How to ... wrap the perfect GIFT!

Since we've talked in ur previous post about how to ... buy the perfect gift. It's time for gift wrapping!
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 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.
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.

Nowadays, people are more interested in Green gift wrapping ideas, especially the 'do-it-yourself' gift wrap ideas. Christmas is in 2 months time, here is a Do-It-Yourself Christmas gift wrap idea:

Tin Foil- Not Just For Sandwiches and TV AntennasThis material is the perfect fix for those odd-shaped presents, since it can be manipulated to hug whatever item you cover in it. Or even wrap your boxed gifts with this reflective foil for an eye-catching shine reminscent of Christmas tree tinsel.
What You’ll Need: 1 sheet of tin foil, ribbon or paper strip
How It’s Done: Set the gift on center of the sheet of tin foil and draw the sides up and pull the ends together at the top. Using the ribbon, make a bow to tie the ends together.

references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_wrapping
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/handmade-christmas-gift-wrap-ideas/

See here for a detailed demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wp2dxIAocI
Now you know how to wrap a present, here are some ideas of things to wrap your present with!
Tissue paper is often cheaper than regular tissue paper, and come in a variety of colours. A sheet of white tissue paper underneath a sheet of bright coloured tissue paper, teamed with some ribbons looks great!

Why not share your laughs from the Sunday paper with the recipient of the gift? Save the comics section of the Sunday paper and use the paper to wrap your gift.

Is your recipient a big music fan? Why not wrap their present in sheets of music? Or how about pictures of their favourite singer/band?

Plain paper can be used to wrap presents, and can provide a great backdrop for a unique ribbon or bow.

Keep it simple by wrapping a present in brown paper. Draw pictures, use stamps, write messages and other creative artwork to add a personal touch and tie with a piece of string to finish!
Fabric is a great alternative idea to wrap your presents. Fabric comes in different colours, sizes, textures and patterns. Fabric can be bought at many shops, and buying a wide variety of fabrics can be as cheap as buying wrapping paper.
Other ideas include maps, alluminium foil, tape, layering with different materials, as well as using children's artworks and buttons, bells and beads to decorate your gift.
And if you really want to make the recipient laugh, why not try something unconventional?For Example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm3dm5J5r0A&feature=grec_index Happy Giftwrapping :)

How To… Buy the perfect gift

In this post, we're talking how to give a gift that will be well recieved.

1.     Set yourself a budget

·        By doing this you will relieve the stress many people suffer when trying to find a good present because they have no idea how much to spend, which makes present selection incredibly difficult.

2.     What sort of reaction are you trying to gain from the recipient?

·        Do you want them to find the gift funny, or is it something you wish them to cherish and keep for a long time?

3.     What type of person is your recipient?

·        For example, practical people tend to prefer something they can use, whereas other types of people prefer decorative things.

4.     What colours do they like or usually wear?

·        This will give insight into what you may look for if you choose to buy them accessories or clothing (however, buying them clothing may be a poor choice if you do not know their exact size, as giving someone clothing that does not fit can cause many a headache getting the problem fixed)

5.     Does the person have a particular hobby or special interest (i.e. reading books, playing computer games, fishing, etc.)

·        Gifts that complement the interests of your recipient (bookstore gift cards for example) will guarantee that it will be well received.

6.     Think about the things that have happened to your recipient recently.

·        If someone has moved house, then presents they can use to fill the house are a good starting point in your search.

7.     Give a gift that can be personalised or even make them a gift yourself.

·        Things like photo frames can be personalised with pictures and the frames can be decorated, and gifts that have been made rather than bought both save the budget, and are more greatly appreciated, as this shows that you have really made an effort to try and please them.

8.     If all else fails, flowers are always a safe bet, especially with a nice card J

images sourced:
http://www.kiamacricketclub.com/pageitem.aspx?id=34330
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Why-Laughter-is-Contagious-43779.shtml
http://www.homedecorativeitems.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_37&products_id=384
http://whenisthebesttimetoshop.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/accessories-for-women/
http://www.princesswarriorlessons.com/2011/06/five-books-that-changed-who-i-am.html
http://www.landscapingideasdecorating.net/living-room-ideas/
http://www.free-photo-frames.com/
http://www.flowerbouquetdesign.net/flowers/

How to ... make an Origami Crane

As Origami Crane is the most well known of all the origami models because it symbolises world peace, we've chosen to show you how to make an Origami Crane :) One may wonder, why does origami crane symbolises world peace. Well, an ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The Thousand Origami Cranes has become a symbol of world peace through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who tried to stave off her death from leukaemia as a result of radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during WWII by making one thousand origami cranes, having folded only 644 before her death, and that her friends completed and buried them all with her.


