Wednesday 30 November 2011

Curly Hairstyle for the Prom




Although curly hair is not the in thing this season judging from the sleek updos that celebrities had on during Oscar Night, who says you cannot still have some little bit of curls?





Not all trends will look good on you. Each people has different facial structures and hair types that will complement a crown of curly hair. One needs only to determine if curly hair is indeed the right hairstyle for them. Remember that there are women who will look thinner with curls while there are others who will look fatter.



There are some who can finish off with a sleek curly hairstyle while others will look like poodles with dry fur. These are the points that you should remember before deciding on a curly hairstyle.





If you are not sure, you can always make trials at home. Curl your hair one day and see how you look like. Better yet, try several different styles everyday, not just curly hair and see the difference.



But if you do decide to go for curly hair, here are some tips that can help you.





1. In cutting your hair, ask the salon to cut your in such a way that it will give you just the right volume for the hair type that you have. Dry hair will no longer need additional volume while oily hair will. This is important because this can spell the difference between looking like a sophisticated woman or a poodle who had gone crazy!





2. To create a simple but sassy look, simply wash your hair and then use a diffuser. If you do not have this, you can always towel dry your hair. Once the hair is dry, get a moisturizing product and put some one by running your fingers in between strands. This will help minimize the frizziness and will achieve a sort of wet look on your hair. If you do not want this wet look, you can always leave your hair to dry with a blow drier and then style it anyway you want.





3. As much as possible, use your finger to style your hair. Using a brush or even a comb will only make your hair more frizzy because of the electric currents that go from one to another.





4. Get a hot oil treatment



Before the prom, make sure that you got hot oil treatment. This will help minimize the frizziness of your hair and will also make sure that you will have a more manageable hair for you or the stylist to work on.


Short Hairstyle for the Prom




It is a few weeks before the big day. The person may not have enough time to grow this any longer so the only thing that needs to be done is to work with what is available. The person can still look beautiful and stunning even with short hair.





Since the styles are not that many, the person can stick to the convention or try something unique. The basic look means brushing this and making it look straight and shiny for the event. This can be done in the salon or at home since this only needs some shampoo and a dryer.





Some girls who want to look different for one night can just dye it. There are many colors to choose from and this will depend on one’s skin complexion. Black women normally use red and gold. Those who have lighter skin and blond hair can use red, yellow or blue.





There are also those who dye everything. The color will probably last for a week before this can be changed back to the original color so the person should pick something that will also look good when one is walking around campus.





Another nice look can be done by brushing all the hair to one side. This will require some gel or hairspray to make sure this doesn’t fly all over the place should it get windy.





The punk look can also look good. The trick to making this work is getting the right dress that will match what is on top. The person can try looking at some magazines to get an idea of the right outfit to be able to stand out in the prom.





The boyish look is another. This will mean cutting the hair a bit shorter then merely combing it in a nice way. There are many nice dresses that will make the person look beautiful.





Short hairstyles for the prom are not that difficult nor time consuming since the stylist doesn’t have to do much to get everything together. The person should just present a picture or give the stylist an idea to be left to do the rest.





In less than an hour, the person will be ready and the only thing to do now is to put on the dress and wait for the escort to come in and give the corsage. A nice necklace with a pair of earrings can add sparkle to the person’s smile when the photos come out of the prom.


Rib Barbecue Cookout




Lunch during a weekend doesn’t have to be boring. The person can spice this up by adding some ribs aside from the burgers and hotdogs served from the grill.





The key to a good rib barbecue is the preparation phase. The person should first go to the market to get some ribs that have more meat and less fat. Since ribs rarely come without fat, this can later be sliced before throwing this in the grill.





The ribs can be purchased in full or half rack. The person can buy or less which really depends on how many people will be attending the cookout.





The person should also have the right ingredients ready such as ketchup, pepper, garlic, salt, mustard and honey. The ribs can be marinated in the mix for about two hours or longer depending on the preference of the cook before cooking.





The pan should then be prepared. The person can use charcoal if this is not an electronic griller. This should be left at low heat for 90 minutes and then the fun can begin.





The ribs can be placed in one by one. This should be turned over from side to side to ensure that this is cooked. The remaining sauce from the mix should be brushed on the ribs. A faster way of cooking this will be to close the lid of the grill then checked from time to time.





The person can check if this is cooked by piercing a fork on it. No blood is a sign that the rib is ready to be served on the table. The mix can also be used a sauce for those who want to more taste to the meat.





The person can add some mash potatoes and other vegetables as sidings. It is better to cook more than less for those who want to have another serving. This will save time in preparing a new batch for those who want to fill that empty stomach.





There are two ways to enjoy ribs. The first is to experiment with various sauces or just buy a different brand each time to have a unique taste at the table. The second will be getting a cook book or the internet to learn other techniques of cooking this.





This will surely make the cookout an exciting and anticipated event every weekend that will be enjoyed by all.


Grills - What You Should Know About This Barbecue Equipment




Barbecuing is not as simple as putting meat on stick and roasting it over a fire. Although this might work well with marshmallows in bonfires, meats are a different kind of species, much harder and longer to cook!





If you want to make great barbecues, you should have the equipment that will help you put together a mean barbecue meal. Like most products in the market, there are barbecue equipment that can be bought cheap. You should however be careful with these kinds of products because you’ll never know just how it will perform.





If you are really serious in making barbecues, you should buy equipment that are pricier. This way, you can be assured of using it for a very long time.





One piece of equipment that is already a permanent fixture in any barbecue party is the grill. Grills are used to cook the meat. It has a heat source, which can either be gas, electric or charcoal; a cooking grate; and of course a body that holds it together. The most basic grill of course is the one that uses charcoal. This is the traditional type of barbecue grill, which people used in cooking outdoors.





The flavor is also more authentic when cooked in charcoal. This is why most chefs prefer these kinds of grills despite the fact that it can be mightily inconvenient, slow and messy.





Another type of grill is the one that uses either natural gas or propane. Similar to stoves, gas grills have burners where food can be cooked. There are even some types of gas grills that also lets you roast. Gas grills in America often have lids that keep the heat inside while Australian gas grills do not have lids and will let you cook food directly over the flame.





One thing though that you should take note in buying barbecue grills is the fact that you will need a lot of space if you decide on to buy gas grills. Unlike charcoal grills that you can place virtually anywhere, gas grills take up a lot of space.





Another type of grill is the electric grill, which are often found in patios. Most people, however, do not opt for this because of the lack of authenticity and flavoring. There is also what people call the pellet grill, which uses hardwood pellets for the heat. What is good about pellet grills is that they can smoke and grill at the same time.


Ideas for a Personalized Anniversary Gift




Gifts for wedding anniversary seem to be always the same things, picture frames, photo albums, appliances, glassware, chinaware, kitchen utensils, etc. Sometimes, the list of possible anniversary gift ideas is so short that couples even receive two or three of the same thing when they unwrap the gifts. Your gifts need not be like that!





One way to make your gifts unique without really veering so much away from the norm is to turn what is usual into something unusual with just a little bit of imagination… your imagination. Personalizing your gifts is not only easy but also fun to do. Besides, couples who will receive your gift will all the more appreciate the effort that you have out into the present for their anniversary. Here are some ideas that can get you started on the road to more personalized gifts.





Stitch away.





A simple way to make your gifts uniquely your own is to put monogrammed initials on the gifts. For instance, if you are giving the couple towels or matching t-shirts for their anniversary, you can have them stitched with their names or initials. You can even out some personalized designs on the gifts. You don’t even have to stitch it yourself. There are craft stores that provide stitching services.





Engrave away.





Another way that will make your gifts more personalized is to engrave the initials or names of the couple into their gifts. Great gift items that you can have engraved are metal canisters for the kitchen, jewelry boxes, pens and jewelry. Key chains can also be engraved as well as ceramic items such as mugs and plates. In fact, why not give them a whole set of chinaware with their initials engraved at the back? That will be a great personalized anniversary gift.





Make your own.





If you know how to knit or to cross stitch, you can also make your own gifts. One project that you can do is to make matching jackets for the couple or maybe a couple of scarves for the winter season. You can also turn their favorite photo into an image that you can cross stitch and then framed. This will be a wonderful addition to their bedroom or their sitting room. If you are into crafts, you can also make them a handmade photo album with papers that you have hand-made yourself. There are actually a lot of things that you can do, you just have to determine what you can do.


