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Archive for July, 2015

Do it yourself birthday gift ideas

July 7th, 2015

If you are creating birthday hampers and want to make them special then what better than homemade gifts? This is a great way to save some funds too. Do it yourself birthday gifts can make a great hamper basket in a reasonable rate. Besides this, it is special and sweet too.

So while we are at it, here are some DIY birthday gifts ideas you need to try…

  • Magnets:Use jewellery, fancy buttons and any fancy cloth. Just place these on top on plain black magnets with care and glue it nicely. These gifts can be placed in a jar and added to the hamper.
  • Rope vase:Take a silver container (any round container would do) and take some glue to stick. Now take a rope and braid them together. After this, start sticking the rope outside the steel container and do this until it reaches the top. Stick well and leave it to dry. Trust us, this looks gorgeous if done right
  • Journals:Just be crafty! Take a plain notebook and take some hard colorful craft paper and some pens. Now cut designs of your choice on the craft paper and start sticking. Before this, make sure you make a base color as a cover for the journey. You can use black as the base to add lots of colors. If you are good at drawing then use colorful pens to design it. Seems kiddish but this gift is for writers.
  • Key chains:Use fabric to create cute and personalised key chains. You can remove the ring from any old useless keychain and start with the cloth piece and if you can stitch then do that. Otherwise, glue is the other option. They might be small but with all the gifts combined, it will be great.
  • Earrings: Yes, you can make earrings at home too. To make dangling earrings at home, you just need a small pair of studs, some old light weighted coins or buttons that have an embellished look, wire and fabric. Draw out a design of the earring and then start.
  • Laptop or tablet covers: Purchase a plain weight cloth bag which is available in the market for cheap price. If you are good at stitching, then you can make the cover yourself otherwise just cut the bag out of the size and add a closing flap with the cloth or any other contrasting fabric at home. You can fabric paint and also place some glittering buttons on it

 

  • Fancy paper clips and bookmarks: We have all learned in school how to make bookmarks but fancy paperclips are easier to make. Just take colorful buttons and stick them on different colors of paper clips. The gift is ready!

Include all these gifts in a cute hamper basket and do not forget to add a card for the final touch. Wrap the birthday hamper basket well before you present it. These easy and quick homemade gift ideas make for amazing presents. Start creating today. Do something different for your loved ones!

 

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13 amazing summer flowers!

July 7th, 2015

The sun is shining in a lot of places and that means summer is here. These flowers aren’t made for summer but their charm and colors do have a summer feeling. With the list of the flowers, we also tell you what they are significant for. They are some of the most famous flowers given during the summer time. Check out the list:

  • Begonia – These beautiful flowers come in a wide variety of colours. They are a native to tropical climates. The message behind these flowers is, beware and cautious. It is said that this is what Begonia symbolises.
  • Chrysanthemum – The meaning behind these flowers are joy and optimism. These flowers have a long history which goes back to before the 15th century. So you can imagine how popular these flowers are!
  • Orchid –Orchids represent love, beauty and strength. If you are giving this to your partner then trust us, they will love it
  • Gardenia – Want to let someone know you admire them? Then gardenia is what you should gift. They traditionally mean secret love and so it is a great way to let someone know you like them a lot.
  • Gerbera – If sunflowers are not in the store, then Gerber are great replacements. Otherwise too these flowers are a very popular choice. Found in several beautiful and different colors, they represent innocence, purity and cheerfulness
  • Hyacinth – This colorful plant and wonderful looking flowers are one of a kind.
  • Iris – Iris is another flower that is famous. The name hails from Greeks and stands for faith, hope and wisdom.
  • Lily – Lilies are delicate and gorgeous. There is no reason why you shouldn’t gift these flowers to anyone. Lilies are a symbol of beauty and love.
  • Lilac – Lilac too has been named by the Greeks. It is a perfect gift for your teacher since it represents youthful sincerity
  • Magnolia – The white blooms signify beauty and dignity. Magnolias are grown during the summer.
  • Marigold – This stunning bright flower is found in vibrant colors like oranges and reds. It represents passion and creativity. They are largely used as gifts and we think they do make perfect flower gifts!

