Personal Journey

Ok, ok I feel I need go on a personal journey. I don't mean that I need to go on a "mission" where I solicit religion to people at their door and might possibly get shot or be greeted by men who can't "keep the mouse in the house".

I thought about these lyrics from the Gwen Stefani song "What are you Waiting for?":
"Naturally, I'm worried if I do it alone
Who really cares, cause it's your life
You never know it could be great
Take a chance cause you might grow"

I need to do something out of character. I mean really out of character and not something like talking to a girl with cool hair or buying purple shoes.

'Unforgettable': Cheryl's Tribute To Her Dad Moses Tay, Bassist For 'Naomi And The Boys'

(Image: The late Moses Tay, with his family at daughter Cheryl's Graduation Ceremony at Temasek Polytechnic in May, 2009.)

GOODBYE, MR. BASS MAN

For my father, Moses Tay (September 8, 1940 — January 23, 2010)

It has been a little over a week since Dad left us & I've finally managed to sit down & begin writing this post.

Like death, this blog entry has always been inevitable. It was just a matter of when & how, though I know I could never truly have been prepared for it. I suppose that is why I'd been procrastinating — I couldn't & didn't want to believe he was gone for good but, during mass last Saturday evening, it hit me.

Just two Saturdays ago, around two in the afternoon, I returned home from the gym, only to find Mum pacing about worriedly, telling me that something was wrong with Dad. Thinking it couldn't be anything serious, I assumed it was just fatigue from him having worked on his motorcycle the day before & that Mum was simply being her usual excitable self.

Upon entering his bedroom, however, I knew I'd been mistaken. He was lying in bed, weak, restless & semi-coherent. I called for an ambulance but by the time the paramedics arrived, Dad was already unconscious, with only a very faint pulse. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to revive him but after he flatlined a few times, I knew he had left us. And to think, just hours before, as I was getting ready to leave for the gym, Mum & I were in the kitchen, discussing how we would celebrate Dad's 70th birthday this year.

I then experienced firsthand how cruel a master of irony death is. It leaves you no time or opportunity to grieve when a loved one dies, instead requiring you to stay calm & controlled throughout, so you can deal with the many strangers who have to be contacted in the aftermath of the deceased's passing — the police, the doctor, the undertaker, the dailies & your friends & family.

Still, in the days that followed, there were moments, both private & public, for all who had known him to reflect on his life, his relationships with them & how his death had affected them. Personally, I was on autopilot (as I'm sure my mother & brother were), seeing to the funeral arrangements & meeting the countless people who had turned up to pay their respects. But whenever I had a moment to myself, an almost overwhelming mixture of emotions would come upon me: nostalgia, pain, loneliness & disbelief.

As the writer in the family, the obituary & eulogy became my responsibility & I had barely enough time to sit down & write the latter. It wasn't until a few hours before the memorial service on the second night of the funeral wake that I actually started on the eulogy. As I whiled away the first half hour or so wondering how I could write a relatively short yet fitting tribute to Dad, it occurred to me: Dad had played different roles to different people & maybe, just maybe, I could capture that essence on one A4 page of foolscap. So I tried:

"Even as we say 'goodbye' to Dad, we hold on to the many fond memories we have of him. As a father, he was gentle, affectionate & generous. He was happy as long as everyone at home was happy & would always go to great lengths to ensure that we had what we needed.

As a husband, he was caring, loving & responsible, always making sure our mum was well taken care of in every possible way. He never had a harsh word on his lips & was often on hand with a massage or a meal to ease any physical discomfort on our mum's part.

As a friend & musician, he was lively, entertaining & multi-talented. His limitless supply of jokes, countless stories, singing & dancing made him the life of every party, while his excellent musicianship made him the man to call for many gigs.

Dad was many things to many people but the one thing we all know about him is that he was a genuinely kindhearted & good-natured man & we will all miss him dearly & remember him fondly.

We are comforted that he is now watching over us from a better place & he is with God.

