Travel Tuesday: Top Spots in America to Celebrate New Years Eve

It's the eve of a new year and I find my self wondering where the time went. As I get older it seems time is flying by faster than ever.  I am looking forward to the new year. January brings a fresh start and an opportunity to grow and evolve into the person you strive to be. Make your New Years resolutions stick this year.  Wether you hope to loose weight or to kick that bad habit that has been haunting you for years, why not spend the last night of 2013 enjoying yourself before you go cold turkey. Plan the last vacation of the year in style and travel to one of these top cities to celebrate New Year's Eve. 

Orlando, Florida

The theme parks come to life in Orlando on NYE. Epcot puts on a light and laser show called Illuminations: Reflections of Earth just before midnight. MGM Studios puts on a symphony of the senses which is composed of dancing lights and artificial snow.

Sydney, Australia

The first place in the world to ring in the new year. This city boasts an enormous fireworks show containing 6 barges covering a 3 1/2 mile section of water and uses 30,000 pyrotechnic effects. The show lasts 12 minutes and attracts millions into Sydney harbor and the Sydney harbour bridge. Illuminated boats travel 9 miles along the harbour and Bondi Beach has an ultimate dance party if you are looking for a little more excitement. 

Edinburgh, Scottland

The annual Hogmanay or last day of the year celebration takes place in Edinburgh. Traditional ceilidh dancing fills the princes street gardens. Musical acts fill the city and visitors gather on Prince Street to watch the firework display. 

Rio de Janeiro

Every New Year's Eve Copacabana Beach hosts the worlds largest and craziest New Year's Eve celebration. Each year 2 million natives dress in all white and fill the 2 1/2 mile stretch of sand. The natives pay homage to the goddess of the sea, lemanja. Along with their white attire they also done red, green, yellow and gold. Red symbolizes romance, green symbolizes good health, and yellow and gold symbolize prosperity. If you decide to celebrate NYE in Rio you will have a blast, just be sure you don't wear black as it's considered to be an evil omen. 

London, England

The Thames river is the place to be on top of the London Eye. The eye is a giant Ferris wheel where the firework show is launched from each NYE.  Thousands of visitors from all over the world gather at the London eye and the tower, Westminster, London, and black friars bridges to watch the firework show and ring in the new year.

Paris, France

During the whole month of December the Parisians exchange bises (friendly kisses) and greet one another with Bonne Annee ( happy new year ).  They also exchange cards and gifts through the month of January. The Champs-Élysées fills with spectators who can get a glimpse of the Eiffle Tower as it countdowns into the new year. Pigalle, the red light district is home to the Moulin Rouge a hot spot on NYE.  The riverboat bateau-Mouche holds a dinner cruise along the seine river where you can float your way into the new year while watching the fireworks over the city. 

New York City

In 1904 Times Square had its first celebration for the opening of the NY Times headquarters. This was the first huge party held in the square, that is until NYE.  Thousands gather each year to watch the ball drop. Vendors are not permitted and resterants have horrendous wait times so pack a dinner and drinks if you want to avoid the hassle. The ball is raised on a 77ft flagpole once the sun sets at the stroke of 11:59 the ball drops 60 feet to ring in the new year. 

No matter where you go or what you do this New Year's Eve the most important thing you can so is to treasure all that you have and really count your blessings in hopes this new year will bring many more.  Happy New Years Eve.  Until next year.....

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/us-news-travel/best-new-years-eve-party-_b_2370724.html

Http://www.wikipedia.com

http://www.gayot.com/travel/features/newyears.html

Makeup Monday: New Years Addition- Stylish looks for your New Years party

The new year is upon us and everyone is getting excited about their New Year's Eve parties. Where will you go? What will you do? I think the bigger question is what will you wear?

If you are indecisive like me and can't decide what to wear or how to do your makeup, don't worry because I've got you covered. 

Look # 1: All that shimmers.....

Polish your eyelids in gold and silver

Apply color ( I like Maybellines color tattoo in gold rush and silver strike) across the base of your lid.  Highlight the eye with a splash of silver to the inside of the eye. 

Next, brush on mascara ( I like maybellines great lash mascara ) for added definition of the lash line.  Start at the base of the lashes and curl the brush out wards for extreme volume.  

Pair this makeup with an LBD like the one below from edressme.com 

Grab a gold foiled clutch to go along with it. eBay has some great choices at reasonable prices like the one below.

Pair this with a crystal bracelet.  Overstock.com has a huge selection.

Top off the look with a chunky statement necklace. Try ordering one on etsy for originality like this beautiful neclace below.

