H - Life: 11/24/10

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Gift Exchange Centerpiece

Have your guests make your party centerpiece as they arrive for your white elephant gift exchange, secret santa party or ornament exchange party

When hosting an ornament exchange, let the wrapped boxes and gift bags brought by guests serve as your centerpiece. The various shapes of boxes and bags and the variety of wrapping paper will add visual appeal and color in an instant.

Because most of the boxes brought to the party will likely be small, you may want to wrap a large empty box to serve as the anchor for the display.
Before the party, cut a long ribbon for each guest you're expecting. Then attach a number to each of the ribbons. Put the same amount of numbers on a separate piece of paper in a container and set aside.
As guests arrive, tie a numbered ribbon to each of the packages. Have guests select a number from the container (be sure it's not the same number you just assigned to their gift!). Set the boxes and bags around your large wrapped box. Position the ribbons so the numbers are visible.
When you're ready to begin the ornament exchange, have each guest look for their number and follow the ribbon to their gift. Have each person take a turn to unwrap their new ornament.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Centerpieces/Gift-Exchange-Centerpiece

How to Make Candles

Make your own candles for this year's holiday centerpiece by recycling milk containers for candle molds

These lacy-looking candles are easy to make using wax and candle dye...or even old candles! They take a few days to dry so make them well in advance of your party.

Wash and dry the inside of wax-coated paper cartons. (We used half-pint milk cartons and 64-ounce juice cartons.) Place on a cookie sheet.
In a double boiler over low heat, melt clear wax and add candle dye in the color of your choice. (You can also melt candles in the color of your choice; remove and discard the wicks.)
Estimate how much wax you'll need to fill each carton half full. Having too much wax is better than not having enough.
Add a few drops of melted wax to the bottom of a carton. Immediately place a taper candle in the color of your choice into the wax. Let the wax set.
Fill the carton half full with pieces of ice in different sizes and shapes. Pour enough melted wax into the carton to cover the ice.
Let stand until the wax is hardened and the ice is melted. Pour out the water; carefully tear the carton away. Let the candle stand a few days to dry completely before using.
Be sure to place the lighted candle on a holder to collect the wax as it melts.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/How-To-Cook/How-to-Make-Candles

Cupcake Decorating Station

Have a cupcake decorating party featuring Santa cupcakes and reindeer cupcakes, then display everyone's Christmas cupcakes

When hosting a party for children, there's no need for a fancy dessert. Just have some plain, baked cupcakes on hand!

As a fun food craft during the party, have kids frost the cupcakes, then decorate with assorted toppings, like colored sugar, sprinkles, chocolate jimmies and small candies.

Or for a little more creativity, have guests put on a happy holiday face by making St. Nick or Reindeer Cupcakes.

Here's how:

St. Nick Cupcakes. Start with 2 cups (or one 16-ounce can) vanilla frosting. Place 2/3 cup in a bowl; tint with red food coloring.

Frost part of the cupcake top with white frosting for the face and the other part with red frosting for the hat. If desired, pipe white frosting to create the fur band of the hat. Press a miniature marshmallow on one side of the hat for pom-pom.

Add chocolate chips for the eyes and a red-hot candy for the nose. Gently press flaked coconut below the nose for the beard.

Reindeer Cupcakes. Frost cupcakes with Classic Chocolate Frosting or chocolate frosting of your choice.

Add chocolate chips for the eyes and a red-hot candy for the nose. Break apart large pretzel twists; add two pieces for antlers.

For a mouth-watering centerpiece, display the decorated cupcakes in a tiered cupcake stand.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Centerpieces/Cupcake-Decorating-Station

Blooming Gift Boxes

Delicate paperwhites in gold wrapping paper highlight these beautiful holiday wedding centerpieces or Christmas table decorations

By dinnertime on Christmas Day, all of the packages under the tree have been opened and the pretty wrappings have been discarded.
Enjoy the sight of pretty packages a while longer by creating this lovely arrangement.