Dad, we love you & miss you. Thank you for being a wonderful father, husband & friend.

"I had to get my brother to read it, for I was quite sure I wouldn't be able to make it through the entire eulogy without breaking down.

Even now, I doubt I managed to truly summarize in that eulogy what Dad was all about. Then again, words can only do so much, even in the hands of the most skilled wordsmith.

I know what I miss about Dad. I miss his jokes, no matter how cringeworthy many of them were. I miss the delightful sounds of his piano- & bass-playing, his singing & dancing, his good heart, his constant patience.

I miss making breakfast for him, watching television with him, taking rides on his motorcycle & singing with him. One of my earliest memories with Dad took place in his car, listening & singing along to Nat King Cole's & Natalie Cole's father-daughter version of Unforgettable, a memory I undoubtedly miss.

Those close to me know that what I will miss most, however, is not the memories I have had with him but the memories I'm unable to have with him. I will miss him on his 70th birthday, when I should be throwing him the celebration of a lifetime. I will miss him at my eventual wedding, where he should be walking me down the aisle & giving me away. I will miss him when I have my first child, when he should be carrying his grandchild & beaming with grandfatherly pride.

There are many other events during which I will miss him but, as always, I will take comfort in the knowledge that he is now in a better place, free from all worldly cares & concerns.

Dad's funeral was attended by many & there have been tributes to him in the media, thanks in no small part to his longtime friends who wanted to remember him as best they could.

To everyone who showed up or helped out in one way or another, thank you.

And to Dad, thank you for being the best father I could ever have asked for. I will love you & miss you for as long as I live.

Love,

Your Daughter,

Cheryl

*Moses Tay was the bass guitarist with Naomi & The Boys, Sing60sMusic.

Image/Original article: Cheryl Tay Collection.

(Note: Please request writer's permission to reproduce this letter.)

Cheryl Tay's Blog: http://dramaticmusings.blogspot.com/

Great Teen Room Design, for Boys and Girls

Teen room decor is tricky, What goes for one may not work for another, It is the time for your Boys or Girls have outgrown the dolls their have clung onto since their were a child. They always want something more, something else, something classy.Blue Teen Room Design for GirlsPink Teen Room Design for GirlsContemporary Orange Teen Room DesignTeen Room Design for BoysArmy Teen Room Design for

The Best Wedding Locations in Australia

Every bride and groom wants to get married in a unique and romantic location. Whilst overseas locations can be very exotic they can also be extremely costly and difficult for most guests to attend. Australia has many ideal locations for weddings, whether you fancy a wedding on the beach or in a tropical rainforests why not choose one of the many romantic locations on offer. Here are some suggestions for weddings in Australia.

The North of Queensland is renowned for some of it magical rainforests complete with beautiful waterfalls. So whether its Cairns or Port Douglas you could choose to have your wedding nestled in the rainforest or on the amazing white sandy beaches of the North. Imagine a sunset wedding on the beach in Port Douglas followed by a wedding reception in a marquee. Or for something a little more formal have your reception in one of the many five star resorts Port Douglas has to offer. For your honeymoon you need travel no further as the North of Queensland has all the elements of a romantic honeymoon destination, with the Daintree forest on the one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. Your choices of activities are limitless. And if you just want to relax, have a cocktail by the pool.

Why not have a wedding in the Australian outback? What better location than the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock). Imagine Ayers rocks as your backdrop and the magical colours of sunset or sunrise. The photo opportunities would be endless. And every bride would look spectacular with the morning or afternoon sun glistening off her perfect skin. Following the ceremony have a beautiful reception in one of many 5 star resorts nearby.

Getting married in a Botanical garden is another great idea for your wedding location. Australia has many botanical gardens which are perfect to host a wedding. Whether you choose to get married lakeside, or in a butterfly enclosure, by a water sculpture or secluded private garden, there are many choices to suit all tastes. The reception can also be held outdoors on one of many of the landscape gardens or if the weather does not permit then choose from many function rooms the gardens have on offer.