Look # 2: Bold lips, shiny shadow, and faux bob

Embrace the night with a bold lip like MACs Girl About Town. The best application is straight from the tube. Soften the look by swiping a Q-Tip along the edges of the mouth. Next, apply a shiny shadow. You can make this yourself from one of your own shadows. Dab a bit of vasoline into the shadow for a quick liquidy look. Apply on the lids and you will have a shimmer that lasts all night. 

After the shadow, apply an eye liner.  Have fun with this and choose a bold color like cobolt blue. Smudge a blue pencil along the lower lashes and follow up with a few layers of mascara to create the illusion of wide awake eyes.

If cobolt is not your thing try a sexy smoky eye with wings.  Line the top lashes with a pencil to lay down the shape, add charcoal shadow to your lids, fading up towards the crease. Use a gel liner to race over the pencil line.  If you have fair skin pair this with light pink blush and lipstick. If you have a medium skin tone use peach on the cheeks and lips. If your complexion is dark go for hues in wine and berry.

Now it's time to style your hair.  Trick everybody into thinking you chopped your locks off by pulling your hair into a fake bob. 

How to: Blow dry long, straight or way hair.  Part it in the middle and gather it into a low pony tail with the elastic slipped in one inch from the ends.  Roll hair under and secure the whole shebang loosely to the nape of your neck with bobby pins. 

Hopefully I have given you a few ideas or at least started on your path to the perfect New Year's Eve look. Now go out have some fun, be safe, and ring in the new year with a bang.  

Saturday Morning: Cartoons, Nintendo, and Cheerios

Good morning. I hope you're all having a great start to the weekend. Yesterday my husband came across a gem on YouTube that made all my childhood memories reappear as if I was still 10 years old, sitting on the floor with a bowl of Cheerios. Taking a break from Nintendo and watching Saturday morning cartoons. You might be wondering What amazing video made this possible? Well, it's not just one, rather a handful of videos recreating the theme songs to my beloved Nintendo games.  The man behind the magic is Max Gleason AKA Smooth McGroove.  Once a music teacher now an Acapella composer.  What makes his videos come to life is the way he not only masters the sounds that made our video games so memorable he also embeds the video game itself in the middle of the screen.  A 30 something with long hair and a neck beard Paul Bunyn would admire. His charismatic recapturing of Nintendo game soundtracks will leave you wanting more every time. You can find his videos on YouTube under Smooth McGroove.

Thoughtful Thursday: Greeting Card History and Etiquette

When you spend the time and money to pick out a gift it is always nice to receive a thank you. Especially if you were not present to witness the recipient opening the gift. Thank you notes acknowledge parties, thoughtful gestures, gifts, well wishes, condolences, and just about any other event where thanks are due. So why do we write thank notes? Where did the tradition start from? According to American Greetings the Egyptions created the first greeting cards over 400 years ago. The egyptions wrote these greetings on papyrus. Papyrus is thin and paperlike, it comes from the pith of the papyrus plant.  The pith is a tissue in the stems of vascular plants, composed of soft, spongy parenchyma cells, that store and move nutrients throughout the plant. Like the Egyptians, the Chinese created and exchanged similar greetings during the same time. In the 1400s greeting cards were abundant in Europe but only used by the wealthy due to their costly nature. In the 1840s the postage stamp was develouped and made greeting cards easier to deliver as they were no longer just a hand delivered item.  Greeting cards have progressed into a billion dollar industry since the 1400's.  Tons of different materials in all shapes and sizes are now used to create thank you's.  Sometimes it is a little tricky to know the proper etiquette for writing and sending a thank you.  With that being said,  am going to share some tips to follow when you are writing someone a grateful sentiment.

Tip #1: Try to avoid pre-printed cards if you are aiming for a certain type of centiment as the imprint and or font may get in the way of the sentiment you are trying to convey.

Tip #2:  Always write your thank you cards in blue or black ink.  Never use pencil or bright colors so as not to distract the recipient from the message you are trying to convey.

Tip #3:  Never use a type writer or word processor.  Have another person write it for you if you are unable or have awful penmanship.  Handwritten notes are much more sentimental and heartfelt.

Tip #4:  Whenever you receive a gift from another write them a thank you.

Tip #5:  The note should be sent as soon as possible.  Later on in this post I will give you the proper time frames to follow when sending out a thank you.

Tip #6:  You should send a thank you if you receive a complementary note, a condolance, a dinner party, or even an overnight stay.

Tip #7:  It is also good etiquette to send a thank you after a job interview or after you have been entertained in the course of business.

Tip #8: If you live under the same roof and in the same household, or you are exchanging gifts on Christmas or some other special occassion you do not have to send a thank you.