Barbecue Smokers - Function and Features




Barbecuing may seem simple but it’s actually not. Although you can basically make barbecues with just a fire, it will take you a really long time before you get it cooked. Unlike marshmallows and hotdogs, meat barbecues take much longer to cook. They are also more complicated to prepare.





In barbecuing, one needs a lot of equipment to help you make the cooking easy. One of the basic ones is the grill, which people use to cook the meat. Grills come in different types. There are gas grills, which run with either natural gas or propane. There are also the more traditional grills that make use of charcoal and of course the less common one, the electric grill.





Another piece of equipment that is used for barbecuing is the barbecue smoker. Unlike the grills, smokers are not as commonly used. Barbecue smokers have barbecue rigs with a side compartments; controllable heat vents and smoke stacks. These allow you to control the amount of smoke that comes out.





They have basically the same functions as the grills except that the heat source is away from the food. If it is a vertical water smoker, the heat source can be way way below while in a horizontal smoker, you can find it on the side. One of the basic features of the smoker is that it keeps the heat bottled up inside. This is why it can cook are really low temperatures, from around 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit.



Although cooking with barbecue smokers can be mightily slower than perhaps a barbecue grill, you can be sure that the flavor of the meat will be enhanced more.





Like grills, barbecue smokers also come in different types depending on the fuel being used. There are gas barbecue smokers, which runs on natural gas. There are also barbecue smokers that use charcoal and electricity. Charcoal barbecue smokers produces better flavor but can be really slow and complicated to set up while electric ones can be really easy to use but produces the least authentic flavor for the food.





Still, electric smokers have certain advantages such as being able to produce “cold smoke.” This method is used to cook dishes like cold smoked salmon.





Budget-wise, you can really save up with barbecue smokers. For less than $50, you can actually buy some really good ones that can cook great barbecues. There are, however, electric smokers that use wood chips for the smoke and can be large enough to be used in a restaurant. These are the really expensive ones.


Tuesday 29 November 2011

How To Put Romance Into Your Anniversary Gifts




Anniversaries are romantic occasions where couples can express their love without appearing too sappy. It is actually the perfect time for couples to regain lost communication lines and to say again words of love that they have forgotten to say because of their busy schedules. This is perhaps the reason why some people, especially women place so much importance on celebrating anniversaries. Some couples even fight because one of the partner forgot the occasion.





Although giving romantic gifts like jewelries are traditional during anniversary celebrations, if you do not have the budget, why force it. If you do not have the money to buy an expensive gift for your partner, there is no sense scraping your savings and buying something you cannot afford.





Anniversary gifts need not be expensive. As clichéd as it is, it is often the thought that counts a lot. This is the reason why personalized gifts are better appreciated than gifts that you have just bought from the store. Personalized gifts are often considered special because the receiver knows that the person has put a lot of time and effort to make the gift.





Sometimes, it is not really the gift that is important but the feeling or memories that it conveys. But how do you make an ordinary gift romantic?





Put a special dedication





Gifts will not mean anything without a proper dedication. Without words that convey what you feel a gift will remain a thing that you just bought just for the sake of buying. There is no special feelings that the gift conveys. When you give a gift, think hard on what you will write on the gift card. Just thinking about what to give is not enough. The gift has to mean something and you can explain what through the dedication.





Put a personal reminder





Even the simplest gift item can be a reminder of the relationship and of good times if you know how to create that atmosphere of romanticism. For instance, if you have bought a mug, why not put your names inside a heart using craft paint? Or maybe buy a t-shirt and then design them with the lyrics of your theme songs? You can even put your initials or even nicknames in pillows, glasses, tumblers and even cuff links. There are a host of gift items that you can use. You just have to explore all possibilities.


Something Special to Give for the 25th Wedding Anniversary




Jack and Mary have been married for 25 years. Time had flown so fast that both these individuals were able to raise 3 children with the eldest who just finished college.





Jack told Mary that this moment would be celebrated with dinner for two at the couple's favorite Italian restaurant along Ocean Boulevard.





Little did Mary know what was planned since this was going to be more than one evening for dinner that the two will enjoy.





The real plan was for the couple to spend the weekend in the Bahamas. This was arranged more than 3 months in advance and the only thing to iron out were the other small details to make this as memorable as possible.





The plan started at 6 am of that day. There was going to be breakfast in bed with Mary's favorite rose on a vase with the favorite dish of sausage and eggs.





Noticing there was an envelope under the plate, Mary opened it and discovered there were plane tickets inside. The couple always talked flying down to Florida but was shocked to see two first class tickets to the Bahamas.





Mary got out of bed and started to pack but Jack had already done that. There were two bags in the closet, which were ready so there was already nothing to worry about.





Two hours after freshening up, there was a knock on the door. Mary was surprised to see a limousine outside which was arranged by Jack to take the couple to the airport.





The couple got to the airport and boarded the plane. There was a bottle of chilled Don Perignon and a box of chocolates which both enjoyed throughout the flight.





The resort was great. The couple was serenaded during each meal, there was enough time to go snorkeling and watch the sunset.





The entire gift ended with a card that told Jack wrote to Mary saying "thank you" for the many happy years together and how much the man loved the wife.





The 25th anniversary present was like a renewal of how much Jack cherished Mary. The amount of planning and preparation was so secret that the wife was felt so special when everything came out.





There are not that many people who are able to stay so long in a marriage. Should someone be as lucky as the couple, the people in the relationship should make this something to be joyful about.


The Recipe for Barbecue Sauce




Barbecue is a method of cooking done by placing the slab of meat over a fire. The person can use wood, charcoal or gas and after some time, this is ready to be served.





The secret that makes this meal delicious is not what was used to cook the meat. It is also not where the meat was bought. This is all goes down to the sauce that was used to make this stand out.





Barbecue sauce is what the person puts in the meat while it is being cooked. This should be applied when the meat is almost cooked and not when this has just been thrown in the griller to avoid burning this and no one could eat it.





There are many ingredients that could make this taste differently and these are all available in the nearby supermarket.





Is there a basic formula for making barbecue sauce? The answer is yes. This is usually made up of some vinegar, molasses, ketchup, mustard and some powder. The ingredients are heated then mixed then slowly painted on the barbecue while being cooked on the burner.





The level of spice really depends on the taste buds of the person and the geographical location where the people are from. This is because there are those who just can’t get enough of it.





The person should remember that the sauce basically adds flavoring to the meat. Some people marinate this in the sauce for a few hours before getting this ready for the cookout.





Barbecue sauce isn’t hard to make. The person may add a greater percentage of one of the ingredients and reduce the other. Some people even add a little alcohol or use a liquid smoke product.





Barbecue sauce is not only used during the cooking process. There are some who even use this as a condiment when the meat is served on the table. There are some restaurants who sell this to the customers and bringing a bottle home can help the person study the ingredients.





Is there one ideal barbecue sauce recipe? The answer is no. This takes trial and error and a lot of time and practice to master. The person can try buying these ingredients from the store then conduct some experiments.





The only time one will know if the person has the perfect sauce is when people give compliments and decide to come back for more.


Tips on Buying a Barbecue Gas Grill




Unless you have a billion dollars tucked away somewhere in the world, you will think long and hard before you buy something, whether it is something as simple as the food that you prepare on the dinner table or the equipment that you use to cook those food like a barbecue gas grill!





One of the hardest thing perhaps in buying an item is not knowing a thing about it. You can scour the mall, look at the different brand names and different models and still you will come out of there without any purchase. Below are some tips that may help you decide on how to buy a barbecue gas grill or any item for that matter.





Ask Around





Buying a barbecue gas grill can be really tricky if you don’t have yet any experience in using it. What you can do is to ask around. For instance, ask people who have already used a gas grill at home. Talk to them and find out what the features that you should focus on. Chances are, they will also be able to recommend some brands and models that you can check out.





Study the features





Once you’ve learned something about barbecue gas grills from the people who use them, then it is now the time to consider your needs and to determine the features that will up those needs.





There are literally hundreds of barbecue gas grill models. There are those who run only in natural gas while others can run in propane. Some can run both. A natural gas barbecue grill must have a gas line at the place where you are going to out your gas grill. This can be rally difficult, as most will probably do the grilling outside.





