Funny Birthday Gift Ideas

Are you tired of gifting the same routine boring gifts to your friends and near and dear ones?Why not jazz things up a bit and gift these funky and funny gifts which will please both adults and children alike. If you are on the lookout for a gift which is unique and funny at the same time, then we are sure these gift ideas will please you immensely.

Over the hill gift hamper

This makes for a great birthday gift for people who are slightly over the hill. This easy to assemble gift hamper makes for a fun gift if the person receiving it has a great sense of humor. Throw in a magnifying glass, a pair of dentures, hair dye, wigs etc. You can practically include just about anything related to old age. The more innovative you get, the more laughs it will garner.

Funny T- shirts

Source: Cafepress

T-shirts with funny and humorous words emblazoned on them make for a great funny gift. If it’s a girl for whom you are buying these funny T-shirts, you can buy the ones which lampoon the other sex in a funny sort of way. In addition to this, you can also buy accessories such as watches, necklaces and purses which have some sort of funny birthday messages inscribed on them.

Prank basket

A prank basket makes for a very effective funny gift ideal for kids and teenagers. Use your imagination and fill it with just about anything such as invisible ink, catapencil, key chainsaw, hand buzzer, fart machines etc. Throw in some candy with weird flavors such as chili and garlic any you have that perfect hamper. You can also put in some wearable items such as x ray glasses, arrow-through-the –head hat to make it all the more funny.

Backward clock

This has to be the funniest gift ever. This clock moves in an anticlockwise direction with some of the numbers even painted upside down. The point is obviously not to use it as a clock but more as a symbolic means to assure the person that they are still young in your eyes. Don't forget to include your funny birthday messages on it to convey your point across.

Funny Books

A book lover needn’t always be gifted a serious book. Gift them books on their favorite subjects but with a humorous element added to it. Choose a topic which holds special interest for the person whom you are planning to gift. Now look around for funny books on that particular subject such as books which are a parody of the original one’s or those that deal with the same subject in a humorous manner.

Funny photos

Gifting funny photos is another great option warranted to bring a smile on your loved one’s face. Make a collage of humorous photographs of the person concerned taken in candid moments. Write down short funny notes underneath each picture to add to the fun element. To make it even more funnier, take one or two photographs to a caricature artist and ask him to make a caricature. Now frame this picture and present it to the person. It will definitely elicit a lot many laughs. You can also turn funny photos into birthday cards, with the hint of humor on it. Instead of framed ones, you can print it as card.

Edible jewelry

Girls would find this gift extremely delicious. Edible jewelry such as candy necklaces, candy rings, candy buttons are extremely popular as a funny birthday gift. Present your girl with a delicious candy necklace and watch her gobbling it down. As an aside, you can even present her a necklace with a locket containing a very funny picture of her.

Funny gifts

If you are not creative enough to think of funny gift ideas then you can take help from a wide variety of options available in the market. Depending upon your preferences you can choose mugs with various funny sayings, bunny salad servers, a crap tin, an emergency food tin etc. The list is actually endless. Visit your nearest shop or go online for more innovative gifts and ideas. The diamond mug is a case in point. A 2 carat diamond ring in a large case is what appears to the eye. On pulling out the ring, what you get is a mug with the ring attached to the handle. Your keen sense of humor will surely be appreciated by one and all. 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas To Make

Mother’s Day is one of the perfect times to special woman know how much we love and appreciate her. For everything she has done with us, for all the care, devotion and love she showered us, this day is the perfect day to make her feel important and appreciated. Mother’s love is unconditional and limitless. Shes there for us no matter what, making sure everything is set for us and for our needs. She never fails to amaze us. As a daughter, I must say that mothers are and will always be great!

This mother’s day, aside from the common gift such as flowers and card that you can buy in nearby stores, would you like to exert more effort and devotion to your mother’s day gift? How about crafting your own gifts for your wonderful mom? Here are some suggestions for you.

Heart DIY Tote Bag

Image: Clumsycrafter

Mothers are known to be practical. So giving them something that is practical and useful will make them appreciate your gift more. We of course add a bit of a twist to make what would ordinarily be a boring gift into something interesting and attractive. Here's some homemade mother's day gift that you can try. 

What you need:

• Ready made plain tote or eco bag
• Pink or Red Ink
• Pencil with unused eraser
• Heart shaped board cut-out
• Black permanent marker

How to make them:

1. Since there are a lot of ready-made tote canvas bags, you don’t need to make one of your own. Pick out a handy size that your mother will normally use.
2. Place the heart board cut-out in the middle of the bag.
3. Dip the eraser of the pencil in the ink. Dab around the edges of the heart and spilling into the canvas tote bag. You can choose to make your heart bigger. Make the outer edges lighter though and use the fresh dabs of the eraser in the inner layer. This will make a shadowing effect.
4. Once done, you can write your mother’s day dedication inside the heart.
5. Let it dry properly to ensure that the ink will not blot.

Hand Painted Dishtowel

Image: Dribbz

Our moms have a sense of humor too and they will surely love a good laugh when they get to see how creative and well thought our gifts could be. Making a funny gift doesn’t mean we don’t love our mom any less so we can’t make a serious gift. Rather, we would love to see her laugh and smile at something that could be outrageously funny and cute and thoughtful at the same time.

What you need:

• Plain white dish towel
• Poster paint (preferably something not washable)
• Permanent Marker Pen

How to make them:

1. Apply paint fully on one hand.
2. Firmly press painted hand down on the dish towel. Make sure that all parts of your hand is touching the towel.
3. Repeat with other hand.
4. Write your funny dedication to your mom using the permanent marker pen.