The Zoo is another great location to have your wedding ceremony and reception. Australia has some fantastic Zoos which have spectacular function rooms or beautiful manicured lawns for both an outdoor or indoor ceremony and reception. Not only can your guests soak up the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife but also bask in the tranquil garden setting. Imagine the amazing photo opportunities available in this location with the wildlife and animals as your backdrop.

Theme Parks are another unique place to host a wedding ceremony and reception. The Gold Coast has some of the best theme parks in Australia with Movie world, Dream world and SeaWorld as potential venues. Hire out a section of the park or the entire venue for a truly extraordinary experience.

Monkey Mia in Western Australia is a beautiful location to have a unique wedding ceremony. With the Sandy beaches, palm trees and landscaped garden, you could have a ceremony of your dreams. After your wedding have a reception on the manicured lawns watching the magnificent sunsets. For a more formal affair have the wedding reception celebration in your 5 star resort. You and your guests will be entertained with the numerous activities, such as swimming with the dolphins or exploring Shark Bay on one of many tours. At Monkey Mia you will always have something unique to do.

Australia has one of the most diverse and interesting locations in the world to host a wedding followed by a romantic honeymoon. Not only are we beginning to explore all the attractions Australia has to offer but so are international travelers who are choosing to celebrate their weddings and honeymoons in Australia. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent beaches in the world it is the natural destination for a romantic wedding and honeymoon.

" Plans "

My plan was to have the GWTW Room done by today so I could give you a Grand Tour. Well, things didn't work out. I have a beautiful artist print that is going above the bed that needed framing. Actually, I have a lot of artwork that needs framing. I was NOT willing to pay the ridiculous price the frame shops quoted me. So, I went on the hunt for frames. You've heard me talk before about Hudson's Treasure Hunt Stores and their sister store Dirt Cheap. Hubby and I visited Dirt Cheap a couple of weeks ago and found a few great deals on some frames. I bought three. One for the GWTW print, one for the Windsor print he got me for Christmas and the one you see below. The frame below had the glass intact but had two corners coming apart. It was originally marked $40.00 retail and was marked down to 5.99. I bought it, cleaned it up and used wood glue on the corners. The print is one I bought at Sally's in the French Quarter a few years ago of Orleans Street facing St. Anne's Cathedral in Jackson Square. On the left is Bourbon Orleans Hotel where we were staying and on the right is one of my favorite book stores Arcadian Books. The sconces are recent EBay purchases. The votive's have Angels carved in the glass. so Wa La, I have a new wall to look at in the living room. The other frames are large and gorgeous.
I would show pictures of them but they are in my car trunk left there after taking them to a glass place Friday to get glass cut to fit them. Now the great part about these frames is ,they came out of the Beau Rivage Casino on the coast after Katrina hit. The frames we not hurt but were missing the glass and prints that were in them. I nearly fainted when I saw the prices that Beau Rivage had paid for them on the back. I got both frames for $ 40.00! The glass for the 2 cost me $27.00. Now all they need is the matting and I'm taking them Monday to Hobby lobby for that.





Now, back to the room. This poster I ordered just came yesterday and I need to get a poster frame tomorrow for it.............

All these 8x10 photos are going to be mounted..............

On this satin covered board I made from Styrofoam board and part of the fitted sheet I had left from the set. We got a piece of Plexiglas cut for it and Hubby is going to frame it in on the wall.

I finally got my scarves on Friday also. So I'm going to give you a few glimpse's of some finished corners. This the chest of drawers..............

Here you see photos of Melanie Wilkes and Belle Whatling with their globed figurines on shelves.

Photos of Scarlett and the collectible GWTW Houses, Tara, Tara Carriage House, Twelve Oaks, Butler Mansion in Atlanta, Wilkes House in Atlanta on the table.