Look at the price





Let’s face it, you can’t always buy the best even if you want to because… well… it’s not on the budget. Besides looking at the performance and the quality of the material, you should also ask for the price. Prices of barbecue gas grills range from a couple of hundred dollars to as much as $8000. So, you really have a huge price range to opt for. It can be really difficult if you have already decided on one model only to find out that you cannot afford to buy it.





Another tip that you should remember is when comparing prices, find out if one carries a propane tank or not. The tank can add as much as $25 to the final cost if you have to buy it separately. Natural gas barbecue grills are cheaper. So take note of that.


Things to Give for the Annual Anniversary




When people think of anniversaries, the first thing that comes to the minds of people are those that involve weddings. The couple can decide to give something to each other similar to what happens during Christmas or the spouse decides to offer this to the other.





According to tradition, this should change every year. The longer that the couple stay together, the more extravagant the gift can become.





During the first wedding anniversary, people in the past usually gave each other something made of paper. This can be a love letter or a card that tells the spouse some of those heartfelt things during the first year as husband and wife.





Some people don’t do that anymore and decide to buy something made of plastic such as a clock, which can be placed anywhere in the house. Those who have the money can gift the other a gift certificate to the spa or to the salon with airline tickets out of town or the country.





In the third year, things can be get more exciting by getting something with leather. This can be a bag, a belt or shoes. The person can get a luggage set made of the same material with plane tickets inside to celebrate the anniversary away from other people.





Those who are more modern choose to give an item that either has glass or crystal. This can be a necklace or some glassware, which can be enjoyed with a romantic dinner at home.





Couples who are on the 5th year usually offer an item made out of wood. The best thing to get made of this material is some piece of furniture. This can be a dinner table set or a small study for those who do some work at home.





People who want to give something else aside from wood can try getting some silverware. This doesn’t have to be expensive but just enough for the couple to enjoy meals together or with other people invited to the home.





There are guidebooks and other information available in the web to give the spouses an idea of what to give for the next anniversary. The individual can stick to the norm or be modern in celebrating this occasion.





The person should keep in mind to give the gift not for the sake of getting something but to do this with love and appreciated for the lover.


Monday 28 November 2011

Barbecue Questions Answered




Barbecuing is not as simple as it seems. To a novice in the art of barbecuing, it can be downright confusing and frustrating. The task of cooking meat in an open fire can be really tricky. It takes a lot of patience and know-how to be able to come up with a really great barbecue dish.





Below are some of the frequently asked questions that people have about barbecuing. Read on and start learning everything you can about making barbecues.





1. What are barbecue grills?





Barbecue grills are equipment used to cook barbecues. They are used both at home and in restaurants. Depending on the need of the person, barbecue grills come in different types. There are barbecue grills that use gas. These are the most common types of barbecue grills because it is mightily convenient. Some run with natural gas while others run using propane gas. There are also models in the market that combine both.





Another kind of barbecue grills are the charcoal grills that are more traditional. These are the grills that one frequently see in outdoor cooking parties. Charcoal barbecue grills can be really messy and hard to set up but the flavor that it gives to the barbecue dish cannot be surpassed. The least common type of barbecue grills is the electric grills. People do not opt for this kind because they feel that much of the flavor is lost when using electric grills.





2. What are barbecue smokers and how does it differ from barbecue grills?





Barbecue smokers are actually quite similar with barbecue grills. They are both used to cook barbecues. The only difference between them is that smokers have indirect heat source. In fact, the reason it is called smokers is because, it is actually the heat produced by the smoke that cooks the food.





Smokers also come in different types. There are smokers that run in gas while others use charcoal. Although, only a few buy electric smokers for their home, this piece of equipment can offer something that the other types cannot. Electric smokers have a function called “cold smoke,” which are used to cook food like salmon.





3. When should you put barbecue sauce when grilling?





The best time to put barbecue sauce during the last parts of cooking time, when you are already sure that the meat is already cooked. Barbecue sauces often have sugar as one of the ingredients. Cooking meat with barbecue sauce can be really tricky because sugar tends to burn easily. So, you really have to make sure that you cook the meat first before you burn the sugar.


Do it Yourself Prom Hairstyle




Who says you have to spend hundreds just for a hairstyle that will last one night? If you are determined to save those bucks and do your own prom updo, you can.





First things first though, before plugging in those curling irons and setting up the armoire for some really serious hairstyling task, you have to first determine what hairstyle you want.





If you plan to do everything yourself, it will be a good idea to buy some magazines that feature a lot of different hairstyles that you can copy. There are even some issues that are dedicated to prom hairdos and articles where you will find step by step procedure on how to accomplish one hairstyle. There are also websites that will help you with this task.





To further help you below are some ways to create simple hairstyles using your personal equipment.





Texturizing hair





In texturizing hair, you aim is to create volume. You can achieve this by applying a little bit if mousse or some styling gel on a partially dried hair. Starting from underneath the hair, work your way up using your fingertips. Lift, tease and tousle the hair as you blow dry them. If you find this really difficult try to enlist the help of your mom or your friends.





Another technique that you can do is to select small sections of the hair and use your fingertips to scrunch them up. This will create a tousled look that you are aiming for. In styling your hair, avoid using comb and brushes. It is best that you use your fingertips as they are much gentler and in a way, you are able to control its movement.





Curling the hair with heated rollers





One technique in creating long lasting curls for the hair is the use of heated rollers. In trying this, make sure that you have the right size of heated rollers. Big rollers for instance are for big curls and small rollers are for small curls. Know the kind of curly hairstyle that you want to achieve before using one.





Spraying with hairspray





Although hairspray is not really being used so much as most people would rather settle for gel, there are some updos that do need hairspray to stay in place. If you have to do this, ask someone to do it for you as you will not be able to spray over your head properly by yourself. Start at the crown and then move up towards the area that you want to stay in place.


GIft Basket for the Wedding Anniversary




When a couple is celebrating an anniversary, there are many things that either friends or family can give as a gift. Some choose to give a card while others offer gift certificates for the spouses to decide what to get. If the friend wants to stand out, something different like giving away a basket of goodies is one option.





All the person has to do is go to the nearest grocery and select a few items. An example could be a bottle of red or white wine with some fruits to congratulate the couple. This will truly make the husband and wife feel special during this momentous occasion.





Some supermarkets already sell these pre-packed. The person can easily get one of these from the rack and give it to the couple. But if the individual wants it to be meaningful, it will be a good idea to get all of these items one by one to add that personal touch.





The first thing to purchase is the basket. These come in different sizes so the right one should be chosen to be fit all the items. Some people may notice that these come in different colors such as white, brown or opaque. If the ideal size can’t be found in the grocery, then the best place to get these will be the gift or craft shop.





Anniversary gift baskets can carry other things aside from food. If the friend really knows that couple well, the contents could be something that the two enjoy. A good example could be soaps and body lotions with a free gift certificate to the spa.





If the couple is into the arts, perhaps some goodies and tickets to a play or concert that both love or has just been recently opened in the opera or theater. Family members can combine this with a collage containing pictures that both will surely love.





People who have no clue what to give should avoid getting perfumes since this could be something the couple does not like. The best things to put in the basket to play safe are some books since reading is something everyone enjoys.





When it comes to giving gifts for occasions such as anniversaries, the person doesn’t have to spend much to commemorate this event. The important thing is offering something creative and meaningful, which is shared by both the friends and family of the couple.


Looking for a Prom Pairstyle Idea




Everything about prom is difficult but fun. In addition to the clothes and the shoes, one of the things that girls will go gaga over is the hair. This is especially true for girls who are not really much into taking care of their hair. For them, prom week is the time when they will have to have a hair make-over.





There are a lot of resources where you can find hairstyle ideas that will help you decide. All you need to do is ask, read and surf. Need I say more?





Below are some tips on how to look for and find a prom hairstyle that will fit you and your needs.





1. Ask people





Who better to look for prom hairstyle ideas than people who you can ask directly and can answer follow-up questions that you may have. This is important because although magazines and the world wide web are great resources, they cannot completely help you. They will only be able to give you the idea but the not the way to accomplish it. By talking to people, you can already ask them how to go about it. You can ask for recommendations. Ask them what salons are good and what salons are cheap.





2. Leaf through books





Believe it or not, there are a lot of books that are solely dedicated to the subject of hair, from taking care of their hair to finding the perfect cut and hairstyle for your face. Remember that each of us have a different facial structure. There are cuts and styles that will flatter each facial structure. You are lucky if you already have the most basic one which is the oval. Things however will be trickier if you have the square or the round shape.