Homemade Mother’s Day Card

Mother's Day card is one of the most common gift that a child or daughters/sons will give to their mom on her special day. Although market is swarmed with tons of pre-printed mother's day cards with, you can always make it special by creating your own. Again, this doesn't have to be extravagant. Simple materials with your most sincere mothers day messages can be enough to make this gift extra special. 

Image: Academyartist

Edible Marshmallows Flowers

How about making something that you and your mom can enjoy eating too? Here goes that edible crafts that even kids can make. There are so many easy mother's day recipes that you can try to make this a gift for your mom. Want a suggestion? Here's a yummy and softy mother's day homemade gift that you can try. 

Image: Momendeavors

Expressions of Love

How do you let someone know that you love them?  Expressing your love does not always need to come in a box.  It can be simple gestures that can translate to something very romantic to somebody you love.

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.”
 – William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Loving someone makes it very easy to give.  However, what you give need not always have a price tag attached to it.  At the end, it’s the very gesture of love that will be etched in your loved one’s heart.  It could be waking up ahead of her to fix the morning coffee or getting a napkin to gently wipe the corner of his mouth during dinner.    Even just remembering your anniversary or an important event that happened to both of you a year earlier can send expressions of love.  There’s no need for rocket science because someone who truly loves you will understand what you are doing for them.

Especially for women, these gestures will not go unnoticed.  Of course your lady may not rave over every move that you make, but take heart that she sees the smallest love expressions that you make.  You don’t need to watch those Hugh Grant or Julia Roberts movies out there.  Just sit back and do the right moves to display your expressions of love.

Small Moves Matter Big Time

You need to constantly do those little things.  Life can be quite daunting and we just need those small gestures to get us through it.  Giving your loved one a hug when you see that worried look on her face is a big one.  Sometimes, you don’t really need to ask what the problem is but what you did has already given her the message that everything will turn out well in the end.

Given all the gadgets and machines around us to make life easier, it is quite ironic that we still do not have enough time for most of the things we would like to do.  This makes it more important to spend quality time with the person you love.  Schedule dates ahead of time and never ever forget them. In case you cannot be physically together, leave small notes beforehand in places that your loved one will see when you are apart. Sending love quotes for her or him is one way.  A short SMS saying ‘I Love You’ in a different language will send the heart thumping quickly even for a while as well..  Your loved ones will be thrilled that you were thinking about them at that moment. 

Love Habits

There are other expressions that you don’t even have to think about.  Let them come naturally as part of everyday routine.  These small things do add up and does the job of filling up your loved one’s love tank.

When you are out walking together, hold each other’s hands.  Watching a movie at home or in a movie house?  Be a man and throw your hands around her. Writing love letters and sending to him or her  Be a woman and rest your head upon his shoulders.  Sending cute one-liners through chat messengers or mobile apps can be romantic too. 

And make sure your are using all the methods to win your dream guy for you. Take note of your man’s favorite music group or movie.  Check out the music stores for the latest release of their CD or get him the new DVD.   You can even get him tickets to the finals of the sport of his choice.  In case you’re not into those games, ask one of his buds to join him.  Your husband or boyfriend will definitely be thankful for that.  Ask him about his work as well.  Empathize when his co-workers are not playing their part and be the best cheer leader when he gets the promotion.  Boost his confidence consistently.  When he sees that you are concerned about his achievements, he will naturally do the same thing for you.

On the other hand, helping the wife with the dishes while she does the bedtime rituals with the kids will do wonders for her worry lines.  You can even help her cook and the kids will probably love the idea of eating something that their father made.    For the untrained mind and heart, these will look meaningless.  For those who are in a long term commitment and know that love involves responsibilities, these are part of everyday romance.  They truly count a lot.

Grand Expressions of Love

Once in a while, you need to have grand expressions of love.  Have you been talking about this new, swanky restaurant in town?  Make reservations and buy her a new outfit.  If there’s a band in the restaurant, make a request to play your special song.  You can even ask her for a dance if there’s some space.

Why not finally take the trip that you’ve been dreaming about?  Take her to the Eiffel Tower or to the Mediterranean for that special anniversary celebration.  Top it off with some glittering stones on her finger or neck.  No one can really go wrong with jewelry. 

If you are married with kids and can’t spare time away from home, have a date at your home.  Wait for your kids to fall asleep and arrange your dining area as if it were a restaurant.  The excitement of sneaking behind your kids and the new ambiance will send thousands of love expressions.

Always remember that all these actions are very important because they are expressions of your heart.  Constant communication and expression of love, even in simple gestures like sticking a sweet nothing, be it sweet love quotes for him and her or notes, once in a while is enough to keep the romance warm and pleasurable. They are your body’s manifestation of your affectionate thoughts for your special loved one.  It helps keep the fire of romance burning.  The list is endless.

While all these are very important, one key ingredient is for you to understand your loved one.  Since each person is different, one may prefer a love expression over another.  Know what makes your loved one’s heart smile the most, focus on those areas immensely, and all the other love expressions will flow freely.

What is Holi Festival?

Holi Festival is probable one of the most festive and fun-filled religious festival of Hindu. It is popularly known as the Festival of Colors. This spring festival is usually observed in the country of Nepal and India. But other countries where some Hindus are currently residing also hold some festivities for the Holi.