As we all know, an 8.9 earthquake struck Japan on March 11th, triggering tsunami tidal waves on the northeast part of Japan. Let us pray for all those victims and also for the souls who departed us. By folding one origami crane will sure send our love to those victims and their families.

1. Start with a square piece of paper, coloured side up.

Fold the top corner of the paper down to the bottom corner. Crease and open again. Then fold the paper in half sideways.

2. Turn the paper over to the white side.
Fold the paper in half, crease well and open, and then fold again in the other direction.

3. Using the creases you have made, Bring the top 3 corners of the model down to the bottom corner. Flatten model.

4. Fold top triangular flaps into the centre and unfold

5. Fold top of model downwards, crease well and unfold

6. Open the uppermost flap of the model, bringing it upwards and pressing the sides of the model inwards at the same time.
Flatten down, creasing well.

7. Turn model over and repeat Steps 4-6 on the other side.

8. Fold top flaps into the centre.

9. Repeat on other side, so your model looks like this.

10. Fold both ‘legs’ of model up, crease very well, then unfold.

11. Inside Reverse Fold the “legs” along the creases you just made.

12. Inside Reverse Fold one side to make a head, then fold down the wings

Finished Crane!!! ^-^






References: 
http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-crane.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_origami_cranes

How to... Make muffins!

Following these easy instructions will help you to make a basic muffin recipe. Once you have followed this recipe, you can add a variety of ingredients to make all sorts of tasty muffins including choc chip, banana, apple, berry etc.

What you need:

2 cups self-raising flour
½ cup sugar
1 egg (beaten)
¼ cup oil
1 cup milk
Cooking oil spray

Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Muffin tray
Oven
Timer
Cooling rack

What to do:

1.       Preheat oven to 180°

2.       Place all ingredients into mixing bowl

3.       Mix ingredients until combined

4.       Spray muffin tray with oil

5.       Pour mixture into muffin tray and put into oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown

6.       Allow to cool for15 minutes then enjoy!

To make chocolate chip muffins:
Combine choc chips with all other ingredients when mixing. These could be white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate.

To make banana choc chip muffins:
Dice 2 bananas and add, along with choc chips into the mixture in the bowl

To make apple-berry muffins:
Dice 2 green apples and a few of your favourite berries - strawberry, blueberry, raspberry - and combine with all other ingredients. If using frozen berries, it is not necessary to defrost them.

To make double choc chip muffins:
To the mixture, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and choc chips

Other flavouring suggestions include
- apple and cinnamon
- chocolate and berry
- orange zest
- blueberry
- coffee

Reference:
http://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipe/Basic-Muffin-Base-L8631.html
http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&rlz=1R2TSAU_enAU370&=&q=muffins&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=17l914l0l1198l7l5l0l0l0l0l303l303l3-1l1l0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1366&bih=540#q=banana+choc+chip+muffins&um=1&hl=en&rlz=1R2TSAU_enAU370&tbm=isch&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=a7c5db6919010383&biw=701&bih=507

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=choc+chip+muffins&um=1&hl=en&rlz=1R2TSAU_enAU370&biw=1366&bih=540&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZbcRZXFdCvYOeM:&imgrefurl=http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/15298/choc%2Bchip%2Bbanana%2Bmuffins&docid=vjwzTPCh0KesdM&w=364&h=242&ei=FouJTv_ULeXLmAXryqUj&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=164&page=1&tbnh=144&tbnw=183&start=0&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=87&ty=66

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=apple+berry+muffins&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-au:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7TSAU_enAU370AU370&biw=1366&bih=540&tbm=isch&tbnid=4AAqKGPeDJekYM:&imgrefurl=http://quick-dish.tablespoon.com/2010/10/20/apple-berry-muffins-recipe/&docid=Gg9O2Fh2SrdHFM&w=750&h=500&ei=PIuJTr6oOerSmAXF84wb&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=150&page=2&tbnh=147&tbnw=210&start=10&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:10&tx=176&ty=98

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=double+choc+chip+muffins&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-au:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7TSAU_enAU370AU370&biw=1366&bih=540&tbm=isch&tbnid=3S6bCPFxak_cGM:&imgrefurl=http://rayongbakery.com/orders/muffin-week/&docid=qYTx1UPitQOvsM&w=357&h=316&ei=fIuJTtOgFuT0mAXjl_jjDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=857&vpy=154&dur=4538&hovh=211&hovw=239&tx=86&ty=97&page=1&tbnh=165&tbnw=214&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0

How To... Tie the Two Basic Firefighter knots

Today we are talking about the two most basic knots taught to those learning to become Bush Firefighters in the NSW Rural Fire Service. These are the Clove Hitch and the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches.