3. Surf the Net





The internet provides a wide range of information about prom and prom hairstyle. You will even get to see sample hairstyles in some websites. You can also join forums where you can ask questions and people will answer you. There is even a website that lets you upload your photos and then make you out on different kinds of hairstyles electronically.





4. Leaf through magazines





The magazine is perhaps the greatest visual resource in times like this. There are actually special issues of hair magazines that are solely dedicated to prom. Buy those and leaf through the pages. Chances are, you will get to see some really great stuff that you feel can work for you.


Anniversary embroidered gift ideas




People better appreciate gifts if they are personally made for them. Gifts for anniversaries are no different. People can actually make gifts for couples. Some even prefer it that way because the gifts are more personalized and more fitting to the people who will receive them. One problem though is the actual process of making the gift.





Some people do not have the time anymore to make gifts. With people constantly on the go, they cannot anymore devote time to knit a sweater or make a photo album.



As compromise, some people just buy items that are already made and then make it more personalized by adding design elements such as embroideries and stitchings. Below are some great gift items that you can tinker with and embroider for a more personalized touch.





Hats off.



One idea is to give matching hats or caps to the couples. There are a lot of head gears that you can choose from, bonnets, straw hats and berets. What you can do is to embroider their names in the hat or cap. If you are not much into embroideries, you can just improvise and buy a patch that you can stitch on the item. Initials will also work on caps as well as other designs such as geometric shapes for men and flowers for women. Another idea is to put a continuing phrase on both caps such as Love is blind. You can stitch the word Love on one cap and the words “is Blind” on the other. It will be a unique way of conveying their relationship.





Handkerchief.



Although this gift idea can be really elementary, it is still viable. You can put their initials on the cloth or even make unique designs on them. Use plain white handkerchief not only to make the designs more visible but also because the color is often associated with marriage or nuptials. Besides, giving them handkerchiefs does not mean that they have to really use it. Depending on the material of the handkerchief that you will be gifting them with, they can use it as display inside the house. Place them on the tabletop or frame them, showcasing the designs that you have embroidered. You can even frame it yourself





Bath things



Other items that you can personalize through embroidery are towels and bathrobes. One great thing about this gift idea is the fact that these are items that the couple will surely be able to use. Put some personal touch on them by embroidering their names or putting colors on the edges.


Knowing the Different Kind of Barbecue Grills




There are literally hundreds of barbecue grills in the market. In fact, some manufacturers launch new models every month to provide the consumers better options. To remain competitive, they have to come up with new features and new technology.





Still, whatever new features barbecue grills have right now, everything still comes down to the basic features when buying one.





Materials used





A barbecue grill can be made of different kinds of materials. Some are made of stainless steel while others are just made from cast aluminum, cast iron or sheet metal. Of course, barbecue grills that are stainless steel are more expensive and vastly preferred not only at home but also in industrial settings.





You should however be careful in buying stainless steel barbecue grills as some brands have models that have painted steel frames that are prone to rusting. If you are going to buy a stainless steel barbecue grill, make sure that all of its parts are stainless. Otherwise, you will not get your money’s worth.





Fuel used





Barbecue grills also differ on the “fuel” that it uses. There are gas grills, electric grills and of course the most basic, the charcoal grills.





Gas grills is perhaps the most common one these days because of its competitive price range and of course convenience. It runs either in natural gas or in propane. If you decide on buying a barbecue gas grill, make sure that you have a big space waiting. Barbecue gas grills requires a lot of space. Another thing is that it cannot be placed so near other appliances and structures in the house for safety reasons. But what is great about gas grills is that you will cook your barbecue faster compared to other types.





Charcoal grills, on the other hand, are for the people who still want the feel of traditional barbecuing. Charcoal gives better flavor to the meat perhaps because there is less oil used but unlike gas grills, it will take you a really long time before you can set it up, get the fire going and cook the barbecue. In fact, it will tale about 20 to 30 minutes just to set the fire.





Another disadvantage is that charcoal grills can’t be turned off at your will. This is why, all the meat that will be barbecued should be cooked already as starting another fire for another round of cooking can take a long long time. Still, this is still quite ideal during parties and get together where people just want to relax while cooking barbecues.





Although charcoal grills are cheaper than gas grills, make sure that you include in your computation the fuels that you use. If you grill all the time, it is better if you get a gas grill instead as frequent charcoal grilling of one or two barbecue items can cost you a lot more.


Sunday 27 November 2011

Aloha Kebabs




Everywhere in the world there is one tradition that stands out and makes a name no matter what people call it. In the U.S., it's called a barbeque party and everywhere else no matter what they are called in essence it's the same.





Barbeque is the way of cooking food by putting them in an open fire and charbroiling it until parts of the meat or whatever has turned brown or in extreme cases black. People all over the world have a special place in their culture for this kind of traditional and almost phenomenal way of cooking.





So how did barbeque become such a worldwide hit? There are theories but the reason behind all theories is that simplicity of design and the ease of process are what take the cake. There are differences in approach but the core of the way it is done remains rock solid.





In every part of the world there are people that cook out every weekend and enjoy a nice family get together. Most of these families have barbeques or trailer park barbeque cook outs. Some of these are more intimate and private but there are places in the world that have it like a tourist attraction or a public party.





In Hawaii, everything is supposed to be fun under the sun, the beach, surfing, water and of course the sun work as one to create a paradise of non-stop parties and fun. Everyday there's supposed to be something that would keep you occupied while staying in the tropical island paradise. It is true that there are non-stop parties and unending flow of food as far as the eye can see.





So, how do the Hawaiians manage to keep the chow coming without having problems? The answer is an authentic Hawaiian barbeque.





The Basics





Every luau or Hawaiian party has regulars. Food stuff like roast pig, meat pies and of course all sorts of barbequed meat. One of the most common meat involved in this eternal party paradise is chicken and seafood. Since Hawaii is an ocean paradise chicken and fish are quite a plenty. Pork and beef are also present but because of the little land available for grazing cows and the little space available for raising livestock, chicken is the go to meat of the islands.





One special thing about a Hawaiian luau is that fruit is also included in the fray. Just like kebabs, the assortment of whatever kind of fruit, vegetable, meat and other sorties are a common sight in the grill. Hawaiian barbeque is not jus about the food itself but the other things that accompany it. Traditional songs and dances that are performed during these barbeques is what make the Hawaiian luau special.





Since pineapples are abundant in this part of the world, don't be surprised if you'd see pineapples sticking out of the skewers every now and then.


How to Grill Your Chicken Barbecue




Barbecuing is already a complicated task as it is but barbecuing chicken can be even more complicated especially to the novice. Unlike pork and beef, which you can slice in just the right thickness so that it will be cooked at a precise degree, chicken can be trickier to manage.





The greatest challenge in making chicken barbecue is the fact that you have to cook the inside without making the outside a charred mess! This can be really difficult if you cannot see the inside. This is why some people cut a small part in the piece to open the chicken up and let the heat inside.





Remember that eating half-cooked chicken can be really dangerous so make sure that you serve cooked chicken. You will know that a chicken is already cooked when the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to find out the temperature of the chicken dish. An internal temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit is already ok.





Here are some tips and warnings that will help you in coming up with a really great chicken barbecue meal.





1. When preparing your barbecue chicken, leave the application of the barbecue sauce until the last 10 minutes of cooking until you are sure that the chicken is already cooked inside. Most barbecue sauces that are used as marinade have sugar as one of their ingredients. Sugar can burn the chicken of it is exposed to heat for a long time.





If you really want flavor for your chicken barbecue, what you can do is to marinate a day early and just put the chicken in the refrigerator. This way, the flavor of the marinade will have time to seep through the chicken.





2. Who says you cannot cheat a bit? If you feel that you cannot cook the chicken from the inside without first burning it up, you can always cook it partially in the microwave oven for about 8-10 minutes. This way, you are sure that the meat is already cooked and will only need some good-old fashion grilling and marinating. Besides, this will cut down the amount of time that you will spend turning the chicken over in the grill.





3. Fats from the chicken can drip and cause the fire from the grill to flare-up. This will unknowingly increase the temperature that you are using. To avoid this, you may want to use a foil over the grill to prevent the fat oil from dripping down.