Meaning оf 'Holi'

'Holi' соmеѕ frоm thе word 'Hola', meaning tо offer oblation оr prayer tо thе Almighty аѕ Thanksgiving fоr thе great harvest. It іѕ celebrated еvеrу year tо remind people thаt thоѕе whо love God ѕhаll bе saved аnd thеу whо torture thе devotee оf God ѕhаll bе reduced tо ashes а la thе mythical character Holika.

Whаt іѕ 'Phagwah'?

'Phagwah' іѕ derived frоm thе nаmе оf thе Hindu month 'Phalgun', bесаuѕе іt іѕ оn thе full moon іn thе month оf Phalgun thаt Holi іѕ marked. Thіѕ іѕ thе month thаt ushers India іn Spring season whеn flowers bloom, seeds sprout аnd thе country rises frоm winter's slumber.

Thе Legend оf Holika

Holi Festival of colors іѕ аlѕо аѕѕосіаtеd wіth thе Puranic legend оf Holika, thе sister оf thе evil king Hiranyakashipu. Thе evil king punished hіѕ son, Prahlad іn vаrіоuѕ ways іn order tо denounce Lord Narayana. All hіѕ attempts wеrе futile. Finally, hе asked hіѕ sister Holika tо tаkе Prahlad іn hеr lap аnd enter а flaring fire. Holika wаѕ fortunate tо remain unburnt еvеn іnѕіdе thе fire. Hеr brother dіd thе bidding оn behalf оf Holika. However, Holika's boon ended bу thіѕ act оf supreme sin аgаіnѕt thе Lord's devotee аnd wаѕ burnt tо ashes. In а twist оf fate, Prahlad саmе оut unharmed.

Thе Krishna Link

Holi іѕ аlѕо аѕѕосіаtеd wіth thе Divine Dance knоwn аѕ Raaslila. It іѕ staged bу Lord Krishna fоr thе benefit оf hіѕ devotees оf Vrindavan; whо аrе commonly knоwn аѕ Gopis.

Holi іn Medieval Paintings

An Ahmednagar painting оf thе 16th century іѕ оn thе theme оf Vasanta. It shows а royal couple sitting оn а grand swing, wіth maidens playing music аnd spraying colors wіth pichkaris. A Mewar painting, circa 1755, shows thе Maharana wіth hіѕ courtiers. Whist thе ruler іѕ giving gifts tо ѕоmе people, а dance іѕ on, аnd іn thе center іѕ а tank filled wіth colored water.

Thе Legend оf Dhundhi

Alѕо оn thіѕ day, аn ogress called Dhundhi, fond оf troubling thе children іn thе kingdom оf Prithu wаѕ chased аwау bу thе shouts аnd pranks оf village children. Evеn thоugh Dhundhi hаd secured ѕеvеrаl charms thаt mаdе hеr аlmоѕt invincible, thе shouts, abuses аnd pranks оf thе boys wеrе а thorn іn thе armor оf Dhundi, due tо а curse frоm Lord Shiva.

Thе Kamadeva Myth

It іѕ believed thаt іt wаѕ оn thіѕ day thаt Lord Shiva opened hіѕ thіrd eye аnd incinerated tо death Kamadeva, thе god оf love. Fоr thіѕ reason, mаnу people worship Kamadeva оn Holi-day, uѕuаllу wіth thе simple offering оf а mixture оf mango blossoms аnd sandalwood paste.

The Temple Sculptures

Holi іѕ оnе оf thе oldest аmоng Hindu festivals. Vаrіоuѕ references аrе fоund іn thе sculptures оn walls оf оld temples. A panel sculpted іn thе 16th century іn а temple аt Hampi, thе capital оf Vijayanagar, depicts а joyous scene оf Holi whеrе а prince аnd hіѕ princess аrе standing аmіdѕt maids waiting wіth syringes tо drench thе royal couple іn colored water.

The Legend Radha-Krishna

Holi іѕ аlѕо celebrated іn memory оf thе immortal love оf Lord Krishna аnd Radha. Youthful Krishna wоuld complain tо hіѕ mother Yashoda аbоut whу Radha wаѕ ѕо light аnd hіm ѕо dark. Hіѕ mother advised hіm tо apply color оn Radha's face аnd ѕее іf thеrе wоuld bе аnу change іn hеr complexion. In thе fairies оf Krishna аѕ а youngster, hе іѕ depicted playing аll sorts оf pranks wіth thе Gopis оr cowgirls. Onе оf thеm wаѕ tо throw colored powder аll оvеr them. Thіѕ іѕ whу аt Holi, images оf Krishna аnd hіѕ consort Radha аrе оftеn carried thrоugh thе streets. In thе villages аrоund Mathura, thе birth-place оf Krishna, Holi іѕ celebrated wіth éclat.

Holi аѕ а festival ѕееmѕ tо hаvе started ѕеvеrаl centuries bеfоrе Christ аѕ саn bе inferred frоm іtѕ mentions іn thе religious works оf Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras аnd Kathaka-Grhya-Sutra.

Useful Sources and References

• Basics of holi - about.com
• Holi - wikipedia
• Free Holi eCards - 123greetings
• Holi Festival - holifestival.org

Collection of Sad Love Quotes

Love gives us a wonderful feeling – a feeling that you can’t express and comprehend. This is something you can’t explain and describe. You will simply be amazed, stunned and feel delirious with the feelings and emotions it will give you. There are even some instances that you will feel you’re in the top of the world when you experience the best love you could ever have. But this is not the case all the time.