Both of these knots have practical uses elsewhere, such as in sailing or in everyday maintenance around the home (i.e. in the Garden). Both knots are generally used around a round object, such as a pole, or a tree branch, among others.

If the instructions sound confusing, don't worry, they become clear when you put them together with the illustrations.

The Knots:

1. The Clove Hitch

a) This knot consists of two half hitches with the second reversed

b) Procedure:

    i. Pass the end of your rope over the object leaving enough length on the end for another pass.

    ii. For the second pass, make sure to cross the rope over the first length, then bring the end up through the gap between the two lengths of rope, creating your knot. 

    iii. Pull the rope tight to strengthen the knot.

This knot does have its failings. If the tension on the rope is not consistant and the rope is not kept straight, the knot may slip and come undone.

2. The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
a) This knot consists of a round turn around the object, and then two half hitches around the original length of rope

b)Procedure:
    i. Pass the rope around the object, then do so a second time

    ii. Then, instead of making another pass over the object, this time pass it over your original length of rope, threading the end through the gap created, thus creating your first Half Hitch

    iii. Repeat the second process by passing the rope over the original length a second time

    iv. Pull the rope tight, and you have created your knot

This knot is better than the Clove Hitch, in that it can withstand any tension without jamming or coming undone, and can be easily undone when the tension is lifted.

The Clove Hitch is generally used for jobs that do not require alot of effort, for example it is used to lift wet hoses up the pole so that they can dry.

The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is used for harder jobs that require more effort, such as lifting or lowering equipment or shifting large branches off the road.

Picture References:

http://jejakbelantara.com/2011/06/rope-management-understanding-knots-hitches/

http://24thdorkingscouts.org/index.php/scout-skills-simple-knots/

How to ... Tweet!

Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service, enabling users to send and read text – based posts of up to 140 characters.

So exactly how is this used?

If you’re new to twitter the whole experience can be daunting. Learning how to follow, be a part of trends and joining the social networking revolution takes a little time...

We’ll show you how in the following steps and rules:

1)   Set up your profile; it’s easy and a great way of letting others know you are a serious twitter user. Add a picture of yourself and personalise your page, edit your bio, add a link to your blog (or website)

2)   Consider your agenda. Why have you joined twitter? Do you want to meet people for business or on a social level? Twitter can help you connect with the specific group you wish to be involved with.

3)   Remember don’t tweet useless twitter junk, that you wouldn’t normally say to your friends or family in real life. The cyber world is not interested in your personal problems. Don’t be rude, and you’ll find people will follow you.

4)   To start tweeting effectively, you need to learn the basics, be concise you only have 140 characters to communicate one thought. Practice the short art of brevity.

5)  When beginning to tweet, you’ll obviously see tweets you like and want to comment on. So to reply directly to that user, click the “reply” arrow located beneath the person’s tweet.

6)  To join a WorldWide Conversation you can use the hash (#) key (symbol + a keyword) to create a tag in your tweet which enables users across the globe to see your tweet when using the search function.

7)   If you find a tweet you want to share with your friends and followers, you are able to RE-TWEET. You can simply click the re-tweet button beneath the tweet or type “RT” then space then “@” – then copy the body of the person’s tweet, and post it directly after the @ symbol.  Re-tweeting has two benefits: shows that you are interested in other people, and will bring attention to both you and the other party. 

8)  If you see tweets you like and don’t have time to read them completely you can click the “favourites” button beneath the tweet.

 So, overall Twitter is relatively easy – Follow these steps and with continually practice you’ll soon be on your way to TWITTER DOMINATION.

references:

text - http://www.ehow.com/how_4670029_tweet-twitter.html

image - http://tweepi.com/blog/2011/04/10-advanced-twitter-tips-tricks/

How to… dress for your first DATE (Ladies’ version)

Ever wonder what to wear for your first date?

Ever find yourself stand in front of the mirror, thinking what to wear? Ever find yourself looking at a full wardrobe of clothes, yet feeling like there’s nothing in there to wear?

Before going any further, let’s just say if you’re the happy-go-lucky kind who accepts that if a guy is going to like you then he’s going to like you for you, and to hell with him if he doesn’t. It’s also easy if you’re familiar with the person, and they’ve already seen you looking fine and sassy—in this scenario you can fall into the date with sartorial ease, knowing that you already have/will again have your chance to impress.