I have to tell you about this old lamp! I was saying to Hubby that I didn't like the lamp I already had in the room. He says to me that there is a very old lamp in the attic that he got about 30 years ago when he was helping a friend move that the guy was going to throw away! It had belonged to the guy's Grandmother but didn't work so he didn't want it. He said he thought it had a hand painted Magnolia on it. He went up and got it and brought it down. WOW! It wasn't a Magnolia, it was a Hibiscus and it was gorgeous ! I cleaned it up, painted the base and he went to Walmart and got a rewire kit. The shade was a new shade I picked up for $1.00 when we went to that 7 mile yard sale in Lafayette, Louisiana awhile back. I glued gold ribbon around the edges. There is less than $ 10.00 in this gorgeous old lamp! :)

The dresser is now ready for a Southern Belle to make herself beautiful. Her jewels, hair accessories, hatpins, perfume and lipstick are waiting..............

I love looking at this dresser......................

This series of collector plates are called " Dressing A Legend "

I have to tell you the bed and the wall above it are breath taking but I want the picture up before you see it.............. :)

I really can't wait till you see it and tell me what you think!!

I did a post today also on THE BOOK HOUSE BLOG about some new authors and books I discovered this week! I hope you visit and check it out!!! :)

Busker Sings 50s Music At Bedok Wet Market

A Singapore busker at Bedok South Wet Market entertains in the early morning. He sings songs like, Chin Chiah Hor and selections from 50s music.

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He seems to be doing fine with his clean clothes, an electronic keyboard and a microphone to boot. Let's hope he earns some money every time he appears. Thanks Peter.

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Image/Original article: Peter Chan Collection.

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Streets Of London

Have you seen the old man /In the closed-down market /Kicking up the paper, with his worn out shoes? /In his eyes you see no pride /And held loosely at his side /Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news /

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So how can you tell me you're lonely, /And say for you that the sun don't shine? /Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London /I'll show you something to make you change your mind.

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Have you seen the old girl /Who walks the streets of London /Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags? /She's no time for talking, /She just keeps right on walking/ Carrying her home in two carrier bags.

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In the all night cafe/At a quarter past eleven, /Same old man is sitting there on his own /Looking at the world /Over the rim of his tea-cup, /Each tea last an hour /Then he wanders home alone.

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And have you seen the old man /Outside the seaman's mission/ Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears./ In our winter city, The rain cries a little pity /For one more forgotten hero /And a world that doesn't care.

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Composed/Sung by: Ralph McTell (selling 90,000 copies in a day in 1969 - Wiki).

January 2010 favourites

I'm so glad January is over. It is definitely the worst month of the year, with the weather, diet, lack of money and just general misery with the come-down from Christmas. It has flown by though - it seems like only yesterday it I was setting my 2010 resolutions! It's been quite an uneventful January - except for the snow of course - but we only had a day or two where it stuck in our area. Nothing ground to a halt, life carried on, and bread /potatoes/salt didn't sell out. Anyway, onto the favourites!

This month I've been loving:

Bio-Oil

I've been using this to hydrate my face, and to undo the damage that the Vichy skincare range did to my skin. It's really calmed my skin down and even dealt with the added dryness that occurs during Winter. I've used this for years but only really as a bath oil or massage oil, but I have really appreciated it as a facial treatment (a la Zoella) for the last few weeks.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Straight Fixation Smooting Creme

I did a full review of this here. I'll never straighten my hair without this again. If you want super-sleek hair, then this is your friend.

MAC 209 brush

Perfect eyeliner brush <3 I really struggle with gel eyeliners, but this brush makes it so much easier. I was using Benefit's Hard Angle brush before, but could never get a neat consistent line - nor could I flick it out. This brush has flexibility, and is not too thick so I can do the inner corner perfectly. It's love.

Lush lip balm - Let Them Eat Cake

I had this in one of my Christmas gift sets, and I have to be honest, I pulled a face when I first had a whiff of it. It's a very very strong rum, currant and toffee smell, obviously like some sort of cake. My brother was the same when he sniffed it - he says he was one more sniff away from passing out. Slightly OTT but it is definitely a smell that takes some getting used to. The lip balm itself though is beautiful. My lips feel really soft, and it feels lovely on my lips aswell - not greasy, just smooth.

Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner - Lust

I bought the VIP liner set back last year but never ever used this shade. I underwent a purple challenge recently and I absolutely fell in love with it. I think it looks gorgeous on my waterline and jazzes up a neutral eye without being in your face. So pretty.

Not so many this month. What have you been loving?

xoxo

Simply me is back!

Hey all you bloggers,
well typing that line once again was a dream I have missed typing that line.Well I also wanted to type a Thank you to all my fans,thanks for all the support the time you took to vote on the poll because of your support I have decided to carry on with blog.Well there will be new posts very soon and new pictures post and buttons will be on my blog.Thank you all for everything you have done for me so make sure you give yourself a big bear hug from me!Thank you all so much!

xoxo
Simply Me

Streets Of Singapore Buskers Are 60s Musicians

OUR MUSIC BUSKERS:

There are more and more buskers on the streets in Singapore. Orchard Road, Thomson Road and even the underpasses and shopping malls have entertainers who provide live music. As blogger listens to them with their rendition of Cliff Richard's, The Young Ones and Chubby Checker's, Let's Twist Again, there are enthusiastic passers-by who shake and jive to the beat.

When blogger spoke to some of them, they proudly announce that they are well-known musicians from the 60s. There is a lady who interpreted Bette Midler's, Wind Beneath My Wings (1982) near Ngee Ann City shopping centre with so much feeling and sincerity that many pedestrians stopped and applauded.

"So I was the one with all the glory,/While you were the one with all the strength./A beautiful face without a name for so long./A beautiful smile to hide the pain./Did I ever tell you you're my hero?/You're everything, everything I wish I could be..."

This lady has a beautiful face indeed and the best voice ever. But she has a name too. Go find out tonight! And remember to contribute. "So how can you tell me you're lonely,/And say for you that the sun don't shine?/Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London/I'll show you something to make you change your mind... Ralph McTell."

Will there come a time when Singapore streets will be like McTell's Streets Of London (1969)? What do you think?

(Four postings about busking by October Cherries' Peter Diaz and The Bunnies' Raymond Pereira. Click 'busking' under 'Labels' below.)

Original article: Andy Lim Collection

http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/busking%2Clondon

Favorite Beauty Products - Video!! And a Giveaway!

I decided to record a video of my favorite beauty products!!

Enter to win your own set of everything in the video by becoming a follower and then comment to this post with a beauty product that YOU love. Giveaway will end Feb 9th.


Good Luck!!! :)

Currency Trading Broker Fees at Forex part 2

A forex trading broker is exactly that, a broker between the buyer and seller of a particular currency. The broker will have access to state of the art hardware and software that will allow them to place a trade faster than you or I, but they will obviously be charging a fee for their services.




You may find certain similarities between the currency trading markets and the stock markets, but those similarities stop quickly, especially considering there are no broker fees in forex trading, only a fee that is called the spread and is built into every currency transaction by the broker.

Currency Trading Broker Fees at Forex

Forex brokers provide you with the platform for trading on the currency markets. Most trader are not shy about making their own trade, yet a novice or beginning trader may be a bit timid. You can hire an accomplished broker to place your trade for you, but that’s really necessary if you spend some time to learn the foreign exchange market.



There are many foreign currency brokers that can service your fx trade, while there are several that won’t go near a client that doesn’t have 25k or better to invest.

Christmas Cookies, Christmas Cookie Gift Basket

Food and drinks are part of every celebration but during christmas festival, there is also food and drinks but its variety is vast and such food and drinks are exchanged in the form of gift basket among people. Special christmas gift baskets are designed and packed to attract people. Cookies, chocolate cookies, sugar cookies are the main sweet course of christmas. Special christmas cookie recipe is made to delight everyone. Shapes of christmas tree, stars, candy is given to the cookie made specially for the christmas season. Special decoration of cookie is done with green, silver, red, white and golden colored eatable balls. Nuts, caramel, chocolates, crunch are also used to give new flavor, look and taste to the cookies.