There are some people who fall in love in a wrong person, in a wrong time. Unavoidably, they experience heartaches, pain and sadness. While the happy and true love gives unexplainable, blissful feeling, heartbreaks cause unexplainable pain and sorrow. For those who experience failure in love, words may not be enough to describe how you feel. That’s why there are sad love quotes and sayings that help express at least some part of what you’re currently experiencing.

There are tons of sad and broken heart quotes that you can find online. There are some that were said by famous people, while some are contributed by those who have already experienced heartbreaks and pain caused by wrong love. Since I’ve been in that phase too, I’d like to share these touching, sad love quotes and sayings I’ve found.

Every heart has a pain.

Only the way of expressing it is different.

Fools hide it in eyes, while the brilliant hide it in their smile.

Love is as delicate as glass;

Once broken it can be fixed,

But there will always be cracks.

When it all seems dark and you feel like giving up, think of the memories you had and try to let go.

- Crystal Wolf Tear

When you have that bust of pain in your chest

It's not because of you

It's because of him

- Nerdy Domain

Love is a thing that every boy and girl may get but the most important thing is to cherish the love we may get because life is too short to make mistakes.

- Kimeca Donald

It's hard to wait around for something you know might never happen, but it's even harder to give up when it's everything you want.

Never make someone a priority, when all you are to them is an option.

One day you will love me, the way I loved you.

One day you will think of me the way I thought of you.

One day you will cry for me, the way I cried for you.

One day you will want me, but I won’t want you.

People don't really need reasons and explanations in order to move on because moving on is an easy thing, if u start accepting everything..

Pleasure of love lasts but a moment. Pain of love lasts a lifetime.

- Bette Davis, actress

The saddest thing in the world is loving someone who used to love you.

- Anonymous

Once upon a time I was falling in love, but now I'm only falling apart.

- Bonnie Tyler

It's so easy to love, harder to express,

but hardest to live without the one you love...

- Dinesh Khandelwal

Related Sources:

Sad love quotes from bestqoutes
Top Sad Quotes from quotations.about

Valentines Day Messages

But if you are not sure what to write to your loved one on your valentine’s day cards, you’ve come at the right place. Here is a list of some Valentines Day messages to help inspire you.

You know that you are in love when you never want to sleep anymore because the reality is better than dreams! Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.

Each minute with you is worth more than a lifetime of being with anyone else.

My life without you is like a year without summer.

Anybody can catch your eye, but it takes someone special like you to catch your heart. Happy Valentine’s Day!

To me, love was just a word. Because of you it has taken on meaning.

I love being in love with you! Happy Valentine’s Day!

After all these years, I am so happy that we have managed to still be sweethearts.

I love getting to spend Valentine’s Day with you!

You are not just my Valentine, but my best friend! Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Cupid must have had the perfect aim when he hit me and you.

Thank you for being such an awesome person and being in my life!

I spent the whole year trying to think of what to write in your card, but all I could think of was how much I love you!

You are so special to me! I love you!

Happy Valentine’s Day to the best valentine I could ever hope for! Thanks for putting up with me!!

Our love is just like a romance novel, except that it will never end. I Love you and Happy Valentine’s Day!

The only reason I celebrate Valentine’s Day is so you don’t make me sleep on the couch!

I love you so much…especially when you aren’t bugging me to death.

Roses are red, violets are blue, I love this amazing person, and it isn’t you! Just kidding it is you!

I love you so much because I can’t think of any reasons not to!

I got you this card to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day, so that I could have a Happy Valentine’s Day too.

Valentine’s Messages for Valentine’s Greeting Cards

My world will be black and white if you didn’t come and add color to it. I love you!

I feel the beat of my heart when we are together,
I feel it beat stronger when we cuddle and kiss.
Goosebumps are all over me.
Would you mind letting me feel it again?
Happy Valentine’s Day!

You are the universe where my world is located.
Your love is my sun and you are my star.
You make my life more meaningful and special.

There are times when I do not smile at you and not interested to listen to your stories.
I sometimes react passively on the things that you do.
I may sometimes prefer to be with myself than with you.
May not reply to your messages or even ask how do you do.
Don’t get me wrong.
I just do it so that you’ll miss me more.

Your smile erases all of my worries.
Your presence makes me stronger.
You made life worth living for.
I love you!

You are a proof that dreams really do come true. I love you so much honey!

I can afford to lose everything but not you!

I love you!

Related resouces

1. Valentines Day Gift Ideas from squidoo
2. Valentines day Greetings From 123greetings
3. Valentines Day Quotes from Easyday

Happy Birthday Dad!

Someone is going to celebrate one of the precious moments in his life. This person is someone I dear in my heart so close. This person is the one who watch me grow, who is there to support, who is there to guide. This person is the one who spanked me a lot of time when I was a kid because of my misbehavior. This person is the one who made me cry and laugh over the years. I am in my mid 20’s now and he’s still there. He never left. He’s just there. This person is a special person to me. He is my DAD.

My dad is celebrating his 50^th Birthday today. We’d like to make this day extra special. Days ago, I, my mom and my siblings planned to make this day a day to remember. So we planned a surprise birthdayparty for him where we invited his friends and other relatives. While he’s still at work, we will set up the house for the surprise. I hope he will like it.

Although I’ve participated on this party, I’d like to have my own way of making this day special for him. So I am to create a post featuring my happy birthday wishes dedicated to the best dad in the world – my dad. So here goes my birthday message for my dad.

To my dearest dad,

First of all, I’d like to thank you for everything you have done for me, for us, for your family. And for all the things you will do for us in the future. You are my first fan, my guide and a wall that support me and my siblings. I feel so blessed to have a father like you. We are not that rich, we are not well off but having you and mom by my side is like having the most precious gem in the world. I feel so lucky.

