Just for Fun: January 2014

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Shendy

If you have arrived on this page then you are most likely looking for Valentine’s Day Gift ideas and it can be tricky to know what to get that special one. The main thing you have to think about is the stage of relationship you are at and of course your and their age.

If you are still at school then a card can do the trick and make sure you write them a really nice poem. If you are a new couple then a perfect Valentine’s Day gift is to get them a gift they would love and for that you can check out our list of the top 10 Valentines Gifts.

Of course Valentine’s Day can be an awesome time to rekindle the magic in a relationship and you can do this by getting a card and a dozen red roses. Another good tip is to take them out to dinner and while you are there focus on romance.

If you are unsure about how to be romantic the main thing is to talk about them, compliment them and simple manners go a long way. Hold the door open, take their coat off for them and of course it is your job to pick up the cheque.

If you are still looking to buy an awesome gift for your loved one and get some good pointers you need to check out our list of the Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts that are arranged as the predicted best sellers.

Some other ideas to consider are their interests, personalised gifts and of course vouchers that can be used anywhere.

Assembling the Top Craft

Shendy

Wall hangers are easy to create. The minute size quilts once created will make a nice gift and/or decoration for your home.

Once you have your parts together, as well as have your tools you can get started making a wall hanger. If you are new to quilting, do not worry since the hanger we are making is one of the easier groups of craft to create.

Do not forget to get your rotary cutters on hand, since throughout your quilting project you will need to cut ¼-inch allowances for your seams. Now, assuming you have your green, tan, blue, yellow, and peach print in order we can get started making your top section of the quilt.

Briefly, I will go over the sections to help you prepare.

You should have two, 2 ½ x 19 ½ inches of upper and lower borders in the green prints.
You should have another two borders in green at the size of 2 ½ x 27 ½ inches.
You should have the value of 36 for your D Square and the size at 1 ½ x 1 ½ inches.
Tan print has six parts, i.e. A-strip, B piece, C-Strip, D-E square, and F-strip.
Blue only has one part, while yellow has three and peach has one. The yellow is C-strip, D-square, and the last value of four is the cornerstone. C values eighteen, and measures at 1 ½ x 1 ½ inches, while D values 12 and measures at 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches; F is the peach strip, Peach, which values four and its gauge is 1 ½ x 3 ½ inches. Peach has the G-strip, which values four and measures at 2 ½ x 5 ½ inches.
The rust prints include the value of six, which makes up the sashing #1 vertical at measures to 1 ½ x 13 ½ inches.
The second sashing creates three and measures to 1 ½ x 21 ½ inches, while the last H strip values four and measures at 1 ½ x 7 ½ inches.

You will need to cut these pieces of your quilt out. Use the guide above to achieve a precise cut. Now you can crown your quilt. Start by creating a row and a block. Use your block, row, and begin stitching your D-Blue Square to attach to the A-Tan narrow pieces. (Strips)

Continue to the next color arrangement to complete the second block. Use the D-Yellow Square in the second block and create a couple of narrow pieces per color arrangement.

Now stitch two pieces of the tan print together to create a starting row two and in the first block. Use Tan B, a couple of Blue Cs, a Yellow C and overturn so that the yellow/blue has a gateway through the color arrangement at the second block. You want to create double narrow pieces.

In the third row, create a couple more rows and arrange the colors according in the blocks. In the fourth row, create another two rows so that you have a nine pattern in your color arrangement, which should extend crosswise. Alternating, add stitches to the blocks (2) and make your center by creating #2 sashing narrow pieces equaling three. Now press your fabric. Use an iron without ironing, rather pressing as you move along.

You are ready for your borders. Starting with the #2 border, stitch the narrow pieces so that it moves left to right, and to the sides at the right of your quilt, stitching toward the middle. Add 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches, by stitching the yellow print square. Stitch along the shorter ends linking it to your dual borders. (Strip #1) Moving along, at the edges along the top and bottom, stitch the narrow pieces, stitching along the middle. You are now ready to complete your project.

Assembling the Crown of your Crafty Quilt

Shendy

You have created flowers, basket, handles, etc, so now it’s time to assemble your crafty quilt. Let’s get started.