The exchange of christmas cookie gift basket has previous tradition when people used to wish each other by making such sweet confectioneries at home. But today this tradition is same but its style has changed completely. More and more emphasis is given on the gift packing, basket and decorations. Fine below displayed pictures of christmas cookies to view today's cookies during christmas and exchanged more as a christmas gift basket.

Christmas Cookies, Christmas Cookie Gift Basket

Food and drinks are part of every celebration but during christmas festival, there is also food and drinks but its variety is vast and such food and drinks are exchanged in the form of gift basket among people. Special christmas gift baskets are designed and packed to attract people. Cookies, chocolate cookies, sugar cookies are the main sweet course of christmas. Special christmas cookie recipe is made to delight everyone. Shapes of christmas tree, stars, candy is given to the cookie made specially for the christmas season. Special decoration of cookie is done with green, silver, red, white and golden colored eatable balls. Nuts, caramel, chocolates, crunch are also used to give new flavor, look and taste to the cookies.

The exchange of christmas cookie gift basket has previous tradition when people used to wish each other by making such sweet confectioneries at home. But today this tradition is same but its style has changed completely. More and more emphasis is given on the gift packing, basket and decorations. Fine below displayed pictures of christmas cookies to view today's cookies during christmas and exchanged more as a christmas gift basket.

Christmas Wedding Centerpieces, Christmas Wedding Decoration Centerpieces

If your wedding is during christmas holidays then give your celebration perfect blend of wedding ceremony along with christmas festival by bringing christmas themes to your wedding party or reception. Make the decorations with christmas stuff like ornaments, flowers, candles, centerpieces and other stuff. Make the winter christmas wedding enjoy and feel the warmth of special because of christmas. Figure out some excellent pieces of Christmas Wedding Centerpieces to place them on table for guests to be seated there. Display beautiful miniature christmas trees, candles, ornament bowl, bells and other spectacular stuff.

Don't miss to let your guests feel honored to be part of your wedding on christmas by enjoying both the occasions in a single celebration party. If you like then sprinkle some fragrance over the centerpiece to let people feel refreshed and beautiful.

Christmas Wedding Centerpieces, Christmas Wedding Decoration Centerpieces

If your wedding is during christmas holidays then give your celebration perfect blend of wedding ceremony along with christmas festival by bringing christmas themes to your wedding party or reception. Make the decorations with christmas stuff like ornaments, flowers, candles, centerpieces and other stuff. Make the winter christmas wedding enjoy and feel the warmth of special because of christmas. Figure out some excellent pieces of Christmas Wedding Centerpieces to place them on table for guests to be seated there. Display beautiful miniature christmas trees, candles, ornament bowl, bells and other spectacular stuff.

Don't miss to let your guests feel honored to be part of your wedding on christmas by enjoying both the occasions in a single celebration party. If you like then sprinkle some fragrance over the centerpiece to let people feel refreshed and beautiful.

Christmas Candles, Christmas Candle Gifts and Decorations

Candles are the attraction of christmas when people light candle in front of Jesus to offer their prayers and wish him happy birthday. During christmas eve, people light candles to spread its glow and let everyone know their feelings of welcome to Santa and other people to join the celebration. Nowadays, candles have more become item of decoration. Candle centerpieces could be seen anywhere, scented candles, floating candles and various other types of christmas candles to spread happiness of christmas holidays.

Create the warmth and atmosphere of pleasure for everyone present for christmas celebrations colorful and shaped candles of christmas. Even present christmas candle gifts to celebrate Jesus birth anniversary. Its easy to make candles at home and if you like designer pieces then visit market and get your choice of candle for xmas.