Traditional Anniversary Gift Ideas You Can Use




Anniversary dates are memorable dates that couples celebrate each year. Although it is actually an intimate occasion that most couples choose to celebrate on their own, some choose to celebrate it with their friends by throwing a small party.





As expected, each guests are asked to bring a gift for the couples. This is where the problem starts. Sometimes hard to find gifts that the couple will like. This is perhaps the reason why gifts during anniversary celebrations seem to be the same gifts year after year. People no longer make an effort to find appropriate gifts for the couple. They just buy whatever is available in the store.





Hence, the multitude of plates, photo albums and picture frames that couples receive when they celebrate wedding anniversaries.



Unbeknownst to many, there is actually a traditional chart of appropriate anniversary gifts that people can give to couples. Each year, there is a corresponding element and modern anniversary symbol that people can use as guide in looking for traditional anniversary gifts for couples.





For instance, the first year anniversary is symbolized by paper and the clock while the second year anniversary is symbolized by cotton or straw and the Chinaware. The third year anniversary has leather and crystal or glass in the list while the fourth anniversary year dictates the traditional gift as something made up of books, flowers and fruit while the modern gift has electrical appliances on the list. Gemstones like the Amethyst and Topaz are also associated with this fourth year wedding anniversary gift chart.





Fifth wedding anniversary gifts suggests gifts that are made of wood or maybe a silverware. Flowers that are associated with the 5th year are daisies while the gemstone is Turquoise. The 15th anniversary has a theme of crystal and watches with the rose as the flower while the 75th anniversary suggests a diamond gift (which would probably make a lot of women shout for joy.)





Of course, the gift need not be actually cotton or paper. People can give presents that are made of this kind of material. For example, a great idea for a first wedding anniversary gift is a laminated copy of the marriage certificate. It can also be a book or some kind of photo album that is made of handmade paper. One of the partners can also use this concept in finding the perfect gift for their partners. Why not frame the first greeting card or love letter that you have made?


Down Hairstyle for the Prom




The prom is one of the greatest events in the life of a teen. This isn’t only about going to a dance with an escort and friends but also looking the best. The event may be formal or informal but an opportunity like this can make a girl look like a princess even if just for the night.





The down hairstyle is simple and fast to do. This does not require looking at different magazines to get the right look. This is just washed, dried then brushed straight down to make this stays this way during the entire evening.





The nice thing about the down look is that anyone can do it. This can happen if the girl has short hair since all it takes wax and a bunch of hair clips to make this last the entire night. The only thing needed to make the lady look hot is the dress, the accessories and the corsage that will be given by the date.





Girls with medium hair may require a few more minutes in the salon than those who have short hair. The person has the choice to make this look short by trimming it or twisting some of it in the back of the head. The down look will require the person to straighten everything using a hair dryer then just letting everything hang loose.





Those who have long hair can do the same thing even if there are many other hairstyles that can be chosen for the occasion. A good straight look will be the Sedu hairstyle. A hairdryer will be used to make things shiny and smooth. The person should shampoo this a day before to make this look perfect for prom night.





The price of a down hairstyle is very reasonable given its simplicity. This stretches all the way down to the shoulders for one who have long hair and to the sides for someone who has short or medium hair.





The person can make this look stunning by adding accessories to the hair. Pins that have a design or a small crown can also work for the event. The person can try a few at the store then pick which one is the best for the prom.





The person can try this look at least 2 weeks before the big event. This will give enough time to make adjustments in the dress if this is too tight or lose during the prom.


Romancing your 10th Anniversary Gift




Wedding day, celebrating the culmination of vows and promises, two couples finally give it one last dot. The marriage itself is the new beginning just like the hourglass is inverted to count each anniversary year after year, in between passion and turbulence. Imagine what will life be in a decade of being together? It is partnership worth celebrating and receiving gifts.





What could be the best 10th anniversary gift?





This is subjective enough to make classy choices because anything could be too valuable or not at all meaningful to some. Tenth anniversary is a personal history accomplished by couple’s unique merging of their unconditional love. Sometimes being married is one year of being romantic during the childless years, then followed by timeless hurdling with responsibilities for the next nine years. What is worth giving for a tenth anniversary? Using “Anniversary Gem Chart” is a reference specifically giving symbolic value to a decade of perseverance and continuous effort to stay together. Accordingly, 10th anniversary is symbolized by diamond jewelry; therefore, it is worth to consider it as the BEST 10th anniversary gift. Stones last a lifetime, no diamonds melt after close encounter with a boiling conjugal rambling. The gem stays as a strong reminder of ten years being partners cultivating each other’s emotional growth and rearing the children.





Love is the topic of all times that culminates in a sacred exchange of vows in marriage. On every wedding day, one could give a significant definition to it. The question is, what is love? Answer it today and answer it again after ten years. The difference in meaning is all about growing up together, something which can never be comparable to living with a friend or another family member. Living with someone is sharing all commitments by giving oneself completely unconditionally. After ten fruitful years, life has cultivated a merged path comprising joint effort for just on goal. Every 10th anniversary gifts must be able to give significance to this moment; every depth represented by a meaningful gift. Giving diamond jewelry to both spouses will define the decade of a journey.





In a familiar song “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” it says: “…these rocks don’t lose their shape.” Diamonds as gift are elegant and long lasting. You are giving a price less gift worth the happy feeling on how it will be very much appreciated. Consider it as the best option for a 10th anniversary gift.


Hairstyle for a Wedding and a Prom




Formal occasions don’t happen very often. These events really make the person want to look the best which sends the individual to the salon in the hands of a professional stylist to get the job done.





The person surely has an idea the right look for the occasion. This should make the hair and the dress standout which everyone will love even if the individual is not the one getting married or the king and queen of the prom.





There are a lot of great hairstyles in fashion magazines. These feature awards and parties of celebrities and since these people know what is popular, it will be a good idea to apply what these personalities used.





Some people think that those with short hair have limited options during such occasions. This is not true. This can be dyed or given an updo look. Some can be twisted and pointed up while the rest on the opposite direction. Women can add accessories like a small hair band to act like a crown or have a small flower on the side.





Those who have medium hair have a lot more options and the updo look is also applicable. This can also be curled or straightened using a hairdryer and a few pins.





The hair can also be dyed or just on a small scale. Braids can also be done on the sides or layered whichever will highlight the person best.





Those with long hair have a little more variety than the other two. This gives the person the opportunity to hide the bangs or chin if these are quite noticeable from a distance. The hair can be layered or tied to a braid. The updo look will also look great on the person even as an attendee for either the wedding or the prom.





Hairstyles will take time to fix. The person should make a reservation weeks prior to the event since there will also be other people who will have a similar job done during the event.





The person can save the stylist a lot of time by choosing the right hairstyle days before so work can begin once seated in the salon. This can also work in favor of the individual since the application of makeup and putting on the right accessories will guarantee that the person will look stunning in the dress.


Prom Hairstyle for Short Hair




It is not the end of the world if you ever had to cut your hair short just in time for prom. Remember that as long as the hairstyle looks great on you, it does not matter if it is short or long. Besides, don’t you like that? This will actually be less stressful for you because there is rally not much to decide on. Having short hair is actually easier to manage. Some do not even do anything special about it. Below are some tips that will help you furnish a really great short hair hairstyle for the prom.





1. Make your hair look good!





What good is long hair if it is not shiny and silky? The same goes with the short hair. Although it is easier to manage, you should still make sure that everything is shiny and soft. Before the prom, set an appointment with a salon and get a perm or a hot oil treatment so that your hair will be manageable. No hairstyle can top a beautiful silky hair.





2. Try on the curls





One thing that you can do to your short hair is apply some curls in it. Before you do this, try to determine if curls will look good on your. Remember that there are people who are okay with curly hair while there are other who will look fatter with “fatter” hair. If you can try to do some research through the internet or through various prom magazines for the perfect curly hairstyle. A week before the prom, try on the different hairstyles at home wearing your dress if possible. You don’t really need to go to the salon to do this trials. You just need a curling iron and of course a visual picture on the other. Try on different styles and then decide what looks good on you.





3. Hair accessories





Having short hair will make you appear real simple come prom night. Anticipate this and try to out some glimmering or shiny hair accessories in your hair. This will help create an illusion of glamour and elegance even if what you have is a simple short hair hairstyle. This is really important as short hair can appear really boring sometimes. Another idea is to put some flowers or a coronet of flowers on your hair. Try of course to balance this with the gown that you will be wearing.