How to Assemble:

You are assembling the crown of your quilt at this point. If you haven’t started your craft project to create the Spring Basket, leave this work to those who are at the crown. To collect your crown use your threads that counterpart and begin blind stitching across your fabric, sewing your flower onto the fabric, as well as two of your foliages. Sew to the center bloom as well, and stitch en route for the wrong side (left) of your created 3-block baskets. Stitch to the right and finish your final blocks. (3)

At the lower region of your basket, affix your blooms so that they join with the handles. Now, snip your lighter shades of filaments/strands, and shades of pink (6) silkworm fibers (Floss), cutting lengthwise so that it is corresponding with the measurements lengthwise of your arm. You want to create strands (3) on each section of fiber. Divide and use needle and thread (large eye needle) along with the length of your three filaments and stitch so that it forms a circle. You are making your granny knots, to create the French version that will stretch about your center flower and the dark flowers you have created.

Again, trim your darker shades of six-pink, filaments, and silkworm fibers, cutting it along the length so that it is equivalent to your arm span. Generate 3-filaments on each section of your fibers. Partition and make use of hand used needle and filament, stitching the length the three threads. Stitch until it shapes a loop. Starting at the shades of green, snip the narrow sash pieces and cut the pieces into 1 ½ x 10 ½ inches. You are making your D-block. Snip another three narrow pieces until you achieve measured parts at 1 ½ x 28 ½ inches. You will use these parts to make your E-block. Alternatively, snip your D-block, cutting three from your pattern and form 4-D narrow pieces. You want your ducks in a row. (I.e. Blocks) Use only 2-blocks to form a row at this time and begin stitching the blocks forming 3-E narrow pieces. This is the middle region of your coverlet, or quilt. Use the variety of floral prints and snip the inside borders of your narrow pieces. Snip at least two narrow parts at 1 x 23 ½ inches. Use the parts to create the F-borders at the side. Now, snip another one x 29 ½-inch narrow pieces to create G-borders at the lower and upper region of your quilt.

Continuing, sew the border sides to the center of your coverlet. Continue to sew the drop and greater borders. Begin at the floral region, i.e. the print textile press with your iron. DO NOT IRON rather gently press? Lift; relocate, etc.

Now, you are ready to craft your binds for your quilt. Use your floral materials and sew the greater, drop, and sides of your borders. Now fill it in with the center of your quilt patterns.

You have done a great job, so now it is time to finish your work. Use your backing cloth, batting, and crown of your coverlet and coat. To prepare your coverlet, pin baste to layer, followed by hand sewing or machine sewing your quilt. Use your machine at the crown to sew the untreated edges. If you have extra batting, cut it. Do the same for backing cloth. Now bind and snip your satin, yellow ribbon to form your bow. Cut six even parts. Finish by tying your ribbon, forming a bow and stitch by hand your bows, one for each side of your handles on your basket.

Top 10 Tips to Get Through the Airport Checkpoint Quickly

Shendy

Seems travelers love to hate the screeners at the airport. Dont forget, the front line personnel that you see as you produce your way toward the gate are just the worker bees. They’re not Congress and they’re not the huge wig choice makers. If at times they seem like robots, deviating extremely little from their spcheel, it’s because they've procedures that they must follow and deviating from the standard operation procedure isn't an option.

There are a number of things you are able to do yourself to speed things along. Listed within are the top 10 tips to help your visit to the airport security checkpoint hassle-free.