Christmas Candles, Christmas Candle Gifts and Decorations

Candles are the attraction of christmas when people light candle in front of Jesus to offer their prayers and wish him happy birthday. During christmas eve, people light candles to spread its glow and let everyone know their feelings of welcome to Santa and other people to join the celebration. Nowadays, candles have more become item of decoration. Candle centerpieces could be seen anywhere, scented candles, floating candles and various other types of christmas candles to spread happiness of christmas holidays.

Create the warmth and atmosphere of pleasure for everyone present for christmas celebrations colorful and shaped candles of christmas. Even present christmas candle gifts to celebrate Jesus birth anniversary. Its easy to make candles at home and if you like designer pieces then visit market and get your choice of candle for xmas.

Family Christmas Ideas, Family Christmas Gift Ideas, Family Christmas Party

The kind of celebration, joy, excitement and preparations enjoyed and shared among families are incomparable with any other happiness. Each and every member of the family participate in the Christmas celebrations, gift shopping, house cleaning, decorating, party decoration, food preparation and other activities to feel the warmth of togetherness on Christmas eve along with relatives, friends, neighbors and dear ones. Here, we come with family Christmas ideas to help our visitors find useful tips and guides to fill extra lasting memories of sharing and being together on every occasion.

• Family christmas gift ideas - If you are going to attend Christmas party organized by a family then you need to present some common family gift to wish merry Christmas to all family members. For exchange, you can go with bedsheets, crockery, fruit basket, christmas gourmet hamper and household utilities.
  
• Family christmas party ideas - This segment covers ideas about how entertaining, you can make family christmas party. Remember, the things like costumes, music, fireworks, food and all should be liked by all. Get beautiful family invitation card to send invites.
• Family Christmas Craft Ideas - Involve your kids, children and teens in a creative craft work for christmas. Get some decorations, hangings or make your kids learn family value through unite work and help Handmade Christmas cards are easy to craft together with family to present it to relatives, classmates, friends and beloved ones.
• Family Christmas Holiday Ideas - Christmas is a time of holidays for all so make best use of the free time to spend happiness of christmas with each other. Make plan and go for holidays to some hill station, tour and travel.

Family Christmas Ideas, Family Christmas Gift Ideas, Family Christmas Party

The kind of celebration, joy, excitement and preparations enjoyed and shared among families are incomparable with any other happiness. Each and every member of the family participate in the Christmas celebrations, gift shopping, house cleaning, decorating, party decoration, food preparation and other activities to feel the warmth of togetherness on Christmas eve along with relatives, friends, neighbors and dear ones. Here, we come with family Christmas ideas to help our visitors find useful tips and guides to fill extra lasting memories of sharing and being together on every occasion.

• Family christmas gift ideas - If you are going to attend Christmas party organized by a family then you need to present some common family gift to wish merry Christmas to all family members. For exchange, you can go with bedsheets, crockery, fruit basket, christmas gourmet hamper and household utilities.
  
• Family christmas party ideas - This segment covers ideas about how entertaining, you can make family christmas party. Remember, the things like costumes, music, fireworks, food and all should be liked by all. Get beautiful family invitation card to send invites.
• Family Christmas Craft Ideas - Involve your kids, children and teens in a creative craft work for christmas. Get some decorations, hangings or make your kids learn family value through unite work and help Handmade Christmas cards are easy to craft together with family to present it to relatives, classmates, friends and beloved ones.
• Family Christmas Holiday Ideas - Christmas is a time of holidays for all so make best use of the free time to spend happiness of christmas with each other. Make plan and go for holidays to some hill station, tour and travel.

Plants are a wonderful solution to bring life

1. Plants. Plants are a wonderful solution to bring life, literally, for you to fill the space and the people "What on earth do I put in this room" area.

2. Furniture does not fit. Please, I beg those who are looking for new furniture set, do not buy a complete set. This is not creative. If you already have furniture that is not a good fit for you! (Or, sorry it was you who took the couch from the curb and that's why you do not match the furniture.)