Tip #9: When in doubt it is always better to have sent a thank you than to have never sent one at all.

Tip #10: when writing your greeting be sure to use natural expressions as if you were talking and be sure to note what you are thankful for. For example, if someone gives you money thank them for the exact amount. If someone gives you a vase thank them and tell them how you are reminded of their generosity every time you use it. 

The following time frames are appropriate when sending a thank you note:

Interviews: 24-48hrs

Baby showers,birthdays, or graduations: 2 weeks

hosted Parties: 2 Days

Wedding: I know some people say it is a year but I prefer the 3 month mark for this type of occasion. 

Now that you know you should be writing a thank you, you might just find yourself at a loss for words.  Don't fret I have you covered. Below are a few examples of how to start your greeting:

Thank you for the (gift, party, lovely dinner, etc.)

I really appreciate...

I am so grateful that...

I am glad you were able to...

Many thanks for...

I can't thank you enough...

Words can't express my gratitude...

I would like to express my gratitude for...

If you are giving a post time sentiment regarding an event or attendance try to use the following:

Your attendance made it that much more memorable.

It would never have been the same without you.

It is always great to see you.

You always add to the occasion.

You are such a wonderful host.

The entertainment was perfect.

I think you get the idea.  Now go buy yourself a nice selection of stationary to tap into the next time you need to thank someone for their gratitude. I promise you will never regret writing a thank you note and the recipient will always be greatful for your heartfelt gesture.

Thank you for reading...

DIY Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas

The act of wrapping gifts has become a holiday time ritual. With each fold of the paper and knot of the ribbon, you are creating a tiny drama that will be played out when the package is opened. Everyday ordinary materials become beautiful when used in an unexpected way.

Make a Yarn Pom-Pom to Top Your Present:

picture credit: Google images

picture credit: Google images

Wrap a present with the paper of your choice and then top it with a handmade yarn pom-pom for an easy yet impressive wrapping topping.

What you will Need:

• Wrapping paper
• A doily
• glue dots or double-sided tape
• yarn
• scissors

Step #1:  Wrap your present

Wrap your present with a solid-color gift wrap. Center the doily over the present and attach it to the top using a glue dot or double-sided tape. Add more glue dots or tape to the doily's edges to prevent it from shifting when adding the yarn topper.

Step #2:  Make Your Yarn Pom-Pom

Wrap yarn around your fingers a dozen or so times. The more times you wrap it, the fuller the pom-pom will be. Tightly knot a separate piece of yarn around the loops. To be safe, wrap then knot it a few times then cut the center of the loops.

Step #3:  Trim Your Pom-Pom

Clean up any longer ends and give your finished pom-pom a more rounded shape by trimming it. Wrap the doily-covered gift with a few criss-cross layers of yarn then tie on the finished pom-pom.


Use an Old Shirt and Tie to Give your Gift a Unique Touch
 

picture credit: Google images

picture credit: Google images

If you're looking for a creative way to wrap your Christmas gift, grab an old shirt and tie. Simply cut up the clothing of your choice to an appropriate size. Then glue or staple the pieces to a paper-mache box as you please.

You can also use the old shirt and/or tie to make ribbons for your presents.

Use uninflated balloons to make unique ribbons for your gifts:

picture credit: Google images

Use cupcake liners to make flower toppers for your gifts: 

picture credit: Google images

Use Fabric to Wrap Wine Bottles:

picture credit: Google images

Wrap bottles of wine in colorful fabric
What you will need:

• Two different-colored squares of 28-by-28-inch fabric
• Needle and thread
• wine bottles

Step 1:   Lay two squares of different-colored material on top of each other, right sides facing, with edges flush, and sew together along seams, leaving a 2 1/2-inch gap. Turn right-side out for finished edges. Set square on table with a corner pointing up. Lay bottles down, one-quarter of the way into the diamond-shape fabric; each should be 3 inches from the vertical center, with necks facing out.

Step 2:   Wrap triangle of material closest to you around bottles.

Step 3:   Roll bottles away from you, leaving a small triangle at top end.

Step 4:   Take hold of ears of material on right and left sides, lift them up, and tie into a loose knot, being sure bottles can stand upright. Tuck the triangular flap between the bottles. 

Make a Winter Scene Cutout for Gift Wrap

Picture Credit: Martha Stewart Living

 

Create a wintry scene on a wrapped present using a paper-dolls technique. Enlarge the two-tree template to desired size; cut out. Accordion-fold a piece of paper to the width of the template. Trace the template onto top fold. Make "ornaments" with a screw punch. Cut out and unfurl trees. Adhere with a glue stick or spray adhesive.