First, chose a color theme for the wrapping paper, ribbons and flowers, making sure the colors work with your dishes and table linens.
For an elegant look, we chose green and gold wrapping paper and ribbons. Then we selected pretty paperwhites to pop out of the packages.
Next, look for boxes in varying sizes. We made three stacks with two boxes each. The largest boxes were used in the center of the display.
Then find narrow glasses or vases that are roughly the same height as each stack of boxes.
For each stack of boxes, wrap the top and bottom of the largest box separately. Then wrap the bottom only of the next largest box. Set the smaller boxes on top of the larger boxes.
With tape or a stapler, secure ribbons at the top and bottom on each side of the stacks.
With a utility knife, cut a large "X" in the bottom of the top box and through the lid of the bottom box.
Carefully fill each glass or vase with floral marbles if desired and water. Insert the glass or vase into each stack of boxes, making sure it's resting within the bottom box. Add flowers.
In the top box of each stack, fill in with tissue paper and gold angel hair or raffia, covering the glass or vase as much as possible.
To continue with the gift box theme, we set smaller decorated boxes at each place setting. The boxes could be empty or filled with a party favor, such as an ornament or candy.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Centerpieces/Blooming-Gift-Boxes

Tabletop String Trees

earn how to make string art crafts by creating these cute Christmas tree string sculptures

For a country-style centerpiece, try your hand at these jute string and raffia Christmas trees. Tuck in a few branches from your evergreen, then add a little garland or some ornaments for a tabletop "forest" in a flash!

Supplies Needed

Styrofoam cones in assorted sizes
Parchment paper
Three-ply natural jute string
Green raffia
Commercial stiffener
Large, medium and small
1/8-inch-thick natural wooden star cutouts
Gold metallic acrylic craft paint
Small flat paintbrush
Craft glue

Steps

Wrap each cone shape with parchment paper, using straight pins to secure paper to cone.
Soak jute string and raffia in stiffener as directed by manufacturer.
Wrap jute string around cone shape in a spiral pattern. Add raffia in the same way.
Continue to add jute and raffia alternate
y until desired look is achieved, making sure the bottom of the cone is level. Secure any loose ends with straight pins. Let dry.
Carefully insert a table knife between the cone and parchment paper; move the cone around to loosen.
Carefully remove parchment paper from the jute and raffia. Paint all sides of each star gold; let dry.

Glue a star to the top of each tree.

Step 1

Wrap each cone with parchment paper, using straight pins to secure.

Step 2

Wrap jute string and raffia around cone in a spiral pattern until desired look is achieved. Let dry.

Step 3

With a table knife, remove parchment paper from the cone. Carefully separate the parchment paper from the jute and raffia.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Centerpieces/Tabletop-String-Trees

Cheese Meatballs Recipe

16 Servings
Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min.

Ingredients

3 cups (12 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan.
Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Yield: about 4 dozen.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (3 each) equals 148 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 36 mg cholesterol, 314 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 10 g protein.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cheese-Meatballs?refurl=&_mid=455801&_rid=455801.1288846898.26461

Your Newborn and You: Month-by-month Milestones & Playtime Safety Tips - Development & Child Care | SmartParenting.com.ph

Baby

Becoming a parent can be exciting, scary, and fun... sometimes all within the space of five minutes. Whether you're starting breastfeeding or wondering when to wean, we'll help you out. And from bathing to diaper changing, we have all you need to know about the daily care of your baby.

You'll be fascinated by the changes you see in your baby as she grows. We have fun games for you to play with her, helping you to create a special bond.

Every parent worries about their baby's health. Don't worry. Our articles written by experts answer your questions.

And if you're wondering how much sleep your baby -- and you! -- should be getting, look no further than our sleep section. You can pick up plenty of tips, and learn a few lullabies as well! With BabyCenter Philippines at your side, you'll be a parenting pro in no time.

Baby (Birth - 12 months)

http://www.babycenter.com.ph/baby/

How do I feed my 4-month-old if she’s gotten used to being exclusively breastfed and I’m going back to work?

Breastfeeding counselor, mom and contributing writer Abigail Yabot shares helpful advice to a breastfeeding mom’s dilemma as she goes back to work.

By Abigail Vernida-Yabot

Q: “My 4 month old is exclusively breastfed since birth. My problem is that I'm going back to work soon.

To simulate the situation of me being away from her for work, I go to a separate room where she won't smell or hear me or I go out of the house and ask the caregiver (yaya) to feed her. But she won't take the bottle even with my pumped breast milk.

The yaya also tried cup feeding her with my pumped breast milk but she also cries incessantly and does not like to take the milk. She also does not like the dropper.

What can I do? She got so used to feeding from my breast and won't take any other forms of feeding (e.g. bottle, cup, dropper). I've tried all sorts of bottle nipples that claim to resemble a mother's breast but to no success. Hope you can help and provide some pieces of advice to me on how to deal with this.”