3. Art. How awesome is this artwork. Perfect contrasting colors and told by the art, you may be able to find some kids in Craigslists paint something similar to a bribe from the McDonald's gift cards.
more>>>>>>

Interior Design and Decorating Trends 2010: Paint Colors

Interior Design and Decorating Trends 2010: Paint Colors

The coming year, the painting and faux finishing will be greater than the use of wallpaper in the interior, as happened in the past. In the year 2009, we saw a lot of purple, blue, and metallic paint color. We will continue to see the purple in 2010, but in shades of light (like lavender). We also will see more pink - shades not girly, but lighter and more sophisticated pink - even used as the main color on the walls. And finally, because the green, crazy environment, a soft green palette will continue to appear in the house.

This trend will be hot for 2010.

"Rustic Modern" is one of the guests described how the interior designer Robert Stilin country home in East Hampton, NY, which features the American farmhouse coffee table mingles with vintage Arne Jacobsen Egg Hans Wegner chairs and stools. This trend will be hot for 2010.
Photo by: Handout photo
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Nom nom nom...

Mr Lollipop has gone swimming with his family. Since I haven't seen the inside of a swimming pool since 1998, I gave it a miss. Everyone is coming back here afterwards though - and by everyone I mean everyone : Mr Lollipop's parents, Mr Lollipop's brother and his two little boys, and Mr Lollipop's sister, her fiance and their baby girl. They live about 70 miles away, so we don't get to see them often and the last time was Christmas.

Last night we decided to make some cupcakes for their visit. I love cupcakes - they're so cute and yummy scrummy! We made a batch of vanilla cupcakes from the Hummingbird Bakery book, and we frosted them with some pink vanilla frosting and multicoloured sugar sprinkles. Yum! I'm resisting every urge to taste one, because once I start I won't stop!

We used muffin cases as the book suggests, but ideally we should have doubled the mixture so that the cakes filled the cases. If you like a lot of frosting, definitely double the quantities - we just about managed to cover our cakes by multiplying the frosting quantities by 1.5!

The recipe for 12 cupcakes (or technically muffins) is:

Ingredients
120g plain flour
140g caster sugar
1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
40g unsalted butter at room temperature
120ml milk (the book says to use whole but we always use semi-skimmed and can never tell the difference)
1 egg

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting
250g icing sugar sifted
80g unsalted butter at room temperature
25ml milk
A couple of drops of vanilla extract
A couple of drops of food colouring (Optional - We used red for pink frosting)

Method
1. Line muffin tray with paper cases and preheat oven to 170C.

2. The book says to mix all the dry ingredients with butter, but that makes one heck of a mess. I find it easier to cream the sugar and butter then mix in the flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Gradually pour in half the milk and beat until the milk is just incorporated.

4. Whisk the egg, vanilla and remaining milk together in a separate bowl and then pour into the flour mixture. Continue mixing for a couple of minutes until the mixture is smooth. It will be quite runny, not like normal cake mixture. Don't be alarmed - that's how it's suppsed to look!

5. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases but only fill them two thirds full. Bake in the oven for 25 mins or until slightly golden (ours took about 18 minutes in a fan assisted oven, so after about 15 minutes watch them carefully so they don't get ruined!) and then cool on a wire rack.

6. Beat the icing sugar and butter together until well mixed.

7. In a separate bowl combine the milk, vanilla extract and food colouring then add to the butter mixture gradually. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

8. Decorate the cupcakes with the frosting once cool. Add whatever pretty decorations you choose. We used sugar strands. Yum!

You can use normal cupcake cases aswell. This makes about 18 cakes using cupcake cases, and you need to reduce the cooking time. I should imagine they'd only take about 12 minutes in my oven, so make sure you keep an eye on them!

My Granny took one home with her last night and she just phoned me to say it was delicious, so it passed the taste-test too. I can't wait to try one.

Have you got any yummy cupcake recipes for me to try?

xoxo