Follow this link to print your tree template 

Makeup Monday : 11 Makeup Tips & Tricks For a Flawless Look

picture credit: google images

Have you ever noticed how flawless models skin looks in magazines and on the runway? The truth is that all models have flaws: zits, thin lips, uneven skin tone, you name it. So who makes all of their flaws less noticeable? Makeup artists do, and they achieve this through simple beauty tips and tricks that will leave you looking like you had a professional makeup job without ever leaving the house. The best part is that they can be done with items you already have in your makeup bag. The following 11 tips will help you fake perfection just like the models and celebrities do.
#1: Mascara Application
Use a plastic spoon to easily apply mascara to your bottom lashes without looking like a raccoon. Not only will you be able to apply mascara to your bottom lashes but you will be able to create a much thicker coat.
#2: Eyeliner & Eye Shadow Application
Scotch tape will guide you when applying eyeliner and eye shadow, and it comes in really handy when you are trying to accomplish a dark eye, Smokey eye, or cat eye.
#3: Lipstick Application
Use a baby toothbrush to exfoliate your lips. You can create a homemade lip exfoliate with sugar and coconut oil or cover your lips with Vaseline before you start scrubbing to aid in the process. The scrubbing will remove all the dead skin and help to create a softer lip.
#4: Eye Shadow Application:
To open up your eyes, apply shadow based on your eye shape. If you have average or deep set eyes, apply a thin layer of shadow along the crease and the lash line of your eyelid and connect the two lines at the corner of your eye away from the nose. Almost as if you are outlining your eye while your eye is shut. For wide set eyes use the same rule as above but connect the shadow at both sides of the eye. If your eyes are closer set then apply shadow at the outer corner of your eye only, sweeping up with the applicator creating a triangle shape. If you have prominent lids then apply shadow on the entire lid, using a darker shade to outline it.
#5: Eyeliner Application
To give the illusion of bigger eyes, apply white eyeliner to the bottom lash line of your eyes (on top of the lashes not below).
#6: Mascara Application
You will need a lash curler for this trick. Using your blow dryer heat the lash curler for 3-5 seconds. The heat will turn the lash curler into a mini curling iron for your lashes.
#7: Mascara Application
Hold a business card behind your lashes and apply it in a back and forth motion starting at the roots.
#8: Eye Pencil Application
Apply a light pink matte pencil across the entire length of your brow bone creating the illusion of a higher arch. Be sure to blend well so the line is undetectable.
Draw an arch with a light pink matte pencil directly above your eyebrow and blend with your finger. This will raise your arch and make the whole eye area look as though it has been lifted.
#9: Lipstick Application
To avoid unsightly lipstick on your teeth, stick your finger in your mouth and pull it out slowly to remove excess lipstick on your inner lip.
#10: Eye Shadow Application
Use eye shadow instead of an eyebrow pencil on your eyebrows. This will create a softer, more natural look.
# 11: Highlighter & Bronzer Application
Want high cheekbones? Use a bronzer under the cheekbone and a highlighter on the actual cheekbone. This will give the illusion of having higher cheekbones.
Tune in next Monday for more makeup tips and tricks to leave you looking flawless.

Sunday Funday: Tips to Throwing the Perfect Christmas Party

Picture Credit: Google Images

Are you planning on throwing a holiday party this year? Are you confidant in your party planning abilities? Even if you are an extra tip or two can only add to the magic of your Christmas soiree and if you have never thrown a party before take heed to the advice below and your friends will be talking about your party for many holidays to come.  Keep in mind that your Christmas party can be a major undertaking or a low-key gathering of close friends and/or family.  That being said it is best to plan ahead so that you can be prepared for whatever comes your way.  However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t throw a last minute get together that is every bit as wonderful as it would have been had you taken more time to prepare.  If you take advice from my tips I can guarantee your party will be bopping and don’t worry if you feel a bit unsure if your friends and family will enjoy themselves because one thing is for sure, no matter who throws it, everybody loves a Christmas party. Good parties take planning (even if it’s short notice planning), so here's where you can start...

Tip # 1: This is the best tip I can give you so listen up.  While it is important, don’t focus all your attention on the food, alcohol, or even decorations. The most important thing to keep in mind when throwing the ultimate party this Christmas is your guest list, because it's about the people. Just keep your focus on your guests and everything else will fall into place.  The first thing you need to do is get some names down. Start your guest list with these things in mind: Make sure you think about compatibility, ages, interests, and personalities which will help create ambiance for the evening. What singles or couples can you help to connect with other singles or couples? When you think about the singles you plan to invite be sure to consider those who mix well in groups. Think about who you are missing in your life, who you'd like to spend the most magical time of the year with. Invite all ages because mixing older and younger people together can make for a fun party.