I know I will never be able to repay all the care, love and affection you have given me for the rest of my life. I will always be grateful though and I’ll try my best to show my appreciation.

I’m sorry for all the misbehavior, for being a fool, for being so hard headed. I know there are times that the only thing you can do is to scratch your head because of my foolishness. There were even times that you spanked me and I cried so hard. But as a kid, I didn’t see the pain in your eye while doing it. I only realized it when I grew up. I realized that you were hurt as much as I was hurt.

Dad, you will always be number 1 for me. Of course, mom is in equal standing. Both of you made my life wonderful live.

I respect you. I idolize you. I love you.

Have the greatest birthday DAD!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

ME

New Year Recipes

 New Year Celebration

New Year is a time for joy and fun! There are many traditions and observations being done during this celebration. There you have welcoming the year with a blast for firecrackers, throwing a party, making new year’s resolutions, observing superstitions and encouraging New year wishes messages and greetings to one another. It’s indeed enjoyable to celebrate this global holiday together with friends and loves.

New Year Party Recipes

For people who see this event as the start of new beginning, a celebration is indeed called for. And what’s with a celebration without a feast? Of course, with a special event as New Year, a special dinner menu must be prepared. Although there are many available New Year’s Eve recipes out there that you can try out, you still need to consider your family and guests when planning. Here are some of the yummy dinner recipes that you may want to try.

Source: Andrea_Nguyen

Spring Roll

• 1/4 pound barbecued pork,
• 3 dried black mushrooms
• 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts
• 1/2 medium carrot
• 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• A few drops sesame oil, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed
• 12 spring roll wrappers
• 1 lightly beaten egg, or 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 3 cups oil for deep-frying, or as needed

Preparation:

1. Cut into thin strips the barbecued pork. Get the carrots, peel and shred. Clean and drain the mung beans sprouts and set aside.

2. Soak the mushroom in hot water for 20 minutes and when soft enough, cut into thin pieces.

3. Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, granulated sugar and sesame oil and set aside.

4. Heat the pan and pour an adequate amount of cooking oil for stir frying.

5. Add the barbecued pork, stir fry, and then add vegetables. Combine the soy mixture previously prepared.

6. Lay the spring roll wrapper and scoop the filling and place the same in front forming a diamond shape. Seal the edges using egg whites.

7. Deep fry the rolls until golden brown. Drain excess oil using paper towels and serve.

Source: Erik Anestad

Vegetarian Pot Stickers

If you're having guest with diet restrictions, you can try this pleasing menu that would be as equally tasty but would not compromise on his or her health. Prepare:

• 1/2 pound firm tofu
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bok choy
• 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bamboo shoots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic chives
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 package pot sticker or gyoza wrappers
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying the dumplings

Preparation:

1. Get the tofu and drain excess water, cut in to cubes and mash it thereafter.

2. Wash the vegetables, cut accordingly and set aside. In a bowl, mix in the seasoning and pour on the mashed tofu, mix well.

3. Lay one gyoza wrapper and put on an adequate amount of the tofu mixture as filling.

4. Moisten the edges of the wrapper and pinch the edges to seal.

5. Deep fry the dumplings and serve.

6. You can mince ginger in soy sauce for dipping.

Source: stu_spivack

Baked Hoisin Sauce Chicken Wings

• Another dish fit for the main course, prepare:
• 15 chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon honey or syrup
• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 scallion (green onion, spring onion), finely minced
• 1 slice fresh ginger, minced

Preparation:

1. First, prepare the marinade by mixing honey, hoisin sauce, water, salt, pepper, garlic, scallion, and ginger.

2. Then marinate for at least 2 and 1/2 hours or longer, to allow the marinade to penetrate on the meat. Place chicken wings on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 30 minutes.

3. Remember to turn the wings to the other side every 5 minutes and brush occasionally with marinade. Serve.

New Year Celebration

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day is considered as one of the most anticipated celebrations all over the world. It gives one a hope for a fresh start and on a sentimental note, a goodbye to the year before it. Millions of people all over the world celebrate it with so much pleasure and joy. They also observe different rituals, beliefs, traditions and customs. Everyone seems to be in merry mood when the New Year is coming. There are parties and festivities, countdown to 12:00 midnight, bursting firecrackers, firework displays, parades and more. New Year is indeed a fun event.People Send New year messages and Cards on new year to relatives and friends.

History of New Year

Do you wonder what paved the way for this occasion? Most countries celebrate New Year on January 1; that is to most countries following a Gregorian calendar. If you would try to look for its origin, you would have to agree that this global public holiday came from pagan traditions.

New Year Facts

·         January 1 was said to be a Feast of Janus (the God of gate, beginnings and endings) by the Romans.

·         To some Romans, they chose this day to honor Julius Cesar (1 January 42 B.C.) after he was murdered.

·         There is also a claim that it started around 153 BC, decided by Roman consuls.

·         January 1 considered as a “Feast of Circumcision” and was reestablished by Pope Gregory as the eighth day of Christ’s life. It was then considered the New Year of the Liturgical Calendar.

·         Most countries in Europe followed the Gregorian calendar after they adopted it in 1752.

How to Celebrate New Year

Truly all over the globe, we have a variety of ways to celebrate it. It all begins in the eve of New Year. We all take part in a countdown, may it be on a park or a TV special. There’s a party here and there and that probably includes the giving of presents. Some show spectacular fireworks , some make noises, some travel to exotic locations, some stay with their family and close friends --- whichever way we do it, it all sounds special.