Saturday 26 November 2011

Your Questions About Surprised

Michael asks…Surprised??!?What has surprised you this weekend? (Me, the fact that I enjoyed a trip around a museum!)EZPartyStarter answers:I was surprised that I managed to use all my answers limit in a few hours helping fellow yahooers! I am just too nice! Lol xxLaura asks…How surprised would you be if you were wrong?This is aimed at everybody, religious people of any affiliations as well as atheists. Just hypothetically (and don't overthink this part, just have fun with it) there is some

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Some Suggestive Gifts for the 50th Wedding Anniversary




People who have lasted more than 50 years as a couple is considered to be a remarkable feat. These are often celebrated with a huge party and are sometimes considered as a renewal of vows.





Back in medieval times, the wife is presented with a golden wreath. Through the years, people have continued this tradition by giving each other jewelry, a pen or a clock that is made of gold.





It takes a lot of love and patience to make a couple last this long in a relationship. Instead of these two giving something, shouldn't it be time for the children and grandchildren to offer something back?





Family members can try doing a variety of things to make this event memorable.





1. The children could collect old photographs and create a slideshow presentation that will be show during the party. This will usually come from albums so the best way to preserve the images will be to put this on CD.





2. The grandchildren can write a poem dedicated to the couple. This can be written using gold ink so that this can be given and read by the couple. These people can have the masterpiece preserved by having this framed which guests and other people can view over and over again.





3. Parties are dull without anyone hosting the event. Someone in the family should act as emcee while others can sing and dance with the help of a choreographer to make this as great as possible.





3. If there are many siblings in the family, each member can work together to produce a quilt which symbolizes the love and care given by the parents while growing up.





4. The family can pool some money together to send off the parents on a trip around the world. These should be to places that both have always wished to go.





5. If a trip is too expensive, the family members can settle for a frame made of gold, which has a picture of everyone that can be hung in the living room wall.





6. A basket full of cookies and other goodies can be given as another way of congratulating the couple for making it this far and wishing the best for the future.





The 50th wedding anniversary is something truly worth celebrating. This can be done in a restaurant or in the house. The siblings should make sure there is enough room for everyone in the family and the guests to celebrate this occasion.


Preparing Different Kinds of Barbecue Sauces




Anyone can grill meat and make barbecues but it takes the best cooks to make a really mean barbecue sauce that will make put your piece of grilled meat a cut above the rest.





Sauces are used to enhance the flavor of the meat and to help retain the juiciness of the meat products being grilled. Often, sauces have sugar content. This is why they are brushed on the meat instead of dipped because sugar may burn even before your meat is cooked .





Contrary to popular perception, there is actually no “one” formula for making barbecue sauce. There are, in fact, different kinds of barbecue sauce in the market that you can choose from. There are even different sauces that can be used for different types of meat, for chicken, for beef, for pork, for duck.





Some sauces can be bought already prepared in bottles that are sold in grocery stores. Still, there are people who want to create their own sauces or use sauce recipes that have been passed from generations to generations.





Below are some of the popular kinds being used both at home and at restaurants.





Honey bacon barbecue sauce – Although there are prepared mix that you can buy, you can also create your own by using chopped bacon, onion, garlic, honey, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce and other seasonings. Check out some websites for the complete recipe and preparation guide.





Mushroom-wine sauce – This kind of sauce is often used with chicken. It has three major ingredients, dry white wine, mushrooms and some chicken broth, which is used to help keep the flavor of the chicken.





Sweet and sour sauce – In preparing this kind of sauce, you will need some jelly, mustard, rosemary and lemon juice. This is also one of the favorite sauces when preparing turkey.





Nippy Pineapple Sauce – This sauce is especially great in keeping up with a Hawaiian theme of a barbecue party. Although pineapple preserves are often use to make this sauce, some scrimp and use lemon instead.





Hoisin sauce- this is used if you want you barbecued meat to have an oriental taste to it. This sauce is often used with onions and black beans.





Crême Fraíche – This is a rich and thick cream with a mild and tangy flavor that will be especially good for salads and desserts that you will whip up with your barbecued meat. This can actually be bought in major department stores and groceries.


Sedu Style Hair for the Prom




People look up to celebrities. This can be seen in the accessories these people have around the neck like Avril Lavigne to the kind of clothes other stars wear in shows.





Since these individuals go out often to promote a movie or get an award, the hairstyles and outfits set a trend that the person would like to have during the right event such as the prom.





Two good examples are Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston that have Sedu hair styles by making the hair straight using a flat iron.





How does it work? Simply put, this gives moisture to the hair that makes it soft and shiny.





Sedu isn’t really a hairstyle. It is the name of a flat iron and since people have seen the wonders of what this machine can do, the brand has also been associated it.





Sedu is a company that has been around for years. The machine and the straightener used together gives people the desired effect. People used to brush the hair many times to get the right look. Thanks to ionic technology, this has shortened the process by even working on the inner layers of the hair.





According to one survey, this is the best flat iron in the market. A comparative study has shown that it creates tresses more than three times better than other brands.





Anybody can use this in less than minute since the machine will heat up to the desired temperature in less than 25 seconds. This makes hairstyling easy to achieve in a matter of minutes which is faster than having this done in the salon.





The Sedu flat iron has a ceramic plate built inside the machine. This will guarantee to make the hair shiny all throughout the night.



The Sedu flat iron can’t be bought anywhere. There are only 2 salons that sell this and the person will be lucky if the licensed hairstylist has a box hidden away to sell to customers. There are also a few online but the problem is that no warranty can be given if it breaks down.





Sedu hairstyle can be done in any kind of hair. This can also be done for a regular day at school as long this matches the outfit. The person can try checking the many possible styles then choose from there which one will look good for the prom.


African American Hair Style for the Prom




There are many ways to prepare the hair for the prom. Events like this don’t happen very often which makes it a big deal for teens to look good.





There are a variety of hair styles for the lady to choose from to be able to look hot. This will really depend on the length and kind of hair the stylist has to work with. People who don’t have an idea can check out some magazines and browse through the internet.





There are a lot of pictures of hairstyles from models to actresses and it will just take some time to look through each then tell the stylist how this will be done.





African Americans naturally have black hair. Those who want to dress simple for the event can just have this trimmed or straightened.





Others who want to look different without making a lot of changes can just have this dyed using a combination of gold and red. This will really brighten when there is light around that will surely attract the attention of people during the prom.





If the person does not like these two colors combined, perhaps other colors will do well as long as it matches the dress the person will be putting on.





There is one style that is called the Toni Braxton look. This entails curling the hair and making this spread in many directions. This stunning look can serve as a good entrance to the prom that people will surely not miss.





People with short or medium hair can toss this all the way back. This is not something that can be done everyday walking on campus. The lady should use some gel or hair spray to make sure this stays in position until the time that the couple goes home.





Ladies can also hang loose by making the hair stand up. The bangs can be combed to the sides while those in the side and back can go through a flip motion to the top.





The hairstyle is just one of the key components in looking beautiful during the prom. The length of preparation will take hours compared to the other things that can be done in minutes.





The person should plan this way in advance and schedule an appointment with the stylist since other people will do the same and running late is something for the date during the prom.


Trail-Blazing Barbecues




Indeed, barbecues are surefire hits whenever there’s a gathering or a party. And why not... who can resist the tempting smell of meat usually seasoned with vinegar-based sauce and slowly being cooked with heat and hot gasses of a fire?





Since the success of achieving that ultimate barbecue perfection depends on how it is being cooked, it is a must that you ensure regulated heat from the smoke of and wood or with propane and other similar gases. You can ensure this perfect grill by having a good quality barbecue trailer.





What To Look For





When you are looking for top-quality information on barbecue trailers, you can surf the Internet for the specific information and even the specification of each model. You can also get tips that can definitely help you in finding that barbecue trailer that would bets suit your needs.





(TIP: You can get reliable advice and help on barbecue trailers when you research who is the owner of the equipment or the website itself. If you can get in touch with the owner, you can ask for more detailed barbecue trailer qualifications. The easiest way for your to trace the contact of the barbecue trailer website is to search for about that page or the contact page. By doing this, you can get worthwhile information that will help you pick the best barbecue trailer and you can decide for yourself.)