If this is not you, then keep reading…

The scenarios we are talking about is what if it’s with the guy you met once at a bar? The guy you eye on at the local coffee shop? The one who is a friend of a friend you met at that party? What are you supposed to wear when that guy asks you out?

1. Ask your date about the event: Will you need park clothes, beachwear, an urban dinner outfit or rock-climbing gear?

2. Don’t wear anything TOO trendy. Aim for middle ground for date one. Neutral colors, classic styles and great accessories are always comfortable, especially if you don't know your destination.

3. Assess your position. Will you convey "career," "artistic," "dynamite" or "easy confidence"?

4. Think comfort. Stiletto heels, new styles or a skimpy skirt may make you uncomfortable and distract you from your date.

5. Decide what makes you feel pretty, sexy, confident or comfortable. Do you want to be more sexy than sedate, or do you want to look sophisticated?

6. Choose your colors. That little black dress, silver jewelry and an exotic shawl could be stylish and sophisticated. Pastels, gingham or soft lines suggest softness. Tie-dye can be fun or whimsical.

7. Most importantly, be yourself. If you're at ease with lower necklines and revealing clothes, go for it if it feels appropriate.

8. Also, don’t go overboard on the makeup, be natural, again, just be yourself.

I know that’s a lot of information to take in, but guess what there’s more!! But if this helps you have a perfect date, then it’s all worth it right?

Into more details, it’s important to dress according to our body shapes, believe me, dress according to your body shape can make huge differences sometimes.

[Apple]

If you are the Apple of someone’s eye then you’re pretty in proportion but tend to carry your weight around your mid section without a well-defined waist. You may also have fabulous legs and/or boobs so dressing is all about showing off those best bits and avoiding adding volume round your middle.

Bring out your best:

Empire line and longer length tops will flatter your figure. Go for low-ish necklines to draw the eye upwards.

Best to avoid:

Short, boxy jackets and pleated or tiered skirts are not your friends. Cast them out now and feel forever better.

[Pear]

If you are a bottom-heavy beauty and are bigger around the hips, bottom or thighs than you are up top then, like the majority of women, you are a Pear! You’ve probably also got a fairly flat stomach you lucky thing. Work that womanly figure by adding more shape and structure above the waist.

Bring out your best:

Balance out your curvy bottom half with bold bright tops or tops with large collars, lapels or sleeves.

Best to avoid:

Tube, pencil and fishtail skirts, especially tight-fitting ones will only emphasize your hips and behind.

[Strawberry]

Sassy strawberry-shaped ladies have a figure that’s bigger up top than on their bottom half because of broad shoulders and/or big boobs in relation to their waist and hips. Broad shoulders and slender hips can give Strawberries an athletic, even boyish look but it’s easy to soften with the right wardrobe.

Bring out your best:

Fuller skirts and wide leg trousers will balance out your bodyshape beautifully. Don’t be afraid of bright colour on your bottom half.

Best to avoid:

Shoulder pads and tapering trousers are an absolute no-no! Also steer clear of puff sleeves, epaulettes and halternecks.

[Hourglass]

Curvy hourglass girls go in at the middle, often with a fuller bust and bottom to contrast with the smaller waist. You’re blessed with a very sexy shape so you need to learn not to drown it in too-baggy clothes but also not go too overtly sexy either - unless that’s the look you’re going for!

Bring out your best:

Wrap dresses, waist-cinching belts and flared or wide leg jeans will work wonders. Not necessarily all at once.

Best to avoid:

Shapeless baggy jumpers will hide your wonderful waist. Unless you add that magic belt of course!

[Rectangle]

Rectangle ladies are fairly straight up and down though don’t always have the boyish chest to match. Many women would kill for your shape; there’s no main area you want to minimise so you can get away with more things than most. However you may crave more curves – an illusion easily created with the right clothing.

Bring out your best:

A structured coat that cinches in with a belt will make you look more curvy. If you’ve a small bust you can get away with tricky to wear high-necked tops.

Best to avoid:

Low rise jeans and trousers can make your torso look too long. Stay away from sheath dresses and stick to styles with more shape instead.

Although everything I’ve said so far are all quite important, but remember this, Confidence is the ultimate accessory! At the end of the day, dating should be FUN!!! Don’t stress too much and be yourself.

Reference:

http://www.thevine.com.au/blog/katgeorge/how-to-dress-for-a-first-date20110615.aspx

http://www.ehow.com/how_2619_dress-first-date.html#ixzz1YOF4n8Kg

http://www.bodyshapefashionadvice.com/

http://www.ladyzona.com/the-first-date-what-to-keep-in-mind-while-dressing/

http://www.ayushveda.com/mens-magazine/first-date-tips/