Before the New Year’s Eve

Certain preparations are done before the clock strikes 12:00 midnight. The one who is in charge in the household usually prepare a feast for the whole family. There are also some decorating preparations done. That depends on the theme of the celebration you choose for the current festivity. There are many New Year decorating ideas that can be suitable for any party theme.

New Year’s Eve Party

Throwing a party for New Year’s Eve has been considered as an old tradition for this annual event. This is a time where relatives and friends can reconnect and celebrate the date with each other and catch up things. Dancing, feasting with yummy dishes, playing party games and drinking – that are the usual scenarios during New Year’s Eve party.

Just like Christmas….

More than just exchanging greetings, there’s always a buzz when New Year approaches. People flock to stores to buy New Year gifts, cards, and pastries for their loved ones. Christmas seems to be extended and felt in the air. Despite the commercial approach to it, we all feel that material is incomparable to being greeted personally.

New Year’s Resolutions

Who would ever forget that new year resolutions are always made for a new year? People always want a new beginning so that the past would be forgotten and old habits broken. We want to change in a good way with the passage of time. Making a list of something you would change for the better is the usual trend during the first few days of January. However, not all are able to fulfill all of them. So, if you are to make your own New Year’s Resolutions, make sure that they are something attainable and realistic. That way, you will be able to fulfill and keep your goals and objectives.

New Year Cards

Send New year greetings with New Year Wishes and messages to your relatives and friends. This will keep in their memory for long and warm the relations. There are lot of electronic New year cards are available on the net now

Extras…

Nevertheless, we all look forward to the future. That’s why we always bid adieu to the previous year and say hello to a new one. There are random highlights taken from the old one and predictions are made for the year to come. No matter what it is, the New Year reminds us that nothing is ever the same. 

New Year Wishes Messages

When the New Year is ushered in, everyone is always on their phones wishing their friends and loved ones a prosperous new year. New years greeting messages are very important. This is because you will be wishing your loved one a year full of love and success and they will need to hear that. That is why if you send them a messages it will make a very big impact than any other messages that you have ever sent them. That is why you should not miss sending your loved one new year greeting messages. There are so many types of these messages that you can send them and some of them include funny, love, romantic, inspirational and Christian New Year’s messages. You can choose the message to send depending with the person that you are sending it to and the type of message. Below are some of the popular New Year wishes:-

• Wishing you the best for the New Year hope you achieve everything that you have ever wanted. Happy New Year.
• I Wish you love, peace and joy for the New Year.
• I wish you the best and hope that you achieve all that you have been praying for. Happy New Year.
• May the New Year bring with it all the happiness and joy that you deserve. Happy New Year.
• I hope that the New Year treats you kind and I hope that you have all you have ever dreamt of. Happy New Year.

You can get these types of messages online. There are countless and you will even be spoilt of choice. You can look up at different websites that have them. You should use the search engine to find them it will be easy to get them. You can look at the different ones that they have. Here are some of the messages you can send:

New Year greeting messages

It is always so nice to see a new year, despite what you have gone though in the passed year it is always joyous occasion to usher in a new year. Many people look a for nice places where they will be when the new year clocks in. people throw fireworks when it is 12 o’clock and they hug and wish each other the best for the new year. It is always a happy time and most of the people enjoy celebrating this time with friend and family. It is always 5 days after Christmas so the celebrations mood is always there. There are people who like celebrating New Year away from home. In whichever way you celebrate the New Year it is always nice when you wish your loved ones the best for the New Year. You can do this by sending them new years greeting wishes. Here are some of the New Year greetings you can send your friends and loved ones:-

• I wish you a year that is full of happiness, prosperity and longevity. Happy New Year.
• May all your wishes come true, as you usher in the New Year. Happy New Year.
• May you be happy and prosperous in the New Year. Wishing you the very best.
• Wish you luck in the year and I hope that all your dreams will come true.
• Happy New Year my dear one, wishing you the very best for the New Year.

You can send these messages, though social media, email, phones and cards. It is always very nice to send friends and family members these messages so that you can wish the best for the New Year. The year is long and when you wish them all the best for the New Year then it will make an impact.

New Year Messages

New years are always happy time and most of people prefer to celebrate them with the people that they love. People celebrate the New Year in different ways some choose to stay at home, other go out to dance and other go out of town. Whichever way you choose to celebrate the New Year, it is always nice getting a message from people you love wishing you a good year ahead. It has always been a traditional that people send new years messages. Today it has changed because of the use of technology; people choose to wish other though face book or twitter. There are those who still use the phones to wish the people they love. Here are some of the famous New Year messages

• May the New Year bring with it all the happiness and joy that you deserve. Happy New Year.
• I hope that the New Year treats you kind and I hope that you have all you have ever dreamt of. Happy New Year.
• Wishing you the best for the New Year hope you achieve everything that you have ever wanted. Happy New Year.
• I Wish you love, peace and joy for the New Year.
• I wish you the best and hope that you achieve all that you have been praying for. Happy New Year.