A: When a mom is returning to work, it is best to practice for about a week to 2 weeks, gradually increasing the time away from baby until you reach your actual work and travel time when you go back to workRemember, you should not be within senses distance so better to really go out of the house.

Another useful tip is not to worry or think about the baby during this time as this tends to make the baby fussy. Remember to feed baby before leaving and as soon as you arrive. And it is best to cup feed when giving expressed breast milk...
Here is a possible practice schedule:
•   Day 1 - away for 2 hours (leave 2ozs but might not consume it at all)
•   Days 2-3 - away for 4 hours (leave 2 2ozs, one might be consumed)
•   Days 4-5 - away for 6 hours ( leave 3 2ozs, 2 might be consumed)•   Days 6-7 - away for 8 hours (leave 4 2ozs, 3 might be consumed)
•   Days 8-9 - away for 10 hours (leave 5 2 ozs, 4 might be consumed)

Don't be too focused on how much the baby will consume. In fact there's such a thing as cluster feeding whereas babies consume very little when mom is away and breastfeeds for longer periods of time when mom is around. This is a much better scenario than baby consuming more when mom is away because the stimulation to the breast will be much less, hence, may lead to supply drop.

Remember to count the number of wet diapers and use other signs to check if baby is getting enough rather than focus on the number of ozs that baby consumes while mom is away. Also, continue with the night time feedings. This will ensure your milk supply abundance.

Photo from flickr.com

http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/mom-dad/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-basics/how-do-i-feed-my-4-month-old-if-she-s-gotten-used-to-being-exclusively-breastfed-and-i-m-going-back-to-work

Why Calcium Counts: Benefits and Sources - Nutrition | SmartParenting.com.ph

Survival Guide for Pinoy Single Parents: 8 Tips - Relationships | SmartParenting.com.ph

Ready to Be a Mom - Planning | SmartParenting.com.ph

The Rewards of Becoming a Stay-At-Home Mom

5 Benefits of Being a WAHM (Work-at-Home Mom)

how I put my simple everyday make-up

For working girls and students a simple make-up is a must for them or US to look gorgeous.
A wrong impression of make-up is that it makes girls or woman look unnatural or that it makes them look different. If your impression for make-up is still like this then you haven’t seen a true and simple make-up maybe your image for make-up is that of a clown and that of a beauty pageant.
Make-up has a lot of categories. The first category I’m going to share is the EVERYDAY SIMPLE MAKE-UP. Here it goes
First, clean and wash your face. A dirty face is a NO no girls. Wash your face with your favorite facial wash (for me I’m hiyang with PONDS)
Second, put on a good make up base. Im saying a make-up base but I’m not referring to professional make-up base. For me, I use my facial moisturizer as my make-up base. I also use a moisturizer with a sunblock.
Third, Foundation or powder look and shop around girls every department store in town has a make up section and all of them have ladies who can help you find the perfect foundation for your skin tone. In shopping for one NEVER try it in your hands because the skin tone in your hands is totally different form your face. Go see it for your self (look at the mirror and see the difference)
Fourth, Some days I put eyeshadow in other days I don’t. I just go with the flow of what i feel. So the fourth step for me is the eyeliner. I have a big eyes so I put black liner.
Fifth, BLUSH!!!

for my everyday use I use a BRONZER as my blush I like the effect of my bronzer to my cheeks. In putting on blush you have to SMILE then look for the apple of your cheeks. Now do not put on BLUSH in CIRCULAR motion you are NOT a CLOWN!! the motion should be “out to in” from the edge of your ears to the apple of your cheeks. Now for me since i have a round face i put blush underneath my cheekbones to give an illusion dimension of a smaller face.
Sixth, Lipstick I choose a shade that is near to my lips color so that it will appear natural and just have that shimmery look like that of a gloss. In putting on lipstick start at the edge of your lips inwards. If you smudge or exceed your lips just wipe it away.
Seven and the last for my simple make up process I put on Mascara. Curl your lashes and then to complete your make-up slash on a mascara.

http://kikaymuch.me/2010/06/tips/how-i-put-my-simple-everyday-make-up/

Vanity Kit for Men “KIKOY KIT”

My boyfriend, Emmanuel is not vain but because of our constant travels (Gensan-Davao vice versa) he needed to have his VANITY KIT or “KIKOY KIT” to carry his toiletries, perfumes, deodorant etc. Lets face it we all use beauty products men and women alike. As we age our skin and hair needs special attention and maintenance.

