneath. It will be like an invisible protection between your skin and the foundation.

* Do you have dried-out mascara? Just sink it in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. You’ll get back your mascara without those annoying dried bits and you’ll be able to give your eyes that dramatic oversized lash look.

* Do you think that your make-up is smudged? Use cleansing buds for a quick fix. They contain eye make-up remover that will get rid of smudges and your face will regain its sparkling beauty.

* Did your eye-shadow color fade by the end of the day? You can always keep it handy for touch-ups or use a long-lasting shadow that will last all day. You want your make-up to survive the day, don’t you?

With these simple steps you’ll be able to overcome those annoying moments and give your face the perfect look. Have a wonderful spring season!

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