Whichever method you use, it is always nice to which people the very best in the New Year. If you are not good at writing messages, you can choose to look at the ones that are online. There are s many of them and even if you take an eternity, you cannot finish looking at each message. You have a variety to choose from so you have no reason not to send a New Year message to your loved one

Happy New Year wishes quotes

When choosing the right messages to send to people, it is important to look at the words. This is because they signify a lot and the people you are sending the message to will appreciate if the message is good. There are messages that are too long and most of the time people do not read them. If you want people to read your message, you have to keep it short and to the point and if it must be long let it be interesting. This is the same case if you are sending happy New Year wishes quotes. You have to make sure that they are interesting and to the point. When New Year is around the corner people look for messages to send to their loved ones. The messages can be in form of quotes; you do not have to keep sending them the usual messages every new year. You can make it interesting by sending the lovely quotes. Here are some of the popular quotes:-

• Let the new year bring with it new dreams and aspirations to everyone.
• It is important to make new resolutions in the New Year.
• Take a look at the year that has passed and know the things that you are going to change.
• Many people look forward to the New Year to start on their old habits.
• New years are everybody’s happy birthday.

You can choose to create happy New Year wishes quotes if you are creative and if you are not, you can get them online. There are so many website that have them and you can choose the one that you want. They come in different categories which include love; funny, romantic, inspirational and humorous, happy New Year wishes quotes. You can choose one of them depending with the person that you are sending the message to.

Diwali Message for Diwali Festival

Be it for diwali cards or a simple greeting for social media profiles, writing the best diwali messages for diwali festival can be difficult for some, especially for those who are not good with words. I consider myself one of them. I’m not too good with words so I find it hard to write the perfect Diwali greetings or wishes for any occasion. So what I usually do is search online and type “diwali message ideas” on google.

Google, being so giving and helpful to someone like me, then sends back result of websites that offer ideas for diwali messages. Thanks to those website that I don’t have to think and try hard just to come up with a flowery words for Diwali. Of course, together with those messages, I also include my own personal Diwali message.
Note: Image Courtsey: Dgreetings.com

Best Diwali Message

Happy Diwali to you and Your family

You are my true friend and I am happy
to wish you happy Diwali

Diwali is the Victory of God
May you become Victor
On all the things you do
For next year
Happy Diwali

Diwali is the Victory of light
May the light of luck be
on you and you family
Happy New year and Happy Diwali.


Diwali is the festival of light
Which brings hopes and peace
Which brings the blessings
So let us celebrate and share sweets
Happy Diwali

Diwali is the victory
Diwali is the message
Diwali is the Festival
Diwali is the confidence
Message from God
Victory of God
Festival For God
Confidence on god
Happy diwali

Diwali is Divine
Diwali is Inspiration
Diwali is Wealth
Diwali is Affection
Diwali is Light
Diwali is Indian
Happy Diwali in Indian Way

Festival of light is here
to remind us God is there
To protect us from all Dark Forces
So Awake arise and Forward
Happy Diwali

Diwali is For us
Created for us
We will always
remember the God

Meaning of Ramadan Mubarak

It’s Ramadan 2012! Soon, people will come up with Ramadan greetings and wishes to send to their loved ones and family during this auspicious occasion. And another topic, rather question, that will also come up is this: what is the meaning of Ramadan Mubarak?”

Well, it’s quite natural especially to those non-Muslims. Knowing the meaning behind those words is a natural response, especially if you have someone special you don’t want to get offended or whatever.

Now, you’re asking about the Ramadan Mubarak meaning?

Ramadan Mubarak in English

Ramadan refers to the holy occasions being observed by Muslims during the ninth month of Islam calendar. The Ramadan doesn’t have any exact or particular date coz it depends on when the new moon will be sighted.

On the other hand, Mubarak means blessed or be blessed. Sometimes, it is also referred to as “happy” so as “Ramadan Mubarak” greetings during this holy occasion.

Ramadan Mubarak Wishes

• This season of holy Ramadan, may Allah sprinkle is wonderful blessings over you and your family. May you all have a peaceful Ramadan!

• With the beginning of Ramadan, may your home be filled with the atmosphere of love and mirth. May your life be as wonderful as you are throughout the year. Ramadan Mubarak!

• I’m wishing to Allah to bless you and answer all your prayers this Ramadan. May you and your family have a blessed Ramadan!

More Resources

1. Ramadan wishes from easyday
2. Ramadan cards from 123greetings

Chinese New Year Dishes

The Chinese New Year is an event that involves abundant foods. There are a lot of dishes served during the Chinese New Year. They nourish the body and at the same time they invite good fortune to enter one’s home.

Traditional Chinese New Year Dishes

Eight Precious Pudding - This dessert is made up of eight different dried sweet fruits. These fruits represent eight precious stones. It is also a lucky food because eight is a lucky numeral for the Chinese.

Flowering Chives Stir Fry - This is a Chinese delicacy and is best paired with noodles, fish, and the like. Flowering Garlic Chives represents eternity.

Jai - It is a dish made up of fibrous and root vegetables. It is believed that no animal should be killed during the first day of the Chinese New Year, which is why Chinese had come up with this vegetarian dish.

Jiaozi - Jiaozi are Chinese dumplings. Ingredients are ground meat that is enveloped by a thin wrapper that is sealed on its edges. Jiaozi represents wealth because it has been derived from the name of China’s earliest paper money. One jiaozi has a golden coin inside and the person who coincidentally has it, would have a lucky year in terms of wealth and properity.

Lettuce Wraps - Lettuce wraps is a delicious Chinese appetizer. It symbolizes more good fortune to come.

Lion’s Head Meatballs - This dish features oversized meatballs with “bok choy”. This dish symbolizes courage, strength, and unity among family members.

Longevity Noodles - It is otherwise called “Long life noodles”, so you should not cut it when you eat it.

Nian gao - This is a round-shaped sticky rice dessert. It symbolizes a sweet year and the union of the family members.

Peking Duck - This is a well-known dish of the Chinese. Duck symbolizes loyalty and commitment in Chinese.

Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls, and Clam Sycee - These are Chinese appetizers and they symbolize wealth and fertility.

Steamed Whole Fish - Fish represent abundance. As you eat this meal, you are welcoming abundance to your New Year.

Sweet and Sour Pork - The “sour” word found in the name of the recipe sounds like “grandchild” in Chinese. This dish symbolizes a soom-to-come grandchild.

Tea Eggs - Tea eggs are delicious snack or appetizer for the Chinese. These are eggs boiled in tea. Eggs represent fertility.

White Cut Chicken - This meal is made by poaching whole chicken with wine and seasoned by different spices. It represents prosperity and wholeness.

Yu Sheng - Yu Sheng is also called “The Chinese New Year Salad”. It is commonly cooked and served during the 7th day of the New Year. It is believed that when you toss the salad high, you get lucky for the whole year.

New Year Traditions and Customs

The historians believe that the tradition of celebrating New Year began 4,000 years ago with the Babylonians.  Over the years the Egyptians, Romans, Celts upheld the tradition and it is cherished to date in a lavish way.  Most countries celebrate New Year on January 01 as established by Julius Caesar when he invented the Julian Calendar in 46 BC.  Some countries which have other religions and traditions follow different calendars, celebrating their New Year on other days in the year as per their customs.  Following are some New Year facts and traditions engaged in by those who adhere to the Gregorian calendar on the 1st of January.

New Year’s Eve – The celebration of the upcoming year gets geared up on the 31st of December with hotels, pubs, restaurants and other public institutions organizing parties, balls, and other activities to usher in the New Year.  People eat, dance, participate in games and contests as they enjoy the closing of the current year and prepare to welcome the upcoming year.  In several countries, New Year occurs in the middle of winter and it tends to be extremely cold.  Bonfires are built to keep those outside warm until midnight when they greet the New Year with cheerful noise and a display of fireworks, hugs and well wishes for the New Year are exchanged by those in attendance.  For those who are far apart, phone calls are made and short messages sent via text on mobiles or computers to friends and family.

New Year’s Day Celebrations – This day is marked with dressing up in new clothes, cleaning the house and spending the day with family, friends and dear ones.  Some people visit their friends and family as they exchange well wishes and gifts for the New Year.  Many people go to restaurants, malls and multi-complexes on this day and statistics show this to be a very busy day for many establishments.  Some go out for picnics or visit exotic tourist destinations to enjoy the day.

New Year Resolutions – This tradition began way back when the early Babylonians made it a point to start the New Year with a clean slate and return any borrowed farm implement to its owner.  The tradition of making resolutions on this day has been observed over the years.  These days many have both grand and small desires for the New Year like losing weight, giving up smoking, being more organized and more.  Unfortunately, many of these desires do not see the light of the second week of the year as they have been shelved during the course of the first week.  Credit must be given where it is due for those who are determined enough to see their resolution to a successful conclusion.

New Year’s Parades and Games – There are world famous parades organized by several cities like the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena California, Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco and the New Year Parade of London.  These occasions are watched by millions of people on television and attended by those who are close to the parade route.  During these parades, floats (vehicles) are decorated with flowers and other displays for the enjoyment of those watching.  Before or after the parades the same cities and others have cricket, athletics, soccer and football games for sports enthusiasts to participate in, watch live or via television.  Other families bring out their favorite indoor games and they have quality time together on this first day of the year.

New Year Greetings - Exchanging New Year wishes during this festive occasion is quite common. As the clock strike midnight of the 31st, people will start greeting their loved ones a Happy New Year. New Year greetings could be in different forms such as traditional paper card, ecard, SMS or email. Depending on the situation, you may send each of them to your recipient this New Year's Day.

Peda Recipe for Diwali Festival

Diwali is a Celebration where people in India come together for a day of happiness and thanksgiving, lots of decorations and traditions, and feasting and gift-giving. Of course, aside from exchanging diwali wishes, the occasion is not complete without the delicacies prepared to feast on and one sweet treat is never missed during this event, peda, and preparing it is as easy as eating it. Here’s how:

Recipe for Peda

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ kilo soft white Khoya (grated)
• ½ tsp. Cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. Cardamom seeds (semi-crushed)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp. crushed pistachios

PROCEDURE:

1. In a mixing bowl, mix grated khoya with powdered sugar.

2. Heat skillet or a non-stick pan on high and pour in the khoya mixture. Continue stirring and gradually lessen the heat until the mixture becomes thick.

3. Then gradually add the cardamom powder and mix until well blended.

4. Remove from fire and let it cool for a few minutes. Turn it over from time to time.

5. With the use of Cookie moulds, shape the pedas into patty like shapes. If not, form the mixture into balls and press it gently to form a flat round shape.

6. Sprinkle the Cardamom seeds and crushed pistachios over the patty and press it gently onto both sides of the mould.

7. Let it set, then turn it over to remove from mould.

VARIATIONS

• You can try to doll up your peda by adding color to it. Yellow, orange and green are attractive colors that coincide with the diwali theme.

• Add up some toppings to your peda such as cashew, almonds and walnuts.

• If you want variety in flavor, try adding

• ½ cup cashew powder for cashew flavor or
• 2 tbsp. cocoa powder and additional ½ cup powdered sugar or
• ½ cup walnuts

NOTE: Images used for this blog does not belong to dailyfestival.blogspot.com. We don't intend to violate any copyright law.

Note: Recently I came across some great Diwali messages. If you are looking for some great Diwali Messages please visit these Diwali messages