Aside from getting information on the Internet, you can also get valuable information on barbecue trailer in food magazines and in cookbooks.





Here are some of the specifications you need to consider in seeking for that best barbecue trailer:





- It should have a serving surface full set of options





- The trailer should have HVAC with Air Curtains Special Graphics for Specific Customer





- It should have aluminum skinned upper structure built on custom





- It must have Trailer Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN)





- A copy of Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin should be included





- Stainless steel durability is a must. The barbecue trailer should lead the in stainless steel outdoor cooking





- Look for those that have new unit that fires up plenty of cooking area over six burners





- Look for products that have insulated stainless steel wells that are intended for beverages and other cold dishes





- The trail must be NSF, AGA, CGA or equal approved





- It should have a removable tongue





- The trailer should conform to all existing and applicable motor vehicle safety standards





- It should come with at least 13" rim tires





- The barbecue trailer should come with a wired for rear light hookup







Other barbecue trailer specifications should include rectangular tube structures, electric brakes, electrical wiring, and 60/40 balanced for loads.





A Safe BBQ Feast





Aside from having that perfect barbecue trailer, here are some helpful tips that will ensure your BBQ feast:





1. Never ever try to do a barbecue indoors.



2. Use only purpose-made firelighters and fuel on your barbecue.



3. Don’t ever attempt to start your barbecue in very high winds.



4. Make sure to read the instructions carefully especially if you are about to set up a barbecue for the first time.



5. Be sure to choose the safest environment to set-up your barbecue especially outdoors.


Friday 25 November 2011

Planning for the Best Prom Hairstyle




Prom is perhaps one of the momentous and memorable occasion in your life. This is the time when you can really dress up and feel that you are already a grown-up. Part of the magic of prom is the preparation. This is the time when you will get to try on clothes and dresses, go on a major shopping spree and just pick out new everything.





One of the many things in the to-do list of people who will be attending their prom is their hair. How should you wear your hair? What should you do with it? What hairstyle will fit the occasion and the gown that you will be wearing?





Your worries are not for naught because the hair is an important part of the overall look. What good is a great dress when your hair is such a mess? Below are some tips that will help you plan for the perfect prom hairstyle.





1. Make plans early on.





There is nothing better than to put some time into planning. This will give ample time to do some serious research and to go to salons and ask around. If you have friends who have already attended their prom, ask them for advice. You can also go to salons and ask what the trend is right now for hairstyles for prom. Chances are they will be able to give you some idea.





2. Have an idea on what your dress would look like.





Although you don’t really have to buy the dress yet, it is better if you have an idea on what cut your dress will be before deciding on the hairstyle that you will be wearing. Remember that certain hairstyles look good in certain cuts of dresses. For instance a turtleneck or closed neck gown will show well if you have an updo as opposed to flowing hair. A tube top will look good with long hair as opposed hair that is in chignon.





3. know you budget.





It is expensive to have to go to salons and have your hair treated and permed. If you already have a budget and you feel that it will not be enough, ask salons. With your luck you will be able to find a place that fits your budget and also your needs. Scouting for salons will also help you make alternative plans just in case you really can’t afford to go to a salon.


Anniversary Gift Ideas For Parents




With divorce rates skyrocketing, spending decades together is already a miracle. This is especially true with couples that have already endured so much raising their kids from tots to college. This is perhaps the reason why anniversaries that reach the milestone years are often celebrated in a big way. After all, there is a lot to celebrate.





Here are some great ideas for gifts that children can give their parents.





A long vacation





Let’s face it. With the long years that they have spent putting up with you, they deserve a week or a month of a life that is kids-free. What better gift to give them than a trip to a foreign land where they can enjoy being together without the distraction of kids in their midst? For their anniversary, why not buy them tickets to some exotic destination where they can relax and just have fun. They can even make the trip their second honeymoon.





Of course, when you say a vacation, they need to be completely relaxed with the fewest worries as possible. One thing that you can do to minimize their worries is to volunteer to take care of things at home. Volunteer to take care of the younger kids or to take care of the house while they are away.





Be a slave





If you have no money to buy them expensive gifts like the plane tickets, you can show your appreciation of what they have done for you by volunteering to take care of the chores at home while they go out and have fun. You can even do this for a couple of nights.





Another way to give your parents gifts on their anniversary celebration is to take care of their usual chores so that they can spend more time together.





Prepare the meal





Celebrating anniversaries need not be so fancy. One thing that you can give to your parents is a surprise meal that they can share at home. Organize the perfect date. Prepare not only the food but also the music and the whole romantic ambience. Ask family members what their favorite meals are or better yet, why not ask them what their meals are when they had their first date and then prepare your menu. If you do not know how to cook, enlist the help of family members who know how. After preparing the meal, you can all go out and leave them alone in the house.


Prom Hairstyle for Long Hair




Although it is actually trickier to have to deal with long hair come prom night, it is still better to have it long rather than short. There is so much that you can do with long hair that you will not be able to do with short do.





One disadvantage though of having long hair is the maintenance. Your hair has to be really smooth and silky. Otherwise, you should think twice in wearing it long for the prom. Remember that you have to look really sleek and put together when you arrive at the prom. Hair that resembles twigs and dried leaves will not be a great sight to complement your gown.





If you really want to have long hair at prom night, it is important that you do take care of it and make sure that it is manageable. If you can, try to get a salon appointment for hot oil treatment. You don’t even have to do this on the night of the prom.



Below are some of the hairstyles that you can do for your long hair.





Leave it down.





Long hair that is worn down will work well with gowns that have low necklines such as plunging necklines and tube dresses. Flowing dresses or those that have soft and wispy materials will also work well with long hair that is worn down. It is important to remember to continue the silhouette from the top to the bottom. If you have a flowy material for your gown, then you will have to wear your hair down. On the other hand if your gown has stiff materials, then you can sweep your hair in an updo.





Do a braid.





One of the classic hairstyle that you can probably do with a long hair is the braid. You can braid you hair and wear it long or wear it in a chignon much like what Drew Barrymore did in the movie Ever After. A braid lends a more elegant and “royal” feel to the hairstyle.





Chignons and French buns





One of the classic updos that are done with long hair is the chignon and the French buns. This can appear severe so make sure that your hair is not so tightly held. Leave tendrils of your hair loose. Another thing that you can do is to use some really great hair accessories to lessen the severity of the buns and to make this simple hairstyle appear elegant.


The Lowdown on Barbecue Rubs




Looking at the phrase “barbecue rub,” you’ll think that there has been a typo somewhere, which made the I in the word rib a U instead. But hey, there really is such a word as a barbecue rub. In fact, it is actually a by-word in the world of barbecuing.





Barbecue rubs are seasoning and spices that barbecue enthusiasts use to add flavor, texture and color to the dishes that they prepare and grill. There are two kinds of barbecue rubs, one is the wet rub and the other is the dry rub.





A wet rub, as the name suggests, is made of a liquid ingredient, oil to be exact,



that is used to coat the meat when barbecuing. The dry rub, on the other hand, is made of herbs much like your ordinary pepper and paprika. The dry rub can be sprinkled on the meat or rubbed on.





Still applying a barbecue rub is more complex than that. You don’t just sprinkle the rub on the meat, you have to make sure that the rub is absorbed and actually coats the meat. When grilling poultry, it is good to apply the rub not only on the skin but also on the inside. You can also try to put rubs early on, perhaps an hour before the cooking to give time for the meat to absorb the flavor. This way, the flavor can be tasted not only from the outside but also from the inside.





Dry rubs are actually made from a combination of different spices that people already use to add flavor to their dishes. Herbs like chili powder, garlic, paprika, cayenne are just some of the usual ingredients that can be found in a dry rub. Some even try making their own dry rubs by mixing different herbs. One tip that you can definitely use is to mix a strong flavoring with a subtle one. This will make for a truly unbeatable combination.





Because it is wet, meat absorbs wet rubs better as compared to dry rubs. If you are cooking meat that are already dry or those that easily dry up, wet rubs are good options because it can add to the moisture of the meat. Using dry rubs on an already dry surface will only lead to waste as the meat will not be able to absorb the flavor. Wet rubs, especially those that are oil-based can also be used so that the meat will not stick on the grill. This way, you don’t have to use separate oils.