Have your boarding pass and government issued photo ID readily available. A few airports have someone checking your boarding pass and ID as you 1st approach your concourse, then shortly thereafter there exists an additional employee requesting for the equivalent thing. As a matter of fact they can be requesting for the equivalent thing, however these employees, typically 1 a federal employee and 1 a personal company employee, while searching at the equivalent thing, aren’t trying to find the equivalent thing. Every individual has a different role to fill. If you have to burrow for your purse or even wallet for these things, that will increase the hold off time. Make sure your boarding pass is pulled out of the airline envelope.
Have on tennis shoes or even known airport friendly footwear so you’ll avoid setting off the alarm on the hike through metal detector. Quite a lot of the time the screeners will encourage you to take your shoes off prior to passing through the metal detector. What many passengers fail to recognize is that many, many shoe manufacturers place steel shanks (supports) in the souls of the shoes. Just because you don’t see metal, doesn’t mean it is metal-free.
Laptop computers and streaming video cameras that utilize cassette tapes, not digital cameras, want to come out of their carrying case before passing through the x-ray machine. Have these things out of the case prior to you reach the table to divest your items.
Only undeveloped film with a speed of 800 or even higher should be hand checked. All more disposable cameras, film of one-hundred, 200 or even 400 speed and digital cameras are safe to pass through the x-ray. Know your film speed prior to reaching the x-ray machine.
If you have an inkling that your belt buckle or even larger metal watch will set off the metal detector, dislodge them while you’re waiting in line and have them ready to place into a bin.
Don’t have on pants or even suspenders that contain a lot of metal. If you can’t dislodge the metal before passing through the metal detector, you’ll be sent for extra screening, so increasing your hold off time.
Virtually all smell jewelry like rings, necklaces and earrings will not set off the alarm. Don’t bother wasting time removing them.
Yes your butt package, hidden money belt and wallet on a string around your neck must pass through the x-ray, have it ready to place into a bin.
Leave all tools, Swiss army knives, pointed end scissors, and bladed corkscrews for your checked bag. You are likely not to provide them onboard the aircraft for your carry-on bags. If your bag must be searched to find these items, it’s obviously going to increase your hold off time.
Strollers and pet carriers require to pass through the x-ray machine. Dislodge your infants and pets from this equipment before reaching the x-ray.

If you’re standing in line just waiting for your turn to hike through, utilise this time to your benefit. If everyone were already ready to hike though the metal detector Prior to it was actually their turn, the hold off times would be greatly decreased.

Next time you fly, instead of grumbling about the procedures that neither you nor the front line screeners can change, try having a few fun, being prepared and perhaps even thanking the screeners for doing their portion of keeping the aircrafts safe.

Best Time to go to Disney World

Shendy

When deciding on the best time for you and your family to visit Disney World, the main issue is usually the crowds. When visiting any major theme park, you are going to experience large crowds; And since Disney World is the most popular theme park in the world, there is hardly a day at the park without large crowds. If you do your research, you can find certain times of the year, January and September for example, that are less busy at Disney World. Even though you may enjoy shorter lines during these times, there are downsides to going at these less busy times of the year. For one, Disney has more festivities planned during certain times of the year like Christmas and New Years. For many people, it is worth fighting the crowds to be at Disney World during these times of major festivities.

Crowds are not the only factor when deciding on the best time to visit Disney World. It is also a good idea to take the weather into account. Many people assume that any time of the year is perfect weather in Florida but that is definitely not the case. The summer time can bring extreme heat and severe thunderstorms to the Orlando area that can ruin your day at Disney World. The brief showers are usually a great time to go inside and take a break. Some of the best weather at Disney World comes in the evening with mild temperatures so make sure to rest up during the day so you’re ready to go out at night.

Other tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Disney World:

If you are ok with taking your kids out of school for a trip, do it! Any time other kids are at school is a great time to go to Disney World because you can expect smaller crowds and shorter lines
Keep a close eye on park opening and closing times so you can take advantage of late nights and early starts
Two weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to go to Disney World because the crowds are minimal and the Christmas decorations are already up.

So when is the best time to go to Disney World? When it’s called the happiest place on Earth, every day of the year is the best time to go.

8 Things Not To Forget When Traveling to The Tropics

Shendy

Sometimes it is hard to pack for a place or climate that is new. When packing to go to the tropics there are some items that you don't want to forget.

1. Appropriate Identification: With tighter security these days it simply makes sense to carry a passport and photo ID. Also be sure to have identification for your children traveling with you.

2. Contraceptives: Well... If you think you will be getting down and dirty on your trip you should bring contraceptives.

3. Appropriate Clothing: Yes the tropics are warm but if a sudden storm rolls in it can get quite cool, fast. Always bring good shoes, pants and even a light jacket.

I find it is better to pack lightly, You never know when you will need to carry your luggage for a distance. 3 or 4 full changes of cloths will often be enough.

4. Sunscreen: SPF 30 minimum. Any less and you stand to get burned. A sunscreen should also contain either zinc oxide or titanium oxide.

Before leaving on your trip it is a good idea to spend some time in a tanning bed. This can give you a good base to withstand the intense sun near the equator.

5. Medication: Obviously bring any prescription medication but you should also think about Aspirin, Pepto Bismal and other pharmacy items.