VANITY KIT for MEN or “KIKOY KIT”

Nivea Active 3 - this is a great product because it’s 3 in 1 shampoo, shower gel and shaving cream. You can save a lot of space in your vanity kit if you have this. Plus according to Emman it does not irritate his skin while shaving.
Rexona Deodorant- he uses the spray type & anti perspirant
Penshoppe Cologne- he brings the plastic bottle for convinience
Gillette Shaver Double blade- this is a wise buy unlike the disposable one because he can replace the blades
Gillette after shave
Colgate Toothpaste & Toothbrush- he uses the bending type toothbrush
Astring-o-sol mouth wash
Cotton buds
RIZO Wax- this is for styling his hair, this leaves his hair up but it’s not sticky
Enervon C MultiVitamins
Imodium- for emergency purposes

Vain or not we all need our VANITY KIT. Their are a lot of cosmetic products available in the market that caters to MEN’s vanity needs. Their are lotions, deodorants, moisturizers, toners and a lot more.
TIP:

VANITY KIT‘s always depends on the length of time you intent to stay in one place.
Buy travel size products the smaller the products the lesser space it occupies.

So, you there, are you man enough to have a VANITY KIT of KIKOY KIT?

http://kikaymuch.me/2010/07/tips/vanity-kit-for-men-kikoy-kit/

In this post I’m going to share whats inside a VANITY KIT for MEN or “KIKOY KIT.”

my KIKAY kit!! (an insider LOOK!!)

All of us needs to have a KIKAY KIT. My kikay kit is always ready (I’m a GIRL SCOUT, laging HANDA!!) I always have small travels every now and then (parang anong travel naman yan?? hmp! DVO-GEN lang nga eh!! hehehehe)
So, let me share what’s inside my KIKAY KIT. I have two kikay kits one for TOILETRIES and one for MAKE-UP.
For the toiletries:

HEAD & SHOULDERS SHAMPOO – I bought a smaller container and then I just refill it.
PALMOLIVE CONDITIONER - I bought conditioner in sachet for practicality.
LACTACYD FEMININE WASH – Ladies we do need this. Again I bought one with a smaller container.
JOHNSON’S MILK BATH – I prefer to bring soap in liquid form because soaps in bars tend to be messy.
TOOTH BRUSH & TOOTH PASTE – I have a sensitive gums and my dentist recommended this toothpaste GUMTECT. Again, its very practical to buy toiletries that are in smaller packages.
LOOFAH - since my soap is in liquid foam I always bring with me my lofa.
NIVEA LOTION – I love this brand because it doesn’t feel sticky and it also has whitening
NIVEA DEODORANT – I prefer stick deodorants
OFF LOTION – to keep mosquitos away!!!
PONDS TONER
CELETEQUE FACIAL MOISTURIZER
PONDS FACIAL WASH (forgot to include it in my photos OPS!!)
VICTORIA SECRET PERFUME (from my best friend, SHARIROSE!! lapit na maubos BESS!!! hahahaha *wink*)

So, that’s my TOILETRIES. a TIP buy toiletries that are in smaller container or sachet it’s very light to carry and very practical. You will only stay for at least a day or two MAX so pack light.
My MAKE-UP KIT

3w SOLUTION B.B CREAM – my make-up base I love it because it has SPF and it doesn’t feel heavy.
MAC CONCEALER – to hide my eyebags
MAYBELLINE MINERAL FOUNDATION – my newest LOVE
BODY SHOP BLUSH BRUSH – since my skin gets irritated by the brush that goes with the mineral foundation now I use my blush brush both for my foundation and blush. I love it’s super SMOOTH bristles .
MAYBELLINE MINERAL BLUSH – i love this new found blush
ETUDE HOUSE HIGHLIGHTER
MAC BLACK EYELINER
MAYBELLINE WATER SHINE LIPSTICK
BRUSHES
EYELASH CURLER
LOREAL MASCARA
ETUDE HOUSE MAKE-UP FIXER
MAYBELLINE MAKE-UP REMOVER

So, that’s it a LOOK INSIDE the KIKAY kit of KIKAY MUCH!!!
Let me sing a song “All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go, I’m standing here outside the door, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye” hehehehehe

LOVE MUCH,
xoxo

http://kikaymuch.me/2010/06/tips/my-kikay-kit-an-insider-look/

H - Life

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