Tips to Create Easy to do Prom Hairstyles




Not everybody can afford to pamper themselves with a complete salon treatment complete with all the works, perm, hot oil, and hairstyling. With the rising costs in salon services, you will be lucky to have something left for your gown and for the accessories that you will need to buy to go with it.





Because you can easily make your hairdo, (easier that you can make a gown, that’s for sure) it is better if you would just keep your money for the gown that you want to buy. There really is no need to worry about your hairstyle because you can easily do the hairstyling yourself.





All you need is some pictures that you can copy, some help from your friends and of course, your trustee curling iron or hair straightening iron along with the other hair paraphernalia such as styling gel, rollers and hairspray.





The first thing that you have to do is to make sure that you have already decided on the hairstyle that you will be wearing for the prom. This is important because the earlier you have an idea on what your hairstyle will be, the earlier you will be able to practice. Remember that though creating a great prom hairstyle can be easy, it is still something that you have to learn to do and practice. You can find samples of hairstyle in magazines and the world wide web. In fact, there are even magazines that come up with special editions for the prom.





This will be a lot of help for you since these magazines have articles that show easy step by step procedure of creating a great look for the prom. You can also benefit well from hair magazines that show different styles of hair. You can actually use this and copy the style. There are also websites that allow you to upload photos of yourself, letting you manipulate and experiment with different hairstyles. You will be able to really look at how one cut or hairstyle will look on you.





It is also good if you already have the dress so that you can practice while wearing the gown. This will help you determine what prom hairstyle goes best with the dress that you have bought for the occasion. You can even organize a sort of hairstyling sleepover with your friends. You can help each other pick out the best among the many possibilities that you have on your head.


Basic Barbecue Accessories




Although barbecuing seems so simple at first glance, it is actually not. Like other kinds of cooking methods, it requires a lot of materials, ingredients and equipment. In fact, there are a host of other accessories that you will need besides the stick that you usually see.





Below are some of the barbecue accessories that you may need when you go barbecuing. Of course, you don’t have to buy all of them. Just read on and decide what you need and what you don’t.





Long handled cooking utensils





Let’s face it. Making barbecue dishes can be downright messy and sooty especially if what you are using is the traditional charcoal-type grills that are quite common during parties.





If you cannot stand the heat of the grill and would like to stay a good distance away while still cooking, you should buy some long-handled cooking utensils that are especially made for people who do grilling all the time. In fact, these long-handled utensils are considered really basic equipment in outdoor cooking and camping trips. A utensil set will include a fork and a spatula.





Another must buy barbecue accessories are tongs that are used to lift cooked meats and manipulate the meat while grilling without piercing the food, which often happens with a fork. Piercing can actually lessen the flavor of the food so most people do not use fork until after they are sure that the meat is really cooked.





Of course, there is also the basting brush, which is used to apply barbecue sauces and rubs, which are usually applied while barbecuing the meat. Some sets will also contain items like a grill-cleaning brush and a propane lighter that is used to light charcoal.





Thermometer





Some people also buy cooking thermometers, which help people see if the meat that they are cooking is already at the right temperature. Sometimes it is hard for people to see if the meat inside is already cooked. The most common varieties are actually the grill thermometers and the meat thermometers. Grill thermometers are placed inside barbecue grills or placed into one of the air vents.





They are used to measure the cooking temperature, which are really important because some dishes should be grilled at specific temperatures. Meat thermometers on the other hand are used directly on the meat to gauge the internal temperature. This is important because certain foods like chicken need to be thoroughly cooked to kill bacteria.


Thursday 24 November 2011

Teen Hairstyle for the Prom




Being a teenager is both fun and challenging. This goes with the clothes the person wears to the friends that the individual hangs out with. One of the most spectacular events is the prom which will probably be the last thing people will remember until the next homecoming.





The person can try a new look or just stuck with the convention. Those who have no idea can look at some celebrities in magazines, the television or the internet. These people know the in’s and outs which is really helpful during the wonder years.





The important thing in selecting the right hairstyle will depend on the physical attributes of the person. This will depend on the cheekbones, nose, chin and eyes that will really tell a lot when the pictures come out.





Let’s start with those who have a round face. These people look chubby from a distance and the right look with the hair combed on one side will make the individual look thin in the pictorial.





Those who have a thin face can try having the hair done with curls. This will lengthen the face which will look marvelous in the pictures taken with the date.





There is nothing a teen can do for having a long nose. Given the person doesn’t have money to change this for the time being, a hairstyle that has upswept crown will make this less noticeable to classmates and friends.





Teens that have sharp and angular features can have a wavy or curly hairstyle. This will hide the rough edges seen often in the cheekbone or jaw when the person is normally seen around campus.





People who have a high forehead can use the bangs to conceal this area. Those who have a low forehead can use the hair in the shape of vertical lines to elongate that part of the face.





Teens that have a strong visible chin can use soft curls on the hair to focus on this area. Ladies with long hair and a narrow chin on the other hand should have the hair straightened to take away the attention from that area of the face.





The physical features of the face cannot be changed for the prom. Playing with the hair can just make it look different like Cinderella until the stroke of midnight. When classes start again on Monday, things will go back to the way it was but the best souvenirs are the pictures which the individual can cherish on the special evening.


How to Find The Best Barbecue Restaurants




Americans are barbecue people. This is evident with the way they celebrate their fourth of July independence. Still, although most people love barbecue food, not everyone can cook great barbecue. This is why barbecue restaurants and joints have mushroomed all over the country to fill up this need. But with the many barbecue restaurants to choose from, how will you know which place to go? Below are some tips that will help you in your decision.





1. Ask for recommendations





Ask people you know if they could recommend a really good barbecue restaurant. Chances are, they will be able to give you at least three joints that they so love. One good thing in asking for people’s opinion is the fact that you will get to have a first-hand knowledge of what their experience was eating in the place. You can actually ask questions about it. If for example you are worried about your budget, ask people the cheapest place that they know that still offer good food. You can also ask for advice on what dishes to order or what meals will give you value for your money.





2. Consider the location





A Barbecue restaurant may be the best in the world but if you cannot go there without traveling a couple of thousand miles, you might as well give it up. In looking for a barbecue restaurant to eat in, you also have to consider the place. Is it accessible? Will there be a lot of people? Will you have to wait for your table? Do you need to make reservations? Are there parking spots? Do they have a big place for diners? It is important to note the place also because most barbecue joints only function as take-out joints. To be on the safe side, try calling the place before you go there.





3. Consider your budget





There are barbecue restaurants that are really upscale so be very careful in scouting especially if you have a really limited budget. Before going to the restaurants, try researching over the net for their price range.





4. Consider what you like to eat.





Different restaurants have different specialties. Some have really great chicken barbecue while other are experts in making baby back ribs. Some serve really delicious beef brisket while others serve a really mean buffalo chicken wings dish. Determine what you want to try and then find a restaurant that has that specialty. That way, you will be able to satisfy your craving.


The Half Up and Half Down Hairstyle for the Prom




The prom is one of the highlights of being in high school. If the person misses the event, it is gone forever. Those who want to look good can try something unique with the hair such as the half up and half down look.





The reason why this hairstyle is given such a name is because it goes in two separate directions. The bangs have a curve and are pointed upwards while the rest falls down in the person’s back.





This hairstyle can be done on anybody who has long and straight hair. The important thing to remember is to have the hair washed at least a day before the prom. This will make it easy to arrange for the stylist or those who want to help out at home.





Ladies who don’t have straight hair can still do this by applying some gel or using some hair spray. Black colored pins will work best so no one will notice this when walking around the prom.





This begins by brushing the hair to make sure there are not tangles and all the strands are straight. Afterwards, this can be smoothened using a flat iron. This should be left to cool for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.





The bangs can be made to curve up by using a roller. This should stay in a place for about an hour or two to get the right shape.





The hair that stretches all the way to the back should be combed behind the ear. The person can also use the hands to make sure this fall into place then attach a clip to one side for a few minutes. This should also be done to the other side to create the same effect.





The next step will be to remove the pins and brush everything towards the middle of the back. When this has been smoothened, a clip will again be placed. Since this will fall once this has been removed, this is the time that a little get should be applied over the area.





Each of these sections should be sprayed or have a little gel to hold each section into place. The person will notice that this can be done in single or a few layers to get the desired shape.





The half up and half down hairstyle is not common but is beautiful when done by a great stylist. People in the prom will simply love this and try the look when an opportunity presents itself.