Tip # 2: Select a theme for your party.  I know what you’re thinking, isn’t Christmas the theme? Yes it is but selecting a theme within this theme will make it easier when you are shopping for food and decorations.  One example of this would be choosing a Winter Wonderland theme for Christmas.  You could cover the tables in fake snow, hang snowflakes from the ceiling, and give everyone a gift of ice skate or snowflake ornaments.  You could take it a step further and do winter wonderland in New York.  Then you could decorate with landmarks from the city and mix in a few Broadway tunes into your Christmas playlist.  Have a white elephant gift exchange and be sure everyone brings a gift associated with your theme. You get the idea.  The most important thing is that you have fun with it. Don’t forget to give your guests a dress code. This will ease everyone’s mind when they are getting ready.  No one wants to out dress anyone or worse, be under dressed.

Tip # 3: Cook what you know. Don't let the pressure of having all your friends and family over for the most important meal of the year lead you to choose a complicated menu to impress them. First of all, you will be spending the whole night in the kitchen which none of your guests will appreciate.  Secondly, what if it goes wrong?  You will have to serve everyone a disastrous meal which would cause unneeded embarrassment and anxiety. To start, make a list of your favorite recipes and pick out the ones you are a pro at cooking.  All your guests will enjoy the food and you won’t be spending the entire evening cooking.

Tip # 4: Be sure to actually spend time with your guests at the party. The whole point of getting everyone together during the holidays is to share memories and laughs.  Be sure you thank all your guests for coming. You can take this a step further by making a point to take a picture with every person at your party.  After the party you can print copies and send them in a thank you note to your guests. Christmas is the perfect time to tell our families how grateful we are for them.

Tip # 5: Be sure to keep your guests occupied.  Give them something to do, because most people like to play an active role at a party. Below are few game ideas to get you started:

Decorate a person as a Christmas tree: Using green crepe paper, ornaments, tinsel—whatever you can find—decorate your “tree”. First or best one wins.

Christmas Carol Charades: Get dramatic! You can’t beat this crowd pleaser, as it is sure to bring the laughs.  

Ornament guess: Have guests guess the total number of ornaments on the tree as they come into the party. The closest guess wins.

Name that carol: Make a list of lyrics from songs that only provides 3-4 words from each song (not the title). The person who names all - or the most - songs in a certain amount of time wins.

Tip # 6: Above all make sure that YOU have fun.  Relax and enjoy the company of all of your favorite people. Forget all the pressure and expectation that comes wrapped up with the Christmas season. You don’t need to impress anyone at the party, you just need to be yourself, because the only expectation that your guests have is to be in your happy company.

Fearless Friday: Overcoming Your Fears

What are you afraid of? Or do you lack fear? Even the bravest person you know had to overcome their fears at some point. Are you like me and afraid of spiders? Or Maybe you are more like my husband and afraid of heights? Maybe you fear failing or maybe you just fear the unknown.  Sometimes we don't realize how much ours fears can hold us back in life. That's why we should confront them head on and own up to our fears in the pursuit of overcoming them.  That may sound impossible to some of you, depending on what your fears are but you can learn to overcome them. You will need to understand what your fear is.

The better you're able to understand what you fear, the better your chances of feeling less anxious about it. You can challenge your negative or unrealistic thoughts about the things you fear by learning more about them. Learn to recognize what you are afraid of. Our society teaches us to be strong and brave and fearless. How can you be courageous without having to overcome some kind of fear? Take control and own up to it. Sometimes fear is easily recognizable, we shake or scream or cower in the face of it. Other times it is harder to pin point. When you feel it overcoming you, write it down and give it a name.  Do this every time you are fearful. Start a journal and reference it each time you are faced with a problem or fear you need to overcome. Every time fear comes your way just make up your mind about it and it will dissolve away. 

How does this happen? Well when you think about it there is really no battle to fight, except of your own making! What I'm referring to is your almost automatic response to fight your fear. Reaction to thoughts is what keeps people constantly sensitized. They become so afraid of their own reaction to the thought that they will do everything they can to fight it, to try and stop it.  This is where your journal comes into play, it will allow you to learn from your past experiences and train yourself to deal with them in the best way you can. Accepting fear is a part of life and the first step to getting over your fears. And just like actors use stage fright, you can actually use fear to motivate you into action.  Only you can help yourself overcome your fears, or at least reduce their impact on your life. You will need to be vigilant in confronting your fears. If, however, you lose faith and become discouraged, the best thing you can do is to start over and keep on moving.