Be sure to carry any medicine in the original package and carry copies of your prescription as well.

6. Guide Book: A guide book to the area that you are visiting can come in real handy. Besides showing you the attractions in the area it will also have important phone numbers in case of an emergency.

7. Cash: Having a credit card and travelers cheques with you is a must. Also carry enough American cash for 2 days of emergency living. You never know when a storm will knock out the power.

8. Snorkel: If you have any plans to go snorkeling you may want to bring you own snorkel and mask, or at least a snorkel. Rentals are shared by many people. If you are packing light a snorkel takes up almost no space.

5 Reasons to Take a Holiday in New Zealand

Shendy

Here are the 5 Reasons to Take a Holiday in New Zealand

1. Queenstown in the South Island is considered to be the "Adventure Capital of the World". You can bungy jump or go on a thrilling jet boat ride, go heli-skiing, sky diving, fly-by-wire, and luging to name a few. Both bungy jumping and jet boating were invented in New Zealand. New Zealanders have a saying about Kiwi ingenuity which is borne out in the tourist spots within New Zealand.

2. There is a wide array of different accommodation options to cater for all tastes. At the upper end there are Lodges which are the height of luxury. These lodges are ordinarily located in very scenic and secluded areas and all gourmet meals are included in the price. The price of this type of accommodation reflects the luxury and inclusions.

The next level of accommodation is hotels, from international 5 star down to 2 star for basic accommodation. The hotels will tend to be serviced on a daily basis and usually include one room and a bathroom. Hotel rooms will include tea and coffee making facilities, fridges and most hotels would include a restaurant.

A favored option for families is the ever increasing numbers of apartments. The apartments are generally self catering as opposed to a hotel stay but the advantage is that they provide more space and are self catering which means that you don't have to eat out all the time thus saving you money to spend on sightseeing.

Then we have motels. Generally speaking motels offer more space than hotels and tend to be serviced daily but do not tend to be as luxurious. Motels often provide a separate bedroom or two and sometimes cooking facilities. You would need to check this out when booking.

There are also an increasing number of Bed and Breakfast's. These vary dramatically and can vary from 5 star establishments to the fairly basic. If you enjoy "getting to know the locals", the B & B option could be a good one for you. Generally breakfast will be provided as part of the price. Dinner would be by special arrangement only.

If you are on a budget there are plenty of backpacker hostels to choose from which are centrally located and well priced.

3. New Zealand has a great culinary landscape. Being a small island country surrounded by the sea, there are a multitude of seafood delicacies on offer. The ocean surrounding New Zealand is cold water thanks to Antarctica being relatively close. Cold water fish tend to have a delicate flavor. As well as fish from the sea, there are large lakes which are trout and salmon breeding grounds. Trout can not be caught commercially so there is no danger of supplies running out. New Zealand is also quite big on game and most of the more up-market restaurants will have a game option on the menu. You will find that there are dining options to suit every taste and budget. New Zealand might be quite removed geographically from the rest of the world but it is quick to adopt new types and styles of food and the kiwi ingenuity mentioned earlier in the article is demonstrated in the food served in restaurants. There are coffee bars and cafes, wine bars serving food, pubs with restaurants, family dining options, buffet's as well as the more up-market al la carte options.

There is also a thriving wine industry in New Zealand. Wherever you go, you will see vines and many of the wines produced are top quality. If wine is your thing, you won't be disappointed. Marlborough located at the top of the South Island is one of the oldest and best known wine areas, most famous for production of Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is also becoming very well known for producing excellent Pinot Noir, a notoriously difficult wine to produce.

4. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you will know that the recent series of movies was filmed in different parts of New Zealand. New Zealanders are very proud of this and whilst traveling around you will come across many mentions of parts of the movies which may have been filmed in certain spots. There are also tours catering specifically to Lord of the Rings fans.

5. New Zealand has an interesting cultural history. It is thought that the Maoris who came from Polynesia settled in New Zealand about 1000 years ago. New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. There are many excellent museums within the cities and towns which offer a great overview of the relatively short and violent history of New Zealand.