Poppy – Poppies are exotic and gorgeous looking blooms. They symbolist beauty, magic and eternal life. If someone you know loves red, then these are the perfect flowers for themRose – Last but not the least, how we not mention roses. They are probably the most famous flowers ever gifted. Often found in different colors, the red rose is a famous symbol of love all across nations. So if you aren’t sure of any other flowers, rose is always a good option.

So pamper yourself with one of these beautiful flowers this season and if you want to gift flowers to someone then you will find some best online flower delivery options over the internet. Pick your favourite one and gift it to someone. We hope this list helped you in knowing what each flower traditionally means.

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Know Your Favourite Fruits Better

July 7th, 2015

Fruits are a favourite among all age groups, in all seasons. Nowadays, people believe in delicious celebrations by sending fruit baskets to their loved ones. It not only gives a taste of love but also a taste of care with all its nutritional values. Here is a list of fruits that you had no idea were so beneficial to your health.

Apple -Antioxidants called flavonoids found in apple aid in eliminating the possibility of developing asthma and diabetes. Also, apples act as nature’s own mouth freshener, cleaning your mouth and teeth with each crisp bite. Who can forget, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!”

Banana-Bananas are the richest in potassium among all other fruits which are very important to maintain normal blood pressure. Its high fibre content lowers cholesterol, thus ensuring a healthy functioning heart.

BlackBerry-Blackberries contain anthocyanin, a very powerful antioxidant which helps reduce the risk of cancer and stroke. Blackberry extracts, according to studies, fight the development of lung cancer cells.

Grapes-A good content of resveratrol in grapes helps the prevention of heart diseases by maintaining the required blood pressure and also removing the possibility of blood clots. The spread of stomach, breast and cancer cells are also stopped by resveratol.

Mango-A very high content of the antioxidants zeazanthin and lutein is found in mangoes. They help in protecting eyesight and lower the possibility of macular degeneration which occurs with age. Macular degeneration is the main cause of adult blindness.

Orange-Orange is an excellent fruit for pregnant women. They contain folate, which is an important vitamin for expecting mothers that help to prevent defects related to neural tube in their infants. Oranges also contain hesperidin, a phytochemical which reduces blood cholesterol levels.

Papaya-Papayas hold papain, an enzyme which helps digestion. Also, their rich vitamin A content helps in maintaining the beauty and health of one’s skin.

Pear-Pears are the natural solution to constipation owing to their soluble content of fibre. They also aid in reducing blood cholesterol levels and combat heart diseases.

Pineapple-Lamebrain, a natural enzyme, breaks down protein along with aiding digestion. Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which also aid in preventing blood clots and help in healing wounds faster.

Pomegranate-The antioxidant called tannins is found in pomegranates, which protect the heart. According to studies, if pomegranate is consumed daily, it will promote a normal level of blood pressure and also lower the possibility of a heart attack.

Watermelon-Considering that 92 percent of this fruit is water, it is very aptly named.  Not only is it low in calories, it is also makes for a mouth-watering treat for the sweet tooth. It is perfect for a person on a weight loss diet.

Cherry-The antioxidant anticyclonic is the richest in your all time favorite cherries. These help lower inflammation and caress the pain of gout and arthritis.

Since you know the power of fruits now, so the next time you are planning to send a gift to someone, send a basket full of nutritious fruits as a token of your love.

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Coconut-Lemon Cake with creamy Mascarpone Frosting

July 7th, 2015

Sending cakes by post has become increasingly popular in the United Kingdom. However, if you don’t require sending across a cake and instead can invite someone over to your place, this new coconut-lemon cake is all you need to bake to win your guests heart.

Ingredients you need

1 1/3 cups whole milk, 2 2/3 cups granulated sugar, 1 1/3 cups softened unsalted butter, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 4 cups cake flour, 7 egg whites at room temperature,  1 tsp fine salt, 4 tsp baking powder and 2 2/3 granulated sugar.

For coconut-lemon mixture –  2/3 cup lemon curd, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 cup flaked coconut

For mascara frosting – 2 tsp coconut extract, 8oz mascarpone cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ cup cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Total time – 1:50

Serves – 12 people

Method to make the cake

1) Preheat your oven to 350°F temperature. Stir vanilla and milk together in a bowl. In another bowl, sift baking powder, flour and salt together.