Visit Rome a Historical City

Shendy

Do you bear a passion for history? Are you interested in ancient architecture and temples? Do age-long and legendary activities beckon you? If so, then you must definitely explore the ancient lands of Rome, at least once in your lifetime. With an area of about 150 square kilometers, and a population of 3.8 million, Rome still stands tall in the vast field of world history. Whenever we come across Rome, Etruscan tombs, Republican meeting rooms, Imperial temples, ancient Christian churches, medieval bell towers, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque basilicas strike the core of our mind and we enter the superficial world of history and architecture. Rome takes us through the pages of history.

Rome is situated halfway down Italy's western coast, about 20 kilometers inland. Rome is a large city, though the historical area is quite small. A majority of the Rome historical sights are restricted within a reasonable distance of the central railway station, Stazione Termini. All the main Rome monuments are situated west of the train station in Rome. However, it is always advisable to use the map of Rome, once you arrive in Rome.

Attractions

The central attractions of Rome are the Palatine Hill and the Forum. Via Del Corso is located north from the Forum to Piazza Del Popolo, accompanied by Spanish steps and the Trevi Fountain on the east. The Vatican in Rome is situated northwest of the Forum, across the River Tiber in Rome.

Rome offers a great deal of pleasure with the likes of the arrogance of the Vatican, the immemorial haunting memories of the Coliseum or the sheer thrill of going back to centuries ago of timeless history.

Rome offers you a wide range of excitement, adventure, and enjoyment. The thrill and sheer experience of Rome is very distinctive and unique. Rome gives you the liberty to thrive on wine, architecture, history, and sunshine.

Burning Bush Craft

Shendy

These crafts to illustrate the lesson of Burning Bush range from simple to involved. A couple can be adapted from their original idea to specifically fit this lesson.

Materials:
Paper bowls
Glue
Water
Paintbrushes
White construction paper
Scissors
Red and yellow tissue paper

Instructions:
1. Using the red and yellow tissue paper, cut into 2-inch teardrop patterns, and make several of each color per child.
2. Give each child a white piece of construction paper and a paintbrush.
3. Set out bowls containing a mixture of one part glue and one part water.
4. Have the children place red and yellow tissue flames on the paper at random, overlapping the yellow and red flames.
5. Have the children paint over the flames with the glue mixture using a paintbrush. The overlap of the yellow and red flames should produce orange flames.

Aluminium Fish Craft

Shendy

I always hate to throw away used aluminum foil because I feel there has to be some great use for it that I just don't know about. I decided it was time for me to do a good search for the best foil crafts, and if I was able to find more than just a couple of foil crafts, I would share them with you.

I'll share with you pictures of the foil crafts that I found, plus the name of the site where you can find the project. All you'll need to do is just click on the site name and you'll be taken directly to the page with the directions and, if appropriate, patterns.

Materials:

2 aluminum pie plates
Heavy poster paper
Pencil
Scissors
Stapler
Scrap wood pieces to create a base for the fish
Water-based paint
Paintbrushes

Instructions:

First, place the 2 pie plates together (bottoms facing out) and secure with staples. You can always use masking tape instead but the staples work the best.
Next, take 2 pieces of poster paper and draw out the following shapes: a fish head, a top fin, a bottom fin and a tail.
Cut these shapes out both pieces of paper so you have 2 of everything.
Staple or glue or tape the fin, tail and head pieces together, but only along one side. You need to keep one of the sides open so that you can attach it to the pie plate.
Attach the fins, head and tail to the pie plates.
Create a stand for the fish. Fasten the fish to the stand using tape or glue. (Attaching the fish to the stand prior to painting makes decorating much easier).
Finally, your kinder artists can decorate the fish using colorful paints, construction paper or markers.

Cool Face Painting Ideas For Kids

Shendy

If there's one thing we can be sure of, is that kids love to have their faces painted...most of them at least! These 30 quick & easy face paint ideas for kids will give you some insight into the world of face painting, and also help you give your child or client an amazing experience!

These face paint ideas are easy to replicate and follow along to, thanks to our very talented and knowledgeable face painters. Whether you're looking for new ideas, or want to perfect that cat face paint, you've come to the right place! Below, we've compiled 30 of our best, easiest, and quickest face paint ideas for kids so that no matter how skilled (or not) you are, you CAN pull these off!

Now of course these are intended mainly for children, but there's nothing in the rule book (what rule book?!) that says adults can't rock these face paint designs! Grab your paints, sponge and brush and check out these 30 quick and easy face paint makeup ideas for the face and body!