2) In an electric mixer, beat butter in medium speed until it gets fluffy and light, for approx 2 to 3 minutes. In the same way, beat sugar until it’s fluffy and light for around 1-2 minutes. Then, change the speed of the mixture to low and add milk mixture alternately with flour mixture and beat until it blends.

3) In a fresh bowl, beat egg whites at medium speed using an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. Fold the egg whites into batter and transfer the same to prepared pans.

4) Bake till a toothpick inserted in the center gets out clean, 24-25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.  Invert it onto a wire rack, and meticulously peel off and remove the parchment paper. Let it cool completely.

5) On a serving plate or on a cake stand, place one layer of the cake and spread its top with 50 percent of the coconut-lemon mixture (do not forget to leave a ¼ inch border on all sides). Now top with the other half of the coconut-lemon filling with a second layer of the cake (again, do not forget to leave a ¼ inch border); top with the remaining layer. Frost the sides and top with creamy mascarpone frosting. To decorate, you can use daisies.

6) To prepare the coconut-lemon filling, take 1 cup of sweetened and flaked coconut, ¼ cup sour cream, 2/3 cup lemon curd, 1 tablespoon lemon zest and stir together thoroughly.

7) In order to prepare the creamy mascara frosting, take mascara cheese in a bowl and stir until it becomes smooth. Beat coconut extract, cream, and vanilla extract on moderate speed using an electric mixer till it gets foamy. Increase the speed of the mixture to high and slowly add granulated sugar and beat it until hard peaks form. Gently and slowly fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascara cheese. Use this immediately.

We hope this recipe wins you the best-baker tag from your guest. Happy Baking and spread sweetness!

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Top Tips for Baking Flawless Cakes

July 1st, 2015

If you start baking in a disorderly manner, you will not get a good cake. Baking is an art that does not allow artistic license but follow precise procedures.

Here a few baking tips that will give you a flawless cake:

  • Follow a recipe that is good: For good results, you must follow a recipe that is tested and taken from a reliable source. Online recipes must be treated with caution. In the end, the cake you bake will only be as good as the recipe you use.
  • Use proper tin size and do proper lining: You must use the right size of tin as specified in the recipe or else, you will have to re-adjust the cooking time. Lining the tin can be done with parchment paper if it is a non -stick or otherwise you can use soft butter or oil dusted with flour. But avoid using too much fat lest it fries the cake’s sides. Utilize a pastry brush for buttering pan or tin.
  • Right type and amount of ingredients:  Ensure that you use the proper type and accurate amount of ingredients. For instance, don’t substitute more baking powder for self-raising flour. Use measuring spoons for accuracy. Measure flour properly by scooping using a dry measuring cup.
  • Right temperature: Most recipes call for butter and eggs to be used at room temperature. Cold butter will not cream well and cold eggs will result in curdling the mixture.
  • Infuse cake mix with maximum air: Cream sugar and butter till the mix is light in color and texture. This enhances air and volume of the cake. Don’t try to whisk flour and other ingredients too vigorously as it will remove air and the cake will be heavy.
  • Fill pans by half: By filling pan by half, you will ensure even cooking and that batter does not overflow during baking.
  • Put cake mix into oven right away: The raising agents will begin working as soon as it is in contact with wet ingredients, so put cake mix right into oven for proper baking.
  • Place pans properly in oven: Keep single pans in the center of the baking rack. For more pans, leave some space between the pans and sides of oven for proper circulation of air. Rotate the pans midway through the baking. Put pan at bottom on top of oven and vice verse. This makes up for any defects in your oven.
  • Check cake after some time: Resist the urge to check on cake shortly. Refrain from opening the oven door until cakes are almost cooked. Else, if you let cold air in while baking, the cake may collapse. The way to check if a cake is done is to insert a skewer into the cake, and it should come out clean.
  • Cooling cakes: Take time to cool cakes before glazing, frosting or filling them. As a rule, sponge cakes are ideally left to cool for a few minutes and then turned upon a cooling rack to prevent sogginess of edges. But it is better to cool rich fruit cakes inside the tin.

These are some handy tips to bake a delicious cake. You can make use of reliable couriers for cakes online delivery if you wish to gift a cake made by you to a loved one, who is far away.

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